Thursday, October 6, 2011
Elle & Ranger's Puppies
Monday, August 22, 2011
Small Brag & Big Life Lesson
~ submitted by Tracy Thorliefson
Ellie qualified in Rally Advanced and Excellent both days at the Olympic Kennel Club dog shows in Enumclaw this past weekend. She had scores of 98, 97, 96 and 95 and in one class of 21 dogs placed third. With these "q's" Ellie earned the RAE title.
This is not a particularly difficult title to achieve, you just have to double qualify in both Advanced and Excellent ten times. Last fall, when I realized that Ellie already had 8 legs, I decided that we might as well go for the title. She would be 10 in January, but still loved to play at obedience. I started taking her to Rally class with Griffey and she had a ball. (Plentiful amounts of cookies are involved so what's not to love?) I looked at the upcoming show schedule and planned to enter her at the Seattle Kennel Club shows in March.
Then, in February, she was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. She had surgery (her tumor-ridden spleen was removed) and then she had chemotherapy. While having chemo she was prohibited from going to dog class because chemo suppresses the immune system. Other than losing all her hair, she tolerated chemo really well. Nonetheless, I never thought that she would go to a dog show again, much less compete.
But Ellie finished chemo and seems to be doing really well -- eating, playing with Griffey, barking at the neighbor dogs and hogging the bed. I took her back to Rally class, where despite some foggy moments she showed she still remembered what "heel" means. So, I decided to enter her at the Enumclaw shows. Why not try for one last title?
We went, we competed, and we qualified -- title earned and goal achieved. But doing this with Ellie, under these circumstances, felt totally different than past shows and rally trials. I can get impatient or exasperated at stupid mistakes (mine and whatever dog I'm with), rue the lost points, plan the next training strategy, and focus on how to get better next time. That didn't happen this weekend. I was pleased with the decent scores and thrilled with the third place in such a big class, but mostly I was just grateful to be there, with Ellie, one last time. I appreciated her and her efforts and was happy with what we accomplished. So -- small brag but big life lesson. Remember to appreciate each moment for what it is and be happy that your dog is there to share it with you.
God willing, I will have Ellie with me for many more months/years. I hope that I will remember the life lesson for just as long.
Go hug your dog(s) tonight and be glad that they share your life. I know I'm just a little more mindful about how grateful I am for their companionship today than I was last week.
Ellie qualified in Rally Advanced and Excellent both days at the Olympic Kennel Club dog shows in Enumclaw this past weekend. She had scores of 98, 97, 96 and 95 and in one class of 21 dogs placed third. With these "q's" Ellie earned the RAE title.
This is not a particularly difficult title to achieve, you just have to double qualify in both Advanced and Excellent ten times. Last fall, when I realized that Ellie already had 8 legs, I decided that we might as well go for the title. She would be 10 in January, but still loved to play at obedience. I started taking her to Rally class with Griffey and she had a ball. (Plentiful amounts of cookies are involved so what's not to love?) I looked at the upcoming show schedule and planned to enter her at the Seattle Kennel Club shows in March.
Then, in February, she was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. She had surgery (her tumor-ridden spleen was removed) and then she had chemotherapy. While having chemo she was prohibited from going to dog class because chemo suppresses the immune system. Other than losing all her hair, she tolerated chemo really well. Nonetheless, I never thought that she would go to a dog show again, much less compete.
But Ellie finished chemo and seems to be doing really well -- eating, playing with Griffey, barking at the neighbor dogs and hogging the bed. I took her back to Rally class, where despite some foggy moments she showed she still remembered what "heel" means. So, I decided to enter her at the Enumclaw shows. Why not try for one last title?
We went, we competed, and we qualified -- title earned and goal achieved. But doing this with Ellie, under these circumstances, felt totally different than past shows and rally trials. I can get impatient or exasperated at stupid mistakes (mine and whatever dog I'm with), rue the lost points, plan the next training strategy, and focus on how to get better next time. That didn't happen this weekend. I was pleased with the decent scores and thrilled with the third place in such a big class, but mostly I was just grateful to be there, with Ellie, one last time. I appreciated her and her efforts and was happy with what we accomplished. So -- small brag but big life lesson. Remember to appreciate each moment for what it is and be happy that your dog is there to share it with you.
God willing, I will have Ellie with me for many more months/years. I hope that I will remember the life lesson for just as long.
Go hug your dog(s) tonight and be glad that they share your life. I know I'm just a little more mindful about how grateful I am for their companionship today than I was last week.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Briards Against Mandatory Spay/Neuter
For some time she has wanted to do something to help fight the mandatory spay/neuter legislation in our country. She knows how hard breeders work to build and maintain their lines, spending so much time & effort researching pedigrees, herding instinct, good conformation, sound structure, type, and temperament. She knows that so often a litter produced does not mean money produced, that breeding is a labor of love. The legislation toward mandatory s/n bothers her so much on behalf of ethical breeders, lumping them in where they don't belong and increasing the financial cost of a pursuit that is already so costly.
She's designed some breed graphics that can be printed on various items (shirts, hats, bags, etc), and is making it available at her store on CafePress. It's pretty simple, making the point that without great breeders we wouldn't have the breeds that we love so much.
She will donate a minimum of 10% of the profits of these sales to the NAIA Trust, which is the best organization she's found taking action against this legislation. If you belong to a club who places a bulk order for shirts, tote bags, etc, she will also donate a portion to your club's rescue committee. Please contact her if you place such an order so she will know and be able to send the donation to the right place.
CafePress Store: http://www.cafepress.com/Fetching_Design
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fetching-Design/142308212527074
Website: http://www.fetchingdesign.net/index.html
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Family Outing
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Meet "Sam" and her Briards
"Sam" King lives on a a small ranch outside of Ellensburg, WA. In the photo, Sam (left) and Camilla (right - also Briard owner) are sipping champagne and enjoying a wonderful summer evening with all four dogs. Reflected in the window is the hillside where most of those elk graze under the watchful eye of all four Briards (see photo below).Sam has owned briards constantly for over thirty years. Until recently all have come from Mon Jovis and Mon Ami kennels. Her current Briards are a seven-year-old black male, Guy, who is battling bone cancer, Ellie a rescue female from LeBec Briards in CA and Joker Bob, Guy's littermate.
Ellie Jelly Belly is five and was rescued from Utah by Jeanne. She had nearly no manners or sense of belonging. Jeanne made sure she was not a danger prior to shipping Ellie. It has taken six months to settle her down. It nearly broke Sam's heart when she raised her voice and Ellie would throw herself into a corner, tuck, shake and cower. Now, she romps along with the others whenever they visit Joker Bob and HIS herd of elk (see photo below). Ellie has brought some life back into Guy. Now, at least, he tries to participate in Briard games such as chase fish in the creek or play chicken with the calves.
Guy and Ellie sleep nose to nose.
Guy and Ellie sleep nose to nose.The dog in the photo with the elk is a seven year old Mon Amis boy, Joker Bob, Sam purchased as a pup. Bob is standing in the field of her dear friends who adopted him from five years ago, during her divorce. They love him beyond description. Although they live nearby, and Sam shares joint custody, Bob has adopted them as his pack.
Sam cannot imagine life without a Briard. Other rescue dogs come along and she conditions them for new homes, but Briards own her heart. She seeks another rescue, by the way, and is willing to work with severe behavior issues, something she already does with horses.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Welcome Maria and "Nique"
Maria is from Sweden originally. She is excited to present her Briard puppy Nique from kennel Berger la Motte's, Gothenburg-Sweden. Nique is Maria's 3rd briard. He is from excellent Polish and Belgique lines, several champion titles including international champions in the family. Maria is an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics and Nique comes with her to work and they are working towards a therapy dog title. They take puppy classes, Nique past herding instinct testing with grace at 6 1/2 months and Maria would like to show Nique as well. He has good self-esteem, easy going and social with both dogs and people. Nothing is really scaring this confident young man so far.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Coast to Coast
~As submitted to the Dew Claw by Gabrielle LaRoche & Sonia Thompson
The Pacific Northwest has atleast 4 young Briards out charming everyone they meet. “ Zoe” goes everywhere with Louise & Mike Mueller from Bothell; she has been to puppy classes, has passed her Herding Instinct Test and goes to Rally classes. “Dominique”, originally from Sweden, also lives in the area north of Seattle, with Maria Soderquist. He goes to work everyday at a children's Special Education Center and has tried Rally, as well. “Muse” from Carol Wolfram's recent “Tessa” x “”Bono” litter joined Sarah Kephart's eclectic pack in Smokey Point. “Muse” is going to puppy classes and conformation training, as well as trying out rally. Keeping it all in the family, Sarah’s aunt Colleen McDaniel has a Briard too - a Deja Vu pup “Tag”.
Pacific Northwest Briards were well represented at a Draft Clinic in Stanwood Washington, hosted by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Greater Seattle. The instructor was Canadian carting judge, Bernadette van Klaveren of British Columbia. Am/Can CH Déjà Vu Back Seat Driver RA, BN, CD, PT “Nash” attended the intermediate level class which was geared for those dog/human teams that are preparing to trial. Teams at the intermediate level were required to bring there own carts and harnesses. The class covered harnessing, hitching, tight turns, change of pace, back-up, halt, ignoring distractions and negotiating the narrows. The Meggitt's Heartsong Durango -"Ranger" attended the beginner level where the teams were introduced to the harness and cart for the first time. Sarah Kephart’s “Muse” audited the clinic as Sarah hopes to try carting with her when she is old enough to begin load bearing. The Bernese folks were great hosts and encouraged all of us to continue – remarking on the enviable drive and motivation exhibited by all the Briards. (If you are interested in learning about Drafting/Carting and a proposal to develop a program for the BCA, please contact ad hoc committee Chair, Gabrielle LaRoche at seabries@olypen.com.)
The Pacific Northwest has atleast 4 young Briards out charming everyone they meet. “ Zoe” goes everywhere with Louise & Mike Mueller from Bothell; she has been to puppy classes, has passed her Herding Instinct Test and goes to Rally classes. “Dominique”, originally from Sweden, also lives in the area north of Seattle, with Maria Soderquist. He goes to work everyday at a children's Special Education Center and has tried Rally, as well. “Muse” from Carol Wolfram's recent “Tessa” x “”Bono” litter joined Sarah Kephart's eclectic pack in Smokey Point. “Muse” is going to puppy classes and conformation training, as well as trying out rally. Keeping it all in the family, Sarah’s aunt Colleen McDaniel has a Briard too - a Deja Vu pup “Tag”.And from the confirmation rings, Judy Meggitt's Heartsong Durango -"Ranger" went Best of Breed over Ch Briardale's Camille Lebec – “Elle” on Saturday at the March Seattle K.C. show. On Sunday, “Elle” beat “Ranger”.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
BCA 2011 National Update
Dear Fellow Briarders,
We know you are anxious for information on the 2011 BCA National in Greensboro, NC, and the show committee has been working to fill in all necessary details that will enable you to make your plans accordingly. We are appreciative that so many of you are willing to work on bringing the National to fruition . Due to the fact that we are working within an infrastructure of multiple all-breed shows, some events will be offered by the all-breed clubs.
The host hotel will be the Clarion Greensboro Airport Hotel(http://www.clariongreensboro.com/). The room rate is $74 per night, including a full hot breakfast each morning. The hotel has a shuttle service to and from the airport(including dogs)There is motorhome parking available, and the hotel management is looking to provide us with a hot water bathing area. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the all-breed show site, where there will be 5 days of shows prior to the National. The show committee will assist anyone needing rides back and forth to the show events. There will be extra crates available on site for those who might need them, and we will have an area for grooming reserved for Briards.
The schedule of all-breed, agility, and the specialty events is as follows. PLEASE NOTE that the all-breed shows are at the Greensboro Coliseum. The National will take place at the host hotel, the Clarion Greensboro Airport .
ALL-BREED DOG SHOWS: MB-F Superintendent(REGULAR CLOSING DATE of JULY 27, 2011)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 : Danville Kennel Club
Thursday, August 11, 2011 Danville Kennel Club
Captain and Mrs. Daugherty are breeders of Belgian Sheepdogs for 30 plus years, and have judged and exhibited in the US , Canada, and internationally. Mr. Kenneth Rayner has a long and successful history in German Shepherd Dogs, as a member of a family immersed in the fancy. Mrs. Sheila Cann has been involved in Briards virtually since their recognition in England, and has judged both club shows there, as well at Crufts. She judged the 1996 MOBC Regional, and has attended 5 BCA Nationals. Ms. Virginia Lyne is a popular all-rounder from across the border, a successful breeder of her chosen breed, the English Cocker Spaniel, and judged all over the world, and received a high number of votes in the 2011 judges balloting.
NATIONAL SPECIALTY -Caper Dog Shows Superintendent(EARLY CLOSING DATE JULY 20, 2011)
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Monday, August 15, 2011
Tester: Gerard Baude
Norton, NC
AGILITY TRIALS
Thursday, August 11, 2011- All-Breed Agility Trials, Concord, NC
Sunday, August 14, 2011 Carrabus Center
ACTIVITIES FOR THE NATIONAL:
Friday: BMT Speaker
Saturday: Educational Evening for Members
Sunday: Judges Education (Afternoon), Annual Meeting PM
Monday: Awards Banquet
Tuesday: Briart after completion of judging
Others events are in planning, but among them are a puppy match, a charity miniature golf tournament, a charity golf match for the real golfers among us!
A website will be up shortly which you will be able to visit for updates on the planned events.
We look forward to seeing you in August, and thank you in advance for your participation and efforts in making the National an enjoyable and successful event.
Sincerely, Joshua Greenberg, Show Chair 2011 BCA National
We know you are anxious for information on the 2011 BCA National in Greensboro, NC, and the show committee has been working to fill in all necessary details that will enable you to make your plans accordingly. We are appreciative that so many of you are willing to work on bringing the National to fruition . Due to the fact that we are working within an infrastructure of multiple all-breed shows, some events will be offered by the all-breed clubs.
The host hotel will be the Clarion Greensboro Airport Hotel(http://www.clariongreensboro.com/). The room rate is $74 per night, including a full hot breakfast each morning. The hotel has a shuttle service to and from the airport(including dogs)There is motorhome parking available, and the hotel management is looking to provide us with a hot water bathing area. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the all-breed show site, where there will be 5 days of shows prior to the National. The show committee will assist anyone needing rides back and forth to the show events. There will be extra crates available on site for those who might need them, and we will have an area for grooming reserved for Briards.
The schedule of all-breed, agility, and the specialty events is as follows. PLEASE NOTE that the all-breed shows are at the Greensboro Coliseum. The National will take place at the host hotel, the Clarion Greensboro Airport .
ALL-BREED DOG SHOWS: MB-F Superintendent(REGULAR CLOSING DATE of JULY 27, 2011)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 : Danville Kennel Club
Thursday, August 11, 2011 Danville Kennel Club
- Special Events: Puppy Group 8/10, Bred-by Group 8/11
- Special Events: Sweepstakes(pending approval), Puppy Group
- Special Events: Puppy Group, CERF and Cardiac Clinic, CGC
- Special Events: Puppy Group
- 8/10 Capt. William Daugherty(CT)
- 8/11 Mr. Kenneth Rayner(NJ)
- 8/12 Mrs. Cathy Daugherty(CT)
- 8/13 Mrs. Sheila Cann(ENGLAND
- 8/14 Ms. Virginia Lyne(CANADA)
Captain and Mrs. Daugherty are breeders of Belgian Sheepdogs for 30 plus years, and have judged and exhibited in the US , Canada, and internationally. Mr. Kenneth Rayner has a long and successful history in German Shepherd Dogs, as a member of a family immersed in the fancy. Mrs. Sheila Cann has been involved in Briards virtually since their recognition in England, and has judged both club shows there, as well at Crufts. She judged the 1996 MOBC Regional, and has attended 5 BCA Nationals. Ms. Virginia Lyne is a popular all-rounder from across the border, a successful breeder of her chosen breed, the English Cocker Spaniel, and judged all over the world, and received a high number of votes in the 2011 judges balloting.
NATIONAL SPECIALTY -Caper Dog Shows Superintendent(EARLY CLOSING DATE JULY 20, 2011)
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Monday, August 15, 2011
- AM: Obedience/Rally - Judge: Mr. Ted McCall, NC (pending AKC approval)
- PM: Puppy and Veteran Sweepstakes - Judge: Michele De Tour, MA (pending AKC approval
- PM: All Parade Events After Sweepstakes
- AM - Judge Mr. Stanley Saltzman, CT (pending AKC approval) - All Regular /Non-Regular Classes for dogs/bitches
- There will be a 2 hour break before breed, stud dog, brood bitches, and brace
- Junior Showmanship: Mr. Larry Sorensen (pending AKC)
Tester: Gerard Baude
Norton, NC
AGILITY TRIALS
Thursday, August 11, 2011- All-Breed Agility Trials, Concord, NC
Sunday, August 14, 2011 Carrabus Center
ACTIVITIES FOR THE NATIONAL:
Friday: BMT Speaker
Saturday: Educational Evening for Members
Sunday: Judges Education (Afternoon), Annual Meeting PM
Monday: Awards Banquet
Tuesday: Briart after completion of judging
Others events are in planning, but among them are a puppy match, a charity miniature golf tournament, a charity golf match for the real golfers among us!
A website will be up shortly which you will be able to visit for updates on the planned events.
We look forward to seeing you in August, and thank you in advance for your participation and efforts in making the National an enjoyable and successful event.
Sincerely, Joshua Greenberg, Show Chair 2011 BCA National
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