After three months of record breaking snowfall and then heavy rains, Big Bend Farm was a muddy mess. A good number of handlers cancelled their entries because they had been unable to get their dogs to sheep in preparation for competition. With less than 24 hours notice the scheduled judge backed out due to a family crisis. But Dean Holcomb and Barb Klien saved the day! Both stepped up offering their services free of charge to benefit the 2010 Finals.

The ewes were testy due to separation from their lambs during the trial. It took a strong dog to convince these ladies to slog through the mud moving even further from their lambs back at the barn. The fence by the river provided an escape for some who strayed well off line. All in all the trial proved quite the challenge.

Handlers enjoyed the occasion despite the weather and degree of difficulty. Two thousand dollars were raised for the Finals, with the help of nearly every handler pitching in to run the show. A variety of handlers earned points as seen below.

Saturday 39 Dogs

1 Jeanine Van de Merve Jade
2 Barbara Ray Jobe
3 Dee Penatzer Craig
4 Vicky Wilcox Pat
5 Jim Allen Zip
6 Anet Haithcox Gin
7 Mich Ferraro Moss
8 Sherry Farster Vic
9 Dal Kratzer Shep
10 Carla King Emma


Sunday 41 Dogs

1 Barbara Ray Britt
2 Carla King Emma
3 Barbara Ray Jobe
4 Lori Cunningham Matt
5 David Clark Roy
6 Dee Penatzer Rob
7 Don Whittington Hector
8 Doug Brewer Tess
9 Dal Kratzer Shep
10 Pat Kallen Jet