Mary Harding

Safety Director

19 Jack Ellington Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22406

Hi, my name is Mary Harding and as your Safety Director again this year, I am honored to work with each and every one of you and your dog(s) to provide a safe and memorable event.

My first experience with Master Nationals (MN) was in Cambridge, Maryland in 2011. I was recruited by two amazing humans, John Blackbird and Frankie Prendergast to volunteer. At the end of this first event, John said, “you will be on the MN Board one day.” At the time, I had no idea what that meant. We miss you, John.

Pictured in my photo is Frankie P, MNH6. She has taught me more than I ever could have imagined. And yes, she is indeed named after the infamous Frankie P., who has touched countless lives. My four-legged Frankie keeps me learning and allows me to judge. I have had a real love and understanding of dogs since I was a child where I also grew up in the skeet and trap world and developed an affinity for shooting sports. I spent every Sunday with my dad at the Shortsville, NY Rod and Gun Club with my “pint sized” sawed off shotgun.

My start in the gun dog world began in a very unconventional way. I had been working at The Johns Hopkins University Hospital (for 23 years) in Child Psychiatry when I met Trish Jagoda. She simply said to me, “why not use some highly trained dogs to help you in your therapy sessions.” The rest, as they say, is history. I continue with a strong passion, love, commitment and drive to be a better handler which includes volunteering at every event in some capacity. I spend time in VA, SC and NY with 12 beautiful Labradors and “Mayhem”, a Boston Terrier that runs all of our lives. I have combined the best of both of my worlds and am truly blessed to be in this position, a position I do not take lightly.

I wanted to take this opportunity to briefly introduce myself and wish each of you good luck this year. Whether you are an amateur or a pro, we need you both to continue making this amazing sport better than ever.

Thanks again for this opportunity and keep volunteering!