A WINDY CITY WEEKEND IN CPE

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1 The Scramble JULY 2014 Contributions to the Scramble are welcome. Deadlines are: December for January issue March for April issue June for July issue September for October issue Send to: Toni Ginnetti TRIAL RUN: A WINDY CITY WEEKEND IN CPE By Tom Francis 207 N. Greenwood Ave. Park Ridge, IL ginnt@aol.com Board of Directors Officers Aliss South, President Tom Francis, Vice President Julie Donatelli, Secretary Lou Bogart, Treasurer Directors Paul Glombowski Barb Krynski Cheryl Pyrek Nancy Reyes Lisa Bobis Dolores Valerio The first WCAC Weekend at CPE in March saw a great turnout of 16 members. Twelve were entered with their dogs, others were there to serve as coach/mentors and a few members attended just to cheer people on. It was a fun event with a great supporting cast. Although trialing may not be for everyone, it is a decision that should be made after you try it. Many of us who do trial, never really expected to but got hooked after our very first trial simply because of how much fun it can be. This is particularly true when your fellow club members and class mates are there with you. Wanting to provide an opportunity to experience what a trial is like, WCAC launched a three month program during which the students were prepped in the various games that are played in the CPE venue. The games were played in class and conducted in a trial format complete with sign-in sheets, timer, scribe, leash runners, bar setters and a judge. After the judge s briefing, students were able to run the course, see their scores, ask questions, and then run the course again. The March CPE Trial at For Your K9 was the culmination of this program and the training paid off. Three of our first time teams earned at least two Q s out of four classes. Mary Laurie s Boxer, Oscar, not only Q ed but also got a first place ribbon. Dennis Erickson s Kelly received two Q s and was a toenail (just missed a contact zone) and (1) dropped bar from Q ing in every class! Continued on page 3

2 JULY 2014 Page 2 BRAGS AND WAGS Three cheers go out to our CPE Nationals competitors Christa Leyendecker with Curly and Colby [left]; Marianne Fieseler with Whiskey and Wendell [and ``spectator Rose in arms], and Jeff and Donna Wykowski and Motu [see page 6]. Jeff and Motu earned top honors, while Christa and Marianne each had success and fun. ``Curly did great, Christa said. ``She earned four qualifying ribbons, one more than last year. Considering she was just five weeks post-surgical (open surgery on both elbows for a form of canine elbow dysplasia called fragmented coronoid process) and hadn t been able to compete since January because of a persistent limp it was causing and multiple doctors misdiagnosing it as a shoulder problem, I was very proud of her! ``The weather conditions were far from ideal, she added. Marianne has the run-down on that [see page 8, ``The ABCs of A CPE National ]. ************************************** More CPE honors went to Diane Lauer s Sheltie mix Jenna, who earned her C-ATCH on May 11 at the CPE trial at WAGs. And bravo to JoAnn Neville s Bearded Collie, Oliver, who earned his NW1 (Nosework Level 1) title on June 22 in Leslie, MI. Curly competing with shaved elbows in the CPE mud!

3 JULY 2014 Page 3 TRIAL RUN: A WINDY CITY WEEKEND AT CPE Continued from page 1 The representatives from the WCAC Advanced Class Lisa Bobis (Ranger), Lisa Pochet (Jodie), and Julie Donatelli (Sparky) made things look easy in Levels 1 and 2 by getting FOUR first place Lisa and Jodie, Lisa and Ranger, Julie and Sparky. Photo courtesy Sirius Pet Images ribbons each! Congratulations on a great job! WCAC s veteran teams were also having fun and were the recipients of many Q s throughout the weekend. Here s proud pup Oscar with his first Agility Blue Ribbon. Continued on page 4

4 JULY 2014 Page 4 TRIAL RUN: Continued from page 3 One of the features of WCAC Weekend at CPE was a private crating area for WCAC dogs. This allowed the newer dogs to be isolated from the hustle and bustle of a trial. While most of the experienced WCAC members crated elsewhere, those with new-ish dogs really appreciated this transitional introduction to the trial atmosphere. Although we received several suggestions, we regret to advise that at this time it is unlikely that we will furnish the private crating area with recliner chairs and a wet bar to make the dogs feel more comfortable. Dennis Erickson and Kelly Photo courtesy of Sirius Pet Images Continued on page 5

5 JULY 2014 Page 5 TRIAL RUN: Continued from page 4 Despite the successful showing of our members, the real highlight of the trial, was a non-wcac dog. Bosley, a lab mix stray who lost his left rear leg after being hit by a car and subsequently rescued -participated in all of the events. Coming into his forever family as an extremely fearful dog, he has made the transition to rock star. No longer fearful - he was clearly enjoying every moment of the attention he was receiving. His runs never failed to bring tears to those in the audience and drew more than a few: If they can do this and clearly be having so much fun. Just another vivid example of how dogs keep us grounded on the things that really matter if we watch and listen to what they are telling us. Congratulations and thanks to those who took part and a special thanks to the many WCAC members who over the course of three months pitched in willingly and cheerfully in all the training and planning tasks that made the weekend a success! CALLING ALL WCAC MEMBERS: WE NEED YOUR HELP! The March CPE trial had our members competing. Now we need our members to help stage a CPE trial and help the club. We need volunteers to help work the Oct CPE trial at For Your K9. By helping put on the trial, we ll help the club through some difficult financial times. You can also compete in the trial and help as a worker in your ``down time. It s not hard. Something as simple as setting jump bars is a task where we could use your help. If you can only work a few hours, we still can use your helping hand. If you can do more, great! Contact club secretary Julie Donatelli for more information and to sign up. Your help will go a long way toward assuring WCAC s ongoing classes.

6 JULY 2014 Page 6 NATIONAL PRIDE: TEAM MOTU IS TOPS IN CPE Take Top Honors as No. 1 Regular/Vet Dog and CATE-3 Top 20 His name means ``island in the language of the South Pacific but Motu Wykowski has conquered a continent. Under the training and love of Jeff Wykowski, the border collie mix won top honors as the No. 1 Regular/Veteran dog at the CPE Nationals held last month in Lake Elmo, MN. ``We Q d seven out of nine runs, with one 1st place, one 2nd, three 3rds and one 4th place, Jeff said. ``Pretty good considering there were 30 to inch Level C dogs for each run. ``Motu ran well all weekend and didn t let the heat on Friday or the cold rain on Saturday affect him. Motu and Jeff followed up their CPE Nationals performances with a master accomplishment July 12 at the CPE competition at Think Pawsitive in New Berlin, Wi. Continued on page 7

7 JULY 2014 Page 7 NATIONAL PRIDE: TEAM MOTU IS TOPS IN CPE Continued from page 6 Motu and Jeff were a perfect 13 for 13 in their runs but it was with their first run, a jumpers course, that the team earned the coveted C-ATE3 title. Only 17 dogs in the country have achieved that title. Jeff and Motu keep setting their sights high, but the real prize is seeing how much fun and joy they have working together as an agility team. Our hearty congratulations!. Photos courtesy of Frank Fieseler ``A Frank View of Life

8 JULY 2014 Page 8 THE ABCs OF A CPE NATIONAL By Marianne Fieseler Quick recap of CPE Nationals day by day: Practice day run-through has Wendell ever seen agility equipment before? Day 1 Lovely weather. Both dogs ran well.good start! Day 2 Torrential downpour. Whiskey looked at me after each and every obstacle on his first run (Standard) as if to say ``really? Wendell turned out to be a tough mudder on the impossible Jackpot course. He slid, face first, and came up with a mouthfull of mud. He continued on to NQ in style with most of the other competitors. Day 2 really tested all of the dogs. It was outside, awful conditions and hard courses! Truly a challenge.as Nationals should be. Did I mention that in his second run (Wildcard), Whiskey took one jump and left the ring, never looking back at me? I thanked the Judge and said ``well, I guess he is done. Day 3 The sun was out but the rings had taken a beating on Day 2. Even though we had to run carefully, we had a great final day. We had really fun courses, especially the tricky Snooker course which both Whiskey and Wendell conquered! Here is what I learned/reaffirmed this year at Nationals: 1. Cocker Spaniels LOVE riding in a golf cart. I think it is part of the breed. 2. Always rent a stall AND bring a popup if you are going to an outdoor, multi-day trial like this one. 3. I have a great spouse! Frank (left) put up/tore down our popup, lugged all our stuff in and out depending on the weather, packed/unpacked the car and gave me his rain pants to run in during the downpour. Having an extra set of hands was so helpful. (Continued on page 9)

9 JULY 2014 Page 9 IN SYMPATHY WCAC lost a valued, dear friend last month with the passing of Joel Bogart, the husband of treasurer Lou Bogart. Joel didn t take part in dog agility training after the loss of his Dobe, Schatzie, but he was an integral part of the club at its founding more than 20 years ago and was a cherished friend to many. It is Joel s design of a scampering team of human and dog that is the logo of the club. His skills and kindnesses are a cherished legacy. Lou suffered another loss soon after with the sudden passing of her Bloodhound, Clyde. Our deepest sympathies go out to Lou and her family. ************************************* Faith was a spunky pup who needed a home. The pretty Doberman with ``original ears found hers with longtime member Anna Ogawa (left). Anna had lots of experience with Dobies, and Faith was her third. They teamed in agility for a time, but Faith was afflicted with ``wobblers, a condition affecting balance and coordination, and that curtailed her agility career but never her spirit. Sadly, Faith went to the Rainbow Bridge last month. Our condolences to Anna. THE ABCs OF A CPE NATIONAL: Continued from page 8 4. Purchase rain pants before attending one of these events. 5. Your hotel choice is important. Staying at a hotel with a laundry is a really good idea. Note: a hotel blow dryer is no match for three wet Cockers. 6. As always, every single run with my dogs is a precious, wonderful gift, regardless of the outcome!!

10 JULY 2014 Page 10 BROWZA-BROWZA: WCAC S NEW WEBSITE WCAC has a new website! The address is the same: But there s a new look and new features including an easy to find class section for those stormy Chicago days. The new website also is mobile device friendly. However, there is something missing your dog! If you want to see your partner on the web, just send us a photo of his exploits, whether it s agility, pet therapy work, nose work or even just a casual photo. your photos to Lisa Bobis [bobisld@hotmail.com] Include your name, your dog s name and a brief description of where the action is taking place. As soon as we have a reasonable number of photos, we will activate a new page called ``Wags and Brags where the photos will be featured. While you re us know clicking on the top of And watch Canine of photo will be WCAC at the website, let what you think by the Facebook icon at each page. for the ``Cover the Month. That highlighted on the home page. The first photos already are in and they are from Chris Eastwood and Susan Eastwood. Both are longtime WCAC members, and among many other roles, they have served as the webmasters for the old site for many years as well as generously covering the costs associated with it. We also received photos from Sonja Lund, whose donation has covered the cost of the new website for the coming year. We are pleased to have their furry friends featured as ``Cover Canines of the Month. Want your dog to be a candidate for Cover Canine of the Month? Send us your pictures. Your pup might be next! Note: All photos submitted will be reviewed by the Marketing Committee. The choice of photos suitable for publication on the website will be the sole discretion of the Marketing Committee. ``A dog has one aim in life.to bestow his heart. J. R. Ackerley

11 Photos by Frank Fieseler ``A Frank View of Life

12 JULY 2014 PAGE 12 THE NO-NOs: A REMINDER ON WHAT NOT TO FEED Dogs will eat just about anything, which is one reason the ``leave it! command is an important one to teach. Sometimes it can be a lifesaver. Cooked bones are a no-no, and so are pits/stones from a variety of fruits. But the 13 items always included on the ASPCA s Animal Poison Control Center list to avoid are worth repeating. [Suggestion: keep the list posted on the refrigerator or another handy location and remind everyone in the family of the DO NOT FEED need!] 1. Alcoholic beverages 2. Avocado 3. Chocolate (all forms) 4. Coffee (all forms) 5. Fatty foods 6. Garlic (though moderation is OK see Scramble, January, 2014) 7. Macadamia nuts 8. Moldy or spoiled foods 9. Onions, onion powder 10.Raisins and grapes 11.Salt 12. Xylitol (an artificial sweetener) 13. Yeast dough WEBSITE WATCH You know how important dental care is for your dog. Recommendations are brushing teeth at least three times a week with a canine toothpaste, but another alternative is this product. It comes in spray and gel form. On a hot, summer day, your pup might thank you for this portable pet cooling popup bed/shelter.

13 Class Schedule and Upcoming Events THURSDAY EVENING INDOOR CLASSES (Held at For Your K9, 1975 Cornell Ave., Melrose Park) Session I: January 9 through Feb. 20 Session II: March 13 through April 24 Session III: May 1 through June 12 Session IV: June 26 through Aug. 7 Session V: Aug. 21 through Oct. 2 Session VI: Oct. 16 through Dec. 4 [No class on Thanksgiving, 2014] Class Times: Beginner and Uninstructed (open to Intermediate and Advanced students) 6:45 to 7:30 P.M.; Intermediate 7:45 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.; Advanced 8:45 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. (flexible) WCAC BOARD MEETINGS Meetings are at For Your K9 Inc. usually on the second Friday of each month. Members are always welcome. Quiet and well behaved dogs are also welcome. For more information, call Ask any Board member (names are on the cover page), or visit our website at Windy City Agility Club reserves the right to cancel classes, trials, meetings and events or change dates, times or location without notice. Club members may request copies of WCAC board meeting minutes from the board secretary. Windy City Agility Club c/o Toni Ginnetti 207 N. Greenwood Ave. Park Ridge, IL INSIDE THIS ISSUE; A Windy City CPE Weekend Brags and Wags Team Motu is No. 1 The ABCs of a CPE National In Sympathy Our New Web Site