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LCNW Summer Regional Specialty – Celebrating 25 years of LCA Affiliation

Hello LCNW Members and Friends,

On August 19, 2023, Great Dogs and Great People from across the West turned out for the LCNW Summer Regional Specialty. The LCNW was delighted to have LCA judge Julia Brady with us as we celebrated 25 years of LCA affiliation. The anniversary celebration highlights include a Traditional LCA-style Club Show, Obstacle Fun Course, and Potluck BBQ Social.

Celebrating 25 years of the LCNW is also a celebration of the early history of Leonbergers in the Northwestern United States. This connection takes us back to the import of Mary and Reiner Decher’s Viona von Wasserturm in 1982. Our story starts to take shape in the mid-1980s with the birth of the von Klingelberg A-litter. Did you know the LCNW can trace its roots back to this early group of puppy owners? Mary and Reiner Decher fostered a friendly environment and hosted group gatherings for the new puppy people. This group held picnics and shows, and in 1988, 35 years ago, they pooled together to hold the second LCA National Specialty in Issaquah, Washington. Skipping ahead to a little more than 30 years ago, the growing group of Northwest Leonberger fanciers held a regional specialty for LCA points – a first in the Northwest. In 1998, twenty-five years ago, the LCA board approved the Regional Club program and petitions for regional club affiliation. It was at that meeting where Glen Ferguson, LCA President at the time, paid the requisite regional club membership fee upon approval making the Leonberger Club of the Northwest the first official affiliated club in LCA history. Now, as then, the LCNW continues to promote LCA membership and programs.

From the friendly matches of the 1980s to the 2023 Specialty – a club show with an entry of 46 – we celebrate all of the Leos who were happy to be out with their people. The LCNW was delighted to have LCA Judge Dr. Julia Brady with us for our anniversary specialty. Julia provided knowledgeable evaluations and was wonderful with Peewees and Juniors. Photos and results are on the LCNW website and Facebook.

Another round of applause for the winners of our Traditional Club Show:

  • Best in Specialty Show & Best Veteran: Perrin (GCHG CH Lowenhohle’s Magical Phalin Perrin THDN CGC), owned and loved by Sue Turbow, handled by Sophie Schaffert
  • Best of Opposite: Kate (CH Desperado’s Teddy Bear Kate BN), owned, loved and handled by Lori Taft
  • Best of Winners: Zorro (Lowenhohle’s Zig Zag Mark of Zorro), owned, loved and handled by Shelli Sinclair-Wood
  • Special Mention: Best Jr Handler: Sophie Schaffert - Sophie not only participated in her last Junior ring (aging out), she handled dogs in almost every regular conformation class.
Show Results & Winner Photos    Show Gallery Photos
The LCNW Annual Meeting:

After the show concluded, members gathered together under the long shadows of tall Douglas Firs for the LCNW Annual Meeting and RaffleMania. The meeting concluded with a few words from outgoing president, Erin Andersen. Thank you, again, Erin, for your years of service, being a great champion of working dog activities, and a leading example of volunteerism. The new 2023-2024 board are Wally Johnson (President), Junko Ferguson (Treasurer), Lise Brandhagen (Secretary), Jody Woodruff (Member-at-Large), and Mark Nelson (Member-at-Large).

Many Thanks:

From planning and proofreading to tents, tables and chairs… From t-shirt logos to raffle items… From set-up to scribes and stewards then onto clean up… Club events and fundraisers take a village, and we are incredibly grateful to our NW Leo community for coming together to build Happy Memories.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to support our 2023 Traditional Club Show, Obstacle Course, Annual Meeting, Raffle, Apparel fundraiser, and Potluck BBQ Social: Lori Taft, Carol & Wally Johnson, Erin Andersen, Jody Woodruff, Karin & John McLarty, Jonathan Burnstein, Junko & Glen Ferguson, Maria & Mark Nelson, Lise & Paul Brandhagen, Don James, Anne Olson, Richard & Diana Moe, Ginny Bartholomay, Shari Boyd, Tobi Smith, Martin Kellner, and Andie & Brian Holsten.

Many thanks to everyone who brought raffle and potluck items, too – your contributions are the highlight of the afternoon! An additional thank you to Maria Nelson for sharing (and donating) her graphic design inspiration and professional skills with the club – you are the heart behind our popular annual apparel fundraiser.

Special thanks to Mary and Reiner for laying a foundation of camaraderie for our community of Leo families across the region. Thank you again to Dr. Julia Brady and to all of the volunteers, exhibitors, friends & family, new puppy owners, and Leos who made it a memorable day in our Leo Wonderland!

What’s Next? 

Block your calendar now for mid-August 2024: You will want to be a part of the fun with the oldest regional LCA Club. Watch for a Save the Date Announcement in early 2024. Happy Memories Made here!

All club activities are posted on the Events page or the Leo Walks page here on the LCNW website. You can also like and follow the LCNW Facebook Page.

Newsletters will continue to arrive at least once a quarter to remind you of upcoming activities you and your Leo(s) can enjoy.

Thank you again,
Lise Brandhagen, Secretary
On behalf of the LCNW Board and Show Chair

Show Results & Winner Photos    Show Gallery Photos

LCNW 2023 Fun Facts:

  • Volunteers and exhibitors travelled from seven states and one province (eight states when you include the judge) via automobiles, ferry boats, and airplanes

  • Most miles travelled: approximately 800 miles from Northern California to Nolte State Park (Elise Brentnall), followed by approximately 700 miles from Nevada and over 500 miles from Montana

  • Oldest Leonberger: 9 years and 11 months, VLX CH Lowenhohle's Great Deja CD DD RA TKI CGCA

  • The Litters with the most dogs represented: First place, Lowenhohle’s ZZ (4 Leos), second place tie: Desperado T’s and Lagoon Valley B’s (with 3 Leos each)

  • The best dog: all of the Leos in attendance!

Thank you to all of the dogs who participated in the 2023 LCNW Specialty:

Bibi • Billy B • Bjorn • Blaze • Clancy • Deja • Dewey • Ella • Emma • Finn • Frannie • Greta • Jack • Jano • Jewel • Kate • Lani • Lena • Luna • LuLu • Misty • Odie • Pippi • Perrin • Quinn • Rocket • Rufio • Rumor • Shimmer • Solar • Steemer • Storm • Sylvie • Tango • Tara • Titan • Token • Timber • Yeti • Zachary • Zorro • And to all of the Leos and other family members (with two and four legs) who shared in the day’s activities and supported from the sidelines.