BARKER BLOG

MAGIC MOMENTS

Some of our Members use their dogs’ special talents to benefit the community. MCKC supports the Pet Responsibility Committee of Moore County with donations, and some of our Members also donate their time in the schools. The following was written by Member Kathy Pellerino about a recent experience volunteering:

  As a dog lover and owner, you know that if you really know your dog there are times in that relationship that will strike you so strongly that it almost takes your breath away. That feeling or reality will hit you right between the eyes and heart. I have had the privileged of having amazing relationships with a few dogs that have been in my life. Most of these special moments happen when my dog and I are visiting with groups of children.

  Recently my side kick and best friend Nikko and I, were the dog and handler team helping to educate 4th grade students about how to be a responsible pet owner. Nikko is a registered therapy dog and is allowed to be with students, and he honestly loves the interaction. Nikko has the ability to know what I am going to ask of him before I say it to him. I believe it is that inner connection that dogs tend to have. He loves to perform many tricks and he also loves to compete with me in different dog companion sports. Thus he can show to the kids, if we as humans can show love, compassion and respect for each other as well as animals, so much can be accomplished.

  Nikko and I were about done with helping all the volunteers give out awards for the special essays that were written by students, when I noticed one girl who had gone to the back of the library and she was crying. Nikko and I went back to check on her with her mom and she was upset that her essay didn’t win anything. Nikko was his intuitive self and started kissing her face to get rid of her tears. His goal was to comfort her. He succeeded, but I explained to her that even though she tried really hard, not everyone will win. I also explained that Nikko and I, when we go to competitions we don’t always win either. I know that Nikko and I have done our best, and I am really happy with that. We don’t always win a ribbon even though we had that goal, but he gets his treats and I get my magic kisses from Nikko and we both smile. Well, in the end she was a happy girl , and the fact Nikko was so concerned about her helped immensely. She went back to the group and had a smile on her face. Her mom was almost crying as was I.

  So you see, those magic moments will come when we least expect them. Dogs will, and can make magic. I see it often through my dogs and the special bond that can happen when you open you eyes and your heart. The best part is that I have the honor of not only experiencing it, but sharing it.

The March “March”

MUST RSVP TO KATHY PELLERINO
Join the Annual St Paddy’s Day Parade
Village of Pinehurst
Saturday, March 16, 2024

Arrive 8:30 – 9:30 AM

Park along Rassie Wicker. Join Route along Magnolia.
MCKC will march in conjunction with
Moore County Pet Responsibility Committee
and earn credit toward our Fit Dog Titles

Click each of these documents to enlarge:

Parade-Line-Up-InstructionsDownload
Parade-Route-1-1Download

SCENT WORK

Moore County Kennel Club is now OFFICIALLY licensed as an AKC Scent Work Club. This is a very exciting development and achievement.

Thank you Scent Work Chair, Giselle Engleka!

AGILITY REPORT

Moore County Kennel Club’s January 2024 Agility Trial Report,

By Committee Chair Sandy Fisher

It was another successful agility trial.  Entries were full each day (allowed 350 entries per day) with Friday and Saturday with a wait list.

Ursula brought the banner to display, and many positive comments were received.  It does help for the exhibitors to visually see the excellent work the club does with donations from profits made at the different dog events.

I want to thank Linda Ladner, Jeanne Baker, Marianne Melucci, Tom Savarese and Ursula Walsh for all their help with the set-up, working trial from start to finish, and for helping with the closing of the trial. As you know there is a lot of work to run a trial successfully.   A special thanks to our fabulous agility trial secretary Chris Tracey.  I also received daily help from the owner, Melissa Tiedermann.  Volunteers (those working the classes each day) enjoyed the Amazon gift card raffle throughout each day, 

Our judge was exceptional with her kindness toward exhibitors.  Dr. Kuterbach was also efficient and kept the trial moving.  Having two rings keeps the judge busy going directly to the next ring once one is finished.  Our course builders did a terrific job building the many courses throughout the day. It is an advantage having two rings because we can offer many more classes than having one ring (more profit for the club). It also allows exhibitors to leave earlier each day.  I receive positive comments about this arrangement.

Our first trial at Rising Star Canine Ranch a year ago was a learning experience for me as chairperson.  Since that trial I’ve organized the parking and downstairs crating to exhibitors’ crating out of their car, handicapped or cannot walk up and down stairs.  I’ve received positive comments about the crating and parking. There are 6 RV electrical hookups and dry RV camping available. 

I wish I was able to attend meetings but due to the time of the meetings, the drive to and from Pinehurst is too difficult with the roads.  Thank you to the officers and club members.  I truly respect the club and am glad our agility trials are successful.

SUGGESTION BOX

Charities, Events, Goals

If you could make a wish – any wish — what would you like to see as part of Moore County Kennel Club. Dreams are wonderful. They sometimes take years to complete. And that’s why we need a list now if we wish to plan for the future. Barker@MooreCountyKennelClub.com

You may have noticed that this club has been growing in member numbers and activities in leaps and bounds! In 2023, MCKC ran 10 Agility Trials and 2 Dog Shows per year, in addition to some well-attended Fun Days for Agility and Obedience.

In 2024, MCKC added 2 Rally Trials and 3 FastCAT trials (so far), as well as 2 Scent Work Trials in May (perhaps more). WOW. How did this happen, you ask? Each of these started as someone’s idea.

We cannot say it enough. Since 2010, our club has raised over $180,000 for dog-related charities. And we remain committed to this goal. If ANY member has a suggestion of a dog-related fund or charity, please contact Barker@MooreCountyKennelClub.com.

President Jane Hammett had been noticing the popularity of FastCAT, how dog owners loved the camaraderie and excitement, no matter the dog’s level of training. It was something that is just fun to do with your dog. She figured out how to make it work, and now the FastCATs run on her property are among the most popular in North and South Carolina.

Kathy Pellerino realized in 2023 that the number of Rally Trials available in North and South Carolina have diminished drastically. When the club voted to join with Myrtle Beach Kennel Club at the indoor Southeastern NC Agricultural Center for a 4-Day All-Breed Dog Show, Kathy seized the opportunity and championed adding 4 days of Rally — 2 days for Moore County and 2 days for Myrtle Beach.

Giselle Engleka has been an avid participant in Scent Work Trials. She contacted a Board Member and suggested the club start a SW program. It is a sport that literally anyone in any condition can participate. And it is gaining popularity within Moore County as well. Giselle was challenged to come up with a plan, by gathering information from AKC and other active SW Clubs on how to best go about it. She recruited knowledgeable Scent Work People to be Members and volunteers. And at the February Board Meeting, Giselle presented her business plan on how she planned to make this happen, and the BOD approved it.

This sounds like a lot of work on the part of these clever Members. And it is. But they didn’t have to do it alone. As when they made their initial suggestions, they were provided help, assistance, and sometimes leadership where needed by creative, organized and savvy membership and board.

AGILITY TRIAL REPORT

Moore County Kennel Club’s January 2024 Agility Trial Report,

By Committee Chair Sandy Fisher

It was another successful agility trial.  Entries were full each day (allowed 350 entries per day) with Friday and Saturday with a wait list.

Ursula brought the banner to display, and many positive comments were received.  It does help for the exhibitors to visually see the excellent work the club does with donations from profits made at the different dog events.

I want to thank Linda Ladner, Jeanne Baker, Marianne Melucci, Tom Savarese and Ursula Walsh for all their help with the set-up, working trial from start to finish, and for helping with the closing of the trial. As you know there is a lot of work to run a trial successfully.   A special thanks to our fabulous agility trial secretary Chris Tracey.  I also received daily help from the owner, Melissa Tiedermann.  Volunteers (those working the classes each day) enjoyed the Amazon gift card raffle throughout each day, 

Our judge was exceptional with her kindness toward exhibitors.  Dr. Kuterbach was also efficient and kept the trial moving.  Having two rings keeps the judge busy going directly to the next ring once one is finished.  Our course builders did a terrific job building the many courses throughout the day. It is an advantage having two rings because we can offer many more classes than having one ring (more profit for the club). It also allows exhibitors to leave earlier each day.  I receive positive comments about this arrangement.

Our first trial at Rising Star Canine Ranch a year ago was a learning experience for me as chairperson.  Since that trial I’ve organized the parking and downstairs crating to exhibitors’ crating out of their car, handicapped or cannot walk up and down stairs.  I’ve received positive comments about the crating and parking. There are 6 RV electrical hookups and dry RV camping available. 

I wish I was able to attend meetings but due to the time of the meetings, the drive to and from Pinehurst is too difficult with the roads.  Thank you to the officers and club members.  I truly respect the club and am glad our agility trials are successful.

MEMBERSHIP

First Readings were held for:

Katrina Haskell, Emma Lambeth.

We have new members. WELCOME.

Myranda Lee

Michael Brosnick

Tracy Rouch

Ken Shedarowich

Diane Shedarowich

John Zopatti

Alice Donoho

Boo Donoho

Nancy Rawlinson

Lynn Bain

Kevin Bain

Kristina Lengel

Lynne Teague

Kathy Balestrieri

MCKC’s FIRST FAST CAT

Congratulations Members on running a very successful and well-attended Fast Cat Event. Lead by Chair and President Jane Hammett Bright, our many volunteers helped people to feel at home and ran the event very smoothly!

Here are some scenes from the event.