[Jim Pickering]

Paul wrote on Gassner’s Marvin’s List thread:

Hey, when you come back from donating your time, money and efforts that are doomed to failure, you can throw yourself under the bus by explaining how messed up your test was....
/Paul

I have been debating with myself about doing this very thing and Paul has nudged me off the fence. So here it is.

Some of the folks who handled or owned a dog or dogs entered in the stake I judge recently may feel like your dog(s) were not judged fairly and/or consistently. You may well be correct. I did try, but on this weekend I simply did not have the courage and/or intestinal fortitude and certainly not the temperament to stay the course. Unfortunately I reached the point early in the weekend where my primary motivation was to terminate the experience. By my count (including Canada) this was the 15th time I have signed my name to the results of a stake I have co-judged. Without a doubt this was the first time I felt ashamed of what I had done as I signed my name. I was soundly beaten by so much of what I think is wrong with the field trial game. For that I offer my sincere apology.

 

[buckeyegundogs]

Jim that took alot of guts !!!

Brad

 

[Gun_Dog2002]

Well Jim, I certainly didn't mean to inspire you to jump rather we would prefer you back away slowly. That being said I think at times any judge walks away not being proud of what just happened. Being able to come back and admit it takes fortitude, something Marvin's formula doesn't take into consideration. That being said, you have more courage than a penguin with cymbals...

/Paul

 

[solo.lab]

well said, Paul.

 

[Joe S.]

Jim's post was perhaps THE most courageous post ever made in the history of RTF.

Nicely done, Jim. Very nicely done, indeed.

Impressive Regards,

Joe S.

 

[Hew]

I have no idea of the specifics, but having read and re-read what you wrote it sounds to me like you're inferring that your co-judge pressured you into making decisions/placements you think might not have been right/fair. If anybody else inferred it the way I did then I have a feeling your co-judge might not find your post quite so "courageous" as others have. If I were the co-judge I would have an entirely different name for it.

If I didn't understand the gist of your post, then my apologies in advance.

 

[Brevard Arndt]

I have no idea of the specifics, but having read and re-read what you wrote it sounds to me like you're inferring that your co-judge pressured you into making decisions/placements you think might not have been right/fair. If anybody else inferred it the way I did then I have a feeling your co-judge might not find your post quite so "courageous" as others have. If I were the co-judge I would have an entirely different name for it.

If I didn't understand the gist of your post, then my apologies in advance.

Perhaps, it involved the FT committee assignment of grounds, who knows.

In My Brief foray into FT's I have never heard anything but respect for Jim, and his stock certainly went up in my book today.

Thanks, Jim, I'll sit down and spend a while with you any time.

 

[Jerry]

I have no idea what has prompted Jim to feel the need to make this post.

However, I have known Jim for several years, trained 3 times a week with him for a couple of years, he has run my dog for me when I had surgery and I don't think they come much better than Jim Pickering.

Would be proud to have him judge my dogs at ANY time.

Jerry

 

[mjh345]

Jim nice post. It takes some stones to admit what you felt. You don't see people analyze themselves and make an honest assessment of mistakes they make enough in todays world. It is my belief that unless people do this theyare likely to repeat rather than correct the mistake SALUTE!!!

 

[Breck]

Jim
Thank you for sharing your concerns.
Breck

?

 

[Marvin S]

Jim

It's unfortunate that a dog person with your record in competition & experience as a handler would find themselves in a situation that left a bad taste. Obviously from the testimonial of your training partner you also do your own training. To me that's a winning combination in a judge!

Chalk it up to another Field Trial life experience. While I don't know the issue/s that caused you to go public, it is significant that an individual with your obvious good sense did so. That you recognize whatever happened as not being right says a lot.

If you ever come to this part of the country [Western ID, Western MT, OR or WA] to judge I will be entered if my dog is capable & I can hobble to the line.

Marvin S

 

[Jim Pickering]

Sorry to have left this hanging with what appears to be some misunderstanding. I was in the process of typing a clarification Friday evening when I encountered a computer glitch of sorts. The puppy ate the keyboard cable. A keyboard cable is a bitch to splice.

If I didn't understand the gist of your post, then my apologies in advance.

Apologies accepted, Hew, and thanks to all whom offered kind words on the open forum and privately.

Sorry if I did not make myself clear, but my apology was about me, my actions and inactions. Period - Full Stop.

I could point a finger in a number of directions none of which singularly or collectively would constitute a valid excuse.

You see, I seriously thought that I was a Phase III judge. However, as the result of a combination of recent events culminating in last weekend’s judging assignment reality has come crashing down on me. I now realize that I was/am stuck in Phase II as a judge. :?

I trust this has clarified my original post.

 

[Jerry]

LOL

I kinda, sorta, semi wonder where the Co-Judge fits into this little equation. :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Keep up the good work Jim and don't worry about it.

Jerry