Natasha - Fieldmaster's Montauk Zephyr #5 2009 OGD

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:46 am

Well, she finally broke the ice.

On Saturday at the Gateway GSP trial in Pickneyville, Illinois, Dennis Brath handled Natasha to her first placement in broke stakes. Natasha had two finds, the first a single and the second one on a covey. Needless to say I was ecstatic to hear her named for the callback. She stood through the shot and fall. Once she was sent, she retrieved nicely to hand and the wait was on. I was very happy when she placed second in the stake.

On Sunday I had the opportunity to handle her myself in the Amateur. She had multiple finds and finished with a good race. I felt the only thing she had against her were my handling skills. Happy that I had got her around the course I called it a good day. I was really surprised when she again was put up for the callback.

Knowing I had to get to St. Louis for my flight back to the East Coast, I gathered up Dennis and the judges for a quick photo. The expression on my face is but a small reflection of the elation I felt as she was awarded second place in the Amateur.
Thank you to the judges, Rick Heller, Patrick Van de Hei, and Tim Zick and a special thanks to Dennis Brath, who took on my renegade runoff and made an honest dog of her.

John L.

lvrgsp · Post by **lvrgsp** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 8:12 am

Congratulations John, I knew it was only a matter of time, she's a nice dog. I've seen her run there a few times before and she showed well there.
Again congrats to you, Dennis and Natasha.

Chip

High Roll-N-Angel · Post by **High Roll-N-Angel** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:02 am

Congrats John! She's a nice dog. You are well deserving of it. A great start to spring trial season!

Hotpepper · Post by **Hotpepper** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 12:14 pm

Congratulations and welcome to the club with the hook in your jaw. Championship points are just wonderful

Pepper

Ruby's Best Friend · Post by **Ruby's Best Friend** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 2:01 pm

Congratulations Natasha, John & Dennis for the Gateway trial ! Good Luck on the east coast leg of your trial season I will be looking forward to seeing Natasha run again when she gets back in the Midwest. Keep up the good work.

Ron

Fieldmaster · Post by **Fieldmaster** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 2:33 pm

John,
A HUGE Congrats to you , Dennis and Natasha. Dennis has done an excellent Job developing her and it is starting to come together. Best of luck in the upcoming trials and thanks a bunch to both you and Dennis on your commitment to her. Sure you guys aren't done yet.

Robert

Elroy's Bandit · Post by **Elroy's Bandit** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 2:48 pm

Woooo Hooo!!!

Nice job John. congrats to you Natasha & Dennis on a double nice weeknd. It was fun watching her run this weekend. Natasha is really starting to come into a zone for you. You must of had a good scout with you for the AGD. :roll: LOL
Bill L.

Tejas · Post by **Tejas** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:15 pm

Congrats's John and a big old Texas attaboy (girl) to Natasha. I knew her day would come.

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:06 am

Thanks everyone, it feels great to be part of the fraternity.

I should really thank my trusty and able scout. Without whom, I would not have been able to run my dog. Here’s to one of the best dog guys Chicago has the privilege to call their own.

Take a bow, Bill.

John L.

Elroy's Bandit · Post by **Elroy's Bandit** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:44 am

Where did you find that rare photo John. I'm actually on the horse, not the ground

It was a pleasure riding with you & Natasha this past weekend, it was all her!!!
Bill L.

Tejas · Post by **Tejas** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 1:08 pm

I'm beginning to understand why Doc can be occasionally skittish.

Elroy's Bandit · Post by **Elroy's Bandit** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 2:27 pm

Ouch Ken!! He looks like a little donkey with me on him, doesn't he?

Bill L.

WildRose · Post by **WildRose** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 11:52 pm

Congrats. You started with a quality pup from Robert, and got a top notch trainer and handler in Dennis. I'm not surprised at all by the result! Now of course the hook is set and you are "in the game" HA!

BrettBryan · Post by **BrettBryan** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 6:50 am

Zephyr,

Congratulations! It sounds like Natasha did a really nice job for you. I talked to Bobby the other night and he said you had placed her a couple of times. That's great! Keep up the good work(You and Natasha)!

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 5:44 am

This weekend at the Eastern GSP trial at the Setter Club in Medford, NJ, I handled Natasha to fourth place in Open Gun Dog and third place in Amateur Limited. Both stakes were retrieving. Her run has returned but we haven’t fully come to terms as a team. I’ll work with her this week and try to reinforce our relationship.
I would also like to thank Joe Amatulli for scouting her and keeping an eye on both the dog and the handler.

John L.

jbogacki76 · Post by **jbogacki76** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 8:02 pm

Way to go!!! Good job.

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 11:19 am

Last weekend at the Nutmeg GSPC I handled Natasha to a third in Open Limited, It was a twenty dog stake.

I'd like to thank Bobby Seeley of Thurmont, Maryland for scouting my dog in the brace.

John L.

Fieldmaster · Post by **Fieldmaster** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 11:39 am

John,
Congrats on your placement at Nutmeg. You guys seem to be clicking very well right now. Keep knocking on the door she is a very nice bitch.

Robert

Joe Amatulli · Post by **Joe Amatulli** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 12:55 pm

Well now look what you've done, I'm not going be able to taulk to you anymore

Congrad John

Tejas · Post by **Tejas** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 1:56 pm

So that's five placements in a month..... she and you are really putting it together. Congrats to both.

-Ken

Elroy's Bandit · Post by **Elroy's Bandit** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 8:05 pm

Big congrats John & Natasha. Keep it up, you two are on a roll ! Hope your Anna Belle is feeling better.
Hey, I have not seen any pictures of the events. Well??????
Bill L.

Ruby's Best Friend · Post by **Ruby's Best Friend** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 1:23 pm

Congratulations! Natasha and you are on a roll. I hope Annabell is doing good. Hope to catch up with you in Ionia.

Ron

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 8:16 am

Thanks, guys.

Yesterday, at the Diamond State GSPC trial, Natasha placed third in Amateur Gun. The course was very tight on the Petersburg, Delaware grounds.

I'd like to thank Mr. Michael Glass from the great state of Maryland for helping me thread the needle

Oh, Bill. I left all the paparazzi out in the midwest. I don't know how you guys live with it. As you are well aware, everyone's so much more down to earth here on the East Coast. Lol

See you at Ionia.

John L.

Tejas Jr · Post by **Tejas Jr** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 6:02 pm

John,
Congrats to you and Natasha on your recent successes.
If you're going to be in Ionia give my "Boy" a headscratch or two...if you'll do that for me , I promise not to tell anybody about your shooting prowess down in Texas.

Wayne T.

Elroy's Bandit · Post by **Elroy's Bandit** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 9:38 am

Hmmm..... "shooting prowess".
Ken, I might need some details regarding that

Sounds like something I should know about!

Ken, why don't you do a road trip up to Michigan and join us.
Bill L.

Tejas · Post by **Tejas** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 10:12 am

Bill,

It seems my brother has discovered the internet as he is now posting as Tejas Jr. I didn't know it ran all the way to Brownwood.

I was not a witness to John's "shooting prowess", so I can't reliably comment.

I wish I could take a road trip and join you guys. It would darn sure be more fun than trying to make a living in the banking business right now.

. I'm thinking of starting to tell people that I am employed as a piano player in a brothel instead. :roll: :roll:

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 5:48 pm

Sheesh, Aren't we having a good time at the Ol' Brow's expense. Here I sit on the ferry enroute to another trial and little beknowst to me.......

I'd be glad to give "boy" a little attention. After all, I'll be feeding him, watering him and shoveling...er.....

No problem. I'll give him an ear scratch or two.

Bill, speaking of shooting, I think you still owe me a ten spot from your last "double or nuthin'" call.

John L.

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 8:05 pm

Last weekend I ran Natasha in the Connecticut Valley Vizsla Club trial held at the Flaherty Field Trial Grounds. She placed third in Open Gun Dog and second in the Open Limited. I'll try to post some images when I receive them.

A very nice young lady from Virginia scouted for me and found Natasha on point when I couldn't.

We've had a productive run on the East Coast leg of the season.

It'll be good to see everyone again at Ionia.

John L.

Fieldmaster · Post by **Fieldmaster** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 8:24 pm

Congrats John, You have had an Outstanding go over the last 6 weeks. Things are starting to click.

Robert

Chief_dog · Post by **Chief_dog** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 11:05 am

Congrat’s John, Natasha has sure been on a Roll. I talked to Wildrose quite a bit about that trial, and he couldn’t say enough good things about her. He was extremely impressed with the quality dogs he saw in each of the stakes and spent more time talking about Natasha than he did Duke, in fact I had to really get out the crowbar to find out Duke had won the Limited.

Ya’ll keep up the good work, any dog he says that much nice about must be a heck of a dog and you as an owner deserve to be very proud

ACooper · Post by **ACooper** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 2:03 pm

Very good job, what does she need to finish?

Tejas · Post by **Tejas** » Tue May 19, 2009 11:11 pm

With Natasha's Open Gun Dog win at the Four Lakes trial, she either must have finished her FC or be on the cusp of doing so.
She has really been consistent this spring season and that's a great thing. Congrats John.

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Sat May 23, 2009 9:42 am

Natasha is currently carrying 5 Open retrieving points from her win at the Four lakes trial as well as the 2 Amateur retrieving points she picked up in Pickneyville at the Gateway trial for her second place finish.

My placements on the East coast were numerous but without points. It was good to keep her on the ground and competitive.

I'm very happy with her recent win. Dennis Brath has done very well in cultivating her enthusiasim.

John L.

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Fri May 29, 2009 6:17 pm

I was hoping to receive additional images from some of the Spring trials, but these are some nice photos of Natasha's retrieve in the call back for the Open Limited at the Connecticut Valley Vizsla Club.

Natasha on point

Natasha on the retrieve

The Zephyr in flight

John L.

DGFavor · Post by **DGFavor** » Fri May 29, 2009 6:26 pm

Those are awesome man!! She's right up my alley - go ahead and just send her on out, got an open spot for her!!

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 6:32 am

Dr. Favor,

Thank you for the compliments regarding my young charge.

This fall we'll probably make it as far west as the Hun. Championship/Region 8 in Wyoming.

At her tender young age, I couldn't possibly in good conscience, condone Natasha crossing the Divide without a proper chaperone and his 20 Ga. Fox.

If you catch my drift....

With regards,

John L.

DGFavor · Post by **DGFavor** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 8:44 am

If you catch my drift....

Copy that, loud and clear!! Just say when, we're always open!!

GrayDawg · Post by **GrayDawg** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 5:36 am

I just found this thread and wanted to add a little something........
...... while I've never seen Natasha run, I just recently spent 2.5 days up in Maine with her owner, John and his other
dog- Annabelle, an 8 year old female GSP. Both John & "Anna" were simply great to be around and share an upland bird hunting
experience with. John is an experienced & polite wingshooter who was simply a real good guy. Anna was a very well-mannered
girl who put up with my 5 month old puppy being..... well.... a puppy! Anna's manners around birds were simply flawless & she
was a great role model for my Katy. For my part, we had a very enjoyable 2.5 days of wingshooting in the Rangely area.

So in short- from my perspective, this success couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.

Rob

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:15 am

Thanks for the compliments Rob. Good to see you at Flaherty last weekend.

On Saturday, December 5, I ran Natasha in Open Gun Dog at the Connecticut Valley Vizsla Club Fall Walking Trial. She ran big and had a single find on a covey of quail. The judges were very impressed with her race and placed her second in a field of twenty entries.
This is the last trial for us this year. Natasha accumulated 10 placements in the last 9 months, 1 first, 4 seconds, 4 thirds & a fourth. She is returning to Texas Winter Camp with Dennis Brath. I hope to handle her in February at Freer in the Region 7 Amateur as well as the San Antonio & Gulf Coast GSP Club trials.

A big thanks to Dennis Brath of Caden's Kennels for developing Natasha into a first class bird dog.

John L.

snips · Post by **snips** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 9:21 pm

Nice job!

remmy · Post by **remmy** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 10:52 pm

John, congrats on your placements this year. Hope to see you again at the EGSPC in March and at the Region 2 in April.

Rob

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 8:36 am

Thank you, Brenda.

Rob, I'll be flying Natasha back from the Freer trials in February. She isn't qualified for Boonville so I'm bringing her home for March & April. Look forward to seeing you at the Setter Club.
In May we'll head back to Ionia for the Region 4 and conclude the trial season in the upper midwest.
To everyone,
Enjoy the holidays with your families and let's hope for some positive change in this new year.

John L.

raven3 · Post by **raven3** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 7:16 pm

Hey John
How the heck are ya? Might I say I watched Natasha's brace at CVVC. She ran a great run.. Handled like a dream. Heck of a dog you got there...Look forward to spring as well. Dennis may go to the setter club in Feb with Tucker and Raven. I will be home on kid and puppy watch....

Hope all is great with you..
Jen

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:10 am

OK, I'll put her back out there again.

Natasha finished up the year as the #5 Open Gun Dog as reported by the GSP Chronicle.

This spring she has picked up two placements, a third in Open Gun at the Eastern trial and a third in Open Limited at the Southern New England Brittany Club. I'd like to thank Dennis Hazel for helping me get Natasha around the Setter Club.

In the last year I've traveled quite a bit campaigning Natasha across the east, south, midwest and mountain west. I have come to the belief that our sport is comprised of really good people and have enjoyed meeting so many of them. I'd like to thank everyone for their genuine support, guidance and friendship.

John Lucey

GrayDawg · Post by **GrayDawg** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 9:25 am

John,
Natasha is just tryin' to impress her new "little sister".
And on that note- have you finally decided on a name for the new little girl?

I'll be at Flaherty this Saturday- Katy is out of season.

Rob

High Roll-N-Angel · Post by **High Roll-N-Angel** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 9:35 am

Congrats John! Nice accomplishment.

Fieldmaster · Post by **Fieldmaster** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 10:26 am

Huge Congrats John!!!!! Very much deserving of dedicated Owner / Handler. She is a very very nice bitch that has Dual written all over her. Good luck with the rest of the Spring. How is that new girl making out?

Robert

raven3 · Post by **raven3** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:14 pm

GO Natasha GO!!!!!!!

Good job John!!!! She is exciting to watch, just don't ask me to scout for you.... LOL!

How is the pretty little white pup doing? Love her.

Hope to see you soon.
Jen

snips · Post by **snips** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 7:57 pm

Big Congrats on all you have done!!!

The Zephyr · Post by **The Zephyr** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 5:54 am

Thanks everyone.

Her status as #5 was gleaned from the March issue of the GSP
chronicle, AKC by Dogs Defeated . The April issue states her as #6 GSPCA.

Now if I could only get my dues in on time this year.......

Although this thread is for Natasha, it seems there's a real interest in her half-sister, "Legs".

So her she is:

John L.