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.
“Feeling the Birthday Vibes: Hoping for Some Love and Warm Wishes”
It’s a significant day for me today as it marks my birthday, and I’m hoping to receive affection and warm wishes from everyone. Birthdays are not only an opportunity to celebrate life but also an occasion to share love with our friends and family.
In honor of this special day, I came across an image that touched my heart and evoked strong emotions within me. The picture featured a dog with an innocent and playful expression, standing proudly beside a beautifully decorated birthday cake. Witnessing this sight was incredibly heartwarming.
It was evident that the dog understood the importance of the moment, manifesting pure elation and eagerness. Its eyes sparkled with anticipation, as if anticipating the magical moment when everyone would come together to sing “Happy Birthday.”
As one looks at the image, a surge of emotions is bound to arise within. It reminds us of the deep bond that exists between humans and animals. The dog’s presence in the festivities showcases the fundamental need for love, companionship, and the desire to be a part of something special.
The image has touched the hearts of people from all walks of life, resonating with them on an emotional level. As it circulates on social media platforms, the comment section overflows with an outpouring of affection and well-wishes. People express their love not only for the dog but also for the sentiment conveyed through the image.
One individual says, “This picture is a testament to the unwavering love that animals bring into our lives. Happy Birthday! May your day be filled with love and joy, just like this adorable dog.” Another person comments, “I’m moved to tears. It’s astonishing how something as uncomplicated as a dog and a birthday cake can stir such profound emotions in our hearts. Happy Birthday, dear friend! May your day be as magical as this image.”
This image serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love, the significance of connections, and the capability of simple gestures to evoke profound emotions. It symbolizes the universal desire for happiness and the hope that each birthday brings, another year filled with love, growth, and precious memories.
Today is my birthday, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and kindness that is showered upon me. The picture of a dog enjoying a birthday cake perfectly captures the spirit of the love and affection that I wish to share and receive on this occasion. Let us all cherish the happiness, warmth, and enchantment that birthdays bring and hold them dear in our hearts.
The elderly canine was beaming with delight during this significant moment. Its loyal companionship had lasted for more than fifteen years, and now, it was being celebrated in a unique way by its owner. The dog had been an unwavering presence in its owner’s life, providing comfort, loyalty, and unconditional love throughout the years. As the birthday celebrations commenced, the dog’s tail wagged uncontrollably, conveying its euphoria and enthusiasm. It was elated to know that this party was in honor of its existence.
The owner had invited close acquaintances and family members who had been witness to the unbreakable relationship between the dog and its human. Amidst the festivities, the aroma of savory delights filled the air, tempting both guests and the canine with their mouth-watering scent. The owner ensured that the spread included delectable treats that satisfied both human and canine taste buds.
Plates were laden with appetizing snacks, while a special cake designed specifically for dogs took center stage, decorated with canine treats and a solitary candle. This momentous occasion was one that the aging dog would never forget.
Amidst cheers and applause, the moment to cut the cake finally arrived. The furry friend, surrounded by loved ones, basked in the warmth of the affection showered upon it. With a gentle hand guiding its paw, it delicately touched the knife, symbolizing its participation in this memorable moment. The cake was then divided and shared, reflecting the bond between the dog and its human.
Throughout the day, the dog reveled in the attention and affection bestowed upon it. It felt content, knowing that its presence had touched the lives of those around it, just as they had profoundly impacted its own. Belly rubs, cuddles, and heartfelt words of appreciation poured in, making every moment precious.
The celebration continued into the evening, with games and playful activities that brought laughter and joy to everyone present. Despite its old age, the dog wholeheartedly engaged in the festivities, savoring every precious moment. Time seemed to stand still, and for a brief period, the dog felt the weight of the years lift off its shoulders, replaced by an overwhelming sense of happiness and belonging.
As the party drew to a close, the dog curled up at its owner’s feet, feeling a profound sense of fulfillment and love. Its eyes glistened with tears of sheer happiness, a testament to the depth of its emotions. The celebration marked a 15-year journey filled with unbreakable bonds, unwavering loyalty, and unconditional love.
In the end, it wasn’t just a birthday party; it was a commemoration of the remarkable journey shared by a dog and its owner. It was a tribute to the joy that a beloved pet brings into our lives, and for this aging dog, it was a reminder that its presence mattered.
As darkness enveloped the surroundings, the dog dozed off, feeling cocooned in adoration and appreciation. In its slumber, it relived the happenings of the day, the chuckles, and the delightful instants shared with loved ones. A grin broke across its muzzle, aware that it had lived through an extraordinary and memorable occasion – a birthday celebration that epitomized years of treasured moments.
Leave a Reply