JUDGES
John Fillier
I am honoured to have been selected for inclusion on the 2021 Canadian National Judges Selection List. What follows is some concise background information on my life and a brief summary of my commitment to our dogs, both for your consideration in selecting this years National Judges.
My introduction to Upland Hunting came at a very young age. My father David was a very avid grouse and woodcock man. Wild pheasant came later. Together with my brothers, I followed with more enthusiasm than a young puppy on many colourful, brilliant, clear, crisp fall days, in and about Old Homesteads covers here in Northern Nova Scotia. My early hunting was limited to grouse and woodcock with Labrador or Golden Retrievers who excelled on upland game. We kept our dogs sharp in the off seasons running Hunt Tests with Master Hunters. Waterfowl for them and I came soon thereafter.
My introduction to Spaniels was again at the direction of my Dad. He joined the Scotia Springer Club. My wife Louann and I joined him and we purchased our first Spaniel, Flushingwings Jazzman (Jazz) from John Mitchell in 1997. Jazz became the High Point Springer in Canada in 2003 again in 2004. Since that time I have had the good fortune spending many days walking ,(sometimes running) behind both Springers and Cockers, ....and yes sometimes, the odd Labrador. Some days were Diamonds, some Stones.
We live with our five dogs in the village of Hopewell in beautiful Northern Nova Scotia, Canada’s Ocean Playground. I am member of both the Scotia and PEI Spaniel Clubs. I have judged Springers and Cockers on many, many occasions across Canada and the USA‘s Northeast. I believe I have developed a real understanding of both types of dogs. Over the years, I have met and become friends with numerous Spaniel lovers from both counties who share our wonderful sport. I have also enjoyed gunning three Canadian National Championships.
I would like to thank 2021 Open National Spaniel selection committee for their confidence in my judging abilities and understanding of the dogs in our sport. If selected, it would be my honour to judge your Spaniels in this years National Open Championships.
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Tom Menzel
I have always hunted over flushing dogs. For the want of a better trained dog, it was suggested I attend a Springer field trial. To say the least, I was very impressed, and on that day, I walked away knowing I had to have one of those exciting little dogs. Little did I know it would be a life changing event.
Now, 30+ years later, I look back on the opportunities afforded me, not only to trial some pretty competitive dogs, but the pleasure to judge some truly great dogs as well. This, along with the numerous friendships developed throughout the years, have made this time in the field, truly memorable.
After running countless field trials, judging 50+ Springer Open/Amateur stakes in the US and Canada, being selected by my peers to judge 6 US Nationals and 1 Canadian Open Championship, I’ve learned that these dogs we all have a passion for, are capable of doing amazing things if given the opportunity; and if totally prepared to handle all situations, usually do pretty well in this game we play.
Judging is my way of giving back to give back to the sport we all love. “Not only are you entrusted to use your experience and knowledge in selecting the best dogs in that particular event, you are also charged with protecting the integrity of the game.”
I sincerely appreciate your consideration and would consider it an honor to judge the 2021 National Spaniel Field Trial Championship.
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