Pre-test Events

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 30th, 2006

It was a beautiful late summer day as the trucks and vehicles began to arrive in the small southwestern Ontario town of Kinburn . Mike Cardinal and Craig Ritchie of the SWORTC had been busy preparing the land and equipment for this big event, and everything was in order.

After the vetting of bitches, the Annual General Meeting of the Master National began at 4pm moderated by President Mark Edwards . Particular kudos (that's a thumbs up!) go to Brian Dempsey from New Brunswick, Director for the Maritimes, who arrived from the east and offered both his insight at the meeting and his hard work during the event. Attendance was high at the meeting and discussion was lively. We noted Terry O'Reilly's decision to step down as Western Director due to ill health and the appointment of Dr. Sue Taylor instead. The majority of the discussion related to the structure and workings of the Master National Club which will be reviewed over the winter in order to allow the organization to effectively move into the future.

Grubby camo was replaced by buttons and bows at the Opening Banquet hosted by Eukanuba held at Kinburn Hall. As in the past, Sheila Love Phillips and her intrepid crew transformed the hall into a dining palace, complete with bulrush floral arrangements and camo serviettes. Handlers and guests had a chance to peruse a myriad of articles on the silent auction and raffle table. Chair and Master of Ceremonies Mike Cardinal welcomed all and introduced our three judges: Walter Vessey from P.E.I., Peter Wyckoff from Ontario and Dr. Sue Taylor from Saskatchewan . Head Marshal Ray Bester gave pertinent instructions to the handlers and bibs and bags were handed out. The draw for the first running dog was conducted and lucky number 20 was selected.

It was an evening to become re-acquainted with old friends and make new.

Pre-test | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Final Results