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.

The realm of water rescue as a sport can be intimidating, frustrating yet also amazing and exhilarating. Despite these characteristics,

nothing can beat the moment when you and your dog find a way to act as a team and somehow build your own language.

Our family, both two legged and four, has participated in this sport for many years, yet there is always opportunity to learn more.

Newfoundlands are unique to this sport yet not all are actually swimmers. Hence the starting point for handlers can vary greatly. It is

important for judges, experienced handlers, Club members and stewards to share their knowledge to encourage our teammates.

As a former participant achieving our first WRDX with Neeji in 2020, and now a judge for water rescue, I can relate to this rollercoaster

of trials, tribulations and emotions, failures and successes. In the end, I hope to encourage all those who train to continue their journey

regardless of the ribbons. 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 Bernese, and two Leonbergers living with me. I have been breeding Bernese since 1995 and Leonbergers since 2006, under the kennel name of KUMNC (Perm Reg.)

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 CKC, LCC, and the NDCC.

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 enjoy teaching, judging, and also as a CGN evaluator I get to meet a lot of lovely dogs and their handles.