**We would like to thank Sue Maturo for adding this perpetual/memorial trophy to the Nationals this year.

Joe Rocco
December 14, 1953- June 8, 2007

Joe Rocco was probably best known for his score of 99 in Protection at the 1994 USA Nationals – with his beloved Rottweiler, Flash vom Burgthann. I was fortunate enough to have witnessed this spectacular performance in Madison, Wisconsin. Joe was so proud, and I think everyone in the stands had goose-bumps during the final escort to the judge, and the completion of their routine!

After flying to Wisconsin to breed a bitch to Joe’s dog, Bodo vom Oberhausener Norden, I met and became good friends with Joe and his wife, Karen. Joe enjoyed taking

me on “guided tours” of downtown, Madison, and knew all the "in" spots to have great coffee and food! Joe loved to teach, and he loved to tell stories about his past competitions with his dogs! He would always rave about his best friend, Bill Kulla, and how he and Bill trained in the sport. Joe was so passionate about his protection training, and knew the Rottweiler breed better than anyone else that I have ever met in the sport.

I have many very fond memories of training my first Rottweiler, “Yaso” with Joe. He was certainly my mentor in the sport of Schutzhund. He will always be remembered as a man “larger than life”, a “big kid” who loved the simple things in life. Joe loved a strong dog in the protection phase of the sport, and as a tribute to Joe I have donated the “Joe Rocco Memorial Trophy”, to be awarded to the highest Protection score at the SchH III level. This shall be a Perpetual Trophy; to be permanently awarded after 3 consecutive wins by the same dog and handler team.

– Sue Maturo