STARK COUNTY — Years of training have come to fruition for a Stark County couple whose dog was named National Shoot to Retrieve Association’s 2023 Dog of the Year on Oct. 28. Dean and Kristy Goodall’s dog, Cowpie, a 5-year-oldGerman Shorthair, took home the honor despite a recent infection that left everyone wondering if she would even survive.
The NSTRA competition, which was held in Amo, Ind., included 192 dogs, Dean Goodall said. He is Cowpie’s handler during competitions.
“You’re facing the best dogs across the entire country and to come out the last dog standing, it’s just an incredible feeling,” Dean Goodall said. “We’ve been so close so many times. But to finally win one, it’s just a dream come true.”
During the trials, two dogs compete against each other at a time. They are put in blinds with their handlers while five birds are planted on 40 acres of land. The dogs then have 30 minutes to find the birds, he said.
“We walk the field, there’s two of us, side-by-side, and your dog has to actually hunt for it,” Kristy Goodall said. “Then, when they smell a bird, they have to stop and point. Once they establish point, they can’t take another step until the bird’s in the air.”
The handler kicks around, until the bird flies into the air and then they shoot the bird. Once the handler shoots, they are not supposed to move, she said.
“Then the dog has to go find the bird, pick it up, bring it in and put it in your hand,” Kristy Goodall said.
Judges score the dog on several criteria, including obedience and retrieval, she said.
During the trials, Dean Goodall could tell Cowpie didn’t have the lung capacity she once had, due to an infection she endured after she competed last year. He wasn’t sure she would be able to finish, let alone win.
“When you’re out hunting, your dogs always have their noses in the grass running full speed through the grass,” Kristy Goodall said. “It’s kind of known to happen where they suck those grass seeds down into their lung tissue. Instead of going down through their esophagus, it actually lands inside the lung, and it creates a huge infection.”
The only solution for Cowpie was surgery, which required a veterinarian to open her rib cage to operate on the infected lung tissue. The surgery couldn’t guarantee she would survive. After the procedure was complete, Cowpie was then isolated and confined for two months while she healed.
“She slowly recovered and then she got pregnant and had puppies last summer,” Dean Goodall said.
The couple started getting Cowpie back into shape when her puppies were old enough to be sold.
“A year ago at this time, I didn’t think she’d be alive,” Dean Goodall said. “Now a year later, here she is winning the trial that almost killed her.”
The Goodalls, who live on a farm near Dickinson, have nine dogs. They train eight of those dogs for hunting and competition.
“You know, you start hunting in September and you’re done in December, and what do you do with your dog the rest of the year?” Dean Goodall said. “National Shoot to Retrieve Association simulates hunting conditions in a trial setting, but it’s a very competitive trial situation.”
They have been competing in the NSTRA trials for more than a decade. Although he quit for a few years, Kristy encouraged him to get back into competing in dog trials.
“I have that competitive drive and I wasn’t going to do this unless I could do it at the very top level,” Dean Goodall said. “So we got after it and we took it serious and we started pushing ourselves and trialing all over and getting better dogs and training better. And pretty soon we were placing in almost every national trial.”
He said Kristy’s success in training horses helped drive them to continue doing better with their dogs.
“Kristy’s hit the top of the world in the horse world — she’s won five world titles in horses,” Dean Goodall said. “Cowpie has finished fourth in the performance national trial before. She’s won two regional championships and now she’s the first dog we’ve owned that’s won a national.”
They run their dogs regularly to help keep them in shape, they said. All their dogs are well trained from basic commands to hunting commands.
“In the fall I’ve been wild bird hunting after work every day that I can get out in the field,” Dean Goodall said. “We end up training our dogs against each other, but they get tired of competing against each other. They know it’s practice. There’s a big difference between the intensity of an actual trial and going out and practicing.”
When they do well during trials, the Goodalls often reward their dogs with a steak or other treat. However, they say the trials are a reward in themselves, since the dogs love to do it.
Heartwarming Scene of Rescued Dogs Anticipating Meals Tugs at Emotions of Many
In our unpredictable world, we encounter numerous obstacles, but through it all, there are moments of exceptional elegance and heartening kindness that serve as reminders of the goodness that surrounds us. Witnessing shelter dogs, who have been rescued, lined up in anticipation of their meals with the help of devoted rescue teams, is a touching scene that never fails to move countless individuals.
Rescued from dire circumstances, these precious dogs embody both the resilience of animals and the unwavering dedication of those who tirelessly care for them. Their hopeful eyes speak volumes about the transformative power of compassion, as they gather to receive love, care, and a second chance at life. Shelters across the globe serve as a sanctuary for countless animals in need, offering food, shelter, and medical attention to those who have suffered from neglect, abuse, or abandonment. These shelters are a beacon of hope, thanks to the tireless efforts of rescue organizations and the selfless volunteers who work endlessly to ensure the well-being of these dogs. The scene of these dogs eagerly waiting for their meals is particularly moving, as their anticipation and wagging tails testify to the simple yet profound act of kindness that sustains them. Indeed, the commitment and compassion of rescue teams are nothing short of inspiring.
This particular situation is capable of arousing gratefulness and restoring faith in humanity. It serves as a reminder that although the world has its fair share of difficulties, there’s still space for empathy, kindness, and lending a hand to those who require it. The rescue dogs have found their salvation in the shelter, and the rescue team’s love and attention to them serve as a remarkable illustration of the positive influence that can be accomplished through united efforts and benevolence.
Observing the sight of dogs rescued from shelters eagerly waiting for their meals is not just uplifting, but it also serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility towards all living beings. This heartening scene presents an opportunity to make a difference by supporting rescue organizations through volunteering or even considering adopting a shelter animal in need of a loving home. Ultimately, this heartwarming display highlights the undeniable connection between humans and animals and emphasizes the positive impact we can have on each other’s lives. The bond that is formed between shelter-rescued dogs and their caregivers is a testament to the extraordinary power of love and compassion. This beautiful scene continues to touch the hearts of many, inspiring them to become better, kinder, and more compassionate individuals in a world that desperately needs it.
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