To approve a waiver for Richard Shook to show the dog, Ruger from the Southland in the 2026 USCA National Championship
EB #22-26
EB Motion #22-26- To approve a waiver for Richard Shook to show the dog, Ruger from the Southland in the 2026 USCA National Championship.
Motion by Don Yelle, NE RD, and seconded by Josh Lininger, DAL, to approve a waiver for Richard Shook to show the dog, Ruger from the Southland, in the 2026 USCA National Championship
Background:
Earlier this year, Mike Paluso and his dog Ruger from the Southland qualified for the 2026 USCA National Championship by earning an IPO3 score of 270 in March at Piedmont SchH Club and finishing 6th place at the Southeast Regional USP3 Championship. The USCA office has verified those results, and Mike and Ruger are listed on the National Championship website as competitors.
In late August, Mike left PSC club training early, complaining of a stomachache. The next day, Mike went to the ER and was admitted to the hospital that evening. After numerous tests, Mike was told he has Stage 2 pancreatic cancer. Mike has been in and out of the hospital since. Most recently, a visit to Duke University resulted in a strategy to combat the cancer with six months of chemotherapy followed by surgery.
In the meantime, Mike has asked Richard Shook, Ruger’s breeder, to handle Ruger at the USCA National Championship. There is simply not enough time for Richard to develop a relationship with Ruger and make a qualifying score at a regional event.
Mike and Richard are requesting a waiver from the USCA Executive Board to allow Richard Shook to show Ruger from the Southland at the USCA National Championship.
VOTE RESULTS
MOTION CARRIED SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2026