Spitfire, 3-year-old setter female, owned and handled by Mike Spotts of Bloomsburg, PA, won the title of National Amateur Grouse Champion on October 13, 2012, over the extensive wooded venue at the site of famed Grouse Ridge Setters, Norwich, NY.
“Lola” faced down a strong 39-dog field of top grouse dogs handled by amateurs. “Lola” ran fast, smooth and forward and with arresting style. She consistently hit objectives near and far as they were presented. At the 25-minute mark her bell was believed to have stopped and scout Dick Brenneman found her standing proudly with high head and tail. The grouse was right in front where she said it was and “Lola” was motionless for the flush and shot. She carried on with drive and responsive handling for the hour and finished with undiminished pace…going away at the pickup.
Spitfire is a product of our kennel. Her early start here found her matched with another nice female pup of similar age in Straight Forward, who was Runner-Up Champion at the Northern New England Woodcock Championship just a few weeks previous. Mike had his choice of the two pups from different litters and his journey with Lola testifies to his making a good choice for both himself and “Lola”. “Lola” is the product of Mike’s hard work and dedication as an amateur. While Lola has never been with a pro, she and Mike benefit from the advice of professional Tom Gingher and the occasional use of his grounds outside Bloomsburg, PA.
Spitfire’s breeding (Bold Move X Jumpstart) reflects a strategic effort on the breeders’ part to reinforce and fix the blood of 5X Ch. wild bird Ch. Pennstar in Lola’s litter. Pennstar is the sire of both Bold Move (Pennstar X Sorber Run Serena) and Jumpstart (Pennstar ex Grouse River Jessie). Bold Move, brother to Grand National Grouse Ch. Full Tilt, is now retired. He was campaigned with success on the grouse circuit as a derby and all-age competitior. Jumpstart, now owned by Mike, also has had a number of recent all-age wins under his whistle and she has been challenging in Championship stakes for the last year. She won the prestigous Pennsylania Grouse Trial Club, Open All-Age stake in the spring of 2012.
The moment when the announcement of Lola’s win was made was all the sweeter for Mike as his wife Amber and 7 mo. old son, Jacob (first field trial), were at his side. It does not get any better than this!
