Conn. Pointer 2nd In U.S. Futurity

Miss American Pie

CONN. POINTER

TAKES 2ND

 IN U.S. 

SHOOTING DOG

 FUTURITY

Miss American Pie

 is owned by 

Dave O'Brien

 of Marlborough, Conn.

Miss American Pie, a pointer female owned by Dave O'Brien of Marlborough, Conn., handled by Pat Casey, of South Hill, Va. (formerly of Massachusetts), and scouted by John Stolgitis, of Rhode Island, placed second in the United States Shooting Dog Futurity held Jan. 27-29, 2015, at the Sandhills Field Trial Area near Hoffman, N.C. Forty-four dogs were entered in the event. Judges were Mack and Nan Hilliard of West End, N.C.

Miss American Pie with scout John Stolgitis and handler Pat Casey.

Miss American Pie, also known as "Kate," was bred by Stacey Goodie. The pointer was handled by Casey to two finds, a back and one unproductive, coupled with a classy forward ground coverage, according to reporter Mike Husenits.

First-place winner was Sinbad's Bear, a pointer male owned by John Roswech of Chester, N.J., bred by Rob and Lisa Butler of La Grange, Ky., and handled by Shawn Kinkelaar. Third was Waybetter Rocky, pointer male owned and bred by Carl and Collin Bishop of Punxsutawey, Pa., and handled by Car Bishop. Fourth place was Ladywood's Keepsake, pointer female owned by Becky Johnson of Glenvile, Pa., Brian Sanchez of Central Islip, NY., and Ted Foust of Harrisburg Pa., and bred and handled by Keanette Tracy of Glenville, Pa.

Upon completion of the initial 30-minute series, judges called back 14 contenders for the one-hour second-series. Performances are judged based on the entire 90 minutes.

Passages: Beaver Meadow Benjamin

PASSAGES:

 BEAVER MEADOW BENJAMIN 

2001-2015

Erin Stolgitis getting ready to run 10-year-old retired champion Beaver Meadow Benjamin in the Gun Dog stake on his home grounds of the Arcadia Management Area in Exeter, R.I., at Arcadia Field Trial Club's annual spring trial on May 1, 2011.

Video of Beaver Meadow Benjamin pointing a woodcock in 2008.

Pedigree of Beaver Meadow Benjamin Pointer male CH Beaver Meadow Benjamin CH Jebs VD CH Van Mac Jebs Dottie CH Beaver Meadow Bette CH Black Letter Flattery

Karen Unsworth writes:  "I learned from John Stolgitis today (Monday, Feb. 9, 2015) that Beaver Meadow Benjamin was laid to rest last week. John, I know you’ll tell us about Benny when you are ready but I hope you don’t mind a short eulogy here as I know so many people admired your great dog.  Benny was special … period. He was given to John as a pup and John started winning with him right from the start. There was so much to like about him … he was fast, he was fancy, he ran to the limits, he always found birds and when John bellowed … here came Benny … and if he didn’t come … go find him on point.  I remember the first time I saw him. I didn’t know very much about field trialing but you would have to be blind not to recognize that Benjamin was an exceptional animal. I didn’t have a dog at that time but I knew after that day that when I got one … it was going to be a Benny dog.  Before his career was cut short due to injury, he was a force to be reckoned with … always a threat no matter the venue. As a sire, he produced some great dogs … and his progeny are producing as well. I don’t know the number of Champions produced in this line but it’s a big one. I feel honored to own and run “Benny dogs” and hopefully this line will continue thru John’s (and others) breeding programs.  Benjamin lived to a ripe old age and had a great life with John and his family.  I offer my condolences to John, Jill and Erin. God just got himself one great bird dog."