MIDWEST MAGIC

By Martha L. Graham

    Long before Halloween, Airedale lovers from across the country experienced magic in Wisconsin..  It is not often that an event comes together much as a symphony.  Many months of work by many people were rewarded by one of the finest National Floaters we have had in years.  In a relaxed atmosphere of cooperation and hospitality, the Airedale Terrier Club of Illinois, the Twin Cities Airedale Terrier Club and the Wisconsin Airedale Terrier Club provided visitors with a terrific schedule.

          The Olympia Resort Hotel and Spa Conference Center near Waukesha, Wisconsin was a great choice for our headquarters hotel.  The grounds, rooms, banquet facilities and spa opportunities were excellent.  We were made to feel very welcome and every effort was made by the hotel staff to insure our comfort and provide any service we requested.            Events started on Wednesday evening with a welcome reception hosted by the Wisconsin Club.  It was early to bed for most, after a long day of travel and an 8 a.m. Hunting and Field Event-Upland the following day.

          Thursday morning proved to be one of the magic events of the Floater.  Our Hunting and Field Committee motored us out to the Wern Valley Hunt Club.  Hot mugs of coffee greeted us in addition to AKC representatives waiting to see our “wares”.  A cool, perfect morning, we followed instructions as we entered the fields, hip high in grasses.  It was noted that these still green grasses made it harder for the dogs as scent is easier to find in the fall when fields are brown. 

          The event was very well organized and many of us had tears (yes, tears) in our eyes as we saw what our dogs could do.  As you might expect, Airedales bring something extra to the “table” that hunting breeds don’t seem to have.    Exuberant in their determination to find and retrieve their birds and strong in their focus, these dogs impressed all who attended…as well as the AKC representatives!   Simply said, they were beautiful. After the tests, a great hunt lunch was served and we learned more about the training and expectations for the hunt and field dogs.  Those of you there know that it was a “wow” time and truly magical.  Back at the “ranch,” the Illinois Club hosted an evening hospitality and those that missed the Hunt event were quickly made aware of how special this day was.

          Friday, the National Floater day began with a Continental breakfast and conformation judging indoors – in our indoor, air-conditioned ring inside the host hotel.  Ken McDermott had a handsome ring of Airedales to work through (see results elsewhere), and commented to several ringside workers as to the quality of his entry.

          Sweepstakes preceded the class judging with Vicki Barker taking a good group of youngsters through their paces.  The indoor ring worked well and gave the gallery great opportunity to see movement and type.

          Friday afternoon, the Hunt/Field dogs were tested on fur at the Kipp farm..  Gallery missing, they moved through their paces and performed well.  Following this event, a Farm Fest was held at the Kipp’s. 

          Who really knows how much time and effort were spent making this beautiful property so special, but memories will always come to mind of that special night.  Time to visit, time to share.  Wonderful food, music, games, an auction, cow judging, shared memories.

          This would have been more than enough, but the real magic happened as we were about to leave.  Suddenly, at dusk, thousands of fireflies hovered over the fields lighting the farm much like a Christmas tree . Our west coast friends had never seen such a sight and declared it “magic.”  I had to capture one just to show how they looked, up close.  The overwhelming comment was “they have their own flashlights!”  Hence, the title of this report was born.  It was truly magical and the warm feelings shared with all who were there will be with us for a very long time.  It is more than ribbons and trophies.  It is a common interest shared by really outstanding people who give greatly to pursue this wonderful sport of dogs.  Not just dogs.  Airedale Terriers.

          Saturday started with a “Grab and Go” breakfast and the WATC Specialty & Sweepstakes (see results elsewhere).  A great lunch was served by the WATC.  That evening a banquet and auction was enjoyed at the host hotel hosted by WATC, ATCI & TCATC.         If you were not able to be there, we missed you.

          As I mentioned earlier, sometimes things just come together in a very special way.  Surely this was one of those times.  Bonds both new and old were strengthened, our sport enjoyed, our new venue for Hunting & Field celebrated, our fantastic breed appreciated and our future looking bright.  Thank you to all that made this magical time happen.  We won’t forget it!

Great Lakes Area National Specialty -- July 25,2008

Specialty Report by Elizabeth Joseph 

            The site for this year’s floating specialty was the Olympia Resort located in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

            The Airedale Terrier Club of Illinois hosted a continental breakfast before the start of the Floater.  It was held inside the hotel’s ballroom, which made seating and climate very comfortable. The entries were beautiful to watch. The ballroom floor had protective flooring which caused some movement to be off on dogs not accustomed to the feel.  After the completion of the floater, it was off to the Hunting & Field Fur event which was held on property located within the Kipp’s farm.  The three clubs that made this floater such a success can take pride in knowing that their hard work and efforts paid off, with all in attendance agreeing that this was one special weekend of Airedale activities!

Judging Results

SWEEPSTAKES: Ms. Victoria Barker, Judge

Best in Sweepstakes/Best Junior in Sweepstakes: REDBEARD DON’T CRY FOR ME (B). By Ch. Redbeard Unforgettable x Ch. Redbeard All That Jazz II Breeder: Janice Schmidt & Marilyn Martin. Owner: Susan A Hill

Best Puppy in Sweepstakes: JET AIRE’S ROYALCREST (B) By Ch. Evermay’s High Performance x Jet Aire’s Victoria At Royalcrest. Breeder/Owner: Diane & John Turba

Best In Veteran Sweepstakes: CH. EPOCH’S SOMEWHERE IN TIME (B). By Ch. Serendipty Terrydale HK X-F x Ch. Epoch’s Something To Talk About Breeder/Owner: Douglas & Aletta Moore

Best of Opposite to Best Veteran In Sweepstakes: CH. STRONGBOW KNIGHT REGIT BERNABEE By Ch. Moraine Hold That Tiger x Ch. Huntwood‘s Expectation Promise

Breeder: Randi & Sandy Cooley& Scott & Susan Kipp. Owner: Dr. Craig Larrabee & Dr. Michael Bernklace

REGULAR CLASSES- Mr. Ken Mc Dermott, Judge

Best of Breed: CH HUNTWOOD’S WALTZING MATILDA (B) By Ch. Evermay’s High Performance x Ch. Huntwood’s Wildest Decision. Breeder: Susan Kipp & Adam Glas Owner: Robert & Andrea Berkowitz, Scott & Susan Kipp

Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed: CH.MARCHWOOD SPIRIT OF THE SOUTH By Ch. On Eagle’s Wings at Hollytroy x Ch. Greenfield Shaireab’s Aim High. Breeder: Sharon Abmeyer & Jeanne Johnson. Owner: Pam Soleski & Jeanne Johnson

Winners Dog: D’AIRE HUDSON HORNET  By Ch. D’Aire I’ve Got Rhythm x D’Aire Good Knight Irene. Breeder/Owner: Diane L & Richard A Schlicht

Reserve Winners Dog: FYREBRICK’S DOUBLE KNOT SEVEN By Ch. Timberwyck Maximum Overdrive x Ch. Fyrebrick’s Riverdance. Breeder/Owner: Rhae & Cary Drijber

Best of Winners/Winners Bitch: REGENT VANITY FAIR By Ch. Regalridge Leader Of The Pack x Ch. Regent Whistle Down The Wind. Breeder/Owner: Martha Graham

Reserve Winners Bitch: BRISTOL AIRES DREAMS COME TRUE By Ch. Evermay’s High Performance x Ch. Bristol Aires Yule Remember Me. Breeder/Owner Elizabeth Mattison

Best Veteran Dog: CH. STRONGBOW KNIGHT REGIT BERNABEE By Ch. Moraine Hold That Tiger x Ch. Huntwood’s Expectation Promise.  Breeder: Randy & Sandy Cooley, Scott & Susan Kipp. Owner: Dr. Craig Larrabee & Dr. Michael Bernklace

Best Veteran Bitch: CH. EPOCH’S SOME WHERE IN TIME By Ch. Serendipty Terrydale HK X-F x Ch. Epoch’s Something To Talk About.  Breeder/Owner: Douglas & Aletta Moore

OBEDIENCE/RALLY: Mr. Edward Haas, Judge

High Scoring : Strongbow Breezy Ella Louise CDX, RE. By Ch. Oakrun's Blue Jay of Paradym x Ch. Fyrebrick's Celtic Lady. Breeder: Bonnie and Gerald Pozolinski. Owner: Joyce and Craig Contofalsky.  Open B, 195.5