setter letter mayjune

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

can’t believe we’re halfway through 2024 already nd the summer specialty and show circuit is upon s.

SAA has a wonderful lineup of specialties across the ountry. Please travel safely and best of luck to all ho are attending. Don’t forget to visit the events age on ESAA com to see the upcoming events and ad your Setter Letter for results!

s I’ve been reflecting on my first term as your ESAA esident, I am very pleased with the substantial owth we have seen across the organization. When I ecame president of the organization in July of 2022, my main initiative was to shift the focus on our members and for the ESAA leadership to be more transparent My focus was to better understand your vision of ESAA as an all-encompassing organization. We have listened and worked to fulfill as many of your ideas and requests as were a good fit.

I am happy to report we now serve and support several modalities of our sport with our beloved English Setters, including barn hunt, FastCat, rally, scent work, and dock diving, in addition to obedience, rally, agility, conformation, and -- the very essence of our breed -- field. We have so many activity options that bring our members together. With the support of the ESAA member chairs, these new initiatives are being supported by FB groups as well

I hoped to continue to build a solid future for our

SUSIE KERWIN BUSH

JUNE 12TH, 2024

club by increasing communication and transparency to the membership from the leadership as well as increasing our social media presence. To help achieve that goal, I identified a company that would build a new state-of-the-art website that would connect ESAA members across the US, Canada and internationally. We did that! The new website is performing extremely well Analytical reports state we have thousands of visitors across the globe every month I hope you are using and enjoying all its benefits.

Our current voting membership has grown to over 800 members I am pleased to say your leadership, members, and the new offering of our first year of membership” free” accomplished that. Most importantly, the renew rate of the first year free has a 60% conversion to paid memberships. With that said, along with the successes came the challenges The board and I encountered a couple of very challenging issues I didn’t anticipate. One challenge was the deferred (due to covid and other factors) annuals from 2018/19-20/21. The board voted to continue with the contract put in place by past leadership for 2018/19which was not recorded as being approved by the board. At my request, I asked the vendor of the four years to stop work until myself and the board could identify what has been completed and what had yet to be done. Post review, the board voted to split the 4 years into 2 books, 2 vendors I negotiated a new contract with another vendor, and it was presented to the board and approved to create and print the 20/21 book One of our biggest challenges was soliciting for volunteers to pull the information together.

SUSIE KERWIN BUSH

JUNE 12TH, 2024

Thanks to those who did step up!!! Without them and other volunteers, ESAA would be only a shell of an organization without meaningful accomplishments to support the membership. The books were created and published, but due to today’s increased materials, labor, and print costs, the Annual books financially were much more costly than budgeted for It was FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE and necessary to call the very difficult board vote to place the Annual production from 2022 forward temporarily on hold. It was blatantly clear that ESAA could no longer produce a hardcover printed annual for the following reasons: lack of interest, not enough ads submitted, not enough orders to offset costs for it to be affordable, high minimums, cost of printing and not enough book sales, which created a large financial loss for ESAA. This was the low point of my tenure as I was held to the current contract already in place. Please know ESAA historical data is being retained and printed in our newsletter until the board discusses and votes on how to move forward in the fourth quarter of 2024/early 2025.

If elected for another term, I plan to survey the membership on their thoughts in regard to the future of the ESAA Annual. I have researched a couple of options Just to give you a flavor, one being an Emagazine-quarterly for a minimal cost or a printed soft covered quarterly or annually with a member-pay of an additional $20 or $25 yearly Remember years ago, when we used to get a printed newsletter every month? I used to love seeing the dogs and reading all about the club and its members I couldn’t wait for it to come.

SUSIE KERWIN BUSH

JUNE 12TH, 2024

We can get back there, but members would need to be willing to pay approximately $20-$25 a year to receive four quarterly ESAA magazines to include ads from members and all club information for that quarter I would also like to request your support and the board’s approval to send an electronic version to all English Setter breed judges as well if this idea is selected by the membership I understand and respect the importance of retaining the history of our breed. First, we need to identify the “how” and understand it must pay for itself. Another issue is we need an Annual Liaison Committee. Without volunteer members stepping up to collect the Annual information, there cannot be an Annual, no matter how badly the members want it. As you will see, we spent large amounts of money this year on the creation and printing of the 2018/19 and 2020/21 Annuals as well as the new website, which cost about $35K. You will be able to view the final figures when the Yearly Financial Report is submitted and placed on the website In light of these “hits” to our treasury, the ESAA Board must be prudent with our funds going forward. The next couple of years will focus on identifying opportunities through various channels to create supplemental revenue to rebuild those funds. Let's switch gears! On an exciting note, our ESAA National planning is well underway. We have a full week of events scheduled in many areas of competition that will be held in the Midwest This year's ESAA National is being held at the Roberts Centre, Wilmington Ohio, a dog show facility near Dayton OH All of the current National information is on the ESAA website.

JUNE 12TH, 2024

SUSIE KERWIN BUSH

Log on frequently to view updates and deadlines. There will be updates and forms for you to complete, so check in often. In closing, I would like to take the time to thank and acknowledge all the ESAA members who volunteered their time and skills in some capacity. You are invaluable! I appreciate all of you!

As ESAA moves into the next term I am focused on the continued growth and success of ESAA. I am pleased with the progress we have made and look forward to more stability and growth in the future. I would be honored to serve another term as your ESAA President, with your support and vote. Please vote between June 10 and July 5th. If you don’t receive a ballot by the 10th, please contact Cindy Rice at housemouse2000@comcast net

PLEASE WATCH YOUR EMAIL FOR YOUR BALLOT!

REMEMBER, ONE VOTE FOR A SINGLE MEMBERSHIP AND TWO VOTES FOR A FAMILY.

I would like to wish everyone a safe, healthy and fun summer!

I am looking forward to seeing you at the National in Ohio!

Warm Regards, Susie

Susie Kerwin Bush/ESAA President 2022/24

FROM THE BREEDER AND STUD OWNER BEHIND MELANDES

TRACY WILES--BREEDER

Did you know melandes would be something special? If so, when?

Melandes was special early on always wanting to win when all the puppies raced to the milk bar… crawling over mom to make sure he found the perfect spot. He always watched what was going on around him and held eye contact early on. When the other puppies grew tired from their first outdoor ture he stayed awake watching the world.

did it feel exporting a puppy, and then ing him become an international success?

g a puppy with a new owner or co-owner … er 15 minutes away or half way around the is always emotional You want them to ed at what they do best… excel in the show erformance events, field events or as a ed family dog being loved is the priority. I tell he was where he belonged when he went rom the puppy class, every day his first nd out at an all breed show He shows well se he is loved… and getting to do what he best A quick kiss or hug to the judges after a prancing around the ring carrying a rosette he is still very much a puppy and an ng example that a show dog can succeed, be and play like a puppy.

ESAA JUNE 12TH, 2024

TRACY WILES, VANESSA MAYNARD, ASHA NAHAS PUBLICATION

Can you speak to your involvement as a breeder?

My first English Setter was a rescue born in 1989… grandson to American/Canadian/Mexican Champion Gold Rush Gold Miner Blues. We began showing in the 90’s and I started my breeding program from Sir Cedric lines. My first mentor was Joan Stainer and I treasure the hours we visited on the phone and in person at dog shows. She taught me not to be afraid to study pedigrees and not always look at what is popular… instead look at what you have and find a dog to compliment what you need for improvement. My other long time mentor, Mary Janoch, told me to not only look at what we see now but also look to the past. In 2000 I traveled to England and spent time with Margaret Barnes, Suntop English Setters. Her love and knowledge of the breed and stories about some of her dogs that became international champions inspired me to dream big and eventually hope to have a dog that could compete at that level.

Finally, after over 30 years, I no longer feel like a newby.

What was the goal for melandes’ breeding?

My goal for Melandes is not to be the popular dog but to be the dog that is used to complement a breeding program He is only 3 years old so still has a long way to go He will be collected and frozen this year so that hopefully, like his grandsire (CH Brasswinds Sonrise Ahhmen) someone will be interested 20 years down the road

PUBLICATION

CONTRIBUTOR

TRACY WILES, VANESSA MAYNARD, ASHA NAHAS

DATE

JUNE 12TH, 2024

ESAA

VANESSA MAYNARD--STUD OWNER

What is your role as a stud owner?

To improve the breed, when a female comes to me, I make sure they want to breed to him, and also that I want to breed to her. I don’t want to just breed because he’s a tri I love it because I met a lot of people being a stud owner. The more I did it the more I understood how important it is to be a part of He was my second stud dog, I learned more with Cooper what it takes. He has a 100% success rate with natural and 80% with TCI breedings. We tried frozen once and it didn’t take Each vet and each owner is different.

How does it feel to have your dog’s get succeed so greatly?

I’m more excited about his continuation than I am about his success. I am excited about Melandes’ success over in Europe I have a half-sibling to him who is the youngest English Setter to finish. I am happy with what he has contributed to the breed, and we are always looking for ways to improve on our success.

ESAA JUNE 12TH, 2024

TRACY WILES, VANESSA MAYNARD, ASHA NAHAS

Was there a goal for Melandes’ breeding? If so, what was it?

Tracy really kept saying that this was going to be something really good. She really wanted to improve everything There were other tris out there, but he was a solid all-around dog. Anna was similar in quality, so we thought the breeding would be really nice. Melandes really upped the ante of both Cooper and Anna. Anna has an old pedigree and we were interested in preserving that aspect.

What was it like watching a dog succeed overseas, vs watching other get succeed in America?

It seems to me that there’s bigger shows over there, Melandes seems to have traveled a lot more, and it amazes me how successful he’s become. To transition over there and be so successful is really cool. At 3 years old, his success has been incredible. Fun fact, he was born on my birthday! I couldn’t believe he did so well in Europe and then came over and won at Westminster.

A parting thought--we all rally around each other in the dog show world.

TRACY WILES, VANESSA MAYNARD, ASHA NAHAS PUBLICATION

AN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIR

This was not my first time showing in Europe, I showed the first time in 2018. Despite growing up there I have only attended shows as a spectator not an exhibitor. FCI has classes and titles divided differently than AKC and CKC It's more sex / age based than classes / specials here. I really prefer the uniform standard procedures we have here. It seems very free, up to the judge what happens in the ring over there. I have had a French judge, who did not do down and back at all. They put lot of emphasis on correct bites and full dentition as many sporting standards call for them. My judge also tried to use the wicket for almost all dogs ( with many not standing and the ground really was not leveled ). The Standard for English Setter size is higher than ours, they like their males large ( 26 inches approximately) to me all that were exhibited there would be just fine here , other than the more working type entries. Judges in Europe have truly a hard job to judge many types and styles in one ring, as many own original field type, some US lines, some UK and some have crosses between some or all The judge talked almost nonstop to the audience outside of the ring, and also dictating her observations to the person at the table typing it all on a laptop. In the end she picked her winners and explained why they were winners. It makes the judging go longer and I cannot imagine having this done with large entry.

What is it like showing at an international show (is ring procedure different, etc.)?

What was you r favorite part of the experience? How is it receiving judge feedback? If given the opportunity, would you do it again?

I guess receiving a feedback gracefully even if you don't agree with it is part of the dog show culture there. I am planning on doing it again next year in different country and different judges, so I am looking forward to it We focus more on the overall presentation of the dog, they focus more what is in the standard ( teeth, height etc. )

FAUGET CORP JUNE !2TH, 2024

MIA VAVROVA

UPDATE ON THE 2024 NATIONAL

2024 ESAA National Update

We are busy pulling all the pieces together for the National this year and we are so excited to be adding new offerings for performance sports and puppy sweepstakes starting this year

Currently, we are working on runs and/or a supported entry for FAST CAT with the Buckeye Samoyed Club on Saturday, 9/21/24, and Sunday, 9/22/24 at the K9 Splash Zone near Dayton, OH On Monday, 9/23/24 we will be having two English Setter only Agility runs at the Roberts Centre I would like to thank Carl Necker for all his hard work as our Performance Sports Chair in helping us move forward and plan for this year and beyond If you would like to volunteer to help on Carl’s committee, he can be reached at nmesagility@gmail com

On Sunday, 9/22/24 plans are in the works for a Hunt Test in Circleville, OH, with details forthcoming If you would like to volunteer to help, please contact our Hunt Test Chair BJ Parsons at bjsetters@aol com Thank you, BJ, for adding this great event to the National this year!

On Tuesday, 9/24/24 we will be having our first Scent Work Trial at the National! Many thanks to Louise Day for stepping up to be our Scent Work Trial Chair and Secretary This year we will only be having one trial from 8 am to 12pm but next year we hope to expand it to two trials with Louise’s team Naturally, we always need volunteers to help pull off these great new events so contact Louise at nfday@msn com if you would like to help

The Gun Dog Sweepstakes was such a terrific addition to the National last year that we decided to keep it as a permanent addition to our line-up of events on Tuesday evening At the member’s request, we have added a puppy sweepstakes to this year’s National on Thursday, 9/26/24, to start the day before class dogs and bitches judging Last year we experimented with taking out $10 per single and family membership for National trophies in lieu of donations As costs keep rising, we decided rather than raising our membership fees, the Board voted to return to member donations for the National We have some wonderful Wendell August Platters, Coasters, and Medallions planned for this year so please donate generously so we can keep providing these wonderful trophies for the National Additionally, we will also be using your donations for the 2024 ESAA National Championship Field Trial and the 2025 Wintergarden (Combined Setter) Specialties Thank you to Kathy CunninghamRoy who spearheaded this effort and has generously offered to take on the Trophy Donations Chair Donations can be done online at https://www esaa com/ or mailed payable to ESAA to Kathy Cunningham-Roy at 35 Booras Lane, Milford, CT 06461

For complete and up-to-date information on the 2024 ESAA National please visit our website at https://www esaa com/events/national-specialty-2024/ We continue to add content as events and items are finalized

If you have any questions or if we can be of help, please contact any one of us or the committee chair directly

Thank you,

Julie Brimble – 2024 ESAA National Co-Chair - somersetes@live com

Debbie Davis – 2024 ESAA National Co-Chair - emislsdavis@gmail com

Tannley Goldberg– National Specialty Coordinator – tannley@outlook com

APRIL 30TH, 2024 TANNLEY GOLDBERG

THE NAME OF THE GAME? CROSS TRAIN

By now, most everyone knows about ESAA’s Versatile English Setter program that started in 2019. Well over one hundred English Setters and their owners have earned VES titles which recognize their commitment to showing how versatile our breed is. You can learn more at ESAA Versatile English Setter Title – ESAA

When you see a dog with an alphabet soup in front of and behind their registered name, you might think where do their owners find the time? Don’t they work? Have families? Other commitments that take away from all that training time?

I’m here to let you in on a secret Cross training Cross training is teaching skills that can be used in multiple venues. And here’s another tidbit; dogs that learn to learn are easily trained to learn even more

Let’s start with the basics. Every dog should learn to sit, down, stand, stay, recall and walk nicely on a lead. This training starts the day your puppy comes home and will be used throughout their lives every day. These exercises don’t have to be formal or strict; they should be fun and rewarding Here’s a video of my Kenya a few years ago showing off some training we were doing at 15 weeks of age. CLICK HERE. All the skills should be practiced in multiple places to help your dog generalize. A sit in the living room is not the same as a sit in the back yard or the front yard or at the store, on the street, at the vet’s office That’s why you hear “but he does it at home!” The key is practicing in many places

When your dog has learned the basics, you have now set the stage to pursue most any companion sport that interests you. And you have primed the pump (taught the brain) to learn new skills easily Using the basics, you can earn Trick Dog and CGC titles Get your dog to retrieve a toy and now AKC Fetch is a possibility. When your dog can retrieve a toy or a ball, now training him to retrieve a dumbbell is a piece of cake. With some more practice, obedience and Rally titles are within reach. Your well-mannered dog can now bring joy to others through Therapy Dog You’ve already laid down some foundation for agility. Cross training makes all future training much easier and less time consuming as you are not starting from scratch for each sport.

Let’s talk a bit about training classes If you are lucky, you have access to businesses or clubs that offer a variety of classes to help you on your journey. Don’t discount the value of doing a class for a sport that might not be your top priority. Any time you can take your dog away from home to learn new skills around other dogs and people is worth its weight in gold They learn so much more than whatever skills are being taught They learn to work around distractions, strangers, dogs that look and act differently than they are accustomed to. And each time they succeed, it increases their confidence.

Classes aren’t just to help our dogs, they are to help us, too You will meet many people who are also interested in spending time with their dogs. They may not be interested in competing but they have made the commitment to enrich their dogs’ lives. You now have a new pool of like-minded people that may become friends or training buddies.

CONTRIBUTOR

How does training help conformation breeders? Participating in training or competition for companion sports increases your understanding of your dog’s temperament, biddability and resilience. By getting them out in the world with the expectation that they can work, you can see who they really are. In time, are they able to shut out the distraction of other dogs barking or walking around and demonstrate what they have learned? Are they able to settle down and wait their turn? Are they okay with the errant dog rushing up to them? Do they recover from unexpected loud noises away from home? What you learn can be incorporated into your breeding decisions.

Pursuing versatility with our English Setters is not as daunting as it sounds Basic skills are the foundation for most every sport that interests you. Even if you don’t want to compete, you have enriched not only your dog’s life but yours as well. And most importantly, you have created a bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.

Sue Johnson VES Tabulator

CANINE PARVOVIRUS MONOCLONAL

ANTIBODY IS HERE

As most of you know, Canine Parvovirus is one of the most common causes of illness and mortality in dogs. It is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that prevents cells of the intestinal lining from absorbing nutrients, retaining fluids, and fighting bacterial infections. While vaccination is highly recommended and can help prevent parvo from happening, there have been no treatment options for dogs that become infected, until now.

Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA) is the first USDA-conditionally approved, one-dose treatment option for parvovirus in dogs 8 weeks of age and older

CPMA is a synthetic antibody that mimics a dog’s own antibodies, binding to Canine Parvovirus and neutralizing it before it can enter the cell, delivering a high level of defense (2) In a clinical trial, mortality was prevented in all CPMA-treated dogs and demonstrated 100% efficacy in the prevention of mortality when administered as a sole therapy at the first positive test In comparison, there was a 57% mortality in untreated dogs. Additionally, CPMA-treated dogs had faster resolution of vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Lastly, CPMA was well tolerated in dogs that received the treatment. When a reaction occurred, it was relatively mild, and most symptoms resolved within one day.

CPMA is available to your veterinarian by Elanco Pharmaceuticals It is delivered frozen, and the average shelf life is one year. This is a very exciting development and gives breeders hope in fighting this devastating disease.

J RAISOR PHD

ESAA

MICHELLE

THE RISE OF RATTING

In the realm of canine sports, an intriguing trend is capturing the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwideratting sports. Among these, Barn Hunt stands out as a popular choice, drawing attention not only for its unique premise but also for the benefits it offers to both dogs and their human companions.

What is Ratting?

Ratting, as the name suggests, involves dogs using their keen sense of smell to locate rats hidden in a maze of straw or hay bales. Originating from the traditional practice of ratting in barns, where dogs were employed to rid the structures of vermin, this activity has evolved into a structured sport that celebrates a dog's natural hunting instincts in a controlled environment

Barn Hunt Association

Central to the popularity of ratting sports is the Barn Hunt Association (BHA), an organization dedicated to promoting and regulating competitions in this field Founded on the principles of fairness, safety, and inclusivity, the BHA has established standardized rules and guidelines, ensuring consistency across events while fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants.

PUBLICATION

CONTRIBUTOR

MELINDA BENBOW

DATE

JUNE 12TH, 2024

SETTER LETTER

Enter the English Setter: A Natural Fit

For owners of English Setters, ratting sports present a golden opportunity to engage their pets in an activity that aligns perfectly with their innate abilities. Known for their exceptional sense of smell and hunting prowess, English Setters thrive in environments where they can put their noses to work, making them ideal contenders in Barn Hunt competitions.

Benefits Beyond the Hunt

Participating in ratting sports offers a myriad of benefits for both dogs and their handlers. For English Setters, it provides mental stimulation and fulfillment by allowing them to indulge in their natural inclination to sniff and search. Beyond the physical exercise, the mental challenge of navigating the maze and locating the hidden quarry keeps their minds sharp and engaged. Moreover, the bond between dog and handler is strengthened through consistent training and teamwork. Engaging in activities like Barn Hunt fosters trust and communication, as handlers learn to anticipate their dog's cues and respond accordingly. This symbiotic relationship extends beyond the competition arena, enriching the overall quality of their companionship.

A Personal Journey in Ratting Sports

As the owner of a dog training facility specializing in ratting sports, I've worked closely with kennel clubs to introduce these activities to enthusiasts. My three English Setters—Jasper, Suge, and Unice —are shining examples of the breed's skill in ratting. Jasper holds impressive titles, including RATI, RATN, and RATO, with Suge and Unice also making their mark with RATI and RATN titles and will soon pursue there RATO titles. Together, we've formed an unbreakable bond built on shared passion and a to having fun! Through our journey, we aim to inspire others to embrace the thrill of ratting sports and celebrate the enduring bond between human and canine.

To learn more about Barnhunt, click the link HERE to view a short video on ratting.

JUNE 12TH, 2024

ESAA

MELINDA BENBOW

THE ROAD TO MASTER HUNTER

Where did your field journey start?

My journey started when Stetson, my 5 month old English Setter puppy, pulled me down a hill, over dead trees and tall grass, in pursuit of a quail I have always wanted to hunt, but did not have an outlet. When Rhonda Dillman and Melissa Newman graciously let me keep Stetson from their second Bridger x Tess litter, I was thrilled. I now had an English Setter of my own and my first hunting buddy. My field experience was minimal when I started to train. My aunt and her good friend had trained several of their dogs for wild bird hunting, so I had some guidance on where to start. I knew when Stetson received all tens at his first junior hunt test and then placed third in the puppy derby at his first National Specialty, that field work would be the sport for us He has so much drive and natural instinct, it is unreal. When did you decide to pursue a master hunter title?

I have always wanted to achieve Stetson’s Master Hunter, knowing that in his lines he has Dual Champions and Master Hunters I owed it to him and the breed to earn the titles doing the work for which he was bred. I am inspired by others in the breed who have completed dual championships and MH titles on their dogs, especially Terry Barnes who does many other performance events as well

Can you give us some insight into the time and training commitment this requires?

I’m not going to sugar coat it and say it was easy getting Stetson where he needed to be with his training. There were many times that I broke down thinking that I wasn’t doing right by him because I didn’t have the knowledge needed to get him to the next level of training. Last year in the fall, I went to the Griffon National hunt test that was held in Helena, MT After Stetson's first run in Senior, I called my mom crying and told her I was coming home. He did everything you don’t want your dog to do at a test She told me to hang in there and give it another try. He finished his SH that weekend.

It took me almost seven years to learn, what I think, are the basics of training a successful gun dog Through these years, I have had many conversations with judges and other English Setter people about training techniques. It wasn’t until I happened to meet up with a trainer from a field trial background with German Shorthair Pointers, who moved to Montana from Oklahoma, that things started to come together I attended his seminar two years ago and came away with a respect for him and his training methods. He respected the fact that I wanted to train my own dog rather than have a professional do it for me He was happy and willing to work with me on problems Stetson was having and to educate himself on the requirements of AKC hunt tests. He was also not bothered by the fact that Stetson was a bench setter He saw the potential that I saw when Stetson was young. He made me realize that I as a trainer, I needed to take that extra step and make the training black and white. No more making excuses for Stetson being disrespectful.

My advice from a novice's perspective is to watch how your dog learns and comprehends a situation Go to seminars whether it is working with your dog or auditing. I did a lot of reading of different gun dog magazines and books. Search your state for trainers that have the same training philosophies as you and that are willing to work with you and not just for a paycheck The time and commitment to your training is like any sport, it must be consistent and regular. There are a lot of steps forward and a lot of steps back. You need to go into this sport knowing that a lot of people don’t have much respect for bench setters. However, training and pursuing the sport just shows them that setters can be structurally sound and pretty and still hunt

Were there any moments during his last pass that made you stop and stare?

There were many moments that my heart stopped from anxiety of wanting him to succeed I had to tell myself many, many times to just let him do his thing. He knows exactly what he is supposed to do But yes, there were many moments that watching him work made me forget everything else around us. All of the aspects of a great run will be with me forever; watching him casting beautifully to work the wind, seeing him slam on point and remain steady for wing and shot, having him retrieve a flapping, still live bird to hand and watching him hold steady through an honor. I can’t say it was one moment because the whole thing was one big moment. I went up to him and quietly said, “You did it bud. I am so damn proud of you ”

Do you have any words of encouragement for those new to field sports?

Yes. Don’t let other sports or people dictate your journey to the field. Dive into field work with the same love that your dog will show if given the chance. Because in the end, those moments become so surreal and time stopping that you won’t regret letting that dog get dirty.

JUNIOR FINALIST WIN AT WESTMINSTER

Months of hard work and preparation beget an invitation to compete at the most prestigious show in the country: Westminster. Onna Walker, one of the top English Setter Juniors remains calm, cool, and collected when interviewed for the letter With the high level of competition, Onna states that “Preparing for Westminster is like preparing for any other dog show - the same amount of effort and work is put in to make everything look perfect.”. What a commitment to presentation, and consostency of quality The ritual and routine of ring prep is upheld, regardless of the show The point here? Treat every show like it’s Westminster.

“Walking into the ring at Westminster creates a special type of feeling due to the electrifying energy in the crowd.”, Onna states, encapsulating the excitement and bravado of being recognized for the skill one brings to the table, the privelege to represent the sport. Not only does Onna recognize this, she elaborates to say that “The bond with the dog is special, built on mutual dependence both inside and outside of the ring “ Perhaps the most nervewracking part of the process is the wait between the Preliminaries, and the Finals. To be chosen for finals is an honor, the best of the best all gathered in one place. Onna says “The wait between prelims and finals is exciting, and making it to the finals is even better.”. Onna was one of eight elite finalists. All exhibitors know the thrill of a judge pointing in their direction, but Onna puts the feeling into words beautifully When the judge pointed at me as a finalist, it was exhilarating, knowing that all the hard work had paid off.

ASHA NAHAS, ONNA WALKER

NEW TITLES

Esthete Under Pressure SCE

SBE SEE SWA TKN VES1

SBE – February 2024

Age: 4 - Years

Breeder: Jill Warren

Owners: Erin and Stephen Altman

River Valley N' Meadowset's Unexpected Journey BN BCAT CGC

TKN

CGC - July 2023

TKN - July 2023

BCAT - October 2023

BN - November 2023

Age: 17 - Months

Breeders: - Janice Ganetsky and Kathryn Roy

Owner - Janice Ganetsky

GCH CH Meadowset N' River Valley Over the Moon CD DCAT CGC

TKN

GCH - September 2023

CD and DCAT - October 2023

Age: 3 - Years

Breeders - Kathryn Roy & Janice Ganetsky

Owner - Janice Ganetsky

CH Meadowset 'N River Valley Wags to Riches CGC

CH - February 2024

Age: 3 - Years

Breeders: Kathryn Roy and Janice Ganetsky

Owners: Jack Lannan, Donna Fusco and Kathy Roy

CH Meadowset 'N

River Valley Wags to Riches CGC

CH - February 2024

Age: 3 - Years

Breeders: Kathryn Roy and Janice Ganetsky

Owners: Jack Lannan, Donna Fusco and Kathy Roy

Esthete Under Pressure

SWA SCE SEE SBE TKI

VES2

TKI - March 2024

VES2 – March 2024

Age: 4 Years

Breeder: Jill Warren

Owners: Erin and Stephen Altman

GCH CH Festivity BJ's Birchrun Kiss the Flame RI MX AXJ NJP MXF

ACT1 TKA CGC CGCA CGCU VES3

CGC, CGCU, CGCAApril 2024

MX, MXF - April 2024

Age: 4 - years

Breeders: Kristen

Apodaca and BJ

Parsons, DVM

Owner: Susan K. Johnson

CH SET’R RIDGE’S TRI TO CATCH ME

CGCA/U BCAT TKI RN VES-1

RN-MARCH 2024

Age: 3 - years

Breeders: Melissa

Newman, Doug Phelps

Owner: Asha Nahas

SET’R RIDGE’S JUSTICE IS COMING TKN RATN

RATN-APRIL 2024

TKN-March 2024

Age: 20 Months

Breeders: Melissa Newman, Doug Phelps

Owner: Melissa Newman, Doug Phelps, Asha Nahas, Ben Garrett

FOR NEW TITLE SUBMISSIONS, PLEASE CONTACT ROSS RICE AT ROSS.RICE@COMCAST.NET

EVENTS

Lone Star English

Setter Club

Houston, TX

July 17

Puget Sound

English Setter Club

Graham, WA

JBack-to-Back, July 19

Brandywine English Setter Club

Centre Hall, PA

July 20-21

Kettle Moraine

English Setter Club Waukesha, WI

July 27-28

Minnesota English Setter Club

Lake Elmo, MN

August 22-23