Dog event organizers say thanks (9/24/04)

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the people who helped with the Backwater Retriever Club’s Hunt Test on Sept. 11-12.

We were raised in Jay County and have always known that the people here are the best around. As we were in the planning stages of the hunt test, we asked many landowners for permission to use their ground. There was no landowner that turned us down. Without the help of the landowners the hunt test could have never happened.

It was difficult to explain how the hunt test worked or tell any of them, with confidence, if their ground would be used. It is the judge’s choice on what ground they use.

We, as hosts, only show the judges the ground and the judges make the decision where they want to hold their test. So we did not even know until late Friday, Sept. 10, where each test would be.

This is why we had a headquarters, a starting point if you will. From there all participants went to their test site, whether it be a junior, senior or master. It was a long and tiring weekend, but thanks to everyone involved it went extremely well.

We have many people to thank. First, the landowners of the ground that was used for the hunt tests: Mr. and Mrs. Randy Davidson, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Harlamert, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Harlamert, Mr. and Mrs. Jay Hogenkamp, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Miller and Norma Paxson.

Also a big thanks to the landowners whose ground was not used, but could have been and may be in the future: Anna Belle Koetje, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Miller, Mr. Larry Moser, Mr. and Mrs. Mitch Murphy, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Sprunger and Mr. and Mrs. Trent Paxson.

We also had many individuals that came out and spent many hours in the hot sun helping: Jason Bice, Larry Bubp, Jerry Byrum, Don Green, Dana Fuller, Bill Kelly, Derick Lee, Gary Michael, Mitch Murphy, Steve Shauver, Mark Steigerwalt, Jim Uptgraft and Mike Wolford.

We also would like to thank the Pike Friends ‘N Neighbors for serving lunch to participants and spectators, as well as Rita Miller from the Pennville Restaurant for providing lunches for the judges and all the workers.

Thanks also to all the spectators who came out to watch, ask questions and learn what an AKC hunt test is all about.

Thanks to Mike Snyder of The Commercial Review for expressing an interest in the event. Mike took the time, on Sunday, to take pictures and talk with many participants about the event.

We are relatively new to these events ourselves, but we really enjoy watching the dogs do what they are bred to do. It is amazing to watch a dog go from couch potato to a thriving, hunting dog that enjoys the work.

Thanks again to all that helped with this event. We look forward to hosting it again next year, God willing.

Tim and Lynn Dale

Pennville, members of

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