Multi BIS/Multi BISS CH Red Fern’s Beau Derby NWPD (“Spot”) won Best of Breed at the 2006 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (GSMDCA) National Specialty in August, becoming the first Swissy to win the National Specialty two consecutive years.

Handled by Wendi Cowell of Knoxville, Tenn., Spot is owned by Alan McFadden and Debbie Echols of Philadelphia, Tenn. The 4-year-old dog was co-bred by Debbie and Jerry Kennedy of Clarksville, Ind., and Kristin Kleeman of Georgetown, Ky. He was sired by CH Derby’s Ivan the Hoss out of AM/INT CH Rina Derby’s Jolee Con Trall ROM HIT.

Multi BIS/Multi BISS CH Soyara’s Chantilly Lace JC (“Lacey”), an 8-year-old white-and-black female Borzoi, came out of retirement to outperform 241 dogs and capture Best of Breed at the Borzoi Club of America National Specialty last May.

Lacey also took Best of Opposite Sex in the Veteran Sweepstakes and was the No. 1 Futurity Brood Bitch. Co-owned by Prudence and Dr. Gregory Hlatky of Morrow, Ohio, Lacey is handled by Prudence Hlatky. Co-bred by Prudence Hlatky and Sabrina Rhodes of Detroit, Lacey was sired by Westminster breed winner CH Rossak of Enfield out of CH Soyara Misleading Lady Esar ROM-C.

Galant’s Meadow Magic V Ciden (“Wishes”), a 7-month-old red female, is the winner of the 2006 Grand Futurity at the Doberman Pinscher Club of America National Specialty. Co-owned by mother-daughter team Gwen and Carissa DeMilta of Downington, Pa., and breeders Cynthia Huckfeldt of Casper, Wyo., and Mona Fasth of Denver, Wishes is handled by Carissa DeMilta.

Multi BIS/Multi BISS CH Blue Chip Purple Reign CDX NA NAJ BH ROM (“Raisin”) came out of retirement to win Best of Breed at the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) National Specialty in September from more than 300 entries.

The 6-year-old female is breeder-owner-handled by Christine Spiniello of Glen Gardner, N.J., and is handled in conformation by Kelly Marquis of Freemont, N.H. Sired by CH Cambria’s Cactus Cash out of CH Vondersha’s Time Out WAC, Raisin also earned the Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) and Novice Agility (NA) titles, plus a Register of Merit (ROM), at the National Specialty.

CH Dante’s Over the Top (“Topper”), a 6-year-old dog, won Best of Breed at the Schipperke Club of America National Specialty last April. Breeder-owned by Amy and John Gossman of Farmington, Minn., and co-owned by Mike Jameson and Patrick Allison, both of Fort Worth, Texas, Topper was handled by Erin Roberts of Oklahoma City. Sired by CH DAC’s Top Gun out of CH Dante’s Inkurable Spirit, Topper won Best of Opposite Sex at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last February.

Outperforming 201 dogs, CH Chestnut’s Selling the Drama (“Copper”) captured Best of Breed at the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America (ECSCA) National Specialty last May. Copper also was named the ECSCA Invitational Champion of Champions. The 4-year-old dog was bred by Sheri and Mark Johnson of Chatham, Ill., and is co-owned by Sheri Johnson and William J. Burggraaf of Sioux Falls, S.D. Laura King of Milan, Ill., handled Copper.

A 2-year-old Brittany named CH Triumphant Absolute JH (“Adam”) won Best in Show at the Shawnagunk Kennel Club Dog Show in June. Adam is breeder-owner-handled by Linda McCartney-Roy and Kristyn McCartney of Nashua, N.H. Sired by CH Millette's Hang Loose out of CH Triumphant's Absolute Ten JH. Adam is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

The 2006 Pro Plan Champions Cup winner is CH Evermay’s High Performance, a 2-year-old Airedale Terrier called Max. Bred and owned by Richard Berg and Samantha Curran of Arroyo Grande, Calif., the male terrier is handled by Jenny Wornall of Santa Ynez, Calif.

Max, who is currently the No. 1 Airedale in all systems, won Best in Show and a Group One at the IKC Dog Show and a Group One at the Detroit Dog Show to capture the Champions Cup. He is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

CH Northwind As Good As It Gets (Goody), the No. 1 Lhasa Apso in the country in all systems in 2005, won Best of Breed last October at the American Lhasa Apso National Specialty in Frederick, Md. Handled by his breeder-owner Cindy Butsic of Greensville, Mich., is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula and Purina brand Little Bites Indoor Complete dog food.

Grandgables Naturally Super, MS (Nathan), won Best of Opposite Sex. Nathan was bred and owned by Guy Jeavons and Mark McMillan of Moffat, Ontario, Canada. Jeavons handled Nathan. Sired by CH D’Arisca Supernatural out of Grandgables It’s A Cabaret. Nathan is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Puppy Formula.

The Best of Breed winner was Grandgables Ms Supernatural (Natalie). Natalie was bred and owned by Guy Jeavons and Mark McMillan of Moffat, Ontario, Canada. Jason Hunt of Swindon, England, co-owns Natalie and handled her at the Specialty. Sired by CH D’Arisca Supernatural out of Grandgables It’s A Cabaret. Natalie is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Puppy Formula.

In the Smooth Variety judging, Sunrise Add-Sim’s Natalie, MS won Best of Winners and Winners Bitch. Owned by Vaterio Hernandez-Colon of Puerto Rico, Natalie was bred by Hernandez, Robbie Addison and Cliff Simones, both of Miami, and handled by Simones. Sired by CH Add-Sim’s Good Time Charlie out of Grandgable African Sunrise, she is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Puppy Formula.

Wirehaired Dachshund Diagram Moreta of Pern V Rags, MW (Moreta) won Best of Winners and Winners Bitch. Owned by Kim Ragsdale of South Charleston, W.Va., and Dianne Graham of Dublin, Va., Moreta is handled by Marietta Singleton of Hemingway, S.C. Sired by CH Rags I Want to Talk About Me out of CH Diagram Lessa Of Pern, Moreta is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

In the Wirehaired Variety judging, CH Friedox Falling for You, MW (Scraps) won Winners Dog and received an Award of Merit. Scraps is handled by breeder-owner Barbara J. Friedman of Goochland, Va. Sired by English CH Drakesleat Spaghetti Junction out of CH Friedox Kick Upon a Star, MW. Scraps is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

TreasureEmmdox Swiss Miss (Missy) won Best of Winners and Winners Bitch from the 12- to 18-Month Class. Owned by Ruth Emmons of Norwood, Ga., and co-owned by Janice Moseley of Fayettville, NC., Missy was bred by Moseley and handled by Emmons. Sired by CH Emmdox Splish Splash, ML out of CH Treasuredox Carawan’s Legacy, ML, Missy is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

CH Sleepytime’s Indulgence, ML (Mandy) won Best of Opposite Sex to the Longhaired Dachshund Variety winner. Handled by breeder-owner Susan Jones of Durham, N.C., the Miniature Longhaired Dachshund was sired by CH Glenhaven Acclaim, ML out of CH Sleepytime’s Show Me. Mandy is fed Purina ONE brand Lamb & Rice Formula.

Winning Best of Opposite Sex to the Best of Breed winner, and the Best of Variety (Wirehair) winner, was CH Scoshire’s Famous Amos, a 3-year-old Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund. Owned by his breeders, Dwayne Early, David Borders and Blanche Schoning, all of Aqueboque, N.Y., Amos is handled by Angela Lloyd of Warrenton, Va. Sired by CH The Rascals Farm Irko Polo out of Scoshire I Only Have Eyes 4U, Amos is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — CH Sondaisa’s Cuervo Gold, a nearly 4-year-old male, won Best of Breed at the 2005 Akita Club of America National Specialty last November. Nearly 230 dogs competed at the Specialty.

Handled by Clint Livingston of San Antonio, “Cuervo” is owned by Rick and Teresa Witte of Houston, Colleen Sullivan of Newberg, Ore., and Alicia Meyer of Lake Oswego, Ore. Judge Michele Billings, who also placed Cuervo first in the Stud Dog Class, noted his outstanding balance and proportion and said he represents excellence in the breed.

The Top 20 winner was BISS CH Warwick’s Truley Scrumptious, owned by the Tonnancours, Kathy Varian of Acton, Calif., and Anne Toomey of Tarzana, Calif. Bred by Douglas and Anne Toomey, the nearly 4-year-old Dane is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula and Pro Plan brand Large Breed Formula.

The Winners Dog was a harlequin male, CH Fleckenhaus Aries (“Chivo”), co-owned by Pete Trejo and Sherron Higham-Trejo of Tucson, Ariz. Handled by Mari Lynn Davisson of Phoenix, the 21/2-year-old Dane finished at the Specialty. Co-bred by Higham-Trejo and Claire Hazlett of Las Vegas, Chivo is fed Purina ONE brand Giant Breed Formula.

Winning Best of Opposite Sex was CH Avantis All For One Elan (“Redford”), a fawn-colored Dane owned by Robert and Linda Tonnancour of Yorba Linda, Calif., and Lisa Foltz of Chicago. Robert Tonnancour handled Redford at the Specialty although Doug Tomey of Acton, Calif., usually does. Bred by Jessie Gerszewski of Mazomanie, Wis., and Foltz, Redford was sired CH Helisain Monsieur out of BISS CH Avanti’s Taylor Dane. The 61/2-year-old Dane won Best of Opposite Sex in 2002 and an Award of Merit at the 2004 National Specialty. He is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

GRAY SUMMIT, Mo. — Winning Best in Show at three of four shows in the International Cluster held last November at Purina Farms was a 17-month-old Pug, Multi BIS INTL/AM CH Bleuridge’s Eja.

Co-owned by Karen Grueninger of Columbia, Ill., and Bunny Osborn, who is also the breeder, “Eja” was handled by Melissa Chonos of Columbia, Ill. Sired by CH Mianda’s Bossman of Schoss out of Bleuridge’s Kisha, Eja also won Best of Breed at the Greater Atlanta Toy Dog Association Show last September. He is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula.

The 13-inch Best of Variety winner is BIS CH Willwood’s Parker County — “little Parker.” The 21/2-year-old male dog is owned by Cara Ann Smothers of Rockwood Beagles in Keller, Texas, and Jim Wood and Allen Williams, both of Weatherford, Texas, who also are co-breeders. Doug Carlson of Moore, Okla., handled Parker. Sired by CH Kahootz Chase Manhattan out of CH Copper Rose Heaven Can Wait, Parker is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

BIS/BISS CH Windkist A Walk in the Park — “big Parker” — won Best of Breed. The 15-inch male Beagle was bred and is co-owned by Leah Bertagnolli of Windkist Beagles in Ogden, Utah. Ralph Fagan of Thibodaux, La., and Jon Woodring of Advance, N.C., are co-owners. Aaron Wilkerson of Charlotte, S.C., is the handler. Sired by CH Just-Wright I’m a Pepper Too out of CH Bijoux a Walk in the Clouds, Parker won the Breed at the Garden in 2005 and 2006, and took Group Three this year. The 4-year-old is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

CH Borderfame Spellbound (“Merlin”), a 6-year-old Border Collie, won Best of Breed for the second time, having also won in 2003. Handled by Jimmy Moses of Carrolton, Ga., Merlin was bred by Helena Fitzgerald of Perth, Australia. Sired by GR CH Borderfame Heart N Soul out of CH Borderfame Forever Magic, CD, Merlin has been No. 1 in the breed since 2002. Last November, Merlin broke the breed’s Best in Show record with 13 wins. He is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

Other Purina winners were two Border Collies co-owned by Annemarie Silverton of Stockton, Calif., and Noelle and Maureen Kay of Australia, who also are the breeders. Bruce Schultz of Riverside, Calif., handled both dogs. CH Trumagik Tucho Scot (“JR”) received an Award of Merit and won Best Veteran. The 8-year-old male dog won Best of Breed at the 1998 and 1999 Specialties. CH Trumagik Make My Day (“Harry”) also won an Award of Merit. Both dogs are fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

Winning Best of Breed out of 300 dogs competing at the 2005 Bullmastiff Club of America National Specialty last September was Multi BIS/BISS AM/CAN CH Bastion’s Music In The Glen (“Liam”).

The 3-year-old male Bullmastiff is co-owned by Scott Hoffman, M.D., and Gerald Greer, both of Franklin, Tenn., and Robert and Lynn Spohr of Boonville, Ind. Bill Martin of Bloomingdale, Ind., handled Liam. Judge Michele Billings noted that when she closes her eyes and envisions the breed standard, Liam represents the dog she sees.

A Pro Plan-fed Labrador, CAN CH Casbar’s Von Hausman Blitz Krieg (“Panzer”), won Best of Winners. Owned by Claudia Vaigl of Madison, Ohio, and co-owned and bred by Diane Ammerman of Mahway, N.J., Panzer was handled by Keith Ferrin of Wurtsboro, N.Y. The 21-month-old male Labrador was sired by AM/CAN CH Ashways Muncie Von Hausman, CGC, TDI, out of AM/CAN CH Casbar’s All That Pizzazz. Panzer, who is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula, later finished his American championship.

A 7-year-old yellow male Labrador, CH Aquarius Centercourt Delight (“Buzz”), outperformed nearly 300 dogs last October to win Best of Breed at the Labrador Retriever Club National Specialty.

Co-owned by Kathy Sneider, V.M.D., and Julie MacKinnon, both of Plymouth, Mass., Buzz was handled by Joy Quallenberg of Wurtsboro, N.Y. Co-bred by Sneider and Sharon Parr of Shirley, N.Y., Buzz was sired by CH Lobuff’s Bare Necessities, CD, JH, out of Delight Aquarius Courtside. The winner of 22 Best in Show titles and 100 Sporting Group Ones, Buzz is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula and Pro Plan brand Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula.

GR CH Hill’s Little Gold Nugget, a 6-year-old male English Coonhound, outperformed 186 dogs to become the World Show Champion at the UKC Coonhound World Championship Bench Show in September.

“Nugget” is co-owned by Don and Vickie Hill of Roan Mountain, Tenn. Don Hill also is the breeder and handler. Sired by GR NITE CH Ohio High River Chunk out of World Show CH GR CH ‘PR’ Boss’s Little Bobbie Lou, Nugget also was the National Grand Show Champion of Breed at Autumn Oaks in September. In January, he was the English Grand Champion Male at the UKC Winter Classic Bench Show.

Winning National Grand Show Champion Opposite Sex is GR CH ‘PR’ Kentucky River Little Bit Fancy, a 2-year-old female Treeing Walker Coonhound owned by breeder Lee Currens of Piedmont, S.C. Handled by Lisa Hunziker of Pomona, Ill., “Fancy” was sired by Kentucky River Crack out of GR CH Currens’ and Voight’s Smooth Suke.

Out of 126 dogs competing in the Grand Champion bench show competition, GR CH ‘PR’ Dach Lair’s Tribute to 3 King, a 2-year-old male American Black & Tan Coonhound, was named National Grand Show Champion. Dr. David Birdsall of Gloucester, Va., is the breeder-owner, and his daughter Kathy Shorter of Gloucester, Va., is the handler. “King” also won Overall Pairs with his littermate, ‘PR’ Dach Lair’s Noble Noll.

GR NITE CH ‘PR’ Treeslammin Blue Hillbilly (“T”), an 8-year-old male Bluetick Coonhound, came out of a two-year retirement to outperform 600 dogs and become the National Grand Nite Hunt Champion. T is owned by Gerald Wayne Risner of Munith, Mich., and handled by Jeff Teague of Albion, Mich.

Bred by Kerry Oswalt of Hartford, Ind., T was sired by CH NITE CH Northern Blue Hammer 18 out of CH Treeslammin Blue Queen. “He is a dog with incredible speed, and that’s what it takes to win,” Teague says. “We brought him out of retirement to give him one last shot, and it was worth it. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime dog.” T is fed Purina Hi Pro brand dog food.

Prime Time Buckwheat, a 2-year-old male Treeing Walker Coonhound, outperformed 372 dogs to become the Senior Division Champion at the Professional Kennel Club (PKC) Futurity Championship in September. “Buckwheat” is owned by J.C. Ellis of Owensboro, Ky., and is handled by Jimmy Burden of Reed, Ky. Bred by David Unger of Terre Haute, Ind., Buckwheat was sired by CH Doctor out of Unger’s Maggie Mae. Buckwheat is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

McLauren’s Run Stopper (“Vince”), a 21/2-year-old male, is the youngest Irish Setter to earn an AKC Master Hunter title. Vince earned the title in six tries with five qualifying scores in six tries. Also a dog show competitor, Vince is only three points away from becoming an AKC conformation champion.
Breeder-owned by Helen and Walt Sanderson of McLauren’s Setters in Barnesville, Ga., Vince is handled by Ray Godwin of Webfoot Retrievers in Holly Hill, S.C. He was sired by Tealwood’s Dashingly Reilly out of CH McLauren’s Legacy of Gallivan CD JH VC RN CGC. Vince is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

A 6-year-old Basset Hound named Pettit’s Aspen Dragon captured the Basset Hound Invitational Award at the Spring Nationals in May. “Dragon” is owned by Jeff Pettit and Cindy Barlow of Lebanon, Maine. Pettit also is the breeder and handler. Sired by GFC Duncan Creek Oliver out of FC Pettit’s So Long Cincinnati, the male Basset is fed Purina Hi Pro brand dog food.

FC Beaver Creek Blue Max, a 3-year-old bluetick Beagle, was named the winner of the Purina Cup High Hound in a year-long competition, having captured 12 wins, placed second in four trials and third in seven trials. “Max” is owned by Ernest Weir III and was bred by Roswell Dasno of Gouverneur, N.Y. He was sired by FC Maverick’s Blueberry out of Maverick’s Blue Bayou. Max is fed a combination of Purina Dog Chow brand dog food and Purina Puppy Chow brand puppy food.

A 2-year-old tricolor Beagle named FC Babbitt’s Spinner won the 15-inch male class at the International Beagle Hare Futurity (IBHF) in July out of 23 hounds. ”Spinner” is breeder-owner-handled by Lewis and Sandy Babbitt of Lebanon, Maine. He was sired by FC Babbitt's Brown Face out of FC Clover Valley DeDe. FC Babbitt’s Spinner is fed Purina Hi Pro brand dog food.

Redneck’s Nuk-Ums Shortcake, a 5-year-old Basset Hound owned and handled by Scott Ehle of Mill Creek, Okla., outperformed 17 dogs in March to win her second consecutive Grand Rabbit Hunt World Championship. The American Hunting Basset Association sanctioned the event. Shortcake is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Lamb & Rice Formula.

Larum’s Blazin Bronco Ranked in UKC Top Ten
LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. – A 3-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier named Larum’s Blazin Bronco holds the record for the most top 10 points earned in a single year by a female for all UKC breeds. Owned by Vanessa Ash of Lehigh Acres, Fla., and Cheryl Larum of Reno, Nev., Bronco was sired by Larum’s Daredevil Dakota of Luna out of CH Rumor Has It Lucky Penny. Bronco is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

A 4-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound named Beland’s Gold Dust Extatic (“X”) captured Best in Show at the Kentucky Houndsmen Association’s Benefit Hunt in July.
Owned and handled by Amanda Beland of Bedford, Pa., X was bred by Amanda Alexander of Homer City, Pa. Sired by Gold Dust Excalibur out of East River Angel. X is fed Purina One brand Lamb & Rice Formula.

‘PR’ Black Jack Ragin Rocky, a 5-year-old male Bluetick Coonhound, was named Grand Nite Champion at the Texas State Championship in September.
“Rocky” is handled by owner Gary Miller of Humble, Texas, and was bred by Lennie Smiley, Jim Smalling and Terry Smith of Bokchito, Okla. Randy Esters of Pitkin, La., raised the hound who was sired by GR NITE CH GR CH ‘PR’ Smiley’s Blue Rambo II out of Smokey River Dancers Curlee. Rocky is fed Purina ONE brand Lamb & Rice Formula.

Havenwood Magnum Max, a 1-year-old, 15-inch tricolor male Beagle, outperformed 37 dogs to win the Deep South Beagle Gundog Federation Derby Championship in September. “Max” is owner-handled by Larry Dillard of Birmingham, Ala. Bred by Dennis Chamblee of Alabaster, Ala., Max was sired by FC Pon Fun Tiger T out of DC Diamond Lightning Bug. Max is fed Purina Dog Chow brand dog food.

LINVILLE, Ind. Three Purina-fed Beagles won their classes at the American Rabbit Hound Association (ARHA) Little Pack World Championship in April.

The Champion Class winner was Logan Elm Mr. Willie, a 4-year-old tricolor male Beagle bred, owned and handled by Jim McGuire of Amanda, Ohio. Sired by Sexton’s Hobo out of Sexton’s Branko Nada, Willie is fed Purina Hi Pro brand dog food.

The Open Class winner was Scrogham Kentucky Reggie, a 4-year-old Bluetick male Beagle owned and handled by Kevin Monroe of Portsmouth, Ohio. Sired by FC Turbo Powered by Prop out of Maravich’s Blue Girl, Reggie is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

Winning the Grand Champion Class was GRCH Rocky Ridge Libby, a 7-year-old liver-and-white female Beagle bred, owned and handled by Bill Gildersleeve of Grove City, Pa. Sired by Rocky Ridge Red out of Rocky Ridge Lucky. Libby is fed Purina Dog Chow brand dog food.

BOONESVILLE, Ark. A 5-year-old male named GK’s Nuke It outperformed 26 dogs to win the National German Shorthaired Pointer Association’s National Championship in March.

Owned by Steve Mendenhall of Wadsworth, Ohio, and handled by Chris Goegan of Alliance, Ohio, Nuke is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula. Nuke, who was sired by GK’s Ramblin Danny out of Liebmeister GK’s Chely, is the sire of the 2005 NGSPA Futurity winner, Hi-End’s Dodge This.

GRAND JUNCTION, Tenn. When a 21/2-year-old male English Pointer named Shell Creek Coin (Jack) won the National Championship in February. Sired by Lester’s Powder Keg out of Lester’s Silver Charm, Jack was bred by Jack and Fran Miller of Barwick, Ga. He is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

DANVILLE, Va. — A 3-year-old male English Pointer named Covey Up Johnny has won the AKC Pointing Breed National Championship. Owned by Ray Knight of Albany, Ga., trained and handled by Jim Heckert and scouted by Jimmy Heckert, both of Mechanicsburg, Pa., Johnny outperformed 57 dogs to win the event. Sired by Richfield Bodidlee out of Crossroads Sue, Johnny is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

HOFFMAN, N.C. A 3-year-old white-and-liver English Pointer male named Talisman (Blitz) outperformed 62 dogs to win the National Open Shooting Dog Championship in February.

Owned by Susan Duerksen of Pittsburgh, Pa., and handled by Mike Tracy of Glenville, Pa., Blitz is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula. Sired by Santos Blue Note out of Southbound Sarah, Blitz was bred by Sandra Towne.

Bringing a favorite coonhound out of retirement, Jeff Ricklefs of West Lafayette, Ind., won the 2006 Professional Kennel Club (PKC) Handler Showdown Championship in early February.

Handling Platinum CH Hardwood Henry, a 9-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound owned by John Burgess and his son, John Burgess Jr., of Indianapolis, Ricklefs outperformed 47 handlers to win the award. Ricklefs had handled “Henry” from 1998 to 2002, during which they placed in the Final Four of the PKC National in 1999, 2000 and 2002, won the PKC Walker Breed Hunt in 2000 and 2002, and came 25 points away from winning the PKC Handler Showdown Championship in 2001. Henry was retired from coonhound competition in 2003.