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I wish I could say that our involvement with Weimaraners was a well thought out decision, backed up with research into the qualities of the breed, lineage and pedigrees. But, it wasn’t like that. Jack and I were “dogless,” which was very unusual for either of us. What to do? I let Jack know that I wanted a big, short-haired dog that was smart and fun to live with. Other than that, I didn’t care what breed it was. Jack, who had owned a Weimaraner before, jumped on that statement and we quickly got an 18 month old rescue male Weimaraner who was a loveable maniac. Little did we know that this was the start of getting more than a pet.
It was 1978 when I made my fateful statement that I didn’t care what breed our dog was to be. Since then it’s been miles and mile of driving to shows, trials and ratings. It’s been the joy of new puppies and the sorrow of losing our old friends. It’s been the elation of winning the Sporting Group, the frustration of going “fourth in a class of three.” It’s been learning a new dimension of the relationship you can have with these Wonderful Weimaraners.
Our name comes from our foundation bitch, “Zara”. Zara was one of those rare dogs that, if you are lucky, comes into your life. Not only did we have that good fortune, she has blessed us with her dynasty of marvelous puppies. Her conformation, temperament and intelligence made any other name for our line incongruous.
Jack McCourt |
1980 Jack with (l. to r.) Gunther (Wallhallas Wahrer Gunther CD, NSD), puppy Zara (CH Walhallas Zara vd Hoch Essen NSD, NRD, CD, V. BROM), and Rike (Walhallas Pflegende Ulrike CDX). |
Jack has been involved with Weimaraners since 1962. He is the current President of the Delaware Valley Weimaraner Club (DVWC) and has served four terms. During his presidencies the Club ran its first Versatility Day, Weimaraner Club of America Eastern Field Classics, the 1984 AKC Centennial show, the 1987 Weimaraner Club of America (WCA) National Specialty and the 1994 Eastern Futurity/Maturity show. Jack has also served on the nominating committee for the WCA and as the Membership Chairman for the WCA.
Jack has bred, raised and supported many Weimaraners that carry his kennel name, Zara’s. Memorable wins for the Zara’s dogs have included many champions, Futurity wins and placements; an obedience high in Trial at the WCA National Specialty, Top Ten Breed, Obedience and Agility Weimaraners in the USA, and breeding and campaigning an all champion, all Versatile rated litter of Weimaraners.
Jack was the principle photographer for the book that Carole coauthored, “Raising A Champion” and his photographs have been used in numerous books and magazines.
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Carole Richards |
Carole’s first show dog arrived in 1978. Since that time she has handled dogs in show, field, and obedience venues. Her time now is divided among the show ring, writing and educational work. Carole has pointed or finished the championships on over 60 dogs and campaigned several dogs to Top Ten for their breed in the United States. She’s featured in the publication, “Who’s Who in Handling.” Noteworthy among her recent accomplishments is taking a 13 month old Vizsla class bitch, her first time in Open, to a Sporting Group I. While showing is her first preference Carole, has judged numerous all breed matches and sweepstakes for Sporting breeds.
Carole recently co-authored a book, “Raising A Champion, a beginner’s guide to showing dogs,” and a book published in England entitled “The Weimaraner Today.” Her company’s website The Well Trained Dog gives information on this Dog Writers Association of America award nominated book. She has also published articles in national magazines such as: the “AKC Gazette, Dogs Today and the Weimaraner Magazine.” In addition, her dogs appear in the book “The Weimaraner” by A. K. Nicholas, the “Pictorial History of the Weimaraner,” volumes I, II, and III and the “Weimaraner Annual.”
Organizational affiliations include holding offices in the Weimaraner Club of America where she was the National Futurity Chairman for nine years, Delaware Valley Weimaraner Club and the Gloucester County Kennel Club. She has been the Assistant Show Chairman for the Gloucester County Kennel Club for the past five years.