The 2016 DockDogs Season ended in October, with the World Championship being held in November. The Liver Killers had an amazing season last year. This year was just as exciting!
Limoncello the “Dock Diving Diva”
Limoncello had an incredible season, earning new Personal Bests in Big Air (25 ft), Speed Retrieve (7.33 seconds), AND Iron Dog (2,883 points)! She earned an invitation to the DockDog World Championship in all disciplines for the second year in a row, although Brian decided only to accept the Big Air and Iron Dog invitations. Cello is the # 2 German Shorthaired Pointer in the World for Big Air, and also earned the #1 spot for overall Warrior Division Iron Dog in the World!
Overall World Rankings
- Big Air:
- 2nd ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Master Titled
- Average: 23’0″
- Speed Retrieve:
- 3rd ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Turbo Titled
- Average: 7.512 seconds
- Extreme Vertical:
- 5th ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Cadet Titled
- Average: 5’5″
- Iron Dog:
- 1# Warrior Division Iron Dog overall!
- #3 ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Average: 2,797.40 points
Hooch the “Dock Diving Dude”
Hooch had a big year also! After his “scare” on the dock last November at the World Championship when they shut the lights down and had spotlights on the dock, Hooch carried that fear until almost May of this season. He finally gained his confidence back, and began to jump HUGE! He earned a new Personal Best in Big Air (25’4″!!!!), and also is the #1 German Shorthaired Pointer in the World! Hooch earned himself an invitation to the DockDog World Championship for both disciplines in which he competes (Big Air and Extreme Vertical). Hooch was also recently invited to participate in a qualifier for the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge! That qualifier will be in November as well.
Overall World Rankings
- Big Air:
- #1 ranked German Shorthaired Pointer!
- Elite Titled
- 23’10” (Elite Average)
- Extreme Vertical:
- #4th ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Top Gun Titled
- Average: 6’0″
Lager the “Deployed Dock Diving Dawg”
Lager continued to excel in his first full year of competition. Lager secured an invitation to the DockDog World Championship for the 2 disciplines in which he competes (Big Air and Extreme Vertical).
Overall World Rankings
- Big Air:
- 9th ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Senior Titled
- 19’10” (Senior Average)
- Extreme Vertical:
- 5th ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Top Gun Titled
- Average: 5’11”
Margarita the “Team Cheerleader”
Margarita joined our pack right before the start of the dock diving season, and has been a wonderful team cheerleader! Margarita is still learning toy-drive as she gets used to the water and learns how to swim. She has come a long way, and we are very, VERY proud of her!
- In pool water for the first time!
- “Aunt Kristen” helping Rita learn to enter the pool.
- Getting used to the water on the Paddle Board
- “Aunt Mandy” showing Rita that toys are fun!
Sponsorships
We are super proud to be a part of some very unique and prestigious sponsorships this year!
- Ken Tidy Photography:
- Ken Tidy has long been known as one of the most talented photographers in our area, capturing stunning action-packed images that truly express each dog’s individual personality. His images have been shared across the DockDogs world, and we are truly honored that Ken has chosen our fur-kids to represent his amazing work. We super excited about this sponsorship! Be sure to check out some of Ken’s amazing photography, and schedule a session with him to capture YOUR pup!
Website: www.kentidy.com
FB: @kentidyphotography
Twitter: @kptidy
Instagram: @kentidyphoto
- Ken Tidy has long been known as one of the most talented photographers in our area, capturing stunning action-packed images that truly express each dog’s individual personality. His images have been shared across the DockDogs world, and we are truly honored that Ken has chosen our fur-kids to represent his amazing work. We super excited about this sponsorship! Be sure to check out some of Ken’s amazing photography, and schedule a session with him to capture YOUR pup!
- Undone Watches
- Undone Watches is a unique company who’s motto is “Individuality Matters.” They make unique watches designed by you to reflect your own individuality. Every watch is a unique message!
- TurboPUP
- TurboPUP makes all natural complete K9 meal bars for on-the-go dogs!
Publications:
Limoncello, Hooch, Lager, and Margarita were featured in several publications this season!
- Feature Story on the American Kennel Club’s FB Page
Giving Back:
The Liver Killers are happy to report that along with the help of some friends and fellow competitors, an abundance of food, toys, and supplies were donated to a few really great organizations…and a grand total of $3,868 was raised!
- GSP Rescue of NJ
- 100 % of our DockDogs winnings from Finals placements were donated to the rescue
- Sport Dog Food donation in the name of The Liver Killers
- Cabela’s Delaware : food servers collected money for our rescue instead of accepting tips at a Delmarva DockDogs event
- Liver Killers T-Shirt Fundraiser through Booster
- United States War Dogs Association
- We matched Lager’s DockDogs winnings that were donated to the GSP Rescue of NJ and contributed that amount
- Cash donations from family
- Items donated from friends
- Patriotic bandannas hand made by GSP Rescue friends were sold at events – 100% of the sales were donated
- Sport Dog Food donation in the name of Lager
- Fellow dock diving competitors brought items to events and sent supplies to us
- Bay Creek Community donation in the name of Lager at a Tidewater DockDogs event
- Animal Orphanage of Voorhees, NJ
- All prize bag contents including toys and food won by The Liver Killers were donated
- Fellow competitors brought items to events
Worlds Bling:
- Window decals from Signs.com
- Car magnets from buildasign.com
- Banner from halfpricebanners.com
- PAWtograph cards designed by our friend, Mandy Eiche, and ordered from printfirm.com
- Front of card
- Back of card
- New team shirts from customink.com
- Front of shirt
- Back of shirt
As we begin to prepare for our second long trip out to Iowa for the DockDogs World Championship, we continue to reflect upon the amazing season we had, all the exciting adventures we encountered, and the many incredible people and dogs we met because of our pups and this wonderful sport. We cherish every moment, and embrace it ALL: the highs and lows, the laughter and the tears, the (VERY) early mornings, the late nights, our every-growing camping group, and the comradery shared with friends at the events. We are truly blessed to be a part of such an awesome community. Never have we met such a large group of the nicest people who not only strive to improve within their own team, but will at the same time stop and help other fellow competitors to enhance their game, and applaud fellow opponents just as enthusiastically as they cheer on their own dog. The patience, advice, support, and guidance we have received from friends, family, co-workers, bosses, fellow competitors, and social media followers is beyond overwhelming, and greatly appreciated. Thank you ALL for being a part of this thrilling ride with us. We look forward to writing the next chapter of this adventure together!
We are both honored and excited to have the privilege of competing against the top dogs in the world. No matter where our dogs rank at the World Championship this year, we are beyond proud of all of our pups, and thrilled that we have the opportunity to share this grand experience. We cannot wait to spend the week at the World Championship with our DockDogs family!
A short time ago u did not even know what dock diving was. U have trained champions, introduced the sport to some many people, raised money for animal in need, not to mention making 4 reacue dogs very happy and loved. I’d say its been a pretty good run. U all deserve all the.attention u r getting!!Cant wait for more!!! Ever think what u would be doing on weekends if u never met Cello?
You are so sweet, Liz! We couldn’t imagine our life without these crazy pups!
I have enjoyed watching the Liver Killers go from beginning dock diving to becoming world class champions. It is an honor to call you my friends. ♥