At Mather Regional Park, Sacramento CA.
Test Chair/Secretary Karey Krauter
Day-of test secretary Penny Larson
Chief Track Layer Sue Larson
Judges: Meg Azevedo (Elk Grove) and Roy Fair (Oregon)

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TRACS held its annual Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) test on Jan 30 at Mather in Rancho Cordova.  I’ll start out with the great news that we had 2 passes, out of the 4 dogs who ran, with great performances from all 4 and amazing dry green spring-like weather that had us all exhilarated to be there.  The test was both an amazing return to normalcy as well as a showcase of odd new behaviors that we are all becoming habituated to.  Tracking is inherently a solitary sport, involving a single handler out in the field alone with their dog.  The isolated connectedness is one of the major attractions of the sport.  What was the same at this test?  Judges in the background at a discreet distance, and the tracklayer at a further discreet distance from the judges.  A small quiet dispersed gallery watching with baited breath from even further away.  Handler and dog working fervently in their own little bubble.  What was different?  Not much since it’s all about the dog, although we missed the usual socialization and carpooling and feasting afterwards.  Test Headquarters wasn’t a gathering point, with all of us working out of our own cars.  We are blessed to have awesome sainted judges within (relatively) easy traveling distance – although our poor Oregon judge had a little air travel ordeal getting here.  So, this write-up is mainly a huge shout-out to our local judges and test volunteers!  Thanks to our sainted judges Meg Azevedo and Roy Fair, and to our tireless chief tracklayer Sue Larson, AND our EXCELLENT detail-catcher day-of secretary Penny Larson, and to our seasoned tracklayers Cathy Beam, Colton Meyer, Sharon Prassa, and Terry Southard (who stepped in at the last minute after well-intentioned Mary Roseberry had to pull).  Also huge thanks to cross tracklayers Cindy Hult and Laurie Rossi.  Love Penny also for being the best-host-ever, serving as judge Roy’s chauffer and also putting him up in her guest room and keeping him eating.  THANK YOU!

Track #1 was run by a pembroke welsh corgi bitch who seemed to have the beautiful early morning wanders, and had trouble getting started on the first leg.  Good effort!  (tracklayer Terry)

Track #2 was run by a poodle dog who executed the first 5 legs and 4 turns brilliantly, navigated both cross tracks, got both intermediate articles.  Something happened at the 5th turn and the dog was not able to find the correct direction – two legs shy of finishing, bodes VERY well for next time!  (tracklayer Sharon)

Track #3 was run by german shepherd dog R Beth’s Yr Luv Is So Doggone Good “Tycho”, owned/handled by Dan Wilcox, now with a new TDX title after his name!  No problems at corners or crosstracks or articles, navigated a meandering swamp section on the last leg, PASS!  840 yards, 6 legs 5 turns + the meander, well done Dan! (tracklayer Colton).

Alternate track was run by Labrador retriever bitch OOOOO LA LA CDX RE TD THDN CGC TKE “Laverne”, owner Ann Begun and handler Bill Anderson, also now with a new TDX after her name!  No dithering at corners or crosstracks or tree groves or roads, PASS!  820 yards, 7 legs 6 turns, and oh yes did it in 7 minutes WOW. (tracklayer Cathy)

Congrats to all for training up to this level and having such wonderful dogs!

Next on the TRACS calendar is the Feb 20 TD test, where 7 dogs will be trying for their TD title.  Colton Meyer is the chief track layer – if you want to come watch from front row seats, contact him about volunteering!

Contact TRACS if you’re interested in working this test!

Thanks to TRACS photog-for-life Colton Meyer for taking pictures!

The rest of Colton’s photos are available for free download HERE, password GrizzlyBear.