They came from different worlds

She has been in the sport for years.  She no longer tracks for titles, instead uses her extensive background and easy going manner to train her dogs to succeed in the real world.  She became a trainer to help others; she became a judge to give back to one of her favorite sports. She works with the local law enforcement, and is respected because she is one of the best at what she does.

He is a relative newcomer to the sport.  A Texan with a bigger than Texas attitude.  He has worked to move the sport he loves forward, and away from antiquated training techniques.  This has rankled the old establishment who find him an upstart; his books and writings have inspired many to work in different ways and to achieve what they thought was not possible.

One weekend in February they both fled the snow and ice of their homes to come together in Pinehurst, NC on a balmy February morning. They came to teach others about the sport they care so much about.  Eighteen people came to work their dogs. A surprising number for a mid-winter working seminar.  A dozen more came to watch, walk, listen and learn as others worked.  They talked and played games, learned to trust and believe in their dogs and their own abilities.  Most of all they had fun.

In the end (and after expenses) almost two thousand dollars was raised to support the tracking tests at the 2008 National Specialty, and a Judges dinner and perhaps a roundtable discussion night so that others can learn more about tracking.

You too can see them in action at the National in Perry, GA in April … as they judge the sport they both love. Mary Thompson from York, ME and Ed Presnall from Sharon, WI. An unlikely combination giving back to the Club and to the Tracking Community.