Breeze New Outstanding Dam!

We are pleased to announce that Breeze, MHR Otterbrook's Bonny Breeze MH** WCX OD, has achieved the status of Outstanding Dam. Breeze follows in the footsteps of her mother Pippin and grand mother Willi in earning the GRCA's OD title. Of course she could not have done this without the talent of her qualifying offspring: Otterbrook's Hustler MH**, Otterbrook's O'ttr be in Iowa MH** WCX, and SR Otterbrook's Miss Whimsy CD JH MX MXJ WC. Thank you Jane Kondracki, Jean and Steve Bullard and Virginia for all your hard work and training.

Hustler is Otterbrook's Newest Master Hunter !!

Otterbrook's Hustler MH** finished his MH Title July 3, 2006 at SBGRC's Hunt Test. Owner Jane Kondracki and Hustler have worked hard and had to overcome a major health problem when Hustler developed glaucoma in his left eye. But with some adjusting on both of their parts, Jane and Hustler put in a fine performance at the trial and earned their MH Title. We are so proud of both of you, Great Job!!!

_{Jane Kondracki and Otterbrook's Hustler MH**}

Two More to Go for Lyric

Virginia handled Lyric, Otterbrook's Songstress JH WCX to a qualifying ribbon in the Senior stake at the SBGRC Hunt Test July 2, 2006. Two more Q's to go!

Whimsy gets her 20th DQ !!

Otterbrook's Miss Whimsy CD JH MX MXJ WC earned her 20th Double Q in Excellent at SBGRC's Agility Trial June 10th, 2006. This accomplishment fulfills half of the requirements needed to obtain an AKC MACH title. She continues to run in Excellent classes compiling points towards the 750 required. Way to go Whims!!!

Tucket's new CDX Title!!

Otterbrook's Trumpet Fanfare CDX JH WC earned his CDX Title and placed Second in the Open A class at the Chester Valley Kennel Club show on 5/13/06. The following weekend, at the Allentown KC show, Tucket and owner Jean Farny followed up by earning a bumper leg. Now onto Utility! Great Job!!

Romp Earns Otterbrook's First Tracking Title !!

April 23, 2006 I was honored to have been invited to attend my first tracking test to watch Otterbrook Romp and his owner France Roozen go after their first title. Despite drawing one of the last tracks of the day and the continuing weeklong rain which left deep puddles and soggy ground, Romp never faltered. Once France indicated the starting point, he put his nose down and never looked up until he had the glove in his mouth. It was well worth being wet and cold for Romp to achieve his TD title at 9 1/2 months! Congratulations France and Romp!!

_{Otterbrook Romp TD and France Roozen}

2005

Second CDX Leg and First Place For Tucket!!

Tucket and Jean were back in the obedience ring at the Penn Treaty Kennel Club Dog Show on November 17th. With a score of 195 in the Open A class Tucket received his second leg towards his CDX Title and garnered first place honors in the class. Congratulations Jean and Tucket, way to go!!

Three More To Go!!

Virginia and SR Otterbrook's Miss Whimsy JH CD MX MXJ WC ended the 2005 Agility season with a total of 17 Double Q's leaving them only needing 3 more DQ's for the required 20 towards their MACH title. Meanwhile they continue adding to their total points aiming for the 750 needed for a MACH.

A FIRST for Bliss!!

Bliss, Otterbrook's In High Spirits NA NAJ, earned the top spot in Open Jumper With Weavers on Sunday September 25 at the 2005 GRCA National Specialty. It was a first in more ways then one. Bliss, just coming back from raising her first litter, was handled by a wonderful friend, Mary Maltbie, to a First Place in the Open JWW 20" class. Mary graciously agreed to handle Bliss for Joanne who was busy judging the 2005 National GRCA WCX test that day. Even though Mary never had an opportunity to even do a run through with Bliss, the two of them just WENT FOR IT. And it paid off big with a first place! Mary later confided that she was afraid to take off the leash at the start line worrying that Bliss might get the zoomies and she would not be able to stop her! Well that certainly did not happen, at least not that day!

_{Mary Maltbie and Otterbrook's In High Spirits NA NAJ}

Tucket Enjoys Himself at the 2005 GRCA Specialty!

Jean Farny and Otterbrook's Trumpet Fanfare JH CD WC had a good time in Gettysburg, PA at the 2005 GRCA National. Tucket and Jean's first venture was in the field where they earned their WC Title. Later in the week they put on their obedience hats and competed in Tucket's first Open A obedience trial. After settling down their nerves from missing their scheduled ring time, Jean and Tucket came together as a team and earned their first CDX leg! Congratulations!

_{Jean Farny and Otterbrook's Trumpet Fanfare JH CD WC}

River and Lyric Start Their Senior Hunter Quest!

Virginia successfully handled both Otterbrook's River Dancer JH WCX (River) and her sister Otterbrook's Songstress JH WCX (Lyric) to a qualification in their first Senior Hunt test at the 2005 GRCA National Specialty held in Gettysburg, PA. They will continue their quest for their SH titles in the Spring 2006.

_{Otterbrook's Songstress JH WCX (l) and Otterbrook's River Dancer JH WCX (r)}

Sunshine and JoAnn Earn their WC Title!

JoAnn Meadows and Otterbrook's Kindred Spirit. aka Sunshine, made their very first debut in a field event at SBGRC's WC/WCX Test Sept. 11th. Sunshine earned her WC Title with JoAnn handling. Sunshine is the very first dog JoAnn has ever trained in field. In fact JoAnn had never even seen any type of field work before becoming a golden retriever owner just 9 months ago. A big congratulations to the both of them for a job well done!!!

Lyric and River Earn Their WCX Titles!

Virginia handled both Otterbrook's River Dancer JH WCX (River) and her sister Otterbrook's Songstress JH WCX (Lyric) to their WCX Titles at SBGRC's WC/WCX Test Sept. 11th.

Booker Starts His Field Career With Style!

Booker, Otterbook's Outta My Way, owned by Jean and Steve Bullard of Iowa has started his field career in style by earning two NAHRA Started legs in is first trials entered. Booker sounds like he will be giving Steve's other Otterbrook dog, Ott"r, a run for the money in the field this coming hunting season.

Lucky 13 For Whimsy!

Whimsy and Virginia earned lucky Double Q #13 in the scorching heat at SBGRC Agility Trial June 11th & 12th. Whimsy Q'd in 3 out of her four classes under extremely hot and humid conditions. Thankfully the air conditioning in the trailer was working giving both her and Virginia some welcomed relief after their runs.

Bliss Earns Her First OA Qualifying Score!

Bliss, Otterbrook's In High Spirits NA NAJ, earned her first Q towards her Open Standard Title at LEAP's Trial over the Memorial Day weekend, not bad for an expectant mom! Bliss will have to wait until the fall before trying to finish her Open titles as she has been "benched" for the remainder of her pregnancy. She and Joanne should be up and running trials again by early fall after her litter has been weaned.

Whimsy Adds Two More Double Q's

Virginia and Whimsy have added two more Double Q's to their list of accomplishments this spring bringing their total of Double Q's to 12 out of the 20 needed for a MACH. These last two Double Q's are from the Talcott Mtn Agility Trial and LEAP's Agility Trial. Whimsy and Virginia also continue to add to their MACH points each weekend of trialing.

Tucket Adds a CD Title!

Otterbrook's Trumpet Fanfare JH, aka Tucket, and Jean Farny added a CD Title to their list of accomplishments. Jean and Tucket finished in fashion placing fourth in their Novice B class at the Chester Valley Kennel Club show May 14th.

Whimsy and Virginia Back in the Agility Ring

Whimsy has returned to the agility ring after taking her second maternity leave last fall. She and Virginia are once again competing in the Excellent B classes looking to add more Q's to their list.

Bliss Hopping Right Along in 2005!

Bliss and Joanne started their 2005 agility season off by earning a Double Q at the Agility For a Cause trial held over the Easter weekend. The Double Q finished Bliss's Novice Agility Title and was the first Q towards her Open Jumpers title.

_{Otterbrook's In High Spirits NA NAJ}

2004

Joanne & Bliss Finish 2004 Agility Season with a Bang!

Bliss, handled by Joanne, ran the November Thanksgiving Agility Cluster in Springfield and came out with a new title to add to her name. She is now officially Otterbrook's In High Spirits NAJ ! Bliss picked up her last two qualifying scores needed to finish her Novice Jumper with Weaves Title. She also earned her second qualifying score towards her NA title that same weekend. Way to Go Bliss!!! (Now if we can only get your handler to stop messing you up!)

_{Otterbrook's In High Spirits NAJ}

Bliss Earns Her First Jumpers Q

Bliss and Joanne earned their first qualifying score and a second place ribbon in the Novice B Jumpers with Weaves class at the Hudson Valley Golden Retriever Club's Fall Agility trial on 10/31/04.

Bliss and Joanne Make Their Debut in Agility!

Otterbrook's In High Spirits, aka Bliss, handled by Joanne, made their debut in agility this fall. As expected it is quite entertaining to watch this team compete in the Novice classes. With each outing they are learning to act and compete as a team and everything came together at the Cheshire Kennel Club Agility Trial held Oct. 9th in Keene, NH. Bliss and Joanne earned their very first agility qualification with a first place finish in the Novice B Standard class.

New WC Titles for Lyric and Noble

Otterbrook's Songstress JH WC (Lyric) and Otterbrook's Highborn JH WC (Noble), both handled by Virginia, passed the Southern Berkshire Golden Retriever Club's WC Test held September 5, 2004 earning their WC Titles.

Hustler Earns Another MH Leg!

Otterbrook's Hustler, owned and handled by Jane Kondracki, earned his second leg towards his MH title at the Shoreline Retriever Hunt Test 6/12/04.

Tucket Earns his JH Title!

Otterbrook's Trumpets Fanfare JH , aka Tucket, earned his JH Title with a qualifying score at Talbot Retriever Club's Hunt Test on 6/13/04. Even with her arm in a cast Jean still managed to handle Tucket on line while carrying a shotgun and received all his hand delivered birds without problem. Kudos for a job well done!

_{Otterbrook's Trumpet Fanfare JH}

Three Legs Down With One To GO!

Jean and Tucket survived the heat at Rebel Ridge farm in Maryland on 5/16/04 and passed their third hunt test. They now are looking for that elusive fourth leg to earn their JH title . Good Luck!

In the Hunt for a JH title!

Jean Farny and Otterbrook Trumpet's Fanfare are off and running this spring in their quest for a JH title. Tucket and Jean have picked up where they left off last fall after earning their first leg. On May 2, 2004 Jean and Tucket earned a second leg at the Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac trial. Half way there and looking good!

Back In the Agility Ring!

Virginia and Whimsy are back running agility trials this spring adding points and Double Q's to the total needed for their MACH title. They will continue to compete until the summer heat comes on and then will take a break.

2003

New CDX Title!

Otterbrook's Big Elk Jubilee CDX JH WC (aka Pizza), owned and handled by Jean Farny, earned her CDX Title with all class placements, on 11/14/03 by winning a large Open A class with a score of 194.5+. Pizza had to wait patiently as her dumbbell was rethrown after it tumbled out of the ring on the first attempt. She did not let the mishap upset her as she finished up her individual and group exercises in fine form. When the class judging finished several hours later Jean and Pizza were surprised when called back into the ring for a run off. After a quick warm-up outside the ring Pizza put on a beautiful performance that placed her ahead of a very competitive team to win the class. Congratulations Jean and Pizza! Next up....Utility!

_{Otterbrook's Big Elk Jubilee CDX JH WC}

Pizza earns Second CDX Leg

Pizza earned her second CDX leg at the Gloucester County Obed Trial in New Jersey on 10/18/03. She placed second in the Open A class with a score of 191.5. Way to go!

2003 GRCA National Specialty Reaps Two new JH Titles and a Double Q!

The Otterbrook gang had a fun and productive time at the 2003 National Specialty held in the Madison, Ohio area this September. River, Lyric and Noble all ran and qualified in the Junior Hunt Test finishing both Lyric's and River's JH Titles and giving Noble a bumper leg. Not to be outdone by the youngsters, Whimsy Double Q'd in the Excellent B agility classes adding to her points and Q's needed for her MACH title.

_{Noble, River, and Lyric}

Otterbrook's Highborn On His Way...Earns His JH Title!

Otterbrook's Highborn JH is strutting around proudly after earning his JH Title August 24th qualifying on both Saturday and Sunday at LRCGB's back to back hunt tests. "Noble" is the youngest dog here at Otterbrook and is the first SR Otterbrook's Miss Whimsy CD JH MX MXJ WC puppy to have earned an AKC title. Noble's training will continue as his handling skills are perfected for the blind work required for Senior.

Joanne and Whimsy celebrate July 4th with a new CD Title!

The 2003 July 4th weekend turned out to be a time to celebrate for Joanne and Whimsy as they ventured into a new area of dog show competition as a team....obedience. Whimsy added to her list of accomplishments a new CD Title after qualifying in three straight shows from the Novice B class at The Yankee Classic dog show cluster held in Massachusetts .

New MH Title For Adam !!!

Owner Jane Kondracki handled Otterbrook's Up-N-Adam MH WCX** to the final leg on his MH Title at our SBGRC Hunt Test June 28 & 29. I had the pleasure of watching Adam start out the day with a BANG...On a very tough first series where multiple handles and pick ups were not uncommon, Adam stepped on each mark on the tight triple, then one whistled each of the two "under the arc" land blinds. Virginia and I were pleased that we were present when Adam's number was called and the orange qualifying ribbon was handed to Jane. They both have worked and trained hard over the years and should be congratulated on their new MH title!

Hustler on his way to his MH title!

Otterbrook's Hustler SH, owned and handled by Jane Kondracki, earned his first MH leg at our SBGRC annual hunt test June 28 & 29. The "Last Bird of the Last Series" syndrome almost came into play when Hustler's long flyer duck drifted way out of the area of the fall with the current and wind. Hustler had marked the bird accurately and swam directly to the area of the fall but needed a quick "OVER" from Jane to push him out into the middle of the lake where the duck had drifted. That is what Jane's responsibility is on the team, knowing where the birds may have drifted to while Hustler is busy getting the other falls. Great Job TEAM!!!

Pizza in the hunt for her CDX

Otterbrook's Big Elk Jubilee CD JH WC (aka Pizza) and Jean Farney earned their first leg towards their CDX title. Pizza and Jean qualified June 15, 2003 earning 4th place in their Open class.

Virginia and Whimsy + Agility = MX MXJ Titles

Spring of 2003 has seen Virginia and Whimsy back in the agility ring competing. And what a good time they have had! Since their first trial of the spring season in late April they have earned 7 MX legs, 6 MXJ legs, and 5 Double Q's. Whimsy finished her MX and MXJ Titles at our SBGRC Agility Trials June 7 & 8, 2003. While earning the 10 legs needed for her MX and MXJ titles Whimsy accumulated 6 Double Q's towards the 20 needed for her MACH!

The breaking news from Iowa : UKC Hunt Tests are GREAT FUN!!!
New HRCH Title!

Just ask Steve Bullard and Otterbrook's Ott'r Be in Iowa SH** how to have fun. This duo has set new heights for Goldens competing in the UKC Hunt Test Program. They quickly earned Otterbrook's first HRCH Title in blazing fashion on June 1, 2003 by qualifying in 8 out of 9 tests entered this spring . Ott'r also has, in his spare time, earned 4 out of the 5 passes need for his UKC Upland Title. They are now contemplating entering the 2003 UKC Grand Hunt...We say Go For It!!!

2002

Great way to get hooked ...Try Iowa Ringnecks!!

This fall after the GRCA National Joanne accepted the kind offer from Otterbrook's Ott'r Be in Iowa SH** owner Steve Bullard to try her luck on some Iowa pheasants. This was Joanne's first pheasant hunt and what a place to start! Steve and Ott'r put on a show of how to push out those late season birds. It was breathtaking to watch Ott'r work a field, suddenly make game and come to a halt over a patch of heavy cover. Waiting for Steve's release command he would go in and flush the bird then wait for the expected retrieve putting the pressure on Steve and Joanne to hold up their end of the bargain. Watching Ott'r happily work day after day really gave meaning to what Otterbrook's breeding program is all about.

Whimsy Turkey Trots to Two Q's

The Thanksgiving Day Cluster shows held in Springfield, MA. was a family affair this year. Whimsy was cheered on by "Gracie" Smart and "Bailey" Smith, two of her puppies and their families, up to watch their first agility trial. They were not disappointed as Whimsy added two more Q's to her tally towards her MX and MXJ titles.

Whimsy HOT! HOT! HOT! at the 2002 GRCA National Specialty

In spite of the extremely hot and humid weather that plagued the first half of the 2002 GRCA National Specialty held down in Florida, Virginia and Whimsy still managed to Q in three out of their four Excellent B agility classes. In fact they had clean runs in all their classes but acquired some time faults in the last jumpers class of the show. Whimsy even managed to give herself a birthday present : She doubled Q on 10/28/02 her fourth birthday! Not bad for a team leaving 35-40 degree weather and having to compete in 90 degrees!

Breeze Back In the Swing of Things NAHRA Style

The fall NAHRA tests have started up again around here. September 7, 2002 MHR Otterbrook's Bonny Breeze MH WCX ** qualified at the Hudson Highlands NAHRA Test held in Newburg, NY. With this Q it brings her total to 8 out of the 15 needed for her GMHR title.

Way To Go Whimsy!
Two Titles and a Double Q Over Labor Day Weekend

SR Otterbrook's Miss Whimsy JH AX AXJ WC finished her AX and AXJ Titles and had another Double Q over the Labor Day weekend. Whimsy earned her AX title on Sunday 9/1 with a Third place in the Excellent A Standard class. In the Jumpers with Weaves classes she Q'd all three days, earning her AXJ title on Saturday 8/31. She went on to also earn 9 MACH points and two Excellent B JWW qualifications towards the 10 needed for her MXJ title.

Another MH Leg For Adam

Otterbrook's Up-N-Adam WCX ** owned by Jane Kondracki, qualified in the Master Stake at Yankee Waterfowler's Hunt Test August 10 &11, 2002. Adam needs only one more leg to earn his MH title. Jane's other boy did well also, Otterbrook's Hustler SH earned a bumper leg in the Senior Stake that weekend too!

Hustler Earns His SH Title !

Otterbrook's Hustler finished his SH Title at the Colonial Retriever Club hunt test August 3, 2002. Hustler showed the judges what a no whistle land blind looked like as he earned his last Q needed for his SH title. Now on to Master!

New WC Title

SR Otterbrook's Miss Whimsy JH OA OAJ added a WC Title to her growing list of accomplishments. Whimsy earned her WC at the Hudson Valley Golden Retriever Club's WC/WCX test held August 3 in Newburg, NY. Now if can only steady her for the WCX!

New Vocation as Teacher for Breeze

MHR Otterbrook's Bonny Breeze MH** WCX has taken on the responsibility of teaching a new hunt test handler Emily Reynolds, an 9 year old junior handler. Emily competed in her very first hunt test with Breeze in Junior at the SBGRC trial June 29 & 30, 2002. The dynamic team won the applause of the gallery with their team work as they quickly completed each of the tests the judges set up. At the end of the day's judging Emily and Breeze received their just reward, an orange qualifying ribbon and the cheers of fellow competitors.

Whimsy is BACK!!

SR Otterbrook's Miss Whimsy JH OA OAJ has returned to the agility ring after weaning her first litter of puppies. At our SBGRC Agility trial, June 8&9, 2002, Whimsy earned her second AX and AXJ qualifications with class placements.

MHR Otterbrook's Bonny Breeze MH** WCX Looking for her GMHR Title!

Breeze earned another NAHRA Senior qualification at the Yankee Waterfowler NAHRA Hunt Test May 4&5 2002. This pass added with her previous qualifications, moved her closer to her GMHR title. She will resume running in the fall when the NAHRA tests start up again.

2001

Thanksgiving Double Q for Whimsy!

SR Otterbrook's Miss Whimsy JH OA OAJ earned the first of her Excellent legs in grand style at the Thanksgiving Day Weekend Cluster shows in Springfield Mass. Whimsy had clean runs in both the Excellent A Standard and Excellent A Jumpers with Weaves to get a Double Q on Saturday. Her efforts were awarded with two third class placements in very tough competition with more than 50 dogs running in her height division alone.

Whimsy finishes her OAJ Title

After a summer break to run field events SR Otterbrook's Miss Whimsy JH OA OAJ returned to the agility ring this fall. Whimsy earned her OAJ Title October 26, 2001 at the LEAP agility trial. She placed fourth in the Open Jumper with Weaves class completing her OAJ title with class placements in all of her qualifying runs.

JH Title For Whimsy

SR Otterbrook's Miss Whimsy JH OA NAJ added a new JH title to her list of accomplishments Sept. 15, 2001 in Maine. Whimsy showed the judges what perseverance means when she climbed over the partially submerged logs and branches that were on line for the last water retrieve, the only dog out of 29 that did! Great Job Whims!

News From Iowa

Steve Bullard and Otterbrook's Ott'r Be in Iowa SH ** have been busy the last few weekends. Over the Labor Day weekend Steve and Ott'r tried their hands at a UKC Finished test coming away with their first qualification. Then this past weekend Sept. 8th and 9th, 2001 saw them up in WI earning their first qualifying leg in an AKC Master test. These guys are HOT!!

Shasta Headed for 2001 Master National

Otterbrook's Majestic Shasta MH WCX ** and her owner handler Ann Pauls are again bound for the Master National Hunt Test. Ann has qualified both Shasta and her other golden, Porjay's Out of the Blue MH, for this years test which is to be held in Shawnee, OK from September 16th - 23rd. Ann and Shasta are no strangers to the Master National having competed in two previous MN tests. If she qualifies again this year Shasta will earn her MNH title. We wish them all good luck !

Whimsy Earns Third JH Leg

SR Otterbrook's Miss Whimsy OA NAJ added another Junior leg to her list of accomplishments by qualifying at the YGRC Hunt Test on 8/19/01. Only one left to go!

Hustler Needs One More Q For SH

Otterbrook's Hustler continued his roll towards a SH title earning his fourth straight qualifying Senior leg at Yankee Waterfowlers hunt test this past weekend (8/11/01). Hustler is running confidently for his owner/handler Jane Kondracki, but will require another qualifying score to complete his SH since he never earned a JH title. Jane and Hustler skipped the Junior level and instead started right off running in the Senior level !

Two Down Two to Go!

With her second straight Junior pass this weekend (8/12/01) at the Yankee Waterfowlers hunt test SR Otterbrook's Miss Whimsy OA NAJ is half way to her JH title. This weekend's test was one of the more challenging junior tests seen this year. With back to back live flyer land retrieves and a set of water marks that really showed who could cut the muster the judges really tested the perseverance and courage of the junior dogs entered. Nice Job Whimsy!

Three in a Row for Hustler

Otterbrook's Hustler made it three Senior passes in a row August 4, 2001 at Colonial Retriever Club's Hunt Test. Hustler, handled by Jane Kondracki, needs only two more qualifying scores to earn his SH title. Keep up the good work!

SR Otterbrook's Miss Whimsy OA NAJ on the way to a JH

Whimsy earned her first leg towards her JH title at Colonial Retriever Club's Hunt Test August 4, 2001. Handled by Virginia, Whimsy had no problems with the marks and retrieves. One down and three to go!

Windswept Boys Score Big this Weekend

Jane Kondracki and her Windswept boys, Otterbrook's Up 'N Adam WCX** and Otterbrook's Hustler, had a good weekend at the SBGRC Hunt Test held June 30 and July 1 in Simsbury, CT. With the extreme heat and humidity over the weekend it was very tough going for all the dogs, handlers, and workers. Hustler earned a second leg towards his SH on Saturday and Adam qualified in the Master stake for his fourth leg. Congratulations to all and good work under very difficult conditions!

  Pizza Earns her CD in spite of Storm Alison

Otterbrook's Big Elk Jubilee CD JH WC finished her CD Title by winning a run off for third place with a score of 194.5 + on Saturday June 16th. Pizza did a fine job under the most difficult conditions, contending with the remains of tropical storm Alison and the 10 inches of rain she dropped on Pennsylvania. Jean and Pizza continued their soggy quest and qualified , again in the rain, for a bumper leg on Sunday. Congratulations Jean and Pizza !!