Dog handlers excel at challenges
Hibiscus Kennel Club meets every Saturday at the Port Shepstone Borough Grounds at 3pm.
AT Hibiscus Kennel Club, February 14 is a day that handlers dedicate to those who love humans unconditionally, namely their animals. Some tied red ribbons round their dogs’ necks, others wore something red, but the general atmosphere was one of being there for their dogs.
The weather has been uncomfortable but trainers keep exercises simple, find as much shade as possible and lessons have been shorter, so both man and dog are coping. Handlers are always equipped with plenty of water, cooling jackets and everyone has their own gazebo, but it still gets pretty uncomfortable at times.Last Sunday was showtime and the weather cooperated with a wonderful cool day and just a touch of rain. Thanks go to all judges for making themselves available.
Jean Whittaker set quite a challenge with her course and gave handlers something to work on and learn from. Margie Hancock had handlers sprinting down the straight trying to keep up with their dogs, as they are not all as young as they would like to imagine they are.
Congratulations to those who were placed and to those who received qualifications. Well done to Jhenae and Mikayla de Heer and Billy-Anne Engelbrecht for all their hard work fetching and carrying, as well as scribing and timekeeping. Hibiscus Kennel Club meets every Saturday at the Port Shepstone Borough Grounds at 3pm.
