In an amazing turn of events Country Vet Pet Foods sponsor Lyle Steinman and Super Retriever River came away from the 2007 Super Retriever Series as the Crown Champions.  The event held in Hot Springs, Arkansas was the culmination of months of work for Lyle and River.  Some might think that these two have been at it for years.  They haven't.  Lyle and River have been competing at this level for only 14 months. 

To compete at the Super Retriever Series a team needs to first place First, Second or Third at one of five Super Retriever Series Qualifying Events which lead up to the finals.   At each event 125 teams compete for the invitation to the Crown Championship.  Lyle and River placed second in September of last year and in May of this year.  The double qualifiers moved on to the finals.

Fourteen dogs made it to the Championship which ran on Saturday.  The top eight dogs moved on to the first round Sunday and the final four dogs ran again later Sunday afternoon.  Two runs in one day tests a dog and trainer.

"It was so hot and humid", said Steinman "that we had to keep River in the air-conditioning when she wasn't running a heat.  I think that strategy really helped us." 

River should be used to the pampering.  When she's not in competition she is a "house dog".  Lyle told us that, on the road, River sleeps in the bed in the room and they are home (which is rare) she sleeps with Lyle and his wife Debbie.  "We spend nearly every moment together.  She, honestly, knows what I'm thinking and I know what she is thinking.  We're just that close."

Steinman credits his choice in dog food to a major part of his success.  "When we made the switch to Dog Fuel by Country Vet Pet Foods we saw a change right away.  For example, this year has been the easiest year to regulate and keep River in the best shape she has ever been.  The way Dog Fuel is made, the natural products that are the ingredients and the nutrients that are added all make this the winning dog food for us."

The $55,000 win cranked up Rivers earnings to $62,000.  But, according to Lyle it's not the money. "You know, I'll bet if you asked any of the trainers who get this far they'll tell you it is not the money.  It's the love of the sport and the love of the dogs.  My goal in all of this is to know that, in the future, people will look back at River and remember what a fine dog she is.  She is really one of the best in the world." 

But what about the money?  "Look, it's nice and it sure helps but I'll be honest with you.  When we're working an event it's the people who have helped make this team the best that is the most important part of the day."   Team Steinman/River are: Ed Sullivan, Clint Mann, and partner Greg Nelson.

Even as big as this win is Steinman is looking forward to some time off to be with the family.  He and Debbie have three girls, Samantha, Katie and Amanda.  "You know, we travel eight months out of the year.  We're going to take some time off and watch my daughter play ball.  To me...that's the very best."  He should know.

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