An ‘Official Correction’ was made by “The Retriever News” in the August 2009 issue of ‘Retriever News’ concerning the High Point Derby Dog for 2008. Both ‘Retriever News’ and Purina awarded a year-end tie to both Trulines Walla Walla Sweet ‘Pink’ then owned by Michael Spalding and Coolwater’s Knockout ‘Punch’ owned by Jay and Stacey Patton and Alex Washburn-Weidlein with a total of 66 Derby Points. We now find that a placement given at the Lassen Retriever Club Spring 2008 trial in California to an ineligible dog was revoked, and, therefore, ‘Pink’ ended the year with a total of 67 points.
Trulines Walla Walla Sweet
Congratulations to the 2008 High Point Derby Dog and 2008 Purina Outstanding Derby Dog TRULINES WALLA WALLA SWEET ‘Pink’ now owned by Chad Costa!
Here is what Chad had to say:
“Some people say real gifts only come once in a lifetime…if that is the case my gift was received earlier this year. I received a phone call offering me the opportunity to purchase Pink “The 2008 Co-High Point Derby Dog (at that time). I of course went through a lot of emotions…At first I was very thankful for the opportunity and my second thought was there is no way my wife will allow me to buy a dog of this caliber. Well needless to say after many talks SHE AGREED and for that I am eternally greatfull…thanks honey!
Since then I have had a few opportunities to stand next to her…I soon realized why she has been so successful. She is a loving dog that is very focused and calm on the line until you call her name and then it’s on. John Henninger and Amie Duke of Truline Retrievers have done an excellent job in developing this puppy into an all-age competitor. At 26 months she received a 4th in the open and then we all knew she would not only be a derby but also an all-age competitor.
A few months ago it was brought to my attention that a dog that received a 2nd place in a trial that Pink received a 3rd last year was disqualified. After doing some research it was confirmed by AKC. Therefore; this afforded Pink with another derby point giving her a total of 67. My intention was to keep this information “under wraps” and I asked the people that knew to do the same…as you now know that didn’t happen. I have the upmost respect for Bill and Mary Hillmann and I do not want to take anything away from them that they have worked so hard to achieve. Punch is a fantastic animal and has a very promising career ahead of him. My congratulations go out to Mr. & Mrs. Hillmann and Alex Washburn on a fantastic year!
Many thanks to Scott Spalding, John Henninger, Amie Duke, Retriever News and Purina!
'Pink'
August 12th, 2009 by 
FindRetrievers.com Admin
2 Responses to “CORRECTION: 2008 High Point Derby Dog and 2008 Purina Outstanding Derby Dog”
August 19th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Actually, originally only Retriever News recognized Pink and Punch as co-winners by virtue of both having 66 Derby points. The Purina Award went solely to Punch because that award uses a tie-breaker system of counting the number of Jams – and Punch had more.
August 20th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Most recent issue of ‘Retriever News’ had an advertisement by Purina on page nine naming Trulines Walla Walla Sweet ‘Pink’ as the 2008 Purina Outstanding Derby Dog also.