Result: Wisconsin Cover Dog Championship

Location: Augusta, Wisconsin

Post Date: Jan 18, 2024

Submitted By: Recap by Brad Peterson

Setter Ridge Flash Forward, First in the Wisconsin Cover Dog Championship.

The annual Wisconsin Cover Dog Championship, proudly hosted by the Chippewa Valley Grouse Dog Association, unfolded this year under unexpected challenges. Commencing on October 4, the championship faced an unforeseen conclusion, leaving an indelible mark on the event.
A total of 52 dogs were drawn for this year's championship, held at the renowned Chippewa Valley Grouse Dog grounds, recognized as one of the finest trial venues in the country. Spanning six courses and covering nearly 13 miles, the maintenance of these grounds demands sweat equity and effective teamwork.

Thank you to judges Chad Wheeler (Virginia) and Mike Brown (Michigan). Continuing gratitude as well to Greg Blair and Purina for their continued championship support.
Special acknowledgment is due to Eau Claire County, granting us the privilege to run our dogs on nationally recognized grounds that consistently offer excellent opportunities for Grouse and Woodcock. The tireless efforts of the Eau Claire County team are never taken for granted, and we appreciate their unparalleled cooperation - Thank You!

This year's championship faced an unexpected hurdle in the form of a virus. After three and a half days of braces, club officers received news of an ill dog, initially feared to have suffered an injury during the brace. It was later revealed that the dog had contracted the highly contagious Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, with five additional dogs showing symptoms of the disease, causing hemorrhagic (bleeding) pneumonia. In consultation with the Championship judges, CVGDA officers made the decision to revert the championship to a shooting dog stake despite championship-level performances being showcased. Out of an abundance of caution, the remaining braces and the derby stake were canceled.

Fortunately, I am pleased to report that the infected dogs have fully recovered with no apparent long-term effects.

Gratitude is also extended to CVGDA member Dr. Amber Dequaine, whose professionalism, concern, and advice proved invaluable in navigating the challenging situation and ensuring the safety of the additional field of dogs.

Bad Habits, Second in the Wisconsin Cover Dog Championship.

Augusta, Wis., October 7
Judges: Michael J. Brown and R. Chad Wheeler
WISCONSIN COVER DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 15 Pointers, 16 Setters and 1 Brittany
[Title Withheld]
1st-SETTER RIDGE FLASH FORWARD, 1686454, setter female, by Ponderosa Mac-Call Me Maggie. Brad Peterson, owner; Scott Chaffee, handler.
2d-BAD HABITS, 1696871, pointer female, by J T H Scion-Over The Hill Patty. Ben Mergens, owner and handler.
3d-MERIDITH GRADE CORKY, 1681353, setter male, by Ponderosa Mac-Call Me Maggie. Dennis Keysor, owner; Tammy Chaffee, handler.

Meridith Grade Corky, Third in the Wisconsin Cover Dog Championship.