except in the impact it has on other lives. President s message Officers Board Members Luci Seeley Jackie Robinson

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1 May President s message Luci Seeley When I think of others and how they have impacted my life, it often comes to me that a lot of them are involved with dogs. The first trainer who mentored me in Obedience taught me to love and respect the sport which led me to become an Obedience judge. Others A life is not important gave me a love for Tracking except in the impact it and talked me has on other lives. into judging there as well. Jackie Robinson Whether behind the clip board in the ring or on the field, I love everything about each sport for different reasons. Tracking is fascinating to me as the dog uses his nose to follow human scent and problem solve. I get goose bumps when I follow a nice working team. Obedience is more like parlor tricks to quote my friend Cheryl; as you train the dog to do specific exercises. Both sports give you a chance to bond with your dog and travel a journey together to the ultimate goal; whatever that may be for you. Sometimes the journey is paved with disappointment and small triumphs or great celebrations. The most important is the time spent with your dog and the wonderful friendships that grow along the way. In the end when we lose our dog we can remember all we did together and through the pain of the loss we can smile again in memory of the times spent together. I wish to all of you a wonderful journey with your four legged friend by your side and your dearest friends rooting on the sidelines. Officers Luci Seeley President Robin Scott Vice President Ron Seeley Secretary Paul Reep Treasurer Have a brag or tracking story you would like in the newsletter. Send an to Veronica at: vdesignsgraphics.com Board Members Rachel Richard Debbie Finch Mara Lynn Kontrafouris Betty Lambert Betty Loiselle

2 2017/2018 Test Schedule Test Entry Limit Date Club Judges Secretary Chief Track Close Date VST/TDU 4 & 4 4/9/17 TCOCF Ron Seeley Tony Ginter Sec. Bette Lioselle/ Luci Seeley 3/30/17 TD 4/23/17 DOCLC Lee County TD 5/7/17 TLC VST/TDU 4 & 4 10/15/17 TCOCF Lee Vista Ron Seeley Michele Gillette Sec. Luci Seeley 10/5/17 TD 10 11/5/17 TCOCF Lee Vista Luci Seeley Dianne Tharp Sec. Ron Seeley 10/26/17 TDX 5 11/19/17 OTCPBC PSL TD/TDU 10 12/3/17 ODTC PSL Luci Seeley Robin Scott Sec. Paul Reep Chief T. Ron Seeley TDX 12/10/17 TLC VST/TDU 4 & 4 1/7/18 OTCPBC WPB TDX 5 1/21/18 TCOCF CCP Fran Smith Sue Boyd Sec. Mara-Lynn/Diane Close:1/11/18 TD/TDU 4 & 4 2/4/18 OCOD Lee Vista TDX 5 2/18/18 TCOCF PSL Ron Seeley Jack Sappenfield Sec. Luci Seeley 2/8/18 TDX 2/25/18 DOCLC Lee County TD/TDX 4 & 4 3/11/18 ASCA Anthony Ron Seeley Luci Seeley Sec. Melanie Magamoll TD 9 3/18/18 TCOCF Lee Vista Susan Wells Robin Scott Sec. Luci Seeley Chief T. Ron Seeley Close:3/8/18 ANNUAL MEETING TD/TDU 4 & 4 3/25/18 OCOD Vee Vista VST/TDU 4 & 4 4/8/18 TCOCF Ron Seeley Tony Ginter Sec. Bette Lioselle/ Luci Seeley 3/30/18

3 TCOCF Meeting March 19, 2017 Lee Vista, Orlando, Florida Meeting was called to order by Robin Scott at 12:18 PM. Attendance: Jane Craig, Sandie Lidberg, Debbie Finch, Janet Berry, Melanie Magamoll, Cynthia Porter, Bette Loiselle, Dianne Tharp, Robin Scott, Betty Lambert, Paul Reep, Rachel Richard, Carroll Dyer, Fran Smith, Lorraine Pelter. Welcome by Vice President Robin Scott Congratulations to the 4 people who passed. Basset Hound and Nancy Locke, Golden Retriever and David McKennan, Australian Shepherd and Janet Berry, and Australian Shepherd and Melanie Magamoll. Treasurer Report: Paul requested than any expenses for an event be submitted by and through the event chairman and not from the individual who incurred the expense. If you have not paid your membership please send your membership renewal to Paul. Election Slate: Current board has agreed to remain in their current positions. President-Luci Seeley, Vice President-Robin Scott, Secretary-Ron Seeley, Treasurer-Paul Reep, Board at Large -Debbie Finch, Betty Lambert, Rachel Richard, Mara Lynn Kontrafouris. There were no other nominations from the floor. All Officers and Board Members were approved by acclimation. fill in online entry form. Reading hand written entries is very difficult. A sincere Thank You to Veronica DeBoisbriand for all her hard work making the entry forms easy to fill out and for our Newsletter. All tracking tests are set with judges until March The ASCA TD, TDX test is March 4, Luci passed her VST Judges test and will take assignments in She already has assignments in NJ, MN this year and with OTCPC in West Palm and in Feb. in AL. TCOCF and ODTC sent a gift basket for Christmas to Randy Johnson of Lee Vista as a thank you for the use of the property. He was most appreciative. Luci would like to do this every year in appreciation to Lee Vista properties for the use of the land. We need volunteers for the April 9, 2017 TDU-VST test. We would hate to cancel a test due to lack of volunteers. A new Member application from Ed Ely was mentioned. Meeting was adjourned at 12:45 PM Respectfully submitted: Rachel Richard Unfinished Business: No new fundraiser has been agreed upon. The 2 seminars we had: Ray s Desmarais VST seminar made $ minus $100 gift card. The Janice Gunn seminar made $2, for a total of $ Thank you to Ron and everyone who helped for all their hard work. The Sunday tracking group should add $1000 to the funds. New Business: Debbie Fitch, Test Secretary asked that people please use the

4 Heat Exhaustion, Hyperthermia in Dogs Dog fur is great protection against the cold but can be a problem in hot weather. This is because, unlike humans, dogs eliminate heat by panting. (Dogs have some sweat glands in the footpads which help with heat dissipation, but only minimally.) When panting isn t enough, their body temperature rises. This can be fatal if not corrected quickly. What To Watch For Excessive panting and signs of discomfort indicate overheating. However, it is important to be aware of the ambient temperature and take appropriate preventative measures. Primary Cause Any hot environment can cause heatstroke, but the most common cause is careless actions such as leaving a dog in a car on a hot day or forgetting to provide shade to an animal kept outdoors. Immediate Care It is essential to remove the dog from the hot environment immediately. If it is unconscious, make sure no water enters the nose or mouth as you follow these guidelines. Also, do not give the dog aspirin to lower its temperature; this can lead to other problems. 1. Put your dog in the bath tub. 2. Run a cool (not cold) shower over your pet, covering the whole body especially the back of the head and neck. 3. Allow the water to fill up the bathtub as you shower the dog. Keep the head elevated to prevent aspiration pneumonia. 4. If getting the dog into the tub is impractical, use a garden hose to cool the dog or place him in a pool of cool water. 5. Apply a cold pack to the dog s head to help lower his body temperature -- a packet of frozen vegetables works fine. 6. Massage the legs. A vigorous rubbing helps the dog s circulation and reduces the risks of shock. 7. Let the dog drink as much cool or cold water as it wants. Adding a pinch of salt to the water bowl will help the dog replace the minerals it lost through panting. The following steps should be taken, regardless of whether the dog is conscious, appears to recover well, or was only mildly affected: 1. Check for signs of shock. 2. Take the dog s temperature every five minutes, continuing water-cooling until it drops below 103 F (39.4 C). 3. If the dog s temperature drops a little more to around 100 F (37.8 C) don t worry. A slightly low temperature is a lot less dangerous. 4. Treat for shock if necessary. 5. Get immediate veterinary attention. Heatstroke can cause unseen problems, such as swelling of the brain, kidney failure, and abnormal clotting of blood. On the way to the veterinarian, travel with the windows open and the air conditioner on. Veterinary Care Treatment will consist mostly of replacing lost fluids and minerals. This may extend to secondary conditions, which your vet will be able to identify. Intravenous fluid therapy and monitoring for secondary complications such as kidney failure, development of neurologic symptoms, abnormal clotting, changes in blood pressure, and electrolytes abnormalities are typically recommended in cases of heatstroke. Other Causes Dogs with thick fur, short noses, or those suffering from medical conditions such as laryngeal paralysis and obesity are predisposed to heatstroke. In addition, dogs that enjoy constant exercise and playtime -- such as working dogs (Labradors, Springer Spaniels, etc.) -- should be closely monitored for signs of overheating, especially on hot days. Prevention Heat stroke can be prevented by taking caution not to expose a dog to hot and humid conditions. This is especially applicable for dogs with airway diseases and breeds with shortened faces (e.g., the Pug, Bulldog, Shi Tzu). Also, while traveling in cars, make sure that the dog is well ventilated by placing it in a wired cage or in an open basket, and never leave your dog in a car with the windows closed, even if the car is parked in the shade. When outdoors, always make sure your dog is in a well-ventilated area with access to plenty of water and shady spots.

5 I got this pardner One could not ask for a better day to go tracking in southeast Florida in February not too hot, partly cloudy, mild breeze, experienced judges, and great tracklayers. So the stars appeared to be aligned as Major and I approached the start flag. Four words guide our tracking attitude, patience, trust and love. Major, a four year old golden retriever, approached the start flag as he almost always does. Once the harness goes on, that boy is all business and he expresses in every motion a positive, can do attitude. This Florida February day was no different he approached the flag with confidence and quickly identified the first leg and off we went with his nose down, his tail tightly wagging, pulling hard on the harness. As we headed towards the first turn, we ran into probably what was our most difficult stretch of the track. The first leg was a slight incline heading towards a berm behind the berm was a standing water marsh area, which clearly indicated we would be making a turn. The wind was blowing off the water, and the cover changed from tall grass to very short grass up on the berm. Major indicated that the scent was likely blowing back and after going up on the berm he backtracked off the berm and headed over to a brushy area, where perhaps scent was accumulating. Sometimes a few moments can seem like an eternity as he worked this area, making me begin to second guess our first leg. Yet, I somehow managed to take a deep breath, not panic and let Major work patience is a key to our teamwork and sometimes it is so hard to stay calm and give him the chance to check out the scent that likely was being carried by the wind, affected by the change in cover, a brushy area, among other things I will never quite understand. Major eventually ended up again on the berm and the nose went down and he headed off to the left clearly indicating he was back on the track. That was the first of several times he said to me No worries, I got this pardner! and off we went on the second leg. I must admit for the first 30+ yards on that second leg, I was dreading the sound of that awful whistle, but fortunately it did not come. I began to gain some confidence as we moved along swiftly and came to what appeared to be our first obstacle a ditch. Major handled that beautifully, having no trouble crossing the ditch. I must admit looking right and left for any sign of two judges, tracklayer, flag carrier, and others having crossed the ditch either that morning or the day before. I did not see any signs of their crossing making me nervous about where we were and if we were really on the track. After crossing the ditch and taking an opportunity to mark a spot like any self-respecting male dog, Major took off confidently into the brush. That was the second time he said to me No worries, I got this pardner. Shortly thereafter, we found a wonderful bright green headband, passed our first set of cross-tracks, of which I had no idea they were there, and approached another turn. We were moving so fast, I had no idea if the judges were still behind me and was too busy to check back. At the turn, Major tested my lead handling skills as he circled in thick brush and went around some trees. Given a busy road to our left, and trusting it was a true turn and not a cross-track, I figured we were going to go right, and before I could think too much about this, he was off on the next leg through some tall grass. Crossing this leg in the tall grass was an apparent offroad vehicle path where the grass was short and two tire tracks were evident. He emerged from the tall grass, crossed over the path and entered the tall grass again and quickly stopped. OK, another turn but do we go right?, or maybe left? Is the turn in the tall grass? Surely they would not have turned on the path,

6 would they? Major first went right, then checked left, and then right again down the path. His nose was down, but I was not convinced. This was where I just decided to trust my dog. By now I know we should be finding our next article certainly we are on the next to last leg of the track. With a sigh of relief, I saw Major stop and put his nose down a clear article indication. I went up ready to pocket another of the track s treasures, yet found nothing. Major continued on and I started to get a bit nervous again where was that article? Had we, or more likely I, missed it? We found ourselves coming through some brush line and back onto a berm clearly another turn as the marsh was on the other side of the berm and there was no way we were going straight. Major first checked left indication to me that we were likely going left then right, and back to the left. We worked our way down the berm, but then he stopped and began to backtrack and we nearly collided with our judges Ron and Luci Seeley as they emerged from the brush. Major gave them a look as to what are you doing here, turned around and headed back down the track stating No worries, I got this pardner. And sure enough, after another 50 yards and along the edge of the berm he gleefully grabbed the glove and showed us all his prize! Needless to say, I was thrilled! Yet, as I was missing one of the articles, I thought I had experienced another of the dog passes, handler fails TDX tracks, as this was not the first time I would have come up one article short. Ron, Luci, and our marvelous tracklayer Fran Smith approached our celebration with the glove and Ron asked me to show the articles. I think I sheepishly said that I only had three articles, and I pulled out the start article, and then the green headband, and heard the most wonderful words from Ron you passed! The third article, a Chivas Regal bag, was apparently missing. Major had indicated where it should have been, and they saw me check the spot, and after a search of the area, it was deemed missing by the judges. Which brings me to my last tracking word love I just absolutely love tracking with Major he is a truly exceptional tracking pardner! We also have many people to thank for first getting us into tracking Anne and Ev Campbell, and then teaching us so much over the years and others we have met along the way, especially Sue Boyd, Ron and Luci Seeley, Fran Smith, Jane Craig, and Robin Scott. Thank you all!

7 TCOCF TDX Test Colt Creek State Park Photography by: JVTharp Photography Jan 22, 2017 It was a little warmer than last year, but the weekend was lovely in this pristine natural Florida setting for the TCOCF TDX test. We had several near passes in tall cover with fellow exhibitors and workers cheering each team on as the dogs negotiated expertly plotted tracks to various degrees of success. Exhibitors commented on the site and the tracks and the club, and requested more future tests at Colt Creek. Judges Sue Boyd and Fran Smith offered their valuable time and expertise with challenging by-the-book X tracks for entered teams to negotiate. Everyone from exhibitors to workers and club members benefited from the experience and camaraderie of these judges. Another tracking judge, Suzanne Bird, offered her time over 3 days to lay 2 tracks and share how technology can contribute practically to tracking tests. Drivers Rich Yacso (Subaru AWD) and treasurer Paul Reep (also chief tracklayer with a familiar and wonderful burgundy Suburban) travelled great distances over the weekend to catch exhibitors, dogs, workers and judges, and transport from and to and between tracks on this 5000 acre paradise. Lee Anne Fein Schultz gave up a valuable weekend day to travel far from Orlando and carry flags for 6 tracks with her contagious, happy attitude. Pat Yacso rose to the challenge as chief cross-tracklayer given the naturally challenging terrain with MaraLynn Kontrafouris assisting. Maralynn was co-chair in training for 2018 and contributed clever draw items and delicious bakery donuts and breakfast items. Joe Tharp somehow found time to take photographs while chief cook in charge of the kitchen--from planning to shopping to preparing and clean up. Better him than me! Carroll Dyer came from afar to giveback by laying her first TDX track that she probably still has dreams about and can reproduce today from any point on that track. Local Rob Watson did a great job again laying track, holding on to the glove until the end, and helping with transport as needed. Another repeat tracklayer Suzi Kirkpatrick gave her all and collected a record number of stickers on a borrowed knee brace for one of the most surface-challenging tracks of the day. Kathleen Haskins came up again all the way from southwest Florida with her labs (who entertained the kids at the pavilion birthday party better than the clown) to disappear in the cover and ditches of the final spare track to the concern of her driver. Thank you to all workers and exhibitors who make this test possible. Come join the fun next year at Hiked it, Liked it Colt Creek. And enjoy the challenge. Dianne Tharp, Chair/Secy

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9 TCOCF TD Test Lee Vista March 19, 2017 Four Passes! Harry, Golden Retriever owned by David McKennan Group photo of all exhibitors who received their TD Basset Hound owned by Nancy Locke and Kirk Joiner Australian Shepherd siblings owned by Melanie Magamoll & Janice Brough Australian Shepherd (sister to the other Aussie who passed) owned by Janet Berry Australian Shepherd (brother to the other Aussie who passed)owned by Melanie Magamoll

10 Yes, you can! by Bette Loiselle If I can do it, you can! Recently I finished my first time as test Secretary for an AKC test the combined TDU-VST at Lee Vista Center in Orlando on 9 April I must admit, I accepted this responsibility with a lot of trepidation. I was not as much worried about the time it would take, but rather I would make some grave error that would keep some tracking team from competing. Fortunately, everything ran pretty smooth, except for Hwy 528 being closed on the test morning due to smoke causing two tracking teams to scramble to arrive for the draw at 7 am on Sunday morning. Even this was handled by quick thinking by the judges to redirect the handlers around the closed highway and delay the draw slightly to enable them to arrive in time. As our judges noted, all exhibitors that morning were gracious and deserved considerable praise for their patience with these totally unexpected circumstances. Being the test secretary was not as hard as I thought with TCOCF veterans there to help you especially Luci Seeley, Jane Craig, and Debbie Finch the task was relatively straightforward. Further, you get the extra bonus of making someone s day when you announce that they made the draw and are in the test! So for those of you, like me, that are hesitant to take this task on, push that thought aside. It is actually fun, you get great help, and better yet, get to spend some key time learning from the judges and hanging out with fun people and dogs. Just remember, Yes, you can! P.S. Happy to share any forms with you to make it easier.

11 Otter Creek s Big Bang, ASCA TD, AKC TD Aka BIGGS I have been involved with Aussies for over 28 years, doing all performance events, rescue, etc. Biggs is from the first litter I have ever breed and whelped. I had to work up to this experience. I have to say at 14 months with two TD titles in back to back weekends, I do stand a little taller! Not to mention that Biggs litter mate Gypsy achieved the same titles on the same day as her big brother. Biggs had a much shorter training time then most of my TD dogs. He just seemed to pick it up and run with it. People do not realize how hard and time consuming tracking is until they have tried it. My first tracking dog, Brook, was certified but could never pass a test. I was a sour on tracking after that. I would get up at 4:30-5:00a.m., go out lay a track, she would nail it. We would get to a test and she just could not get very far. Then I got this little black Aussie, Echo. I was sure one of us wouldn t make it to see her 1st birthday. What can you do with an 8 week old puppy that is driving you crazy? I finally remembered tracking! I tied her to the chain link fence, laid her tracks and WOW She was something else, fast as lightening. My next dog was equally as fast to learn and track. Then I got Stevie, Biggs dam. She was strictly a conformation dog and I wanted to put a tracking title on a Hair Dog, as the Aussie community calls conformation dogs. Well, dear Stevie taught me enough patience for six people. When you got to the start flag Stevie checked every blade of grass, stone, twig, etc. Sometimes I thought we would have lunch at the start flag. And she was good with it all we would move forward. Stevie s son pretty much has her trait. Someone ask why I didn t go further with Stevie but I didn t feel I had that much time left on earth to get any more rolling with her. I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to my partner in crime, Judy Whittaker! Who has laid many, many tracks for all of my crew over the years, early mornings and many afternoons. Biggs and I have a LOT more work to do and we hope to accomplish more tracking titles! Happy Tracking! Melanie Magamoll

12 Gypsy s new TD I like to thank all the judges and track layers who donate and volunteer at all the tracking tests I know I try to volunteer as many as possible, especially Ron & Luci Seeley who help so many learn how to track, also the late Richard Knapp who taught me so much (or tried ) took Andy Gibbons and I along on many tracking adventures, he would love this new little girl of mine. I love tracking and love the outdoors but life sometimes gets in the way, after not tracking for a few years, I was lucky and honored last year when I brought home my new baby girl from Melanie Magamoll and Janice Brough & Otter Creek, but Melanie said you need to put a tacking title on her for ASCA, well summer approached and Melanie told me she had started Gypsy brother tracking, so I got my stuff out started doing small stuff in yard, then figured I better get some help. I met Ron/ Luci one Sunday and they did a few baby tracks, she showed promise but figured they wouldn t ask me back after Gypsy nearly knocked Luci out.. I continued practice at home, when the Seeleys judged a obedience trial in December, I asked them if they like to track the boys, so I met them, Luci laid a track for me, Gypsy did a great job first time since the little tracks she tracked someone else, to my surprise at the end Luci said your certified. I was shocked, I then made it over to Ocala to track with Melanie, then entered the OCOD tracking test, we didn t do well, made it to third turn and Gypsy decided the judges were spooky people sneaking up behind us, I couldn t get her to go, horses I know what to do, dogs 30 ft out was at a lost, got it for handling, after judges turned she finished her track. Next up was our ASCA trial (no pressure) especially with Ron/Luci as judges then her brother passed. so off we go, Gypsy started as always bouncing around, got on her way then started nosing around in some holes, I have a snake fear, for those who know about my Token. I told her to leave it, she came back to me, then I remember the water which my other dog never drank, so gave her water, she drank, I told her to go do something, I was nervous, so off she went, took off, made a turn I figured she was gong back to brother and watching group, but to my surprise she got her glove. What a surprise and feeling, was so proud of this little girl. The next weekend we were entered in TCOCF test, 9 tracks we drew 7, all the times plotting and working never did this field, so off we go, she did both flags was going then I heard her whimper and come back, she sat then rubbed her face, I was afraid she got a bite or stung as she was in these flowers, I tried to check her, gave her water was ready to call it but asked her if she wanted to go, she did she took off and dragged me through the field, wasn t sure where she was the leader, we stopped at the glove, I was shocked. Again what a thrill. Just turned 14 months and two TD titles, more then I expected, thank you Diane Tharp, Robin Scott and great track layer Jane Craig, and of course Otter Creek See Ur Gypsy new TD. Happy mom. Happy Tracking now hopeful we can continue learning together. Janet D. Berry & Gypsy

13 Laying VST tracks at the Ray Desmarais Seminar TCOCF hosted Ray Desmarais for a seminar called the Art of VST held in Orlando this January. It was well attended and had 10 working spots as well as auditors. Jonni Baker and I traveled together from Port St. Lucie and Palm Bay. We arrived on Friday evening and stayed over so we could meet up with Ron and Luci early Saturday morning before the seminar. We needed to go over where the tracks were and what we needed to do. Neither of us have done VST but were interested in learning. Laying tracks is always a good way to learn and get a good insight into what the dog and handler will work. It is as valuable of an experience as attending the seminar to learn. It is a lot of work but a lot of fun too. After that we went to the hotel to attended the seminar. Ray asked everyone about their dogs and their experience levels in all areas of tracking. He had a powerpoint presentation and went over how to read your dog. Around 3:30/4 we left the seminar while the others remained there. They were having pizza and we grabbed a slice as we headed out to the office park. As we were finishing up the third track everyone started to arrive from the seminar. The others went to put in the remaining tracks as the first dogs started. January it still gets dark early. The other tracks were in a different area. So as time went on some of the tracks had to be put in in the dark! It was a hard task as the lights in some of the buildings didn t go on. So we still had dogs tracking up until about 8/8:30 when we decided to call it quits and have the last dog or two track twice on Sunday. Then Sunday morning we started back at it before the sun came up to put in another 10 or 11 tracks with Ron, Luci, and Robin. By lunchtime everyone had ran their tracks. So we headed back to the hotel to review how everyone did, receive feedback from Ray and finish up before heading home. Veronica DeBoisbriand others make it look easy! Bigfoot sighted! Bigfoot was spotted laying tracks before the sunset at the VST seminar. Some thought it was an ordinary hobo but on closer inspection it looks like Bigfoot. She was quite fashion statement, carrying cat food-filled pantyhose, a cup (to stop drips), chalk, a clipboard, articles and gloves. And who says that tracklaying is not glamorous! I know my fellow tracklayers got a good laugh out of it!