That’ll Work!
Respected Special Handler Tommy Landers Achieves Started Title and Successfully Completes Seasoned and Finished Tests.
Denise Johnson and Marisa Fontenot

Cajun Hunting Retriever Club exhibited their support during the Cajun HRC Estherwood Test on March 28 and 29, 2009 for respected handler Tommy Landers - showing that dignity, equality and opportunity is for all people.

Tommy shattered a lot of expectations of fellow handlers and judges with his skill, bravery and enthusiasm. You see, Tommy has Down’s Syndrome. Two years ago, Dale and I met Tommy through his parents, Ann and Bennie Landers, of Arkansas City, Arkansas. They are members of South Arkansas HRC and own a couple of Labs. They came to visit and run the Cajun Hunt Test. During their visit we asked if they thought Tommy would like to run a dog at the test. After some discussion, we then asked Tommy if he’d like to run a dog. His enthusiastic response - “That’ll work!”

Outfitted with a new whistle, “Grand” lanyard and camouflage, Tommy was ready for his training as handler of 10-year-old UH HRCH Jobe’s Speed Weapon DNA-P (HRCH Lucky Lethal Weapon
x Julee Blonde), owned by Kenneth D. Johnson of Church Point, Louisiana. I know what you’re thinking, but this wasn’t special treatment for this new handler. Jobe had never received his Started title, so the fit seemed perfect!

For two days Tommy prepared to attend the hunt test. Airing dogs, working Jobe on land and water, and something typically taken for granted - learning to say “Jobe”, “Drop”, “Heel” and “Sit”.

Day One of the hunt test and Tommy was ready, other than the fact that he’d never touched a wet duck! The first test was in water, and Tommy’s preparation hadn’t included blowing a duck call. Judges Kenny Broussard and Janet McDaniel came to the rescue, and assisted with blowing the call. Tommy and Jobe successfully ran the test and headed for the next land test. A window of understanding was now opening among the other test participants. Congratulations and support for this proud handler was overwhelming. The day ended with a very happy handler receiving a ribbon for Started and a trophy for participation in the Puppy Run.

On Day Two Tommy had an unidentified mark on his cheek. It seems that he slept with his trophy, his ‘lucky’ whistle and lanyard. Tommy and Jobe successfully completed the land and water tests, and excitement was now building for this unique team. Tommy and Jobe received their ribbons for Started and Started title. In addition, the judges autographed and presented Tommy with the score sheets. You see, Tommy carries a satchel of prized items. Not only does Tommy have these reminders and wonderful memories, but all who witnessed his accomplishment will most likely agree that the weak teach the strong.

Many thanks to Cajun HRC for their support. Thank you, also, to Marisa Fontenot for assisting Tommy to and from the retrieving line. Special thanks go to Ronnie Prudhomme and Wayne Labry for their help and support of both Tommy and Marisa.

On April 25 and 26, 2009 North Louisiana celebrated their 25th anniversary. Because of someone’s vision, others like me were given a promise that anyone could run a dog against HRC/UKC standards, procedures and policies. “Where It All Began” was not only a slogan, but another beginning for North Louisiana - opening their hearts to this special young man. Many thanks to each and every member who gave of themselves in order for this promise to come true.

For Tommy, dog handling at a hunt test began again on April 24, 2009. Mr. Ernie Istre, our Region 10 field representative, was approached and asked if it would be possible for Tommy to get a special commendation award for a Started title earned the weekend before at Cajun HRC. Without hesitation Ernie got to work, with plans for the award to be presented at Saturday night’s tailgate party.

On Saturday morning Tommy stated, “Hunt test today.” He was asked if he wanted to run a dog and he immediately said, “That’ll work!” Without any further delay, Mr. Otis Gordy, President of North LA HRC, and his wife Denice were asked if it would be possible for Tommy to be entered in a Seasoned flight for Saturday and a Finished flight on Sunday. The answer was absolutely, “Anything you need or want us to do will be done.”

And so on Saturday Tommy and Dale Johnson, his assistant, marched up to the Seasoned flight and began running Jobe. I was not able to watch because I was judging another category but I can tell you that it was a grand pass for Tommy on both water and land series. Thank you, to the judges, Cam Huff and Don Wallace, for their patience and compassion.

After the introductions of the Executive officers and dignitaries, it was time for point receipts and ribbons. Ernie Istre and Jim Reichman, along with Omar Driskill, congratulated and presented Tommy with a framed commendation award for his Started title. You’d think this was enough, but that’s not all. Ernie had an HR pin to present to Tommy, who was beaming with pride. I don’t think there was a dry eye under the tent that evening.

The next day, under Judges Travis Bruce and Don Wallace in the Finished A flight, in marched Tommy and his assistant again. The judges announced at the ribbon ceremony on Sunday that Tommy had done a fine job and were very excited that he had passed with his dog. Another proud moment for Tommy and all who assisted in making this happen. Thank you, Travis and Don, for your patience and compassion that allowed this young man to accomplish what he never thought could be possible.

Tommy is an enthusiastic handler with an intellectual disability who exudes a spiritual power that is unmistakable. As Timothy P. Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, says, “It was as though all of us could identify in some way with him - could feel a different form of energy, and authenticity that is missing in so much of life.” For any of us who might have wondered about our own journey - wondered if the difficulty of our own lives is too great or if our bravery too limited - Tommy’s answer was tangible. Get in the game. Give the race all the energy God has given you. Don’t be afraid. Be brave.

The next time you are at a hunt test and you see Tommy walking around with his UKC leather-bound satchel, ask to see his treasures that he so proudly carries around. Since Tommy has had the chance to run his dog and feel like he is part of the HRC family, we have seen a very positive change in him. He is more outgoing, shaking hands and telling his co-handlers “good job”. We hope you won’t hesitate to just go up to him and say hello.

To everyone who was so gracious to Tommy, I would like to say thank you. I love this HRC family.

This article originally appeared in the June/July 2009 issue of HUNTING RETRIEVER magazine.