Reporting from the 2025 National Specialty
From Bonnie Blink, 2025 National Chair:
In order to host a National in Texas, we really had to think outside the box. The time frame SCOA specifies and our climate here in Texas do not mesh well. Add the requirement to offer hunt tests within a reasonable distance of the rest of the events, and the time of year and location can be a challenge. Looking at options, we chose to hold our National in conjunction with an all-breed cluster at a fairgrounds. There were no hotels in the area that could accommodate us and the fairgrounds offered everything we needed.
While a National at a rural county fairgrounds might not be everyone’s cup of tea, those that came put on their cowboy hats and boots and had a great time. From the welcome party barbeque and red-neck agility, to the charcuterie grazing boards at the red carpet event for our spectacular Spinoni, to the rib-eye steaks at the awards banquet, the food was a big hit.
We were able to offer multiple opportunities for those participating in Obedience and Rally as well as a SCOA first--Fetch Dog.
The SCOA Health Committee had a good turnout for blood draws. Our seminars covered alternative health options of chiropractic and acupuncture. We also had a scent work demo and bird dog U.
The Breeders’ Education committee presented a unique, well-attended, and fascinating round table discussion that included breed experts from the US and across the pond, including our National Specialty Judge.
Despite a somewhat compressed schedule, we managed to have lots of time for socializing and games and it seemed that every single attendee participated in everything!
Our small regional club had a massive amount of help from people around the country and the folks that attended jumped in and helped at every turn. I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support and help. You all were amazing!! This parent club has a lot of amazing people. What else would you expect from people who love our amazing breed!?
2025 National Specialty Results
| Award | Winner | Owner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Best of Breed | GCH CH BELLABRAVO TAKE FIVE JH | Kay McLeland / Mike McLeland |
| Best of Winners | POINTFETCH IN FOR A PENNY AT DRY GRASS | Debby Forry / Chuck Forry / Liz Bodell |
| Best of Opposite Sex | GCHB CH SKERLI GAVROSHE | Erica Cross |
| Select Dog | GCHB CH DRY GRASS CONDURRE CON IL MIO CUORE | Rebbeca VanEss / Debby Forry |
| Select Bitch | GCH CH QUATTRO ZAMPE BLACK VELVET WHISKEY THIEF JH CGC TKN | Vienna Zuccaro |
| Best NHOS | GCH CH BELLABRAVO TAKE FIVE JH | Kay McLeland / Mike McLeland |
| Best Puppy | DRY GRASS GOLDEN ARMOUR O DA HIGHLANDS | Karolyn McAfee / Lief McAfee / Debby Forry |
| Best Bred by Exhibitor | POINTFETCH IN FOR A PENNY AT DRY GRASS | Debby Forry / Charles Forry / Liz Bodell |
| Best Veteran | GCHB CH SKERLI GAVROSHE | Erika Cross |
| Best Field | GCH CH KEEPSAKE’S HOW D’YA LIKE THEM APPLES JH DJ | Jean Cobban / Mattie Cobban / Jessica Cobban / Matt Cobban |
| Award of Merit | BELLABRAVO COCKTAIL TIME AT VENETIAN | Wendy Rollins Evans |
| Award of Merit | GCH CH VENTICALMI VIZZINI RN FDC CGC TKN | Heather Jenner / Suzanne Hudson |
| Award of Merit | GCH CH SUPERIOR’S BLINDED BY THE MOON LIGHT MAIDEN | Angie Nortley / Tom Nortley |
2025 Parent Club Specialty Results
| Award | Winner | Owner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Best of Breed | GCHB CH DRY GRASS CONDURRE CON IL MIO CUORE | Rebecca VanEss and Debby Forry |
| Best of Winners | SUPERIOR’S FIORDLATTE | Angie and Tom Nortley |
| Best of Opposite Sex | GCH CH LANCETTA’S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME | Mellissa Joens / Jeremiah Joens / Elisbeth Ginn / Sandra Myers |
| Select Dog | GCHB CH COLLINA D’ORO FINE SIGHT TO SEE CGC TKN | Barbara Horrell / Stacey Anderson |
| Select Bitch | GCHB CH ILVOLARE MISS FIFNELLA | Erica Cross |
| Best NOHS | GCHB CH DRY GRASS CONDURRE CON IL CURORE | Rebecca VanEss and Debby Forry |
| Best Puppy | DRY GRASS RIVER RUNS THUR IT | Karolyn McAffee / Leif McAfee / Debby Forry |
| Best Bred by Exhibitor | SUPERIOR’S FIOR Di LATTE | Tom Nortley / Angie Nortley |
