Bird dog retires to the capital




Parker and Fawn participating in the 2018 US K9 Biathlon in Aniston, Alabama.

Parker and Fawn participating in the 2018 US K9 Biathlon in Aniston, Alabama.

After a long and successful career, a local German Shorthair Pointer will spend the rest of his life living out his retirement in the Bird Dog Capital of the World.

The start of a canine-owner power team began on a humble note. Fawn Kovach’s family birthed a litter of German Shorthaired Pointer pups. One of the males struggled to begin life.

“I was not supposed to get him because all the puppies were already spoken for before they were born. But he was born gasping for air and barely had a heartbeat,” Kovach said. “ My mom handed him to me and told me if I could get him going, I could keep him. So, I gave him mouth to mouth and got him to start nursing and since then nothing has held him back.”

German Shorthaired Pointers are versatile and tend to excel at anything they do. Kovach’s dog’s registered name, Sonrise Valentine, along with 20 accomticipated panying abbreviations, is a tribute to all that he accomplished, including 35 titles in 10 events. However, Kovach fondly refers to him as “Parker” at home.

Parker has participated in various American Kennel Club (AKC) events, including agility where he ran around a ring and jumped. He also par- in dock diving. Diving includes measuring the distance a dog jumps into the water off of a pier. In 2016, he was named the fastest dog at the 100- yard dash, clocking in at 33.7 mph. One of his favorite events is the barn hunt, searching for live rats enclosed in tubes hidden in hay. He is considered to be an altered grand champion in the AKC circuit.

Kovach, who entered the dog competition world along with Parker said, “He has done pretty much everything,” They started out in conformation competitions, where dogs are evaluated by how closely they resemble their breed’s standard, based on their ability to breed. Unfortunately, epilepsy required that Parker be neutered, eliminating him from further qualifying for that event. His medical condition didn’t hold him back though. That’s when he moved into all the other events, including a canine biathlon. However, he was forced to compete in the altered dog arena.

“I am the type that, with my dogs, I will allow them to try anything,” Kovach said. “If they seem to like it, then we keep doing it. If they don’t, then we move on to something else.”

Parker is dual registered with the AKC and the United Kennel Club (UKC). He has excelled in both circuits. In the UKC competitions he boasts 12 Altered Best in Show placements, 8 Altered Reserve Best in Show and 2 Altered Best in Specialty placements. This year, Parker won the UKC Total Dog Altered Best in Show title for the second year in a row. Right after the show, June 19, he retired at the age of eight.

“With epilepsy and with his mother dying at the age of nine, I decided I wanted to enjoy the rest of the time and not stress him out,” Kovach said. “I might do barn hunt with him a little bit here and there, because he absolutely loves to hunt.”

Additionally, there are a few more AKC specialty shows in which Parker will participate. Last week he reached the altered veteran age bracket that allows him to compete in conformation for his breed. For him to finally get the opportunity to show in AKC is a long-awaited moment for Kovach.

“For the fun of it, more than to really compete,” she said. “Just to say hey guys see what you have been missing.”

Parker has defined his owner’s life as well. Turning their passion into a career, Kovach teaches dog dock diving for Peach State Air Dogs. She instructs various breeds of dogs on how to perform in the canine sport. To her, it’s the greatest job in the world, influenced by her loyal companion.

“It’s now time for Parker to enjoy his retirement and I’m blessed to have this boy in my life,” Kovach said.” And, I’m going to enjoy every remaining minute we have together.”

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