New *NA* and *NAJ* Acadia’s Party Girl *NA, *NAJ

"Pippa" earned both the Novice Standard and the Novice Jumpers title to officially become, Acadia's Party Girl, NA, NAJ
Her owner Lynn writes, "Just wanted to give you a happy update.  Pippa (who weighs just under 9 pounds and measures just under 13 inches) started her agility career in
March.  By her second trial, she had finished her NAJ title and had 2 out of
3 legs toward her NA title.  She's entered in Open JWW this weekend and will
hopefully finish her Novice Standard title.  She is lightning fast!  Thought
you'd enjoy the photo.  I'll keep you posted regarding her progress."

Pippa is the daughter of Ch. Acadia Sunburst Merry and Bright.

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New *CH* Acadia Sunburst Merry and Bright

Yeah Merry!!!  She went on vacation to visit my friends Nick and Joel and came home a NEW CHAMPION!!!  Merry and I share a birthday and this is our birthday month,  so she gave me an early birthday present.   Thanks Merry!  and Thanks Nick and Joel!

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New *Ch* Acadia Prince of Peace

This weekend was HUGE!!!!
On Saturday Manny was winners dog for a 4th major to finish. That same day, at the same show, Merry was Winners Bitch and Best of Winners for a major as well. This brought her within 1 point of finishing.
Today, Acadia Cierra Like A Rock, AXJ, NA, NF, RN, HT, *VC* (Nicky), won his first major. He now has 12 points and just needs 1 more major to finish his championship. Nicky's win is HUGE! He needed a major to achieve the ASSA (American Shetland Sheepdog Association) Versatility Certificate (VC) - DONE! When he wins the next major, he will not only be a Ch., but he will be a Champion/ Versatility Certificate Excellent (or Ch/VCX). His mother, Ch. Sunburst Acadia Here I Come (Carrie), currently has 4 champion offspring. 5 champion offspring will give her the ASSA Register of Merit (ROM) award. Both the Ch/VCX and the ROM are considered Lifetime Achievement Awards with the ASSA. If all of the entered dogs show up at the show next weekend, it will be majors on Saturday and Sunday. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Nicky can win one of those two days to finish!

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Merry is on a Roll!!!

This weekend Acadia Sunburst Merry and Bright (Merry) started off with a bang by winning a major! It is always a relief to win majors. The second day was not a major entry, but she not only went Winners Bitch, she was also BEST OF BREED over one of the countries Top Specials! WOOO HOOO MERRY!! She is now up to 11 points with 1 major. She needs 1 more major and 1 single point (a total of 4 more points) to finish the championship.

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Acadia Sunburst Merry and Bright- on her way to her championship

Acadia Sunburst Merry and Bright (Merry) is the daughter of Ch. Sunburst Bright Sunny Day, who in turn is the daughter of Ch. Acadia's Bright Idea, NA,NAJ, RA (Payson) x Ch. Sunburst Acadia Here I Come (Carrie). She is currently being shown by professional handlers, Joel McCarty and Nick Joines. This weekend she was Winners Bitch both Saturday and Sunday bringing her point total to 6 points of the needed 15.

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The post Thanksgiving meal walk

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If today is your birthday....................

Do you read your horoscope? I find that around my birthday I suddenly become interested in my horoscope- but not the rest of the year. For some reason this year I went to lots of different astrology websites to see how “generic” they sounded. One of them I read had me convinced that the person who wrote it had been a scorned lover of a Scorpio. I read it to my husband saying, “honey, listen to this- it is awful. This makes Scorpio’s sound terrible.” I read it to him- and he said, “what do you mean- it sounds like you!” Oh Ouch!

Today is my birthday and Merry’s birthday (Acadia Sunburst Merry and Bright). After reading a bunch of descriptions I decided that Yes- dogs follow the zodiac signs as well. I think that Merry and I do have a lot in common. I love Merry, but she is intense and can be stubborn. I won’t incriminate myself anymore by telling you about Merry- but I will say that Payson, who was born October 17 - is a Libra through and through. He is peace-loving, sociable, and has an almost innocent way about him that makes him very approachable. Always this time of year I look to astrology and think, “how odd that we can be so predictable.” Then I think, “I wish I was a Sagittarius”.

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MDR-1 Genotype Results

Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1 gene) DNA Test –
This DNA test identifies dogs that are sensitive to several medications. Shelties, Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Border Collies are a few of the breeds with this genetic mutation. Several commonly used drugs, ex. antiparasitic drugs (some used in heartworm preventatives), tranquilizers (acepromazine), and anti-diarrheal drugs (Imodium®) are a few of the drugs that may affect dogs with this genetic mutation. This test would provide useful, practical knowledge for every Sheltie owner, since knowing the status of each dog as clear, carrier, or affected would help a veterinarian determine which drugs to use or avoid in a particular dog.
As of March, 2008, 448 Shelties have been tested (Washington State University) with 11% being heterozygous (carriers) for the MDR1 mutation, and 1 % homozygous for the MDR1 mutation. Heterozygous dogs (carriers) exhibit sensitivity to drugs that is similar to or less than that of homozygous (affected) dogs. A complete list of drugs that may affect dogs with the MDR1 gene can be found at the following link: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/drugs.aspx. More information on the topic can be found at: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/ and http://www.ashgi.org/articles/mdr1.htm.
The test can be performed using DNA from cheek brush collection that can be mailed-in by the owner.
Explanation of test results:
Normal/Normal- These dogs do not carry the mutation, and will not pass on the mutation to their offspring. These dogs would not be expected to experience unexpected adverse drug reactions to normal doses of ivermectin, loperamide (Imodium®), and some anticancer drugs.

I just tested the following dogs and here are the results (from Washington State University)
Ch. Acadia's Bright Idea, RA, NA, NAJ Normal/Normal (MDR1-12080)
Ch. Acadia It's My Treat Normal/Normal (MDR1-12081)
Acadia On My Mind Normal/Normal (MDR1-12082)
Acadia Sunburst Merry and Bright Normal/Normal (MDR1- 12083)
Acadia Sweet Home Arizona Normal/Normal (MDR1 - 12084)

Acadia Sweet Emotion, AXJ,OA, OAF, PT was tested Normal/Normal a year ago and Heart Lake Acadia Le Roi de Cour is Normal/Normal by parentage.

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