Whistle up on national K-9 field trials
SUN PHOTO BY DREW WINCHESTER
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office K-9 Azor competes during the 2012 national field trials in Punta Gorda on Monday. Azor is seen here jumping hurdles during the agility portion of the event.
SUN PHOTO BY DREW WINCHESTER
Punta Gorda Police Officer Jonathan Mendel works his K-9, Jedi, during the 2012 K-9 National Field Trials on Monday in Gilchrist Park. Mendel and Jedi are seen here competing in the agility portion of the event.
SUN PHOTO BY DREW WINCHESTER
North Port Police Department Officer Keith Bush and his K-9, Tomy, compete during the agility portion of the 2012 National Field Trials at Gilchrist Park on Monday.
SUN PHOTO BY DREW WINCHESTER
North Port Police Department Officer Keith Bush and his K-9, Tomy, compete during the agility portion of the 2012 National Field Trials at Gilchrist Park on Monday.
SUN FILE PHOTO BY DREW WINCHESTER
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office K-9 Azor competes Oc.t 15 during the 2012 U.S. Police Canine Association’s National Field Trials, held Oct.15-18 at various locations in Punta Gorda. It was the first time the prestigious competition had been held here in more than a decade. Azor is seen here jumping hurdles during the agility portion of the event.
PUNTA GORDA — The smallest mistake can mean the difference between a national champion and just another police dog.
The dog can sit slightly crooked, it can stop to sniff something, it can trot out just a step in front of its handler — and the points start to melt away.
