Lone Star Mondioring Club: Don Lee is a gentleman of outstanding character who happens to also be a fantastic dog trainer, competitor, teacher and training decoy. On a typical club training day, Don helps newcomers with obedience, works his own dogs, resets the palasade heights, talks some more with the newcomers about training philosophy and methods, gets in and out of the suit, takes part in strategy meetings for each dog/handler team, and makes sure no one goes home without a complete understanding of what a great sport mondioring is. When it comes time for competition, Don is the ultimate gentleman on the field, both as a competitor and, just as often, as a deputy judge, judge’s secretary or field worker. He is thoughtful, patient, kind and fair and we will all benefit when he finishes his USMRA Judge’s apprenticeship to become a certified USMRA Judge. Don Lee is the embodiment of true sportsmanship; there is no one who embraces the spirit of Mondioring more fully or who could better represent our organization to the public and the world.

San Gabriel Ring Club: I would like to nominate Don Lee from the Lone Star Mondioring Club. Don is a long time member who was at the very first Mondioring seminar in Texas with his GSD Atoll (1999 iI think). Since than Don has titled his dogs to MR 3 and has helped many a club member achieve titles with their dogs.

To say that he is a very talented dog trainer isn’t enough, but the fact that he is so willing to help others is what makes him a candidate for this award. He is an active participant in his club’s activities (trials) and also an asset to their training where he not only does decoy work but also helps others with their obedience, and handling. He is especially good with novice handlers because of his supportive attitude. He is always positive and encouraging to all but especially to new handlers.

Don has represented the USMRA at the world championships in France in 2008 in MR 1 with a dog that has since then achieved a MR 3 title.

Don is currently an apprentice judge and will be a great asset to the sport in the US.

Overall this is a quiet individual who works tirelessly to promote the sport both by helping others and by being a gentleman both off and on the field.

I cannot think of a more deserving individual.