26th NBHA Futurity and Puppy Classic By Charlie Sackett Picture: Front Row: Bobby Phillips with Bob’s Elhew Jill, Gary Malzone with A Carolina Shadow, Bobby Taylor with Merritt’s Spud, Ed Cooley with Royal Return and Hunter King

Read More

Throughout the week there are several side events that deserve mention. The previous year’s winner of the Puppy Classic hosts a dinner and happy hour. This year Wild Covey Kennel hosted a fish fry for a clubhouse full of hungry competitors and some special guests. Including Dean Reinke and Gailen Cooper of Purina and Jim Morehouse of Tri Tronics. Well known owner of National Champion Lester’s Snowatch, Gary Lester was a welcome visitor one and kept us entertained with his great stories. Chef Gebhardt and Jason Kemna fried catfish and French fries until everyone got their fill. There were unsubstantiated rumors that the cooks had a secret stash of crappie filets for their private consumption. Who knows? I can promise you however that it was a fine meal!

Read More

The Jerry Kilgore Puppy Classic exemplifies the raw, untarnished talents of puppies that have the potential to move on to bigger and better things. 15 of the sharpest puppies you could ask for were brought to the line. This year’s winner is Decoy Lakes Nighthawk for owner/handler Larry Wade. Nighthawk ran a mature, forward, and edge running race that had you sitting up in the saddle looking. 2nd was Gailen’s Trading Up for owner/handler Gailen Cooper. Katy had a nice race and 1 stylish find. 3rd was Wild Covey Backlash for Tony King. Jack ran a stylish and well patterned race with an up front find. 4th was Bob’s Elhew Jill for Bobby Phillips. Jill was forward throughout her race and looking good. There were others that impressed for periods of time, but were just a little behind the top 4.

Read More