>> More pictures at All Dogs Can
It wasn’t exactly planned that way, but the Canine Combustion Dog Agility Club (CCDAC) hosted the first AKC agility trial at the new All Dogs Can building in Lapeer, Michigan. Judging the trial held January 5-7, 2018 was Don Farage Jr. from Bartlett, Tennessee. The month following this trial, Mr. Farage judged the AKC 5th Annual Masters Agility Championship at Wesminster, so he gets around! Trial chair was Jeremy Gerhard, who likes to work the score table too. He was often found studiously adding scores into the computer.
A Thursday Night Fun Run Plus Kicked off the Event
All Dogs Can offers a fun run that is almost like a real trial, complete with bar setters, electronic timers, and even a “go.” I’m dubbing it a Fun Run Plus! It’s usually held the first Thursday of every month, which means CCDAC was able to kick off their trial with this event. I was not aware it took place, but will keep note of it for the future. The cards are in CCDAC’s favor in regards to the fun runs this year. Their next trial at All Dogs Can is the beginning of February, and the dates fall in the suite spot that allows them to kick that trial off with the fun run too.
Club’s 30 Year Anniversary
The Canine Combustion Club celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2017, making them the oldest AKC agility club in Michigan. Located in the Metropolitan Detroit area, they host three AKC events in Lapeer per year, and two USDAA events in Canton.
“The main goals are to put on trials every year,” said Kathy Wells, the club’s president. “We have a small membership, but everyone has their own job and we mesh well to make things happen.” Kathy has been president for ‘as long as she can remember,’ but for at least the past 14 years.
The club has some brags this year too: Two of its members will be competing in the IFCS World Agility Championships in Italy this April! Kathy Wells with her Border Collie “Fargo” and Melanie Rock with her Border Collie “Puma” are saving their pennies and putting on fund raisers so they can make the trip. Congratulations and good luck you two . . . I mean four!
Speaking of pinching pennies, at $16 per dog per run, they also charge less per class than any other Michigan AKC club. Their USDAA prices are nothing to be ashamed of either.
Personally, I like the way CCDAC scheduled this trial. Premiere, Master and Excellent level classes are scheduled before most Novice and Open classes. This is much nicer for those of us who simply don’t have time to spend 10 to 12 hours a day at a trial for 2 runs per dog. Master/Excellent exhibitors can leave when they’re done, and Open/Novice exhibitors don’t have to arrive until later in the day when their classes start. The club has figured it out on how to get enough workers, so bravo to the club! In addition to the low cost, it’s another big benefit in my book!