Vintage Repost: Rizzo--So Much More Than A Best Friend!
Rizzo--So Much More Than A Best Friend! by Vicki Bishop Mary Lou Stiff grew up in a family that bred nationally famous pointers, setters, and beagles. She never imagined that one day her cocker spaniel, Rizzo, a once in a lifetime dog and her best friend–would be a national champion. Rizzo and Mary Lou competed in the 2023 Royal Canine National Championship in Orlando, Florida and won Best of Breed Owner Handled and Best Bred by Exhibitor in the Ascob Cocker Category. (Ascob is any solid color other than black). She was #1 AKC owner-handler in Ascob Cocker and the #8 AKC Ascob Cocker (overall). In UKC, she was #1 in 2022, 2023 and so far in 2024. She also holds an international championship title as well as her Canine Good Citizen (a test for dogs regarding social manners), and her BCAT in FastCat (a 100 yard dash chasing a lure). What makes the victory more amazing is the fact that Mary Lou often competes against professional handlers....
