The Rainier Hunting Retriever Club (RHRC) is located in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. Club members enjoy training and competing with their dogs. Many retriever breeds and skill levels are represented but one thing we hold in common is the love of a well-trained working dog. Visitors as well as participants are welcome at all our events.
The Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet was held on January 31, 2026 at Shawn O’Donnell’s Irish Pub in Everett, WA. Dr. Anders Thoreson, DVM at Klahaya Animal Hospital in Snohomish, WA, our featured speaker, shared valuable information on aspects of dog training and competing in both hot and cold weather.
In addition to electing the 2026 Officers, both dogs and their handlers were recognized for their field accomplishments during 2025. Leighton Harder was awarded the RHRC Member of the Year honor and Misalyn Armstrong received the President’s Award.
RHRC held two successful AKC Sanctioned Hunt Tests this year. One was held in May and the other in August. Members are getting ready to participate in the Master National Hunt Test that will be held in Roseburg, Oregon on October 1 – 11. Good Luck to everyone!
Bill ran his first AKC and HRC hunt tests in 2010. Watching what these hunting dogs were capable of totally captured his spirit and strengthened his love for dogs. This sport has become a passion since then! Bill, a long time Board member of both Rainier HRC and Cascade HRC, trains and competes with Faith and Maddie his two Master/Finished level labs. He has competed in every Master National event since 2012 and has qualified nine times.
Liz participated in her first hunt test with her chocolate Labrador "Hudson" in 2005. She has been a part of the community ever since, active in hunt tests and judging at all levels. A long time member of RHRC, she has held positions on the Board, chaired and volunteered for annual events and hunt tests. She currently runs "Vincent" and "Oliver" at Master level and "McCormick" is her upcoming star!
Misalyn has been captivated with Hunt Tests since 1996. She enjoys training, competing and judging dogs. She appreciates the camaraderie amongst other competitors in the sport. She trains, competes and loves her two girls (dogs) Harlee and Ellee.
Lee has been hooked on the hunt test game since 2005. Currently he has two dogs that he competes with, Zen and Otto. Lee has learned that no matter what happens during the day, there is always room to sprinkle in some fun. He is a certified CPA.