BARKER BLOG

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.

MARCH GROUP WALK

Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 10 AM

We will meet at Weymouth Woods – Sandhills Nature Preserve, located at 1024 N Fort Bragg Rd, Southern Pines. We’ll meet in the parking lot. Plan to come a little early to talk with new friends and say hello to the old friends, tie your shoelaces, etc. We’ll start a trail at 10 AM.

January FIT DOG Walk

The First FIT DOG WALK of the year is in the books. The weather cooperated, and we took a walk in the Pinehurst Arboretum after meeting near the Pinehurst Brewery. We walked, laughed, talked and generally got a lot of needed exercise and socialization for ourselves and our pups. WIN-WIN.

Thank you, FIT DOG Chair Kathy Pellerino for organizing us – I think we can all agree it is a lot like herding cats. And you are uniquely suited for this!

Check out FIT DOG WALK Schedule