2009 In Reveiw

2009 has been an exciting year for me as a novice breeder and exhibitor. I have reached some of my goals, and made good progress towards others. And none would be without the help of good friends!

This summer I finished my first bred-by Champion, my tricolour shortcoat boy Neddie (Ch HiLeigh ReadyR'Not Here I Come) He was followed in the fall by my second homebred Champion and his younger half-brother, shown by Tobi-Dawne Yandt of Saskatoon, Sunny (Ch HiLeigh's Blazing Sunshine) and 3rd Champion Sunny's littermate sister, my longcoat puppy Glory (Ch HiLeigh's Golden Glory)

I owe a big thanks to friend, trainer and "big dog" breeder Cheryl Ellis for helping me to train and show both Neddie and Glory, and to Tobi-Dawne for loving little Sunny, making him part of her family, and giving him his Canadian title.

Their dam Butter (Am/Can Ch Fandango Lamar Butternut), who is my first Champion, now has a total of 5 Champion progeny, 4 Canadian and 1 American, from 3 litters, and a total of 8 puppies. She is spayed now and is comfy on the couch...

I am happy to say that our little Sunny is not done his winning ways yet, and he is currently showing now in the US with Kristie Wheeler. He has 11 points there, including two 4 Point Majors and two Best of Breed wins. His sister Glory will be joing him there next month, hopefully to do just as well. Kristie has been a huge help for me, always willing with suggestions, advice and support.

This year two puppies joined our family from another good friend and supportive experienced breeder, Karin Daehn. Kailey and Meme are both daughters of Karin's lovely boy Amore and have been an absolute joy to have as part of our family. I know I would not have the opportunities I have had over the past 3 years without the open honestly of this good friend.

I have made good progress toward my goals for health testing and clearances. I have both of my breeding boys, Neddie and Jeep, have tested normal for OFA Patella and Cardiac, and CERF. They will both be entered in the CHIC database. Glory and Kailey both tested normal this month on both OFA exams.

Thank you to all of my friends and fellow breeders for all of your support this year, and we are looking forward to a prosperous New Year.

Sunny's Wins

Sunny has done very well this fall... Thanks very much to Kristie!

He is now on 11 points including both of his Majors. This includes 2 best of breed wins. He was able to pick up both of his Majors at the Clark County shows.

We're very excited for him, and look forward to 2010. His next shows are in Puyallup WA and after that in Portland OR. Glory will be joining him for these shows too, so she can start working on her American title as well.

Here is one of his Major win pictures.