2011 Master Nationals – Vienna, Maryland

Judah & Ezra

For the 4th straight year this father/daughter team once again qualified at the Nationals. No owner should be so lucky. I guess you can’t overlook the power of prayer. Judah has now completed the past 5 Nationals without having to handle on any of the marks. Ezra continues to bring a level of enthusiasm rarely exceeded by the other dogs when she shows up to compete.

Tillie

Congratulations go out to “Tillie” for her 5th Master National qualification. She now joins her mother “Indy” on the all time list. Handling “Indy” was like riding a Ferris wheel, smooth and steady. “Tillie” is like riding a roller coaster, one wild turn after another. My favorite quote regarding “Tillie’s” antics at a Master National came from Sam Ferguson several years ago. After one of her professional creeps on a walk-up Sam came up to me and said “That was close. No, you don’t understand, that was real _ _ _ _ ing close!” Thank you to Mike and Dee for letting me ride “Tillie” all of these years.

Nici

Nici and I teamed up for our 4th Master National qualification together and her 5th overall. Thank you and congratulations to Bill & Pat for allowing me to handle Nici and for all of her successes.

Chigger

Chigger joined her father, Quincy, as dogs having qualified at 4 Master Nationals. Along with her brothers and sisters they have a combined 20 Master National qualifications between them. Quincy & Indy would be proud of all of them.

Misty

Do you want to know what the definition of pressure is? It is running your wife’s dog at the Master National. Do you want more pressure? Have her drive the 3000 miles with you to see her dog run. “Misty” didn’t let me or Kim down this year by passing for the 4th time. Hopefully her little brown daughter “Haley” will be equally successful in the future. Congratulations “Misty”! You made us proud.

Holly

What else can you say about the “little brown dog” other than 3 straight Master National qualifications all before the age of 5. Congratulations Wendy! I hope your hall has more room for ribbons from Holly.

Loot

“Loot” started off this past Master National about 10 yards deep in the end zone after handling on a mark in each of the first 2 series. He finished strong though and was rewarded with his 2nd Master National plate. Thank you Chris and Stacey for entrusting “Loot” to us for the road trip to Maryland. I know one of you in particular had a hard time being without your big brown ball of fur. Congratulations for a job well done.

2010 Master Nationals

The 2010 Master Nationals will be remembered for both the 7 dogs that qualified along with the 3 dogs that just couldn’t sit still in the last series.  “Laney”, “Chigger” and “Ezra” each qualified for their 3rd time placing them in the Hall of Fame.  “Judah” continued his remarkable run by qualifying for the 6th straight time.  “Holly” proved last year was no fluke by qualifying for a 2nd consecutive time.  The “Bubba” gun proved to be too much for “Misty” and her son, “Rudy”.  They both broke in the last series.  Bad Dogs!  Congratulations also go out to “Tillie” for her 4th qualification and “Evie” for her 1st qualification.  Finally, a special shout goes out to “Flip” who at the age of 11 qualified for his 4th time.  “Flip” lives with Kim and Doug part-time and is a constant source of entertainment in the Shade household.

Chigger & Doug

Ezra & Doug

Janet & Filp

Judah & Doug

Laney & Doug

Tillie & Doug

Evie & Doug

Holly

Niki

At the 2009 Master Nationals Doug finished 6 dogs bringing his career total to 46 Master National qualifications. Highlights of the 2009 Master National included “Tillie” and “Niki” qualifying for their 3rd time each and entering the Master National Hall of Fame.

We were also excited by “Judah’s” 5th straight qualification and of “Misty’s” daughter, “Holly”, qualifying her for the first time.

Holly

At the 2008 Master Nationals Doug finished 5 dogs bringing his career total to 40 Master National qualifications. To top it off “Misty” qualified for her 3rd time placing her in the Master National Hall of Fame. Doug has now placed or helped place 7 dogs in the Hall of Fame.

Doug at 2007 Master Nationals

A special congratulations goes out to Doug for a remarkable finish at the 2007 Master National. Doug finished with 7 of the 8 dogs he started with. A true measure of success and the attention and effort given to retriever training at Minoggie Kennels.