We received some impressive news this week about one of the puppies from our Summer 2015 litter. Edgar, who lives in the Madison area of Wisconsin, earned a Prize II in the NAVHDA test of Natural Ability, no small feat.
Here is what his people shared about their experience:
“Today I write with some extra exciting news. Yesterday, Edgar ran his NAVHDA NA test and earned a Prize II! (He got dinged one point in Search but did very well in all other categories for a total of 101 points.) We’ve been trying to expose him to as much as we can–different weather, terrain, animals, scents. The point off for Search was on us–we had worked with scent and wings but hadn’t had the opportunity to put him on a live bird, so yesterday was really his first time. When the day was over, we chatted with one of the judges about what we can work on, and she was incredibly surprised that he hadn’t worked with live birds before–given that, she said his performance was quite excellent.
Funny story regarding the pheasant tracking portion–the bird was released in an alfalfa field and ran to the adjacent soy bean field. The truck full of the pheasant stock was parked about 75 yards to the left. (Can you tell where this is going?) Edgar was on the running bird’s scent right away and for a good while, diving straight into the soy in pursuit, no hesitation. But then the wind changed. He emerged from the soy and made a bee line…for the truck full of pheasant. He was so excited, he was circling and hopping as if to say, ‘Forget the one bird, I just found 10!’
He’s proving to be a fearless boy who will try anything we ask him to do. He loves people, other dogs, and adventures. It was so much fun watching him work yesterday, and we enjoyed trading stories and tips with other participants. There seven in our group running NA and most had done it many times before. The most important part is, Edgar had a blast.
In other news, Edgar is now a whopping 65 pounds of solid muscle. His coat remains fairly short and very coarse, and his furnishing are filling in nicely. His beard and unibrow are so handsome, and he’s sprouting thick tufts of hair on his elbows. We love watching him cut through brush and prance through tall grass like a graceful little deer, or patrol the yard for mice and butterflies. And you should see him swim! When he has lake access, Edgar he takes himself out for little recreational paddles–all his idea, no bumper or coaxing necessary. He also learned how to ride in a canoe.”
Congratulations to Edgar and his wonderful people!