NDCC Water Rescue Tests - August 23rd 2024

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In 2007 Tara's life changed forever when she got her first Newf,  Luna. Luna opened up a new world of training and friends that Tara will  always cherish.

Tara currently  lives in Chatsworth, Ontario with her husband and son as well as her  Norwegian Fjord Horse, Bernese Mountain Dog, Miniature Poodle, Orange  Tabby, pet rat, hamster, and lots of tropical fish.

Tara is always excited and honored to attend water rescue tests as a judge and reconnect with old friends.

I have had the good fortune to be around the Newfoundland breed since childhood, starting with my parents and other family members who frequently adopted rescues needing a permanent home. Growing up with this amazing breed brought its challenges along with great rewards.

The adventure into the realm of water rescue began when I joined the CONDC in 2016 and volunteered as a drowner in what I regarded as the extremely cold water of Guelph Lake. In that year, Neeji joined our household and we took on the challenge of both of us learning

to swim and training for the water test. Although the first test was not even remotely successful, we continued the quest and had the advantage of incredible mentors to help us improve our skills. Over the next two seasons, we achieved the WRDX title with a heart stopping moment as the water current took hold of the jacket and seat cushion but Neeji took her commands and completed the task.

Through the following year I earned my judging credentials and now look forward to helping participants and giving back to this sport community. Water rescue training takes much dedication, effort and time, and a village of people to help participants achieve their own

objectives.

My life as a drafting and water rescue judge and teacher. By June Ward

I first became interested in draft and water rescue and started working with Newfoundlands in 1989, when I got a pup from Jim and Jackie Wright at Swissview Kennels.

I attended draft seminars and water seminars in Hillsburgh at their home, and it didn't take long before I was hooked, and volunteering to help with seminars, and tests. Peggy Flockhart was my mentor, so in my opinion, I learned from the best. Judging just seemed to be the next step.

I was appointed to the CKC draft council in 2002, and served as the Zone 6 (Ontario west) till 2016, when I moved to Tiny, Ontario and became the Zone 7 (Ontario North) council member.

I have judged Draft in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick,

Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Alberta. I have taught draft seminars in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and Michigan.

I live in Tiny, Ontario. Presently I have one berner, one Leonberger living with me. I have been breeding Bernese since 1995 and Leonbergers since 2006.

I am a member of the Newfoundland National Club, The Leonberger National Club, The Bernese National Club, The Central Ontario Newfoundland club, The Leonberger Club of Ontario and a founding member of the Bernese Mountain club of Ontario, and a life member of the Canadian Kennel club.

In the past 35 years I have learned a great deal about, dog anatomy, and how it relates to them working. I have become quite opinionated about carts and wagons and balance and how the equipment effect your dog, if not correct. I have designed with the help of a vet breeder friend of mine, my own style of leather harness, made up of bits of all the types of harnesses I have seen over the years. It is designed with the dogs comfort, as the base for their efficacy.

I look forward to judging your water rescue test, and meeting all the lovely dogs and their handlers.