NASHVILLE DOG TRAINING CLUB

The President's Award

The NDTC President's Award was created to provide a special "thank you" and acknowledgement to a member who has served the Club in a substantial and meaningful way. It is presented at the sole discretion of the President. In my view, special acknowledgement of this kind should be awarded to someone who has made an obvious and positive difference in the life of the Club and its membership.
It is my pleasure to present this award to Denise McClure and to Debbie Cutter.

Denise McClure

NDTC first met Denise over a decade ago, when she and the Bernese Mountain Dog "KATO" arrived for basic training. Soon after arrival, Denise was instructing and coordinating the CGC program, and then volunteering to chair a Tracking trial, due in part to another BMD "Hayley." With Hayley, she also became involved in conformation training leading to an AKC breed championship.

Denise and Hayley earning UD and VCD3

When NDTC started agility training, it did so with Denise, who joined other NDTC members in first training, and then trialing. She served on the committee to plan and execute our very first Agility trial in 2002 and has continued to be a member of the committee for each subsequent trial. When the Club opted to also host a Fall Trial, she volunteered as Trial Chairman during the first two years of trials, despite her relocation to Houston, Texas. There is no job too big or small for Denise. In addition to her Herculean efforts on behalf of very successful Agility Trials, she has calculated and awarded our annual pins, hosted our annual Christmas parties, and served on the Board. With her infectious laugh and positive attitude, she regularly reminds us to keep our joys and sorrows in perspective.

When we are in her presence, it's easy to forget that Denise lives in Houston. When she is away, we miss her. Yet, from a distance, she continues to be an important and active part of our Club, regularly driving the 13-hour drive "home" to NDTC to provide important acts of service. For this outstanding dedication and determination, it is my privilege to publicly recognize Denise McClure and to provide her a permanent home at NDTC with a lifetime membership and the NDTC President's Award.

Debbie Cutter

Debbie and Harper, 2010

In 1982, Debbie Cutter started with a German Shepherd, joined her local training club and earned a UD and TD with her first dog. Of course she helped that club as an instructor and when she moved, she joined another training club and served again as member and instructor. Before moving to Lebanon and joining us here at NDTC, Debbie had been a member/instructor for 15 years and accumulated an impressive string of obedience and tracking titles on multiple breeds of dogs. Most of us know her as "Deerhound Debbie," but her pack has also included several Pointer breeds, in addition to the GSD and Deerhounds.

In Deerhounds, there is no equal to the versatility of Debbie and her dogs. Her achievements include the breed's first VCD and first UDX dog, and the only Deerhound to earn both MACH and OTCH points. We know them as Caitlyn and Ariel, and we also know Kit - a Deerhound whose titles are numerous and impressive. Zoë and Harper continue the legacy with multiple obedience, agility, and tracking titles. Debbie's Deerhounds also excel in conformation. Her multitasking titles include eleven CDs, eleven CDXs, ten UDs, two UDXs, ten TDs, two TDXs, and a handful of agility titles.

Debbie Cutter is the epitome of the ideal club member. While accomplishing numerous and high levels of success, Debbie still has time to serve. She's "done it," so her insight is meaningful. She is pleasant while opinionated. She is slow to criticize and quick to find humor. She serves quietly and often. She has taught multiple classes at every level of instruction. She does not seek publicity, yet can be seen at virtually every NDTC event. Debbie is a treasure.

Debbie's career requires her to depart Nashville for a while. She will no doubt join yet another club in another city, where she will quickly be welcomed for her abilities and service. We'll see her down the road. In acknowledgement of her many contributions, and as a standing reminder that she will always have a home, it is my privilege to present Debbie Cutter with a lifetime membership and the NDTC President's Award.

Congratulations, Ladies!