Album - Water Test - September 7, 2024

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LCA Water Test

2024 LCA Water Test hosted by LCNW

Saturday & Sunday, September 6 & 7, 2024

On a warm, hazy weekend in early September, the LCNW hosted a 4th annual LCA Water Test weekend. Deep Lake at Nolte State Park (Enumclaw, WA) was dotted with paddleboards and people fishing. Brazen squirrels eyed the picnic tables while exhibitors, volunteers, and friends from across the region set up crates, chairs and tents (and, yes, everyone’s favorite: the tiny generator and coffeemaker) in preparation for back-to-back LCA and NCA water tests.

Four LCNW teams prepared for the 2024 two-day event. Despite the foggy mornings, the water was warm. Team Bensen requalified for back-to-back WRDX titles on Saturday and Sunday! Team Dizzy requalified for WD on Saturday! Congratulations all around! The qualifying Leos received a medal to wear. Each team received a stemless wine glass with etched Leo jumping over waves and a large collagen chew for participation. Photos of exhibitors and exercises from Saturday and Sunday are on also on the LCNW Facebook page.

Many Thanks

Thank you to NCA Judges Deborah Rothwell and Laura Gallagher, and thank you to all of the volunteers from LCNW and NCS (Newfoundland Club of Seattle) who made this weekend happen. We are so lucky to have the camaraderie and experience of the regional Newfoundland club. And the roots are deeper than one might expect. Two volunteers for this weekend’s test were also present at the very first water work demonstration for a fledgling Leonberger club in 1991. On that summer day, Ingrid Nussle Lyden and her Newfoundland delighted a crowd of Leo owners at the Lake Sammamish Leonberger Picnic and reunion for Mary & Reiner Decher’s A-litter. Among those present in 1991, and 2024, was Junko Ferguson.

Thank you, Junko and Ingrid. And thank you to Jody, Jessica, Lise, Wally, John W., Mark N.*, Maria*, Anne, Eric, Susan, Lanelle, Shane, Kelli, Michelle, Jo, Peter, Melody, Ellen, Eleanor, Kristin, Marylou, John O., Mark D., Jodi, Chris, Amy and to everyone present who answered questions about our dogs and the tests throughout out the event. The real success of the weekend is measured in miles driven, steps up and down the rocky slope, and swims strokes of volunteers. There are many roles to play in a water test, and the exhibitors and LCNW Water Test Committee are incredibly grateful to the actual village of LCNW and NCS volunteers who make this activity possible.

At the end of each day, every Leo – whether exhibitor or patient observer – went home wet and happy.  A winning day for all.

* First-time LCNW water test volunteers

Congratulations Team Bensen and Team Dizzy!
The LCNW Water Test Committee is very proud of the four LCNW teams who trained and prepared for the 2024 Water Test weekend!

  • Bensen & Jody Woodruff – Requalified for back-to-back WRDX titles on Saturday and Sunday 
  • Baylor & Jody Woodruff
  • Dizzy & Lise Brandhagen – Requalified for WD on Saturday!
  • Pippi & Lise Brandhagen

Find photos of the 2024 Saturday LCNW Water Test by clicking on the "LCA Water Test Photo Gallery - Saturday, September 6, 2024" button.

LCA Water Test Photo Gallery - Saturday, September 6, 2024

The Prizes:

The qualifying Leos received a medal to wear. Each team received a stemless wine glass with etched Leo jumping over waves and a large collagen chew for participation.

Get involved:

Did you know you don’t have to swim in order to volunteer for a water test? To learn more or discover how you can support LCNW working dog activities, please email a board member or the LCNW secretary at secretary@leonbergerclubnw.com