07/06/2026
TWO MASTER HUNTER PASSES!
We had a fantastic weekend at the Sunpoke Retriever Club!
Saturday, everything came together. Aspen and Barrett both showed exactly what they’re capable of, and it was incredibly rewarding to see all of our hard work pay off.
Sunday was a bit more of a mixed bag. Aspen was a little too fired up and broke—something she hasn’t done in a long time. Barrett kept working hard, but slipped back into some old delivery habits, which kept him from moving on to the final test of the day.
Despite the ups and downs, I couldn’t be prouder of these two. Barrett earning a Master Hunter pass means so much. He’s the dog that started my journey in this sport, and reaching this point together after learning through plenty of mistakes is incredibly special.
Aspen also had an outstanding weekend. While Sunday didn’t go our way, she absolutely shined as the test dog on the water series and reminded me just how talented she is.
One of the best parts of weekends like this is catching up with so many familiar faces. I’m always grateful for the opportunity to learn from experienced handlers, receive valuable advice, and continue growing in this sport. There’s something new to take away from every test, and I truly appreciate everyone who is willing to share their knowledge.
A huge thank you to the Sunpoke Retriever Club, the hosts, judges, and all of the volunteers for putting on such a well-organized event—especially in the extreme heat. Your hard work is truly appreciated!
