SOUTH Coast handlers and their dogs excelled at the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA) National Championships held in Bloemfontein from August 8 to 11.
Representing the coast were Joy Botha and her Rottweilers Jessie, Nala and Murphy, Sue McCay with her German shepherd Gita, Renate Haussmann with her German shepherd Jethro and mini dachshund Mein Schatz, and Gaby Frey with her toy poodle Scooby and border collie KT.
Dogs competing in the national champs on August 10 had to pre-qualify. Disciplines held over the weekend were obedience, dog agility, dog jumping, flyball and carting.
Gaby’s Scooby won three gold medals in three disciplines, namely agility, non contact and dog jumping.
“Scooby, now nine years old, competed against much younger dogs. This is amazing considering that in March last year she was fighting for her life,” said Gaby.
In addition to this, Scooby won four championship certificates over the weekend. Gaby’s border collie KT also received a championship certificate for flyball.
In July, Gaby and Scooby represented SA at the European Open in Belgium.
Scooby was the best dog in the SA team, finishing 118th of out 375 dogs.
Scooby was also the only dog from KwaZulu-Natal to qualify to represent SA at the world championships in Johannesburg in October.
Renate’s Jethro was placed first in the KUSA Championships and will carry that title in his name as Jethro of Jasdor Grand Carting Champion, KUSA National Winner 2013.
Joy’s dog Jessie was placed first overall in the regional carting shows. Nala claimed second place, with young Murphy securing a first and two second places in the standard novice category.
Sue’s young carting dog Gita received a third qualifying certificate.
