GLADWIN, MICH. — The 72nd running of the Grand National Puppy Classic came to its conclusion in grand style with four of the best standing on the podium. Having judged this stake a few times, I can relate to what a difficult task it is to pick four out of a class that just seems to get better each year.

Kudos to this year’s Judges Carl McRae and Ken Moss for their attention in studying each entry for conformation, style, range, pattern, hitting objectives, and the stamina it takes to finish.

A good puppy course really helps to separate the winners, and for sure the Gladwin Field Trial Area happens to have one of the best for providing judges the ability to be subjective for all of the aforementioned standards. It should be noted that this is a thirty-minute puppy stake (unlike most classics of 25 minutes) and without doubt these judges took advantage of all of it in making their well received decisions.

This year’s Classic and evening activities were hosted by the Beaverton Grouse Dog Club. It is evident that they have been doing this for a long time and this year was one of the best. We can’t thank them or say enough about the accommodations and help this club provides year after year. They have their act together, for sure.

I cannot recall a smoother operation or coordination between handlers and participants with multiple events running at the same time.

For this stake, everything from litter nominations to forfeitures, placement tabulations, checks in and out, balancing the books and keeping folks informed, comes down to the secretary/treasurer. Thank you, Thor Kain, for keeping track of everything that made this year’s event the success that it was.

Note: Without entries, we don’t have a Classic. From the heart of the Grand National officers, a special thank you to the breeders and owners who chose to compete in this year’s event. I’m convinced that the puppy athletes that we’re seeing are getting better every year. Everyone’s a potential winner. A testament to those who study the genetics in breeding the best to the best which is one of the primary purposes of this club “to stimulate the breeding and raising of pointing dogs”. Thank you to all of those who continue to make this happen.

Finally, it would be remiss for sure not to mention our sponsors, Nestlé Purina, and Garmin-Tri-Tronics. We are so blessed to have these folks in support of our venue. Thank you, and thank you.

Interesting note: Ponderosa Mac sired three of the four placements in this stake. He shares this record with one other dog, Full Blast. And, for the second year in row, Deb Kennedy has owned and handled the first place dog.

Now for the placements.

Gladwin, Mich., April 13

Judges: Carl McRae and Ken Moss

GRAND NATIONAL GROUSE FUTURITY PUPPY CLASSIC —

6 Pointers and 12 Setters

1st—DEB’S MCKEACHIE ROAD, setter female, by Ponderosa Mac—Grouse River Woodcock Annie. Bryan Wood, breeder; Deb Kennedy, owner and handler.

2d—ELHEW SNAKEWOOD, pointer male, by Elhew Snakecharmer—Elhew Danner. Craig Doherty, breeder, owner and handler.

3d—SNYDER’S PIONEER SAM, setter male, by Ponderosa Mac—Call Me Maggie. Craig Merlington, breeder; Steven C. Snyder & Ben McKean, owners; Scott Chaffee, handler.

4th—TUPELO HONEY, setter female, by Ponderosa Mac—Out of the Shadows. Bob & Diane Wheelock, breeders, owners and handlers.