Sunday, June 19, 2011

Off to a great start...

This weekend was the Nanaimo Kennel Club dog show in Nanaimo BC. Coming out for the occasion to make his show ring debut was Bravo's brother Remy or Braebrook's Remy Martin. Remy was shown just two days of the show but did a wonderful job and was best of winners both days for his first four points! He also picked up a best puppy in group win under judge Shirley Limoges.
I was so very proud of Remy this weekend. He had not been stacked since he left our house at just three months of age, but he remembered exactly how to do it and showed beautifully. He was an absolute pleasure to handle.
He also came and stayed the weekend with us so I was able to groom him up for the show and do a little bit of quick training the night before. It is always nice to have my puppies back for a visit and Remy loved being back. He had some great playtime with Lexi, and was very well behaved in the house. I just love the temperaments on this litter, very easy going and biddable. I'm already looking forward to the next show! :)

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

What a way to finish!

I am very happy to report that Bravo is now a champion. He finished in fine style at the Comox Valley Kennel Club show taking the breed over specials(dogs who are already champions), and went on to take a third in the adult working group. He also picked up two best puppy in group wins and a best puppy in show! I was thrilled to say the least! He is now going to stay home to do some growing up and will come back out as a special once he has matured some more. I couldn't have been more happy with his attitude and how very well he behaved. I just love this boy, and am so proud to be his breeder, owner and handler. His great big best puppy in show ribbon is now hanging on my office wall. :)
It's now time for Bravo's brother Remy to get out into the show ring, and we will be starting him right away at the Nanaimo Kennel Club dog show this weekend. He is only entered two days of the show, a nice way to transition him in and see how much he remembers about being a show dog. He hasn't been stacked since he left here at three months of age! He is maturing into a very beautiful dog and I am excited to get in the ring with him.
While I was at the CVKC show this past weekend with Bravo I got a chance to see Thakoon(Braebrook's Thakoon Holmrun) and he has matured into a very fine dog. He is a littermate to Coco who is Bravo's dam, and he is now three years old. I am excited to see what this boy can do in the show ring. I think he will finish very quickly.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Hurry up and wait!

After a very busy few weeks I am happy to report that both Safi and Coco have been bred. If everything goes according to plan than puppies will be due at the end of July.
I decided to go with the new ICSB(International Canine Semen Bank) veterinary clinic in Courtenay for Safi's breeding: http://www.icsbvancouverisland.com. I honestly can't say enough good things about this clinic. Monica, who is the go to girl for all things semen was outstanding. This was the first time I have imported semen from the USA and the first time I had done a surgical implant when breeding one of my bitches. Needless to say I had a lot of questions! Monica was there to answer every one, and responded to my many e-mails and phone calls with lightning speed. The clinic was absolutely beautiful, and the front end staff were very friendly. I have never had such a good veterinary experience.
After many progesterone tests to pin point ovulation, and only one small hiccup in getting the semen(fedex missed getting the semen on the flight over to the Island, but we hired a private courier to get the job done) the implant was performed successfully(I hope!) by Dr Renooy. Safi recovered quickly from the procedure and while not yet allowed to run in the yard with the other dogs she is ready to take on the world again.
Coco was bred to BISS Ch Holmrun's Play for Keeps "Mick", a lovely dog who I saw win the BC Specialty this past April. I had seen him one weekend previously as a very young puppy, and even then it was obvious that this dogs forte was his outstanding movement. He never puts a foot wrong, beautifully balanced, nothing sloppy, and he holds his topline like a rock. These are qualities that are very hard to find in many dogs these days so I'm very excited to be able to use him on Coco.
Looking forward to getting Bravo back into the showring to finish his championship. While out running he managed to put a big gash in his side, and so had to miss the Victoria dog show this past weekend. I am hoping he will be ok for the Black Creek show but time will tell. He is finding it very hard to stay quiet and really misses his outdoor runs but for the time being that is how it has to be.
I hope to be reporting some puppy news soon. I'll keep you posted! :)