November 7, 2021  TD/TDX 
George Bush Park, Houston, TX
Judges:  Sharon Jolly and Ginny Conway

STA's TD and TDX test on Sunday, November 7 went very well.  7 dog and handler teams were entered; only two had successful passes but all enjoyed a beautiful fall day at George Bush Park.

Huge thanks to the host of folks who helped to put the show on.  Judges Sharon Jolly and Ginny Conway designedmarvelous tracks.  Denise McClure was the chief tracklayer, laying one track herself, and ditto for me as the Chair/Secretary.  Vikkie Youngmeyer was our flag carrier for all the TDX tracks on Saturday.  Pat Jones did double duty with both a TD and a TDX track, Aislyn Schalk and Kathleen Milford on TDXs, Kathy Daniel on a TD - in addition to managing all the equipment and judges books and many of the organizing tasks of doing the test.  Marsha McCaddon transported judges during the test, and Sally Elkins provided wonderful event hospitality.

On with the show Sunday morning.  First dog up, the Brussels Griffon who just wasn't feeling it in the cool foggy morning.  Second, Katrine Voie's big bloodhound.  Aced his track!  And, not to be outdone, the tiny miniwirehair dachshund of Stephany Monteleone hopping along the trail with abandon through the tall (for a mini dachs) grass.

Unfortunately the TDX entrants did not fare so well.  The tall all-american had a lovely start, first leg, first turn, second leg and well, got distracted?  Second the little black cocker, maybe the woodland critters were just more appealing?  Third was the second mini wirehair on my TDX track.  I think she decided it was just too hot for a little doggy in tall grass.  Fourth, although I could only see from a great distance was the big black Doberman.  Well, girls just want to have fun.  Track?  What track?  Next time...

I hope you'll enjoy this selection of photos. Next time maybe you can join us too?

Natalie Wiest
Trial chair and secretary