Westminster 2015

My friend Sharon went with me and Liza to New York city to the Westminster show.  Well, actually, Sharon took me to the show.  Sharon had no problem driving in NY traffic which was something I had no interest in doing.

Westminster used to be 100% in Madison Square Garden- and that was the WORST location for a dog show I have ever been in.  I went 3 times under those circumstances, and showed one time.  It was SO crowded!  and really, just miserable.  A few years ago "The Garden" was undergoing renovations, so and only the main area was available. The Westminster Kennel Club needed to find a new location for the regular breed judging (but the group judging and Best in Show stayed at the Garden).  They rented The Piers- specifically Pier 92 and Pier 94.  It worked well, and they have decided to continue with the arrangement.

The Piers were MUCH better- more spacious, better parking, easier access, more vendors.  I felt like there was enough room to breath- and, I think that more people were able to come to the show.  I enjoyed showing there and think I will be more likely to go back.   Switching gears:

A Funny thing happened on my way to the show (Westminster)....
Sharon and I were at the hotel in NJ and Sharon took Liza out to potty.  When she came back in the room, she asked me if I had sold a dog to someone in MD?  Well, yes....  Sharon said, "there is a women out walking her Flat Coat retriever, and she is rooming with a women that has a sheltie she got from you."  Huh?   The roommate of someone who got a puppy from me is talking to my roommate?  This is funny.  Next thing I know I get a text from Luanne- who has Lucy.  Her text asks, "are you at the Red Roof"  Yup!  She was too!  She was going to Westminster to help her friend.  I asked her what room # she as in, and then called her on the room phone (it was getting too late to go visit).  The whole thing was kind of funny.

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New *NATCH* Acadia's Warrior Princess

About a month ago Linda send the following message, "Xena and I are back to agility once again.  I tore the ligament in my foot in January of 2014.  Dang old body of mine keeps getting in the way of agility.  She was going very well before I had that back surgery in 2012.  Then my foot, then her cataract surgery.  She never forgets what to do even with the breaks.  She is one super little dog.  Anyway, I hope to have a great picture with her, a judge, and a NATCH bar soon.  We only need one CHANCES run. 

Here are her latest NADAC titles.

ECC         Elite Chances                           2-3-14

Elite Versatility                                          2-3-14    

O-TN-E    Outstanding Elite Tunnelers     2-23-14

O-EAG-E Outstanding Elite Regular        2-23-14

NATCH Regular                                       3-16-14

NATCH Tunnelers                                    3-29-14

1,000Lifetime Points                                 3-30-14

O-EJC-E  Outstanding Elite Jumpers       3-30-14

O-ECC-E  Outstanding Elite Chances      5-26-14

NATCH Jumpers                                      11-16-14

Thanks again for all your support.  I enjoy this little dog so much and she continues to amaze me."

The North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC), Agility Trial Championship (NATCH) requires a dog and handler team to earn 230 Elite Regular, 130 Elite Regular, 130 Elite Chances, and 130 Elite Jumpers points.

Well, here is the Great Picture with Linda, Xena, and the judge of that last Chances Run.  CONGRATULATIONS  LINDA AND XENA.   We are so proud of you!

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Acadia Infinite Spirit, (AKC) HSAs; (ASCA) STDs&d, OTDs; (AHBA) HRD Is, HTAD Is, IIs, HTAD Id

Kathy has sent me this update on Finn.  Reports like these bring joy to my heart.  It is my pleasure to share these wonderful dogs with others, and then to share the successes they have, as pets, or competition dogs.

Kathy writes, "Finn is a wonderful companion at home and out working.  He is my special boy!  I don't know what to add. We have enjoyed agility lessons and he is a registered therapy dog through Therapy Dogs Inc.  He enjoys visiting senior residences and nursing homes.  Finn loves herding! We've worked sheep, goats, ducks and geese. He is so excited to be at the ranch when we train. We help move stock, set them out for others and do any chores we can.  We are working hard to compete in Advanced AKC, AHBA and ASCA sheep some time soon. We did earn his HTAD Id title 8/23. He loves ducks!  He is my boy :) "
Acadia Infinite Spirit (AKC) CGC, HT, PT, HS; (ASCA) STDs&d, OTDs; (AHBA) HRD Is,

HTAD Is, IIs, HTAD Id

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Happy New Year to You

Our dogs felt that 2015 started off right.  They got lamb legs to chew on today.  The day windy, but not too cold (my van said 40- but it felt colder than that).

Ch. Dove in the back and her granddaughter, Ch. Liza, in front

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We were on National TV (NBC) on Thanksgiving Day

Liza placed 3rd in the Herding Group at the National Dog Show which was aired on NBC on Thanksgiving Day.  The show itself had taken place a week and a half prior to Thanksgiving, so I was able to have the family over and we all got to watch the show together.  Mike and I have hosted Thanksgiving for both of our parents, plus siblings and any nieces and nephews that could attend.   It was very exciting to be able to share the fun of watching with them.  My sister even got a text from one of her high school friends letting her know that he had just seen her sister on TV.
Watch it here: Liza on NBC
 http://www.nbcsports.com/national-dog-show/2014-national-dog-show-herding-group-part-1

I am Thankful for Liza.

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Liza wins BEST IN SHOW again!!

Saturday Liza won the Herding Group, and the was awarded Reserve Best In Show.  I was thrilled. Sunday, she got the top prize, Best In Show!  The judges had such nice things to say about her.  Talk about Cloud 9!!!!

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MACH 4 Acadia Color of Passion, HSAs, MXC, MJB2, OF (2/14/1998 - 6/17/2014)

My good friend Pam had both Molly (on the right), and Valerie (on the left).  She wrote, "MACH 4 Acadia Color of Passion HSAs, MXC, MJB2, OF "Molly" Molly came to live with me as my daughters junior handling dog for agility. When she "grew up" and gave up agility, I inherited a wonderful partner for many years to come.

Retired from agility for many years, Molly still took every opportunity to chase Border Collie Quest and "train him" to do the work. Molly and Valerie were born 2/14/1998 about the time of my first Sheltie National in Tucson where I met their breeder owner. Cadie Pruss, I can never thank you enough for sharing the girls with me. Valerie pass just a few weeks ago and Molly was still going strong at that time. Valerie passed during her nap on the cement patio, today, Molly passed in almost the same place and way. Tomorrow will be the first day since 1991 that there is not a Sheltie in the house. It will be so weirdly quiet"

 

My heart breaks for Pam.  I can't believe that 1 month and 2 days after Valerie passed away, Molly followed.  Pam said that her Border Collie, Quest, attempted to put the ball he and Valerie played with in Molly's grave.  I think he thought Valerie had forgotten it, and he wanted Molly to give it to her. 

 

These girls were truly special.  They do continue in my breeding program through Claire.

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