Hamilton’s Happy Red Letter Weekend
Bless little Hamilton who was exhausted when Tom took this photo Sunday afternoon at the end of two days of working hard at our local Del Monte Kennel Club’s annual December AKC scent work trials held at the Monterey Bay Charter School in Pacific Grove. Trial Chairperson Sara Mattson, Judges Suzanne Edholm, Lisa Kretner, Suzanne LeRoy, Jill Kessler-Miller, and Wendy Spradlin, volunteers, and competitors, thank you all for making everything run really, really smoothly, in spite of some unforeseen delays. From parking lot chat, I heard only very enthusiastic comments about the entire weekend.
Hamilton is always such an understanding little trouper. Both days, while Tom and I were volunteering, he waited and rested, most patiently, in our motor home. He also served as the unofficial and friendly parking greeter for anyone who stopped by to say hi. Tom was right outside our motor home where he took candid photos of competitors and their canine teammates. I was serving as Judge Suzanne LeRoy’s steward both days.
Each time I came back to the motor home, Hamilton got very excited, because he knew it was his turn to search. We have our little routine, as I don his scent work harness and leash, put on my treat pouch and share private words of encouragement with Hamilton. It’s a special time for us. On Saturday, Hamilton earned his Master Level Container Element Title, and, on Sunday, he Q’d in 11/12 searches among all four elements, Containers, Interiors, Buried, and Exteriors. Most importantly, he was bubbly happy, focused and confident. I loved it when, during his Interior search, Judge Suzanne Edholm said, “Wow! Look at Mr. Independent go!,” as Hamilton zipped around the area and found the two hides in the first room and, then, as he found the other hide in the second room.
I absolutely love our scent work family, as I’ve said many times, because everyone truly cares and is supportive. Hamilton and I couldn’t ask for a more nurturing environment, as we learn and grow in this fantabulous sport. Thank you to our trainers, Suzi Bluford and Jill Kessler-Miller, and to all the judges who give us so much inspiration with such positive words and constructive advice. We are very lucky…Hamilton and I.
