June 13, 2010
New Prague, MN
Team STIHL made tracks
to the 2010 America’s River Fest at the Port of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA. on June 11th, 2010. The jumping dogs have been
traveling to, what the locals like to call, the Masterpiece on the Mississippi,
for 6 years now and Team
STIHL
has been there every year competing and marking their spot on the Town’s
history.
Tom Dropik and his high drive Labrador
Retrievers have been traveling to Dubuque for 6 years. In 2005 Tom Dropik and
his Hall Of Famer Tucker invented the sport of Extreme Vertical and
participated in DockDogs 2005 Central Division
Championships. After that, Dubuque became an annual stop for Tom and his
Labradors. This year Tom ventured in to new and exciting territory. Tom’s 7
year old daughter McKenzie earned her way on the team and made her debut at the
Festival. McKenzie Dropik and her power house Black Labrador Retriever Rocky
arrived in Dubuque on Friday afternoon. First things First, a Live Radio
interview with Dad. Then it was on the dock for a quick demonstration from Dad,
a little Discussion with Dad, then, it was all up to DockDogs
newest Junior Handler to show the crowd that all her hard work and training
with her dad is sure to pay off. And pay off it did. McKenzie and Rocky showed
all the Poise and Professionalism of a veteran team. The crowd watched in
amazement as McKenzie commanded Rocky to his start position. Then as she lined
up and made her toss and released Rocky as the crowd exploded and Rocky took
over from there. The newest member of Team STIHL instantly
became the crowd favorite for the remainder of the day and in to Saturday
morning.
Due to family commitments back in their
home town of New Prague, MN, Team
STIHL’s Tom
Dropik and McKenzie had to depart on Saturday afternoon. McKenzie and Rocky
enjoyed their ride home with their 1st Place, 2nd Place,
and 3rd Place ribbons.
Next stop. . . The Bemidji Game Fair
& Pet Expo at the Beltrami Country Fairgrounds in Bemidji, MN June 18 – 20,
2010.
Tom’s been working very hard with his
new work in progress Jimmy. Maybe we’ll get to the Tom make his debut with
Jimmy then.
Stay tuned. . .