Jacks at the AAC Agility Nationals - Small, but mighty
by Fran Jensen, September 2008
I wanted to let you know how well the JRTs did at the Agility Association of Canada National Championships, held in mid-August 2008 in Sussex, New Brunswick.
Although there were only 8 JRTs in attendance, 6 of the 8 managed to finish in the top 10 of their classes - a wonderful achievement, given that there were approximately 500 dogs competing over the three day event. Placing top 10 at Nationals is something most owner/handlers only dream about.
I tried to contact all of the owners and here, in no particular order, are their results and comments-Penny Hewitt and Kricket - 4th place - 10" Regular
Kricket was a rescue from the Sarnia Humane Society when she was only about 4 mths old and she turned 7 on the Sunday of the Nationals. “She has been a lot of fun and a lot of work, and I love seeing her smiling when she is running a course. It wasn’t always that way, but the journey has been fantastic. I do think that when you own a Jack you have to have as much tenacity as they have, to work with them, and enjoy it.”
Roxanne Pardiac and Monroe - 15th place 16" Regular
Monroe is a white with tri marking and her birthday is August 27th, 2000. She’s from Foxtrot Kennel in Belleville. She’s only been doing agility for 3.5 years and received her ATCH in May of this year. “I love her very much and she’s tons of fun to run.”
Jen Sheidt and Freeway - 2nd place - 6" Specials
Freeway was found wandering on a deserted highway when she was between 6-9mths. old; she is now about 8 years old. Freeway is Jen’s little girl, 10 3/4" tall and she’s been competing in Agility for 6 years. They live in Alberta. Jen has two Jacks - Freeway and Titan, whose skateboarding skills are legendary. “She is part of my demo dog agility team, and has taught me more than I could ever give back.”
Chad Zimmerman and Gizmo - 5th place 6" Specials
Gizmo is a black and white JRT, owned by Roxanne Pardiac (see above) and run by Roxanne’s husband, Chad. Gizmo’s birthday is June 29th, 1999, from a breeder in the Collingwood area. “ This was Gizmo’s first Nationals and Chad’s as well. They truly form a great partnership. Very fun to watch them, Gizmo loves to run for his dad. I will always have a JRT in my house, I love these two so very much. They have so much character and they’re always up to something.”
Linda Smith and Bean- 4th place, 6" Veterans
Edmonton, Alberta - Bean is a 7 year old rough coat jack, from a breeder in Winnipeg. She competes in flyball (almost 70,000 points), as well as AAC and NADAC agility. “ She is vocal with little barks or grumbling but is so cute when she plays with her skinny sistas....two whippets and 2 Italian greyhounds." Linda and Bean would like to send out "big kudos to all the other jack people....Good on you all.”
Fran Jensen and JRRanch Dee Dee - 7th place 10" Veterans
Dee Dee, my 9 year old rough coat jack, is from JRRanch. What she (sometimes) lacks in speed, she more than makes up for in accuracy. Dee Dee ran clean 6 out of 6 runs at Nationals in the very competitive 10" Veterans class, running against several Border Collies and other larger breeds. She exceeded ALL of my goals for us at Nationals this year, including breaking the 500 point mark. “ I couldn’t be prouder of my little "Princess". Special thanks to Sandy and Judd Kiteley for sharing both their motor home and the AAC Nationals experience with us.”
Diane Mapes and Rugby - 35th place - 16" Regular and
Pam Nixon and Ernie - 2nd place - 10" Specials
Ontario
- didn’t hear from them.
Hope to see even more Jacks at AAC Nationals next year, so start training now!!
