Kasi is truly a "balanced" dog as they say--a dog with
a title at both ends. And not just any title! Not only
is she a breed Champion, she is one of the very few
(no more than half a dozen) Great Danes to have
achieved a Utility Dog Excellent (UDX) title. In fact
Kasi is the breed's only living CH/UDX, and one of
less than a hand full ever to achieve this high level
of being a "dual ring" Dane. Owned, trained and
handled in Obedience by Charlie Marcantonio. Kasi
finished her confirmation championship with FOUR major
wins shown by her breeder, M.J.Cohen / ThorKourt. She
then she went on to hone her skills in the obedience
ring. On same day she received her Canadian Ch. Kasi
received the Highest Scoring Dog honors in the
Obedience Trial portion at the Kinston, Canada Trial.
She also obtained her Canadian CD title that same
weekend. Under the guidance and training of Master
Trainer Keith Sykes and great assistance from trainer
and friend Marilou McCloskey Kasi's and my skills were
further honed and brought out enabling her to obtain
her American and Canadian CDX. Then came her American
UD Title. Now came the incredibly hard part, the
decision to pursue or not to pursue the UDX title at
age seven (7). In order to achieve the UDX title the
team must qualify in both Open and Utility classes in
the same day ten (10) times, or 20 qualifying scores.
Less than 10% all breeds successfully qualify in a
given year! The feat is quite stressful no matter the
breed. Kasi has twice received High Combined (highest
combined Open and Utility score for all showing)
honors. Once (HC) was in an all breed Obedience Trial
at Delaware County (Pennsylvania) Kennel Club in June
of 2006 when the temperature was in excess of 100
degrees and the other was at the Great Dane Club of
American Nationals in October of 2007. What an honor
that was for us both!!!!
During the march for the UDX title there are all
variety of breeds and skill levels of competition,
especially in the tri-state area of NY, NJ and
Pennsylvania. Kasi was able to compete with poodle's,
sheltie's, golden's, snauser's, retriever's, and
shepherd's. The area competition is the best in the
country.
During all of this in the back ground is Kasi's
wonderful work as a Therapy Dog. She has been written
up, (full page and pictures) for her work in the
Diocese Of Camden's Star Herald for her work. It's an
awesome moving sight to see children with various
disabilities coming out of their shell when Kasi
interfaces with them. They especially love her tummy
and her kisses not to mention her size. She has
brought positive emotion from children who have not
responded to any effort for months.
Kasi currently is enjoying being the Alpha Bitch with
daughter Kori and pup Rocky. At almost nine (9) she is
in excellent health and will be keeping mentally and
physically fit in the Rally ring.
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CH
Thor-Kourt's Kasi Koetreva UDX (TDI), GDCA - HOF '07 AKA "KASI"
