2007 Olympics Results        Candid Photos

Results and candid photos are courtesy of the GSDC of Southern New Hampshire.

 

 

By Becky T. Dickson

The 10th annual Northeast Conformation Olympics drew more than 50 top-quality

German Shepherds from across the region on April 14, 2007.

The panel event is held in Oxford, Mass., sponsored by Bay State German Shepherd Dog Club and the German Shepherd Dog Club of Southern New Hampshire.

The judges were respected breed enthusiasts John Vaught (Masstana) , Denise Black-Hollister (DePahl Shepherds) and Marilyn Rossi-Smith (Darby-Dan Shepherds). And boy, they worked hard: The 3 to 5 month puppy bitch class, for example, drew 15 entries. We couldn’t have asked for better weather – a single sunny day sandwiched  between two Nor’easters) or a better turnout.

For those not acquainted, this is a terrific educational event for both handlers and dogs. Each dog is individually examined by three judges, including coming and going three times, and gets loads of practice gaiting around the ring.

Every dog in every class is ranked, even the class of 15, by all three judges. The scores are compiled by two people ringside. The dog with the lowest number of points (usually ranked first or second by each judge) wins the class, followed by the second-lowest, and so on. The judges are not allowed to confer, unless there is a runoff – and there usually is – providing more practice for the pups.

Winners from each class come back to compete for Best Male and Best Female, and finally for Best of Olympics. This year, the club’s decided to celebrate their Diamond Anniversary by giving cash prizes, which were generously donated by club members and other breed enthusiasts from the Northeast.

Our Best Male and Best of Olympics was Windy Acres-Dirigo Lookin for Trouble, a 9-12 month puppy dog, owned by Amanda Ireland, Laurie Pruett and Ariel Cassista.

Best Female was Windy Acres’ Whole Lotta Luv, a 3-5 month puppy bitch also owned by Laurie Pruett and Ariel Cassista.

Special thanks go out to Danwmarie Pieger, our photographer extraordinaire. And especially to the members of both clubs who worked so hard to make this event a huge success: Donna and James Brown, Harolyn Thiemke, Elizabeth Annand, Val Duchaney, Linda Colby, Holly Whitney, Emily St. Hilaire and Karen Harms; and to everyone who pitched-in to help setup and cleanup, pick up trophies, ribbons, judges’ gifts, take entries and sell raffle tickets.

(For information on how to host an Olympics in your region, contact Becky at GretchAnya@aol.com or 603/746.6847.)