Result: NGSPA Region 4 Championships
Location: Ionia, Michigan
Post Date: Jun 10, 2025
Submitted By: Anthony Rusciano

NGSPA Region 4 Open Shooting Dog Championship (front): Monkeyshines Callme the Breeze with April DiMambro and Uodibar's Lover Boy with Sherri Tangsrud. (Behind): David Russell, Dan DiMambro, Kirk Loftin, Aaron McAfee, and Scott Johnson.
The NGSPA Region 4 event took place from May 6-10 at the Ionia Recreation Area in Ionia, Michigan. This year's weather was nearly perfect for running bird dogs! The grounds were in excellent condition, and we extend our gratitude to all the clubs and individual volunteers who contributed their time to make this event successful. We would also like to acknowledge the support of the amateur and professional trial participants: Dan DiMambro, April Raber, Fred Ryan, Hank Lewis, Kirk Loftin, Sherri Tangsrud, Andy and Becky Dynkiewicz, and Marc McKinley. Also, a big thanks to Dick Lipski for bird planting the entire event. Becky was also a tremendous help in the kitchen and dog wagon support.
Judging this year's events were David Russell, who judged the Open and Amateur Shooting Dog categories; Aaron McAfee, who judged the Open Shooting Dog and Open All-Age stakes; and Justin Hess, who judged the Open All-Age and Amateur Shooting Dog stakes. Thank you all for your time and dedication. Lastly, we would like to thank our generous sponsor, Purina, whose support enhances our shared passion. Scott Johnson was in attendance from Purina.
NGSPA Region 4 Open Shooting Dog Championship
The champion of the competition was Monkeyshines Callme the Breeze, owned by Helmut Schoen and expertly handled by Dan DiMambro. "Breezy" delivered an outstanding performance, with several impressive finds and a forward-running style that captivated the judges. Her remarkable grace and impeccable manners on all her birds were evident, as she consistently powered to the front and was found standing strong each time she was released.
Claiming the runner-up spot was Uodibar's Lover Boy ("Blue"), owned by Sherri Tangsrud and skillfully handled by Kirk Loftin. Blue impressed with four well-spaced finds during the hour, showcasing his strong racing abilities. He smoothly rimmed the fields with undeniable class, earning him the well-deserved runner-up title in the championship.
There were also three other dogs the judges highlighted: "Ziggy," owned and handled by Jessie Conroy; "Lettie," handled by Jessica Hann; and "Roux," handled by Hank Lewis.
Ionia, Mich., May 5
Judges: Aaron McAfee and David Russell
NGSPA REGION 4 OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 20 German Shorthairs
Winner-MONKEYSHINES CALL ME THE BREEZE, F1699127, German Shorthair female, by Riden High Rudy-Cuttin Wilds Space Cowgirl. Helmut Schoen, owner; Dan DiMambro, handler.
Runner-Up-UODIBAR'S LOVER BOY, F1689423, German Shorthair male, by Diamonds R S Texas Express-Uodibar's Bet Your Booty. Sherri Tangsrud, owner; Kirk Loftin, handler.
NGSPA Region 4 Open All-Age Championship
This year's champion was Hi N's Allison Miranda, owned and handled by Kirk Loftin. During her hour-long brace, "Allie" displayed multiple impressive finds, running a consistent race that was easy to manage. Her style and behavior around birds were impeccable, earning her the top spot!
The runner-up was Slaterock's Mountain Heart, owned by Andy and James Dynkiewicz and handled by Dan DiMambro, also performed very well, finishing strong. "Rommel" had three finds throughout the hour but had one shortcoming that kept him from claiming victory.

NGSPA Region 4 Open All-Age Championship (front): Hi N's Allison Miranda with Sherri Tangsrud and Slate Rock's Mountain Heart with April DiMambro. (Behind): Kirk Loftin, Justin Hess, Dan DiMambro, Andy Dynkiewicz, Becky Dynkiewicz, Scott Johnson, and Marc McKinley.
Judges: Justin Hess and Aaron McAfee
NGSPA REGION 4 OPEN ALL-AGE CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 10 German Shorthairs
Winner-HI N'S ALLISON MIRANDA, F1676665, German Shorthair female, by Hi N's Feed Jack-Chicoree's Sparkle In Her Eye. Kirk Loftin, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-SLATEROCK'S MOUNTAIN HEART, F1675343, German Shorthair male, by Hi N's Bodacious-Slaterock Mattie Clark. Andy & James Dynkiewicz, owners; Dan DiMambro, handler.
NGSPA Region 4 Amateur Shooting Dog Championship
The Amateur Shooting Dog Championship featured 18 dogs competing for the title. The winner received a $500 gift card, while the runner-up took home a $250 gift card--great prizes for the amateurs who dedicate so much to this sport.
This year's champion was Stoney Hill's Pinnacle Dee, owned and handled by Kirk Loftin. Dee showcased her style and manners during four impressive finds, gliding through the course and demonstrating maturity and intelligence with some outstanding maneuvers.
The runner-up was Hi N's Secret Society, owned and handled by Hank Lewis. "Stella" performed a mature race, boasting several nice finds. Judges noted that the power and application of the dogs ultimately distinguished the two competitors from each other.

NGSPA Region 4 Amateur Shooting Dog Championship (front): Sherri Tangsrud with Stoney Hill's Pinnacle Dee. (Behind): David Russell, Kirk Loftin, and Justin Hess. [Not pictured]: Hank Lewis and Hi N's Secret Society.
Judges: Justin Hess and David Russell
NGSPA REGION 4 AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 18 German Shorthairs
Winner-STONEY HILL'S PINNACLE DEE, F1694168, German Shorthair female, by Simon's Gunner-Shadowcreek's Mighty Mouse. Kirk Loftin, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-HI N'S SECRET SOCIETY, F1688000, German Shorthair female, by Hi N's Bodacious-Hi N's Hasty Matilda. Hank Lewis, owner and handler.
NGSPA Region 4 Derby Classic
This year's Derby featured an impressive field of 12 dogs. The judges noted that on any given day, any dog could have emerged as the winner. The top three participants were: Uodibar's Lonestar Heat Seeker ("Artemis"), Weideland's Slate Rock Bronco, and MSK's Chicoree's Easy Money ("Cash").
Keep an eye on these young dogs; they have a bright future ahead!
NGSPA REGION 4 OPEN DERBY - 12 German Shorthairs
1st-UODIBAR'S LONESTAR HEAT SEEEKER, unreg., German Shorthair female, by Uodibar's Loser Boy-Stoney Hill's Light It Up. Kirk & Larry Loftin, owners; Kirk Loftin, handler.
2d-WEIDELAND'S SLATE ROCK'S BRONCO, F1720228, German Shorthair male, by Slaterock's Mountain Heart-Weideland's Ray of Sunshine. Rebecca Dynkiewicz, owner; DiMambro, handler.
3d-MSK CHICOREE'S EASY MONEY, unreg., German Shorthair male, breeding not given. Dan DiMambro, owner and handler.

NGSPA Region 4 Open Derby (front): Sherri Tangsrud with Uodibar's Lonestar Heat Seeker, Dan DiMambro with Weideland's Slate Rock Bronco, and April DiMambro with MSK Chicoree's Easy Money. (Behind): David Russell, Kirk Loftin, Justin Hess, and Marc McKinley.