Proudly hosted by SOUTHERN MAINE BEAGLE CLUB Buxton, Maine

The 2007 Futurity began with exceptionally nice weather for July - upper 60's to low 70's were the highs, and each class each morning had good starts on the plentiful hare at Southern Maine Beagle Club. West Buxton is very close to the ocean in southern Maine, and it's evident by the sandy soil and swampy areas in the low parts of the running pens. The hare obviously love it, and it makes for good running. The club had a new shelter in addition to their clubhouse to accommodate folks, and plenty of room for campers and such. As in previous years, the beaglers came from as far south as Louisiana and as far north as New Brunswick, Canada to run their 2-year-olds in this prestigious breeder's trial.

Saturday morning the female classes were measured and painted, then taken to the field to be under the judgment of Jeremy Flanders and Jim Becker. Those of us who stayed back for the annual Futurity meeting were glad to hear the bitch classes get a start immediately. The committee met discussing the usual - treasurer's report, old business, new business, etc. and in attendance with the delegates and officers were Purina Rep and Large Pack Association member Vic Costanza, who is also a BAC member, and AKC Rep Mickey Sergio. During the meeting, Mickey discussed AKC's new program to establish a title of Grand Champion for beagles in field trials. He was asking for input from the Large Pack folks as to what qualifications they felt should be met to garner the title of Grand Champion. Many ideas were thrown on the table, such as doubling the requirement already in place for FC, or possibly having more champion only trials where dogs could earn their Grand Champion title. Although not everyone agreed on the requirements, all seemed to feel adding a Grand Champion title would be a good thing. Vic will take the input he gets from the Large Pack folks to the BAC when they meet next to discuss it.

The "boardwalk" facilitates walking through swampier areas.

Dennis Palmer and Dan Kane did the honors of measuring.

Official painter Ed Brown puts a number on Steve Guy's hound.

Vic Costanza, Mickey Sergio, and Dan Kane discuss the possible qualifying criteria for an AKC Grand Champion title.