ASSA: Behind the Scenes

"LuAnne" enjoying the attention!

This was my first time showing our dogs at the National since 2003...and for the next one, I'll buy a new wardrobe. I could have been on an episode of "What not to wear"! Those that were there, know what I'm talking about; those that weren't too bad you missed the show! ha ha!Cocoa lounging in the "hamster cage"! Stormy was helping cover her with shavings by wagging her tail and dropping them on her! Next national, we'll use the absorbent pellets...they don't cling to the coat like shavings do.

Our girls were fabulous travellers and seemed to really enjoy themselves.

LuAnne: Then and Now

LuAnne at eight weeks of age. She was our first blue merle and our smallest puppy born that has ever survived! She weighed only 2 1/2 ounces at birth! I didn't leave the whelping area for three days...every time she moved, I put her on Lexus to nurse. Luckily, she was a survivor!

We have just returned home from Georgia, having attended the 2009 ASSA National. We are delighted that the three we brought all won their classes, with Cocoa also winning her Futurity class and LuAnne an Award of Merit.

I agonized on whether to bring LuAnne. She has had success at the National level in the past (BOS 2005, AOM 2006), but I have not shown her at ASSA since she was a puppy in Chicago. Pete wanted to see me in the ring with her, so in the end she made the 2,000 km journey along with Cocoa and Stormy. Once she was there, I agonized whether or not to show her. LuAnne in the past would cut her corners, and she doesn't like slippery footing. The ring had concrete floors (slippery) however, they were matted two wide. By Friday, I was pretty much committed to giving it a go...though I didn't sleep well the night before, and was pretty anxious the day of the show.

So at two months shy of 13 years she returned to the ring for first time since 2006. She entered the ring to thunderous applause, and she had a HUGE smile on her face and was so happy! She moved well, she didn't pull, didn't slip, and had a wonderful time! Every hair stood up on my body, it was such a thrill. She won her VERY competitive class and on Saturday went back in for the Breed competition. She was a crowd favorite, and every time she moved, the place erupted in applause. It was a wonderul moment, a memory to last a lifetime. Thank you LuAnne...thank you Rachael, Diane and Julie for helping with her hair; and mostly, thank you Pete for suggesting we do this!

It has been a hard week

It has been one of the most difficult weeks we have faced in a long time. A week ago we lost our beloved 15 1/2 year old Lexus and today 2 1/2 year old Mais Oui succumbed to her five day battle with pyometra. Thank you to Connie McNeill who has been a unbelievable source of help; and also our gratitude to all our friends for your support. As well thank you to the team at Almonte Vet Services for your expert care. It is the hardest part of sharing our lives with these wonderful animals...they are gone too soon.

Lexus and Mais Oui...you were loved.

Gone Too Soon

For "Mais Oui"

Who lost her battle to pyometra today.

Tears Like Rain Fall..

For Lexus
May 24, 1994 - April 14, 2009

Barbie And Emma's Excellent Adventure: Part 3 (Conclusion)

Little Emma having already been in the water on the other side of the field makes a bee-line to the ditch, with her sidekick Barbie not knowing what is in store...
What is this?
It um, tastes like...water!
It is better over here...come on Barbie!

Here's a good spot.
Way deeper than expected!

Feeling refreshed!
Back for more! A true "water rat"...Emma just loves it!

Barbie looking for a place to cross...There is going to be no stopping her now. She has been initiated!

Barbie and Emma's Excellent Adventure: Part 2

I spy with my little eye... Something...To chase!
In sync...
Come on back!
We're coming, we're coming!

Carry on...
Think. Think. Where can I hide?

Easily distracted!

What's this?

Oh yeah...where did she go? Emma...are you in there?Not anymore!
While I was coaxing Barbie back out of the cedars, Emma found out she couldn't walk on water! To be continued...

Barbie and Emma's Excellent Adventure: Part 1

If you've been to our website lately, you'll know we have two new additions; Barbie (Poodle) and Emma. Since they have been with us it has snowed, rained and been plain miserable. So today was their very first outing in the back field.
To say they had a ball would be an understatement! I have lots of really wonderful shots of these two, so I will do it in parts. This is the first big chase...

Run Emma Run!

Gotcha by the tail!

Maybe if I ignore her she will go away!

Not working...

Come on Emma let's GO!

On to other adventures!

Easter Sunday

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping; it is a good day.
Happy Easter!

Snow Day (in April)

April 7th and it is SNOWING!
View from the front window. The satellite dish is "sculpture"!We'll be using lots of towels today...

A Good Weekend!

We headed to Connecticut for the weekend to show at the Tri-State Specialties. The first day, Cocoa (Ch. Laureate Jivara) won Best in Sweeps under judge Greg Speeks, and also won her class under judge Marjorie Tuff. The following day, she won her sweeps class and was "runner-up" (though no prize was offered for this). She also won her class under judge Sue Christie and was awarded a 5 point major reserve! She showed well, was a great traveller and we were very pleased with the result. Her kennel mate "Stormy" won her class both days, and was pulled for consideration for WB the first day. This was her very first show and we were delighted with how she behaved, and how well she was received.

Cocoa and Paris waiting their turn.

Congratulations to Tom and Nioma Coen for winning Best of Breed both days with Cocoa's grand-sire, Am/Can/Jap Ch. Pop Star SS of Northern Farm, ROM (from the Veterans class). Also on winning WB/BW both days with their beautiful tri puppy, Hillstone Hallelujah.

Meanwhile, back in Canada, Laureate Rachael Ray, owned by Penny Woodruff (Ruffleith Shelties) shown by Kim Wendling earned her Canadian Championship. This was the fifth to finish for our beloved Tira, giving her the ROMC title!!! There are now four consecutive ROMC's in the tail female line; a wonderful family of producers! (ROMC stands for Register of Merit Canadian...it is for a female that has produced five Champions, or a male that has produced ten champions.)