December 2025 Newsletter

President's Message

Welcome to the 90th edition of the MGDA’s AGM, the oldest continually operating Retriever club in Canada. What an accomplishment by the club volunteers over all those years!

What a year it was, challenging and rewarding. Challenged by the late spring weather then a drought.

Spring Training Days – Organized by Kelly Francey were well attended and appreciated especially by newer members thanks to a number of experienced ones who shared their knowledge. Cold spring weather hampered a few of the days.

Field Trials and Hunt Tests – Were run by the teams of Matt and Crystal and Geoff and Dewayne, thanks so much for stepping up and running them. Always well done and fun to be at.

National Preparations - A huge amount of effort went into prepping for the National in the months and weeks prior. Hundreds of volunteer hours arranging excavating, clearing brush, foxtail and bullrushes, roadwork, mowing, repairing and painting picnic tables, the storage trailer and equipment repairs as well as general cleanup. Then a summer drought caused the ponds to drop and become unsafe and unusable. The solution involved renting a 6” diesel pump and 1200ft hose. A dedicated group of volunteers dropped what they were doing and got it done. With Tim and his excavator donating their time and funding from the NRCC the ponds were refilled in three days. And then it rained for days.

The National – The grounds were spectacular, numerous contestants said it was the best run National ever. Our success was due to the great team of volunteers on the committee and helpers during the well organized and well-run event. Too many to list but in particular were marshals Colin and Murry who toiled daily in the weeks before and from dawn till dusk and beyond during it. Their experience and liaison with the judges ensured everything ran smoothly. And kudos to Moni for catering and to Carrie for fundraising and publicity. Well fed people are happy people and it’s important to make a few bucks. When it was all over four of the ten finalists were club members - Matt with two dogs, Scott with one and amateur winner

Peter with Rocket. Congratulations! What a compliment to the quality of our club and its members!

In Closing, the club as we know it today came as a result of members volunteering from the very beginning back in 1935. Our property and clubhouse are the envy of all retriever clubs in Canada and we're the only club that can host an entire National without leaving our property. Volunteers have driven the success of the MGDA and will continue to do so only with your help. Don't just join we don't need your donation we need your time at work parties, special projects and grounds maintenance. By participating you will have fun and meet new people who will help you train your furry friend. I certainly have during my

fifty years as a member.

I look forward to thanking you for your future participation.

Best regards,

Bob Norris

2025 President

Meet our New Board

We are excited to introduce your 2026 Board of Directors!

President - Allan Robertson

Vice-President - Medie Robinson

Secretary - Linda Horner

Treasurer - Larry Lewarton

Directors - Kyle Cooke, James Oake, Scott Anderson

Top MGDA Dogs for 2025

High Point Open

FTCH AFTCH Razor’s NX Generation QFTR “Tosh”

For two years in a row, our High Point 2025 Open Field Trial award was presented to Scott Anderson and FTCH AFTCH Razor’s NX Generation QFTR “Tosh”. Together this team earned the top points in the Open field trial game for Manitoba club events.

High Point Qualifying

Razor’s Always Bet on Black QFTR MH NBAR “Kas”

Wrapping up an eventful year for Kas by earning top spot with the 2025 High Point Qualifying Trial award. Geoff Plouffe and this black beauty will be one to watch moving forward in trials as well as in a multitude of dog sports.

2025 Canadian National Amateur Champion

NAFTCH FTCH AFTCH Razor’s Red River Rocket QFTR JFTR “Rocket”

Handled by our very own Peter Dozios all while acting as Chairman for the National held on our grounds!

Master National Hunter

NMH GMH Prairiestorm Summer Skye MH WCX “Skye”

Geoff Plouffe and Skye travelled to the Canadian National Master in BC where they were successful in achieving their National Master Hunt title. This is huge accomplishment.

2025 Titles

This year we once again celebrate the many accomplishments of our MGDA handler teams. We had an excellent year in our Hunt Test, Field Trial, and at the National level.

National Retriever Finalists

FTCH AFTCH Docheno’s Got Me All Fired Up QFTR Matt Mutcheson

FTCH AFTCH Razor's Livin On Da Edge QFTR Scott Anderson

FTCH AFTCH Razor's MM And All That Jazz QFTR Matt Mutcheson

New FTCHs/AFTCHs

FTCH Windy River Win-Some Willows QFTR Jusy Andrew

FTCH AFTCH Docheno’s Got Me All Fired Up QFTR Matt Mutcheson

NAFTCH FTCH AFTCH Razor’s Red River Rocket QFTR JFTR Peter Dozois

New AFC

AFC FTCH AFTCH Baypoint Black Bugatti QFTR Medie Robinson

New QFTRs

Razor’s Always Bet on Black QFTR MH NBAR Geoff Plouffe

Razor’s Built for the Wild QFTR Carrie Whenham

Grassypond’s In A State of Euphoria QFTR Matt Mutcheson

New JHs

Caywood’s Little Mystery Raven JH Michael Leipsic

Clubmead Put Me In Coach JH Bob Norris

Tawny Hunter of Oak Hammock Labs JH Nathan Pollard

New SH

Wintoba’s Little Black Devil SH WCI Blake Hasiuk

New MH

Razor’s Always Bet on Black QFTR MH NBAR Geoff Plouffe