I have, as yet, heard nothing from the Trial Committee. My email is ces46@msn.com, so be sure to contact me in the event you need an extra hand at a trial/clinic or anything herding related. — Kind Regards, Tom and Josie

What newspaper would I have had to read to see the rules? Did you see spectator criteria somewhere? I subscribe to my local paper, and didn’t see anything. The trial website does not have a section devoted to spectators, nor does it have any notice about a dog accompanying a spectator. I don’t know anything about conformation competition, but I do know from years of experience running, observing and providing support at herding trials that it is the exception to not allow a dog to accompany a spectator. By far the great majority of herding trials have no limitations on spectators, only expecting them and their dogs to behave properly. Further, when such a limitation is imposed it is easily located on the trial website.

Whether I would have signed a waiver had no connection with what occurred to me and my family yesterday at the Canadian Finals… being turned away with my dog, after driving four hours one direction. No such waiver was offered to me.

Additionally, I had in my possession up to date vaccination record, and was not asked to show it. I was not asked whether I had a leash, food, water, shade, crate, and other gear to care for my dog. My car contained all such items to secure and provide care.

Do you know whether those spectators who attended the Canadian Nationals this year without a dog had to sign waivers, or were offered one? Spectators themselves have the potential to get hurt via others at the trial and the entered dogs. They can injure other competitors, spectators and dogs.