“Cassie”
FC AFC CFC Ballymena Lucky Shamrock MH “Cassie”
May 4, 2004 – March 27, 2017
Bred by R.K. Scarlett of Bismarck, North Dakota
Trained by Tom Ness of Oahe Kennels, Menoken, North Dakota
Handled by Tom Ness and Lisa and Hob Brown
Owned and loved by Lisa and Hob Brown
Cassie weighed 22 pounds and was known as “little baby.” She was smart and she was fast, requiring the handler to always anticipate her next move. She could wind a bird and put it in the air before you knew it. She had a big personality in a small body, always wagging her tail and eager to go. Quickly retrieving a cock pheasant was not problem for her despite her size. She had a soft mouth and “hupped” as she delivered the bird to hand which always impressed the judge. She excelled in complicated situations like difficult retrieves where she could be handled like a retriever.
Cassie was trained by Tom Ness, who had trained both her sire and dam and coordinated her breeding. Cassie adored Tom. He built a wonderful relationship with her which was obvious in their performance.
Cassie competed in field trails across the USA and Canada. She was a consistent performer and was viewed as one of the dogs to beat. She was a Field Champion, Amateur Field Champion, Canadian Field Champion and Master Hunter. In Canada, Cassie literally competed against dogs twice her size as Canadian trials are open to both cockers and springers.
In 2007, Cassie placed second at the National Cocker Championship in Wisconsin. The following year she placed third in Montana. Later, in 2012, she earned a Certificate of Merit. All totaled, she completed the six series national event five times. She has 40 ribbons on her ribbon rack including nine for first place. She was always a contender and a crowd favorite.
At home, Cassie liked to carry shoes from room to room. Be it a slipper or a hunting boot, you were always looking for a shoe.