LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

On Sunday, 30 March, Sally Babcock writes: Shelley [DeMerchant] arrived safely in a thunderstorm Friday morning. Yesterday we went to the magnificent Busch Wildlife Preserve and found the Airedales competing in the field trials.

It was a horrible day, weatherwise, sleet, a touch of snow, sporadic rain - all intermixed with sunshine - typical St. Louis spring weather.

Dogs and handlers awaiting their turn at workshop.

Photo and caption provided by Sally Babcock

Here's a picture of Airedalers: Oralee Adams & Airedale Luca, then Yvonne Michalak & Branagan, and Sally. Didn't get the name of the couple on the end.

Photo and caption provided by Sally Babcock/STRONG>

Oralee Adams and her new 15-week-old Welsh Terrier, Ramsey - all squirms and wiggles.

Photo and caption provided by Sally Babcock

Dale Burrier & Ranger.

Photo and caption provided by Sally Babcock

Dale & Tailer. Dale has four Airedales there, all wonderfully accomplished. There were only a handful of entries there when we got to the site. The people were all delightful and the dogs absolutely wonderful.

Photo and caption provided by Sally Babcock