Album - Specialty Show - August 17, 2024
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2024 LCNW Summer Regional Specialty
Saturday, August 17, 2024
It was a warm and humid day at Nolte State Park, with a thunderstorm predicted to roll in later, when Leonberger owners and enthusiasts from across the West gathered for the LCNW Summer Regional Specialty. The event featured a traditional LCA-style Club Show, an obstacle fun course, and a potluck barbeque social.
Attendees enjoyed scenic trail walks and refreshing swims in the lake. In the field, a ring and obstacle course provided agility and trick challenges. Exhibitors from British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington joined friends and new puppy owners for this annual tradition. Club members brightened the atmosphere with large containers of homegrown zinnias and mixed flower bouquets. Three full raffle tables added excitement with a variety of prizes. The BBQ potluck offered a nostalgic nod to past shows at Argus Ranch where Junko and others created a cozy café atmosphere, ensuring everyone was well-fed throughout the day. It was truly a memorable day of camaraderie!
The club show featured an entry of 31 dogs. We celebrated all of the Leos who were happy to be out with their people. This year the ring included active veteran Leo-ladies and other playful exhibitor teams. The LCNW was honored to have LCA Judge Mary Decher with us for our annual specialty, bringing over 30 years of knowledge and offering written evaluations. In a special First: former peewee and junior handler, Sophie Schaffert, judged her first peewee and junior handlers. Photos and results are available on the LCNW website and Facebook page.
The LCNW Annual Meeting:
After the show concluded, members gathered for the LCNW Annual Meeting and RaffleMania. The meeting ran smoothly, concluding on a bittersweet note with the departure of outgoing secretary, Lise Brandhagen. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Lise for her wonderful years of service and for being a dedicated steward of working dog activities, always encouraging others through education and participation. The newly elected 2024-2025 board includes Wally Johnson as president, Junko Ferguson as treasurer, Maria Nelson as secretary, and Jody Woodruff and Mark Nelson as members-at-large.
Another round of applause for the winners of our Traditional Club Show:
- Best in Specialty Show & Best of Winners: “Ryzer” (Queen of the South Zielona Cieszynianka), owned and loved by Tobi Smith
- Best of Opposite: “Odie” (CH Odyssey Leon Care), owned and loved by Julie Schaffert
- Best Veteran: “Ella” (Lowenhohle’s Love You Just A Lot), owned and loved by Julie and Sophie Schaffert
Leos of the 2024 LCNW Specialty:
Anya • Beeble • Bentley • Cali • Charlotte • Dash • Ella • Finn McCool • Flake • Flurry • Frankie • Frannie • Frida • Homer • Jack • Jano • Kate • Mac • Odie • Reba • Rocky • Rufio • Ryzer • Smoke • Solar • Sully • Timber • Titan • Token • Trudy • 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.
Many Thanks:
From start to finish, our Specialty wouldn’t be possible without the incredible efforts of our amazing volunteers and the northwest Leo community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making the 2024 Traditional Club Show, Obstacle Course, Annual Meeting, and Potluck BBQ Social a true success. Your dedication and support made this event a happy memory for all!
Special thanks to those involved in the prep: Jody Woodruff, Junko Ferguson, Lise Brandhagen, Lori Taft, Maria Nelson, Mark Nelson, and Wally Johnson. For set up and take down: Carol & Wally Johnson, Lori Taft, John & Jody Woodruff, Junko Ferguson, Allen Schmertzler (thanks to Linda, too), Mark & Maria Nelson, Lise Brandhagen, John & Karin McLarty, Barbara Powell, Don James, Martin Kellnor, and Tobi Smith. For signs: Martin Kellnor & Don James. Judges: Mary Decher and Sophie Schaffert. On-site check-in: Jody Woodruff & Junko Ferguson. Scribe: Glen Ferguson. Steward: Jody Woodruff. Judges Liaison: Junko Ferguson. BBQ: Junko Ferguson (with help from Glen Ferguson, Martin Kellnor, Mark Nelson, John Woodruff, and Aiden). Raffle: Junko Ferguson. Flowers: Karin McLarty & Maria Nelson. Catalog, Prizes, and Entry Gifts Graphic Design: Maria Nelson. Photos: Lise Brandhagen.
Many thanks to everyone who brought raffle and potluck items, too – your contributions are the highlight of the afternoon!
Thank you again to Judge Mary Decher and to all of the volunteers, exhibitors, friends & family, new puppy owners, and Leos. Your dedication and support made this event a happy memory for all!
Thank you again,
The LCNW Board and Show Chair
LCNW 2024 Specialty Fun Facts:
- Volunteers and exhibitors traveled from four states and one province.
- The farthest distance traveled: Bigfork, MT (371.38 miles), followed by Athol, ID (249.11 miles), as the second farthest, and Spirit Lake, ID (241.94 miles) as the third farthest.
- Oldest Leonberger: 9 years and 5 months and 3 days, “Ella” Lowenhohle’s Love You Just A Lot, owned and loved by Julie and Sophie Schaffert.
- The countries of origin for the Leonbergers in attendance: the United States (23), Poland (4), and tied for third, Azerbaijan, Finland, Hungary, and Latvia (1 each).
- The best dog: all of the Leos in attendance!