New AKC National Lure Coursing Champion!
This past weekend started out cold and windy! Not the kind of weather that Miss Spirit likes, that is for sure. The NLCC starts out as 2 individual AKC lure coursing trials. Spirit is a very consistent runner and did well, earning a 2nd place in the Specials stake both days, but ended up making it to the NLCC finals event by having the highest combined score (tied with another dog) from both days.
By the time we got to the Best In Event/finals, the weather had changed. The sun was out, the wind was gone and the temperatures had risen. Much better running weather for this red girl. The crowd enjoyed it as well and the hillside was covered with spectators, all excited for the upcoming event. The finals course was set up and the final runs began!
The whippet BOB run was beautiful, all 4 dogs ran their heart out and in the end it was given to Miss Spirit. I was thrilled and overwhelmed with joy that this special girl had won the honor of being the 2010 AKC Whippet Breed Finalist. However, Spirit said she was not done and insisted that she had more to give me.
The Best in Event consisted of 4 runs/10 dogs - Spirit was initially paired with the Greyhound (in the 3rd run) and started out having a gorgeous run that was stopped mid-course because the judges felt that the Greyhound was injured. Since she did not run the full course and it was a run of only 2 dogs, they asked her to run again as the 3rd dog in the 4th course. After the initial runs, the judges brought back 4 dogs - a ridgeback, a basenji, an ibizan hound and Spirit. I wish someone had video-taped this final run as it was truely a sight to see! These 4 incredibly talented dogs, all running together, were breathtaking and a sight I will not forget.
The overwhelming joy of hearing her name announced can not be expressed in words. Knowing the company that she was running with, I am truley honored that Spirit was awarded this prestegious title of National Field Champion for 2010! While this girl always runs with her heart, I know on this particular day she was running for me! She gave me her whole heart and made a dream come true! I hope that the "late" great Lyle and her "late" grandpa Moe would have been proud of her running!
I want to thank everyone who made this day happen. I want to thank her breeders for allowing this special girl to live with me. Spirit is a beautiful girl, an amazing athlete, and a loving companion. This talented girl has proven everything there is to prove about her on the coursing field. I can't ask anymore of this her. Thank you Miss Spirit!! From this point on, she is offically retired. I know you have other great accomplishments to achieve! I can't wait to see what your future holds for you next! I know that you will forever be running in your heart! Run on Spirit, Run on!
Deana
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