2020 AKC Humane Fund ACE Winner: Exemplary Companion Dog / Tara the Flat-Coated Retriever

Photo:  AKC Humane Fund
Photo: AKC Humane Fund

“Tara,” is a four-year-old Flat-Coated Retriever owned by Mary Pat Corrigan of Flint Hill, VA. Born into an elite family, Tara’s mother won her breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the AKC National Championship and the Flat-Coated Retriever National Specialty. But, when Tara was born with a short right front leg and no paw, she was not expected to survive.

Tara not only survived, but persevered, becoming a superior athlete in dock diving. Currently, she is nationally ranked as the #3 Flat-Coated Retriever in Air Retrieve and #6 in her breed in Distance. She has also already qualified for Distance at the North American Diving Dogs (NADD) Nationals this year.

In 2019, Tara became an honorary Adaptive Athlete member of a cycling team, Pedallers for the Wounded, hosted by the nonprofit, World T.E.A.M. Sports. This team, along with over 400 other cyclists, participate in a 2-day, 112-mile cycling challenge. The challenge benefits the Wounded Warrior Project, and Tara was the #3 fundraiser in last year’s event. When Tara is competing, she is an intense competitor, often moving onlookers to tears, but off the dock, she is sweet-tempered, playful and happy.

Congratulations to Tara and kudos to all of the competitors.

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

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