DOCK DOGS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALIST 2020 !!”The” Bernhardt did it. We were in the October 25/2020 top six Speed Retrieve Express finals in Dubuque, Iowa !!
In a stunning upset to be remembered the little American Staffordshire mix rescue from Texas had to deal with a very sleepy 0.85 reaction time of his handler to eventually take over the reins. Upon release he leaped in a gigantic effort close to the 20 ft TWENTY FEET mark and took roughly 9 energetic swim strokes to take the bumper down. His swim time ended up being 6.856 seconds starting from half the 40 foot dock.
There would be a lot more to write here – all the hurdles and obstacles along the way plenty – but for now I leave with Kimberly Cheney s words looking at the than six months old puppy that was in rough shape just being found wandering lonely along the roadside – “There is something really special about this dog…..I just can’t point to what that is” Well here it is some of it – a true ambassador for his kind that will go all out with a heart to overcome the likes we rarely ever see.Keep on my friend show us how it’s done in your world and thank you for paving our road to finals – wasn’t me much to get there !
October 25/2020 the finals !
8.247 SECONDS – TWICE !! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FIVE OTHER FINALISTS BEATING US AT THE 2020 DOCK DOGS WC – well done !!In the end we ended ranking sixth out of forty competitors having made it to the final round – Bernhardt swam two IDENTICAL times at 8.247 which might be a consistency record of its own. For us, from where we started, our on rare occasions rather humbling level of experience, the total ground zero we had to launch from created at the NADD Nationals just two weeks ahead of worlds, make my dog and I champions no matter the place nor the prize really – just having done the entries would have been great !
In the final round the jump of the dock looked way early, there was a deeper landing with a little ear irritation, the reaction time had still ways to go and the swim didn’t look as strong. Well, that is animal training and showing – there is always the probability of gigantic swings, which makes it so interesting . And at THAT level EVERY dog is just VERY GOOD !!
The whole event was a superior all out undertaking by Dock Dogs to deliver exceptional conditions and customer (dogs) service. There was an open practice pool with any rig one needed open all the time, the pools were set on a HEATED hockey floor and the water was just lovely warm – high 70s/low 80s. The indoor spacious and floor mats all around,electric floor sweeping, there was a heated crating tent, social activities and daily strictly reinforced COVID safety measures. Ongoing temperature checks, social distancing, great airflow made us feel truly safe. The staffers and rig crews were superb in their helpfulness,nothing was ever to much no matter who you were or where you came from or what dog you had. They were there to help the dogs, the people any time under any circumstance.I had the exceptional pleasure to be supported by the very best crew worker I have met throughout our career Thomas Platts. What a gem and superman he is. Thank you !!
Dock dogs had set the ultimate championship standard for a year of COVID – on that venue there was no substantial profit to be made – they had GIVEN THEIR ALL for their customers and for some of the world’s finest and best dogs and competitors. Also thank you to my friend Pamela Doolittle pushing my realistic judgement button and all your priceless assists. Without you we might have had a NO SHOW.Bernhardt’s fabulous consistency – even under truly basic correct conditions slightly off the average norm – very reliable performances puts us en route to eventually qualify for another Dock Dogs final. Knowing what those are about we sure shall try.
