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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Happy 15th Birthday Molly, Valerie, and Candy

Their birthday was yesterday- Valentine's Day- which I reflected in their names- Valerie- whose registered name is Acadia Sweet Emotion, and Molly, who is Acadia Color of Passion.   Both of these girls live in Sunny Calf. with my good friend, Pam.   Pam sent me an email saying that they girls were enjoying the day and soaking up the sun.

I am so happy that these girls are still doing well and enjoying life.   Those two have always been very special to me. 

Their sister, Acadia Zion Candy Kisses, went back east as a young puppy and has lived in my home state of Connecticut her whole life.  15 years ago, when Candy was a puppy, she had a young girl named Megan to love and play with her.  Now, all these years later, Megan has grown up and moved away from home.  To me, that is the sad part of kids getting dogs- I just know that eventually they will break the dog's heart as they move on in life.  Candy is also doing well, and still gets up and runs around occassionally, but mostly spends her time napping. 

Happy Birthday Girls!

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Happy 13th Birthday to Molly and Valerie!

Molly- left, Valerie- right. Pictured at age 8
13 years ago today, Ch. Zion Acadia Town Heroine, CDX, PT, VCX (Tucket) gave birth to MACH4 Acadia Color of Passion, HSAds (Molly) and Acadia Sweet Emotion, PT, AX, AXJ (Valerie). Both Molly and Valerie live in Sunny California with my friend Pam. I talked to Pam last night and she said that Valerie wanted to celebrate by going to agility class. Pam said that Valerie is Peter Pan- she will never grow up! Way to be Valerie!

Both of these girls are in the pedigree of the puppies we are raising right now. The puppies are sired by Acadia Sweet Home Arizona, PT (Rincon) - who is a Valerie grandson on the dam's side of the pedigree, and a Molly great-grandson on the sire's side of the pedigree.

Molly, Valerie- tonight I will raise a glass and say a toast to you, "Here is to longevity and continuing quality!"

Happy Birthday Girls!

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1st UD Leg for U-Ch. Linden Acadia Stacked Deck, CDX, HXAd, HIAds, HSBd

Penny reported that Show Low won 1st place in Utility at the Chicagoland Shetland Sheepdog Club this past weekend. This was a really great weekend for the Acadia Shelties! Congratulations Penny and Show Low.

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New Herding Started B course- Ducks for U-Ch. Linden Acadia Stacked Deck, CDX, HIAds, HSAds, *HSBd*

Congratulations to Penny and Show Low for completing the Herding Started title on the B course (ducks). These two had completed the Herding Started title with ducks on the A course, but the B course is larger and the dog has to control and move the stock longer distances. As you can see from these pictures, Show Low has a gentle, easy way about him that allows him to control the ducks without causing them too much stress. He is such a good dog. Compare his pictures to the picture of his mother, Molly (MACH4 Acadia Color of Passion, HSAsd)- she never really had the patience Show Low demonstrates.

Show Low is sired by Herding Champion and Breed Champion Linden Danbie The Blacksmith, HXAs, NA, VCX. He (Show Low) must have gotten his sensibility from his dad.

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

"Show Low" is the father of WIT and Belle, and the grandfather of Rincon. He received his first Herding Intermediate leg on sheep with a tie for 1st place!!!

AKC herding offers all trial classes - Herding Started (HS), Herding Intermediate (HI), and Herding Advanced (HX) on 3 different "courses"- A, B, and C. The A course is in an arena; the B course is in a field; and the C course is a "tending" course. Trials have the choice of three types of livestock as well- ducks, sheep, or cattle. The title letters let you know what level, what course, and what stock type, so for example, Show Low has already completed the Herding Intermediate title (A course) on ducks- HIAd. When he completes the title on sheep as well, his title will be HIAds.

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MACH 4 Acadia Color of Passion, HSsd & Pam Hetrick

I knew it was close- Friday I post that "is so close to a MACH4 that I am really tempted just to write her name that way already" and Saturday- I CAN. YEAH MOLLY!

Pam Hetrick, Molly's owner, had an even MORE exciting weekend than I originally reported. Pam completed the MACH title on another sheltie that same weekend. MACH Penelanes Little Princess Maya (Maya) is handled by Pam, but owned by Inga Skinner. Pam only gets Maya on agility weekends, and this may be the first MACH who was never owner, trainer, handled. Congratulations Pam- you are obviously a very talented handler.

The pictures are of the dogs, owners, and judges, and then Inga and Maya and Pam and Molly- showing off those Lovely, Big ribbons and traditional "MACH bars"

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MACH3 Acadia Color of Passion, HSsd- a valuable contribution to a breeding program

Linden Brita HSA's, RN -(pictured left) is currently working towards her CD. Brita is the littermate to U-Ch. Linden Acadia Stacked Deck, HSds, HTAD1s, HRD1s, CD (almost CDX- pictured right). Their mom, MACH3 Acadia Color of Passion, HSsd, was leased to Sherry Lee (Linden shelties) to have a litter of puppies while Mike and I moved from Arizona to Pennsylvania. I am so pleased that Sherry thought enough of Molly to lease her. Molly produced 3 puppies for Sherry- Show Low, Brita, and a male that was sold to a pet home. Once Mike and I were somewhat settled, Molly came home and produced a second litter of only 2 puppies sired by Payson (Ch. Acadia's Bright Idea, RA, NA, NAJ) which included MACH, NATCH, ADCH Acadia's Candidate, HSs and a lovely girl, Sadie, who was sold to a pet home.

As you can see, Molly herself did enough herding to acquire a herding Started title on both sheep and ducks, and each of her children that went to competition homes also competed in herding enough to acquire the herding started title- and more in Show Low's case. While the father of Show Low and Brita is Sherry Lee's Duel Champion (being both a herding champion and a conformation champion), DC. Linden Danbie The Blacksmith, NA, VCX, Kaibab (Acadia's Candidate) was sired by my Payson.

Following Molly's litter at Acadia, she went to her new permanent home with Pam and Jessica Hetrick. There she was given the opportunity to compete in agility and continue her herding. Under the guidance of Pam, Molly has earned the MACH title 3 times over, and is so close to a MACH4 that I am really tempted just to write her name that way already.

Molly had a lot to offer, and although she only produced a total of 5 puppies, 3 of them have had very successful careers and 1 of them (Show Low) continues to contribute to the success of Acadia. Show Low is the father of Belle (Acadia's Sweet Necessity, HT, RN) who is the mother of Rincon (Acadia's Sweet Home Arizona)- the young male I am currently training in herding. This past summer Belle was leased to Peggy Crawford (Peggin Shelties) and produced a nice litter for her, thus increasing Molly's contribution to other kennels across the country.

Linden Brita, HSAs, RN- currently owned, loved and trained by Matthew Twitty in FL

U-Ch. Linden Acadia Stacked Deck, HSsd, HTAD1s, HRD1s, CD- currently loved, trained, and co-owned with Penny Brcich in IL

MACH, NATCH, ADCH Acadia's Candidate, HSs- loved, trained, and owned by Morene Brown in AZ

MACH3 Acadia Color of Passion, HSsd- currently loved, trained and owned by Pam Hetrick in CA

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MACH3 Acadia Color of Passion, HSAs- earns Reserve High in Trial (herding) on ducks

"Molly" earned her first TWO Herding Started legs on ducks going Reserve High In Trial BOTH days! Molly is pictured herding sheep in an earlier blog entry and pictured herding ducks on the "fun pictures" page of the website www.acadiashelties.com . Pam reports that flapping ducks gets Molly very excited, but that these ducks did not flap- enabling Molly to concentrate on her work and get the job done! One more leg will give Molly the HSAd (Herding Started, A course, ducks) title.
This same weekend "Molly" got to participate in a herding demonstration. She actually had to go into a pond and SWIM to bring the ducks back to shore. This sort of "down and dirty" work is exactly what "Molly" thrives on.

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Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's day. Many of us spent this "holiday" with our favorite furry kids. Pam Hetrick sent this photo (taken by her human kid Jessica) of her with Valerie (on lap), Quest (BC) and Molly, seated in front. Jessica took the first picture while Molly was saying, "Hey Jessica. Turn the the camera around so you won't cut off Mom's head." Pam didn't tell me what Jessica said to Molly that made her laugh so hard in the next picture.

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MACH3 Acadia Color of Passion, HS

The first week of April was the American Shetland Sheepdog Association National. This year it was held in Albany, OR and I went out for the week and roomed with Pam Fugitt-Hetrick and Molly. On Sunday Pam and Molly competed in the herding trial. Molly was entered on both ducks and sheep. She did a GREAT job. Unfortunately for her, she had an "attack duck" as one of the 5 ducks she was attempting to navigate around the course. This duck had already attacked another sheltie by pecking it on the nose. When it came for Molly, Molly said, "No- you will go where I tell you to go". The judge said, "Warning" to Pam and when that same duck came back around for Molly the second time, Pam decided not to risk injury to the duck. The sheep were much better behaved!

On Monday Molly and Pam earned their first leg in Novice B toward the CD obedience title and I got to take Molly in for her first leg in Rally Novice. Molly and I got a score of 97 out of a possible 100! Pam was impressed that Molly worked so well for me- considering I have never trained her or worked with her before.

Tuesday Molly qualified in agility (what's new) and on Wednesday she participated in the "sheltie Olympics" and won the cookie toss contest. It was a fun and busy week. Pam took a cute picture of me and Molly at the National- Thanks for a great week Pam!

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Champions listed for March

How exciting to go to Bob Miller's listing of the March 2007 AKC Awards http://www.barloshelties.com/ and see that Acadia Shelties are the first two listings- MACH3 Molly and Ch. Genna. Looking at the pedigrees you can see that Molly's mother, Tucket, and Genna's father, Jamie, are littermates. I was proud of Molly and Genna at the time of their accomplishments and I am proud of them all over again seeing them listed on this site.

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MACH 3 Acadia Color Of Passion, HS

This past Saturday Pam Hetrick guided "Molly" to the final "double Q" to achieve her MACH status for the 3rd time, making her a MACH 3. This is an AKC title. In order to achieve the MACH title a dog must earn 700 points and 20 "double Q's". AKC offers two different agility courses- "Standard" which includes all of the contact obstacles, and "Jumpers with Weaves" in which the course only has jumps, weave poles and tunnels. Dogs that qualify in both courses on the same day get a "double Qualify" or "double Q".

We are so proud of Pam and Molly. Molly didn't begin agility until she was 3 years old. She is the mother of Show Low (pictured below) and MACH, NATCH, ADCH Acadia's Candidate, HS- the first TRIPLE agility champion (all breeds) in the city of Tucson, AZ. You can read more about that on his web page at http://www.acadiashelties.com/NEWKAI.html

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