Kathleen Rasinowich-Platt and her Golden Retriever Shale (OTCH First String’s Liv’n on the Edge UDX9, NA, NAJ, CGC) took top honors in winning the 2006 Obedience Dog of the year.   Winning the most obedience trial championship (OTCH) points over the calendar year is perhaps the highest achievement in AKC obedience competition. 

On February 10th this year, Gary and I traveled to New York to attend an awards banquet (sponsored by Purina and Dogs in Review) for the 2006 Top Dogs in the country for breed and obedience.  The trophy is the shape of an Oscar and is called a ‘Winkie’.  It weighs 7 pounds and has his name engraved on the base.  Airport security was initially concerned about this "blunt instrument" in our carry on baggage, but allowed us to board.  We left before the snow storm and long flight delays.  We home a life size poster of Shale, and many wonderful memories of the formal "black tie" celebration banquet and of New York City.