SH Pass Number Two
10 Matilija Loe’s Amaze Me JH Owner: Liz Harward
Handler: Cheri Bates PASS
The test was challenging- the land series was a double with a diversion shot on the second bird, a blind out about 75 yards for the third bird and then an honor. Carmen nailed her marks and handled well on the blind- right to the bird after three sits.
Cheri makes it look so easy! The water test the swims were shorter as it had started to rain and was freezing. I think the judges were cold! Another double but only about 50 or 60 yards through water and then up on land but the birds were in holes. The second water bird was more challenging then the first, longer and thrown out on an island but wet with some light cover – Carmen’s duck sank, she went out and came back then went out again farther and found it easily and she used her nose. It was a mark but she looped around and seemed to remember where it landed. It was a wet, dirty nasty bird that she held onto easily. The blind was then left across water and then up a short hill on land to the bird. She had one cast refusal and wanted to go to the area where she had found that first bird but she listened to Cheri and followed her casts. Brought that duck right to the judge but Cheri got her to heel and took the duck from her. Very nice work for the weather and conditions. Some Goldens were tip-toeing in the water- Carmen flew.
I got to watch in freezing wet Texas winter weather and that was icing on the cake. Carmen came back home with me for some winter shows. She is a joy to work with and cracks me up on a regular basis. What a nice four year old Lab she has grown into- thank you Cheri Bates for all your hard work! Now for those last two legs!
Thanks to Carrie Eberhardt for this photo. 