The Pioneer Valley Kennel Club held its annual TD test at Leyden, MA, on September 25, 2022. This test was in memory of Dorie Viguers who passed away suddenly in December, 2021. Dorie was a long-time tracking enthusiast, judge and mentor to many, and she was the driving force behind the PVKC tracking tests. She will be missed greatly. The 2022 test is the last test to be offered by PVKC and I was very pleased that Sky, CH Grand Cabin’s Daydreamer at Roundhay BN CD, made the draw.
The day of the test could not have been better for tracking. After a long, dry and hot summer, weather for the test was slightly overcast, temperature was in the mid 50s and the fields were lush and damp after a heavy morning dew. Sky drew the second track. After the first dog, a 6 month-old English Cocker, passed, excitement was building for a successful outcome for Sky. As we walked down to the start, Sky was anxious and ready to go. I sat him about 10 yards from the start flag, hooked him to his harness and had a little pep talk. On the command “Find It”, Sky bolted to the start flag, put the scent article in his mouth for a moment and then bee-lined down the track. He paused briefly at the 2nd flag, and from that point onward he was all business. He executed every turn near perfectly and was tracking with drive right on the track. Our track was 475 yards, and when he got to the glove at the end, he immediately stopped and grabbed it. He finished in 4 minutes. Sky was thrilled, and I was a bit winded and very thankful his final leg was not uphill.
The third and final track was run by a Rough Collie who also passed. All three dogs in the TD test passed. I think Dorie was looking down on us smiling. It was a great day for tracking and many thanks to PVKC and the many volunteers who put on a great test.
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