In late 2012, a small group of dedicated nose work enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest were fueled by a shared passion for training their four-legged friends to detect hidden scents. The idea to create a club resonated with the group, and over the next few months, we embarked on a journey to turn our dream into a reality. We drafted by-laws to create a framework for the club, elected officers to lead it, and became the Northwest K9 Sniffers.
In June 2013, the Northwest K9 Sniffers hosted their first official event, a NACSW (National Association of Canine Scent Work) style NW2/NW3 Mock trial at a local children’s camp. The response from the nose work community was overwhelming. Enthusiasts from all over the region generously supported the event, making it a resounding success.
Following the success of a Mock trial weekend, the club began offering practice opportunities at various locations for our members. These events were crucial for us to gain real-life experience in event organization to prepare us for unexpected challenges, like the time a Girl Scout Jamboree unexpectedly set up tents in our search areas. But through it all, our main goal remained unwavering: to have fun with our dogs while providing support and encouragement to all.
In October 2014, the Northwest K9 Sniffers hosted our first NACSW trials at the iconic Emerald Downs Racetrack. It marked a significant milestone in our journey, and it was met with enthusiasm from the nose work community. From that point forward, we continued to host 4-5 trials per year, along with workshops at various venues around the Seattle area. Our dedication didn’t stop at NACSW trials. We expanded our offerings to include NASDA (North American Sport Dog Association) competitions, where dogs could showcase their skills in rat, lost item, and shed antler searching. The Northwest K9 Sniffers club’s membership grew exponentially, from the founding 12 members to over 200 passionate individuals, all united by our love for nose work.
Despite the growth and success, the Northwest K9 Sniffers remained an all-volunteer club. In 2021, we achieved another significant milestone by becoming an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit. What sets us apart from many other organizations, is our unwavering passion for what we do and the commitment to giving back to the community. All profits from our events are donated to charity. As we wrap up yet another fiscal year, 2022-2023, the Northwest K9 Sniffers proudly announce our donations have totaled over $50,000, for this year alone. Not only have we created a vibrant community of nose work enthusiasts, but we’ve also made a positive impact on the lives of both dogs and humans alike.
The power of small circle of friends and devoted dog lovers who harbored the dream of establishing a nose work club successfully translated our common interest into a positive influence, are leaving a lasting impact on people, dogs, community, and the Pacific Northwest.