AskEm was awarded second place in the Amateur All-age by judges Brian Sonier and Don Mock at the Southern Wisconsin Sporting Spaniel Club trial last weekend. He handled the thick, tall cover very well, finding his birds and completing his retrieves cleanly.
As the highest placing SWSSC member Amateur dog, AskEm also earned the Don Brunn Sr. Memorial Challenge trophy, a/k/a “The Duck.” It’s always an interesting trip down memory lane to look at the names on a trophy that’s been around for some years. To begin with, the trophy was donated by Gerry Sommer, who holds a special place in my heart (as well as everyone else’s who had the pleasure to know Gerry). Fittingly, the trophy was first awarded to White Oak Slash, owner/handler Bob Sommer, in 1989. In 1992, Dean won possession with FC AFC Raintree Sassy Lady. In 1998, Dean won again with Tigger (FC AFC CFC Fieldbourn’s Ruger), in 2002, with Sassy’s daughter, AFC Raintree Bonnie Lady, and in 2004, with Jessie (FC Gre-shar Mrs. James).
More Raintree connections: in 2003, Brian Sonier won the trophy with Saber, Raintree Brass Tiger, a Tigger x Brassy son. In 2010 the trophy was presented to FC Raintree Wind in the Willows, “Willow.” Her (and Sail’s) sire, the late, great FC AFC Eagle Brae’s Good Sport won in 2000, following in the paw prints of his dam, Ariel of Melchris, the 1994 winner, both handled by owner Jim Naber.
AskEm and I are honored to find a place in such esteemed company!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Are you the first lady handler on there?
No, Lynn Christen had that honor with Slacker
.
Wow, what a great history lesson, as well as great dogs and handlers listed.
I’m so proud for you! That has to really be a special SPECIAL trophy to house for the next year. I think it would look good in a place of honor on that dry sink you bought at the Amish store – but the dry sink needs a special-er place of honor then!
Many congratulations! That is fabulous!
Thanks, Deb! As a matter of fact, the trophy is gracing that cabinet, but I haven’t found it a better spot yet.