Day 13 -- eyes have just started to open!

Addie's puppies continue to do well and Addie continues to be a great mom!  Every day they have been growing between 5% and 10% (some are growing even more than that!) ... they are now an average of 580 grams (20.5 oz or 1.3 pounds .... note, birthweight was an average of 202 grams).  I am very pleased with how they are progressing, and how wonderful a mom Addie is being.  You see, in less than 2 days I expect to be in Pennsylvania at my US Breed Club's National Specialty -- Montgomery County Kennel Club!  Last year was my first year (in over 10) that I missed it, since Paisa had puppies due that weekend, and this year my plan was to go and Michael to stay here with the puppies ... IF everything was going well.  Let's just say that Michael is very prepared to take on the duties of caring for "mom" while I get to go to my National Specialty!  Everything is going very well :-) More about the specialty later....
I didn't take a picture today as I wasn't sure how the flash would be for a newborns eyes that *just* opened, so the picture included above was taken by our friend, and wonderful website designer and photographer extraordinairre - Martin Blumenfield (http://www.coastalexteme.com/) when he and his family came a few days ago to see the puppies.

Addie had 6 puppies!

Late last night Addie (full name is Athena - Am/Can Ch Darwyn's Heroic Endeavour) had 6 healthy puppies ... born in record time!  The last time we had a litter born (Fall 2009), Paisa had 6 puppies, delivered naturally over 8 hours ... that was one long day as neither Michael nor myself moved very far from the puppy room (and not for long) .... well Addie broke the record at Darwyn for speed and ease of delivery.  Addie's 5 boys and 1 girl were born in 1 hour and 15 minutes!
The picture above was taken about 30 minutes after the last puppy was born ... she is a very happy, and content mom, and the puppies are all doing very well.  Me ... tired and happy.

Next Victoria Area Welsh Walk - Sept 12/10 - Elk Lake Trails!

If you have a Welsh Terrier and live on Sourthern Vancouver Island, you might just want to check out this fun, and informal, group that gathers a few times a year with their welshies - all are welcome!  Click here for details!
Unfortunately, I will be in the Okanagan at a Dog Show so will not be able to join in on the fun.
If you go - have fun and enjoy - it's a great group that get together!

Sparring anyone? Yes - apparently anyone!

A couple of months ago Michael and I went out for the afternoon to the beaches on the Westside of Vancouver with Parker (Am/Can Ch Darwyn's Webslinger).

It is common for Terriers to spar.  Apparently, so do little white fluffy dogs.  :-)

Today, Parker is in a more 'finished' trim ... this weekend we are off to a Welsh Terrier Specialty (11 Welsh Terriers entered - wow!!!  Majors in both males and females and 3 specials ... one which is Parker :-)  Wish us luck ... Parker just might pick up his first set of US Grand Championship points .... and this is MONTY's first show!  He's my puppy dog (Paisa is his mom) ... fingers crossed that he remembers what we did at handling class and keeps all 4 feet on the ground!  Hopefully someone will get a photo this weekend for me (Michael is going to hold the fort at home) ... my trimming isn't as great as Woody's, but I am hoping that it is considered decent!  Here's a 'fun' photo of him from a few months ago ... he acts so much like "Joe" that sometimes I cannot believe they are not directly related ... I love them all and so proud of them all ... no matter who the judge points to this weekend, I'll be very happy to come home with my guys!

But still ... fingers crossed ... ok?  :-)

Joe is off this weekend - but wish him luck next week in Santa Barbara please! :-)

Who can't resist cute puppies :-)

Here's Scout - the newest addition to the Darwyn Family!

I still plan on putting together a proper blog post, with photos of Scout and the family that she came from ... perhaps after I get back from the upcoming show this weekend in Washington State I'll get some time...  For now, here are a couple of photos that Michael took yesterday when we went for a walk with 10 week old Scout and a friend that will be flying to Oklahoma in a couple of weeks to bring back her sister Gracie!

It looks like Scout has acclimated to BC weather and terrain just fine.  I might even try to do a bit of grooming on her before the next set of photos.  :-)

"We try harder" :-)

The Jul/10 statistics are out - and while a number of Welsh Terriers across the US have had some nice show ring wins, Joe continues to be #2 just behind his sire Spyder!  Not bad for a dog that was playing with puppies at home (without a care from me about his furnishings being wrecked ... acckk!) 6 mths ago, and went to the US as a class dog!  I'm not sure that we'll actually catch the #1 or not (he has a few best in show points ahead of us and a full 5 more months of showing as a 'special' this year).... but maybe..... :-)

Didn't some general (car) advertising build their business on being #2?  They were pretty darn good from what I recall ... check out these top Welsh Terrier US Stats!

What I do know is that Woody (Mr. Wood Wornall) and Joe (Am GCh & Can. Ch. Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That) try pretty darn hard when they are in the ring together to look good ... this ringside candid taken  by Jacky Curry at "Woofstock" earlier this year, or the one with Woody presenting Joe on the table that Michael took from across the ring.

Even when they are clearly waiting in line, they look good!

Intoducing GRAND CHAMPION Joe! GCh & Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That!

The AKC on-line store shows that JOE (Am/Can Ch -- now GCh Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That!) is officially a GRAND CHAMPION!

This is no easy feat - as it is ALL about breed competition (for example, his Back-to-Back Group Wins in Carmel last month did not count towards it, since the 2 other Welsh Terriers were absent that day).  And, you can only get Grand Champion Points AFTER you become an AKC Champion!

You need (after you are a champion):
- 25 points (breed) points in total (it's hard finding ANY breed compeitition in California!)
- 3 MAJOR wins and these must be under 3 different judges and at least 1 more judge!
(click here for the specifics)

I am so proud!  Here are a few facts:
- Apr 9, 2010 is Joe's first US show weekend with Wood Wornall (Group 3 from the classes with Michele Billings - no championship points even ... no breed competition)

- Apr 17, 2010 Joe meets other Welsh Terriers and finishes his US championship!  N. California Terrier Association, BW each day, and a BOB over specials!

- Next FOUR weekends, he is shown as a special, wins Group Placements each weekend, but NO other breed competition, so NO Grand Championship points (darn!)

- May 22, 2010 weekend Joe meets other Welsh Terrier competition and STARTS earning Grand Champoinship points!

- Jul 31, 2010 results posted shows that he is officially declared an AKC GRAND CHAMPION!

2 months from his first show as a special with breed competition to being a Grand Champion -- WOW!

Click here for Joe's page!

Parker is on a roll in Canada!

I came home from a very exciting trip to Oklahoma City this past weekend (definitely another blog post!) ... I was evaluating an 8.5 week old litter that Parker (Am/Can Ch. Darwyn's Webslinger) sired (and I am VERY excited about ... but again, another blog post!) ... I picked up Parker from his handlers home last night to learn all about the shows he attended over the last couple of weeks, and really nice wins! The Group 1st and Group 2nd wins means that he continues to be the #1 Welsh Terrier in Canada - in only a handful of show weekends! I know that he enjoys being home, but looking at this candid taken last weekend by Lisa, he clearly enjoys being with Aaron ... it's a very good thing!
And today, Chris of 'Photos Now' sent me a few of Parker's recent win photos (I would have bought more, but it sure does add up quickly!) ... thank you Chris for your super-quick turnaround!

And, now that I know how to do Picasa slide shows, just click here for the full album!

From Parker (Am/Can Ch Darwyn's Webslinger) Canadian Show Photos

I FIXED my Tofino Trip photo slide show!

Remember that cool trip we took earlier this year we did with Monty?  Well, I finally decided to use Picasa (first time - and it was pretty easy - yippee!) and I updated the page, so you can actually SEE the photos now!  :-)

Click here!

Now, I get to experiment with this and get some of my MANY show photos up in a way that it is easy to scroll through!  I might even put a few slide shows on various pages .... stay tuned!

ANOTHER GROUP placement for Joe in California ... 14 weekends out, 13 with Group Wins or Placements!

Almost PERFECT record - WOW!

This past weekend was Joe's (Am/Can Ch.Darwyn's I'm Not Agruing That) 14th weekend being shown in the US (including the shows in April as class dog) - and it was his 13th weekend in getting at least one group placement!

The ONE weekend that he did not get a Group Placement, Joe was awarded an Award of Merit at the breeds's National Specialty!

I received his Back-to-Back Group Win photos from his last show weekend ... they are very nice! :-)
Click here to go to Joe's web page to see them!

By the way - the candid above was taken by my wonderful husband, Michael, while we were down in California for Great Western Terrier Association, June 2010.  I LOVE this dog!

Dremeling dogs nails - it's a good thing :-)

My job tonight was to dremel the dogs nails ... I did 64 toenails tonight - woo hoo!  I try to do this every few weeks, and start very young so most of the dogs are really used to it and just don't mind.  I get questions about this every once in a while, so I thought that I would share some thoughts on the subject.  I know of 2 excellent website resources on this topic, which I am providing below.

The first one (she has Dobermans) has some very detailed explanations about how to do about doing it, and some great pictures showing exactly what she is describing. (click here for the first one).

The second one is a blog written by a Welsh Terrier owner (note, I used to link to an Airedale Terrier blog, which is no longer active, but updated this blog post in 2014 to link to the welsh terrier blog post on this subject).  This also is a very good read on this subject - with lot's of good tips on the subject (and things to consider) - click here for the second one

And, from the DREMEL Owner Manual:

"Nails do not require trimming prior to grinding. Do not hold the grinder in one place while it is in use, as it may cause uneveness and damage the nail. Use a continuous side-to-side motion. Hold the Dremel like a pencil, and firmly hold the foot while grinding the nail. Do not apply force, the Dremel will do the work for you.”

Grover (right) was over last weekend and shortly before this picture was taken, he had his nails done ... he sure looks happy, doesn't he?   He is one of Paisa's boys!

Older puppies available ...

I have been very busy in these last few months, so have not followed up with everyone that has sent me a request (I appologize - but I have life and dogs and relationships and property also going on in my life ... and there is just so much time!).
Anyways, I have a young boy (9.5 months old) available -- however, I am looking for an extra special home for him, and one that is relatively local to me (Lower Mainland, BC).  There is also another boy that a good friend of mine has available, 10 months old, and he lives in the Los Angeles (California) area - both are absolutely wonderful boys, very well socialized, healthy and great temperaments!
If you have terrier experience, and possibly interested - please contact me.

True Terrier instinct at work!

Pepper caught a gopher! 

Then he let him go! 

While his family was happy, I'm sure Pepper didn't mean to let him go.  It seems he was trying to get a better grip, but the gopher didn't stick around!  Gophers, unlike squeaky toys, run away if they are given the chance ... something Pepper will remember next time, I'm sure!

Pepper, a 10 month old puppy that I sold as a pet last fall (a Haley x Merlin son), went camping this weekend and the grounds had lot's of great wildlife ... deer that came inches away from their RV and gophers (and their holes) everywhere!

I think Pepper thought that he had found 'heaven on earth'.  Here's a before and after photo of the experience .... life is RUFF!

So ... thinking about that upcoming Earthdog trial in Vancouver in September... clearly my welshies have that natural instinct pretty well cemented in!

And, speaking of puppies - if Addie does have puppies this fall, they will be related to Pepper on both sides of the family tree.

Put Sept 11/12 onto your calendar and be prepared for your Earthdog to have some fun!

The Sea to Sky Earthdog Club (in Vancouver BC) will have Earthdog Trials in September in the Vancouver area!  Click here for the specific details!
There are 4 CKC Earthdog tests with 4 sets of classes at each level as well as prizes and a breed challenge!
If you have this weekend available - please check it out!  And, as they say ... go play with them, or watch and enjoy!  This is what the Welsh Terrier was originally bred to do -- and from videos that I saw of some friends that have welshies in New York, their dogs had a blast last weekend!  Check out this news clip of the event!

Here's a photo of K-See ... Am/Can Ch Saredon Chasing Secrets) ... taken a few years ago showing her natural instincts on my property!

Now that she lives in Alaska .... when she isn't cuddling with the fishing lodge guests, I am SURE that she is doing her very best to keep rodents away from Katies property!

Remember Robbie? Here he is 7 years old - still looking great ... clipped for the last few years, but looking good!

I woke up this morning to a truly wonderful email ... a real blast from the past ... my first home-bred BOB Specialty Winner!
My friend (she has headed up the Health Committee of the Welsh Terrier Club of America for years) told me that she had the opportunity to see a very special boy of mine to give him a pet groom.  Obviously by the photo, she does a very nice job (yes, some WTs lose their rich colors over the years if they are clippered ... that's OK, in fact that is normal for some).  Her comment was particularly special for me, as it is how I feel as well ..."I just adore him, he reminds me of so many dogs of days gone by".  Isn't that sweet!

YES -- this is ROBBIE - Am Ch. Darwyn's Heart Throb!  A K-See son! (click on their names to see more!)

Robbie had a very brief show career ... he was sold as a pet to people that wanted a dog that looked really good, good enough to finish his championship in California ... well, he finished in style!  5 point majors at some big shows - including Louiseville KY and Sacramento California .... 2 of his most memorable wins included Best of Breed at the Welsh Terrier Club of America National Specialty (conditioned and presented beautifully by Mr. Wood Wornall) and then about a month later Robbie was awarded Best of Breed with the owner (not a seasoned show handler) in California over a specials dog that Gabriel Rangel had .... BOTH of these wins were extremely exciting for his owners - and me as his breeder!  This past 5 years since he was shown have gone by pretty quick that's for sure!  Thank you Maureen for taking such great care of my boy and thank you Ginny for making him look so pretty in his happy retirement days! :-)

NEXT GENERATION from Robbie has begun .... in Oct/09 KSee (Am/Can Ch. Saredon Chasing Secrets) had her 3rd and last litter and then retired to a life of luxury in a home that runs a fishing lodge in Alaska (I'll write more about that later) ... her next generation is just growing up now in our home - 9 month old Donny and Dora (Merlin is their father ... Paisa's sire, who is also the sire of the winners bitch from the WTCA National Specialty that occured recently at Great Western - Long Beach California) are looking great and are a dream to live with ... happy and spunky, but very settled and easy going in the home (below is a photo of Dora and Michael running on the beach).  I love you guys!

Keep your fingers crossed for puppies in a couple of months!

Addie (aka Athena), recently retired from the show circuit where she finished both her American and Canadian Championships in style, is hoping to have puppies in mid September! 
In the US - she won at the Welsh Terrier Club of America National Specialty, and in Canada, multiple Group Placements (currently #2 Welsh Terrier spot in Canada -- we'll see if she holds onto that over the year or not ... no more shows for her.

Her #1 job in life now is to keep Gloria company, scare away any squirrels from the backyard and go to the beach for a swim and walks ... oh darn, eh?

I also hope that I will be posting new puppy pictures here in a couple of months. We are all very excited - a mix between 2 truly beautiful Welsh Terriers, fantastic pedigrees on both sides, and temperaments that can go directly from a show ring to playing with young children (albeit the right children, with great parents :-)

Now the waiting game starts ... keep your fingers crossed for us.  If she is anything like her mom Haley (recently identified as #1 Welsh Terrier dam in the US for 2009), Addie will be a terrific mom ... when she was a year to a year and a half old, she was a fantastic playmate to both Joe and Parker ... so, we have no doubts about her being a great mom.
Stay tuned!

Joe's sire ALSO won Back-to-Back Groups this past weekend ... Joe in California and his sire in Nebraska!

After reviewing the AKC Weekly wins (links included on the dates) for Sat July 17, 2010 and Sun July 18, 2010, I see that Spyder, Joe's sire, also won back-to-back groups this weekend in Omaha Nebraska! Congratulations to breeder-owners of Spyder! I guess I should be happy that these two very nice dogs, while competed against each other the previous weekend in Ventura California, decided to go to different shows this weekend ... I'm thinking that Woody is happy that he didn't drive the 1800+ miles that Jorge did to Nebraska (click here for that show). Instead, he and Joe went up the coast from where he lives to beautiful Carmel California.

Personally, I would take the cool breezes off the California Coast any day ... I understand it is SUPER HOT in the mid west right now ... I know, I am gearing up for my trip to Oklahoma next month to evaluate Parker's 8 week old puppies!

A truly great weekend for both sire and son - a really great thing for the breed overall!
Joe's page progresses ... more to come though!

BACK-to-BACK GROUP WINS!

Just got the news that Joe WON the Terrier group again today in Carmel California!  He is the first dog that I have bred to have back-to-back Group Wins in the US!  Paisa (Am/Can Ch Sanherpinc Paisa) was the first one that I have owned ... but Joe is the first one that I have bred!  And, the competition at this weekends show is not "too shabby" ... a lot of multi-BIS dogs were listed in the catalogue this weekend!

WOW!

Wasn't he a cutie-pie at 8 weeks of age? 

And ... I have *started* on his page ... but I have lot's more to come ... stories and more important - more photos!  Stay tuned!

Joe's page is 1 picture closer - inspired by todays Group Win!

Joe's GROUP WIN today in Carmel, California inspired me to figure out how to create a new header picture (well - thanks mostly to Martin who created a template for me last year) ... but I haven't done it for a while so was a bit intimidated.  I found a candid that Carol Beauchat took of Joe last month and cropped it to fit the header (hope you don't mind Carol - your full picture will be shown on Joe's page).

I meant to write Joe's full webpage tonight, but I got caught up in looking through pictures.  However, I did change his header and the header on the homepage (that's our Joe!).

A nifty thing about today's Group Win, is that the judge, a long time terrier man, Mr. Kenneth McDermott, gave Joe his 2nd MAJOR, when he was a puppy, with awarding him BOB over a few specials .... and with ME handling and conditioning him!  I wish I had been there today so I could have thanked him!  Actually, I also wish I was there today because Carmel California is just so darn beautiful!  :-)

Joe is the #2 Welsh Terrier in the US - after only 3 months! WOW!

June results are in and JOE (Am/Can CH Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That) is the #2 Welsh Terrier!

A really cool thing is that he has only been shown for THREE MONTHS, with a Group Placement, or Group Win almost every weekend!

Another neat thing is that the #1 WT (who is currenlty the #3 Terrier) is Joe's sire ... aka  "Spyder"!

Joe and Spyder have gone "head-to-head" 8 times as specials and so far it is a DRAW!  4  Best of Breed wins each! When they compete, it's always fun to bet as to who you will see in the group ring!  :-)

Given that Spyder is a well seasoned show dog (been living with a show handler and conditioned for the show ring for the last 2.5 years - not 3 months like Joe - knows what his job is, and is more mature - obviously) and started off the year flying to Florida to get a couple of Best in Shows, I highly doubt that Joe will catch him this year in all-breed points.  Perhaps .... but, the numbers are on Spyders side ... he just has way more than what Joe has. ... but, saying that, I think that Joe is giving Spyder good honest competition.  I know that if I was the breeder-owner of Spyder, I sure would be proud of his get's accomplishments (actually BOTH Joe and Parker .... and Parker, don't forget, after a couple of weeks back home in Canada is the #1 Welsh Terrier here and a multiple Group Winner also!)

OK - I have said it before, but this time I mean it ... this weekend I will FOR SURE (I promise!) that I will write up and do Joe's web page ... he deserves it, I just have to get focussed and do it! And, stop this blogging stuff  :-)

Stay tuned!

Fun with Paisa and Grover in the park today!

It's summertime in BC (a nice 24C / 75F today), and Michael and I went out to a local park with Grover and Grover's family. Today we decided to bring along Grover's dam for the walk (Paisa - BIS Am/Can CH Sanherpinc Paisa). We had a GREAT time!

Michael and I didn't bring our camera, so no photos from the walk (maybe). Martin may have gotten some, and if he did, we might post one or two (stay tuned!). Melissa was telling me about a new video they recently posted on their website of Tyler (their 3 year old child) and Grover dancing - so of course I had to check it out when I got home! It is terrific! I have posted it here for you to also enjoy!


Tyler & Grover Being Princesses from Martin Blumenfeld on Vimeo.

Tyler makes everyone wish that they could spend time with a 3 year old, and Grover makes everyone wish they could have a Welsh Terrier (THIS Welsh Terrier!) -- together, this team is unbelievably cute and sweet! 
However, I have to say this...
... while Grover is a good natured boy, it is the parents terrific parenting skills (good guidelines, safe environment, easy going attitude, relaxed about the 'little things') that actually make this work ... I am 100% convinced of that!  If you ever saw them in action, well, you would know exactly what I mean.  Today was a perfect example - Tyler fell down in some gravel and started crying ... after being brushed off, she was almost immediately happy at the thought of getting a pretty bandage!  And, this is how they treat small issues that arise with Grover as well ... and both are turning out to be very well mannered kids :-)

See you soon for a BBQ!  Love ya!

TRAINING TIP - Proper Greeting: Stop Your Dog from Jumping on People!

I subscribe to The Whole Dog Journal, and find that they have some really good "dog sense" tips on training, food and health.  There is an on-line version, a paper version mailed to your home, and every once in a while some tips emailed to you.  Yesterday's training tip is not only timely (thinking about Fergus looking for a new home), but also pertainent to the breed!  I am sharing it with you below, and I made the name above into a link if you want to find out more about -- the WDJ is a great, and inexpensive, resource!

WDJ, July 14, 2010:
"There's a common misconception that dogs jump on people to establish dominance. Balderdash! Dogs jump on people because there's something about jumping that is reinforcing for the dog - usually the human attention that results from the jumping. If you want your dog to stop jumping on people, you have to be sure he doesn't get reinforced for it.
Here's what you can do when your dog jumps on people:
Interrupt - but train for and reinforce the behaviour you DO want
1.  Minimize the reinforcement your dog gets from jumping on someone by cheerfully removing him from the situation as soon as possible. (ie. interrupt the "stimulus" situation as soon as it starts)
2.  You may want to leave a "tab" attached to your dog's collar when he's around people - a short (4 to 6 inch) leash that makes it easy for you to lead him away. Such products can be purchased or just cut off an old leash. Don't leave the tab on your dog when he's alone; he could get it caught on something.
3.  Train your dog how to offer a polite greeting
4.  Reinforce the behaviour you WANT - don't reinforce the behaviour you don't want.

WDJ has an e-book on more specific training suggestions for this (common) dog behaviour.  You can check it out at this link (WDJ - PROPER GREETINGS)

Young dog available -- 4 year old Fergus

Once in a while I get an inquiry from people that think the breed is 'hypoallergenic'. While this breed does not shed much, it is like ANY dog, they do have dander (dried skin shed from the body as with most animals), and this is what people with allergies usually are affected by ... some more than others, and sometimes things change over time. This is what happened with Fergus's family. The child's allergies have grown over time and they have come to the decision to find Fergus a new home.
He is an active and outgoing dog and loves to play with balls and toys. He also is very settled with the family in the evenings, enjoying to be on someone lap! He has had specific obedience training, and for the most part is a lovely well behaved dog, enjoys meeting new people and dogs outside, and is housetrained and crate trained. His current family takes him to a local park where they let him dig in the sand pit - and he does! Some welshies dig while others do not.  I would recommend that he does not go to a home that has young children - he is used to them, but he can be a bit intense. His challenge in the home is when new people arrive, and leave (he gets very excited).
While his current owners have come to the decision to find a new home, he is a part of their family so want  to keep him until the right home comes along.  If you are interested and have terrier experience - please contact me.

Annual Awards Day today - we have a great club!

We had a terrific day with people from our local terrier club (http://www.bcallterrier.com/) today - at our Annual Awards Day / Celebration / Social Gathering!

A tradition going back decades in the club, it's really a great way to connect with people in a fun and relaxed atmosphere - people that typically you are competing against in the show ring!

There were lot's of laughs about recent RV breakdown stories (mine was one of them - yikes!), club members that had gone to US specialties, Canadian shows, puppies, club members that had recently flown to Denmark for the World Show ... as well as lot's of non-doggie related discussion.  The weather could not have been better!  Last month it was unusually cool and wet (we called it June-Uary here), and then a couple of days ago it was so hot that heat records were being broken!  Today was warm, sunny and not at all humid.  Perfect!

Given that I am the President of the club I had the honour of distributing the HARDWARE (engraved medalians on nice trophies - tradition going back decades in the club) -- WHAT FUN!  I also got the opportunity to sign all of the award certificates, and awards for all of the new champions (Canadian and American) by club members ... we have a VERY active and SUCCESSFUL group of club members that's for sure!  And, you know what - that's great!  Strong competition makes for better breeding, presentation and overall quality.  A couple of weeks ago when I was down in S. California at a Terrier Specialty (Great Western) a handful of our club members took home the majors in their breeds, BOB and AOMs! 

We have a great group of people in our club... VERY competitive with quality dogs ... I am so proud.  :-) 

However, it made me realise that perhaps I should be doing just a bit more showing in CANADA and not just the US as my US wins DON'T count! I didn't get any of this terrific hardware! I have in the past, but not this year ... while Paisa was #1 Welsh Terrier in Canada, she was only shown for 2 weekends (not enough to crack our top terrier #s), and the boys, well, their focus was the US. Darn!

BUT - on the subject of showing in the US ... I was informed that JOE (Am/Can CH Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That) BOTH yesterday and today was BOB (over the dog that Jorge is campaigning - Spyder, which is also the #1 in the breed currently) AND got a Group 3 today at the HUGE Ventura/Santa Barbara shows - also beating Eddie's Smooth Fox Terrier, which is the #2 Terrier in the US!  WOO HOO!  No hardware for me from my club - but 2 VERY nice wins for my boy Joe!  :-)

Here's a couple of candids that Michael took at Great Western 2 weeks ago of Joe (Am/Can CH Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That) - with Wood Wornall, and one with him waiting with Andrew Peel.  I am SO proud of how Joe is maturing!

Decisions made .... now to find a GREAT home!

Whenever I have a litter born, I always wait until the puppies are 8 weeks old until I see which ones I want to "grow up" as potential show dogs, and dogs that will continue on developing the 'darwyn line'.  Well, when you say that you are going to grow them up - that means that sometimes, some of the young dogs end up moving on.  Thank goodness people that get one of the dogs that I have bred are such fantastic people.  But ... I must admit, I do get very attached to them, and it is hard to make the decision to let them go on to new families....

It is SO much harder of a decision when they are so wonderful to live with - I mean, Donny is happy, easy going and, inside, VERY settled! Even when he was a really young puppy!  In fact, I had often wondered if I would be placing him simply because he wouldn't be showy enough to make it as a show dog!  But, as he has gotten a few months older, he has proven that isn't a problem ... he's just a really relaxed type of guy inside the house, or car, or RV, or...

Such is what I have been struggling with lately, and on our current RV trip to our National Specialty in California (and now enjoying the wide open beaches of S. Oregon!), I have come to the decision that one of my young boys will get a family of his own ...

... at least, I'll start looking into it next week. 

THIS WEEK, Michael and I will continue to enjoy our time with him while he hangs out with us in the RV and has fun running around on the beach in S. Oregon with his litter sister, Dora.

Donny - you just were a GREAT dog that came along at the WRONG time .... not including you, there are already 3 boys here - both Joe and Parker (only 2 years old themselves are top ranked dogs/boys of mine in both the US and Canada - both US group winners), and Monty,well, he is going to stay a bit longer .... You,well, you would have also been a good show dog and are SO welshie (head,expression, bone, coat, color, short back, tail set, shoulders/reach, topline, etc) ...

... I wish I had unlimited time and attention to give everyone, so everyone could always stay.  But, don't worry, I will find you an AMAZING home - as all of my other Darwyn Welsh have come to learn .... I don't just let anyone have one of my dogs ... we'll start to figure this out, but right now, let's just continue to enjoy our time together!

People that know me well know that when I come to these decisions, these are very hard for me and very upsetting .... I'm happy once I figure out where the dogs go, but it's very hard when I first make the decision ...  they are just part of our life, I don't know how else to put it.  It's days like this when I wish that I just didn't get attached and connected to the dogs....but, I do, and that's just the way it is.

xox  xox

The boys are in synch - both got Group 2nds today - woo hoo!

Both Joe and Parker got Group 3s yesterday (Joe in California with Wood Wornall - above, and Parker in Nanaimo with Aaron Andriash) ... today both got GROUP 2nds!  And, I heard that Joe looked FABULOUS - and I know he does ... just look at the photo above from yesterday ... it says it all!

Being so busy at home, I wasn't able to make it over to the Nanaimo shows - but I got some great personal messages about just how beautiful Parker looked!  Aaron also told me that while they were eating dinner last night, they happended to see a Welsh Terrier walking to a wharf and then got into a kayak with her owner and started kayaking away ... it turns out that this was BECKY - a girl I retired and placed just over 5 years ago (now 11). 
What a small world :-)

OH - I also spent some time talking with Jerry in OK about Charlies puppies (sired by Parker) ... a couple of them are being tube fed (Jerry now knows how and has the confidence to do it) and all are doing well ... gaining healthy, Charlie is doing well, and by the sounds of it, a little bit of sleep is finally happening in their household!  They survived some tremendous flooding (10 inches of rain over night) and now are dealing with very high heat (110F day / 78F night) .... and with all of that recent water - HIGH humidity!  Thank goodness their A/C got fixed!  Big hugs and kisses to the puppies!

3 different Darwyn Welsh Terriers got a group placement today!

JOE got a group 3 in California today!  This is his 10th weekend out and he has gotten a group placement every weekend (including WINNING THE GROUP last weekend at California's famous "Woofstock" show - Contra Costa KC and group placements from the classes!).

ATHENA got a group 4 in Ontario!  This is her 4th weekend in the ring in Canada and the final points she needed to now officially be a Canadian Champion!  She's currenlty the #1 Welsh Terrier in Canada, but Parker (#2) is not that far behind!  Given that Doug Belter is getting ready to leave for the world show, she may or may not show the rest of the weekend - we'll see ... we are looking forward to her coming home - especially since we are hoping to breed her in the near future!  See the blog post from earlier today to get a few more details...

PARKER got a group 3 in British Columbia.  After winning the breed at Montgomery, Eukanuba, US terrier groups and an AOM at Westminster, he came home a couple of months ago and finished his Canadian Championship in a couple of weekends.  I have been keeping him in show trim and condition.  Aaron Andriash is caring for him for the next few weeks, showing him, and clearly they have connected!

And, here they are as puppies playing tug-of-war!  Athena (9 months old, on the right); Joe (9wks) is right beside her, Parker (10 weeks old) is the 2nd from the left (with the blue collar on) and Parker's brother is on the far left.
What fun!

Athena is coming home! Another new champion for Darwyn Welsh Terriers!

I just got a call from Athena's hander, Mr. Doug Belter, that Athena (now - American & Canadian Champion Darwyn's Heroic Endeavour) went to her 4th Canadian Show weekend today, finished her championship and will now be coming home after another group placment!

Athena is currently the #1 Welsh Terrier in Canada (her half-brother Parker is #2 - but quickly catching up!). After she finished her American Championship (and going Winners Bitch at the Welsh Terrier Club of America National Specialty at Montgomery last year), she came back to Canada and has been shown here a few times.

We are very excited about her coming home and hope to breed her this summer!

She started her show career in the US with a Breed Specialty win and she finished her show career in Canada with a Group Placement every weekend she was shown! 

Knowing just how fantastic she was, playing, with her 1/2 brothers when they were just puppies, I KNOW that she is going to make a fantastic mother!

Woo hoo!

We can't wait to see our newest Canadian & American Champion (and specialty winner!) again!  At home though, I bet that she will take her top spot as "chief jumper" again!  She doesn't climb, but she sure can jump up and down! 
Welcome home Athena!

Puppies - yeah! But, as they say, when it rains it pours (literally and in so many ways) ...

... but things seem to be getting better now.  WHEW!

I've been on pins and needles for the last few weeks about Charlie and her pending birth.  While I have wanted to post, I was anxious about what was happening and did not want to add to an already stressful situation.  But, things seem to be turning around now, so I am feeling a bit better about writing.

Charlie (Am. Ch. Sanherpinc Nora Charles) had 5 healthy puppies born last Wed - 3 girls and 2 boys!  Woo hoo!  This is my boy, Parker's, first litter that he has sired and I am very excited about it ... Charlie is a beautiful Welsh Terrier with a terrific personality.  She is 4 years old, finished her Am. Championship quickly (which is very difficult to do in general, let alone where she lives in the US - in Oklahoma), she is Paisa's sister (Am/Can Ch. Sanherpinc Paisa), and she has one of the most sweet personalities that you'll find in a dog (everyone that meets her almost immediately falls in love with her - and she is a favorite at her local kids reading group and hospital visits as one of the favorite local therapy dogs which is part of H.A.L.O. in Oklahoma).  It turns out that Jerry and Ann almost chose Paisa as a puppy, but in the end of the day, chose Charlie.  When they learned that Paisa now lives with Michael and I, and that our focus is on good looking Welsh Terriers that have good personalities and are healthy, we started discussing the potential of breeding to one of our dogs.

She and her owner Jerry spent almost a week here a couple of months ago and we had a great time!  Come back soon as I will write a blog post all about it.  We explored a number of places in Vancouver, took a different dog (or 2) each day, and met up with a local puppy owner of mine that has a puppy related to Charlie (Grover, a nephew of Charlie, I guess since Charlie's sister - Paisa, is his mother) ... I wrote a blog post on Apr 9, 2010 about that day with lot's of great photos!
So - a few cool stories and pictures to come from that wonderful visit a couple of months ago that produced these 5 puppies!

So - that's the good stuff.  Now the stressful stuff.  This was Charlie's first litter, and while Jerry and Ann have been around dogs all of their lives, grew up in a family that bred dogs, have terrific vets and EXCELLENT relationships with their vet (and close by), this is actually their first litter they have personally experienced.  I was a bit nervous about this, but armed with a great background, many instructions (and books and videos), excellent and experienced vet resources close by, good common sense, a very strong relationship with Charlie (and the dog community - especially since Jerry is the president of the 70+ person therapy dog group) - they were up to the challenge.  If they weren't 2200 miles away from me, I would have been over there in a heartbeat at the first signs of impending delivery!

Then 2 weeks ago a tornado came through their city - and their home.  With part of the roof gone, windows smashed and front yard demolished ... their focus still was Charlie and getting ready.  We connected every so often and when it was time and Charlie started labour, clearly something was wrong.  The first puppy was really big (he's lucky - he survived!).  If this had been the 4th or 5th puppy, everything likely would have been fine, but he was the 1st!  Off to the emergency vet they went.  Hours later and things seemed to be OK.  Charlie and her new family came home.  The pictures here of her with puppies were taken when they are still only a few hours old.  Clearly she took to being a mother just fine ... and things were going well.

Then a couple of days later one of the girls started to not do very well.  Not gaining, limp, not feeding and starting to get cool.  Not good.  Off to the local vet again to get help (this is where I really wish I was closer as I could help with the fluids and feeding) - but they have great people close by (clearly!). 

When Jerry got home late that night (why does it always seem to happen at night?) the Air Conditioner exploded !! ?? !!  Did I mention that this is Oklahama City in June?  It get's hot there - you need A/C!

NOW I am sure that things are getting just a bit stressful!  First the tornado, then the c-section, then the potentially fading puppy (which is doing fine - from tonights report), then the A/C explodes and the heat index is above 104F!

And, it doesn't stop there!

They pack up themselves, Charlie, her puppies and head to a hotel - hoping to get even a few hours of sleep.  I don't know how much sleep they actually got, because in the early hours of last night, the rains came - and came - and came!  Over 10 inches in just a few hours. 

CNN has some really eye-opening coverage on just what they experienced there - click here to check it out!

Well, I talked with Jerry tonight and they are back in their home.  The A/C guy came today and it seems like thier home is livable - while their rain gauge shows over 10 inches of rain - it hasn't leaked.  All of the puppies are plump and warm and feeding.  Charlie is doing her best to be a mom and Jerry and Ann are pulling out all stops to put Charlie and her pups first and just trying to keep their house and lives as sane as they possibly can - in the chaos that is going on around them.  I didn't even ask how they are coping with being able to get Charlie out and pottied in all of this chaos and mud and heat and rain (these things that one doesn't think about unless you are living it).  I contemplated getting on a flight to go down and help, but didn't since I know that they have expert resources that are working with them.

So - come back soon so that you can see the pictures and stories of the adventures that we had a couple of months ago exploring Vancouver and Jerry meeting Grover and her 3 year old owner - Tyler!  And, for now, keep Charlie and her pups in your thoughts - and let's hope that the weather stabilizes in their part of the coutnry ... no more surprises please!

Remember - I love you guys - I love Charlie and please stay warm (but not too warm!) safe and dry.  I'm just a phone call away.  The fun part of having puppies will come soon -- I promise!  I can't wait to see you all in August!  Big hugs! :-)

OMG - Joe won the Group yesterday in California at the "Woofstock Cluster"

Michael and I are THRILLED!  Wood and Jenny Wornall and Andrew Peel - thank you for doing such a terrific job in caring for and presenting our boy!  Here is the AKC Weekly Win details ... scroll down until the Contra Costa County (CA) show results.

Appreciation to the group judge, Mr. Ron Besoff (pictured) from Australia (thank you!).  And, to all of the people that contacted us last night and today with your congratulations .... it is very much appreciated! :-)

If you want more information about this past weekend - check out my blog post below ...

GROOVY! :-)

Joe's page will definitely be done really soon now!  Am/Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That

Remember - you don't just show to the judge in the middle of the ring...

While the person in the middle of the ring is important (hey, they have the power to point to your dog - or not), I always keep in mind that they are not the ONLY important people at a dog show!

At specialties, there are other breeders who may be interested in what dogs are 'out there', the quality of other dogs being produced in the breed, or what certain sires (or dams) are producing.  At any show, you also have people that are just interested in dogs in general (sometimes specific breeds) and possibly people that may judge your breed someday in the future (soon - or years from now).  So, while the judge in the middle of the ring is important (heck, I like them to point at my dog just as much as the other people involved in dog showing!), I always try to keep it in perspective and want my dogs to represent the breed - and my breeding (or ownership) well with quality dogs, presented well.  Wood and Jenny Wornall and Andrew Peel who are currently showing my dog, Joe (Am/Can Ch. Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That) mostly in California, feel the same way.  And, they do such a great job!

Today was a perfect example of this...

I opened up my facebook and saw that a friend showing cocker spaniels had a couple of pictures posted from the show that Joe is at this weekend (Woofstock! in Northern California).  I knew that so far Joe was having a really terrific weekend (3 Group 2nds so far, in a very competitive Terrier Group ... only being beaten by a Smooth Fox Terrier that has been on a roll this year and won many (!!!) Group 1st and Best in Shows, as well as being the #2 Terrier in all of the US!), but I had not seen any other details. 

I browsed the facebok pictures of the Cocker Spaniels (some very nice ones indeed) and then saw some pictures of my boy Joe!  Some very nice photos of Joe, and handler Wood Wornall!  Jackie Curry, the amateur photographer who took the photos was kind and sent them to me with permission to post them.  So ... here are a couple of pictures of Joe taken today at Woofstock! (the California dog show) by the wonderful Jackie Curry!

It really seems like it is a very small world these days ... in a good way. 

We are crossing our fingers for Joe tomorrow .... good luck and have fun!