The 2008 Masters are in just a few weeks. What a great primer for the WUSV in the fall, What a great opportunity for spectators to see world class international competitors in the northeast. In previous posts many opinions on this event ran the spectrum from pro to con.
Some folks were quite upset with the prize money idea. Some were upset with the invite list. As it stands now competing in national events is pretty much a Pro. Am. affair. Many of the frequent top finishers are in dog related and training businesses (Pro). Fortunately, there are new faces that finish well that come from the club level and train for the hobby (Am). As every trainer knows the cost to compete, train, care and feed a competition K9 ain't cheap. Many competitors receive some sponsorship or support from dog food companies and like businesses.
Why not use this type of event to show the SUV and Light truck industry how many trainers use their products. I googled prize money and dog competitions and look what I found.
"NEW YORK, NY (November 14, 2007) – The American Kennel Club® and Eukanuba announced today that 2,444 dogs will compete for a total of $225,000 in cash prizes at the Seventh Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on December 1 and 2, 2007 in Long Beach, California. The show is held in conjunction with the AKC Agility Invitational and the AKC National Obedience Invitational (entries of 470 and 95 respectively) making for a combined entry of nearly 3,000 dogs competing in the three events.
New to the show this year is the inaugural Eukanuba World Challenge. This inaugural international competition will feature top dogs from 40 countries and six continents. Rare breeds such as the Spanish Greyhound and the Azawakh will compete against more traditional favorites such as Poodles and Dalmatians for the title of “World Challenge Winner” and a total of $15,000.
The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will be simulcast on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel on Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 8-11 PM (ET/PT). Highlights from the AKC Agility Invitational will air on Animal Planet on Sunday, February 10, 2008 from 8-9 PM (ET/PT)."
Whole article, http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3344
I for one am looking forward to the 2008 Masters. Thanks to the organizers for their efforts in putting this event together.
Best Regards,
Kyle
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