Dog Poop and Positivity: Our first series is the books!
An Amateur Competitor's Perspective
By: Jamie Woodson #68
As I took the long walk to the line with my companion and partner of nine years (Keeper #68), I had Dennis Bath's
words of wisdom in my head: "You have qualified for a national and are competing with the best of the best! Take
your time! Walk slow! Enjoy each and every wonderful moment of this experience!"
And, so I did.
Even with the marshal's emphatic direction - "#68! #68! #68! We need #68 in the holding blind!" - I slowly walked
(sauntered really) toward the first of six holding blinds. As I did, I made a point to really enjoy the perfectly sunny
68 degree day in Bonham, Texas. I soaked it all in as I listened to the sing-song chirps of the birds and felt the light
breeze in the air as I gazed lovingly upon my little Labrador retriever.
As I thought about our nine wonderful years of duck hunts and derbies, field trials and family fun, I was supremely
"in the moment" - Just like Dennis advised.
I was knocked out of my reflective haze when I stepped squarely into the biggest, freshest, and most impressive
pile of dog poop I have ever seen. Obviously, the steaming pile was seen too late. I could actually feel my boot
make impact and then drop at least two inches to the ground. Unfortunately, my reflexes were not quick enough
to react in any sort of helpful way! And, if squish could simultaneously be a feeling and a sound, that's what I felt
and heard. Super gross.
At that point, all I could do was laugh. And laugh I did.
Still 75 feet from the first holding blind, I scuffed my feet, laughed, put Keeper on lead, scuffed some more
(in the dirt this time since the grass wasn't getting the job done), and giggled a little more. All as I quietly thought
to myself - well, hopefully this isn't a sign of bad things to come. Instead I took it as a reminder to stay positive and
not take myself too seriously.
I continued to smile and walk slowly. In part because I wanted to continue to listen to Dennis' advice. And, if I am
being honest, partly to get the disgusting slime off my boot.
Six holding blinds and three dedicated pheasants later, I watched my partner and Labrador companion bring back
her third of three birds in my first National Open. As she delivered her final bird, all I could think was, Holy Cow,
we just completed our first - first series - in a National Open! Wow, I am one lucky woman!
To add to our wonderful afternoon, I had the pleasure of watching exceptional handler canine teams navigate a
challenging first series. The icing on the day was watching my husband, Bill's dog - Baby #90, complete the first
series with a clean performance. We have much to be thankful for tonight.
So, as the sun sets on the first day of the 2016 National Retriever Championship, I am feeling a deep sense of
gratitude and remembering Dennis Bath's valuable wisdom to go slow and enjoy every minute. I also am thankful
for the not so subtle cosmic reminder to stay positive and never take myself too seriously!
They just ended the day with four dogs to run in the morning. Now, I'm going to grab a little dinner and head
back to Granny Lou's B & B to wash the poo off my boots!
Good night and may the wind be with you and your flyers be friendly!
- Jamie Woodson #68
An Amateur Competitor's Perspective
By: Jamie Woodson #68
As I took the long walk to the line with my companion and partner of nine years (Keeper #68), I had Dennis Bath's
words of wisdom in my head: "You have qualified for a national and are competing with the best of the best! Take
your time! Walk slow! Enjoy each and every wonderful moment of this experience!"
And, so I did.
Even with the marshal's emphatic direction - "#68! #68! #68! We need #68 in the holding blind!" - I slowly walked
(sauntered really) toward the first of six holding blinds. As I did, I made a point to really enjoy the perfectly sunny
68 degree day in Bonham, Texas. I soaked it all in as I listened to the sing-song chirps of the birds and felt the light
breeze in the air as I gazed lovingly upon my little Labrador retriever.
As I thought about our nine wonderful years of duck hunts and derbies, field trials and family fun, I was supremely
"in the moment" - Just like Dennis advised.
I was knocked out of my reflective haze when I stepped squarely into the biggest, freshest, and most impressive
pile of dog poop I have ever seen. Obviously, the steaming pile was seen too late. I could actually feel my boot
make impact and then drop at least two inches to the ground. Unfortunately, my reflexes were not quick enough
to react in any sort of helpful way! And, if squish could simultaneously be a feeling and a sound, that's what I felt
and heard. Super gross.
At that point, all I could do was laugh. And laugh I did.
Still 75 feet from the first holding blind, I scuffed my feet, laughed, put Keeper on lead, scuffed some more
(in the dirt this time since the grass wasn't getting the job done), and giggled a little more. All as I quietly thought
to myself - well, hopefully this isn't a sign of bad things to come. Instead I took it as a reminder to stay positive and
not take myself too seriously.
I continued to smile and walk slowly. In part because I wanted to continue to listen to Dennis' advice. And, if I am
being honest, partly to get the disgusting slime off my boot.
Six holding blinds and three dedicated pheasants later, I watched my partner and Labrador companion bring back
her third of three birds in my first National Open. As she delivered her final bird, all I could think was, Holy Cow,
we just completed our first - first series - in a National Open! Wow, I am one lucky woman!
To add to our wonderful afternoon, I had the pleasure of watching exceptional handler canine teams navigate a
challenging first series. The icing on the day was watching my husband, Bill's dog - Baby #90, complete the first
series with a clean performance. We have much to be thankful for tonight.
So, as the sun sets on the first day of the 2016 National Retriever Championship, I am feeling a deep sense of
gratitude and remembering Dennis Bath's valuable wisdom to go slow and enjoy every minute. I also am thankful
for the not so subtle cosmic reminder to stay positive and never take myself too seriously!
They just ended the day with four dogs to run in the morning. Now, I'm going to grab a little dinner and head
back to Granny Lou's B & B to wash the poo off my boots!
Good night and may the wind be with you and your flyers be friendly!
- Jamie Woodson #68
