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. . .