December 15, 2007 - The Chesapeake DockDogs held their 2nd Annual Club Banquet at the Cracked Claw in Frederick MD.  The initial forcast for the evening was snow and freezing rain.  It was changed at the last minute to just rain, which held off until long after the banquet was over.  The food was yummy!!  Crab Dip, Steak Kabobs and Veggies with Dip started out the feast.  Chesapeake Chicken, Jack Daniels Marinated Salmon, Fried Shrimp, Prime Rib, Chicken Cordon Bleu and Blackened Tuna Stea were the choices for entrees.  The feast ended with Chocolate Mousse and Apple Pie for dessert and followed up with the favors of candy dishes with chocolate for the humans and rawhide candy canes for the pups.

Awards were handed out for several categories.  Scott Whiteley & Finley received Longest Jump for both National (25' 20") and Regional (28' 1") Events.  Sharon Rodgers & Thunder along with TR Thompson & Charlie tied for the Highest "Top Gun" Grab of 6' 6".  Most Improved from 2006 - National went to Jim Linde & Tasha who improved by 10' 6" and Most Improved from 2006 - Regional went to Sharon Rodgers & Thunder who improved by 7' 6".  The Most Improved During 2007 - National went to Carly Keane & Daisy Lou who improved by 6' 1" and the Most Improved During 2007 - Regional went to Jane Harford & Peanut who improved by an amazing 15' 1".  To calculate the Most Improved from 2006 we took the team's 2007 Personal Best and subtracted the 2006 Personal Best and came up with the difference.  To calculate the Most Improved During 2007 we took the team's best score at their first 2007 Event and subtracted it from their 2007 Personal Best.

We had several "just for fun awards".  Brian Rutledge won Best Throw and Kelley Hall & Caliber won Best Sit/Stay.  The Best Human Jump was Craig Martin at Lilypons who not only managed to save his glasses, but also had to slog through the mud to get back onto the dock.  Lil' Miss Daisy Lou rightfully earned Best Escape Artist for her very first escape at her first event in Chicago and her continuing escapes at almost every event she attends and from various handlers.  Best Dressed went to Peanut with Stylist Jane Harford who owns at least six different colored vests and Jane promises more new styles in 2008.  Brandy Fowler won Best Cheerleader for her unending support to all the club members - even those who compete against the Big Yellow Lab.  The Best BBQ Cook went to Dave & Cathie Nash thanks to the rave reviews of their grilled chicken from both club members and competitors at the Suffolk Event.  Please CLICK HERE to see the complete list of awards include Youth Handlers and more Improved awards.

Brian completed the awards portion of the banquet with the announcement of both Regionally and Nationally Ranked Members.  CLICK HERE to see that complete list and congratulations to everyone!!

Future Junior Handler Cassie Rutledge had a lot of fun drawing the winning numbers for Door Prizes.   The Grand Prize of a comfy Cabela's reclining chair was won by Brett Tarun.  Other prizes won were Free Waves at any of our 2008 Events, Hot Dog Collars, toys, and treats.  Everyone had fun with the Dog Gift Exchange either opening new presents or stealing one from their friends.  I know the pups were thrilled to see toys and treats come home for them, especially after they were left alone for the evening while their people went to a DOCKDOGS event!!!