Blast from the Past

This old newspaper article has been sitting up in the attic along with some Airedale related odds and ends like greeting cards and stamps with Airedales on them.

From The Sunday Rutland Herald dating all the way back to… drum roll please… June 8, 1997 (What were you doing way back then?):

It’s Dog Day At The Fairgrounds

By Linnea Anderson
Staff Writer

After a hot Saturday morning on the job, Luke lay down, rolled over and stuck his paws in the air.

The antics of the 8-year-old Vizsla dog during his obedience routine drew a round of applause from amused spectators at the Rutland Valley Kennel Club match. Afterward, the dog got a light-hearted talking-to.

“What did we learn today?” Lesli Hyland of Brandon asked her pet. “We learned you can lie down in the ring and get applause. It was cute. It was very cute.”

Moments like these weren’t uncommon at an event designed to give dogs and their owners a chance to try out new competitions and techniques without the high pressure of a formal show.

“A real dog show is a lot more serious and the atmosphere is not so light,” said Sheltie breeder Jane Davies, 38, of Worcester. “At a real show, dog handlers don’t like to talk to you until after they show. It’s a lot more intense, a lot more at stake.”

A friendly crowd of about 150 people talked shop on the hazy day at the Rutland Fairgrounds while they groomed, trained and played with their pets.

As one woman’s terrier playfully nudged a nearby poodle, she told him, “No, You can’t play with Louis now. You’re supposed to behave.” In another conversation, a proud owner told a friend, “My Teddy, he’s a champion now.” Meanwhile, a daughter strategically pleaded with her mother for a new pet, “Can I get that dog, Mom? It doesn’t shed, does it?”

Obedience competitions differed according to the class of dog. Novices, for example, must sit still for a minute and lie down for three minutes while their owners stand across the ring. In upper levels, the dogs must sit for three minutes and lie down for five minutes while their handlers leave the dog’s sight. An advanced dog also must sniff out which one of 10 items on the ground had been touched by its owner. The best dogs in each competition won prize ribbons and the best dogs in the overall match were awarded dog mats. Dogs responded to a disciplinary, firm tone or gentle push on the hind end during routines, but seemed to enjoy the hugs, kisses and scratches behind the ears at the end of the exercise.

“You always root for the dog,” said kennel club member Gini Marconi.

Dogs were tested for their agility on a course that resembled a child’s jungle gym. Pooches jumped over fences, climbed on brightly painted dog walks several feet above the ground and ran through tunnels and large yellow fabric sleeves.

Chelsey, a four-year-old golden retriever, lost her concentration near the end of the course after spotting an irresistible distraction. The dog bounded under the yellow rope fence and gave two girls a sloppy but affectionate face lick-ing. On her second try on the course, Chelsey singled out a little boy seated on his mother’s lap for a big wet one.

“She usually stops to play with someone, usually the judge,” admitted owner Joan Healey of Saranac Lake, N.Y., who runs alongside the dog during the routine. “She likes to make her own rules.”

Healey used a popular motivational tool, food, to encourage her dog through the course. On Saturday, she placed bits of tortellini at strategic points. The food directs the dog’s attention to the owner’s face and commands.

That metal comb sticking out of Jay Atwood’s back pocket was not for his own personal use. It’s for Zoe, his 8-month-old Airedale, who needed her muzzle combed out. Her coat was already plucked for a wiry look. Atwood, of Orford, N.H., entered the breed competition and looked toward the future of the dog, whose father earned a national ranking as the country’s eighth best Airedale. “We’re hoping that by next year she’ll be one of the top bitches in the country,” he said. He and Zoe rested in a shady spot so they wouldn’t waste precious energy before the competition. Zoe, however, grew excited as her canine friends walked by.

“My little monster wants to get out there and strut her stuff,” Atwood said as he stroked her back. Nearby, a group of young handlers preoccupied with their pets received some smart advice from judge Karen Freenick. “All of you need to pay attention to what the judge is doing,” she said. “Pay attention to what the dog is doing, but also pay attention to the judge.” Nancy Anderson, chairwoman of the event, said she hopes participants learned new skills, pinpointed weaknesses and strengths, and polished up routines.” As far as practice goes, you can never practice too much,” she said.

*See more recent articles and media coverage of Woodcrest Kennel LLC and Woodcrest Airedales.

Amazing Article About Woodcrest!!

Earlier in the summer we shared about a very special photo shoot for a Here in Hanover magazine article we were a part of. The article is finally out and I am just stunned at how great it turned out. Katharine Britton is the author of this beautiful 6 page spread that goes so far beyond describing what goes into showing dogs to create a striking narrative that warms the heart, or at least it warms mine. The title says it all, “Heart of a Champion.”

Thank you Kathy for including us in this project and creating a lasting memory for us at Woodcrest, Striker, Tory, and Tory’s twelve with Max (our April Fools).

An excerpt from the article:

…

Another local celebrity is aptly named Best in Show Canadian American Champion Penaire Star Struck at Woodcrest. Thankfully, he answers to “Striker.” If you call at Woodcrest Kennel you will most likely get a glimpse (or at least an earful) of this handsome fellow, as he’s often in the alcove behind the desk and likes to alert owner, Jay Atwood, that someone has arrived, in case Jay didn’t notice the person walking in the door.

Woodcrest offers boarding and grooming, most of which Jay handles and neither of which he intended to do professionally. “We built a small kennel for our own dogs – we never planned on boarding – but we had people knocking on our door asking us, because of our reputation with our own dogs, to board theirs, and then people who were bringing dogs to board asked if we could groom their dogs. Airedales have extensive grooming so they knew we were capable.”

Rose Atwood, Jay’s daughter and a web designer by trade, does the Woodcrest website, most of the show grooming, and shows the dogs when they’re not with a professional handler. She occasionally drafts her mother, Colleen Atwood, who grew up with Airedales, to help, but Colleen is mostly retired from the ring now and prefers to stay home and watch puppies. Who can blame her?

Why Airedales? “Fun loving temperament,” says Jay, who’s known Colleen since high school. “I had to have one.” The Atwoods now have “”around eleven.” It’s an imprecise number because, like Hauri, they generally keep one puppy from a litter, and then “grow them out” for a year to know whether they’re show quality. If not, they place the dog, preferably in the home of someone who’s owned one of their puppies before. They take deposits when the puppies are born and, after seven weeks, when they’ve decided which one they’re keeping, they take great pains to find the best fit for the rest. “We take into account the personalities that each buyer wants and any other qualities that they specify,” says Rose. “That’s our priority.” Rose puts photos and updates on the website daily [woodcrestkennel.com/].

Striker has attended Westminster, but not won (few do). According to Jay, “Margaret, who was winning Best in Show everywhere that year, took the breed,” meaning she was chosen as the best of all the Airedales at the show, and subsequently went on to represent Airedales in the Terrier Group. “When you’re campaigning ‘a special’ [a dog with real potential] … timing is a major consideration,” says Rose. (I can think of a few political candidates who’d agree with that statement.) Striker did win Best in Show at Trillium Dog Fanciers in Toronto, and he “went Best of Opposite Sex” to the ubiquitous Margaret at the American Kennel Club Eukanuba Championships in 2006.

When you have a special a professional handler is also advisable if you want to win. “Handlers have spent their whole lives [showing] and it’s hard to compete,” says Rose. “We routinely go up against one of the best handlers for terriers in the country. It’s difficult, but really rewarding when you do win.”

The dog lives with the handler and hits the campaign trail full-time, traveling all across the country until the dog has its championship, typically three months. But sometimes the dog is “out” much longer, gamering awards and titles, which help when you go to breed the dog. (The more wins you have, the more you can charge for puppies and stud fees.) Multiple Best in Show CH Everymay’s High Performance (“Max”), the sire of a recent Woodcrest litter of twelve puppies with their bitch “Tory” (Champion Woodcrest Torrential Envy), has fifty-two Best in Shows. “They campaigned him for two solid years. That dog was out every weekend with a professional handler.” marvels Rose, who goes to approximately fifty shows each year.

For the most part the Atwoods do their own handling (Rose was a Junior handler at fourteen) but use professionals when they want to show more than the two dogs they can transport in their SUV – “packed to the gills” – or when the dog requires it. “Tory always lived with me,” says Rose. “I was her person. She acted out when I handled her. She needed a handler who she would listen to and co-operate with.” She adds with a chuckle, “She never really respected me.” Tory finished her championship in a single weekend at dog shows in Boston.

If you’re thinking about getting into dog breeding to make money, think again. The expenses – for hotels, entrance fees, grooming supplies, and handler’s fee – far outweigh the income one might get from puppies or stud fees. “I don’t know of anyone who breeds dogs responsibly and makes money. If you broke even you’d be lucky, because to get to the point where you’re going to breed the dog there’s so much that’s gone into it that the money you get back from puppies is negligible,” Rose says.

So why do it? Rose likes the traveling involved in showing. “Half the time you’re sleeping in the car because who knows where you are. It’s fun.” For Jay, “I love the dogs, the different personalities. It’s something I thoroughly and completely enjoy.”

…

And further into the article under “Some advice for those thinking about hitting the campaign trail with their dog.”

…And get the right handler.

“You can have a superior dog and the wrong handler will ruin it,” says Rose Atwood. “It’s grooming and training. Showing is all about presenting the perfect picture and making that dog the absolute best it can be.”

And don’t think it’s not political.

…

We’re Quoted In Dog World – On Newstands NOW!

Your mission: Run out now to your nearest Barnes & Noble (or other favorite book store) and purchase the newest issue of DOG WORLD magazine!

That’s right, just in time for Montgomery, the October 2008 AIREDALE issue is on stands now!

It was a great pleasure speaking with Jan Mahood, the author of this piece, and helping with information for the article. We think it turned out great. The piece has a 6 page spread in the magazine complete with history, versatility, facts, look, photos, and the only breeder quote is from us! The Airedale also graces the cover of the magazine, as he should.

Our only disappointment is that the magazine apparently decided not to use the photo selected by the writer from our website photo daily. So we will feature it again here:

From Pelle’s owner: This was taken on Lake Skatutakee in Harrisville, NH on 4 July 2004. “Pelle” loved the water and was fascinated by “fishing” especially when he was out with my brother. A moment after this was shot, he dove into the lake and tried to catch the fish. Airedales are the Greatest Breed!

Subject: Pelle (Airedale Terrier)
Photographer: Albert Frederick
Date Taken: 7.4.04

So, go out and buy your copy of Dog World today!

Magazine Articles

We were very pleased to have been interviewed for two separate magazine articles earlier this year, both of which will be published later this fall.

The first article, written by Katherine Britton, is for Here In Hanover which is a local magazine in our region. The article will focus on profiles of four area breeders. This is the article for which the magazine shoot with Tory and the puppies was held a few weeks ago. The article should be published in the September issue of the quarterly publication.

Here in Hanover is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December.

Here in Hanover is 13 years old. While it prides itself on its editorial content every issue includes special features, profiles, traditions, business and historical information, local happenings, recreation and arts & entertainment. 5000 copies are mailed to homes in Hanover, Etna, Lyme, Lyme Center, Orford and Norwich as well as being distributed to real estate offices, select hotels, Chamber offices, tourist booths and DHMC.

Here in Hanover is sold at Dartmouth Bookstore, Borders, Dan & Whit’s and the Food Co-ops in Hanover and Lebanon.

The second article, written by Jan Mahood, for which we were interviewed will be published in Dog World Magazine. This article is more of a lengthy breed profile (5-7 pages worth) which will be published in the October issue which should be available for purchase in September (9/27/08 to be exact). The timing couldn’t be more perfect with the anticipation of Montgomery and the Airedale Terrier National Specialty looming during that month. Especially exciting for us was that one of YOUR submissions to our Photo Daily was selected to appear with the article. Which photo and photographer received the honor? We’re not telling! You’ll have to go out and buy a copy of the magazine to find out!

Dog World is the #1 Show, Competition and Agility Magazine in the World, with over 93 years strong. Since 1916 DOG WORLD has been an award-winning niche magazine written for the serious dog enthusiast and participant, including breeders, conformation exhibitors, obedience trailers, agility and fly ball competitors, field enthusiasts, veterinarians and groomers. Professionals in the pet industry and long time pet owners look to Dog World as the authoritative source on canine care. Month after month, Dog World inspires, informs, and entertains owners of purebred and mixed-breed dogs. Each issue delivers valuable information about responsible care for the recreational and high-performance canine athlete and working dog, and provides a forum for readers’ opinions, feedback, and personal stories.

DOG WORLD helps its readers excel in competition, grooming and matters of breeding.

We are very excited to see both of these articles in print later this fall. We are equally excited to see the Airedale as a breed promoted both at a local and national level. Hooray for the Airedale!

Photo Shoot

We had great fun on Saturday when Professional Photographer Natalie Stultz stopped by to take some photos of the puppies, our other Airedales, and the kennel. Natalie is a native Vermonter from the Burlington area with 20 years experience as a photographer. Her photos have appeared in many magazines and she has a cover this summer also.

Orford Airedale competes in AKC National Championship

This article was written by the staff of the Journal Opinion (Upper Valley, NH, VT) on Wednesday January 11, 2006. The Striker referred to in this article is our Amer/Can CH & Can BIS Penaire Star Struck at Woodcrest handled by Adam Bernardin.

Orford Airedale competes in AKC National Championship
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Journal Opinion

ORFORD – The world’s most outstanding dogs will gather Jan. 14-15 in Tampa, FL to exhibit the qualities that earned them a spot at the invitation-only AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Jay Atwood of Orford and CH Penaire Star Struck [At Woodcrest], better known as “Striker,” will be among the 2,648 contenders.

Atwood is the owner of Woodcrest Kennel LLC of Orford. Striker is an American and Canadian champion Airedale and Best in Show award winner.

The show will be simulcast live on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel, starting at 8 p.m. both nights.

These top dogs will be competing for $225,000 in cash prizes and the coveted title of National Champion. The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship offers the only sizable monetary award in dog shows and represents the pinnacle of canine achievement. Invitations are issued to dogs ranking in the top 25 of their breed based on year-long competition in other AKC events.

Further information about Striker including photos and a complete list of wins and accomplishments can be found at www.woodcrestkennel.com.

ORFORD DOG HEADED FOR THE BIG TIME

This article was written by the staff of the Valley News (Upper Valley, NH, VT) on Sunday January 8, 2006. The Striker referred to in this article is our Amer/Can CH & Can BIS Penaire Star Struck at Woodcrest handled by Adam Bernardin.

Orford Dog Headed For The Big Time
Sunday, January 8, 2006
Valley News Staff – Regional News Roundup

ORFORD – A local Airedale terrier has earned invitations to compete at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Striker, an American and Canadian champion and best-in-show winner, is ranked among the top 25 in his breed, according to a news release from the American Kennel Club.

The 2-year-old dog’s registered name is CH Penaire Star Struck at Woodcrest. He is owned by Jay Atwood of Orford, who operates Woodcrest Kennel dog boarding and grooming facility, and Joan and William Clarke of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

The AKC show will be broadcast from Tampa, FL., on Jan. 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel.

Nitro, Striker, Rose Atwood, & Jamie Donelson Make The Newspapers

Canines Vie for Top Dog Title – The Republican Article 2005

This article was written by Patricia Norris for The Republican (Springfield, MA) on Monday November 28, 2004. The Nitro referred to in this article is our Woodcrest Pride Ignites handled by Rose Atwood and the Striker referred to in this article is our Amer/Can CH & Can BIS Penaire Star Struck at Woodcrest handled by Adam Bernardin. Also in the article is Jaime B. Donelson, she and Adam are our professional dog handlers.

The Republican Article on Our Website
The Republican Article on MassLive.com

Canines vie for top dog title
Monday, November 28, 2005
By PATRICIA NORRIS
pnorris@repub.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD – The Eastern States Exposition grounds went to the dogs yesterday and for much of the weekend, in the best kind of way, for the Thanksgiving Classic Cluster Dog Shows.

Three buildings at the West Springfield fairgrounds showcased dogs vying for titles like Best in Show and Best in Breed. There were also agility, training and obedience trials.

For Nitro, an Airedale terrier, the weekend was a definite success. A newcomer to the show arena, Nitro came away as the winner in his breed, causing other dog owners to pat his fur for good luck.

Nitro trotted effortlessly on a runway sealed with duct tape as the judges worked to size up his movement and attitude. The regal-looking dog, with a touch of what resembled a beard, kept a straight-ahead stare as a few poodles barked incessantly in the crates behind him and caramel-colored chows pranced in the next ring.

“It’s a good hobby,” said Nitro’s owner, Rose A. Atwood, outside the winner circle. “It’s a lot of fun.”

The New Hampshire woman’s other champion Airedale, Striker, won Best in Breed yesterday.

Judging from the layout in the Young Building, dog shows are not exactly walks in the park for the owners or their dogs.

By midday several dogs had developed short attention spans, barking at inopportune times and leaving their masters as red-faced as the parent of a toddler throwing a department-store tantrum. Beyond the small runway area, a sea of grooming tables held dogs of all shapes and sizes as they were fluffed, trimmed, combed and otherwise fussed over before their curtain calls.

“Some need more maintenance,” said Jamie B. Donelson, a hired handler from Canterbury, Conn. “Put an Airedale out in the rain and his jacket will get curly, and that is not preferable. If he gets out in the rain, you are going to have a lot of work ahead of you.”

Maybe not as much work as the standard poodle. The carefully coifed dogs sported elaborate styles, many with their fur meticulously wrapped in protective cloth before their showtime.

Mimo was walking about with his master Joan H. Kress of Sherborne in the Mallory building. The white standard poodle with shaved legs and backside had an intricate pony-tail-like upsweep won his head, to keep the 3-year-old dog from tangling or otherwise messing up his ‘do.

“In this country you can’t show them without their hair being long on top,” said Kress.

Mimo and Kress were sizing up the agility course, a sort of sportsman’s answer to the dog show where a few handlers actually ran the course along side their animal. It was not an event for the faint at heart.

Kress said once her arthritis is in check she wants to take on the challenge with Mimo.

Competition continues today from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.