Agility News August - December 2012 Katie did it! Five days in another world... Angel come home Katie Daniel finally achieves her JD title. and she did! The tragic tale of losing Angel, and the joyful one of her return 1
AGILITY DOG CLUB OF NSW affiliated with Life Members Russell Clarke Rob Johnson Jean Morris Gillian Elven Val Leslie Ron Swager Graham Elven Catherine Millard Ann Tomlinson Ron Forsyth (dec d) Warren Millard Patricia Walsh Alison Heap Office Bearers Committee Robyn Jones Patricia Walsh Carol Daniel Vanessa Dowson Elga Enriquez Val Leslie Dianne Tipping Joanne Campbell Paul Enriquez Elizabeth Yuill President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor Assistant Secretary Trophy Steward Office Trial Manager Trial Secretary & Newsletter Editor Office Assistants on Training Nights Refreshments at all Club functions Val Leslie Michelle Oldfield, Joanne Campbell, Tania King Dianne Tipping Our website: www.agility.org.au Extreme Weather phone number: 0449 736 271 Please address all correspondence to: The Secretary, PO Box 8016, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 Training Thursday nights at Castle Hill Showground Dog Rings. Please be at the grounds 30 minutes prior to start of class to assist in setting up equipment so that training can commence on time. New members are accepted on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Please be at the Club by 7:00pm so your paperwork can be processed before attending Introductory class at 7:30pm. Introductory & Beginners Green & Yellow Blue & Red 7:30-8:30pm 7:30-8:30pm 8:00-9:30pm Club Competitions Agility and Jumping competitions are held on the 4th Thursday of each month from February to November, for Blue and Red class members. Blue class dogs must be a minimum of 15 months of age to enter these competitions.. Advanced Yellow class also has a competition on the same nights. If there are five Thursdays in the month, a Games competition will be held on the fifth Thursday. 2
Welcome to New Members Members approved at the General Meeting held on 6 June 2012 Catherine & Jaime Jackson Jem, Saf, Emerald & Frankie Kelpies Tony & Monique Malek Cookie Jack Russell Terrier X Paul Meechan & Natalie Cepeniuk Calais American Staffy Diesel Kelpie Fly & Tina Border Collies Rusty Kelpie X Erica Hockley & Myra Flynn Walter Belgian Shepherd Terveuren Julie Kruse Loki Japanese Spitz Bandit Maltese Christine & Greg Johnstone Amy & Ashley Blue Heelers Lia Goldie Kaos Kelpie Michael & Felicity Bewley Ferris Border Terrier X Kerry Chauncy Ryder Boxer Julia, Kevin, Robert & Daniel McCreadie Jasper Belgian Shepherd Groenendael Matthew & Melinda Daley Joey Labrador x Golden Retriever Courtney Labrador Liam, Alyce & Lynette Brown Tilly Pomeranian X Lisa Williams Zeus Labrador Members approved at the General Meeting held on 1 August 2012 Chloe Kasbarian & Nathan Crass Rusty Border Collie Victoria Holdsworth Puzzlez Mini Foxie Lidia Catalano & James Rapa Rocco Belgian Shepherd X Valerie Cohn Zoe Rhodesian Ridgeback Emily Sunnucks Benji Border Collie Luan Hall Harvey, Devlin, Kahlua, Pemberley Shetland Sheepdogs Marko Ljoljic Medo Black Russian Terrier Angela Norton-Taylor Zippa Kelpie Lisa Mason & Armando Serafin Choco?? Tania Cochrane Gemma Border Collie 3
Welcome to New Members Members approved at the General Meeting held on 3 October 2012 Lauren Austin & Dom Vieira Pippa Staffy x Boxer Mohan Kumarasamy & Viegneswari Bheemar Pug X Thiagarajan Balgraam Terrier X Margaret & Morgan Lee Tuka Cattle Dog x Staffy Nicole Marchhart Samson Rhodesian Ridgeback X Teresa Kernahan Max Border Collie Dennise Foley Cindy Border Collie Michael Melville Lucy Labrador Linda Fraser Lily & Poppy Standard Poodles Jane Ridley Stella Labrador Holly Berryman Brian German Coolie x Labrador Youme Kang Hauser Miniature Schnauzer Members approved at the General Meeting held on 12 December 2012 Michael & Lesia Burford Syrah & Ranger Border Collies Daniel Baldwin Jessie Cattle dog Eunice Pearman Grace Golden Retriever Lynn Smith Ebony Kelpie Debby & Brittany Berryman Bindi Toy Poodle Liz Lee Charlie Border Collie Daniel & Elena Hong Ning Rocky Cavalier King Charles x Poodle Christine Getmanov Buddy Shetland Sheepdog Alison Cullen & Angus MacKinnon Cody & Cruze Border Collies Leigh Henson Buddha Border Collie Lucy Macaulay Ziggy Border Collie 4
Congratulations on your Promotion Intro to Beginners Myra Flynn Felicity & Michael Bewley Liam, Alyce & Lynette Brown Monique & Tony Malek Catherine Jackson Marko Ljoljic Valerie Cohn Vicky Holdsworth Lidia & James Rapa Emily Sumnucks Tania Cochrane Mohan Kumarasamy Mohan Kumarasamy Lauren Austin Margaret Lee Jane Ridley Michael Burford Lesia Burford Liz Lee Lynn Smith Eunice Pearman Daniel Baldwin Brittany Berryman Leigh Henson Lucy Macaulay Mal Williams Beginners to Green Karen Taylor Roberta Dean Brooke Taylor Michelle Broadley Ruth Andrew Walter Ferris Tilly Cookie Jem Medo Zoe Puzzlez Rocco Benji Gemma Bheemar Balgraam Pippa Tuka Stella Syrah Ranger Charlie Ebony Grace Jessie Bindi Buddha Ziggy Wally Rubie Kimberley Tyson Noki Ollie Beginners to Green Lisa Williams Zeus Kerry Chauncy Ryder Julie Kruse Loki Julia McCreadie Jasper Ingrid Horner Jasper Chloe Kasbarian/Nathan Crass Rusty Melinda Daley Joey Matthew Daley Courtney Natalie Cepeniuk Calais Paul Meechan Diesel Lynette Brown Tilly Lisa Williams Zeus Felicity Bewley Ferris Jannah Ariaq Playboy Luan Hall Harvey Luan Hall Devlin Christine Johnstone Anny Christine Johnstone Ashley Tania Cochrane Gemma Erica Walter Walter Anna Uther Chino Emily Sumnucks Benji Margaret Lee Tuka Nicole Marchhart Samson Jane Ridley Stella Marko Ljoljic Medo Daniel Baldwin Jessie 5
Congratulations on your Promotion Green to Yellow Yellow Advanced to Blue Joanne Channell Aurora Rachel Tulloch Lucy Fiona Bulman Kiah Dorian Smith Deena Nigel & Brenda Seager Ruby Joanne Channell Aurora Crystal Turvey Penny Madeline Green Bonnie Lauren Byrne Cassie Ruth Andrew Ollie Ruth Andrew Ollie Robyn Galvin Madison Anne Parfitt Biggles Denise Foley Cindy Brooke Taylor Tyson Jacqui & Andy Miller Oszkar Emily Sumnucks Benji Michael & Felicity Bewley Ferris Blue to Red Nathan Crass Rusty Tania King Biscuit Yellow to Yellow Advanced Crystal Turvey Penny Ruth Andrew Ollie Sarah Hensby Chuck Emily Sumnucks Benji. and later on, when you learn to walk and run, we can chase cats! 6
Congratulations on your dog s ANKC Title Agility Dog - AD Robin Rankin Dora 9 July 2011, ADCNSW Lorraine Broadway Harley 17 June 2012, Nationals Patricia Walsh Angel 26 August 2012, Oxley Tania King Biscuit 27 October 2012, ADCNSW Agility Dog Excellent - ADX Paul Enriquez Yoda 12 May 2012, Cessnock Elga Enriquez Heidi 19 May 2012, Port Macquarie Yvonne Young Daffodildash 3 August 2012, Northern Suburbs Helen Heaver Brandy 26 August 2012, Deer Bush Lia Goldie Kaos 27 October 2012, ADCNSW Robin Rankin Dora 27 October 2012, ADCNSW Agility Dog Master - ADM Robin Rankin Anna 22 October 2011, South Australia Robyn Jones Jed 12 August 2012, Port Macquarie Agility Dog Open - ADO Robyn Jones Jed 12 August 2012, Port Macquarie Jumping Dog - JD Tina Woollard Taffy 12 May 2012, Cessnock Patricia Walsh Angel 26 May 2012, Dogs NSW Fundraiser Tania King Biscuit 26 May 2012, Dogs NSW Fundraiser Helen Heaver Rascal 26 May 2012, Fundraiser Dale Young Stryka 16 June 2012, Nationals Lorraine Broadway Harley 16 June 2012, Nationals Carol Daniel Katie 14 July 2012, ADCNSW Anne Affleck Kellie 4 September 2012, ADCNSW Daniel Sokolnikoff Mya 27 October 2012, ADCNSW Jumping Dog Excellent - JDX Catherine Aspinall Scout 31 July 2011, Northern Suburbs Anna Biela Sharlee 1 November 2011, Triple Fundraiser Yvonne Young Daffodildash 25 February 2012, Northern Suburbs Michelle Oldfield Floss 24 March 2012, Hawkesbury D2D Paul Enriquez Yoda 1 April 2012, Far South East Elga Enriquez Heidi 5 May 2012, Shoalhaven Jenny Johnson Kelsey 1 July 2012, Central Coast Robin Rankin Dora 13 October 2012, Armidale Patricia Walsh Angel 10 November 2012, Bathurst Jumping Dog - JDM 7
Congratulations on your dog s ANKC Title Tina Woollard Taffy 12 May 2012, Cessnock Tania King Biscuit 26 May 2012, Fundraiser Patricia Walsh Angel 26 May 2012, Fundraiser Helen Heaver Rascal 26 May 2012, Fundraiser Yvonne Young Coco 26 May 2012, Fundraiser Dale Young Stryka 16 June 2012, Nationals 2012 Robyn Jones Jed 12 August 2012, Port Macquarie Gamblers Dog - GD Helen Heaver Rascal 4 August 2012, Hawkesbury Gamblers Dog Excellent - GDX Robin Rankin Anna 4 October 2010, NSW Agility Committee Helen Heaver Timmy 24 March 2012, Hawkesbury D2D Gamblers Dog Master - GDM Elga Enriquez Jasper 24 March 2012, Hawkesbury D2D Snooker Dog - SD Elga Enriquez Heidi 9 June 2012, ACTCDC Helen Heaver Rascal 4 August 2012, Hawkesbury Patricia Walsh Angel 27 October 2012, ADCNSW Snooker Dog Excellent - SDX Tina Woollard Taffy 30 September 2012, Dogs ACT Carol Daniel Katie 27 October 2012, ADCNSW Snooker Dog Master - SDM Patricia Walsh Venus 27 October 2012, ADCNSW Strategic Pairs Dog - SPD Kirsten King Forest 7 January 2012, Fundraiser Paul Enriquez Yoda 2 June 2012, Goulburn Patricia Walsh Angel 14 June 2012, Fundraiser Lorraine Broadway Harley 14 July 2012, ADCNSW Helen Heaver Rascal 8 September 2012, Festival of Agility Strategic Pairs Excellent - SPDX Tina Woollard Taffy 8 April 2012, ACTCDC Robin Rankin Anna 16 July 2011, Coffs Harbour Jenny Johnson Kelsey 10 September 2012, Festival of Agility 8
OUR JULY TRIAL - from Robyn Jones Our July trial was a huge success. We had a beautiful day and a huge entry. With the help of our members we were able to get set up and start right on time - always a relief! All the competitors enjoyed the courses set by the judges (Sarah Woolf, Jenny Taylor and Lucy Williams) and the changes from one course level to the next went very smoothly. I would like to thank all those who helped, starting with Carol Daniel. Carol not only rostered all the stewards before the trial, made sure they were there on the day plus supervised a ring, but also ran her dogs. Carol almost stopped the trial with her lovely red border collie, Katie. Katie and Carol have been in Novice jumping for six years. Katie is so enthusiastic she frequently knocks the jump bars down - and when she doesn t drop the bars, Carol makes a mistake. But on Saturday, they were magnificent. Katie and Carol went clear and gained their third pass and their Novice Jumping Title. They also won the ring! I d like to thank these people: Lorraine Broadway Carol Daniel Paul Enriquez Marion Garnam Colin Jones Karen & Steve Teresa Kernahan Tania King Val Leslie Warren Millard Michael Moss Samantha Oliver Dorian Smith Andrew Sokolnikoff Daniel Sokolnikoff Lyn Staszek Margaret Taylor Dianne Tipping Ann Tomlinson Krystal Turvey Patricia Walsh Jan Williams Mal Williams Liz Yuill and all the other people who helped on the day. We couldn t have done it without you. Congratulations to our club members who qualified: Open Agility Joanne Campbell & Tira Master Agility Samantha Oliver & Splash (1st) Elga Enriquez & Jasper (4th) Vanessa Dowson & Coco Holly Connor & Vienna Robyn Jones & Jed Eddy Szmelter & Saffy Novice Agility Niki van der Smagt & Flow (2nd) Cate Aspinall & Scout Excellent Agility Niki van der Smagt & Envy (1st) Joyce Clark & Tess (3rd) Karen Sheedy & Lift Novice Strategic Pairs Niki van der Smagt & Envy (1st) Joyce Clark & Tess (2nd) Niki van der Smagt & Flow (2nd) Helen Heaver & Rascal Tania King & Biscuit Lorraine Broadway & Harley Samantha Oliver & Flyte Excellent Strategic Pairs Krys Staszek & Zippity (2nd) Adriana Parris & Flynn (2nd) Cate Aspinall & Moss (3rd) Graham Elven & Sharp (3rd) Vanessa Dowson & Skooter Jenny Johnson & Kelsey Michelle Oldfield & Floss Patricia Walsh & Angel Elga Enriquez & Heidi Therese Hay & Cash Masters Pairs Samantha Oliver & Splash (1st) Lyn Staszek & Phoenix (1st) Tina Woollard & Taffy (2nd) Patricia Walsh & Venus Elga Enriquez & Jasper Novice Jumping Carol Daniel & Katie (1st!!!!!) Niki van der Smagt & Flow (2nd) Rick Biela & Jackson 9 Excellent Jumping Lorraine Broadway (2nd) Joyce Clark & Tess Robiin Robertson & Gretel Master Jumping Elga Enriquez & Jasper (2nd) Samantha Oliver & Splash (3rd) Vanessa Dowson & Skooter Vanessa Dowson & Coco Niki van der Smagt & Envy Lia Goldie & Kaos Therese Hay & Cash Patricia Walsh & Venus Michelle Oldfield & Floss RQH Jumping Patricia Walsh & Venus Warren Millard & Tikka Teresa Kernahan & Max Robyn Jones & Jed Therese Hay & Cash
OUR OCTOBER TRIAL - Thanks from Robyn Jones I would like to thank everyone who for their massive effort yesterday. I thought it was our best trial so far! Great weather and everything ran smoothly. We even finished in good time. Starting on Friday thanks to Liz Yuill, Vanessa Dowson and Pat Walsh who helped erect the rings and we also tied up the tunnels, all in 2 ½ hours - a polished performance. Di Tipping stacked the fridges in preparation for Saturday. Saturday - early, many hands make light work - an old proverb and very true. We had everything up and running on time. Colin (Jones) always helps out setting up the ringside computers - a great help! There are many small jobs that also need to be done to help the day be a success, for instance, Liz has now put silver tape on the bars that best fit the spread hurdles - no more having to try them all! Tina Woollard put buckets of water beside the rings for emergency cleaning, and also noticed holes in the ground in some rings and filled them with sand - much better than someone hurting themselves. Di took drink and food around to the rings and got the judges coffee and tea. Therese checked the equipment set up in the rings and fixed them where necessary. Keith Edwards and Eddy Szmelter set up two lots of timing gear and were always there to help. Our newest stewards Christine Johnstone, Kate Jackson and Youme Kang did a great job. Mal Williams, Paul Enriquez, Margaret Taylor and Lyn Staszek scribed all day - what would we do with out them! Jan Williams, Anna Biela, Nicole Keller, Anne and Dennis Neal also stewarded all day too. Jen Gambell and Fiona Bulman competed, getting their first passes( well done) and then helped for the rest of the day. Packing up was a breeze - people seemed to help quite willingly. Val of course worked all day, helping the caterer initially and then in her role as Trial secretary. Lorraine helped with the prizes. We had a team of people (committee) cleaning the building after the grounds were cleared. Vanessa towed the trailer home and to take to Brush Farm the next day. Once again, thanks all. it was a great day! Congratulations to our club members who qualified: Open Jumping Phil Manton & Rose Bex Eaton & Mars Vanessa Dowson & Coco Joyce Clark & Tess Master Jumping Nelly Felczynski & Flynn (1st) Stacy Richards & Buddy Vanessa Dowson & Coco Lia Goldie & Kaos Andrew Sokolnikoff & Tikka Yvonne Young & Coco Holly Connor & Vienna Joyce Clark & Tess Patricia Walsh & Venus Excellent Jumping Patricia Walsh & Angel Excellent Agility Lorraine Broadway & Harley 1st) Lia Goldie & Kaos (2nd) Robin Rankin & Dora Novice Agility Stacy Richards & Tegan (1st) Daniel Sokolnikoff & Mya Jenny Gambell & Floyd Tania King & Biscuit Master Agility Elga Enriquez & Jasper (2nd) Yvonne Young & Coco (3rd) Vanessa Dowson & Coco Patricia Walsh & Venus Andrew Sokolnikoff & Tikka Holly Connor & Vienna Nelly Fellczynski & Monty Novice Jumping Stacy Richards & Tegan (2nd) Daniel Sokolnikoff & Mya Jenny Gambell & Flynn Master Snooker Patricia Walsh & Venus (3rd) Teresa Kernahan & Max Holly Connor & Vienna Stacy Richards & Buddy Liz Yuill & Scotty Novice Snooker Lorraine Broadway & Harley Patricia Walsh & Angel Stacy Richards & Tegan Leanne Davis & Jaidee Tania King & Biscuit Excellent Snooker Vanessa Dowson & Coco (2nd) Carol Daniel & Katie (3rd) Joyce Clark & Tess 10
YELLOW CLASS COMPETITION Club Competitions for Yellow class were introduced in May. They are held the same night (4th Thursday of the month) as the normal Club comps. Results for 2012 are as follows: May Yellow Class: 1st Madeline Cameron & Bonnie 2nd Andrew Miller & Oszkar 3rd Kate Jackson & Mintie July 1st 2nd 3rd Sarah Hensby & Chuck Fiona Bulman & Kiah Andrew Miller & Oszkar Advanced Yellow: 1st Nicole Keller & Fire 2nd Dorian Smith & Deena Stephanie Price & Penny 3rd Nigel Seager & Ruby August 1st Andrew Miller & Oszkar 2nd Michael Melville & Lucy 3rd Sarah Hensby & Chuck June Yellow Class: 1st Joanne Channell & Aurora 2nd Dorian Smith & Deena 3rd Madeline Cameron & Bonnie September 1st Denise Foley & Cindy 2nd Nigel Seager & Ruby 3rd Sarah Hensby & Chuck Advanced Yellow: 1st Ben Sumner & Tweed 2nd Nicole Keller & Fire 3rd Alex Mineef & Tax 11
472 competitors! 6,600 runs!! 741 Dogs! The 2012 Agility Nationals were held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park in June. The event was spread over five days with the finals, held in the glorious Olympic arena, taking up all of Sunday. All classes except Open (where all dogs compete together) were run in separate height categories. Entrants came from New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania, Adelaide, Perth, Queensland, Northern Territory and New Zealand. There were heats of all Agility and Jumping events held over the four competition days this was to ensure everyone had at least one class they could enter on a day when they were able to attend which is why some classes appear to be repeated, Team events: Each state was invited to field a team for the Nationals, and NSW s team comprised Ashley Roach, Peter Westwood, Darren Johanson, Le Hammer and Elga Enriquez (yes, our very own Chief Instructor!) with Jasper. And the reserve for NSW was Pat Walsh with Venus. The results below are all Club members. Have a look through the list, see how often an Instructor s name or friend s name crops up. Compare their scores with the SCT (standard course time) measured and set by the judge as the time they need to complete the course in. A Q just in front of their course time means they qualified, that is, they completed the course without fault and within the prescribed time. The first three places are recorded whether a dog qualifies or not, but all dogs who qualify are recorded in results. Make a mental note of the judges names.. they may be judging you one day! Where it says AR, this stands for Associate Register. A cross-bred dog, and even a pure-bred dog that is not on the main register, has to be listed this way rather than showing any of their breeding. I don t approve - I like to see what a dog s breeding is. (This is my personal view, not the Club s and obviously not that of Dogs NSW.) The order of events is from Day 1 through to Day 4, then the Finals on Day 5. If you would like to see some of the courses that were used at the Nationals, check out the website at http://www.agilitynationals2012.com.au, then select Courses. Have fun! Novice Agility 300 - Judge: Mr Graham Elven (NSW) SCT: 56 1 Schnauzer (Miniature) Tess Joyce Clark Q 35.59 Excellent Agility 300 - Judge: Mr Graham Elven (NSW) SCT: 47 2 Cavalier King Forest Kirsten King Q 41.22 Masters Agility 200 - Judge: Mr Graham Elven (NSW) SCT: 48 3 Papillon Ag Ch Buddy Stacy Richards 37.95 Masters Jumping 200 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 33 1 Papillon Ag Ch Buddy Stacy Richards Q 29.17 Masters Jumping 300 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 33 2 English Toy Terrier Envy Niki Van Der Smagt Q 32.48 Excellent Jumping 200 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 33 2 Pembroke Welsh Corgi Jackson Robin Robertson 36.61 3 Pembroke Welsh Corgi Gretel Robin Robertson 38.02 12
Novice Jumping 300 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 31 3 Schnauzer (Miniature) Tess Joyce Clark Q 22.32 Masters Gamblers 300 - Judge: Mr Keith Edwards (NSW) SCT: 57 1 Schnauzer (Miniature) Ben Robin Rankin 58.36 Masters Gamblers 200 - Judge: Mr Keith Edwards NSW) SCT: 57 3 Jack Russell Terrier Ag Ch Saffy Eddy Szmelter 59.79 Excellent Gamblers 300 - Judge: Mr Keith Edwards (NSW) SCT: 57 3 Shetland Sheepdog Ch Brandy Helen Heaver 63.46 Novice Gamblers 300 - Judge: Mr Keith Edwards (NSW) SCT: 57 1 English Toy Terrier Envy Niki Van Der Smagt Q 53.87 2 Schnauzer (Miniature) Tess Joyce Clark Q 50.38 6 Shetland Sheepdog Rascal Helen Heaver Q 54.94 Excellent Snooker 300 Judge: Ms Sue Eller (Qld) SCT: 60 1 Cocker Spaniel Vienna Holly Connor Q 56.15 4 Shetland Sheepdog Brandy Helen Heaver Q 51.02 Novice Snooker 200 - Judge: Ms Sue Eller (Qld) SCT: 74 3 Pembroke Welsh Corgi Gretel Robin Robertson Q 51.93 Novice Snooker 300 - Judge: Ms Sue Eller (Qld) SCT: 74 5 Cavalier King Charles Forest Kirsten King Q 51.37 6 English Toy Terrier Envy Niki Van Der Smagt Q 48.06 Masters Snooker 200 - Judge: Ms Sue Eller (Qld) SCT: 56 1 Papillon Ag Ch Buddy Stacy Richards Q 38.37 2 Jack Russell Terrier Ag Ch Saffy Eddy Szmelter 64.9 Open Agility - Judge: Ms Fiona Hodgson (NZ) SCT: 64 3 AR Splash Samantha Oliver Q 36.29 Novice Jumping 500 - Judge: Mr Michael Vigor (SA) SCT: 36 11 Border Collie Danari Deep Water Greg Aggett Q 21.86 12 Border Collie Tweed Ben Sumner Q 22.57 Masters Jumping 500 - Judge: Mr Michael Vigor (SA) SCT: 40 37 AR Coco Vanessa Dowson Q 36.92 40 Border Collie Milo Dale Young Q 37.84 Excellent Strategic Pairs 500 - Judge: Mr Michael Vigor (SA) SCT: 62 5 Border Collie Floss Michelle Oldfield Q 54.76 5 AR Skooter Vanessa Dowson Q 54.76 Masters Agility 500 - Judge: Dr Le Hammer (NSW) SCT: 58 10 AR Oona Deborah Kent Q 50.62 Novice Agility 500 - Judge: Dr Le Hammer (NSW) SCT: 65 3 Border Collie Flyte Samantha Oliver Q 28.34 Novice Gamblers 500 - Judge: Mr Neville Cox (SA) SCT: 62 9 Border Collie Flyte Samantha Oliver Q 55.46 Masters Strategic Pairs 500 - Judge: Mr Neville Cox (SA) SCT: 61 11 Border Collie Sprite Leanne Davis Q 51.56 11 Border Collie Jaidee Leanne Davis Q 51.56 13
Masters Strategic Pairs 400 - Judge: Mr Bob Mills (Qld) SCT: 55 4 AR Ag Ch Venus Patricia Walsh Q 52.1 8 Shetland Sheepdog Jasper Elga Enriquez Q 54.54 9 Border Collie Max Teresa Kernahan Q 54.57 9 AR Remy Dianne Tipping Q 54.57 Masters Agility 400 - Judge: Mr Bob Mills (Qld) SCT: 54 6 AR Coco Yvonne Young Q 47.48 7 AR AgCh Venus Patricia Walsh Q 48.23 Novice Jumping 400 - Judge: Ms Fiona Hodgson (NZ) SCT: 32 3 Keeshond Angel Patricia Walsh Q 20.41 Open Jumping - Judge: Ms Sarah Woolf (Qld) SCT: 41 38 AR Tilly Anna Uther Q 37.22 Novice Gamblers 400 - Judge: Mrs Shirley Lester (Qld) SCT: 54 1 AR Flow Niki Van Der Smagt Q Novice Snooker 400 - Judge: Mr Peter Dynan () SCT: 59 3 AR Flow Niki Van Der Smagt Q 36.16 9 Keeshond Angel Patricia Walsh Q 32.26 Novice Agility 600 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 64 2 AR Sash Bex Eaton Q 36.62 3 Hungarian Vizsla Mars Bex Eaton Q 39.62 7 Belgian Shepherd Dog Ellie Therese Hay Q 47.98 Masters Agility 600 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 65 4 Belgian Shepherd Dog Heidi Elga Enriquez Q 52.69 Masters Jumping 600 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 45 6 Belgian Shepherd Dog Yoda Paul Enriquez Q 37.66 Excellent Jumping 600 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 42 1 AR Sash Bex Eaton Q 28.08 6 Old English Sheepdog Lift Karen Sheedy Q 34.63 7 Belgian Shepherd Dog Ellie Therese Hay Q 37.61 Novice Jumping 600 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 35 4 Hungarian Vizsla Mars Bex Eaton Q 18.51 Masters Jumping 200 - Judge: Ms Leanne Davis (NSW) SCT: 36 1 Papillon Ag Ch Buddy Stacy Richards Q 30.39 Masters Jumping 300 - Judge: Ms Leanne Davis (NSW) SCT: 35 3 Cocker Spaniel Vienna Holly Connor Q 32.49 Novice Jumping 300 - Judge: Ms Leanne Davis (NSW) SCT: 32 2 Schnauzer (Miniature) Tess Joyce Clark Q 22.39 Novice Strategic Pairs 300 - Judge: Ms Leanne Davis (NSW) SCT: 70 2 AR Flow Niki Van Der Smagt Q 65.71 2 Schnauzer (Miniature) Tess Joyce Clark Q 65.71 3 Keeshond Angel Patricia Walsh Q 69.18 14
Novice Strategic Pairs 200 - Judge: Ms Leanne Davis (NSW) SCT: 72 1 English Toy Terrier Envy Niki Van Der Smagt Q 37.66 3 Jack Russell Terrier Spice Eddy Szmelter Q 69.94 Excellent Strategic Pairs 200 - Judge: Ms Leanne Davis (NSW) SCT: 64 2 Papillon Bella Stacy Richards Q 58.64 Novice Agility 200 - Judge: Ms Daphne Sellwood (NT) SCT: 55 3 Jack Russell Terrier Scout Catherine Aspinall 41.25 Masters Agility 200 - Judge: Ms Daphne Sellwood (NT) SCT: 54 1 Jack Russell Terrier Ag Ch Saffy Eddy Szmelter 58.39 2 Papillon Ag Ch Buddy Stacy Richards 43.1 Excellent Agility 300 - Judge: Ms Daphne Sellwood (NT) SCT: 55 3 Jack Russell Terrier Pavarotti Eddy Szmelter 42.41 Masters Strategic Pairs 300 - Judge: Mr Bob Mills (Qld) SCT: 51 2 Cocker Spaniel Vienna Holly Connor Q 42.74 4 Schnauzer (Miniature) Beau Robin Rankin Q 45.3 6 Jack Russell Terrier Pavarotti Eddy Szmelter Q 48.78 Masters Strategic Pairs 200 - Judge: Mr Bob Mills (Qld) SCT: 51 1 Jack Russell Terrier Spice Eddy Szmelter Q 47.93 1 Papillon AgCh Buddy Stacy Richards Q 47.93 3 Schnauzer (Miniature) Anna Robin Rankin 53.3 Masters Strategic Pairs 600 - Judge: Mrs Sarah Wickham (WA) SCT: 69 3 Australian Kelpie Taffy Tina Woollard 102.44 Masters Jumping 600 - Judge: Mr Eddy Szmelter (NSW) SCT: 46 3 Belgian Shepherd Dog Yoda Paul Enriquez Q 38.08 Novice Jumping 600 - Judge: Mr Eddy Szmelter (NSW) SCT: 40 4 Hungarian Vizsla Mars Bex Eaton Q 22.84 Open Jumping - Judge: Ms Sandra Walker (NSW) SCT: 42 13 AR Flynn Adriana Parris Q 33.57 Excellent Gamblers 600 - Judge: Mr Neil Lester (QLD) SCT: 58 2 AR Sash Bex Eaton Q 54.8 4 Belgian Shepherd Cash Therese Hay Q 56.35 Excellent Strategic Pairs 600 - Judge: Mr Neil Lester (QLD) SCT: 74 1 Belgian Shepherd Dog Cash Therese Hay Q 59.49 1 Belgian Shepherd Dog Heidi Elga Enriquez Q 59.49 4 Border Collie Sharp Graham Elven Q 72.75 Novice Strategic Pairs 600 - Judge: Mrs Heather Diamond (Vic) SCT: 88 1 Belgian Shepherd Dog Ellie Therese Hay Q 46.9 1 Belgian Shepherd Dog Yoda Paul Enriquez Q 46.9 Novice Snooker 600 - Judge: Mrs Heather Diamond (Vic) SCT: 67 5 AR Sash Bex Eaton Q 47.16 6 Belgian Shepherd Dog Ellie Therese Hay Q 50.78 15
Excellent Snooker 600 - Judge: Mrs Heather Diamond (Vic) SCT: 60 4 Australian Kelpie Taffy Tina Woollard Q 44.21 Open Agility - Judge: Mrs Kendal Olsen (TAS) SCT: 60 6 AR Splash Samantha Oliver Q 36.79 10 AR Flynn Adriana Parris Q 38.86 Excellent Agility 500 - Judge: Ms Jill Kaldor (NSW) SCT: 65 2 Australian Kelpie Daffodildash Yvonne Young Q 35.31 Novice Jumping 500 - Judge: Mrs Lucy Williams (ACT) SCT: 39 1 Border Collie Flyte Samantha Oliver Q 18.18 6 AR Harley Lorraine Broadway Q 20.11 Masters Jumping 500 - Judge: Mrs Lucy Williams (ACT) SCT: 41 11 AR Splash Samantha Oliver Q 32.74 30 Border Collie Max Teresa Kernahan Q 38.94 Masters Agility 400 - Judge: Ms Fiona Hodgson (NZ) SCT: 64 3 Shetland Sheepdog Jasper Elga Enriquez Q 46.56 6 Cocker Spaniel Maverick Holly Connor Q 48.77 Masters Jumping 400 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 41 5 Shetland Sheepdog Jasper Elga Enriquez Q 34.18 Novice Jumping 400 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 32 2 Keeshond Angel Patricia Walsh Q 18.67 Novice Agility 500 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 66 5 AR Harley Lorraine Broadway Q 35.62 Masters Agility 500 - Judge: Mr Peter Dynan () SCT: 56 12 Border Collie Max Teresa Kernahan Q 45.86 20 AR Moss Catherine Aspinall Q 50.82 26 AR Oona Deborah Kent Q 52.42 Masters Jumping 500 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 44 7 AR Splash Samantha Oliver Q 33.85 22 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Jed Robyn Jones Q 40.8 Masters Snooker 500 - Judge: Ms Sue Gonelli (VIC) SCT: 67 10 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Jed Robyn Jones Q 58.3 Novice Snooker 500 - Judge: Ms Sue Gonelli (VIC) SCT: 70 14 AR Skooter Vanessa Dowson Q 45.88 Excellent Snooker 500 - Judge: Ms Sue Gonelli (VIC) SCT: 60 13 Border Collie Floss Michelle Oldfield Q 52.89 Novice Jumping 500 - Judge: Dr Debbie Kent (NSW) SCT: 37 3 Border Collie Stryka Dale Young Q 22.1 6 AR Harley Lorraine Broadway Q 22.24 Masters Agility 600 - Judge: Ms Fiona Hodgson (NZ) SCT: 72 8 Belgian Shepherd Dog Cash Therese Hay Q 59.04 9 Belgian Shepherd Dog Heidi Elga Enriquez Q 59.24 16
Masters Jumping 600 - Judge: Ms Fiona Hodgson (NZ) SCT: 50 2 Belgian Shepherd Dog Yoda Paul Enriquez Q 41.28 Excellent Jumping 600 - Judge: Ms Fiona Hodgson (NZ) SCT: 42 5 Belgian Shepherd Dog Ellie Therese Hay Q 35.74 Excellent Agility 300 - Judge: Mr Ron Diamond (VIC) SCT: 63 1 English Toy Terrier Envy Niki Van Der Smagt Q 37.71 Masters Agility 200 - Judge: Mr Ron Diamond (VIC) SCT: 65 1 Papillon Ag Ch Buddy Stacy Richards Q 41.07 6 Jack Russell Terrier Ag Ch Saffy Eddy Szmelter Q 61.52 Masters Agility 300 - Judge: Mr Ron Diamond (VIC) SCT: 65 6 Cocker Spaniel Vienna Holly Connor Q 50.24 10 Schnauzer (Miniature) Monty Nelly Felczynski Q 57.2 Masters Jumping 300 - Judge: Mr Ron Diamond (VIC) SCT: 42 4 Schnauzer (Miniature) Flynn Nelly Felczynski Q 32.69 5 Cocker Spaniel Vienna Holly Connor Q 33.01 Masters Jumping 200 - Judge: Mr Ron Diamond (VIC) SCT: 42 1 Jack Russell Terrier Spice Eddy Szmelter Q 36.62 Excellent Jumping 200 - Judge: Mr Ron Diamond (VIC) SCT: 41 3 Jack Russell Terrier Spice Eddy Szmelter 49.33 Novice Jumping 300 - Judge: Mr Ron Diamond (VIC) SCT: 33 2 Schnauzer (Miniature) Tess Joyce Clark Q 18.45 Masters Jumping 400 - Judge: Ms Jane Caulton (NSW) SCT: 40 2 Shetland Sheepdog Jasper Elga Enriquez Q 35.06 3 Australian Cattle Dog Tira Joanne Campbell Q 37.06 Sunday Results (Finals - 215 dogs competed) Novice Agility 300 - Judge: Dr Le Hammer (NSW) SCT: 74 2 Schnauzer (Miniature) Tess Joyce Clark Q 45.11 Novice Agility 500 - Judge: Dr Le Hammer (NSW) SCT: 70 1 Border Collie Flyte Samantha Oliver Q 31.07 3 AR Harley Lorraine Broadway Q 38.91 Open Agility - Judge: Ms Jill Kaldor (NSW) SCT: 70 1 AR Splash Samantha Oliver Q 33.57 Masters Agility 200 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 68 1 Papillon AgCh Buddy Stacy Richards Q 46.93 2 Jack Russell Terrier AgCh Saffy Eddy Szmelter 72.3 Masters Agility 400 - Judge: Mr Lyn Sayers (NZ) SCT: 65 2 Shetland Sheepdog Jasper Elga Enriquez Q 43.79 Novice Jumping 500 - Judge: Mr Keith Edwards (NSW) SCT: 38 1 Border Collie Flyte Samantha Oliver Q 19.05 Novice Jumping 300 - Judge: Mr Keith Edwards (NSW) SCT: 41 1 Schnauzer (Miniature) Tess Joyce Clark Q 29.2 17
Open Jumping - Judge: Mr Ashley Roach (NSW) SCT: 43 5 AR Flynn Adriana Parris Q 34.89 Masters Jumping 400 - Judge: Ms Fiona Hodgson (NZ) SCT: 47 3 Shetland Sheepdog Jasper Elga Enriquez Q 40.76 Teams event Criteria: The team with the least Total Faults at the conclusion of both Trials (Agility and Jumping) will be declared the Team Event Winner. 1. New South Wales 11 Points (well done everybody!!!!) 2. Western Australia 12 Points 3. New Zealand 30 Points 4. Queensland 35 Points 5. Victoria 35 Points 6. South Australia 61 Points BUDDY Buddy and I ended up with a fantastic Nationals. We won the Agility Final. And to top it all off he gained the last 2 Q s for his Agility Champion 2! We came away with 6 new titles: ADM 7 JDM 9 Agility Champion 2 National Masters 200 Agility Champion National Masters 200 Snooker Champion National Masters 200 Pairs Champion partner Eddy and Pickle It was certainly our Nationals. Buddy has proven to be the most wonderful dog anyone could ever wish for as a best friend and an agility dog, his courage and love of running with me have always humbled me. He is 7 ½ with a slight heart murmur and there are days that I wonder if he will ever slow down. Every time I go into the ring I am in awe of his performance. Even when we stuff it up (as we did in the Jumping final) he still manages to do it in style and get a huge cheer at the end. He truly is a once-in-a-life time dog. Stacy Richards 18
Annual General Meeting Report The Agility Dog Club held its Annual General Meeting at Castle Hill on Wednesday October 3.It was attended by our hard working committee. Our existing office bearers and committee were re-elected unopposed, with the delightful addition of one new member- Liz Yuill. Welcome Liz, I know you ll be a valuable addition to our committee. Vanessa Dowson, who stepped into the casual vacancy of Treasurer last year, has enjoyed the position and decided to stand again. We are very grateful. President: Vice- President: Treasurer: Secretary: Assistant Secretary: Chief Instructor: Trophy Steward: Newsletter Editor: Committee: Robyn Jones Pat Walsh Vanessa Dowson Carol Daniel Val Leslie Elga Enriquez Dianne Tipping assisted by Lorraine Broadway Michelle Oldfield Paul Enriquez, Joanne Campbell, Dianne Tipping, Liz Yuill Robyn Jones President s Report 2012 This report comes at the end of my third year as president. The role has become more enjoyable as time goes on- though it is not without its moments of stress. The committee of ADC has become a strong unit, providing support, ideas and friendship. This year we welcomed Vanessa Dowson as treasurer after Rob Johnson, our treasurer for many years, resigned. Vanessa is doing a terrific job and is certainly an asset to our committee. Tina Woollard resigned during the year and she is missed although she is still maintaining our website. Our member numbers have remained steady however there has been a change in the balance. Now, on fine nights, we have more advanced members training than beginners! Our advanced members are becoming a tight knit group - many friendships have been formed. This can be seen by the number of people staying right to the end of training to help pack up and chat afterwards. It s great to see! During the year we held four Tuesday night Trials and two Saturday trials. Our Saturday trials always attract large entries and require a large team to help them run smoothly. Val Leslie, our Trial Secretary, does a wonderful job organising the entries, recording results, printing cards and liaising with the judges and Dogs NSW. Carol Daniel manages to find enough stewards - often a difficult job! The committee and senior members work hard all day to ensure the trials run smoothly. Our Tuesday night trials, managed by Paul Enriquez, also run well. However, the entries for these trials are down and they have become uneconomical, so next year we are only running two - March and November. The National Agility Trial was held in June. Many of our members competed and some excelled. We were represented in the teams event by Elga Enriquez - the NSW team took out the challenge! 19
In September the Festival of Agility was held at Erskine Park. This two day event is our state finals. The finals of the Agility and Jumping Dog of the year are held at the beginning of each day. Several of our members excelled in these events. At the end of each day a team s event is held - it takes the form of two rounds, one agility and one jumping. Each team has 5 members. Our team comprised Stacy Richards and Buddy, Niki Van Der Smagt and Envy, Pat Walsh and Venus, Vanessa Dowson and Coco and Paul Enriquez and Yoda. At the end of the second day our team was victorious! This is the third time that the Agility Dog Club has won the trophy since it was introduced in 2007. Our club would not be able to run our training nights without the dedication of Elga - our chief instructor. Elga often arrives early to take a puppy class, sets up the 7:30 courses and then the 8pm courses. She regularly changes these courses to provide new training opportunities for our dogs. Elga also recruits our instructors. Many thanks go to them also, for giving up their time to help the club. ADC is committed to supporting our Instructors through training workshops. Last November we hosted two days of workshops presented by Sue Hogben from WA. These presented us with many new ideas. The committee was then given the opportunity to hold another workshop in 2013. Daisy Peel, from USA will be visiting WA in February and has agreed to stop in Sydney on her return home. We hope that we can all learn from attending these workshops. Belonging to a club brings many benefits - great companionship, training tips, equipment to train on and shared experiences. It also has responsibilities - helping at training, at trials, at other club events, promoting our club to the dog world and maintaining our equipment. Not only do we have our agility equipment but now we also have several computers, timing gates and wireless microphones. Working bee time is almost here! 2012 has been a successful year for the Agility Dog Club - 2013 will be even better! Robyn Jones, President Secretary s Report 2012 Another year has ended time seems to fly and my time as Secretary of the Agility Dog Club is up again. I ve enjoyed my time has Secretary these last twelve months it s not only doing the job but getting to meet new people, and the Committee I ve just worked with are a tremendous group who care about what happens to this club. Again I would like to thank Val Leslie, Robyn Jones and the ladies behind the counter every Thursday night at training, you ve made my job a lot easier. Being on Committee I also managed to trial my dogs this year with success. I thank the club for the opportunity of being your Secretary for 2011/2012. Happy Trials, Carol Daniel, Secretary 20
NEVER GIVE UP THE STORY OF KATIE JD To get your Jumping Dog Title you need three Passes Sounds easy... I started trialling Katie at the age of 18 months in February 2006. Never having the proper training - I had trialled my Terrier X Radar with success but he was always right there next to me. Katie was different, from 0 to 100, so the course was her playground; she was going in all directions for the love of the sport. Then with some serious training (both handler and dog) our first Pass came in September 2010, and our second Pass in March 2011. During the six years of trialling and $$$ spent with that one bar down / off course - Sydney and Canberra Royals, two Agility Nationals six years apart - it all came together on Saturday 14 July at Agility Dog Club, four days after her eighth birthday. The eruption that arose when Katie went through the last obstacle is one that will live with me forever. My Katie had finally done it!! I ve learned never to give up on your dog no matter what, ups or downs you can persevere and the result in the end will be worth your wait. Now for the next level, Excellent Jumping. Carol Daniel & Blayhouncha Kiss Me Kate JD AD GD SD SPDX Katie 21
THE ANGEL SAGA The following is just a small sample of what occurred between Thursday and Tuesday nights. There were so many people involved it is impossible to thank them all individually; suffice it to say that everyone approached and/or involved in even the most minor way - be they friends, club members, dog lovers, dog walkers, just people in the street and even hotel staff - was concerned, helpful and hopeful. Friday... Email on the Agility list: Pat Walsh lost her dog- Angel at agility training Thursday night. Angel was spotted at the grounds this Friday morning by a walker who is also an ADC member. She was unable to catch her. Angel is a 2yr old Keeshond, very friendly but very frightened, she is very unlikely to come when called. Please keep an eye open, if you see her or hear of her please get in touch. Saturday - friends are pouring in to Castle Hill to help with the search... Email from Pat on the Agility list: I have just arrived home from my second search trip today. An early morning poster attachment at vantage points at Castle Hill Showground and a further foot and car search of the area with two special friends for another couple of hours. Then, after a sighting of Angel at Baulkham Hills (a definite sighting by another friend who knows the dog) another two hours of combing the area around the Hills Private Hospital where Merindah Road intersects with Windsor Road. This is where Angel was spotted this morning at about 9am. She is extremely distressed and will not approach anyone and is turning and running when approached. If anyone knows people living in the area PLEASE can you let them have my details so that they can contact me urgently if she is sighted. Thank you to all of my wonderful friends who have been helping me in this search. Patricia Walsh and two little dogs who are missing their mate. Sunday - people are still out there searching... Email from Pat on the Agility list: Thank you so much for your support. I am only just surviving currently and there has been no good news today. Thank you for coming out and helping in our once again fruitless search. I am quite convinced that Angel has moved out of the area where we have plastered all of our posters and I just don't know where to look next. I am contacting all of the pounds in the area again tomorrow (just in case and will probably even go and visit to check them out). Hopefully I will get some good news soon and I will certainly keep everyone informed. Love from Pat and the girls. Sunday night (1) Email from Robyn Jones: We have many non agility dog people in the area on the look out for Angel. I have enlisted the help of Di Atkins and the Hills District Kennel & Training Club whose local members are actively looking in the Crestwood area. These lovely ladies, many of whom don't know Pat, are spreading the word to all their friends in the area. We have many eyes looking for her. Sunday night (2) Email from Pat on the Agility list: The posters at the Vets is in hand as is posters in some of the schools but not all of course. Some people have asked me to send them an email of the poster as their kids go to local schools so we have covered them that way. I hope to visit the ones not covered with some posters to see if they will put them up. Love from a VERY distressed Pat and the two lonely, very quiet girls. Sunday night (3) Email from Yvonne Young: My daughter who goes to Crestwood High School off Merindah Road has posted Angel's photo on her Facebook wall. So rest assured almost the entire Year 11 and 12 population who live in the Baulkham Hills area will be on the look out for your little darling Angel. Fingers crossed this will be a happy ending. Monday night Luck is NOT my middle name. I become more distressed every day when I hear nothing. There have been no reported sightings of Angel for two days now and today was supposed to be a good day when "found" dogs were delivered to the Pound. I went out to Blacktown but Angel has not been found. Bronwynne Goyen did Hawkesbury Pound for me but no luck there either. I am almost demented with fear that I will never see my baby again. I so hope that I am wrong. I am hoping again for tomorrow just as I was yesterday. Love from a distraught Pat and the girls. Tuesday night We had a Tuesday night trial at Castle Hill. I turned up early and there were already a few people there - and the first thing I heard was that Pat had received a phone call from Fran & Mike K from Excelsior Avenue in Castle Hill, who saw the advertisement about Angel in Gumtree. Robyn Jones had just driven her out there and we waited for about ten agonising minutes until the call came through. 22
YES, IT WAS ANGEL THEY HAD IN THEIR GARDEN!! I jumped up and down yelling with joy and all the others setting up for the trial saw and heard, and joined in! What a magnificent moment after the punishment of the last few days! Robyn brought Pat and Angel back soon after and there were many hugs and tears (happy ones, this time). Marissa Scheerhoorn, our Dogs NSW representative for the trial, had her camera with her so we were able to capture this most joyous moment for all to share. Thanks Marissa! Aftermath.. from Pat: Where can I begin? I would like to thank all of you wonderful people for the mountains of support that I have had over the past five days. That has kept me sane although not always as positive as I was trying to be about a good outcome. Each day that passed made me just that much more fearful that I would never see my baby again but she is home with the badly worn pads on her two front feet bandaged by the vet and an otherwise clean bill of health. This is the time when I would like to thank all of those magic people who have helped me through this time. I am not going to name people as I am sure with my head in the state it is in I would forget someone who was very important to me and that would be devastating for me. Instead I would just like to thank people for doing the various things that I was incapable of accomplishing on my own during the week. You all know who you are. Thank you to all of the people who: * Designed a number of different flyers, organised copying of flyers and then walked miles (showing my age here) to attach them in large numbers in the areas where Angel was sighted. * Walked or drove or cycled through parks, along streets and roadways sometimes for many hours and on several days searching for any sign of my little dog and asking questions of people that they met the way. * Placed advertisements in local newspapers so that the word spread far and wide. * Put information onto Facebook so that it spread rapidly throughout the "Doggy World" * Placed advertisements on Gumtree to disseminate the information to the wider community. * Contacted friends and relatives in the area where Angel was sighted and also contacted local schools via their friends, children and grandchildren. * "Conned" others to drive them around the areas while they looked out for my little Angel. * Kept looking past the obvious and offering me new solutions for dealing with the problem and tried to keep my thoughts positive. * Shed tears of sorrow with me when Angel remained missing for too long and then cried tears of JOY when she was found. * Drove me to collect my baby when I was in no state to drive myself. You people are all the most wonderful friends that anyone could ask for and I am eternally grateful for the help you have given to keep me focussed and positive over this gruelling time. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart because you are all responsible for the return of my Angel. May Angels watch over you as they have over me in the past few days. I love you all and so does a VERY tired little Angel who has slept nearly all day on her favourite dog bed. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Love from Pat and the girls 23