The 2008-2009 season at Shakerag brought a new and exciting time for everyone. Our new Huntsman, John Eaton, and his lovely Whipper-in wife, Kelly, worked as the professional staff for Shakerag. The enthusiasm and keenness they brought to the job was reflected by the hounds and the many exciting runs we enjoyed throughout the season. John and Kelly worked diligently in the months leading up to the hunting season preparing the hounds with daily hound walks as well as keeping up with all the other responsibilities of the job.

In February the Shakerag Hounds traveled to the Mooreland Hunt in Alabama for a week of hunting. Both packs performed well in the large open tracts of farm land. The hospitality and hunt country of the Mooreland Hunt was world class.

The Camden Hunt, from South Carolina, joined Shakerag this past season for our Hunt Week. Shakerag hosted three days of hunting and socializing, which culminated in a magnificent Hunt Ball held in Athens.

Not only was the hunting season successful, but an exciting spring trip to the Southern Hound Show brought a modicum of success to the hounds. They were shown principally by John & Kelly and Shawn O’Brian, our Road Whip. Richard Washburn MFH assisted in the showing of hounds, with credit going to our traveling pack of supporters, Sally Rasmussen MFH, Bob Rasmussen, Kitty Owens, Doll Williams and Connie Washburn, who provided logistic and moral support.

Preparation for the 2009-2010 hunt season is already underway with John and Kelly. They are walking out the hounds and teaching the young entry their place in the pack, with able assistance from the older hounds who enforce the instruction.

The club is looking forward to yet another exciting year with the addition of some promising new hunt county and the continued support of the membership whose hard work makes this all possible.