"Beeker"
Winfree Ego's Solace TDX, AJP, OAP, NA, NAJ, ASCA TD
Ch. Brasswinds Ego Trip x Winfree's Tuson's Finer Things

Photo by Tom Weigand,
The Winning Image 2008

The Kayak Man!!!
 

Love Those English Cocker Ears!!!!
 

Photography by Lifetime Image, Inc.

Beeker is now running in Excellent Standard, as well as Excellent JWW.  On August 13, Beeker and Cathy ran their first-ever Excellent Standard run and, according to Cathy, Beeker left her in the dust!!!!  His run was "blistering fast" and so amazed Cathy that she was late in getting commands out, so they had some faults and did not qualify.  But the fact that he was running so fast was better than a qualifying run to Cathy.  This was Beeker's 4th outside trial, at a new place, and Cathy said he did great.  Cathy, you and Beeker make a terrific team.  I hope someday to see you two in action.

Then, after Sunday's trial, a group of friends and their dogs went to a friend's home on a lake and had a "doggie swimming party"!!!  Besides Beeker, there were two Border Collies, one mini-Aussie, and three Shelties.  According to Cathy, Beeker spent most of his time chasing a tennis ball in the water and actually stuck his whole head under water to get a sinking ball.  Then, later, the same ball sank and he tried to get it off the bottom by literally dunking his head, even blowing out through his nose when he did so!!  I would have loved to have seen that.  Cathy said that all the dogs had a blast and were quite tired and happy.

* OJP - Open Jumpers with Weaves Preferred

"TDX Day!"
L-R: Tracklayer Dian Quist-Sulek, (standing) Judge Carol Ruthenberg, Beeker and Cathy, (kneeling with glove) Judge Carol Pernica

Have we got news!!!!!  Beeker has earned not only his NAJ title, but his TDX title as well.  On October 1, 2005, at the K9 Obedience Training Club trial in Menomonee Falls, WI, Beeker earned his NAJ title under Judge Sharlee Schaafs.  Then, on November 6 in Nebraska, Beeker passed his first try at a TDX.  Here's what Cathy wrote about that day:

"Nebraska Kennel Club was the host club at a very, very nice site--Chalco Hills Recreation Area in Omaha.  It was a 5 TDX test.  We were lucky and drew track #1.  There were two spots along the track that Beeker had to work a little, and the leg down a hill with a turn against a lake shore, complete with quacking ducks, was interesting, but he just kept moving along.  He didn't even indicate the cross tracks and finished his 820-yard track in about 20 minutes.  I was pretty sure we could pass.  He's been so consistent this fall and I just knew that all we needed was a chance with a decent track."

Well, I'd say Cathy and Beeker got that "decent track" and a TDX to show for it.  I am SO proud of, and happy for, both of them.  What a GREAT team!!! 

Beeker and Cathy on a tracking course
 

The scene was the St. Paul (MN) Dog Obedience Club Agility Trials; the dates were July 9 & 10, 2005.  And Beeker was out for another day of fun!!  He qualified 3 out of 4 times in agility, earning two First Places and one Third Place.  He earned his second leg in Novice JWW, also.  His Standard runs were "extras" because he already has that title, and his runs were clean and without faults.  This is what Cathy wanted before she and Beeker move on to Open.  Their next trial is in August in Open Standard.  Let's cheer for Beeker and Cathy as they go for that last leg for his Novice JWW title (NAJ).

Here's a funny that Cathy shared with me:
On Sunday, it was a sit on the table.  Beeker looked so damn proud of himself as he sat on the pause table that I just had to laugh.  As he was sitting there, looking pleased as punch, I just had to say to him "You are just so cute!"  The judge started laughing as she continued to count.  We have so much fun!!!

Key City Kennel Club agility trials in
St. Peter, MN on October 2, 2004

Beeker now has two legs towards his NA title and one leg towards his NAJ title (running at regulation 16").  He ran three times in agility and qualified all three times at the St. Paul Dog Training Club shows in St. Paul, MN April 9 & 10, 2005.

WAHOO Beeker!!!!

[NA=Novice Agility; NAJ=Novice JWW (Jumpers With Weaves)]

Great news!!!  Beeker is now the proud wearer of the NAP and NJP titles.  He qualified in both Novice classes on March 20, 2005 for his 3^rd legs, finishing in first place!!!!  These titles were earned at the Norwegian Elkhound Association of Minnesota agility trial in St. Paul.  Keep up the good work, Cathy.

[NAP=Novice Agility Preferred; NJP=Novice Jumpers With Weaves Preferred]

Beeker earned his ASCA TD on September 19, 2004.  He had the first track of the test and did it in 8 minutes with no problems.  Beeker & Cathy are continuing to work on the TDX and Cathy hopes to be ready to test next year.  They are still having fun with agility and Cathy will enter Beeker here and there to see how they are progressing.

On June 12, 2004, Beeker ran in his second agility trial at the Marshfield Area Kennel Club in Amherst Jct, WI and has his first Novice Standard (Preferred) leg towards an NAP title!  Keep checking back to "track" Beeker's progress!!

Demonstrating working a TDX track with cross tracks
 

Forget all this work; let's have some fun!!!!!

Beginning VST work (tracking on hard surfaces like asphalt)

Pecatonice Tracking Club, Rockford, IL
Left to right: Track Layer, Cathy Nelson, Judge Beth German, Judge Pam Walker, Test Secretary

Beeker & Cathy
5/19/03

Beeker & Cathy
"We love the water!"
St. Croix River, MN
August 2003

Beeker in the St. Croix River, MN
August 2003

Beeker and his favorite toy, "Mr. Gorilla"
July 2003

Beeker spoiled?       No way!!!!!