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At the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), we are guided by a simple but powerful mission: To improve the health of all dogs through knowledge and discovery. This intent has fueled us for over 30 years, inspiring CHF to support groundbreaking research that helps transform the lives of dogs everywhere.

Our vision is clear: A world where all dogs lead healthy, vibrant lives. To make this vision a reality, we focus on funding scientific research that advances our understanding of canine health, tackles health challenges, and ultimately enhances the well-being of all dogs.

Founded in 1995 with an investment from the American Kennel Club, CHF has grown from a small initiative into the largest nonprofit dedicated exclusively to canine health research. Over the past three decades, we’ve made incredible strides in the field. We’ve supported research on heartworm treatment that minimizes adverse effects, uncovered genetic causes of deafness in Dalmatians, and even helped restore sight to Briards suffering from blindness—a breakthrough that offers hope not only for dogs but also for humans. Every project we invest in undergoes a thorough review process to ensure that the research is scientifically rigorous and has the potential to make a meaningful impact. The discoveries CHF has helped to fund have already led to vital results improving the health of countless dogs—and the lives of their families.

We are incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, but our work is far from done. With your ongoing support, we can continue to advance canine health and move closer to our vision of a world where every dog leads a long, healthy, and vibrant life.

Thank you for being a part of our mission. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Warm regards,

Stephanie Montgomery, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Chief Executive Officer

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Thank you

For all of those that attended the New Years Master Test, and especially for those that were not able to attend. Here is what rolled out and/ or what to train on:

MasterNewYear2025.pdf

Happy Training and for those that received ribbons, let the celebrations begin!

Please Note our own Ed Ryska, was elected to Director of Region 4

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2024 Annual Meeting of the 

Master National Retriever Club 

October 21, 2024

Paducah, Kentucky

  

Meeting called to order by President Keith Kiesow  

 

A.     Secretary’s report Dede Paterson

       Minutes of 2023 approved as presented

 

Bylaws Proposal change to exempt Master Amateur Hunter titled dogs from requalification for the MNRC annual event passed with a vote of 62-14.

 

      .           Election of board members: 

Region 2 Clubs elected Alan Bruhin Director Region 2

Region 4 Clubs elected Ed Ryska Director of Region 4

All member clubs elected Mike Woodbury Vice President Region 3 

 

B.  Treasurer’s report –

      2023 MNRC Annual Financials

      Financials approved as presented

 

C.   AKC Update Russ Reavis

                        Introduction of AKC personnel present:

                        Sally Fineberg, Caroline Murphy, Stephany Montgomery, Dr. Mary Smith

 

D.   Master National Foundation Report-Jack Morris

Explanation of the purpose of the Master National Foundation

Discussed Handler of the Year and Youth Handler of the year awards

Support for Advanced Judge’s seminars, Denise Tramontin Education Fund

                   Support for Chase Away Canine Cancer

      

            E.  Hunt Test Advisory Committee Report to be posted online-Jack Coombs.

 

F.     2025 Master National Event will be held in the Bastrop Giddings Area

 

Meeting adjourned:

Respectively submitted by: Dede Paterson  

 

Congratulations to our Club members that “Qualified” a dog at this year's Master National.   Well done team!

Yvonne Becker—Autumn’s Annie Got Your Guns MH "Dolly"

 

Dennis & Cyndie Hayre- Steel Shots Majestic Black MH  "Jett"

Here are some new AKC regulations that relate to AKC Hunt Tests.

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Please read the latest changes to the Regulations for AKC Hunting Tests for Retrievers which take effect October 1, 2024. See Details Here This regulation update has been posted to the Retriever Hunting Test Regulation Resources webpage. Please send any comments or questions to: huntingtests@akc.org. This email was sent to you from an AKC mailing list. Unsubscribe. ©  2024 American Kennel Club | 101 Park Avenue, New York, NY  10178 About AKC | Mission Statement | Privacy Policy

The Master National Retriever Club Foundation is a stand alone entity whose purpose is primarily, but not exclusively, to support the programs and projects of the MNRC; grants for AKC Seminars, Canine Health Foundation, and acknowledging others for their contributions to the hunting retriever sports and humanitarian activities.

This year the Bill T Teague Handler of the year Award was presented to Katie Quarles.  The presentation was made at the Redwood Empire Retriever Club Fall Hunt test in lieu of being presented at the Master National Annual Event due to Katie’s inability to attend this year’s event.

Katie received this award based upon several key factors; her knowledge of the Hunt Test Guidelines and Regulations and application of same, her persistent 30 year tenure in the sport and the caring of canines, and her unwavering  commitment to others participating in the hunt test program. 

As we all know, Katie belongs to and is an active member of several retriever clubs in Region IV, as well as Professional Retriever Training Association (PRTA).  She is often sought out for advice and assistance in training from handlers throughout the region and is very unselfish in sharing her knowledge and methodologies; for the betterment of the sport and the enhancement of the asking handler’s knowledge. 

Furthermore, Katie has never said “No” when asked by MNRC to help with veterinarian matters at the event or working a gun station when needed.

 

I thought I would list some information for "Gallery Talk". 

Do you have a dog that seems hot all of the time? Do you test his/her skin to make sure they are hydrated? Some folks use Pedialyte mixed in their water, others use soup broth. Me personally use a product that I ordered from amazon(K9dog power).  Also "Replenish" makes a product in individual packets.

Would my dog, enjoy a little electrolytes? After all he's doing the running! With summer temps, or all day hunting, hydration is not just for you!  I know that I feel good after drinking a Gatorade, when I'm training or testing. 

However I will disclose that Marin Retriever Club does not promote or discourage some products, this is a topic for discussion:  Hydration for Dogs

Here is an article for some free reading, however the highlights are worthing capturing:

*skin Test  *use a squeeze bottle  * Bait the water  *Float their food

https://www.purinaproclub.com/articles/how-keep-your-bird-dog-hydrated-field     

Happy Training and Testing....

Long Time Trainer Pat Burns is Giving a series of online Webinar Classes.  While us on the West Coast side of the States are baking in the heat, feel free to take a class of two or three to improve your training. Remember we have to be good handlers to showcase our Four-legged friends

https://eliteretrievers.com

Click on his Facebook page, and there will be a link to signup for the classes, or go directly to https://www.facebook/eliteretrievers  

Learn how to understand the blind from the comforts of your home!

Enjoy

So there has been some discussion about using Chewing Gum to mask nervousness between dogs and their handlers.

Many folks place chewing gum in there mouth(I've heard a mint gum works best} prior to getting there dog out of the crate. 

Attached is an article about the functionality

Dogs Detect Human Stress Smell, Affecting Their Mood and Choices - Neuroscience News

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