First OTCH

Editor’s Note: As we just released our most recent OTCH listing this month we though the following article would be fun. Initially published in September 1977 Front & Finish. We apologize for the quality of the picture. It was scanned from on old copy of the 1977 F&F issue which was then published on newsprint.

 Russell Klipple and His Golden Retriever “Morland’s Golden Tonka UD” accumulated enough points to become the first obedience champion on Saturday, July 23, 1977. The following day Topbrass Cisco Kid and his owner, Pauline Czarnecki, earned their obedience championship. They earned the OTCH title a mere three weeks after championships were instituted.

 Tonka exceeded the required 100 points on July 23, 1977 at the Nita Nee show in Pennsylvania. He finished in 13 shows and 23 classes with two per- fect scores and none less than 195. Tonka is the l6th Utility dog that Klipple has handled.

“Topbrass Cisco Kid”, trained and handled by Pauline Czarnecki who completed the champi- onship requirements the next day at the Northern Kentucky Kennel Club Show on July 24, 1977. Cisco had four High in Trials on his three week campaign andfinished with 118 Points.