Stellar Retrievers News and Updates Blog

Just a nice time at Tejas...

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2012-05-02T18:33:22-04:00

Owner and client Bob Worms pictured below with his newly Master Hunter titled Stellar student!

Tejas Hunt Test Spring 2012

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2012-05-02T07:36:21-04:00

Tejas Hunting Retriever Club test held April 28-29th was fast and furious. We always especially enjoy this one, as it is only 5 miles from the house and this year even had one flight here at the house. So after all the preparation and parties the weekend finished up with a lot of ribbons!

Master Passes
Blackie and Idgie passed, proving just because you are getting older doesn't mean your slowing down.

Stellar's My Time To Shine "Asta" passed, qualifying her for the Master National at 25 months old. She got her MH title at Metro on April 15th at 24 months old.

Watermark's "Torch" of Torrey Pines, owned by Mary Tatum, passed making that 3 passes for her at master level. Good job!

Torg's Beretta "Bailey", owned by Bob Worms passed and titled. Bob and his dad Frank were good company this weekend and yes.. Bob got wet at the ribbon ceremony.

Stellar's Dancing in the Moonlight "Starr", owned by Bill and Lee Hanes titled this weekend at 25 months old. She nailed the 3rd series 3 difficult, cheaty watermarks...perfect! Check out her title ribbon.

Stellar's Hunky "Dory" owned and handled by Lee Davis got her second pass, yeah, good job Lee.

Stellar's Proud "Mary", owned,trained and handled by Bob Neipert ran fantastic to earn her MH and also qualify for the Master Nationals at a young 25 months. We call our girls the "Stellar Sisters" and we are working on their theme song and dance!!!! Bob got buckets of water to cool him off at the ribbon ceremony. Fun!!!!!

Congradulations also to Marty Thompson for passing "Lucky", Bill Teagues for passing "Cozby"and "Cheers", Lamar Jones for passing "Bonnie", Tim Buck for passing "Laurie.

Junior Passes
BIG CONGRATULATIONS for Brook Jackson our junior 8 year old handler, for titling Jackson's "Sonny" Jack this week end after passing a double staked weekend. Brook out shined all the other handlers and Sonny ran 4 perfect series, making it look easy.
Great weekend and great spring season. Thank you to all our clients, friends, bird throwers and workers for being a part of the Stellar Team. We are off to our summer grounds in Ironwood in a month. Check our site for this summers results and updates. Wish you all good health and a cool summer.

Brook and Sunny!

Star's Title Shot!

Asta's Mug…

Bryan College Station and Brazosport Hunt Test March 10-11

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2012-03-17T07:43:23-04:00

Bryan College Station Retriever Club March 3-4th proved to be a great day for Stellar dogs! We were welcomed to new grounds owned by Mr. Wakefield and a beautiful weekend weather wise.

Master passes were many.

Rocky Hill's Icey Blue, owned by Bill and Judy Davis, received her MH beautiful Aggie colored ribbon....way to go Icey. Special thanks to Bill and Judy for bringing an awesome lunch of brisket, yum! Here he is:

Stellar's Dancing in the Moonlight "STAR" owned by Lee and Bill Hanes picked up her 1st master pass. 1 for 1 and shining bright.

Stellar's MY Time to Shine "Asta" owned by Wendy Wotasek also got here 1st master pass and gunning for the master national qualification.

Torg's Beretta "Bailey", owned by Bob Worms, did a great job for her first master pass. We have some great young up and comers!

Watermark's "Torch" of Torrey Pines owned by Mary Tatum double staked in senior and
master to come home with 2 ribbons and her first master pass. Wow!

It was also a great week ends for our friends and other Stellar dogs.

Dee Dee Patterson passed Stellar's Southern Exposure "Louise"

Bob Niepert passed Stellar's Proud Mary as well as Gypsy

Nancy Neipert passed Skeeter, good job Nance.

We have decided to form a new pop group called the "Stellar Sisters" and are looking for a theme song and dance to perform to embarrass Jack! Suggestions welcome

Brazosport Retriever Club HT held March 10-11th was one of those crazy weather weekends, rain,rain,rain,lightning,delays and more rain. For those of you that missed it, SMART! But for those of us that attended it proved to be a successful weekend.

Good test and great judges for our flight made the bad weather bearable.

Master passes

Icey, Asta, Star, Torch,and Trix (Mary Tatum's dog), all handled by Jack

Special notice to our guests from Winston-Salem NC:

Robert Rascoe for passing Spur and Blackie
&
Lee Hanes (with husband Bill rooting us on) for passing Ray and Idgie. We love when they visit and thank them for all their help in training and around the place.

Also good to see our friend Bruce Moore from Alaska who ran and passed Gem and River.
Go get em this weekend at Waterloo Bruce.

Also passing dogs were the "Usual Suspects" Bob and Nancy Neipert (Mary, Skeeter and Gypsy), Dede Paterson (Louise),Bill Teagues (Cheers and Cozby) and Lee Davis for Stellar's Honky Dory's 1st master pass, great job all.

Senior passes

Lone Star Power Stroke "Duke" owned by Mike Davis earned his 1st senior pass at a young age of 18 months and a few months on the bench due to injuries. This dog has talent and drive, keep your eye on him.

Watermark's "Torch"of Torrey Pines, owned by Mary Tatum double staked again and is accumulating a bucket of ribbons. "

Congradulations to Lee Telling for passing loveable, "Leroy's Voodoo Forest" in seniors, good having him and Debbie up for the weekend.

Thanks again to Bill and Judy Davis for feeding most of the flight with delicious injected and smoked chicken.......so glad he got that new grill for christmas.

Come join us at Waterloo this weekend!

Last Chance Duck Hunt!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2012-01-28T17:05:39-05:00

I got invited on a really special hunt in La Grange this Saturday morning for the last weekend of the 2011 duck season. We had a fantastic and furious hunt that was over by 8:30am! Jim Cowan produced this little slideshow with a video clip at the end of a Stellar graduate, Sway MH, making a real hunting retrieve. Check it out:

Motley Crew Goes Duck Hunting

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2012-01-22T09:33:29-05:00

Although dog training is the usual routine at Stellar Retrievers, once in a while, the crew gets out with the dogs and works over a spread on the real thing. Doug Bishop hostd a hunt on the Colorado river a few weeks ago for Jack, Chase (8 years old), Cowan, John Blackburn, Dave Davis and a few of the LaGrange boys. The retriever in the pictures is Sway MH, owned by Doug Bishop and trained by Jack. Cowan took these photos and I just had to share!

Competitive Retrievers for SALE!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-12-13T12:29:34-05:00

Both Dogs are SOLD!!!!!!!!!

I am helping a friend sell two well trained Field Trial dogs. They are not washouts. The owner is just reducing the number of players on its team so to speak. Here’s the scoop on these two great dogs:

CK'S SILVER BELLS-POSSUM - " POSSUM "
BLK MALE
DOB 01/05/06

FC HAWKEYES RED, WHITE AND BLUE- "BANNER" - CAREER POINTS 76
X
FC/AFC RUBIE BEGONIA - CAREER POINTS 132

" POSSUM " HAS TWO OPEN 2ND'S AND NUMEROUS JAMS

EYES CLEAR
HIPS EXCELLENT
EIC CLEAR

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CK'S MISS ROSE - " ROSE "
BLK FEMALE
DOB 10/05/06

FC HAWKEYES RED, WHITE AND BLUE- " BANNER "- 76 PTS.
X
FC/AFC RUBIE BEGONIA - 132 PTS

" ROSE " HAS OPEN 1ST AND TWO 4THS AND NUMEROUS JAMS

EYES CLEAR
HIPS EXCELLENT
EIC CLEAR

Brazosport Retriever Club 12/3-4/11 Brazosport Retriever Club 12/3-4/11

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-12-06T13:56:44-05:00

Brazosport Retriever Club 12/3-4/11

Congrats in the Master to: Idgie, Blackie, Jazz and Stellar's Angelena Jolie for all passing. With the completion of the test Sway is Qualified for the 2012 Master National in Alabama. Jazz is owned by Lee and Debbie Telling and was handled by Lee.

We want to also give a Big CONGRATULATIONS to Stellar's Southern Exposure,MH who completed her Master Title. Owned by Wayne and Dede Paterson. Louise is trained and handled by Dede.
.
Congrats also to Stellar's Proud Mary for her 1st attempt and success in the Master level at 20 months old. She is owned and trained by Bob and Nancy Niepart, handled by Bob
.
Congrats to Mary Tatum for both her dogs titles.
Senior:
Watermark's Working Girl, SH "Trix" owned by Mary passed and received her Senior Hunter Title.

Junior - Watermark's Torch of Torry Pines, JH also owned by Mary completed both JR"S for her Junior Hunter Title

.

Palmetto Retriever Club in South Carolina 12/2,3,4/11

Congrats to our North Carolina Friends and there dogs. Stellar's Sunny Ray owned by Bill and Lee Hanes, handled by Lee, and Candlewood's Spur of the Moment owned by Robert and Molly Rascoe, handled by Robert. This Qualified both Ray and Spur for the big dance in 2012 in Alabama as well. Way to go!!!

Partners...

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-10-29T21:07:01-04:00

Photos from MN Training

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-10-09T07:51:26-04:00

A talented photographer named Karen has posted some photos from MN training. Check them out!:

Karen's Photo Site

Tweets from the Master National

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-09-18T08:29:23-04:00

2011 Master National is going high tech at Stellar Retrieves. We are going to try to send out instant updates from the Master National. To keep up with it all, you can download a smart phone app here:

Twitter Smartphone Apps

Find Stellar Retreivers at Twitter using this account:
@StellarRetrieve

You can follow Stellar Retrievers on the internet at this address:
Stellar Retreivers on Twitter

Big News from Texas

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-09-04T14:35:06-04:00

It has been a top secret project this summer, but it is time for the news to get out! The Texas home of Stellar Retrievers has been pumping its tanks over the last three months. The well went in just before the crew went North in June and slowly, ever so slowly, the tanks have been filling up! We have water where most in Texas don't to train retrieves. So as the weather is turning unfriendly up in Michigan, we are set to do big water work in Texas when we get home in the next week or two. Here are shots of the before and after pumping!

Northern Flight Title Photos

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-09-04T14:32:31-04:00

Congratulations to "Dakota" for her Master Hunter Title!

Congratulations to "Star" for her Senior Hunter Title!

2011 Northern Flight Hunting Retriever Hunt Test

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-09-02T06:58:48-04:00

Well here's the report from the weekendddddddddd!

We tested at the Northern Flight Hunting Retriever Association
at Marine on St. Croix, MN
It was quite the weekend and I'll leave it at that.
.
Master passes are Ray, Sway and Dakota,MH.
Special Congratulations go to Lance Hafner and Dakota, MH for earning her Master Hunter title.
In senior Johnny,SH owned by Bill and Carolyn Cox earned his Senior title on the first test Saturday. Bill was there to watch Johnny's final senior test and they had a safe trip back to Arkansas.
Johnny's sister Starr owned by Bill and Lee Hanes also got her senior title Sunday night.
Their sister Asta received a pass on Saturday also.
Bonnie owned by James and Janene Campise passed both senior tests for a terrific start on her senior tile.
In Junior
Duke (The Duke) owned by Mike Davis passed both of his tests for a good start also. Hope all is well and if temps cooperate I'll be back next week, Jack

Duluth Retriever Club Hunt Test

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-08-10T08:24:57-04:00

The Stellar Crew had a wildly successful weekend with eleven dogs passing two tests each for a total of 22 ribbons plus ONE BIG TITLE ribbon for a Master Hunter named Whiskey! That is Whiskey MH to you buddy! So here the congrats go:

BEMIDJI UPDATE

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-07-27T10:12:55-04:00

Saturday's cooler weather was a welcome relief for the start of the second Master test of the weekend. The first series of this test was a land triple including a "wipeout" bird. The second series water test was a double with a flyer "go" bird shot out over the water with two carefully placed "hot" blinds. Sunday's third series consisted of a water double and a single land blind. Three challenging series gave every dog handler team all they wanted.

Five more ribbons were earned by Stellar retrievers in this second Master test. Congratulations goes to Whiskey,owned by Gregg Lohse, Icey owned by Bill & Judy Davis, Idgie handled by Marthy Thompson, and Blackie owned and handled by Robert Rascoe, for passing both of their Master tests. (Again, Spur owned and handled by Robert Rascoe and Dakota owned by Lance Hafner passed one each.)

Star oned by Lee & Bill Hanes, Asta, and Johnny owned by Bill & Carolyn Cox, three of Idgie's puppies, passed their first ever Senior test on Sunday. Their older sister Ethyl, owned and handled by Marty Thompson, passed as well, giving her a total of four Senior passes.

We're now back in Ironwood for two weeks, training for another double Master in Duluth,Mn which begins Friday 8-5-11. Don't forget the closing this Wednesday!

JACK

Here's Whiskey!

Here's Icey!

Stellar Retrievers goes Multi Media!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-07-24T08:33:28-04:00

Lee Hanes has been very busy training dogs and acting as an on scene blogger for the crew. She asked that I caution you that she has only recently tried using her iPhone as a video camera. Below are a number of video clips from this weekend's hunt test. Here they are:

"Whiskey" 1st series of Mississippi Headwater Ret. Club

"Spur" and Robert Rascoe, 1st series Mississippi Headwater Ret. Club

Robert Rascoe and "Blackie" the creeper at Mississippi Headwater Ret. Club

"Dakota" and Jack at Miss. Headwater Ret. Club

"Idgie" and Marty Thompson at Mississippi Headwaters Ret. Club

"Sway" and Jack first series Mississippi Headwater Ret. Club Friday's Master

"Icey" and Jack at Mississippi Headwaters Ret. Club, 1st series Friday

Jack training at Davis property in Michigan"

UP Hunt Test Update!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-07-22T21:27:26-04:00

From Lee Hanes:
All Stellar Retriever dogs passed the Master test today! Spur was the only dog to line a blind. We had lots of round hay bales, high thick cover, and good dog work.
Keep those fingers and paws crossed for the rest of the week-end!

Update from the UP!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-07-22T08:27:56-04:00

A cold front came in last night so there is a break in the heat wave. Today's high has been 84 thus far and we expect highs in the 70's this week-end.
We are on the way to Bemidji, MN for the hunt test - it's about a 5 hour drive. To prepare for the test, we did one last set-up this morning that included live fliers, diversion birds and cold blinds.
I have included a few more pictures to give you an idea of the terrain, still having trouble downloading videos from my IPhone, but haven't given up yet.
Keep all fingers and paws crossed for the dogs this week-end!

It's Chlly Up Here...Wait a minute, No It's NOT!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-07-19T09:44:13-04:00

We are staying on the Davis Reservation in Ironwood, MI - we trained on the Chief's grounds yesterday.
We came here to escape the heat only to find it's in the high 80's/low 90's and HUMID!! Jack is the only one with an air conditioner in his bedroom!
More to come over the next few days,

Marty Thompson, Tomball, TX
Robert Rascoe, Winston-Salem, NC
Bill & Lee Hanes, Winston-Salem, NC

Here is the crew resting between sets in the heat wave! Looks like Texas to me!

It's Chilly Up Here

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-07-12T14:50:39-04:00

Just wanted to share with all of you sweating it out in the the lower 48 that it is chilly in Michigan!

More news soon,
-Jack-

Lake Country Retriever Club

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-06-29T07:17:06-04:00

Well, over all it was a tough weekend. Dog 1, Idgie, went out in the first series, Sway and Dakota, went out in the second. I ate some marinated duck breast and bit into a piece of steel shot, I think a cracked a tooth. I'll have to see whats gonna happen there?

Anyway,On the other hand it was a good weekend for Romeo's Sassy Cassie owned by Doug Lewis of Duluth, MN. She now has another feather in her cap as she passed the test and Qualified for the Master National. She's a newbie to the master level tests and went 6 out 7.

We had very good bird placement. The test is held on a hunting preserve so it has plowed strips were they planted corn, Millet, ect. The water has wild rice and duck weed all over, and the dogs were thoroughly tested and judged accordingly. Great weather for the weekend with temps 50-70s. it is 56 now with the high today in the low 70s. Gonna put the dogs on the truck! Gotta go. Hope all is well!

Jack

Central Minnesota Double Master

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-06-20T07:45:42-04:00

We just finished the double master test at Central Minnesota. Sway, owned by Doug Bishop, passed both masters and is now qualified for the Master National. Cassie passed one for her MH title. Congrats! Blackie and Idgie passed both tests. Weather is a cool 48 degrees. Jealous? More later,
Jack.

Minnesota's Iron Range Retriever Club Hunt Test

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-06-17T07:53:36-04:00

After an uneventful trip to our summer home and settling us and our team in, we jumped right back into our weekend games. On June 11th and 12th we ran Minnesota's Iron Range Retriever Club test. It was a challenging and fair test with good judges, fantastic weather and a nice visit with our northern friends.

Master passes go to:

Whiskey River XXIV owned by Greg Lohse. This was Whiskey's first master pass,look out title here we come!

Romeo's Sassy Cassie owned by Doug and Jennifer Lewis. Two more to qualify for master national.

The Bee Charmer "Idgie" ran a near perfect test, not cheating on a mark in the second series that drew many dogs to the easy route.

We head to Central Minnesota this weekend for a double master and more good times.

Summer Hunt Test Iternary

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-05-25T08:42:12-04:00

Stellar Retriever 2011 Summer Hunt Test Itinerary

June 11th & 12th - One Master, One Senior, One Junior
Minnesota Iron Range Retriever Club
Virginia, MN – Closes 06/01/11

June 17th, 18th & 19th – Two Master, One Senior, Two Junior
Central Minnesota Retriever Club
Sauk Rapids – MN – Closes 06/07/11

June 24th, 25th & 26th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior
Lake Country Retriever Club
Prior Lake, MN – Closes 06/15/11

July 8th, 9th & 10th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior
Hennepin Retriever Club
Foley, MN – Closes 06/28/11

July 15th, 16th & 17th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior
Blackhawk Retriever Club
Mondovi, WI – Closes 07/05/11

July 22nd, 23rd & 24th – Two Masters, One Senior, Three Junior
Mississippi Headwaters Retrievers Club
Bemidji, MN – Closes 07/11/11

August 5th, 6th & 7th – Two Masters, Two Senior, One Junior
Duluth Retriever Club
Duluth, MN – Closes 07/27/11

August 26th, 27th & 28th – One Masters, Two Senior Two Junior
Northern Flight Retriever Association
Mariine on St. Croix, MN – 08/17/11

Names & Dates are Subject to Change: Please note at this time we do not know which Hunt Tests we will be entering. That will be determined at a later date.

Thanks,
Jack

Heart of Texas HT

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-05-11T12:14:18-04:00

Another warm but rewarding weekend, this time at The Heart of Texas, in Buckholts, Tx.

Master

Romeo's Sassy Cassie, owned by Doug & Jennifer Lewis of Duluth,Mn. passed with her lightning speed and keen marking/handling skills. Third pass for Cassie.
Idgie and Blackie also both passed what were overall three challenging series.

Congratulations to Tim Buck on passing Laurie.

Senior

Congratulations to Fernando Somoza and Joannie"s Copper Jade for earning her Senior Title. She ran an absolutely perfect second series of a water memory bird thrown down a channel by a point where she stepped on the bird to finish her 4 for 4th passes as a SH.

Junior

Stellar's Johnny Walker Black, owned by William & Carolyn Cox ran with enthusiasm and style in both series to earn his Junior Title at 13 months. Start figuring out a place to hang all these ribbons Bill.

Boss's Baby Bonnie Blue, owned by James and Jeanine Campise also earned a beautiful ribbon and Junior title. Jeanine was there to watch as Bonnie smacked it on both series.
Don't know who was happier to pose for a title picture, her or Bonnie. Good Job!

We are through with the spring tests here in Texas and heading to our summer training home June 1st. Watch for our summer schedule shortly!

-Jack-

Tejas Hunt Test Results!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-05-03T13:09:31-04:00

Master

Congrats to Jazz, owned by Lee and Debbie Telling, handled by Lee. This was Jazz's 6th pass to qualify her for Maryland's 2011 Master National.

Congrats to Laurie, owned by Tim Buck, handled by Jack Morris. This was her 6th pass as well and she will be keeping Jazz company at the Master National 2011 event.

A round of applause went to Cassie,owned by Doug Lewis of Duluth, Mn for passing her 2nd master test. She's really running well!

And finally our sweet Idgie continues to show her skills by getting a master ribbon. She is already qualified for MN but loves running anyway.

Senior

Big day for Bailey, earning her senior title. Her owner Bob Worms of Minneapolis Mn joined us to watch and receive a beautiful title ribbon. She has worked hard and shined this weekend.

Jade, owned by Fernando Sermoza was also a senior ribbon earner receiving her 3rd pass....one more to go....come watch her next week at Heart of Texas for that title!!!!!

Junior

Look out....we have some awesome young ones coming up. Bonny,owned by James and Jeanine Campise nailed down 2 junior passes this weekend, looking like one of the best dogs there.

Not to be out shined by his teammate, Johnny, owned by Bill and Carolyn Cox of Arkansas, ran his best to receive 2 junior ribbons.

It was a warn but wonderful weekend at the Tejas test, this local test brings lots of friends, owners and good times. We recommend all interested bring their family and friends to Tejas in the future!!!!!

The picture attached is of Bob Worms and Bailey's title

Update from Stellar Retrievers East!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-04-29T09:39:26-04:00

We've trained and "maintained" hard the Spring and all North Carolina Stellar dogs have qualified for Master National - Maryland, here we come!

Our Spring Hunt Test season is winding down. Weather has been cold and rainy at many tests, and now, hot! What happened to the warm Spring weather with cool breezes? Our tests have either been straight forward or very hard. Be sure to ask Judge
Robert Rascoe about his breaking test that started in a coffin blind with bubba gunners - the participants couldn't believe it!

Robert & Mollie and Bill & I hope to join you in Michigan this summer for training. Please give all of our Texas friends a big hello - especially Darin, Mike, Eric, Marty, Debbie &. Lee, Nancy & Bob, Wendy and Hattie!

Congrats to Rascoe's "Spur" and Hane's "Ray"

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-04-18T07:12:51-04:00

Here is a picture of Robert "Pee Coal Train" Rascoe with his dog Spur who passed his 6th at Palmetto Retriever club for 6 Master tests to qualifiy for the 2011 Master National on Marylands Eastern Shore this year. Lee hanes also passed her dog " Ray " for the Master National also. Congrats go out to both!!!! Keep up the good work well see them at The National!
Jack

SHR Hyegold John Wayne Lucky Txn, SH,RN,WC,CCA. "Scout"

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-03-29T20:00:37-04:00

Condolences go out to our friend Ann Burke,

It saddens me to inform y'all that yesterday we lost Ann's 6 yr old male golden retriever, SHR Hyegold John Wayne Lucky Txn, SH,RN,WC,CCA. "Scout".

The doctors at A&M University discovered masses on his liver and spleen. Biopsy rendered a diagnosis as liposarcoma and/or lymphosarcoma. With the described prognosis, the decision was made to spare him any suffering.

Scout was a talented dog and a loving companion. His many titles proved this including his most recent SH title received just one week ago at Waterloo Amatuer Retriever Club.

Scout spent 8 months with me in training and was one of my star pupils-always eager to train and retrieve, but playful and loving when training was through. There were endless compliments on his handsome appearance from all who watched him run.

Finally I want to say that Ann is an appreciative, kind and very knowledgeable client and it was truely a joy to work with her and Scout and become friends. Her love for Scout was obvious in all our visits and Wendy and I are so sorry for her loss.

WE WILL MISS OUR SCOUTTIE!

_Jack and Wendy=

Spring 2011 Hunt Test Schedule

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-01-31T12:03:59-05:00

Stellar Retriever 2011
Spring Hunt Test Itinerary

February 19th - One Master, Two Senior, One Junior
Rose Country Retriever Club – Closes February 9th
Tennessee Colony, TX - Ducks

February 26th – One Master, Two Senior, Two Junior – Good Judges
Port Arthur Retriever Club – Closes February 17th
Hamshire, TX – Ducks

March 5th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior
Bryan College Station Retriever Club – Closes February 16th
Iola, TX – Duck

March 11th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior – Closes March 2nd
Brazoport Retriever Club – Closes March 2nd
Fayetteville, TX – Ducks & Pheasants

March 19th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior – Closes March 9th
Waterloo Amateur Retriever Club
Manheim, TX – Ducks & Pheasants

March 26th
Great Houston Retriever Club
Anderson, TX

April 16th – One Senior, One Junior Only – Closes April 6th
Dallas Fort Worth Metro Golden Retriever Club
Terrell, TX – Pat McCale

April 23th - Closes April 13th – One Masters, One Senior Two Junior
Dallas Fort Worth Labrador Retriever Club
Ravenna, TX – Lou Davis

April 30th – Closes April 20th
Tejas Retriever Club
Northrup, TX – Ducks

May 7th – Closes April 27th
Heart of Texas Retrievers Club
Buckholt’s, TX

Names & Dates are Subject to Change

Flyer Friday's Tarheel Event!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-01-29T14:52:15-05:00

With some fantastic weather, a huge group gathered at the farm this past Friday for two great land setups and LOTS of retrievers running hard for those flyers and dead birds! Lee and Bill Hanes, Bob Rascoe, Lauren Hanes, Lee and Debbie Telling, Bob and Nancy Niepert, Fernando Somoza, and of course, Jack's honey, Wendy who was chef du jour, made it feel like a big retriever party. The sun was out and temps were comfortable for a big day of dogs, dogs, and more dogs. Ty Davis and his dad visited a short while, but due to a cold, they had to leave early. Lunch was a hot picnic off the tailgate of brisket, chicken, and all the fixings. Below is a slideshow show casing lots of the usual suspects and some new faces. Tim Springer's gal, Lauren Hanes, was out and she ran a few of her big dogs on the afternoon setup. Jack ran all of his students and coached Lee and Bob on handling and training. All these can be seen at the Mighty Dog Photo site.

It was good to get out and let the old Nikon turns some tricks with great light and beautiful dogs. Photos of Star, Asta, Spur, Idgie, Lee, Bob, Jade, and many more are all available for viewing at www.mightydogphoto.com. Look in the gallery section for Flyer Friday January 2011.

Best regards,
Mike

January 2011 Flyer Friday Slideshow

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2011-01-29T14:50:27-05:00

Waterloo's Halloween Hunt Test

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-31T18:11:25-04:00

Good news! All dogs entered this weekend passed their tests!

Special congratulations to Chris and Lacey Hughes for their dog Bella. Bella's master pass today completed the last leg of her Master Hunter Title!

-Jack-

More Photos from the Master National

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-18T21:43:25-04:00

Lee Hanes with Ray and Jack

It's Official!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-17T20:11:56-04:00

Sway, idgie & Ray qualified!!!! Whoo hoo! Pics to follow as soon as we take them!
-Lee Hanes-

Idgie-Stellar's very own!

Ray-Owned by Lee and Bill Hanes

Sway-owned by Doug Bishop

Hurry Up and Wait!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-17T13:29:11-04:00

Our fight finished yesterday, but the other two flights are still running. We do not want to jinx the dogs by making any predictions, but we believe that Sway, Idgie and Ray ran well yesterday. Will give you results as soon as they are announced.

Thanks to all of you for your support this week!

Lee Hanes

6th Series MN- Oh NO!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-16T12:29:57-04:00

To my training group:
Good luck at the test this week-end. We are all pulling for you and confident that Robert has set- up great tests!

We are at the MN test named "0h No". This test has already been run by the other two flights so there is scent everywhere.

You first run a short blind on the left. Then you have a triple with a pheasant flier.
After picking up the triple, you have a blind to the right on the side/top of a small mound.

Guess this is the final test. All fingers and paws crossed.

Fifth Series Complete-No casualties!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-16T08:41:54-04:00

Long day, but we completed the fifth series. The flight only lost one dog today - Sway, Idgie and Ray are still in as well as Gypsy and Skeeter, Nancy and Bob Neipert's dogs.

We had a walk-up triple with 2 blinds. All marks and blinds involved running water. The triple consisted of a flier and 2 very tight converging birds. The converging birds were almost equal distance from the line, Flier was thrown first on the right, then center bird thrown right to left, and left converging bird thrown left to right.

The 2 blinds were very tight to the left of the marks and run after the marks. The blinds were so tight, you had to declare which blind you were going to get first.

The only dog that went out failed because it picked up the wrong blind first.

Wendy and Lee had a good view of the tests since we acted as bird stewards. Many of today's pictures on the Stellar Retrievers site were taken by Wendy while she worked.

Keep your fingers and paws crossed for all dogs and participants!

Snapshots from California!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-15T11:32:36-04:00

Lee Hanes has been busy with her iPhone camera. Here's what she's been seeing out in California!

After the 4th Series...

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-15T07:13:40-04:00

69 dogs going to the 5th series. Was HOT again today. We go to the Donut Hole test tomorrow.

Sway, Idgie and Ray are still in from Stellar's Retrievers.

Nancy and Bob Neipert, from Lexington , TX, still have both dogs in -Gypsy and Skeeter.

Frankie's Party was a lot of fun with great food as usual.

-Lee Hanes-

FLASH UPDATE from the 4th

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-14T15:42:01-04:00

They are "sluicing" the flier. I'm trying to say that they shoot the water once the duck hits the water.

Blackie just broke - he had been clean (no handles) in first 3 series. DAMN!!!

Master National Website

MN 4th SERIES REPORT FROM LEE HANES

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-14T13:16:06-04:00

The fourth series is very busy! It's a quad with a blind-all through running water. Bubba gunner shoots birds 2 & 4, there is a breaking flier, and breaking/wipeout bird that comes over working dog's head from behind - look at MN site for details. Good wind & temp this morning, but expected to get hot again today.

I'll be planting the blind from 3 until tonight. Will give update prior to that if time allows. We started with dog number 1 today.

Robert, the most popular chair here is Jack's pull-up canapy chair - like mine!!

Sent from my iPhone

Lee Hanes

Smoke Cleared on the 3rd Series

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-13T21:14:54-04:00

Just in from Jack...Call backs from completion of the third series were announced. The Stellar team had one casualty. Jazz did not get called back. That leaves Sway, Ray, Blackie, and Idgie still in the game!

MN Update from Lee Hanes

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-13T17:17:47-04:00

Rough notes from the field...read from the bottom to top!

First, I forgot to copy Dean and Mike Meek on these emails. Sorry, the California sun has gotten to me. You two might want to start with the first email and read to the top. ( Ellison, please forward to Dean and send me his email address.)

Sad news, Joey's dog just went out - third series.

Things happening that remind me that we need a medical kit in the car:

Fox Tail grass is everywhere. Nasty seed stems that go up nose, throat, etc. Jazz had one in her nose as did one of Ray Shank's dogs. For Jazz, we put mineral oil in her nose, it soften the stem and Jazz could sneeze it out. Ray tried the oil, but his dog had to go to vet, be sedated and the vet got it out. Symptom for nose was unrelenting sneezing. Put mineral pil and dropper in the med box.

Now we are fighting meat bees. Similar to yellow jacket, but bores into dead meat - like a dead duck or pheasant. One of our dogs had several bites in face after third series yesterday. Today, dog blinked blind and when judges checked the bird, you guessed it, bees. Had to stop test and spray. Need Benedryl in that medicine box.

Finally, Golden was running yesterday and just sat down and would not move.
Veterinerian arrived, cockle burrs in his "jewels". Only recourse, cut them out! "No More Tangle" spray was applied after the cutting. Jim, add it to the box!

Wind is not bad today. Talk to you later.

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 12, 2010, at 7:43 PM, Lee Hanes <blhanes@att.net> wrote:

Ray was last dog to run tonight just as sun went below the mountains, Involved a honor and as fate would have it, the flier station had no more birds for the by-dog so had a long wait for the honor since the live birds had been put up for the night.
To be continued after call- backs.

Retriever News hadcera trouble tonite and asked me to take pictures of our feeding/airing. If you see pictures of Jack with sunset, their ours.

Also, Jack wants you to let us know what you think of his site:

stellar-retrievers.com

Rough notes from the field...read from the bottom to top!

Arriving at house-train hard tomorrow and good luck at test this week-end

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 12, 2010, at 3:53 PM, Lee Hanes <blhanes@att.net> wrote:

84 of 86 dogs passed. All Jack's dogs still in.
C
Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 12, 2010, at 9:15 AM, Lee Hanes <blhanes@att.net> wrote:

First, I believe today is Mollie's birthday . Happy Day Mollie - make sure Robert takes you to dinner.

We are back to second series, wind is about 10 mph today.

Tom McKenzie's dog was the first dog to not drive up the hill on that left hand mark. He had a beautiful run.

Ray's first dog drove up the hill - Ray handled. Seems to me that the pro's handle and the amateurs do not.

Again, happy day Mollie!

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 11, 2010, at 11:56 AM, Lee Hanes <blhanes@att.net> wrote:

All of Jack's dogs have run but one. Ray just ran and did fine-she got a LONG cripple for her flier and she had a big hunt, but did fine.

Hot and windy today, but the wind seems to be helping the dogs.

Am sitting wtth Joey Edsall now, we wish you were all here - next year. Joey said "you better be out traning!"

Will write again after call-backs.

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 11, 2010, at 11:43 AM, Ellison Armfield <armbrooklabs@mac.com> wrote:

We are getting no information. How is the weather, the tests, the dogs??????????????????????

2010 Master National Day 3

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-12T21:04:05-04:00

After the 2nd series, all our dogs were back to run the third. At this time, only Sway and Blackie have run the third. Sway had her second handle in this series, but Blackie ran clean!
-Jack-

Master National Monday October 11th

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-11T21:30:23-04:00

After the first series was complete, it was Jazz, Idgie, Ray, Sway and Blackie on the call backs list. I'm sorry to report Cody went out early with a return to an old fall. The second series got rolling today and starts with a double. On return from the right hand go-bird, the diversion bird was thrown over the dog's head. So far, I have only run Ray, and she did great!
More later,
-Jack

PreNational Training-Attempt 2

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-11T14:47:22-04:00

After long and uneventful trip,we arrived in California on Sunday and started training on Monday,
The terrain here is quite different, The ground is so hard we need a drill to get the holding blinds in the ground. (But as you can see from Jack's four wheeling adventure, there is also some mud.) Yes, that is a tow strap!

We have an energetic and fun training group:
Nancy and Bob Neipert from Texas
Lee and Bill Hanes from North Carolina
Bruce Moore from Alaska
"Solo" Karen Blackbird from Minnesota (We hope John will join us tomorrow,)
Denise and Jace from Minnesota
Bill and Lynn Teague from Texas
Jack Noble and Rob from the Lassen Retriever Club here in California

Special note to:
Steve Hoppas: Cody did well today on a "double double (converging hip pocket)
Lee and Debbie Telling know Jazz is doing her usual fantastic job.
Sway owned by Doug Bishop is keeping up with the older dogs wonderfully.

To Molly and Robert: We all are loving Spur, especially Lee Hanes, (he's a sweetheart!)

Training is going well for all dogs and all have adjusted to the new time zone.
This week it was training, opening ceremonies and more training. The event starts Sunday, so keep checking the blog for updates.

Pre-National Training Report

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-08T16:34:52-04:00

Tip of the Hat to our Hunters!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-03T17:38:58-04:00

As the team and I are working our way through the Master National event in California, I just wanted to remember all the gun dogs that are hopefully out with their handlers retrieving the dove and teal that are open season right now! This is a shot of a friend of Stellar Retrievers sitting out opening morning of dove season. Zoe looks like she's ready to go!

Rose Country Hunt Rest-Good News

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-01T19:01:57-04:00

Ok here we go from Tennessee Colony, TX Rewarding weekend for Stellar Retrievers, especially the owner/handlers.

Congrats to Steve & Heather Hoppas owners of Belle, Steve handled and titled her in Senior on Saturday. Good job Steve!

Master passes:

Lee & Debbie Telling owners of Jazz, Lee handled her and put another pass under his belt. Way to go Lee.

Ginny trained by Clint Avant of Vision Retrievers, received her 5th pass for her MH title under the handling of Jack

A new member of the Stellar team Candlewoods Spur of the Moment owned by Robert & Mollie Rascoe passed his 1st hunt test ever in the Master.
Great start for Spur!

Bella owned by Chris & Lacey Hughes received her 4th master pass, one more to go for her MH title

Congrats also to: Sunny Ray, Sway, Idgie and Blackie for getting a pass!

Our senior dogs had great success also. Dakota owned by Lance Hefner, receiving her Senior Title on Saturday.
Finishing right behind her on Sunday Maggie owned by David & Katy Dyslin doubled up this weekend to finish her Senior Title also.

Back to the farm and more training in front of the Master National!

-Jack-

Congrats to an Idgie Pup!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-10-01T16:59:28-04:00

These are pictures of Maggie. She is from the first breeding of Idgie and Willie which would also be Idgie's second litter. Maggie is 17 months and went 4 for 4 in JR. and also four straight in Senior. She is pictured below with her owner, David Dyslin. Big congrats go out to Maggie and her owner for her Senior Title secured at the Rose Country Retriever Club test this last weekend!

Northen Flight Hunting Retriever Club

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-09-03T16:37:04-04:00

Last weekend at Northern Flight Hunting Retriever Club, Hugo MN, we had a great showing.

Congrats to Master Hunter Qualifiers:

Jazz owned by Lee and Debbie Telling
Cody               Steve Hoppas
Idgie                Tim Mahady
Blackie              Robert and Mollie Rascoe
Ray                   Bill and Lee Hanes
Sway                Doug Bishop

Double congrats for 2 Senior passes each
Maggie ---David Dyslin
Belle        Steve Hoppas
Dakota     Lance Hefner
Icey         Bill Davis

Loading up the truck to head back to Texas this week. See you all soon,

-Jack-

Summer Update from the U.P.

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-08-07T10:07:54-04:00

Well, a lot has happened over the last 2 weekends. I have been blessed to have great friends here with me. Robert Rascoe (Louise's owner) and Double Handle Marty Thompson ( Ethyl's owner) were here for 10 days for training and running the Mississippi Headwaters hunt test, in Bemidji,MN. It was really nice to have these two long time friends here to help and have fun with while we train this big team of retrievers.

Cody owned by Steve Hoppas doubled up in Bemidji for his Master Hunter title and Qualified for the Master National 10/10/10 in California.

Sway, owned by Doug Bishop of La Grange, got one pass in Bemidji for Master Hunter title and another in Duluth for her ticket to the big dance in California also.

Bella, owned by Chris and Lacey Hughes, passed 1 each for her 3rd Master pass.

Louise and Ginny now have 3 master passes, also!

Stella is a new Senior Hunter. Rose got her JH title, both owned by Duwayne and Nancy Meyer.

Cassie is now a SH owned by Doug Lewis
Dakota, owned by Lance Hefner, ran her first Senior test in Duluth and got her first pass!

Ethyl, owned by Marty Thompson, got 2 passes towards her Junior title as well.

Our regulars Jazz, Ray, Idgie also earned Master passes with Marty and Robert handling them. A great time was had by all.

Yesterdays High 73 low last night 58.

Talk to everyone soon,
Jack

Hennepin County RC

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-07-12T07:24:18-04:00

We were welcomed to The First inaugural/annual Licensed Hunting Test for the benefit of the Benton Retriever Grounds. BRG is owned by Hennepin County Amateur Retriever Club and Minnesota Field Trial Association.

Master pass congratulations 3 out of 4 for:
Louise owned by Robert and Mollie Rascoe,
Sway owned by Doug Bishop and
Bella owned by Chris and Lacey Hughes

Senior pass congratulations 1 for 1 again with
Cassie owned by Doug and Jennifer Lewis

Great to see old friends and also meet new ones.

Hope all is well with everyone,
Jack

Lake Country Retriever Club Hunt Test

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-07-01T08:09:12-04:00

I loaded up the trailer and headed to Duluth this past weekend for the Lake Country Retriever Club Test. The weekend turned out okay for our team with the following congrats:

Cody passed Master for his 4th pass this year.

Jazz passed for her 6th Master pass to Qualify for the 2010 Master National event. Congrats to Lee and Debbie Telling for Jazz's consistent work! Guess its time to book those tickets to California Lee!

Ms. Idgie acquired her 6 pass to qualify for the 2010 Master National.

Cassie passed her second Senior test. Good work Cassie!

Not to much else to report,

See ya later,
Jack

Central Minnesota Retriever Club Hunt Test Results

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-06-21T20:36:57-04:00

Now that we are all settled in up here, I loaded up the trailer and headed out to the Central Minnesota Retriever Club Hunt Test for a double master weekend. The terrain is unusual to our dogs as the cover is knee high and green. It makes it an extra tall challenge for the Southern dogs.

Morning temps were a wonderful with cool mid 50's with highs reaching 78-80 degrees. All tests were challenging and fair with good judging. As always, its great to see our long time, fun, northern friends. So the results are shown below. Congratulations to:

Stellar's Sunny Ray owned by Lee and Bill Hanes- 2 Master Passes
Blackie - 2 Master Passes
Jazz-owned by Lee Telling - 1 Master Pass
Idgie-1 Master Pass
Bella-Last Senior pass for her Senior Title- Congratulations to Chris and Lacey Hughes
Cassie-owned by Doug Lewis of Duluth, MN, Passed her Senior test
Louise-passed her Senior test

I have fast internet now so it will be easier to stay in touch. Let's get the summer rolling! Oh, and here are some snaps from the weekend:

-Jack-

Future champion "Asta" (new pup)

"Blackie"

On my way back from Senior with "Bella" in her chariot

"Sway" in the 1st series

Stellar's Sunny "Ray" in 1st series

"Jazz" coming back from the short retired mark

"Louise" looking at long retired. Blind on the right is the wipe out flyer shot across the test.

Jazz Puppies Still Available!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-06-16T22:25:06-04:00

Click here to read about the Jazz Puppy Litter!

Summer Hunt Test Schedule 2010

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-06-03T22:15:59-04:00

Stellar Retriever 2010 Summer Hunt Test Itinerary

June 18th, 19th & 20th - Double Master, Double Senior, One Junior
Central Minnesota Retriever Club – Closes June 8
Sauk Rapids, MN

June 26th & 27th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior
Lake Country Retriever Club – Closes June 16th
Prior Lake, MN

July 10th & 11th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior
Hennepin Country Retriever Club – Closes June 28th
Foley, MN

July 16th, 17th & 18th – One Master, One Senior, One Junior
North Dakata Retriever Club – Closes July 7th
Glydon, MN

July 23th, 24th & 25th – Double Master, One Senior, Three Junior
Mississippi Headwaters Retriever Club
Bemidji, MN

July 24th & 25th
Chippewa Valley Retriever Club – Closes July 14th
Glenwood City, WI

July 30th, 31st & Aug. 1st - Double Master, One Senior, Two Juniors
Dulth Retriever Club – Closes July 20th
Dulth, MN

August 28th & 29th – One Master, Two Senior, Two Junior
Northern Flight Hunting Retriever Assoc. – Closes August 17th
Dates are Subject to Change

Heart of Texas Retriever Club Hunt Test

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-05-10T07:09:49-04:00

It is nice to have a test near by and the Heart of Texas Retriever Club Test was this weekend up in Buckholts. In Master, there were 59 starters and 12 passes. Congrats to Lee and Bill Hanes for Lee handling Ray to another Master pass and Lee's third Master pass in a row with Ray! Cody the Lab and Louise passed the Master test also! Way to go everybody!

In Senior, congrats to Chris and Lacy Hughes for Bella's 3rd senior pass in a row. 3 down, one to go for Bella's Senior title!

In the Junior stake, Bailey completed both tests this weekend for her JR title. Congrats to Baily's owner Bob Worms.
Sorry for short blog update, but I'm tired...

-Jack-

Tejas Hunt Test Report

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-05-06T21:12:20-04:00

There were a few note worthy events at the Tejas test. Congratulations go out to:
Sway owned by Doug Bishop for her pass in Master.

             Jet earned his 5th master pass for his MH title . His owner, Sean Hale, handled him to this title pass. Great job Sean!

             Laurie owned/handled by Tim Buck passed her six test to finish our her qualification for the 2010 Master National in California. In addition, Laurie passed her fifth leg for the Master National at the Bryan College Station test the previous weekend. Congratulations to Tim and Laurie.

             Congrats to Nancy Niepert and Skeeter for another Master pass as well.

In the Senior flights, Bella owned by Chris & Lacey Hughes, scored a qualifying score for another Senior pass.

And finally, in Junior,Maggie owned by David Dyslin passed both tests to complete her Junior Hunter title.

           Bailey, owned by Bob Worms, also passed both the Junior tests and completed her first two legs towards a Junior title. Great work from the young dogs.

-Jack_

New Litter of Field Bred Puppies

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-05-04T21:38:20-04:00

Lee and Debbie Telling have a litter of four puppies on the ground. You can view the pedigree of the Jazz puppies by clicking the link in the upper left of the home page. Puppies will be $800 each and if you are interested in one, please contact me through the website. Below are two links. The first is to the blog for the litter and the second to download an Excel spreadsheet containing the pedigree and a ton of trivia about each dog up the line. You'll never believe how far back it goes!

Forrest x Jazz Pedigree and info

Download the Pedigree and Notes on Each Relative

-Jack-

Congrats to Sean Hale and "Jet"!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-04-28T20:44:21-04:00

Okay everybody, we need to give Sean Hale a pat on the back for passing the Master test this past weekend. He owns and handled Jet for a qualifying score at the Dallas Ft. Worth Labrador Retriever Hunt Test. Way to go Sean!

Rockwall Retriever Club Hunt Test

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-04-19T21:42:05-04:00

The master test had a monster first series this weekend and started with a flight of 38 dogs. Wham! It hit the dogs like a storm. First rattle out of the box and the field was cut to 12. Made for a short second and third series and the Stellar team scored well! Congratulations go out to:

Laurie owned by Tim Buck
Sway owned by Doug Bishop
Cody, "The Chocolate Lab," owned by Steve Hoppas
Jet owned by Sean Hale

Congratulations also go out to Gypsy owned by Bob Niepert and handled by Nancy Niepert for being among the nine passes awarded in this test.

In the Senior Stake, Emmy, owned by Fernando Somoza, passed her last test to qualify for her Senior Hunter Title, and Bella, owned by Chris and Lacey Hughes, passed her first Senior test.

Maggie, one of my young dogs, passed 2 Junior Hunter tests. Nice work on the singles!

Congratulations to Lee Hanes in North Carolina!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-03-29T22:00:22-04:00

I'm proud to to let you know Stellar's Sunny Ray owned by Bill and Lee Hanes of Winston-Salem, NC, passed the master hunt test this weekend at the Lumber River Ret. Club in Linden,NC. This was Lee's first time to handle Ray in a master test and what a great job they delivered! Good job Lee!

Waterloo Retriever Club Spring Hunt Test

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-03-22T21:28:12-04:00

Man oh, man, was Saturday windy and cold. We got a late start due to the rain that was coming through the area and then came the wind! Rough day to be outside for sure. I ran dogs in the a Master flight and a Senior flight this weekend. Stellar dogs brought home passes in both Senior and Master. In the Master stake, 54 dogs started and there were 12 passing scores. Blackie, a long time team member managed to pass. Jazz, owned and handled by Lee Telling, passed Master, and Lucky, owned and handled by Marty Thompson, passed this tough test. Congratulations guys, you did a great job!

"Emmy"

In the Senior stake, Emmy, owned by Fernando Somoza, passed another leg on her way to a Senior Title. Great job Emmy!

Flyer Friday-March 19th Waterloo Warmup!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-03-19T18:22:18-04:00

We had a great group today as Spring Break winds down. Our long time friend and Stellar Staff member, Darren, was out working with Josh and I to run Ye Ol'Steadying Drill with Lee and Debbie Telling, my honey Wendy, Tim Buck, and Mike Meek. We had blue bird skies and mild weather to head out near the barn and setup the signature test warm up drill for all the dogs. Short mark thrown behind a tree and log with the flyer dropped right in the dog's grill to test the dog's steady, blind under the arc of the short bird, diversion thrown on the way back from the blind, and a long single to finish things up. A lot going on for sure and most everybody did well. Forrest, handled by Lee, bit hook line and sinker for the flyer dropped in his grill so we had to give Lee the usual hard time for Forrest's performance. Now that Lee has shook that off, we wish him luck tomorrow at the Waterloo Hunt Test which promises to be a little dicey with some really bad weather blowing in over night.

Mike put together a slide show with mug shots of Cody the Chocolate, Maggie, Mary Tatum's Party, Doug Bishop's Sway, and Fernando Somoza's Emmy along with some various shots of the farm which can be viewed here:

Flyer Friday Slide Show

Here is a taste of a few of the mugshots:

Brazosport Hunt Test, Montgomery Texas...Results In!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-03-15T22:10:44-04:00

Headed over to Montgomery, Texas this weekend for the Brazosport Hunt Test. In Master, passes were scored by Cody the Chesapeake, Sway, and Jet. Congratulations to Penny Watkins, Doug Bishop, and Sean Hale.

"Cody" "Sway"

Nip owned by Ron and Tammy Johnson passed the Junior for his title. Congratulations to little Nip for a great job!
I'm looking forward to great weather for training this week. Waterloo is next weekend!

-Jack-

PS. Mike apologizes for not having a photo of Nip!

The Battle at Bryan College Station

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-03-08T21:23:40-05:00

The Bryan College Station Hunt Test held this weekend, turned out to be a pretty big challenge for the team. With eight dogs entered in the Master stake, only Tim Buck's "Laurie" made the grade. Tough day for the group and the way the chips fell, I know we have to get to work this next week!

In the Senior stake, "Emmy", owned by Fernando Somoza, tested for a qualifying score and brought home a Senior pass in a test with only eight other qualifying scores.

In Junior, "Nip", owned by Ron and Tammy Johnson, passed both tests. Congratulations on a consistent performance Nip!

Port Arthur Retriever Club Hunt Test Results

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-03-02T19:14:45-05:00

Loaded up the crew on Friday and headed to good old Port Arthur. It was a long weekend and I came home with a cold, but there's no crying or being sick in dog training! Here are the results:

Master passes :
Lorie owned and handled by Tim Buck
Cody the Chessie owned by Penny Watkins
Cody the Lab owned by Steve Hoppas
Jet owned by Sean Hale

Senior:
Sway 2 passes for Senior Title-Congratulations to Doug Bishop
Emmy 1 pass

Junior:
Nip 1 JR. Pass

So the team came home with eight orange ribbons and one Senior Title ribbon. Not a bad weekend! Continue checking in for hunt test results and I'll keep workin' those dogs!

-Jack-

In Memory of Chris Martin

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-02-23T17:04:29-05:00

I have the misfortune of letting everyone know that Chris died yesterday in an automobile accident. He was my right hand man. Chris always came to work early and took pride in taking care of the dogs.

Chris had the best memory of anyone I've ever seen and known. He always remembered what every dog needed. Not only did he take care of them, he also noticed if any of them needed something else. He was a true friend of both man and animal alike.

In thinking about my time with him, I also thought about his service to the sport. Chris was so proud about being one of the flyer shooters for the open stake at Dave Rorem's. He shot for 90 dogs and allowed zero "no birds". Two weekends prior, he also shot for the derby and the amateur stakes at the Coastal Bend Retriever Club Field Trial with similar skill. This from a kid that 4 months ago didn't know how to load a starter pistol. He was a good student of the game and learning in leaps and bounds. His enthusiasm for discovery was infectious.

Everyone who met him loved/ liked him as I did. This was a great person who seemed happy in life. I will miss him. I don't understand the term, God works in mysterious ways.

Remorsefully,
Jack

For those interested in joining the family for the funeral services, here is information that will be useful:
The viewing and service will be on Saturday the 27th. The viewing will be from 10-12 with the service from 12-about 1. The burial will be private, but there will be a lunch at 1:30 to follow. The funeral is at Niday Funeral home in Houston, Tx. DIrections can be found on their website: nidayfunerals.com The lunch will be at Pearland First United Methodist church. The church's website can be found here: First United Methodist Church, Pearland The family welcomes all interested parties to visit.

Congratulations to Steve H. and Cody!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-02-14T09:02:40-05:00

Here is great news...Steve Hoppas came by Friday afternoon, picked up Cody and headed to Tennessee Colony for the Rose Country Retriever Club Hunt Test. He and Cody did a great job on both series on the Senior test. This was Cody's 5th pass for his Senior Title.

Congratulations to you both!

-Jack-

Idgie x Willie Pedigree

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-02-03T13:00:58-05:00

I have received a hand full of requests for a printable version of the pedigree so I threw one onto the Downloads page for your pleasure.
Click here to go to Download Page
-Jack-

Idgie x Willie - Repeat Breeding!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-02-01T09:15:25-05:00

I am happy to announce that we are preparing for another litter of great pups from Ms. Idige. The Bee Charmer is hard at work on another litter that we expect on the ground late in March. The puppies will be whelped by Ms. Nancy Niepert and I am excited about this special litter. As you know, we bred Willie, the 2008 National Field Champion to Idgie last year. The puppies have turned out to be fantastic and we are hopeful that round two will be just as rewarding. Take a look at this pedigree:

Idgie x Willie Pedigree

If you are thinking about a puppy and want a line in on a great performance dog, give me a call or email and we can reserve a pup for you. Some of the pups are already spoken for so don't delay in reserving your opportunity for one of these special retrievers!

Flyer Friday = Cold and Wet!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-01-30T09:01:17-05:00

A hard, blue Northern front came through Thursday night and brought rain and a LOT of wind for Flyer Friday. Since it has been mild over the past two weeks, this found the group a little ill prepared for such a tough day for training. That being said, we loaded up and headed out to run a setup that reminded us of the River Runs Through It series of the 2009 Master National.

Our long bird was out about 200 yards through a rushing spillway from a large tank. All running water with lots of ups and downs along the way to throw the dog off the area. Two other control birds were placed tight up a hillside and we threw in a double blind to make sure we covered all training bases. Call it a "kitchen sink" setup!

The big dogs ran a double up the hill, long single, and then the blinds that made them handle either near an old fall or passing under the arc of one of the marks. Plenty of meat in this one!

Tim Buck ran his dog, Lori, and she smoked all of the test. The Stellar dogs all ran a strong set, and Mike Meek and Zoe even made it out to run with the big dogs. We had a great time, just wish we had all remembered gloves!
Winter/Spring training is underway and remember, amateurs are welcome on Fridays. Just give me a call and let me know you want to come out! See you next week!
-Jack-

2010 Spring Hunt Test Schedule

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-01-27T20:32:56-05:00

Winter break from AKC tests is about up and it is time to load up and head out. Mark your calendars for the events below. I've also provided the entry closing dates so that we can be sure to get your dog entered.

Event Date	Entry Deadline	Hosting Club	Location
February 27-28th	February 18th	Port Arthur Retriever Club	Hamshire, Texas
March 6-7th	---------------	Bryan-College Station RC	Bryan-College Station
March 13-14th	March 3rd	Brazosport Retreiever Club	Montgomery, Texas
March 20-21st	March 11th	Waterloo Amateur RC	Manheim, Texas
Apirl 24-25th	April 13th	Dallas Fort Woth RC	Ravenna, Texas
May 1-2nd	------	Tejas Retreiver Club	Northrup, Texas
May 8-9th	April 26th	Heart of Texas RC	Buckholts, Texas

Frozen in Giddings and a New Training Discipline!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2010-01-11T20:56:13-05:00

Stellar Retrievers is now training dogs to walk on water, reserve your spot NOW!

Seriously folks, it has been cold...really cold! And everybody had a good time running around the frozen pasture, and well, yes, the technical pond. Test season starts soon, meanwhile, we have work to do!

Please note: No canids were injured during the photographing of this blog!

Dallas Fort WorthLabrador Retriever Club Hunt Test

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-12-06T19:00:53-05:00

We had a wet, windy and cold weekend in Bonham! Lee Telling joined me for the trip and we left with snow flurries falling on Friday afternoon. Saturday morning found us shuffling retrievers at the Master test and the cold would show no mercy. Anyway, on Sunday, we had three Stellar Senior dogs score qualifying tests. Here they are:

Sway, owned by Doug Bishop of LaGrange, secured her 3rd Senior Pass!
One to go for a Senior title.

Cody, a chocolate lab owned by Steve Hoppas, smoked out his 3rd Senior pass.
He too, just needs to pass one more test for his Senior title.

Cody, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever owned by Penny Watkins, passed for his Senior Hunter Title! Congratulations to both Penny and Cody! This Chessie has already scored his two majors in the show ring and is just a few points away from a big show title. As promised, here is his Stellar Retrievers mug shot:

Click Here or on the Photo to See More of Cody!

Saturday and Sunday had Lee and I slogging away in a difficult master test . The field of thirty was cut to seventeen in the first series. The test was run on stalwart technical water with cold, miserable weather. That being said, three master dogs managed to make the grade. Congratulations to:

Blackie
Idgie
Ray, owned by Bill and Lee Hanes of North Carolina. Ray is still on her game after the National!

That gets us wrapped up for the holidays so everyone stay tuned for more news and have a happy and safe holiday.
-Jack-

Happy Holidays!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-12-07T20:28:00-05:00

Click here to see a few more of Ethyl!

2009 Master National Results

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-11-03T20:27:44-05:00

It was a wild week weather wise and the Master National came with a twist or two this year. That being said, the Stellar crew did a great job! I had a fantastic run with five passes! One was a second Master National pass and Master National Title for Blackie. What a great dog!

Many thanks go out to all that supported our effort at the test. Wendy, Lee, and Debbie worked behind the scenes training and getting to and the from the test so that we could do our best at the test, and special thanks to Bill & Lee Hanes, Robert & Molly Rascoe, Marty & Jan Thompson, and my mother, Loa Morris for their help through out the week. They stuck with us through the whole ordeal and were greatly appreciated. I couldn't have done it without you all!
Don D. was kind enough to send photos from a few of the series. We had a ton or rain and then some beautiful bright days for this marathon retriever test. See the photos here:

2009 Master National Photos

Now for the dogs! Congratulations to:
DREAMMEYER ELWOODS BLUE ECHO MH, aka "Echo"-owned by Leslie Vieau

THE BEE CHARMER MH, aka "Idgie"-First Master National pass!

STELLAR'S BLACK JACK MH, aka "Blackie"-His second pass and now a MN title!

STELLAR'S SUNNY RAY MH, aka "Ray"-owned by Lee and Bill Hanes-First Master National pass!

JUMPIN JAZZMIN MONTGOMERY MH, aka "Jazz"-owned by Lee and Debbie Telling-First Master National pass!

Master National Kick Off!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-10-24T20:14:31-04:00

Friday morning marked our first big Master National training day. Our group of handlers were assigned to Wizz's Pond on the Eckett property so off we went. Robert Rascoe, Marty Thompson, Linda Baily, John Blackbird and a sweet gal named Marty from Tennessee gathered to run their dogs on a deluxe version of Jack's Ye Ol' Steadying Drill.

That's right, the one where the wipeout flyer lands at the dog's feet after a long bird across technical water goes off! We all had a great time running a walkup single, the wipeout double run after a blind, and finally a great water blind across one point. Here are some pictures from this great day of training!

Leslie Vieau's "Echo" staked out after running the land water setup.

We are all very excited about the start of the event Sunday and some of the group may even run late Sunday afternoon. Most of the Stellar dogs will be running in the B flight on Monday morning so send all the good luck you can. Here is a link to check on the progress of the event.

Master National Website

I'll report more later,
Mike Meek

Oh, one last shot...Linda Baily handling her golden on the water blind.

Port Arthur and Tejas Retriever Test Senior Report

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-10-12T21:17:45-04:00

Last weekend at the Port Arthur Hunt Test, Mary Tatum's Party titled as a Senior Hunter. Congratulations to Mary on another great dog!

This weekend at the Tejas Hunt Test, Forest broke on Lee again so no pass for Forrest. Louise, however, passed for her Senior title! Cody ran very well for his 3rd pass with his owners watching and cheering him on to success. Stella got her 4th pass and needs 1 more for title.

We are working hard at the property in preparation for the Master National event later this month and the Master dogs are all working towards a good showing at the event. The rain has been kind for both the tanks and cover so the grounds are looiking great!

See you all soon!

-Jack-

Brazosport and Port Arthur HT Results

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-10-05T07:26:33-04:00

I ran five dogs in the Brazosport Senior test two weekends ago and have congratulations going to three dogs!

Passes were awarded to:
Louise...one of the Idgie Puppies!
Sway-owned by Doug Bishop
Party-owned by Mary Tatum

It was a tough Senior test with a water series that found most handlers blowing whistles and casting like mad men!

This weekend, I ran a few dogs in the Port Arthur Retriever Club Hunt Test.
In Senior, Louise, Cody, and Stella managed to secure passes. Mary Tatum's Party passed both Senior tests and was on fire for the weekend! In Master, Ray, owned by Lee and Bill Hanes, Blackie, and Jazz, owned and handled by Lee Telling, passed for another test towards the 2010 Master National. Tough weather weekend for the dogs, but the all handled it well.

Back to training on Monday as the Master National draws near!

Have a great week!

-Jack-

Big Weekend at the Rose Country Hunt Test!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-09-22T21:38:13-04:00

I loaded up the truck on Saturday morning and headed over to Palestine, Texas. We had tweleve stakes entered and the boys and girls cleaned up at the Rose Country Retriever Club Hunt Test. Of the tweleve entries, Stellar Retrievers brought home eleven passes with the only disappointing result coming from Blackie in a Master test due to a double handle in the first series. The judges threw a well placed quad that proved to be a tough test for everyone!

First off, Congratulation's to Fernando Somoza and his yellow lab Emmy! On Saturday, she secured her fourth Junior pass to title as a AKC Junior Hunter.

Other great news and congratulations go out to:

Stellar's Southern Exposer (Louise) completed her Junior Hunter title on Saturday and then ran and passed her first Senior test on Sunday.

Doug Bishop's- Sway JH, for running and passing her 1st Senior Hunt test.

Nancy Meyer's Stella passed her 2nd Senior test after being back with me for just a month after a 1year break!

Steve Hoppas's chocolate speed demon Cody, for his 1st Senior pass.

Bob Owen's Casey SH, 2nd pass in Master, as both of the master tests he has run, have been difficult.

Forest passed his 1st Senior as well with his owner, Lee Telling as the handler. Rumor has it that Lee was so nervous that he had to change hsi shorts after the first series!

Congrat's to the Master dogs that passed their tests:
Ray -Lee and Bill Hanes
Sky- Robert (Bob)/Molly Rascoe
Idgie -Tim Mahady.

Heading to Montgomery, Texas this weekend to run Junior and Senior stakes. Updates to come!

-Jack_

Fall Hunt Test Schedule

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-09-04T08:05:34-04:00

With the Master National going on at the end of October, the hunt test schedule is compressed into September and October. Here is what I am planning on running with all the dogs at Stellar Retrievers. Meanwhile, I am gearing up to head back to Texas next week so I'll see you all around Giddings very soon!
-Jack-

Fall 2009 Hunt Test Schedule

Sept. 19-20 Rose Country Retriever Club Entries close 9-9-09
Tennessee Colony, Texas

Sept. 26-27 Brazosport Retriever Club Entries close 9-19-09
Montgomery, Texas

Oct. 3-4 Port Arthur Retriever Club Entries close 9-24-09
Hamshire, Texas

Oct. 10-11 Tejas Retriever Club Entries close 9-28-09
Northrup, Texas

Oct. 23-Nov.1 Master National Retriever Club Entries close 9-15-09
Manheim/Giddings, Texas

Dec. 5-6 Dallas/Fort Worth Retriever Club Entries close 11-25
Revenia, Texas

Northern Flight HT - Great Results for Stellar Dogs!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-08-29T13:31:38-04:00

Some of the Usual Suspects...

I loaded up the trailer and headed to the Northern Flight Hunting Retrievers Association 2009 Fall Hunting Test in St. Croix, MN. All 5 of our master dogs passed, including Casey on of our recent up and comers to Master! 36 teams started in our flight with approx 6 scratches. Rumor had it that one team scratched out because he said he wouldn't run under the judges because they were to hard! Anyway the judges passed 11dogs and and 5 of them were from our truck! It was a tough test, but the Stellar dogs hung in there like good Texans do!

We had nice results in the Double Senior event. Party owned by Mary Tatum, racked up 2 passes towards the Senior Hunter title. Congrats to Party and Mary Tatum!

Forest, owned by Lee and Deb Telling, passeed only one senior test. It would have been another double, but after doing very nice work in his test, Forrest broke on the Honor. Forrest and I will be working on controlling that drive in upcoming weeks! Congratulations to Lee and Deb on Forrest's pass.

In the Double Junior, Sway, an Idgie pup owned by Doug Bishop, scored 2 passes for her Junior title! Hurray for Sway and congratulations to Doug! Emmy scored to 2 passes-Congratualtions to Fernando Somoza. Emmy just needs one more pass for herJR title. Louise, another Idgie pup, passed both Junior tests! Way to go Louise!

To some it up, I ran 11 dogs in 17 tests for 14 passes. Not a bad weekend for Stellar Retrievers!

To rub it in it is a warm day of 75 here on the Upper Penninsula. I don't know if we're ever coming back LOL.

Cheers!
-Jack-

Snapshot of Michigan Training-Jack and Louise

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-08-18T21:03:00-04:00

So while everyone sweats it out down South, I thought you might like to see where I trained today! The fine lady in the photos is Louise, one of Stellar's students. She is from one of Idgie's litters and has a huge heart! Everything here in Michigan is lush and COOL! The dogs are all doing well in this climate and I am certain none are home sick. That being said, the Summer trip is about over.

See you all in September!
-Jack

Tripp and Mildred-A Victory Lap!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-08-19T17:51:03-04:00

I just got these photos of Dave with Tripp and Mildred and Bernie with Mildred after the field trial. Tripp is the big boy on the left and Mildred is the little gal on the right. Congrats to both dogs and their handlers in their recent field trial awards!

-Jack-

Stellar Dog's Field Trial Report

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-08-16T21:53:28-04:00

As you may know, Stellar's Full Throttle ( Mildred ) Won the Amateur at Minnesota Iron Range Retriever Club. Handled by owner, Bernie Carey, two weeks ago. This weekend Stellar's Roughneck ( Tripp ) got Second in the Qualifying, owner Rian Burkes handled by Professorial Trainer Dave Davis of Chiefton Kennels, to qualify him all-age, at the Duluth Retriever Club. Then to top it off Mildred took second in the Open ( Handled by Dave also ) at the Duluth Club. That gives Mildred a total of 8 all-age points as a three year old. Pictures to follow, in the next few days.

Lee and Bill Hanes visit the U.P.!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-08-09T08:57:00-04:00

In an effort to beat the summer heat, Lee and Bill Hanes took time to visit Stellar Retrievers this week. Ray and all the dogs just love having these two up for marks and blinds. Lee brought her iPhone along and snapped some cell phone photos of the new Ainley trailer and a cool technical pond we train on here at Chieftan Kennels. I hear it is way hot down in Texas! Sorry for you folks sweatin' it out down there.

Hunt Test Report: Fargo, North Dakota

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-07-12T18:33:58-04:00

Went to Fargo North Dakota 350 mi. away and had a beautiful drive. I pushed off on Thursday and the first stop was Duluth, MN just two hours away. I ran 13 dogs on a double water blind with my good friends/client Burnie Cary and his son Burnie JR. Burnie bought Mildred from me 2 years ago and since that time has jammed an amuture field trial as a 3 year old. The blinds took all afternoon so I spent the night in Duluth and resumed training at 7am with Mike Marmon.

Mike bought his second puppy from me out of the Idgie/Willie litter and it seems to be coming along very nicely. Mike threw a poison bird across a channel, then we ran a blind under the arc to the corner of the water and then up field 100yds through mowed strips to bumper pile. When the dog returned to line, it was sent on a second water blind past the mark, on point then cast off to the next channel and up and out to cover strip to retrieve second bumper. When dog returned to line, the RETIRED poison bird was retrieved. I was proud of the work put on by our dogs and by how well they performed. It was noon time and I had a dough nut with Mike and took off for Fargo (5hrs).

Saturday I met up with Sean Hale (from TX) and we started running the Master test at Fargo. I have always heard about the famous FARGO DITCH, but now I can say proudly our dogs handled it very well as all dogs got through the first series.

2nd series was the longest series I ever run in a hunt test. The judges put on a challenging cold water blind 1st, then marks by invitation. The test required 15-18 minutes per dog. The second series took its toll as 17 dogs were dropped. All Stellar dogs still in after the second!

Last series was a delayed triple. Double was thrown, after your dog picked up 1st bird, a diversion bird was thrown, which most dogs picked up 2nd, then pick up the 1st bird thrown (memory). All Stellar dogs did a Stellar Performance for a 100 per cent pass rate!

I also spent some time at the Senior stake with Bob Owne's Casey. Casey also did a Stellar Performance for his 3rd leg toward his Senior title. This was a memberal experience to go to this club with excellent, hard working, NICE members and phenomenal grounds.

-Jack-

Congratulations to:
Idgie owned by Tim Mahady: MASTER PASS
Sky & Blackie owned by Robert & Molly Rascoe: MASTER PASS
Ray owned by Lee & Bill Hanes for Master: MASTER PASS
Casey owned by Bob Owens: SENIOR PASS

The Summer Trip is ON!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-06-06T18:02:38-04:00

With full truck of retrievers, trailer, and four wheeler, I said good bye to Central Texas and pushed off for Michigan this last week. We met up with Lee, Bill, and Robert in Arkansas to pickup Ray and Sky. These are two Stellar graduates that are coming North for tune up training in front of the Master National. After a nice dinner with these good friends, we all set out for our summer home and made it just about on time Wednesday. Training started on Friday and I have been making my Southern dog training friends jealous with reports of weather in the mid 60's during the day. I had forgotten how wonderful the weather is here and if would get dark before 9:30 at night, it really would be hog heaven!

I'll post test results as we gather them this summer. I am looking forward to getting a lot of great work volume done with weather that is better than what we enjoy most of the Fall and Spring in Texas. I love hearing from everybody so be sure to email me updates of how you are doing down in Texas where I know the blast furnace is getting cranked up!

Best regards,
Jack

Spring's Final Flyer Friday

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-05-31T08:37:35-04:00

Big group for the final Flyer Friday of Spring 2009. Bob & Nancy Niepart from Lexington, Shawn Hale, Marty Thompson and of course Eric Fuchs joined me for training. The north wind and cloud cover kept the temps down. Young dogs were up first with singles and a double mark training drill ( 2 short) for the older dogs. The big dog set-up consisted of 4 guns in field, left two marks were short retired bird (60yds) thrown to the left and go bird (140yds) thrown to the right (pinched in or converging marks). The right hand set of marks reinforced or taught the same concept again. Short retired ( 60yds) thrown left to right in front of long gunner in white coat at 100yds, then they threw the go bird left to right also.This was a much tighter set of marks.some dogs did really well and some not so good so we back and taught it to them. Lunch was over at the kennel in the shade with Nancy evaluating puppies, after they attacked a live duck. Then it was off to do water work on technical tank. The marks (3) consisted of outside left mark thrown left to right which a teaching mark for young dogs, angle entry 20yd swim, on point, then off point, then angle across h2o (15yds) to another point, angle out of water then to bird in field. Total mark 120yds. right hand mark was 100yds requiring the dog to swim across water, go across the end of J-point, re enter water swim 20yds out of tank and re enter no seeum water which is the swim bye pond. Older dogs did the marks as a double. Then followed up with a single in the middle,110 yd mark requiring the dog to swim down a channel then out of tank and run up a mound.

In other news, two more Idgie puppies went to new homes. One female went with Marty and one female went home with the Neiperts. Congrats to the new owners!

I am off to Michigan in the morning. Updates from up North to follow. Have a great summer everybody!

Jack

Stellar's Sunny Ray's Vacation

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-05-23T09:19:39-04:00

Stellar's Sunny Ray has been in North Carolina for a little over two weeks and has become a Tarheel again in no time! We flew her from Austin To Charlotte with no problems, just a lot of of anxiety on our parts.

The hunt test season is over here, and the training group is only meeting once, maybe a twice a week. But, I am very happy to report that Ray and I are doing quite well together. Each time we run, our rhythm and commmunication are better. Jack will be happy to know that I am remembering to give silent casts. (That's an attempt at humor. Jack told me I only gave verbal casts at the Tejas Hunt Test - talk about being nervous!) Ray is really fun to work with - so enthusiastic and definitely knows what she's doing - she's a pretty good substitute teacher when Jack's not around.

Ray has been an excellent house dog - no "housebreaking" issues at all. She and our older female Lab, Katie, have had one or two skirmishes, but nothing unexpected. They are actually getting along quite well now. I'm not sure Ray really understands why she has to walk on a leash "in town", but she has adapted well to that aspect of city life.

Robert & Mollie Rascoe and Bill & I plan to meet Jack in Arkansas in about two weeks to give him Sky and Ray for the summer trip. That is going to be one hard good-bye. But, I think the dogs will be glad to be back to full-time jobs. I know that they will be ready for Master National when they return to Giddings!

I never finished my blog entries during our week in Texas. In short, we had a wonderful time, saw beautiful country and technical water. We made a wonderful new friend in John Blackbird - what a prince of a guy - can't wait to see John at Master National in October. We also enjoyed catching up with Mike Meek again, one of the Friday Flyers and creator of the Stellar Retrievers web site, one talented guy!

I will never be able to express our gratitude for the positive influence Jack has had on our experiences with retrievers. Jack is such a good teacher. He had me run Blackie as "test dog" before each session with Ray, even at the actual Hunt Test - what a confidence builder. We had a great time and learned so much. There is nothing like Stellar Retrievers' and Texas hospitality.

"Talk" to you soon, Lee

Four Snakes and Some Water Work

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-05-16T09:11:06-04:00

We had the Houston crew and Mike Meek of Austin out on Friday for a day of cheating singles and a hip pocket land double. Marty Thompson brought the sandwiches, Sean brought Jet and a cool sun shade, and Mike had his camera. Emme and Louise were the stars for a brief photo shoot and it was off to run dogs. When we arrived at the tank, snake control had to go into action and the Benelli Super Black Eagle took care of four snakes to help ensure a quiet and safe training day on the water. Here is a a little sample of the photos that Mike took of Emme and Louise:

For more of Louise
For more of Emme

Sweet Puppies! and the Return of Eric!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-04-29T13:46:17-04:00

I am happy to report that the Idgie puppies are doing great and Lee emailed me a little photo that I knew you all would get a kick out of seeing. Give me a call if you might be interested in having one of these well bred pups!

Other news...Big thanks to John Blackbird for helping me out while Eric was in Germany. John loaded up his truck and headed back north on Sunday and I'll miss his help. Meanwhile, Eric Fuchs has returned from his trip and is back in the field with me working. Its good to have our kind friend back with the pack!

The weather has started heating us up and the rain has filled our technical pond. Higher temps and higher humidity make me start thinking about the Summer Trip. If you would be interested in having your dog trained for Master National this summer, give me a call. The boxes on the truck are filling fast!

-Jack-

Tarheels - Day 4

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-04-24T07:25:36-04:00

Another day, more new training grounds. Our training group today was the same as yesterday - Jack, John Blackbird, Wild Wind-Up Willie (not William), Bruce and me. We decided that Bruce should join our little competition, he is the "Field Trialer",

Our first series was on the water. Let's put this out front - Blackie, handled by Lee, won hands down. Now remember, Blackie is a Tarheel, but we have to give Jack the credit for the training. Blackie is like the bull yesterday - magnificent!

Anyway, the first series consisted of a mark on a peninsula (a poison bird). You had to pick-up a blind where the line to the blind was downwind of the poison bird - tough stuff - and you had to set the dog up for a left hand cast off the peninsula, to keep him off the peninsula and the poison bird. Did I mention that there was an island involved? A strong left hand cast was required to keep the dogs off the island and poison bird,

The next single was across a piece of water with a point of land 3 yards off of line. The line to the bird was parallel to the shore, Bird landed up the hill with a 25 yard exit,

Third and last mark (single), required the dog to get on the opposite side of the point that the dog was not allowed to get on on the second mark, then parallel to the shore, @ 6 feet from the shore line. More tough stuff. This ate up the young dogs and a few of the older ones too.

After these two singles were picked up, all Tarheels, one Go-For, and one Long Horn (Forest) got to pick up the poison bird. The Field Trialer chose to run the test differently.

Jack let us eat lunch today while Remi taught Jade how to retrieve the larger dog dummies. (For those that don't know, Jade is John's 12 week old pup - she is a black beauty. Remi is 11 years old, the "youngest living Master Hunter" and Jack's pride and joy.)

The second series was a land triple and double blind. The Go-For's won this one, with the Field Trialers close behind. The Go Bird was a short breaking bird coming out of a thick to the right. The middle bird was 85 yards with the thrower exposed (then retiring) into thick cover in front of a tree line. The memory bird was an exposed blind thrower throwing at a dyke @ 130 yards. The first blind was in line with the Go Bird @ 75 yards. The second blind was between the long bird and the middle bird - @ 140 yards. Special mention needs to be of the first dog to run, Bella. No scent, no drag back, and a very clean run.

Pretty good day today. I did a little better and did remember the whistle. The red Beef Master bull did find his cows!

Lee Hanes

Jack, John and the Red Bull...

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-04-23T21:26:47-04:00

We'll tell you about the dogs after we tell you what happened at Stellar Retrievers today. We woke up, looked at the windows to greet the day and saw - a HUGE 2,000 pound beefmaster red bull! Where did he come from? The neighboring farmer was contacted about his magnificent bull being in Jack's training field and he came to begin to persuade his bull to go to to the right side of the fence. John and Lee had to block the bull's way to the kennel - and it was "Game On"! The bull looked at us, we looked at him, and you can guess who won the staring contest.

Meanwhile our training day started with young dog drills including poison bird no-no drills . Forest beat-out Louise! We were joined by one of Jack's & John's training friend, Bruce Bachert. Our first set-up consisted of three water marks done as singles. We had WWW (Wild Wind-Up-William) throwing the first mark consisting of a right to left flat throw @ 90 yards of water past one point of land. No cheating on the point allowed. The second mark was thrown at @ 110 yards which required the dogs to go over the point (which they were just not allowed to get on) and get out and run 50 yards through the scent of that first mark. Some dogs caved in and hunted the old fall. Young dogs were encouraged out of the old fall with hey-heys. The third mark required a sharp angle entry (which caused some to cheat) over a penensula, re-enter the water and run 120 yards to the edge of a tree line. Most dogs flared, the path was the tree line and the wind did not help them.

The blind was @ 175 yards, behind #2 thrower, through the first piece of water, over a peninsula, through a second piece of water, up al hill, and over a brush pile. Most dogs tried to cheat the brush pile or circle the tree line. Tarheels 2, Long Horns "Zero", Go-Fors 2. (You ask, who are the "Go-Fors"? These are Minnesota dogs that "Go For & Get" the bird! It's now a three way contest!)
In our second set-up. we wanted to repeat the "tree-line" test. The set-up was three marks with an indent scenario with the two long marks. One long mark being thrown parallel to a tree line and the other long mark being thrown from a tree line. The middle indent bird being thrown from a small group of trees., Depending upon the age and level of dogs running, some ran as a double with a single, some ran all singles, again, the level of dogs running, some ran two long marks and a short, or one long mark and a short and then a single long mark. Once again the Go-Fors stepped-on the tree line marks, Long Horns tried to skirt the tree line, and the Tarheels hunted the tree line. Final Score - Tarheels 2, Go-Fors 2, Long Horns (Louise) 1

So how did Lee do today? Well. she remembered the whistle (at the line) and was required to carry a gun on the marks - Blackie and Ray saved her, She was one Hell-of-a Birdgirl under the tutorlidge of John Blackbird. The test looms ahead this week-end......
-Lee Hanes-

Lee and Bill's Training Day 2

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-04-22T08:59:15-04:00

Second day of "training" and did I get a wake-up call. Our birdboys were John Blackbird and Rick Greer- both previous Master National Judges. Talk about pressure! We also had Marty Thompson from the Friday Flyer group with us.

Our first set-up was on a tank covered with cut cattails. The dogs did not want to get into the cattails, so this was a real test of perseverance. The first mark was parallel to the shore across 35 feet of water, the bird landed behind the bank into another piece of water. The second bird was across the open water about 40 yards through a mess of cut cattails. 60 yards under trees in an open field, the last mark to be picked up was approximately 80 yards through 2 different groups of those darned cut cattails - approximately 10 yards across each. Then, of course, a combination water/land blind - a thread the needle blind between five trees, an opening approximately 3 feet wide. This was Rick Greer's donation to the first set-up. He likes tough blinds! Believe it or not, Jack let me run Blackie and Ray (Tarheel dogs). At the end of this set-up, the Tarheels were slightly ahead of the Lone Star dogs.

We then moved to an open field to run a land double with a poison bird blind. Jack had not let me eat lunch and my stomach created a diversion. Jack showed me the test while I was attempting to make sandwiches. The set-up consisted of a 100 yard mark parallel to the edge of a woods - this being the poison bird. The blind was run under the arch of this poison bird, approximately 70 yards deeper than the mark. Upon returning from the blind, another bird was thrown parallel to a tree line perpendicular to the first mark, approximately 70 yards. This was now our Go bird.

When I took Blackie to the line, not being prepared, my whistle was under my shirt. When Blackie started on the blind, his first cast was too late - he was already at the poison bird (whistle still in shirt). Needless to say, Tarheels down due to gross handler error!

Probably learned some great lessons today. John Blackbird advised that as he takes the dogs off the truck, he has his whistle in his mouth. I will try to make that a new habit. He also reminded me that as long as I'm in the holding blind, I can ask as many questions as needed.

Another great day in Giddings! Can't wait for tomorrow.

Amateur Report: Lee and Bill Hanes

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-04-21T19:45:51-04:00

My husband, Bill, and I are in Texas training with Jack this week. Jack has trained Ray, our 3 year old Master Hunter. Ray has again qualified for Master National and we are excited that she went 5 for 5 for the 2009 Master National which will be held in Giddings, TX in October.
Today, we trained with John Blackbird from Mora, MN. (John will be one of the judges at the Tejas Hunt Test this week-end.) We started the day with the young dogs - handling drills over brush piles and logs. Jack advised me to run Ray on the drill - for my training, not Ray's. This gave me the opportunity to work on some basic obedience.
Next, we went to the Blackwater South training grounds. Since it rained 7 inches last week-end, the tanks are full and we had wonderful water! We started with the right hand technical single thrown angle back from one peninsula to another peninsula which required the dog swim by the first point & gunner. Second left-hand single was poison bird thrown across the water with a 50 yard exit. Dog was "no'ed" off mark and required to run water blind. The water blind required the dog to swim by the first point and gunner, get on the second point and then cast-off the point into the wind. After completing the blind, the dog had to pick-up the poison bird. Great stuff for a novice handler, can't express how exciting it was to complete this successfully with "my dog". Finished-up with a long center bird about 175 yards across the water, up a hill. Whew!!! (For the record, Jack also let me run "Blackie", another NC dog. The Tarheel dogs were leading the Long Horns at this point in the day.)
There was a brief diversion when we received a call from Dave Davis. Dave and his wife, Sandy, are wintering here in Texas, their home is Ironwood, MI. The heavy rains have created a little mud and quicksand. You can guess what had happened to Dave's truck!
Second set-up consisted of a water double. Memory bird was thrown 160 yards out - angle in & out at 15 yards - 50 yard run on land before hitting the water the second time for mark thrown down the shore. Go bird was another angle entry, then parallel to shore, up & over point, re-enter water and swim to next piece of land to the bird thrown by wild, wind-up Bill. Many of the dogs had trouble - lots of repeats.
Can't tell you what an exciting day it was for us! I'll try to include some pictures tomorrow. PS, Tarheels and Long Horns tied at end of day.

Lee Hanes

The Idgie Litter Background Info & Willie's Pedigree

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-04-13T20:49:42-04:00

I wanted to let everyone know that Idgie's litter of black puppies is thriving. Still just little puffs of black fur, they are getting bigger everyday. I'm excited about the breeding and wanted to post some background info on the pups, so here it goes:

Puppies Birthday: 3/30/09 Ready to go home: May 18, 2009!

Information on the Dam: "Idgie" The Bee Charmer, MH QAA
Eyes Clear. CNM clear, EIC clear, Hips Good, Elbows Normal

Idgie has an outstanding field record that includes:
Master Hunt Tests: 21 Starts with 20 Passes!
QAA at 29 months.
Jammed a 106 dog Open Field Trial stake at 36 months

See her pedigree in next blog entry below.

Information on the Sire: 2008 NFC Two Rivers Lucky Willie (BLK)
EIC: Clear Eyes: Clear
Hips: Excellent Elbows: Normal
CNM: Clear

His record speaks for itself!

Click here to see Wille's pedigree at another site!

"Idgie" The Bee Charmer, MH QAA Pedigree

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-04-11T12:59:12-04:00

		Sire:	Sire: CFC Rascal's Super Spud
The Bee Charmer MH QAA "Idgie"	Sire:	CNFC CNAFC Waldorf's High Tech	Dam: Itch's Flying Tiger
OFA: LR Good	2X NAFC FC 2X CNAFC Ebonstar Lean Mac
CERF: LR		Dam:	Sire: Trieven El Conquistador
CNM: LR		Ebonaceae Princess WCX	Dam: Skookum's Sky Raider
F-PIV
EJC: Clear		Sire:	Sire: FC AFC Webshire's Honest Abe
Full sister to 2007 NAFC FC AFC	Dam:	FC AFC Candlewoods Rebel Ridge PDQ	Dam: 3X NFC FC AFC Candlewoods Tanks a Lot
Good Idea's Whoa Nellie	Waterdog's Trida Stop Me MH
		Dam:	Sire: NAFC FC AFC Trumarc's Zip Code
		Cody's Tazmanian Huntress	Dam: Maera's Dixie

Flyer Good Friday-Indented Triples

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-04-10T20:30:25-04:00

Good Friday came with the Flyer Friday group greeted by a crisp North wind. We set up an indented triple water series. The go bird landed at 160 yards, middle "short" bird at 140 yards with the gunner retired, and the last mark at 200 yards with a standout gun. Stellar's Black Jack "Blackie" and Stellar's Sunny Ray picked it up clean but the rest of the truck and the amateur's dogs all found elements to train with this setup.

Two marks required crossing a wide point and the go bird was a swim past the same point. Long exit lines from the tank to the marks gave the dogs plenty of time to declare their line. It was a meaty setup for the big dogs and the freshman retrievers ran the marks over the point as singles!

Our afternoon land setup was another generalization of the indented concept. Go bird on the left at 110 yards, indented retired mark at 140 yards, and the flyer out at 180. The dogs all had a great time stomping this setup with the youngsters running the three marks as singles. As expected, many had a hard time resisting the siren song of the stand out flyer station and had to be called back or handled to the short retired bird. The weather stayed cool with a few sprinkles of rain. It was a great day!

Thanks to Bruce Bachert, Marty Thompson, and John Blackbird for helping out!

Idgie x Willie Puppy Update

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-04-08T10:14:24-04:00

I wanted to share a sweet snapshot of Idgie nursing the little pups and let everyone know that two little black dogs are spoken for already. As you can see, they are all good ol'black dogs, but they are tiny little packages at just over a week old. Check back with my blog to see future updates and photos as the puppies get to romping around.
-Jack-

Flyer Friday - Hip Pockets and Wipe Out Birds

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-04-03T20:49:15-04:00

The morning started out brisk in the low fifties and with the dog truck loaded, we made our way to Blackwater South to run a land setup and water singles. We agreed to run a tough morning setup involving a technical single thrown into a distant drainage slough and a hip pocket with the short flyer thrown as a "wipeout".

The wipeout bird on the hip pocket proved to be a tough task for most of the truck and the dogs gave all the handlers opportunity to teach. It was a great way to start the day and we then moved over to the technical pond to throw a water double with long exits to the marks. Once again, all the dogs were challenged on their line to the mark and this kept us all on our toes!

The morning light was so nice that I whipped out my camera and snapped a few photos. I threw together a gallery of today's land setup and some of the usual suspects working the marks. Photos of Blackie, Ranger, Mary Tatum's Bonnie, Leslie Vieau's Echo, and others can be viewed here: www.mightydogphoto.com

Special thanks to Bruce Bachert and Sean Hale for throwing birds with us!

-Mike Meek-

Thanks Jack...

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-03-30T22:42:46-04:00

Hi Jack,
Thanks, and thanks so much for Echo’s training and passes at Big D!
Leslie V.

Idgie Puppies have Arrived!

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-03-30T22:44:07-04:00

That's right! Nine little pups! Seven females and two males are now on the ground and Idgie is working hard to raise them right. Lots of nursing for these tiny little pups. Bred from Willie, the 2008 National Field Champion, we are excited to get these dogs up and running. If you would be interested in one of these finely bred dogs, give me a call.

-Jack-

Stellar Retrievers and the Big D HRC Double Master

www.mightydogphoto.com — 2009-03-30T22:41:59-04:00

I loaded up the truck and headed up to Dallas this weekend for the Big D HRC Double Master hunt test. Four dogs ran the event and we had a long weekend of retired marks and double blinds. Ribbons came home with Bonnie and Echo-both really great Chocolate Labs. On top of that, Echo, owned by Leslie Vieau, qualified for the Master National event with this Master pass, and so did Dr. Mary Tatum's Bonnie! Congrats go out to both owners for the great work from their dogs! In Junior, Chili pounded out two Junior passes to finish out his Junior Hunter title! All things told, it was a windy weekend with great results from the crew!

-Jack-