The Jack Russell Terrier Club of Canada
2006 National Trial

September 23rd and 24th, 2006
Valens Conservation Area, Cambridge, Ontario

(JRTCC Annual General Meeting,
Friday September 22nd, 2006 )

The JRTCC is proud to report our National Trial for 2006 saw over 130 dogs compete in a variety of events that tested their natural instincts and abilities.

The following events were held: Conformation, Racing, Agility, Obedience, Lure Coursing, Go-to-ground, Puissance(High Jump) and Ball Retrieval.

Opening up the Trial to JRTs recorded or registered either with the JRTCC, the JRTCA or the JRTGB succeeded in encouraging participation from club members and breeders resident in the U.S. as well as from Canada. Linda Quinn, of Quinn's Working Terriers, made the long haul from Texas, a 22-hour run! Worth her while, I imagine, since I saw her proudly posing with her terrier, her trophy and Conformation Judge Doug Tack.

Not just the pros, but rookie handlers and terriers also weighed in. Many a favorite was ousted by a fleet newcomer, speeding by to take an unexpected first!

The official Trial Program could not list all who helped out, so perhaps we can voice our appreciation here.

First, thanks to Valens Conservation Area which was a great location and to the staff who made us welcome.

Volunteers

First among the unsung heroes of the Trial is Sandy Kitely, of JRRanch, who talked up the Trial, offered expert advice and made healthy donations to the raffle. Pam Chiappetta of Panache Terriers did hours of yeoman work as Ring Steward, and also donated a tonne of valuable gift baskets to the raffle and to the Rescue, from herself and Sally Holmes. Sue Murphree, of Troon Quarry Ranch, had to bow out due to a last minute emergency, and generously donated part of her fees to support the event. Friends dropping in to see the trial ending up pressed into service, spending hours helping out, at whatever was needed. Thanks to all of you: Krystyna Roberts, Michelle Gnutzman, Robin Carmichael, Mary-Lynn Howell, Bill Brooks, Kelley Stewart, Dougal Haggart, Gerry Arnoth, Ann Arnoth, JC Seymour, Katrina Challice, Kimberly Hoard-Miller, Kathryne Braithwait and Lauren Bond. If I have missed anyone out, my apologies.

A very special thank you for the efforts of Bob Franklin and his brother Don. We were incredibly fortunate to have Bob lend his expertise and his equipment to our event, and his patient work compiling race lists and organizing the racing.

Raffle Donations

Thanks to all of you who made donations and who bought raffle tickets, the raffle was able to raise nearly $1000. Check your Trial Program for the ads, these represent some of the individuals and organizations who donated goods and services as prizes for the raffle, such as: Rosenberg Chiropractic, Global Pet Foods, Docks Pet Food, Small Wonders Pet Emporium, OSL Marketing, For Paws and For You, Angel Hair, Mary Kay, Ren's Pets, Kromer Radio, the JRTRO and Kennel Café. Other individuals who donated items for the raffle were: Debbie Mahon, Renee deVilliers, Shirley Buist, Sandy Kitely, Krystyna Roberts, Dougal Haggart, Brooks Kelley, Sandy Greenberg, James Beckwith, Jana Seymour, Bob Franklin, Sally Holmes, Sharlene Cobain, Pam Chiappetta, Pauline Nizich, Gaye Redpath and Kelley Stewart.

Judges

Without the generous assistance of qualified judges there would be no Trial. For his tireless attention, thanks to Doug Tack for judging Conformation. Thanks to Michelle Ward, for judging our child and youth handler classes.

Conquest Sundance
We are also grateful to Rose Reid and Dean Stewart for judging Racing and Go-to-Ground. Lauren Bond cheerfully gave us the benefit of her expertise, judging Agility on Saturday and Obedience on Sunday. In Lure coursing, as well as having to cope with drenching rain, Mark Harper judged dozens of eager competitors. Finally, thanks to Nick Pelych, our judge for Puissance and Ball Retrieval. The best time in Ball Retrieval was turned in by little Squishy, a rescue. It just goes to show -- All JRTs are champions, they just need a chance to let it out!