click on the pic to enlarge Standing, L-R: Karen and Ted (Mixed Breed), Sally (Box Loader/Line Coach) Kneeling L-R: Sarah and Madison (Black Lab), Mark and Jasmine (Chocolate Lab), Marnie and Whim (Border Collie), Mark and Kobi (Mixed Breed), Kira and Rosie (Black Lab)

Milwaukee Dog's Great Balls of Fur Flyball Team takes 1st in Henry!

The weather was cool but the flyball was hot, hot, hot as Milwaukee Dog's Great Balls of Fur raced in the River City Flyers Reloaded Flyball Tournament at the Marshall Putnam Fairgrounds in Henry, IL. The weekend's team line-up included: Rosie and Jasmine (Kira Haslam), Madison (Sarah Willems), Kobi (Mark Anderson), Whim (Marnie Hammerle) and Teddy (Karen Michalski). Mark Haslam and Sally Haldorson provided support as box loader and line coach.

Unfortunately, Saturday proved to be a tough-luck day for the team as they raced well, losing only 2 races, but found themselves in a 4-way tie for 1st place with one race to go. The dogs and handlers gave it their all and won that last race, but due to some flip-flops in the standings, the team dropped into a tie for 3rd place. That tie was broken by "fastest heat time" and ultimately the team was awarded the 4th place prize. After a chilly night of camping, Sunday presented a chance to make up for the missed opportunity on Saturday. Looking for speed and tight passes, the team switched up its line-up and really pushed the envelope, breaking out (running too fast) twice in the first 2 races (clocking a satisfying 18.97 sec heat). Trying to prevent elimination by another breakout (only 3 breakouts are allowed), the team changed up their strategy again, and held onto the lead, and their composure, throughout the day. The reward for strong teamwork? 1st place prize in Division 3! Congrats to the dogs and handlers and helpers for meeting all of the challenges of the weekend!

- Submitted by Sally Haldorson

Rosie	Jasmine
Madison	Kobi
Whim	Teddy