Year In Review- 2008

As I looked back and reflected on the year, I was amazed at how successful it had been for Acadia. I hadn't realized it until I began compiling, and then I was surprised to see that some of the fun and "eventful" things I had done had not even made the blog!

One example of a missed blog entry- I showed at Westminster! I can't believe I didn't write about it. It was a wonderful experience and I have Chris and Madeleine Griffin-Cone to thank. I showed the lovely Ch. Gryphyn The Aviator for them. He was a pleasure to show, and they were a pleasure to show for.

Another happening that I didn't write about- I was elected to serve as an American Shetland Sheepdog Association Regional Representative. I attended my first ASSA board meeting in September in St. Louis. It is exciting and also a responsibility to serve this breed I love so much.

I had two sweepstakes judging assignments- one for Three Rivers Shetland Sheepdog Club of Greater Pittsburgh and one for the Northern California Shetland Sheepdog Club. I enjoyed both assignments and noticed that both times Blue merles were Best in Sweeps. In Pittsburgh a Bi-color was Runner-up and in No. Cal a sable was Runner-up.

While in No. Calif. I got to meet and stay with Amy- Quill's mom. That was a pleasure.

A Fun and exciting surprise was when I discovered that I had been quoted on Shelties On Line (see June 7th). What a thrill!

The magazine ShowSights asked me to participate in the "Tell us about the Herding Group" for a second time this year (I participated in 2007 as well).

Dogs In Review accepted an Opinion piece I had written and it is in the Annual Issue due out this month. I couldn't believe it when I found out that I would get paid for my opinion. My husband says that I have so many opinions, if I could figure out how to get paid for even a fraction of them I would be rich!

Then of course there were the many successes of the dogs and their owners- these are the ones I am most proud of. All-in-all, in 2008 Acadia shelties earned:

5 new Rally-O titles

23 new Agility titles (I think I got them all- if not, then there are more than 23!)

1 New Obedience title

5 New Herding titles

1 Canadian Championship

and I finished 1 champion for Ken and Gloria Hansen- Belaire Shelties

The titles that were earned in 2008 are in italics.

Sunburst Bright Sunny Day won a 5 pt. specialty major (I bred her). Shown by her owner Sharon Crawford, Sunburst shelties (and also a co-breeder)

Belaire's Little Bit Country won a 5 pt. specialty major (I showed her). Owned by Ken and Gloria Hansen, Belaire Manor shelties and corgis.

Acadia Aquilegia, RN,RA,RE, CD, AX,AXJ Owned, loved, and trained by Amy

Acadia Catcher In the Rye, CDX, NAJ, TN-N, WV-N Owned, loved and trained by Dr. Amy

Linden Acadia Stacked Deck, HIAd Show Low is owned, loved, and trained by Penny

Acadia Cierra Like a Rock, OAJ, AXJ, HT, RN Owned and loved by Merrylee and loved and trained by Arlene.

Acadia Sweet Emotion, AXJ, OF, PT, OA both Molly and Valerie are now owned, loved and trained by Pam

MACH 4 Acadia Color of Passion, HSAds, MX, MXJ

NATCH, V-NATCH Acadia Rally Round The Flag, O-TN-N, S-WV-E, S-HP-N both Rally and Rumor are owned, loved and trained by Phyllis

Acadia Rumor Has It, NAC, NCC, NJC, TN-N,O-TN-N, HP-N

Acadia Paint The Town, O-EAC, NATCH-Jump, HP-N, S-WV-O, NATCH-Reg Both Hannah and Hope are owned, loved and trained by Sharon

Acadia I Hope Ewe Can, NAC, NJC, O-TN-N, TG-N,HP-N

Acadia What Ever It Takes, OA, OAJ, AD, OAC, OJC,OCC,TG-O,TN-O, TN-E, HTAD II-s, HTAD III-s, HRDII-s, OTDs Both WIT and Kaibab are owned, loved, and trained by Morene

MACH, ADCH, NATCH2, V-NATCH Acadia's Candidate, MS, GS-E, JS-E, RS-E, HSAs, STDs

Acadia Livana Heirloom Jewels, RN Lizzy is owned, loved and trained by Luann

Acadia Sweet Confection, RN Candy is owned, loved, and trained by Jan

Can. Ch. Grandgables Acadia Accolade Allie is owned and loved by me, but was loved and shown by Guy.

Ch. Belaire's Town N' Country Owned and loved by Ken and Gloria Hansen and shown and loved by me.

PLEASE- If I missed any of your great accomplishements- let me know!!!

And finally- 2008 ends with 7 healthy puppies born on Dec. 30. What a great ending- really, a beginning.

THANK YOU to all who have made 2008 so memorable, successful, and fun.

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New *AXJ* Acadia Cierra Like A Rock, *AXJ*, NA, HT, RN

Merrylee called with very exciting news today. Nicky has completed the AXJ (Agility Excellent Jumpers title). Nicky is working on becoming a Champion/VCX. In order to accomplish this goal, he needed to have a herding title (he has the Herding Tested - or HT- title), he needed a higher level title in either obedience, agility, or tracking (and he LOVES agility), and of course he needs to complete the AKC breed Championship. He is pointed and hopes to complete that goal next year.

If he succeeds in this goal (Ch/VCX) he will earn an ASSA "LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT" award for his Owner, Merrylee, and if he becomes a Champion, he (should be) # 5 for his mother, Carrie, which would make her a Register of Merit (ROM)- which would earn a "Lifetime Achievement" award for me.

One Championship has never meant so much! (Well, he needed this AXJ AND the Championship for his Ch/VCX- so this accomplishment has lined him up perfectly). Wish us all (me, Merrylee, and Nicky) good luck!

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Christmas Cards and updates

One thing I love about Christmas time is the cards with news from "the puppies". Every day I look forward to getting the mail. I like to hear from my friends and family, but the cards I look forward to the most are those that contain news from the families with the dogs.
I spent some time putting together a collage of the pictures that were sent, but I couldn't save it as a jpeg, only as a PDF, and blogspot won't accept PDF files. I guess I will be the only one who gets to enjoy my "Sheltie family collage". I will just include some of the fun news (and pictures that were sent as email attachments. Taylor- if you send a digital picture of Sara- I will post it). Most of the notes were much more detailed than this (and I love to read every bit of them), but I have just included bits and pieces.
"This is your 2008 update from Sara's family. She is just so smart she most probably could have written this note herself if the keyboard was a bit more dog user friendly :-) " - The McDuffee family.

-I find this really funny- MacDuff is the name of Sara's litter brother. MacDuff was named by his new owner before Sara went to live with the McDuffee family.
"Here are some photos of MacDuff taken today. He just had a bath. Some of the pictures are with his "bathrobe" still on.

He is very outgoing and loves our granddaughters (2 1/2 and 5). Whenever he sees children he wants to go be with them. People who meet him are often surprised at how outgoing he is. They expect a Sheltie to be somewhat retiring. His response to voice commands has improved substantially. We still keep him on a leash unless the area is fenced but when he occasionally escapes he will come upon command quite well.

His senses are extraordinary. His nose, eyes and hearing are all among the most keen we have ever noted in an animal. He can tell instantly upon going out the door whether there is a deer or a cat in the proximate area. We have never had a dog that immediately scans the trees for activity when he goes outside. " - The Loveless Family

Noreen used to call and ask me about Kelsey's eye sight. He also has an extraordinary sense of sight and scans the woods for any activity.

Kelsey has completed the Therapy Training and is now certified as a TDI.- From Noreen

"Jenna is such a great dog, we all love her very much!"- The Hartwell family

"Stevie is the sweetest, lovable dog. She is one of a kind!"- The Crosson family.

"It is so weird for me to be working with a dog that has no fear issues (thank you thank you thank you!!!). She is such a joy to work with."- Heidi

Heidi sent the CUTEST calendar of Piper. Piper is so photogenic and it is such fun to see all of the pretty, goofy, serious, pictures of her. Thank you Heidi.

"It just occurred to me that I should send you this photo; we used it on our Christmas card this year. I took it about a week after Lilly's first birthday. She is doing so well! Having her join our family was definitely the biggest highlight of our year."- The Law Family

"Snickers is doing well and is good company for me while everyone is gone."- Mr. Macri

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Weather

That is the topic of conversation from coast to coast. My sister who lives in Seattle was fortunate to arrive on Monday. That was the day she was supposed to arrive. I had been hearing so many reports saying, "Seattle airport is cancelled flights.............." but she arrived.
My parents drove down from Connecticut. They left the snow. Everyone is congregating in Philly at my other sister's house- no snow there.

In central PA- we have ice.

I wish we had snow. It is a lot nicer than ice.

I went to Philly yesterday to see everyone, but I am back home now waiting for my Christmas presents to arrive. I think they will even be on time. I am waiting for puppies and we are getting very close.

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Ch.Acadia Another Story, UD, NA, PT, VCX (Gracie)'s REAL work

I had emailed Penny to ask her a question about Show Low, and she mentioned that Gracie had been such a star this summer. I asked what Gracie did this summer that was so special- and this is what she said.

"Gracie is certified through Delta Society as a therapy dog. We regularly visit at Loyola Medical Center rehab floor, burn unit, pediatrics floor, and other hospitals and nursing homes. She helps with physical therapy at some hospitals, and also participates in children's reading programs at libraries and schools. Thanks to Cadie's breeding for exceptional temperament, she is a completely bomb proof and confident therapy dog, certified for any kind of situation, no matter how challenging. (Thanks Penny!- that is nice)

Summer of 2008 we were contacted by a school for special needs kids (they specialize in speech therapy, behavioral and social skills programs). They were looking for a therapy dog for an eight week program to work with a boy who was terrified of dogs. They needed a smaller dog who was not overwhelming. It involved playing with kids, going for walks and eating treats. Gracie said "sign me up"!

The teacher had devised a special program of desensitization - the first visit we had to sneak in a back door and stay in a separate room, the boy was too scared to be in the same room with a dog. By the end of the program, the boy was brushing, feeding and walking Gracie. She just waited for him to realize how wonderful she is! It was very rewarding for everyone involved."

Penny
Gracie is a daughter of Ch. Acadia Rock Solid x Ch. Zion Acadia Town Heroine, CDX, PT, VCX

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Acadia What Ever It Takes (WIT)

Morene sent me an update on WIT. This is the dog that got 2 HX herding legs at his VERY FIRST herding trial. WIT is a litter brother to Belle, and Bonnie's, Mike. He is a Show Low x Valerie son.

"Here's a current picture of WIT, and his current titles are...

Agility: AD, OA, OAJ, OAC, OJC, OCC, ETN, NWV, OTG

Herding: HTAD III-s, HRD II-s, OTDs He has one leg toward his ASCA Advanced title (the only non-Q he's ever gotten was his first try at this title), and he has two legs towards his AKC Advanced Title. I just received the Arena Dog Title cert in the mail so thought I'd share.

End of January he'll be going for his level III Ranch dog title, and championship points in Arena Dog.

End of February he'll be trying to finish the Advanced ACSA and Advanced AKC titles. So far all titles have been earned on sheep. However, he's finally beginning to think perhaps ducks are something that he may condescend to herd!

Happy Holidays, Morene"

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Spirit of Giving

Mike, Rincon, and I went to Henry's to pick out a Christmas Tree and we saw Santa and Mrs. Claus. We thanked them for the wonderful spirit of giving they have given to the world, and we asked for the same this Christmas.

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Picking out a Tree

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Another Great weekend for Phyllis & lots of new agility titles

"We went to an agility trial in College Station, TX and it was Rumor's turn to shine. He qualified 7 times Rally wasn't too far behind as he qualified 5 times and is getting closer to his 2nd NATCH and 2nd Versatility NATCH.

Rumor completed his Novice Agility Cert. (NAC), Novice Chances Cert. (NCC), and Novice Jumpers Cert. (NJC) this weekend. This is added to his Outstanding Novice Tunnelers (O-TN-N) and Novice Hoopers (HP-N). Rumor is doing awesome weaves now got his first Q in Novice Weavers.

Both boys would qualify more if my brain worked as fast as their feet. Also, if Rumor would bark and jump up and down less, we could make our way through the course better. No dog enjoys agility more than Rumor." - Phyllis

Rally is NATCH/V-NATCH Acadia Rally Round The Flag. He is a Payson x Valerie son. Rally is the one pictured in this post.

Rumor is Acadia Rumor Has It *NAC*, *NCC*, *NJC*, O-TN-N, HP-N the * indicates new titles earned. Rumor is a son of Ch. Apple Acres Expedition, ROM x Valerie

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A Puppy for Christmas?

Responsible breeders cringe when people call and say they would like a puppy for Christmas. Pets are a huge responsibility and so much goes into choosing the right puppy, the right breed, and establishing who is responsible for what activities (feeding, walking, poop scooping! etc) and attempting to "surprise" someone with a puppy precludes these conversations.

Even if these conversations have already taken place and it is established who is responsible for what- Christmas time is very busy with family, company, cooking, decorating- and potty training the puppy or making sure the puppy is not chewing on the Christmas lights is not usually the highest priority. For these reasons, bringing a new puppy home AFTER Christmas is the best option.

Here are my recommendations for how to give pets as Christmas presents.

• Accessories make GREAT gifts. They need to be purchased anyway, so you can accomplish two things at once. Crate, collar, leash, bowls, toys, beds, brushes, nail trimmers, treats, baby gate (not in picture) all provide endless unwrapping opportunities for everyone in the family and make it clear that the new pet will be everyone's responsibility.


• The Anticipation that unwrapping the accessories creates is even more exciting than "unwrapping" a pet anyway.
• shopping for pet supplies is fun.
  
• It is very clear what the "Real" gift will be-
  
• A picture of a dog (or cat) with a note saying, "this gift card is good for one..... (puppy, dog, cat, whatever) can be the "final clue".
  
• If the conversation of "what breed, what color, what sex" has not taken place, the picture will foster this conversation and good choices will result. Everyone will win.

When the hustle and bustle of the Holiday is over- then the puppy can come home and be the center of attention.

"A Dog is For Life"

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2009 Calendars

I had some calendars printed for 2009. These are pictures that some of you may have sent to me, or that I took myself. I got this idea when Piper's mom sent me a calendar of her puppy pictures. I just loved it. If you would like one, please contact me at acadia@lcworkshop.com and put Calendar in the subject line. I am selling them (at cost) of $22.00 a piece. Here are some of the pictures in the calendar.

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My Vision for this Country

President-Elect Obama has a website where we can all share our vision for what America can be. It asks the question, "Where should we start together?"

This is my vision--
My Vision for this County is one where ALL diversity is embraced. Cultural, social, and ideological diversity is allowed to co-exist. For our Country to remain truly diverse, special interest groups seeking to limit the rights of others must not be allowed to prevail.

For me, the Special Interest group, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), is a real threat to my way of life. HSUS is seeking to limit animal ownership, use, breeding, consumption, and over-all, any life that involves animal-husbandry as its core. My dream was never to “Grow up to be the President”- but rather, to “grow up and raise animals”. I have been very fortunate that up until recently, this dream was not a stretch. Currently the special interest group, HSUS, is successfully promoting unreasonable limits on dog breeding, dog ownership, farming, and hunting. Groups such as this, which imposes their values onto others through laws, makes criminals out of many, otherwise good people. They must not be allowed to run (ruin) our Country.

To share your vision- go to http://change.gov/page/s/yourvision

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Anticipation, Excitement, Disappointment

I remember a high school teacher once saying to me, "don't wish your life away." Funny what quotes we remember. This past week I was excited all week long. Chip needs one major to finish his championship. He minored out in July and then I spent lots of money on entry fees for shows that didn't get enough entries for a major. In August there was 1 major- and he won it! None of the shows he was entered in since August were majors.

Yesterday was finally a major. He had the opportunity to finish in this calendar year! This was not a two show weekend- there was only 1 show (Saturday) and oddly, the entry was enough for a major in both dogs and bitches.

I was excited all week long. I kept thinking about "the big day". I was anticipating the call to my sister to say, Chip is now a Champion!!! I knew that there would be 15 other males (it takes 16 males for a major) whose owners were feeling the same way I was- excited for the opportunity! I tried not to think too much about them because I wanted to remain focused.

I think it is VERY important to be excited and happy for who ever wins. We all work hard at this, we all have the same goals, and we all love our dogs. Still, I think that it is important to stay focused up until you need to be happy for someone else. Well, that time came yesterday for me and Chip. We were Reserve Winners Dog- 2nd best-not good enough to finish. I congratulated the winner, but still I felt disappointment. No new Championship for Chip this year. Bummer.

I think I would rather go back to the excitement, anticipation, hope, of last week- so I am looking forward to Christmas when my whole family will be together!

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Hope's Great weekend- 8 Q's! and 3 new titles.

Acadia I Hope Ewe Can, NAC, NJC O-TN-O, TG-N, HP-N had a great weekend! Sharon reports that her friend Phyllis (who also has 2 Acadia shelties) took Hope to a NADAC agility trial this past weekend. Poor Sharon had to go to work- so Phyllis had the enjoyment of playing with the dogs. Well, they had a VERY successful weekend. Hope had 8!! Qualifying runs and finished her Regular title, her hoopers title, and her Outstanding Tunnelers title. That is a great weekend!

Sharon also owns Hannah (Acadia Paint the Town) who only needs 5 Qualifying scores in Chances for her NADAC agility championship (the NATCH). This is a huge accomplishment and I really look forward to reporting her continued successes.

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Poking fun at Show Dog Lingo (and those who show dogs)

Pet dogs versus show dogs...
Pet dogs shed ............ ...... Show dogs blow coat.
Pet dogs are in heat ......... Show dogs come into season.
Pet dogs trot ............ ........ Show dogs gait or move.
Pet dogs stand ............ .... Show dogs stack.
Pet dogs get a bath ......... Show dogs are groomed.
Pet dogs beg for treats .... Show dogs bait.
Pet dogs poop ............ .... Show dogs toilet or eliminate.
Pet dogs bark at other dogs ..... Show dogs spar.

Yup- it's true, this is the language we use. Here it is "decoded" for the rest of the world.

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Giving Thanks & Happy Thanksgiving

I have so many things for which to be thankful- good health, a warm home, a beautiful farm, a wonderful husband, a great family, and of course my shelties and the friends I have made because of them.

Today I am reliving a "gift" I both gave, and received. In October I reported that I had handled Belaire's Little Bit Country, Lola, to a 5 pt. specialty major. I am thankful to be able show dogs successfully. I love showing dogs.

When you win with someone else's dog, you both give and receive at the same time. I got to feel the exhilaration of winning, and then I get to call the owner and share the excitement with them. These are the win photos. Lola is the 3rd dog I have shown for Ken and Gloria Hansen, Belaire Manor Shelties and Corgis. The other two, Breckon and Lainey are also pictured on this blog. They have comments about this win on their blog http://www.belairemanor.blogspot.com/

I am thankful for dogs, friends, and Wins (among many other things).

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Emine- the Livestock Guard Dog

Emine is a Turkish Kangal. The Kangal is the "Royal Dog of Turkey". These dogs are on coins, and there are statues in tribute to these wonderful guard dogs. On our farm, Emine (pronounced Em*in*a, the Turkish word meaning "trustworthy") is the Royal Guard Dog of Ewe Win. Here she is pictured on her "throne" as she surveys her Kingdom.

Or talking to her "subjects" who are no doubt complaining that all they would like to do is "chase the sheep for a few minutes, please, please, can we, huh, huh?" No- is the final answer. Sheep herding is a civilized and important activity not undertaken by unruly puppies!

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Images from Today

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Amish Cemetery

How else would you keep the grass short with out lawn mowers?

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Margie and the pesky pups

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Acadia Catcher In The Rye, CDX, NAJ, TN-N, WV-N

Speed demon Rory has added some NADAC agility titles to his name. Dr. Amy reports that they (she and Rory) had plans to compete in more AKC events this fall in hopes of completing some of the titles he has begun, but that Rory suffered a severe rotator cuff injury and is "out of commission" until the spring trials. Poor guy. Dr. Amy is a DVM. Between her and her colleagues, Rory has had the best treatment and is expect to make a full recovery. In the meantime, he is not happy about his new sedate lifestyle.

He is the brother of Nicky (Acadia Cierra Like A Rock, OAJ, NA, HT, RN).

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"Puppy Check-In"

I have had a very good week with a number of "puppy check-ins" as I sometimes refer to them. I LOVE to hear from "the puppies". Here are bits of some of the messages sent. Anything in italics is a comment from me.

From Deb about Belle
"Belle is as close to perfect as a dog can be…
We absolutely love her…
She is sweet and kind to everyone.
She hangs out with us and sleeps on or near the bed.
She loves to play and she loves to get pets.

She is a princess at bath time and has never offered to chew anything…. (Cameron- did you read that? )
The only time she has ever growled was at a campaign worker for Barack Obama when he came to the door.
He was actually afraid of her.
We decided she was clearly a republican! (Well she did spend a summer in Alaska)
The girls are planning to start Canine Good Citizen and then Therapy Dog training with Belle in January. The local hospital has a pet visitation program and she and the girls will do that when she has her certification. I am sure that will be a slam dunk. My cousin is confined to a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy, she can only make sounds and swing her hands.
Belle went to her and sat next to her wheelchair and let her pet/thump her (not hard) on the head. She never moved away from the wheelchair.
We can’t thank you enough for sharing this wonderful dog with us.

From Cindy about Briar Rose
I think I may have told you I lost the man I was dating to cancer ........
I just cannot tell you what it means to have her here. I had taken a photo of Bob (my friend) and Susie (Cindy's 1st sheltie) right before she was put down in April. I had given a copy of that photo to Bob's brother who used the face portion to put in the obituary when Bob died. I looked at it the other day & could not believe I lost two treasured friends within months of each other. It just doesn't seem possible. Then.....I look at the beautiful little girl that gives me the look of adoration and my heart just takes a leap......it's almost like God knew I would need her. In fact, in a card a neighbor gave me she wrote "I think God sent you Briar Rose as a blessing...." She's right!! He did!!!!
Take care......know that this little bundle is hugged & kissed so much!!!! I can't get enough of her!!!
Thanks again for letting me adopt her.......she is my heartbeat!!!!!

Sometimes the messages are not so sweet.
This was sent from Pat about Cameron
Hope you are enjoying the beautiful Fall weather. I just love this time of year...pumpkins and falling leaves and just all the beautiful colors. Still warm enough to be outside, too. Need to ask you about a problem with chewing we are having with Cameron. He is fascinated with our couch and has destroyed one pillow and chewed the skirt on it several times. No amount of Bitter Apple or Bitter Cherry or telling him "no" seems to work. ..............

Pat and I emailed back and forth a number of times discussing Cameron's chewing behavior. As I told Pat- often chewing is about the inherited behaviors of chewing and which behavior is being satisfied. Anyway- here is a message Pat sent today.

He has been happily playing with a cardboard box all day yesterday and part of today. Thanks again for all your diligent help.

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National Spotlight is currently on dogs- lets promote responsible breeders

Forget about "What Breed should the Obama's get" for a moment. Lets focus on "where should the dog come from".

We have an opportunity- Lets not Waste it!

All eyes are on the issue of “where will President Elect Obama get the family dog”. This is a GREAT opportunity for all of us (yes, even HSUS) to plead our cases. Lets not WASTE IT.

Here is what I am doing, and I am encouraging you to do something similar.
1. Write to your CONGRESSMEN/WOMAN. These are the people who will be proposing new legislation to limit breeding. Tell them the following:
A. Buying from a breed specific “hobby” breeder provides lifelong support. Hobby breeders are interested in making sure the dogs they produce are loved and cared for. This means that when a purchaser has questions about care, behavior, needs, etc, they have a person to ask.
b. Buying a purebred dog from a “hobby” breeder means that you are more likely to be able to “see” the expected temperament, size, look, etc. of your dog. Most hobby breeders are selecting for certain traits that are greater than just “the resulting dog is such-and-such a breed”. We know that behavior is genetic. We know that certain characteristics are genetic and we select for these.
c. Remind them that Purebred Dog clubs sponsor RESCUE and relocation programs because we CARE about our breeds and we UNDERSTAND the physical and behavioral characteristics of these breeds. If someone is interested in “providing a home for a dog in need” they can still get a purebred.

2. Once you have written your thoughts down in a logical manner that you are going to send to your Congressmen/women- then POST them ON LINE.
a. This is a GREAT way to increase your audience.
b. Add it to a facebook page, a blog, a website, anything to get the information OUT THERE.

We need to work EXTRA hard to promote ourselves as people who LOVE DOGS and CARE about the puppies we produce. HSUS is targeting “breeders” and proposing anti-dog legislation right and left.

With the national spotlight on the President-elect’s choice for a dog- LETS WORK HARD to get a positive message out there. Once he has made his choice- our opportunity has been reduced (but not lost).

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What Breed of Dog should the Obama family get?

I big question for sure. Contrary to what many believe, there is no such thing as a Non-allergenic dog, but breeds of dogs that are single-coated have a decreased tendency to cause allergies and are often refered to as Hypoallergenic breeds. Of course poodles are the most popular, but my choice for the Obama family is the Portuguese Water Dog. These dogs are good with children, medium size, fun, obedient, loyal and protective. This family appears active (and intellegent) and the PWD is too. If the Obama family prefers to resuce a dog, they can still get a purbred. Breed clubs always have rescue and relocation programs for their breed. He can achieve the goal of geting a breed with known traits (such as hypoallergenic) and also provide a home to a dog in need.
My vote for 1st Dog- The Portuguese Water Dog

(and you all thought I was going to suggest a sheltie )

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Friends Helen and Spice at the herding trial

My friend Helen Smith and her Samoyed, Spice, went to the herding test this past weekend too. The herding trial/ test was in Bangor, PA at a farm called Raspberry Ridge. Helen was entered with Spice (pictured) in the herding tested class and I was entered with Rincon in the Pre-trial class and Rocky in the Herding Tested class. I already mentioned that Rincon completed the PT title, but both Spice and Rocky got one leg (out of the required two) for the HT title. Spice comes to our farm to train and it was really nice to have someone there to share the experience. We both look forward to more herding to come for Spice and Rocky. One of Helen's goals is to complete the HT title and be ready for the PT title in time to compete in the Samoyed national specialty herding test. I know she and Spice can do it.

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U-Ch, U-CD Linden Acadia Stacked Deck, HIAd, HSAsd, CDX, HTAD1, HRD1

Show Low, Belle's father, was at a herding trial this weekend too. He placed 3rd in Started B Course Ducks (HSBd). I think that was his first of three legs, so no new title yet- but a successful start!
The B course is much larger than the A course. The extra space can really mess a lot of dogs up and we don't usually see shelties running on the B course. Congratulations Show Low!

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Belle's kids represent her well!

This past weekend 2 of Belle's children were successful. Belle is Acadia Sweet Necessity, HT, RN. Her daughter, Peggin Wheelin Jennie Sweet La Reve,HT, bred by Peggy & Robert Crawford and owned by Becky Gay, was Best in Sweepstakes at the Shetland Sheepdog Club of Anchorage. Way to Go!

Belle's son, Acadia Sweet Home Arizona (Rincon), completed the PT herding title. Pictured is Rincon waiting his turn to herd, and then the final step - putting his sheep away. He did a wonderful job. Woo Hoo Rincon!

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Judging Sweepstakes for Northern California SSC

I have finally gotten one of the pictures from my sweeps assignment for Northern California Shetland Sheepdog Club. I had 15 puppies followed by 6 veterans. It was a lovely bunch of shelties and I was so pleased to be able to evaluate so many truly nice dogs.

My Best In Sweeps was a 9-12 month dog, Sea Haven Etched In Silver. He was bred by Yvonne Samuelson and is owned by Karen Hase. Runner-Up to Best in Sweeps was a 6-9 month bitch, Harmony Acre Arenray's Anatalia (pictured). She was bred by Jeanine & Kimberly Harman and is owned by Karen Coombs.

My Best in Veteran Sweepstakes was Ch. Penelane's A Promise Kept, UD. She was bred by Penny McCausland and is owned by Linda & Michael Bianco. Runner-Up to Best Veteran was Ch. SevenOaks Molly B Good. She was bred by Roger & Pam Sadberry and is owned by Rori & Nancy Skellenger.

Congratulations to all of you, and thanks to everyone who brought me such nice puppies. I really enjoyed the assignment.

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New RE- Acadia Aquilegia, *RE*, AX, AXJ, CD

Amy emailed me to report that this past weekend she and Quill completed the Rally Excellent title (RE). Congratulations! Amy reports that the Vallejo Dog Training Club had two rally trials in one day. At the morning trial, Quill placed 1st out of 21 dogs that qualified. In the afternoon trial, Amy and her other dog, Sophie, were 1st in the Advanced class. Way to Go Amy!

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Pam, Jessica, Molly and Valerie (and the BC Quest)

I also got to meet Pam's daughter, Jessica, for the first time. I feel like I have known her for a long time because I have known Pam for almost 9 years now. I always see Pam at dog related events, and Jessica has not attended those events, so on very last day of my trip, I finally met her. I spent the last night at Pam's house. The three of us went out for Sushi and Coldstone Creamery ice cream. YUMMMMM. Then in the morning, Pam took me to the airport to come home. It was a VERY fun trip. It wouldn't have been Nearly as much fun if it wasn't for my friend Pam making so many arrangements for me- Thank you to Pam, Jessica, Amy, Lorrie, Donna, Ingrid, Sharon, and Yvonne for having me out to Calf.

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My Trip to Calif- Part 2

I had never met Quill's owner Amy, but I got the opportunity to do so a few weeks ago when I went out to San Jose, CA. to judge sweepstakes for the Northern California Shetland Sheepdog Club.

I was scheduled to judge on Saturday, and my friend Pam suggested that I come out for the whole weekend of dog shows. She picked me up at the airport on Thursday afternoon and we went right out to the show grounds. Pam works for ABBA Dogs who was in charge of 4 full days of agility trials. There were also 4 days of breed shows at the same location.

Pam thought I might like to sleep in a "real" bed and take a "real" shower, so she had pre-arranged for me to stay with Amy on Friday and Saturday nights. I first got to meet Amy at the agility trial on Friday. Of course we recognized each other right away. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to spend time with her (and Quill). Amy is lucky to have been able to keep her house because she has one acre in an area that is rapidly developing and most houses are on small "lots". She still has space to do some training, and enjoy her dogs.

Pam kindly let me run Valerie in agility on Friday, Sunday, and Monday. Saturday I was judging sweeps.

On Friday we had the standard course before the jumpers course. Valerie was WILD-needless to say we didn't Qualify (or Q). I got LOST in the jumpers course- so of course we didn't Q. Sadly, up to the point I got lost, Valerie was doing quite well. She had just completed a very speedy weave pole set. I had been so mesmerized by her perfect entrance, speed, and complete execution of all of the poles, that I lost focus on the course. I looked up following her exit from the poles, and had NO IDEA where we were going next- DARN.

Sunday I chickened out of running her in the standard course (it was the same judge whose jumpers course I had gotten lost on)- so Pam and I split her runs. Then Monday I had the MOST WONDERFUL jumpers run (except for the fact that she popped out at the last pole- so no Q), but it FLOWED, and it was FAST, and if FELT GOOD. Then her standard course was a wreck! Oh well. At least that dog is FUN.

Amy fared much better than I did in her attempts at the excellent level course. She qualified in her standard run that day.

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My Trip to Calif.-Part 3- Amy and Quill Double Q

I was SO Happy to have witnessed BOTH runs the day Amy and Quill got their FIRST double Q. Just look at the judge Smiling in the picture at the weave poles!

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