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Care-A-Lot Canine Sporting Extravaganza: Virginia Beach, VA
This was our first time attending this event. It was held at Care-A-Lot Pet Supply.
Limoncello:
Big Air:
20’7″
21’2″ 1st Place Masters Division
20’2″ 3rd Place Masters Division
20’5″ 2nd Place Masters Division
20’3″ 2nd Place Masters Division
Picture Credit: KJ Photography
Extreme Vertical: 5’2″
Picture Credit: KJ Photography
Speed Retrieve: 9.468 seconds
Picture Credit: KJ Photography
Iron Dog: 2619.19 points
Hooch:
Big Air:
22’2″
21’1″
19’11”
Big Air Pro Finals: 22’11” 3rd Place
Picture Credit: KJ Photography
Picture Credit: KJ Photography
Lager:
Big Air:
17’10’
15’9″
16’7″ 3rd Place Senior Division
14’10”
16’0″ 2nd Place Senior Division
Big Air Contender Finals: 18’7″ 1st Place
Picture Credit: KJ Photography
Picture Credit: Alison Morin
The girl who is credited with our adoption of Lager go to jump Lager at this event! Here is Gwen jumping Lager in Big Air! You can read the story of how Gwen contacted us by clicking HERE!
Photo Credit: KJ Photography
Extreme Vertical: 5’10” 1st Place Cadet
Picture Credit: Gary Foote
Margarita:
Margarita once again enjoyed her time hanging out under the team canopy, and getting lots of attention from friends!
Liver Killers Bling!
Toasting to “Tommy D” with his very own homemade Limoncello recipe:
Salute!
Delmarva DockDogs Unleashed at Pooch Palooza: Frontier Town Campground, Berlin, MD
This was our second year attending Pooch Palooza at Frontier Town Campground.
We love this event, and the best part is – it is held right at one of our favorite campgrounds!
This was also a special trip because it was Rita’s first camping trip!
Lager is helping Rita get acquainted with Glamping:
Brian’s dad bought us a PetCube pet camera so we can walk outside of our camper
View from our camp site:
This was our first dock diving event of 2016!
Photo Credit: Precise Video Productions
Limoncello:
Big Air: 22′ 3″
20’11”
22’9″
Extreme Vertical: 4′ 10″
Speed Retrieve: 8.566 seconds 2nd Place Express Division
Iron Dog: 2697.17 points 2nd Place Warrior Division
Hooch:
This was the first time Hooch tried Iron Dog!
Big Air: 23’6″ 2nd Place Elite Division
Big Air Pro Finals: 19’11”
Photo Credit: Precise Video Productions
Extreme Vertical: 5’10” 1st Place Cadet Division
Speed Retrieve: 7.409 seconds
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- Both photos -Photo Credit: Precise Video Productions
Iron Dog: 2902.83 points 3rd Place Titan Division
Lager:
Big Air: 12’9″
19’2″ 3rd Place Senior Division
19’3″ 1st Place Senior
Photo Credit: Precise Video Productions
Extreme Vertical: 6’0″
Margarita:
Margarita enjoyed her first camping trip and her first dock diving event! She got LOTS of attention from everyone!
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- Photo Credit: Precise Video Productions
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- Hanging out with Aunt Gwen
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- Aunt Kim bought her a Margarita collar!
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- Hanging out with Aunt Kiersten
Hanging out under the team canopy
Cello and Hooch Featured on The American Kennel Club’s Facebook Page
Last July, the American Kennel Club featured Cello and Hooch on their online publication, Woofipedia. After CJ the GSP won Westminster, the American Kennel Club featured the story on their Facebook page!
Tidewater DockDogs End-of-Season Banquet
We were disappointed to have missed the Tidewater DockDogs banquet, especially because we won some great awards!
This was the last of the banquets to wrap up an amazing 2015 dock diving season.
Keystone DockDogs 2015 End-of-Season Banquet
After a super-exciting season, we were so happy to be able to attend this year’s end of year banquet for Keystone DockDogs. Not only did we have a blast, we won a couple of family awards, and Hooch earned himself another trophy!
Awards for Most Addicted Teams and Families…
Brian and Jenny accepting their “Most Addicted awards
We MAY be addicted…just a little!…
Brian and Cello won 1st Overall for Place Iron Dog Warrior :
…And Jenny and Hooch were voted Keystone DockDogs 2015 Most Improved Dog!
Chesapeake DockDogs End of Season Banquet
At the Chesapeake DockDogs End of Season Banquet, our pack was named “Most Addicted Family,” and Cello and Brian also were named “Most addicted Team.”
Cello and Brian won a trophy for “Most Intense Team on the Dock”
Hooch and Jenny won “Rookie Team of the Year”
Hooch and Jenny also won “Most Exciting Team to Watch”
It was a very exciting season for us, and we were honored to have been chosen for these awards!
2015 DockDogs World Championship
After an exciting drive out to Iowa, the days that followed were even more exhilarating! We are so proud to share this summary of our 3 pups’ World Champion performances!
The competition was held at the Five Flags Center in Dubuque, Iowa, located directly across the street from our hotel.
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- Five Flags Arena where the competition was held
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- Five Flags Theater where Gala was held
We waited in line outside the arena for 2 hours for official check-in:
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- Waiting for the doors to open
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- Waiting in line
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- check in!
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- Everyone got a gift bag and fleece
Dog Town
The city of Dubuque shut down part of a street so that DockDogs could construct what’s known as “Dog Town” – where all the competitors set up. We could see the Dog Town tent from our hotel room.
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- The start of Dog Town – viewed from our hotel room
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- Dog Town – viewed from our hotel room
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- Competitors starting to set up in Dog Town
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- Our spot in Dog Town
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- A very full Dog Town!
JUST after we got done setting up in the Dog Town tent, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued, then a tornado warning was issued! Thank goodness the tornado warning was downgraded, and we did not have to evacuate.
The Official Schedule:
BC = Brian and Cello, JH= Jenny and Hooch, and JL= Jenny and Lager
Seeing the competition floor for the first time at our Handlers Meeting:
We were beyond honored that our friends, Jen and Grace, also volunteers of the GSP Rescue of NJ, decorated their car window, and drove all the way from New Jersey to Iowa to route on the Liver Killers at the World Championship! Honestly, I don’t know what we would have done without them there. Jen and Grace gave our dogs potty breaks, took pictures and video, cheered us on, and made sure our dogs who were not competing were never left alone in their crates.
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- Jen and Grace’s Liver Killers window art
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- “Aunt Jen” hanging out with Hooch in Dog Town
The Liver Killers
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- Tommy D’s Limoncello
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- Windy Spot’s Homemade Hooch
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- Brogan’s American Lager
Limoncello (Handler: Brian)
Limoncello had an outstanding season. Not only did she compete in Iron Dog in every event, she earned herself an invite in EVERY discipline possible:
- Big Air (Master Division)
- Speed Retrieve (Express Division)
- Extreme Vertical (Cadet Division)
- Iron Dog (Warrior Division)
- Dueling Dogs (Class 4)
Brian really wanted to focus on Cello’s Iron Dog performance, so he declined all invites, with the exception of Iron Dog invitation. Just 3.5 weeks after an injury that occurred at The Pittsburgh Pet Expo, Cello was cleared by our vet to compete, and our little girl competed in Iron Dog at the World Championship with all her heart! Competing in Iron Dog means she had to participate twice in each of the three disciplines in order to accumulate Iron Dog points.
Her performance was awesome, and she also earned herself a new Personal Best in Extreme Vertical!
Qualifier 1
- Big Air: 20’4″
- Extreme Vertical: 5’2″
- Speed Retrieve: 8.500 seconds
- TOTAL IRON DOG POINTS: 2720.81
Qualifier 2
- Big Air: 20′ 6″
- Extreme Vertical: 5’6″ ***New Personal Best***
- Speed Retrieve: 8.482
- TOTAL IRON DOG POINTS: 2758.42
- OVERALL WARRIOR DIVISION IRON DOG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RANKING: 10th in world
Cello doing Extreme Vertical:
Cello doing Big Air:
Although Cello did not qualify for Iron Dog Finals, she impressed the crowd with her endurance and efforts. We are beyond proud of our little princess!
Hooch (Handler: Jenny)
Hooch had an AMAZING first season of dock diving… in a matter of months, he went from being afraid of the water, to leaping over 24 feet! Hooch only participated in Big Air and Extreme Vertical competitions this year. He earned invitations to the World Championship for both of those divisions in Elite Division Big Air and Cadet Division Extreme Vertical. Hooch also qualified for BOTH division’s finals at the World Championship! If that wasn’t exciting enough, at the big gala, Hooch and I won DockDogs 2015 Most Improved Team! Hooch is a very sensitive dog, and can be very skittish. We had several hiccups throughout the dock diving season while up on the dock due to banners that blew off the pool, wind that caused the water in the pool to swirl, and light reflections in the water. When these things spooked Hooch, he refused to jump. It took a great deal of support and effort to get him over his fears and continue to perform consistently for the rest of the season. At the World Championship, he did an amazing job during his qualifiers for Big Air – he even made finals! However, the Elite Finals were chosen to be “Spotlighted” – held under the lights at night in the Arena. This means they shut all the lights of, and only had spotlights on the pool and dock. This also meant that Hooch was faced with darkness, shadows, and reflections from the spotlights. “Stage fright” set in during finals, and in the middle of running, he put his “brakes” on … skidding down the dock, and plopping in at 7’7″. On his second turn, he flat-out refused to jump, and we were timed-out. Although this was heartbreaking to me because I felt like Hooch was afraid and confused as to why I’d ask him to jump in what he considered “unsafe conditions,” I couldn’t be more proud of him, his huge accomplishments throughout the season, and his earned spot in both Big Air and Extreme Vertical Finals.
During the “spotlighted” finals when Hooch got freaked out by the lighting
Big Air
- Qualifier 1: 21’9″ 21’11”
- Qualifier 2: 23’0″ 23’3″ Qualified for finals
- Finals: 7’7″ timed out 6th Place
- OVERALL ELITE BIG AIR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RANKING: 6th in the world
Hooch doing Big Air:
Extreme Vertical
- Qualifying Round: 6’2″ Qualified for finals
- Finals: 6’0″ 4th Place
- OVERALL CADET EXTREME VERTICAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RANKING: 4th in the world
Hooch doing Extreme Vertical:
Jenny and Hooch winning 2015 DockDogs Most Improved Team:
Words cannot express my excitement for this awesome award!
See just how far Hooch has come from 8 weeks old, to 1 year old, and 6 months of competing:
Lager (Handler: Jenny)
The fact this amazing boy earned his way to the World Championship in 2 months, and just 2 National level events, with no training, and with never having been on a dock before was unbelievable. When he made the finals, we were filled with excitement and joy!
Our friend, Kiersten, caught us just at the moment we found out Lager made finals:
Big Air
- Qualifying Round 1: 17’11” 19’6″
- Qualifying Round 2: 19′ 19’7″ Qualified for finals
- FINALS: 17’7″ 18’8″
- OVERALL SENIOR BIG AIR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RANKING: 5th in the world
Lager doing Big Air:
A whole-lotta Liver Killers bling!
Besides medals and trophies, we got some other pretty cool “bling” while at Worlds:
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- Every handler got a fleece vest
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- And each team got a gift bag
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- Everyone who attended the gala got a t-shirt
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- Our friend, Mandy made all the Chesapeake DockDogs teams personalized cookies!
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- Chesapeake DockDogs bought all their teams personalized tote bags
Out of thousands of dogs, only a few hundred are lucky enough to earn their invitation to the World Championship…out of those few hundred, only 6 dogs in each division make it to the finals…I can’t say enough how proud we are of our three fur-kids! 
Road Trip! 2015 DockDogs World Championship
Words cannot express how exciting this week was for our pack! All three of our pups qualified for the World Championship, we drove further West than we’ve ever been before, we got to see some pretty cool sights along the way, all three Liver Killers finished within the top 10 in the world in their own divisions, and best of all, we had a safe trip out and back, with no injuries or illnesses. Here is a recap of the Liver Killer’s preparation for our road trip, and some of our adventures on the drive!
Everyone was asking for us to bring Tommy D’s famous Limoncello, so Brian made a few batches to bring with us:
We ordered lots of bling the month before our trip! We designed and ordered team gear from CustomInk.com – – and when the company saw we donate to the GSP Rescue of NJ, they made their own donation in the Liver Killers name to the GSP Rescue of NJ – how nice was THAT?!
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- Lager and Jenny and Hooch and Jenny’s team gear
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- Brian and Cello’s team gear
Our trip wouldn’t be complete without truck bling!
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- Magnets for truck doors
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- Window deal for the truck
Our talented friend, Mandy made our trading cards:
And, of course, we did lots of shopping:
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- Brian bought Cello-yellow sneakers
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- ….and a Cello-yellow tie for the big awards gala
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- Jenny bought a dress for the big gala!
Jenny has a very difficult time packing lightly, so the packing started (and never seemed to stop!)… and Brian decided it was a good idea to rent a little trailer just in case 🙂
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- Lager checking out all the gear Jenny was packing
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- A trailer to haul all our stuff!
DockDogs had a window decorating contest for everyone making the road trip out to Iowa… so of course we dressed up the truck windows!
And we’re off!
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- Longest family road trip
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- Cello checking out the sights along the way
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- Pointer Pile!
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- Hooch likes to check out the scenes from the back window
As we crossed state borders along our ride, we saw some pretty neat sights:
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- Further West then we’ve ever been!
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- Lukoil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana, home to the Indianapolis Colts
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- World’s Largest cross, Effingham, Illinois: 198 feet tall and 113 feet wide, forged out of over 180 tons of steel
It was difficult to be in the car for so many hours, so we stopped often to let everyone potty and stretch their legs
Along our stops, we came across the coolest place right off of I-70 in Indiana! Not only is it the World’s largest “candle,” it was a candle company and gift store that had a cute little restaurant, THE coolest bathrooms ever, huge and safe areas to walk the dogs – and best part of all ???… they welcome dogs INside!
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- World’s Largest Candle (not real of course!)
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- Cool front doors
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- YAY!
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- We got lunch to go – food was great!
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- Women’s bathroom!
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- Women’s bathroom!
We are huge American Pickers fans, so we couldn’t help but stop to see their Antique Archaeology shop!
Crossing the Mighty Mississippi!
We went a bit out of our way for this one, but we couldn’t miss the opportunity to stop at the movie set from Field of Dreams!
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- Our pack out on the pitchers mound
Once we checked into the hotel, and got the pups settled, we celebrated our adventurous road trip, and our safe arrival at our destination in Iowa!
What an exciting week of competition we have ahead!
Pittsburgh Pet Expo, Pittsburgh, PA
The last dock diving event before the World Championship! We chose to do this event because like the World Championship, this event was held indoors. We knew Cello would jump in any conditions, but Hooch had not been to an indoor event since March (when he was plopping in at 5-6 feet!), and Lager had never been to an indoor event.
This event, hosted by Three Rivers DockDogs, was their annual indoor “Quest for the Belt.” If you remember back to September, we attended their annual outdoor Quest for the Belt. At these events, the handler of the dog with the longest jump wins the Champion Belt. The winning team then has to return to the annual event, belt in hand, and defend the belt against a new set of divers! Hooch had the longest jump of the weekend, until Sunday rolled around and he got knocked down to 2nd longest jump by one of the biggest jumping dogs in the world! Darn! We almost got that coveted belt!
We were quite pleased with all the dogs’ performances. Each one performed in their “normal” range for an indoor event. I say that because in general, dogs do not usually jump as far inside as they do outside. Maybe its the loud noise of an enclosed building full of barking dogs and cheering spectators, or perhaps it’s the pool water that is a bit colder than usual?
Unfortunately, shortly into the event, Cello slipped on the wet floor, and injured herself. With just weeks left until the World Championship, we were very nervous that this injury could hinder her ability to perform at the World Championship event. We scratched her from the rest of this event, called our vet, and let her rest for the remainder of the weekend. Luckily, with great care and advice from our vet, Cello healed nicely and was fully recovered to compete at Worlds.
LIMONCELLO:
BIG AIR:
21’1″ 21’8″
20’5″ 20’8″
19’7″ SCRATCH
As I mentioned above, Hooch had a great weekend – and had the longest jump of the event until Sunday. We were more than pleased with his performance, and he did not show any signs of being afraid, or hesitant. Hooch is very easily spooked, so we were thrilled that he jumped with such enthusiasm in a loud, enclosed environment.
HOOCH:
BIG AIR:
22’8″ 23’3″ 2nd Place Elite
22’5″ 22’8″
21’6″ 22’0″
Elite Finals: 22’2″ 22’5″ 3rd Place Elite
I was very nervous competing with Lager at this event, not knowing if he would jump indoors. As with everything else Lager is presented with, he performed exuberantly, with no hesitation at all, and was a crowd favorite!
Our friend, Kim, who is the gal that makes all those great Super Fly Suits you see the dogs wearing, had brought our completed suit that we had ordered special for Lager for the World Championship.
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- The picture I Googled of Captain America
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- The suit idea I drew up to send to Kim (side view) …except we decided against the flags on the side after “Lager”
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- The suit idea I drew up to send to Kim (front view)
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- Kim’s awesome work!
The suit is AWESOME, and in typical Lager-fashion, he displayed his excitement and “flew” out of Kim’s arms…Haha
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- Fits like a glove!
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- And we have take-off!
We had no idea about Lager’s next adventure at this event. A handler who was also competing in this event with his dog was a Veteran. Three Rivers DockDogs asked the human Veteran and Lager to lead the crowd in The Star Spangled Banner. This was SO cool, and such a huge honor! Look how proud Lager is!
LAGER:
BIG AIR:
18’5″ 17’11” 1st Place Senior
18’6″ 19’7″ 1st Place Senior
18’7″ 20’1″
Senior Finals: 19’6″ 20’3″ 5th Place Senior
The Liver Killers: Dock Diving 2015 Season in Review
THE LIVER KILLERS 2015 DOCK DIVING SEASON IN REVIEW!
The dock diving season technically ends in mid-October, with the World Championships being held in November. We have officially completed our season, and what a season we had!
- Cello had and absolutely incredible season, earning an invite to the World Championships in every discipline possible!
- We thought Hooch would never jump – not only did he jump – he entertained everyone with the “Hoochie Hop” – -but only for a short time as he soared to over 24 feet in just 6 months of diving at a mere 1 year old! Hooch also ranked #1 German Shorthaired Pointer for Big Air in the United States, and 2nd GSP in the WORLD – by less than an inch!
- Lager came in to our lives unexpectedly, and without any training, and jumped like a boss, earning an invitation to the World Championships after participating in just 2 national events!
- Limoncello was offered a sponsorship from TurboPUP.
- Cello and Hooch made the front page of the top local newspapers
- News teams came to our house to do features on Cello, Hooch, and Lager – and they all made the top TV news channels with their stories.
- Cello and Hooch had a story published in a world-wide published magazine.
- Lager had a story published in a local magazine.
TOMMY D’s LIMONCELLO
Brian’s main goal this season was to earn an invitation to the World Championship with Cello in Warrior Division Iron Dog (a combined averaged score of Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve). Not only did Brian and Cello achieve this goal, they did so very early in the season at the Wild Card event at Cabela’s in West Virginia during the month of May!
Little did we know that was just the beginning of Cello’s road to Worlds! Brian and Cello went on to earn an invite in Speed Retrieve (also earned at the Wild Card event at Cabela’s in West Virginia)
But that’s not where Cello’s invites ended! She earned an invite for Dueling Dogs, after participating in that discipline for the first time ever at the Mid Atlantic Regionals, held at Shipps Corner Pet Spa in Virginia Beach.
At the end of the season, we found out her rankings from sanctioned facility events also earned her an invite in Extreme Vertical, as well as Big Air!
OVERALL WORLD RANKINGS:
- BIG AIR:
- 5th ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Master Titled
- 23′ 3″ average
- SPEED RETRIEVE:
- 2nd ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Express Titled
- 7.964 average
- EXTREME VERTICAL:
- 4th ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Cadet Titled
- 5′ 2″ average
- IRON DOG:
- 2nd ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Warrior Titled
- 2754.67 average
UNITED STATES OVERALL RANKINGS:
- BIG AIR:
- 4th ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Master Titled
- 22’3″ average
- SPEED RETRIEVE:
- 2nd ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Express Titled
- 7.964 average
- EXTREME VERTICAL:
- 4th ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Cadet Titled
- 5’2″ average
- IRON DOG:
- #1 ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Warrior Titled
- 2754.67 average
Cello ended the season with an injury. While competing at the indoor event at the Pittsburgh Pet Expo in Pittsburgh, PA, Cello slipped on the wet floor, and strained muscles in her neck and front leg. Unfortunately this meant pain meds and lots of rest during the 2 weeks leading up to Worlds. We are hopeful that she will be be back to 100% for the World Championship competition.
Windy Spot’s Homemade Hooch
As a puppy, Hooch wanted NOTHING to do with water of any sort. He slowly began to realize water wasn’t so bad, and cautiously went into our lake and into a baby pool. The weather quickly became what was to be the coldest, snowiest winter we’ve ever had, and access to water became difficult. We took Hooch to some indoor pools, were he felt comfortable jumping in at the water’s edge. However, when he found himself up on a regulation dock, which sits 2 feet above the water, Hooch gave dock diving a second thought. Hooch kicked off his dock diving career in January being very hesitant on the dock. He would run down the dock, get to the edge and “teeter” for a long while – sometimes not jumping and timing-out, and other times projecting himself off the edge of the dock as if he had springs in his back legs, only landing a few feet into the water! He quickly became a crowd favorite with his “Hoochie Hop,” as the crowd waited in anticipation to see if he would POP off the dock…or not! By about April, he was “hopping” out to about 7-8 feet, still hesitating, and still choosing not to jump at times. By May we discovered that with Jenny running down the dock with him, Hooch would hesitate less. This technique got Hooch leaping up to 17 – 18 feet by the beginning of June. By mid June we had switched to the “Place and Send” method, bringing Hooch to the very back of the dock (Thank you Frank Moraff for forcing me to do this!!) With that change came great results. Hooch jumped 21 feet in mid-June, and by the end of June soared 23’8″ and earned his invitation to Worlds at 13 months old ! By July, Hooch jumped his current personal best, 24’2″, and also earned a second invitation to the World Championship for Cadet Division Extreme Vertical. In September, Hooch was nominated for “Most Improved” for the Golden Paw Awards, held at the Gala during The World Championship celebration, and was voted to be one of the finalists for the award.
Here is my absolute favorite video from this season: It captures Hooch’s progression from being fearful of water, to his 23+ ft jump that earned him his Big Air Invite to the World Championship!
OVERALL WORLD RANKINGS:
- BIG AIR:
- 2nd ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Elite Titled
- 23′ 7.4 ” average
- EXTREME VERTICAL:
- 2nd ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Cadet Titled
- 5′ 10.7″ average
UNITED STATES OVERALL RANKINGS:
- BIG AIR:
- #1 ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Elite Titled
- 23′ 7.4 ” average
- EXTREME VERTICAL:
- 4th ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Cadet Titled
- 5’2″ average
Brogan’s American Lager
Lager came home with us on August 23, apparently born to be a dock diver, not an Explosives Detection Canine! When the training company who had Lager (known then as Nayt) saw how much he loved the water, they contacted DockDogs in hopes to find a family who were familiar with the breed, had access to water for him to swim, and would promise to get him dock diving. Read the full story on how Lager became a part of our pack by clicking HERE! The first day Lager came home, he was exposed to water, and had no fear of the lake, or jumping off the dock. He had a perfect sit-stay, and seemed like he came to us with the Big Air discipline of dock diving mastered! In less than a week’s time, Lager also picked up on Extreme Vertical, easily grabbing the bumper on our home rig. Lager competed in just 2 national level events, and earned himself an invitation to the World Championships in Big Air!
OVERALL WORLD RANKINGS:
- BIG AIR:
- 9th ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Senior Titled
- 19′ 10.4″ average
UNITED STATES OVERALL RANKINGS:
- BIG AIR:
- 7th ranked German Shorthaired Pointer
- Senior Titled
- 19′ 10.4″ average
GIVING BACK:
The Liver Killers are also happy to report that through their 2015 winnings, an abundance of food, toys, and supplies were donated to the Animal Orphanage of Voorhees, NJ, and over $1,100 was donated to the GSP Rescue of NJ!
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS THIS SEASON:
- Newspaper articles:
- Courier Post: Front page!
- Central Record: Front page of the Sports section!
- Medford Sun: Front page!
- TV News:
- Channel 6 ABC:
- Full story and news clip video: http://6abc.com/pets/2-south-jersey-dogs-are-national-dock-diving-champs/965961/
- Fox 29:
- Full story and news clip video: http://www.fox29.com/news/29140110-story
- Channel 6 ABC:
- Magazines:
- Bark Magazine: http://celloscorner.com/2015/08/15/limoncello-and-hooch-in-the-bark-magazine/
- South Jersey Magazine: http://www.southjerseymagazine.com/articles/?articleid=1650
WORLDS BLING:
In preparation for The Liver Killers World Championship competition in Dubuque, Iowa in November, we ordered some cool team gear:
Team Shirts and and Hoodies from CustomInk
When Custom Ink found out that The Liver Killers donate all their cash prizes to the GSP Rescue of NJ , they made a donation to the rescue in honor of Cello’s Corner and The Liver Killers! How cool is that?!
Window decals for our vehicles from Vistaprint
Car magnets from Vistaprint
Team banner from Half Price Banners
And of course, “pawtograph” cards – made by our friend, Mandy!
After the season our team has had, it won’t matter to us what happens at Worlds – we are beyond proud of all three of our pups- and overjoyed that we have the opportunity to share this experience as a family!
As we begin to pack for our big adventure, we continue to reflect back on the amazing season these pups had. We will cherish every memory – the highs and lows – the laughter and the tears – the (very) early mornings – the late nights watching EV under the lights – and the comradery shared with friends at events. We are truly blessed to be part of such a great community (humans and animals alike). 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, fellow competitors, and social media followers is overwhelming, and greatly appreciated. Thank you all for being part of this thrilling escapade with us. We look forward to writing the next chapter of this adventure together!
Shipps Corner’s Monster Splash: Virginia Beach, Virginia
This event is one of our annual favorites – however, this year, it was a bit more exciting (and stressful!) as it was our very last chance to increase Lager’s overall Big Air average in hopes to get him qualified to earn an invitation to the DockDogs World Championship held this November.
Shipps Corner does a great job of decorating the dock for Halloween! 
Limoncello
Big Air:
22’0″ 22’4″ 2nd Place Master
16’9″ 20’7″ 2nd Place Master
20’4″ 21’1″ 2nd Place Master
Pro Finals: 17’4″ 20’3″ 5th Place
Extreme Vertical:
5’0″ 3rd Place Cadet
Speed Rretrieve:
8.332 4th Place Express
Iron Dog:
2735.00 Points 1st Place Warrior Iron Dog
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Hooch
Big Air:
22’11” 22’5″
21’2″ 23’3″ 2nd Place Elite
22’2″ 22’0″
Pro Finals: 23’9 23’7″ 1st Place
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Lager
Big Air: (Handler: Jenny)
11’3″ 13’10”
19’4″ 19’5″ 2nd Place Senior
20’2″ 19’3″
Extreme Vertical: (Handler: Brian)
6’0″ 5th Place Top Gun
This event was loads of fun – and one we will never forget – as it was this event (only the SECOND National event Lager has attended) where Lager pushed his Big Air Average high enough to earn a Big Air World Championship invite in the Senior Division! Way to go, Lager!
Ocean County Decoy and Gunning Show, Hosted by Delmarva DockDogs, Tuckerton, NJ
The Ocean County Decoy and Gunning Show is one of our favorite competitions to attend. This event was the first DockDogs event in which Brian and Cello competed in 2013, when we met Annie, Matt, and Bailey from The Little GSP! Not only is it very close to our home, but the GSP Rescue of NJ also sets up a table here – and they are one of just many REALLY cool vendors at this large festival. We especially love that we can compete, and still volunteer the pups as donation dogs in between their jumps! This was also an especially thrilling event, because Lager won First Place in Senior Division Big Air finals! Another exciting part of this event, is that a friend and fellow GSP Rescue of NJ volunteer, Jen C. , as well as Jenny’s sister Dana, both jumped Cello… AND got medals!
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- Lager and Jenny with Lager’s 1st Place winnings
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- GSP Rescue Volunteer, Jen
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- Jenny’s sister, Dana and Cello with their 2nd Place medal
LIMONCELLO:
Big Air:
21’9″ 22’3″
Finals: 22’5 22’2″ 4th Place Elite
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- Jen C and Cello
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- Dana and Cello
Extreme Vertical:
5’2″ 3rd Place Cadet
Speed Retrieve:
7.972 seconds 5th Place Turbo
**FIRST PLACE WARRIOR IRON DOG!
HOOCH:
Big Air:
23’3″ 20’11” 2nd Place Elite
22’0″ 21’9″
22’2″ 22’5″
Finals: 22′ 7″ 23’4″ Third Place Elite
LAGER:
Big Air:
16′ 19’0″ 2nd Place Senior
18’6″ 18’11” 2nd Place Senior
18’2″ 18’6″ 1st Place Senior
Finals: 19’8″ 19’5″ 1st Place Senior
Extreme Vertical:
5’10” 1st Place Cadet
We were extremely proud of all 3 of our pups! They earned several awesome ribbons and medals!
The Liver Killers were pretty exhausted after performing so well, and slept in a Pointer Pile the whole way home!
Hebron Harvest Fair, Hebron, CT: Wild Card Event
We chose to add this event to our list in order to try and secure a DockDogs World Championship invite for Lager.
LIMONCELLO:
Big Air:
22’2″ 21’5″ 1st Place Master
20’6″ 21’4″ 2nd Place Master
20’9″ 20’11” 3rd Place Master
20’0″ 20’4″ 1st Place Master
Finals: 18’11’ 21’7″ 2nd Place Pro
Extreme Vertical:
Cello did not do Extreme Vertical at this event.
Speed Retrieve
8.190 First Place Express
HOOCH:
Big Air:
20’11” 21’5″
22’5″ 22’11”
20’9″ 20’5″
Finals: 20’10” 20’11” 4th Place Pro
Extreme Vertical:
6’2″ 4th Place Top Gun
LAGER:
Big Air:
21’3″ 20’0″
19’2″ 18’9″ Third Place Senior
17’11” 19’0″ First Place Senior
16’0″ 18’9″
13’3″ 18’0″ First Place Senior
Finals: 19’4″ 5th Place Semi Pro
Extreme Vertical:
6’4″ 3rd Place Top Gun !! Amazing!
Lager JUST missed getting an invite to the World Championships at this event – but we were so SO proud of him and his performance!
Quest for the Belt, Hosted by Three Rivers DockDogs: Cabela’s, Triadelphia, WV
Lager’s first official dock diving competition!
In less than 2 weeks after Lager joined our pack, we were entering him in his very first official DockDogs competition! Three Rivers DockDogs hosted an event at Cabela’s in Triadelphia, West Virginia.
LIMONCELLO:
Big Air:
21’5″ 21’2″
21’3″ 22’2″
20’4″ 20’7″
19’10” 20’9″
Extreme Vertical:
5’0″
Speed Retrieve:
8.489 Second Place Express
HOOCH:
Hooch was up on the dock when a gust of wind blew a banner off of the side of the pool, freaking him out completely . It was a tough weekend, as Hooch had a difficult time gaining enough confidence on the dock to run and jump at his full speed.
Big Air:
22’7″ 15’9″
21’2″ 22’11”
13’0″ 14’11”
23’0″ 22’3″ Third Place Elite
22’5″ 23’6″ First Place Elite
Extreme Vertical:
5’10’ Second Place Cadet
LAGER:
Big Air:
13′ 4″ and 13′ 11″ First Place Junior (with Brian)
15’7″ and 16’2″ (with Jenny)
16’9″ and 18’2″ Second Place Senior (with Jenny)
17’0″ and 17’5″ (with Jenny)
Extreme Vertical:
This was Lager’s first attempt at EV. Lager missed both times, but was very determined – we had no doubt that he will excel at this in the future!
None of the pups made the finals at this event – first time all season!! There were some HUGE jumping dogs here! We had a great weekend camping with friends, and enjoyed watching Lager have a blast on the dock at his first official event!
Limoncello and Hooch in the Central Record!
Brian and Jenny Beadling with their dogs, Limoncello, left, and Hooch.
Chicago had Air Jordan. Medford Lakes has Air Cello and Air Hooch.
Cello (short for Limoncello) and Hooch are owed by local residents Brian and Jenny Beadling. The dogs compete in dock diving competitions in which they get to show off their aerial skills. The two canines have literally jumped onto the scene and have earned invitations to the Dock Dogs World Championships. It all began shortly after the Beadlings moved to Medford Lakes in 2009. Cello was showing off his skills behind the house, and the Beadlings were already aware that dock diving competition for dogs existed. Brian soon realized Cello had plenty of elevation.
“She would be out back with us,” said Beadling. “She’d be jumping off the dock and I started to notice she goes pretty far. I knew that dock diving existed. There was a competition down in Tuckerton, New Jersey. We decided to go camp down there and enter Cello.”
Cello made the most of his opportunity. Despite facing nearly 300 other dogs, Cello came in second in the competition. That’s when the Beadlings knew they had something special with their high-flying canine.
“She’s actually a very driven dog,” Beadling said. “As soon as I grab that toy, she’s howling and screaming and whining. All she wants to do is get on that dock. She shakes the entire time. The humans enjoy the competition, but the dogs enjoy the jumping.”
While Cello is a four-year-old, Hooch has begun dock diving as a puppy. Hooch would follow his older friend around all of the time. After standing on the docks watching Cello perform, it did not take long for Hooch to follow in Cello’s paw-steps.
“We never thought he was going to jump,” said Beadling. “We didn’t want to force it on him. One day when he was about four or five months old, he just started jumping in the water. He’s been so fun to watch.”
The dogs compete in events throughout the East Coast. Last June, Cello earned his birth in the world championship competition by competing as an Iron Dog and earning first place in the Warrior Division. Cello also had the fastest Express Division Speed Retrieve score at that same event. Cello has been selected to be sponsored by TurboPUP, which offers meal bars to active dogs.
Hooch is ranked as the No. 1 German shorthaired pointer in the United States and the No. 2 German shorthair in the world. The one-year-old recorded a jump of 23- feet 8-inches to win first place in the Big Air Competition Virginia Beach last June. Hooch added a jump of 24’2” in Cape Charles, VA to set a new personal best.
In addition to the thrill of the competition, both dogs are getting the type of exercise which will help lead to a long and heathy life.
“They are well-trained athletes at this point,” Beadling said. “They’re very fit. It’s good for them. It’s also good for us. It keeps us active because we have to keep up with their training as well.”
While the Beadlings are thrilled to see the success of their dock-diving dogs, they are also happy to see them be part of an organization which helps dogs across the country.
“You see a lot of good stuff that happens,” said Beadling. “Dock Dogs is full of great people. You see a lot of adoption stuff going on. Dock Dog International actually has its own charity called the Bark Foundation, which does a lot of charitable work for dogs in need. They’ve done a lot to help as well.”
With both dogs rapidly emerging on an international level, the sky is literally the limit for Cello and Hooch.
“They can compete up until they’re seven years old,” Beadling said. “You look at the world record when they first started doing this and it was something like 18 feet. Cello and Hooch currently jump between 24 and 26 feet. The world record is 31 feet. As you get better at training and technique, it seems like the dogs just keep going. We may never beat the world record, but it’s fun to try.”
Read the story online by clicking HERE!
The Liver Killers on 6 ABC News!
The Liver Killers first time on the news!
Nora Muchanic visited us at our home to do a story on the Liver Killers!
See the full story, plus a video of the news segment – click HERE!
MEDFORD LAKES, N.J. (WPVI) —
Most people just walk their dogs. But Jenny and Brian Beadling’s dogs go for a flying leap.
The German Short Haired Pointers (GSPs for short) are two of the top dock diving dogs in the country and also rated internationally.
Brian says, “They are fun, happy, energetic dogs who really love competing and playing. And they think of all of this as play, which is really exciting for us.”
And Jenny tells us, “They need extreme exercise and what you would think of as your exhaustion point is just their starting point.”
The dock at the Beadling’s Medford Lakes cabin has become a launching pad as these two pooches practice each day. In competition they are judged on how high, long and fast they can jump.
A room inside the Beadling’s house is filled with ribbons and medals.
Hooch is the number one ranked GSP in the country for “big air”; Cello is ranked number one for “iron dogs”, the canine equivalent of a triathlon.
Jenny says, “They can run for hours and hours and hours on end. And they will keep going, they’re working dogs. They will keep going until you shut them down.”
The newest member of the family is Lager, a former bomb sniffing dog for the U.S. government who served in Iraq.
Now Lager regular leaps into the lake with his new companions.
He is clearly adjusting to his new digs.
They are highly trained and these dogs may be world class dock divers, but if you ask me they look like they’re just having fun.
Brian explains, “The humans involved take the competition seriously. The dogs just enjoy being out with the owners, jumping in the water. To see them just have fun and love life it’s really fun for us as well.”
Jenny a special education teacher and Brian a mortgage banker, travel with the dogs to competitions several times a month. The cash prizes Hooch and Limoncello win are turned over to a GSP rescue group.
Jenny says, “The amount of work that goes into it and the enjoyment you see in the dog is the best.”
Courier Post Newspaper Article
Limoncello and Hooch made the top story on the front page of South Jersey’s newspaper!
The Courier Post sent a reporter and photographer to our home to do a story on The Liver Killers. We had such a great time, and the story and video came out great!
Here’s the video:
And here’s the story:
MEDFORD LAKES – Limoncello — Cello for short — greeted this reporter with a kiss and then turned her laser focus to the turf runway her owners, Brian and Jenny Beadling, built for her and her canine sibling, Hooch.
Cello had a job to do, and she was serious about it.
She had to get that ball.
And she was just waiting for Brian to toss it from the Beadlings’ dock and into Aetna Lake.
The 4-year-old German shorthaired pointer watched, waited, and then, while the bright orange ball with the blue stripe was in the air, ran and flung herself to retrieve it, landing with a splash and a big doggie smile, the ball in her mouth as she paddled ashore.
Cello and Hooch are among the top dock diving dogs not only in the nation, but in the world, as ranked by Dock Dogs, the national group overseeing the sport. The Beadlings’ dogs compete all over the East Coast, traveling year-round to competitions measuring lengths of their jumps and how high they go.
The pointers, bred to be hunting dogs, are a high-energy breed, Brian Beadling said. “They’re in the same line as vizslas and weimeraners.”
That means their owners have to be high-energy, too. “Their vet told us, ‘They have no “off” button,’ ” he said.
Indeed, the Beadlings’ lakefront log cabin they dubbed “Windy Spot” looks as much like a retreat for the dogs as for the couple. There’s the runway which extends a few feet further into the lake, as well as a metal arm that swings out over the water for the dogs to jump and grab toys on their way down.
After buying the 1920s cabin in 2009, the couple worked to restore it and Brian Beadling, who works in the mortgage business, researched the home’s history. He found the home’s original owner had a German shorthaired pointer named Windy Spot, and that was the first the couple had heard about the breed.
Windy Spot — the dog — had won several field awards with a local dog club and so the couple, after more research, decided on the breed. They got Limoncello in 2011 from a Chatsworth farm and named her for Jenny’s grandfather’s special homemade Italian liquor.
Hooch — Beadling calls him the “goofy little brother” — is a year old and was initially reluctant to go into the water. But at 15 weeks, he decided Cello shouldn’t have all the fun and, as Jenny Beadling says, “We haven’t been able to keep him out of the water since.”
Kathy Parkin helps the dogs keep fit by working with them at Pinelands Dog Training Center in Medford. She’s been working with Cello and Hooch for about 10 months, she said.
“The dogs love it,” said Parkin, who’s been a trainer for 12 years. “We work with them to build their core and leg muscles, work on agility exercises, stretching, stability.”
The Beadlings travel two to four times each month with the dogs, loading them into their brand-new GMC Denali (which already has logged 20,000 miles since November). They choose campgrounds and dog-friendly restaurants when they travel, treating Cello and Hooch as full members of the family.
“If they can’t go, we don’t go,” Jenny Beadling said. “But they’re great dogs, very well-behaved.”
The competitions pay $100 for first-place finishes; $50 for second, but Cello is sponsored by Turbo Pup, a meal supplement for dogs.
All cash prizes, she said, go to the dogs: GSP Rescue of New Jersey, a nonprofit dedicated to the breed. Contents of their prize bags, like food, treats and toys, are all donated to the Animal Orphanage in Voorhees.
“They’re great people, too,” Parkin said of the Beadlings.
Phaedra Trethan: (856) 486-2417; ptrethan@gannettnj.com
Here’s the link to the online story and video:
Cabela’s Summer Splash, Hosted by Keystone DockDogs: Cabela’s, Hamburg, PA
We love Cabela’s events where you can camp right in the parking lot, and crate the dogs right from your home on wheels!! This event was hosted by Keystone DockDogs, and held at Cabela’s in Hamburg, PA.
We set up “camp” with other dock diving friends who also have campers – and had a BLAST! (We are the camper with the American Flag canopy).
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- We love our new American Flag Canopy!…
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- …And Cello’s new TurboPUP banner!
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- Our new Liver Killers banner
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- Dan from TurboPUP came out to watch the 2 TurboPUP Ambassadors do their thing!
We also love this event since it is close enough for friends and family to venture out to watch the pups dive. One of Brian’s coworkers, and Brian’s mom, brother, & god-daughter all came out to watch the Liver Killers get some big air! The only pictures I took this weekend are the ones you see above (bad dog mom!).
Luckily two of our friends and fellow competitors took some pictures of Hooch, which I am sharing below (thank you, Kevin and Gary!!)
There were some computer issues at the event, so I don’t have all the recorded jump information just yet, but I will share the scores that I do have.
This was a particularly good event for Hooch!
Hooch jumped big all weekend, soaring over 23 feet in all five of his Big Air waves, acquiring (3) First Place medals, (1) Second Place medal, and (1) Third Place medal – all in the Elite Division. Hooch also took First Place in the Elite Division Big Air Finals! His biggest jump of the weekend was 24’1″, just an inch under his personal best.
Here is Hooch in action during a Big Air jump:
Hooch secured a new Personal Best in Extreme Vertical, with a grab of 6’2″ !! This also earned him a First Place ribbon for the Top Gun Division!
Cello jumped consistently all weekend, but score just below her current division most of the weekend. Cello did make the Elite Big Air finals (this was the first time Cello and Hooch made the same division finals and went head-to-head!) Cello placed 5th in the Elite Division Big Air Finals with a jump of 21’6″.
Cello did Extreme Vertical as well – however her biggest nemesis (golf cart) made an appearance while she was up on the dock, and she lost her focus, knocking her out of the competition earlier than she should have been.
Overall, we had a really fun weekend with friends and family, won some really cool ribbons, medals and Cabela’s goodies, and even got to meet some new friends who follow Cello and Hooch’s adventures on their Instagram account!
Limoncello and Hooch in “The Bark” Magazine!
Cello and Hooch’s feature in The Bark Magazine!
About The Bark:
“The Bark is the magazine of modern dog culture—it speaks to the serious dog enthusiast. The Bark is the indispensable guide to life with dogs, showing readers how to live smartly and rewardingly with their canine companions. Founded in 1997, as a newsletter to advocate for off-leash dog parks in Berkeley, California, the magazine quickly grew into a glossy, award-winning publication acclaimed for its timely commentary and rich literary offerings. Today, The Bark has a nationwide readership of over 250,000. It is published four times a year, available by subscription and sold at Barnes & Noble, Whole Foods and PetsMart stores.
Claudia Kawczynska and Cameron Woo founded The Bark in their garage, shortly after adopting their first dog, Nellie, and discovering it was illegal to allow their dog to romp untethered at their local park. The couple tapped into Kawczynska’s experience in public policy and Woo’s skills as a graphic designer to craft a publication that addressed the burgeoning issues faced by a new generation of dog owners.
Taking the magazine’s slogan to heart—Dog Is My Co-Pilot—The Bark became the first magazine to tap into the exploding phenomena of dog culture and lifestyle, focusing on the growing bond between individuals and their pet companions. Over the past twenty years, The Bark has chronicled the America’s love affair with dogs, the evolving status of canine pets and their role in society, as well as the incredible rise in services and products. The Bark has become the recognized expert on the social/cultural world of dogs in America, and what they mean to us.
The Bark’s impeccable pedigree includes publishing many of today’s most acclaimed authors including Ann Patchett, Augusten Burroughs, Rick Bass, Amy Hempel, and Pulitzer Prize winning poet Mary Oliver. The magazine features the writing of noted experts in science, animal behavior and health—Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Donald McCaig, Mark Derr, and includes animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell and nutritionist Marion Nestle as regular columnists.
The Bark has been twice honored with an Alternative Press Award for Best Magazine (lifestyle category) recognized for outstanding achievement in independent publishing. The Bark has also been honored with an Award of Merit from The Society of Publication Designers and a Folio Silver Award for Best Enthusiast Magazine. In September, 2003, Crown (Random House) published Dog Is My Co-Pilot: Great Writers on the World’s Oldest Friendship, an anthology from the editors of The Bark. The Bark’s second collection, entitled Howl: A Collection of the Best Contemporary Dog Wit was published in October 2007. DogJoy, a photo book featuring the magazine’s popular “Smiling Dogs” submissions was published in November 2009 by Rodale.”
~from The Bark’s Website
Bark in the Park at Bay Creek, Cape Charles, VA
Cello and Hooch competed in a Wild Card event, called “Bark in the Park,” held at Bay Creek, in Cape Charles, VA. What a gorgeous and dog friendly community!!
We bought a new canopy – LOVE it!
CELLO:
Cello had an awesome weekend. What started out as an event to continue practicing, ended up with Cello taking first place in the Semi-Pro finals, and also setting a new Personal Best in Speed Retrieve!
BIG AIR:
17′ 11″ 21′ 00″
20′ 08″ 20′ 03″
21′ 06″ 21″ 06″
21′ 05″ 22′ 05″ FIRST PLACE SEMI-PRO FINALS!
SPEED RETRIEVE:
8.325 7.650 NEW PERSONAL BEST!
HOOCH
We entered Hooch in this competition specifically to see if we could get him an additional invitation to the World Championships in Extreme Vertical. Not only did he win First Place in Cadet EV and achieve an added invitation in Extreme Vertical, he jumped a new Personal Best (and on camera!!) of 24′ 2″ and made the PRO Finals (first time ever!)!!
BIG AIR:
24′ 2″ 22′ 5″
23′ 3″ 23′ 4″
23′ 0″ 22′ 11″
22′ 10″ 22’2″
23′ 6″ 23′ 9″ Fourth Place in Pro Finals – not bad considering it’s his first time!
EXTREME VERTICAL:
Starting Height: 5′ 4″
Ending Height: 5′ 10″ First Place Cadet (and an invitation to compete in the World Championships in Extreme Vertical!)
Limoncello and Hooch Featured on AKC’s WOOFipedia!
Limoncello is featured on the American Kennel Club’s online publication, WOOFipedia!
Taken from: http://www.woofipedia.com/articles/meet-the-dog-who-can-fly
MEET THE DOG WHO CAN FLY
Posted By: Liz
Jenny and Brian Beadling had no idea they were raising a prodigy.
Their German Shorthaired Pointer, Limoncello, never took to the sport her breed is known for—hunting—because she had a fear of guns. But she still had that GSP high drive, which she’d exert by jumping off the dock of the family’s lake house to retrieve toys they’d thrown in the water. “We began to notice at a very young age, she would jump off the dock just for fun—even with no toy being thrown for her,” Jenny Beadling says. So when the family saw a “dock diving” event for dogs at a local festival, they thought, “why not?”
And so, a star was born.
Limoncello (or Cello for short) came in second place in that first event and in the year and a half that followed, she’s become one of the highest-ranked dock-diving GSPs in the world.
Cello competes as an “Iron Dog,” meaning that she participates in all three dock-diving events, including Big Air (long jump), Extreme Vertical (high jump), and Speed Retrieve (timed retrieving). And this November, she’ll be one of the dogs representing the USA at the DockDogs World Championship in Dubuque, Iowa. She’s also inspired her little brother, Hooch, to try out the sport.
And like any pro athlete, Cello has earned endorsement deals. TurboPup selected Cello to be the ambassador for their human-grade meal-replacement bars for active dogs on the go. Her social media accounts have attracted tens of thousands of followers, and she’s been featured in multiple publications.
“With her vibrant personality, extreme speed, and stunning build, she is a crowd favorite,” says Beadling.
But she’s not in it for the fame and fortune. The Beadlings donate all the cash awards won by Cello and Hooch to the German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue of NJ, and all of their food and toy prizes go to a local animal-welfare organization.
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You can see the original story by clicking HERE !
Mid-Atlantic Regionals at Shipps Corner, Virginia Beach, VA
This event was more of a practice for Cello since she had already earned her invitation to the DockDogs World Championships. Cello did get to try a new DockDogs event, called Dueling Dogs – it was lots of fun!
For Hooch, this was a chance to shine, and earn an invitation. Hooch not only earned himself an invite, he scored several new personal bests, and jumped right out of his division with one of the longest jumps of the weekend!
We camped at Holiday Trav-L-Park during this event.
CELLO:
BIG AIR:
19’5″ 18’7″
20’6″ 19’10”
SPEED RETRIEVE:
8.822 seconds 8.701 seconds
DUELING DOGS:
HOOCH:
BIG AIR:
22’0″ 23’2″ NEW PERSONAL BESTS (and on camera!!)
23’8″ 20’3″ NEW PERSONAL BESTS (and on camera!!)
22’6″ 23’2″ FIRST PLACE SENIOR FINALS, AND AN INVITATION TO THE DOCKDOGS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS !!!!!!!!!!
Cello Earned a SECOND Invitation to the Dock Dogs World Championships!
Cello’s first invitation was for the Iron Dog Division. This invite is for Speed Retrieve! Go Cello!!!!!
Codorus Blast, Codorus State Park, Hanover, PA
This venue was new for Hooch, but this was our second year competing in Codorus Blast with Cello. For this event, we camped at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
In this event, the dogs jump in to a lake instead of a pool.
Brian did some announcing this weekend:
CELLO:
Brian felt as though Cello was getting a bit burned out, so he decided to rest her this weekend, with the exception of Speed Retrieve.
SPEED RETRIEVE:
8.344 seconds
HOOCH:
Hooch earned new personal bests again this weekend! He also earned himself a spot in the Masters Finals for the very first time!
BIG AIR:
17’1″ 15’8″
17’0″ 18’6″
20’1″ 19’9″ NEW PERSONAL BEST
21’0″ 19’10” NEW PERSONAL BEST
16’9″ 16’6″ 6th Place Masters Finals (First time in Masters Finals!!)
Hooch also got his very first Super Fly Suit!
EXTREME VERTICAL:
It was pouring rain during Extreme Vertical…but Hooch managed to grab the bumper at 6’0″ , earning himself a new personal best!
Starting height: 5’4″
End Height: 6’0″ NEW PERSONAL BEST!
Even though there were storms off-and-on throughout the weekend, it was great fun! We look forward to attending this venue next year!
Dog Fest of Zoar, Zoar, OH
Cello and Hooch added a new state to their States Visited Maps, and competed in the Dog Fest of Zoar dock diving competition in the Historic Zoar Village, in Ohio. We camped at the Canton/East Sparta KOA for this event.
CELLO:
BIG AIR:
21’10” 21’0″
17’1″ 19’2″ 4th Place Elite Finals
HOOCH:
We specifically came to this event so that Hooch could get another wave of EV toward his title. However, when we let him jump in Big Air, he earned a new Personal Best of 19’11” – which also earned him a spot in the Senior Finals! This would be Hooch’s first Senior Finals!
Big Air:
19’11” 14’2″ (New Personal Best!!)
19’3″ 19’11” First Place Senior Finals!
EXTREME VERTICAL:
Start Height: 5’2″
End Height: 5’10” New Personal Best, and 2nd Place Cadet Finals!
Overall, this was a fun event in a really neat historic town. We hope to visit Zoar again some day!
Celebrate Fairfax, Fairfax, VA
Limoncello and Hooch participated in the Celebrate Fairfax dock diving competition during the first weekend in June. We camped nearby at Lake Fairfax Park.
CELLO:
During this competition, Cello was just participating as continued practice for her World Championship competition in Dubuque, Iowa this November. Here are her results:
BIG AIR:
20’8″ 19’9″
21’8 22’2″
19’3″ 20’10”
EV:
5’2″
SPEED RETRIEVE:
8.206 8.728
HOOCH:
Hooch was participating in hopes to increase his national Big Air average, and to try out Extreme Vertical for the very first time. Hooch surprised us all, and came in FIRST PLACE in Extreme Vertical in the Cadet Division!!!
BIG AIR:
13’6 13’3″
15’6″ 17’10”
15’7 18’3″ * NEW PERSONAL BEST!
16’10” 18’11” *NEW PERSONAL BEST!
EXTREME VERTICAL:
5’8″ * FIRST PLACE CADET DIVISION!
SPEED RETRIEVE
60 seconds 9.814 seconds *NEW PERSONAL BEST!
We had a great weekend with friends, and are SO very proud of our little Hooch-man!
Cello is Officially Sponsored by TurboPUP!
As you know, Cello and Hooch have been chosen as ambassadors for TurboPUP (read the full story HERE).
We are also now proud to announce that Cello has been selected to be officially sponsored by TurboPUP !
Brian has team shirts, and Cello has her very own TurboPUP Super Fly suit!
We also will be sporting this banner at all our events!
We are so proud of our little girl!
Cabela’s Presents DockDogs Wildcard Event, Triadelphia, WV
On the weekend of Hooch’s first birthday, The Liver Killers competed in a dock diving competition in Triadelphia, WV. This competition was held at Cabela’s. This was a very special event that we will never forget, because Limoncello won First Place in Warrior Iron Dog, and earned her invitation to the DockDogs World Championship!
We camped out in Cabela’s parking lot for this event, which was very convenient for our times in between jumps.
Limoncello competed as an Iron Dog. Here are her results:
BIG AIR
21’3″ 22’3″
22’3″ 21’10’
21’10” 21’3″
EXTREME VERTICAL
5’0
SPEED RETRIEVE
8.206 8.728
IRON DOG
Total Points: 2739.11
HOOCH
Hooch did very well this weekend, but wound up with a limp after his last jump. We noticed this as we were lining up for Speed Retrieve. Thank goodness Dr. Yurko of K.E.Y. Animal Hospital was there to evaluate Hooch.
It seemed Hooch had a strained muscle, so we scratched him from the rest of the competition. Here are his results from his Big Air waves:
BIG AIR
14’7″ 15’9″
15’0 13’0
9’6″ 15’9″
14’6″ 15’3″
Overall, this was a SUPER fun (and apparently an exhausting) event!
Cello Earned Her Invitation to the DockDog World Championships!
While competing at the Cabela’s Presents Wildcard event in Triadelphia, WV, Limoncello won first place in Warrior Iron Dog, and earned her invitation to the DockDogs World Championships! The World Championship event will be held in November, 2015, in Dubuque, Iowa.
Our good friends surprised us with the wonderful news!
We were SO excited!
So proud of this pup!
Brian could not be happier!
Cello and Brian’s invitation:
Congratulations, Team Cello !
Back to the Splash Spring Fling at Shipps Corner, Virginia Beach, VA
Now THIS was a fun event! Cello and Hooch participated in Shipps Corner’s Back to the Splash Spring Fling.
This National event was an 80’s theme, and everyone was encouraged to dress and decorate in the 80’s fashion.
Hooch immediately flaunted his swag:
Our team canopy was decorated with 80’s bling:
Hooch had himself an 80’s boom box:
There was an 80’s playlist jamming all weekend long, and the dock was also decorated 80’s style:
They used 80’s style bracelets in place of the regular Handlers’ bracelets:
Besides this event being an absolute blast, Limoncello and Hooch each ROCKED the dock! Check out the results below!
LIMONCELLO
Extreme Vertical:
5’4″
Big Air :
21’0″ 21’0″ Second Place Master Division
21’1″ 20’1″ First Place Master Division
21’2″ 20’3″ Third Place Master Division
21’5″ 21’5″ First Place Master Division
BIG AIR SEMI-PRO FINALS:
21’3″ 19’11” First Place Semi Pro Division
Speed Retrieve:
8.378 8.052 First Place Express Division
Iron Dog:
2789.90 First Place Warrior
HOOCH
Big Air:
10’4″ 14’5″ First Place Junior Division
9’5″ 10’6″
10’5″ 16’1” NEW PERSONAL BEST!
10’0″ 14’7″ First Place Junior Division
8’7″ 12’5″
Speed Retrieve (first time EVER!!!)
Brian held Hooch so that he could see the other dogs performing Speed Retrieve:
Although he hesitated at the end of the dock, which made his score very low, he did jump off and retrieve the bumper at the end of the pool – so we are extremely proud of Hooch for catching on to this “new game” so quickly!
17.564 17.878
We all had a great 80’s weekend!
Got Dock?
Since Cello had gotten involved in dock diving, we have been talking about putting in a “runway” that would closely resemble the length and feel of the actual DockDogs dock.
Well, the project came to life – and even prompted us to get some landscaping and other renovations done on our lakeside!
The start of the “dock” began with digging …
…and leveling…
Limoncello and Hooch’s dock:
Cello trying to take the maiden jump, as Hooch is – – being HOOCH!
Hooch’s first jump off the dock (see he CAN “stay” when he wants to!)
We then purchased an Extreme Vertical rig so that Cello and Hooch can practice this discipline as well:
Cello taking the first “grab” from her new EV rig!
I’m sure Limoncello and Hooch will enjoy their at-home dock this summer!
Cello and Brian – Filmed By Drone!
At our last dock diving event, Family Fun Day, this past weekend in Elkton, MD, there was a drone flying around filming the weekend happenings.
Cello and Brian were filmed during one of their jumps – how cool is THAT?!?!
We were very excited with this first-time ever view of Cello in action!
Family Fun Day, Elkton, MD
Cello and Hooch’s first outdoor dock diving event of 2015 was held in Elkton, MD, at an event called Family Fun Day.
Our spot in “Dog Town:”
Cello:
Cello did not jump her best this weekend, but still put on a good show for the crowd!
Despite the fact that she was leaving early from the dock, which really affected her scores, Cello still won several medals this weekend!!
Big Air:
19′ 11″
18′ 11″
18′ 2″
18′ 2″
19′ 4″
18′ 11″
18′ 11″
19′ 6″
Extreme Vertical:
5′ 0″ Second Place (Cadet Division)
Speed Retrieve:
7.523 seconds – (a new Personal Best!!!!) 4th Place (Turbo Division)
Iron Dog:
2691.44 points First Place Iron Dog (Warrior Division)
Hooch:
Hooch had been holding a sit/stay, and jumping in our lake at home with no hesitation for about the past month. However, this did not transfer to the DockDogs dock and pool! Hooch still will not sit/stay for me up on the dock, and still hesitated at the edge of the dock, ending with a “pop” when we least expected it. He was quite the crowd-pleaser with his “Hoochie Hop!”
Big Air:
8′ 2″ First Place (Novice Division)
7′ 6″
8′ 3″
9′ 0″ First Place (Novice Division)
9′ 2″ Second Place (Novice Division)
8′ 0″
8’10” Second Place (Novice Division)
8′ 8″
Overall, we had a great weekend with many good friends and lots of cool pups!
Winter Meltdown, hosted by Keystone DockDogs in Harrisburg, PA
Cello and Hooch’s third dock diving event of the 2015 season was hosted by Keystone DockDogs.
This event, “Winter Meltdown,” was held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA.
Cello
Cello had been going through a little bit of a slump, but during this event, she really seemed to be starting to get back on track! We were very proud of her!
Big Air Results:
22’6″ 22′
22’3″ 21’10”
23’3″ 21’9″ 2nd Place Elite Division
21’3″ 21’5″
Extreme Vertical Results:
5’2″ 3rd Place Cadet Divsion
Speed Retrieve Results:
17.128 10.968
Big Air Finals:
22’2″ 17’5″ 3rd Place Elite Division
Iron Dog Points: 2511.83 3rd Place Warrior Division
Hooch
Hooch is still a bit nervous to run and jump off the dock, but he loves to get the crowd going with his “Hoochie Hop” off the end of the dock!
Big Air Results:
8’7″ 8’1″ 3rd Place Novice Division
7’9″ 8’6″ 2nd Place Novice Division
7’10” 7’3″ 2nd Place Novice Division
8’1″ 8’2″
7’8″ 7’4″ 3rd Place Novice Division
Big Air FInals:
8’4″ 8’1″ 3rd Place Novice Division
Hooch had a BLAST!
Virginia World of Pets Expo, Hampton, VA
What a fun and exciting Valentines Day weekend we had!
We took a 5.5 hour drive down to Hampton, Virginia, for Cello and Hooch to participate in the World of Pets Expo dock diving competition,”Lover’s Leap,” hosted by Tidewater DockDogs.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, there was a Pawentine’s Box decorating contest.
Before we left, I built our Pawentine’s Box. Here are the pictures after I built the box with foam board and a hot glue gun:
Here is the final product:
There were many other great Pawentine’s Boxes in the contest as well:
We made Pawentine cards to place in the other boxes:
Hooch and Cello received lots of really cute Pawentines in our box!
The dog treats above were homemade by our friend, Mandy. Check out her Face Book page – her cookies are AMAZING!
We won the contest!
Although Cello has not been performing up to her last season’s standards, she had a great weekend! Cello competed as an Iron Dog, and participated in all three events: Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve.
In Big Air, Cello’s longest jump of the weekend was 21’11.” She made the Elite Finals, and placed Third.
In Extreme Vertical, She reached a height of 5’4,” and placed Third overall in the Cadet Division.
Cello set a new Personal Best in Speed Retrieve at 8.788 seconds:
…AND Cello placed FIRST in Iron Dog in the Warrior Division! Way to go, Cello!
Hooch also had a BIG weekend! He placed in every Big Air wave he jumped in, and earned his first First Place ribbon!
In just his second event ever, Hooch even made Novice Finals – and placed Second!
Hooch was once again, a crowd-pleaser, with his last-minute “pop” off the dock:
Hooch’s best jump of the weekend was 8’10”
While we were there, someone recognized Cello from our Instagram account — our friends, Cyndee and Lola – – How cool is THAT?!?!
This was a SUPER-fun event, and the best Valentine’s Day weekend ever!
Cello and Hooch hope everyone had a great Valentine’s Day!
World of Pets Expo, Timonium, MD, hosted by Chesapeake DockDogs (Hooch’s Dock Diving Debut!)
World of Pets Expo, hosted by Chesapeake DockDogs, was Hooch’s dock diving debut!
As you know from previous posts, Hooch has practiced his dock diving at both Canine Spa and Mountain Trail Training Center. However, both facilities have docks that are only a few inches off of the water. Hooch had never jumped in from a height of an official DockDogs dock (2 feet). To make sure he was comfortable with this, as soon as we arrived to the Maryland State Fairgrounds, we took Hooch up on the dock for a practice run. As soon as I unleashed Hooch, he ran down the dock stairs into the crowd, and all around the pool (TWICE!!) The third time, he ran and dove in with no problem – so I thought I had this down pat, no problem. I was highly mistaken!
Hooch’s first official recorded dive was amazing! Although we had practiced nothing but the “chase method” (where the dog is placed in a stay or wait position at the starting point on the dock. The handler proceeds to the end of the dock, then releases the dog. The chase object is thrown at just the right moment to keep the toy in front of the dog’s nose all the way into the water. Thus, the dog is chasing the object! The advantage of this method is that the handler can control and optimize the launch angle to increase distance – it avoids the flat jump that is likely with the place and send method). After Hooch had run off the dock during practice, I let it get the best of me, and decided to last-minute change to the “Place and Send” method (the dog walks with the handler to the end of the dock and is held back while the handler tosses the toy. The dog is then returned to the start point and released or sent to retrieve the toy. Dogs that use the place and send method are generally just not trained to wait or stay on the dock themselves). Even with this last-minute change, Hooch jumped big!
Hooch’s first official jump was a whopping 16 feet! I was SO excited! Luckily we had some friends at the event that took a video to capture Hooch’s Debut!
Here’s another video of the same jump, in slow motion that another friend shot for us:
For Hooch’s second jump, I also used the Place and Send method, and he jumped 13 feet, 1 inch – again – a distance I was thrilled with! Hooch wound up earning 2nd Place in the Senior Division!!
After Hooch’s first wave, he decided he was not going to run and jump – but rather run, stop at the edge of the dock, then “POP” into the water. Although this frustrated ME, the crowd LOVED him!
Hooch (AKA “Big POP-pa”) continued to be a crowd pleaser, but jumped in the Junior and Novice Divisions.
Overall, Team Homemade Hooch placed in every wave we were registered in, and won FOUR ribbons in their dock diving debut! WOOT WOOT!
Getting ribbons was fun!
Cello also did very well in her first 2015 event – she won 2nd Place Iron Dog in the Warrior Division!
This was also Cello’s first time trying Speed Retrieve – having never practiced this competition before this event! Her time was 9.85 seconds…not too bad for her first time!
Here’s Cello doing Extreme Vertical:
And here is Cello doing Big Air – although she was still a crowd favorite, she was leaving the dock SUPER early, and did not perform to her usual standards.
Brian also volunteered to announce at this event:
It was an awesome weekend filled with great friends, good conversation, and lots and LOTS of laughs! We want to thank EVERYone for their advice and support during this event. I also want to personally thank everyone who took video and photographs of both Team Cello and Team Homemade Hooch. I was so preoccupied with being a nervous wreck, that I took not ONE picture or video with my own camera or phone!
Team Homemade Hooch also wants to thank Team Cello for celebrating Team Homemade Hooch’s dock diving debut by buying us a Chesapeake DockDogs shirt in our team color!
Our 2015 shirts were a big hit as well!
We had a super-fun weekend, and are very proud of our two dock divers. We are excited to compete in part two of the World of Pets Expo in Virginia in a couple of weeks!
Keystone DockDogs Practice at Mountain Trail Training Center, Grantville, PA
Cello and Hooch attended dock diving practice at Mountain Trail Training Center in Grantville, PA.
Cello getting some big air during practice:
Hooch in action:
The Green Leaf Pet Resort and Hotel, Millstone Township, NJ
In searching for an indoor swimming facility for Cello and Hooch to use during the cold months, I found The Green Leaf Pet Resort and Hotel through a Google Search. It is about a 40 minute drive from our house. We decided to give it a try in hopes that we can bring Cello and Hooch here throughout the winter to keep up on their swimming, and to practice for dock diving. We are very glad we took the drive – we have never seen anything like this place…
The Green Leaf Pet Resort is AMAZING!
The entry way was so inviting, and very festive!
When I walked inside to the front desk, I was thinking how much it looked like an upscale hotel!
They even have a boutique for your pooch:
The Green Leaf does grooming, boarding, training, swim lessons, fitness training, specialized training, and day care!
Check out their boarding rooms – – can I stay here please?! Haha!
The pool room is just awesome. The pool area can be rented by the 1/2 hour or the hour. It costs $35 per half-hour, and they have package rates available. When you rent the pool area, you and your dog(s) are the only ones in the room – no others are allowed in, unless they are a part of your group.
There is a ramp into/out of the pool so dogs can easily enter and exit without having to jump in or climb out.
The facility provides pool toys, towels, life vests, and water-resistant leashes for use during your dog’s swim.
Hooch was a little hesitant at first, and just stood at the ramp, and watched Cello for a while!
Don’t mess with THIS guard!
Cello had an absolute blast!
Hooch started diving in and having a ball also!
Here they are in action!
The facility is spotless, the staff is friendly, and the amenities are endless here for your pup!
Cello Was Featured in The Dog Show Journal!
Cello was chosen to have her picture featured in the December issue of The Dog Show Journal! The Dog Show Journal is an online publication.
Cello is on page 53 (right hand side) for an ad and story on the Inaugural NADD / AKC Diving Dog Championship, hosted by AKC and Eukanuba on December 13 and 14 in Orlando, FL. Unfortunately we will not be in FL for this event!
Click HERE to view the entire December issue!
Easton Waterfowl Festival, Easton, MD
For the second year in a row, Cello competed in the Easton Waterfowl Festival Dock Diving Contest, hosted by Delmarva Dock Dogs.
Unfortunately, I cannot access the event results due to construction on the DockDogs website. However, I can report, for the second year in a row, Cello won first place in the finals at this event! THIS time, she won first place in the Elite Division, which is one whole division higher than the first place Masters Division spot she earned last year!
Cello in action:
Cello in Slo-Mo:
Cello also competed in the Extreme Vertical competition at this event, earning 3rd place in the Cadet Division!
Cello in action doing Extreme Vertical:
One of Cello and Hooch’s pals, Sky, was celebrating her 3rd birthday at this event, and had provided party hats and birthday cake for the pups!
Here are PAWty animals, Cello and Hooch sporting their party hats!
Birthday Girl, Sky:
Birthday cake for all!
It was a chilly weekend, but we had a ton of fun, and were very proud of Cello’s performance!
This was Cello’s last dock diving event of 2014.
This year Cello earned both a Club and National Masters Title in Big Air, as well as a Club Elite title in Big Air. She also earned a new personal best jump in Big Air of 23′ 7″ (her first dock diving jump ever in September 2013 was 12’8″)!! Cello tried Extreme Vertical for the first time, and placed 2nd and 3rd in finals for the Cadet division. Her personal best EV jump right now is 5’6″.
We are very proud of all her accomplishments this year, and very much look forward to the 2015 Season!
Chesapeake DockDogs Halloween Fun Jump, Jenny’s First Attempt at Dock Diving, and Meeting Ruger at Detour Winery, Keymar, MD
Now THIS was a fun dock diving event!
Cello participated in Chesapeake DockDogs’ Halloween Fun Jump, held at Detour Winery in Keymar, MD.
Our friend, Kim, made Cello her dock diving suit! Check out Kim’s Super Fly Suits by clicking HERE!
This event did not count toward any rankings or titles – it was just for pure fun!
Cello in action:
Anyone was allowed to jump a dog… so Jenny jumped Cello for the very first time!
Jenny and Cello in action:
Brian and Cello beat Jenny and Cello by only 2 inches!! Cello jumped 22′ 9″ for Jenny! And both teams made the finals! How fun!
Our friend, John (Kim’s husband) jumped Cello too!
There was a costume party too! Superman and Wonder Woman were there 😉
and BEST of all… Hooch was reunited with his REAL brother and litter-mate, Ruger! Ruger’s parents brought him to this event so that the brother could be together again!
Meet Ruger!
Hooch and Ruger “meet” for first time after being separated at 7 weeks of age (Hooch is in blue)
Brotherly love!
Ruger’s parents hope to get him into dock diving – the 2015 season is going to be fun with the 2 brothers getting to spend time with each other and compete at events together!
Shipps Corner Monster Splash, Virginia Beach, VA
Cello participated in her first Halloween-themed dock diving event, held at Shipps Corner in Virginia Beach, Va. Shipps Corner is a DockDogs sanctioned facility, which means Cello’s performance counted toward her National ranking, rather than her club-level ranking.
Cello in action:
Cello in Slo-Mo:
Shipps Corner had the dock decorated for Halloween!
Hooch participated in the Halloween Costume Contest, dressed as Superman
I was a chilly day, but Shipps Corner had a bonfire going:
Cello stayed warm with her Trover coat and covered crate:
Hooch stayed warm all wrapped up with his Mommy:
Hooch also stole his daddy’s chair and curled up while waiting for Cello to jump!
Cello did well (unfortunately the new DockDogs website is not completed, so I can’t reach the exact results – but will update them at a later time).
Overall, we had a great time, and this event was well-run, with a very relaxed and fun atmosphere!
Brian:
Hooch:
Delmarva DockDogs Unleashed at Pooch Palooza, at Frontier Town Campground, Berlin, MD
This was the first time Cello has competed in this Delmarva DockDogs event, hosted by Delmarva Unleashed, and held at the Frontier Town Campground.
Unfortunately the DockDogs website is under construction, and I cannot post the exact results for Cello at this time. However, I can say it was a great weekend for Cello! She won several medals, made the Big Air Elite Division (23′ to 24’11” range) Finals, finishing in first place, earning herself a cash prize, big ribbon, and gift bag! Our good friend, John, and his dog , Storm, finished in second place, so it was a very exciting Big Air Elite Finals competition!
Cello gave it her best at Extreme Vertical again – this time finishing in third place in the Cadet Division, earning herself a cash prize, big ribbon, and gift bag!
Here is the first video I have of Cello doing Extreme Vertical:
Hooch is still too young to go off the dock, but we did show him the pool and gave him a chance to fetch his toy!
GO HOOCH! …Look out, Cello!! 
Good Boy!
So proud of himself!
Here’s to a great weekend…Cheers to Tommy D!
Delmarva DockDogs Jumping Into Jersey at the 2014 Ocean County Gunning and Decoy Festival, Tuckerton, NJ
This is Cello’s second year in a row competing in Delmarva DockDogs “Jumping Into Jersey” event at the Ocean County Gunning and Decoy Festival, held annually at Tuckerton Seaport in Tuckerton, NJ.
Unfortunately the DockDogs website is under construction, so I cannot post her exact results, but Cello did win several Big Air medals during this event, and even made the Big Air Finals, finishing third in the Elite (23′ to 24′ 1″ rage) Finals Division, earning a cash prize, bit ribbon, and a gift bag!
Big Air Divisions:
Novice: 0’1″ – 9’11”
Junior: 10’0″ – 14’11”
Senior: 15’0″ – 19’11”
Master: 20’0″ – 22’11”
Elite: 23’0″ – 24’11”
Super Elite: 25′ and above
Brian giving Cello a pep talk…looks like she is giving him back some sass!
Hooch watching his big sis…
Hooch and Cello hanging out under the Team Cello canopy between jumps…
Cello also tried Extreme Vertical (high jump) for the first time! is a high jump contest. Dogs are released by their handlers, and launch upward to knock down a bumper, which is suspended over the water eight feet out from the end of the dock. The current world record is 8′ 11″ . Cello did really well for her first time, and placed 5th in the Cadet Division Finals, earning a big pretty ribbon!
Extreme Vertical Divisions:
Cadet: Up to 5’11”
Top Gun: 6’0″ to 6’11”
High Flyer: 7’0″ and above
Here is Cello in action during one of her Big Air waves:
Cello in Slo-Mo:
As always, the weekend was filled with great people, lots of fun, and many super-cool pups!
We were very proud of our little Dock Diving Diva!
For All of You Who Wonder Why We Do What We Do…
A lot of people ask me WHY we would want to spend most of our free weekends traveling many miles to take Cello to dock diving events and practices. Most don’t understand why we enjoy this so much. Some are disappointed that we miss other events to attend dock diving competitions and practices. Many people chuckle, and even roll their eyes, when they hear my answer to the their question of “What did you do this weekend?” I get counter responses like, “It’s just a dog” (Ummm – really?! Click HERE to find out what “Just a dog” means to US, and why we feel sorry for those who “Just don’t understand!”) …”Your dog does WHAT?” … “So, let me get this straight… you spent your whole weekend watching your dog jumping into a pool?” …”You’re kidding, right?” (No, …we are NOT kidding!!)
Aside from spending time with some of coolest dogs and nicest people we have ever met, there’s an even greater reason…
I found this on Facebook, and It couldn’t explain any better just WHY we do what we do:
WHY TITLE A DOG?
Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competitive scores, a title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor the dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain in record and in memory for as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well or better in that regard.
And though the dog itself doesn’t know or care that its achievements have been noted, a title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count.
A title says your dog was intelligent and adaptable, and good-natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed.
And a title says that you loved your dog, that you loved to spend time with it because it was a good dog, that you believed in it enough to give it yet another chance when it failed, and that in the end, your faith was justified.
A title proves that your dog inspired you to that special relationship enjoyed by so few; that in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return.
And when that dear short live is over, the title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of pride in one small set of initials after the name.
A title earned is nothing less than love and respect, given and received, and permanently recorded.
~Sandra Mowery
Dutchess County Fair Dock Diving Event, Rhinebeck, NY
Cello participated in the Dutchess County Fair dock diving competition hosted by DockDogs WorldWide. Although she did not perform well, Cello had a blast diving into the pool, Hooch enjoyed MUCH attention from visitors, and Brian and I had a nice time spending the day with fellow dock diving competitors!
While at this event, Cello met another dock diving GSP named Cody! Cody’s parents found him listed on Craig’s list!! They saved this handsome GSP, and have seen him through cancer. Cody is a GREAT pup. A couple of weeks after this event, we have received the sad news that Cody has cancer again. He will be going through chemotherapy treatments – please keep this baby in your thoughts and prayers.
Cody is an awesome diver!!
Dave, Cody, Brian, and Cello:
This fair was HUGE with lots of cool competitions involving horses and blacksmiths.
A parade of Clydesdale horses and a carousel came by every day!
Cello’s results from this weekend:
Saturday:
17′ 7 19’4″ DID NOT PLACE
19’2″ 19′ 4″ DID NOT PLACE
19′ 0″ 18′ 9″ DID NOT PLACE
Sunday:
18′ 10″ 19′ 4″ DID NOT PLACE
18′ 9″ 19′ 1″ DID NOT PLACE
Cello in action:
Cello in Slo-Mo:
Overall, it was a fun weekend at a HUGE and interesting fair!
Cello Earned Her Elite Club Title
Cello has earned her Elite Title at the Club level!
This means that when Cello is competing in a Club sponsored event, she must jump a distance of 23’0 to 24’11” in order to earn a medal.
Congratulations, Cello! We are so proud of you!
Keystone DockDogs Cabela’s End of Summer Splash, Hamburg, Pennsylvania
Cello participated in Keystone DockDogs End of Summer Splash dock diving event held at Cabela’s in Hamburg, Pa.
Cabela’s is an amazing store on its own – but add dock diving, and it’s THE coolest!
We even got to camp right at Cabela’s with some of our other fellow Keystone members.
Best of all, Cello earned her Elite title at the “club” level, AND won first place overall in the Masters Division finals!!
Here are the weekend’s results:
Saturday:
21′ 11″ 22’4″ First Place Medal
21′ 8″ 22′ 2″ Second Place Medal
20′ 1 21′ 0″ did not place
Sunday:
18′ 11″ 21′ 00″ did not place
22′ 10 21′ 11″ First Place Medal
Finals:
22′ 8″ 23′ 4″ First Place Masters Division
Brian volunteered to do some announcing at this event!
During this event, Keystone DockDogs was challenged to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge! Check out the video below! (Brian is in the yellow shirt all the way to the right):
What a great weekend!
North Eastern Regionals, Somerville, MA
This past weekend, Cello competed in the DockDogs North Eastern Regionals, hosted by DockDogs WorldWide. This National DockDogs event was held in Somerville, MA, at the new Assembly Row, a new waterfront shopping area. Check it out HERE! The dock was set up with a pretty back-drop of the Mystic River.
We entered Cello in this competition because if a dog places 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in their division (Cello currently holds both Club and National level titles in the Masters Division), they will earn an invitation to the DockDogs World Championships in Dubuque, Iowa in November.
We had a great time hanging out with some great people and friends we have met throughout Cello’s dock diving adventures, and were lucky enough to get a spot to set up right next to them! This was Hooch’s first dock diving event!
In Slo-Mo:
Although this was an exciting event, Cello did not perform well. She did not seem very excited to get on the dock, as she normally does, and she didn’t have her usual” lightning speed take-off” either. She did not place in either of her two jumps, nor did she make the finals. However, we are still very proud of her, and were excited to be a part of a National Regional event!
Cello did have a few great mid-air catches during this event:
Here are Cello’s results from The North Eastern Regionals:
Friday:
19’4″ 18’4″ Did not place
Saturday:
20’2″ 20’3″ Did not place
Brian tried his best to adjust his throws, and get Cello to leave the dock where she was supposed to. Even though there was improvement in her distance, it was not enough to place in the final round.
Please don’t be disappointed, Daddy:
Hooch did his best “cute puppy” act while hanging out under the Team Cello tent:
Dock diving friends we spent the weekend with all made it to finals – and all placed in the final round, earning their invite to the World Championship! Great job, guys!
Cello is registered in 4 more events this season, and still has a chance to be invited to finals if her overall average “makes the grade” toward the end of the season… (Fingers crossed!!)