Everyone knows a Cinderella story when they see one and that is exactly what the story of Joey is. Joey, nicknamed Jomio, was owned by Adam (aka Shake N Bake) and Katrina Vonnahme. However, that is not where Joey’s story started.
Sired by well-known English Pointer, Honky Tonk Attitude, on January 7, 2009, Joey was a spittin’ image of Honky Tonk with a stunning high head and high tail that is rarely matched.
Joey was originally a business dog owned and trained by Craig Steinbach of Fly N Gun Kennels. That is exactly what he was, all business. He was trained to know and do his job.
Adam started his tournament hunting career with his personal dog, Ozzy. He also competed with many other dogs, including BDC Hall of Fame dog, Madelyn. This is how Shake learned the game. When it came time to add to his dog arsenal, because of his career, he needed, what Steiny would call, a “push-button dog” and Steiny knew that Shake and Joey would make the perfect fit. Joey would go to his new forever-home when he was a year and a half old.
Joey hit the tournament circuit in 2011 with his first full year beginning in 2012. Joey certainly made a name for himself that year and for the next few years to come while participating at Wisconsin Series and BDC events. In 2012, Joey earned his trips to the podium at the two largest point events hosted by the BDC. He won his first National Championship in the Masters Division with veteran player, Jerry Brost. That same year, it was Jenna Kerstner’s turn. Jenna and Joey would win the World Championships in the always competitive Ladies Division. In 2013, Joey and Adam would have continued success adding a 2nd National Championship to the growing list of accolades. Not only did Adam and Joey win the Top Gun Division, but this duo also partnered with Steiny and took home a runner-up trophy in the Doubles Division. National Championship titles in 2012 and 2013 was not the end of Joey’s success. Adam and Joey won their 3rd National Championship in 2014 in the Top Gun Division. This team was not fazed by the big stage.
One of Joey’s many attributes was his long nose. Many would say there was nothing like it. Kevin Kimmes loved running Joey but said it could be difficult at times because of it.
He said that you never looked directly in front of Joey when looking for birds. You always looked yards ahead of him. This was different than any other dog that Kevin had handled. If the handler running Joey knew that…game on. There was never a doubt when it came to Joey’s nose.
Joey also had a very laid-back personality. That laid-back personality did not mean he lacked drive. He had a ton! He was just saving himself for the big show. He also did not have a preference who he hit the field with as long as he could do his job. Mark Sweeney competed with Joey at Little Hills for the Top Gun Championships in 2014. This was the first time that Mark and Joey ran together. In fact, because of Joey’s laid-back demeanor, Sweeney thought he was being punk’d and that he was being set up with a sick dog. That was until Mark got to the line and gave a tweet of the whistle and Joey shot out of the gate like a cannon. That cool and calm demeanor before hunting and his explosive release at the whistle were all characteristics that best described Joey. Those skills on that day also brought home Joey’s 5th and final Super Major win.
Along with Adam, Joey was handled by some of the best players in the game while also competing against some of toughest dogs that included: Shrek, Gauge, Dusty, Madelyn, Augie, Reggie, and Albert. Competition formats were tough and points were difficult to earn.
Joey would retire from competition hunting in March 2016. Unfortunately, following that final National Championships, Joey’s health started to decline and in June a large mass was found in his left lung. Joey would be tasked with a new job and that was to be an incredible pet and best friend for Adam, Katrina, Jager, and Kolt. Another job in which he excelled. Almost 5 months from the date of the diagnosis, Joey would die peacefully at home with his family by his side and in early 2023, Joey’s pal, Ozzy, joined him.
It is difficult to know how much more Joey could have done if he had more time. He was an amazing dog with an abundant amount of talent that all could appreciate. Joey enters the BDC Hall of Fame with 688 Champion Points winning 5 Super Majors and 1 Major Championships. Joey made an impact on the sport and will forever be remembered.
