Tuesday, February 26, 2008
New Beginnings
2007 ended in a special way with back-to-back Major wins to finish the Championship for Hummer. Now he is competing for Best of Breed as a newcomer against such dogs as Titan who just won the Breed at Westminster, and Preston who just beat Titan in Del Mar, California, this past weekend. This coming weekend in Hanford, California, Hummer will meet these dogs as well as Jolie, his litter sister, who is in the top 20 in Breed points. Beginning in Vallejo this March 23, Hummer will be handled by the expert Jeff Heim who is shown in this photo.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
A New Leash on Life....an opinion on leash laws
A law to leash is a measure of protection for people, wildlife, and dogs alike. In defense of leashing policies, when everyone is on leash then no one gets hurt. It is very difficult to measure the degree of control someone has when a dog is "off leash" in a public place. Some people obviously have more control over their dogs than others; the invisible "leash" has many lengths and in some cases, is non-existent as some people are oblivious to their own dogs' potential for destruction or ability to respond to the recall. I feel that it is wrong to assume that all off-leash dogs are safe to approach or free of behavioral shortcomings, such as aggression, whether from dominance issues or fear issues. To safely have a dog off-leash is to have a positive recall response and a high degree of obedience in the respective dog's behavior. A Leash Law is not always against the best interest of people/dog real estate, but allows for freedom to enjoy the areas included without fear of untoward instances with the wild side of life.
The Responsibility of Heritage
This is my Sire, Ch Sadie Cymryd Nana At Y Pen, or "Gaia". The AKC registered name is Celtic language meaning "Sadie take Nana to the Top", referring to kennel names and taking them to the top of the Breed rankings. Gaia, or the Scottish Gaidheil, means "Highlander". Gaia is a magnificent Newfoundland who stands at 32 inches at the withers and weighs near 160 lbs. He won several shows in 2006 with numerous Best of Breed and Group wins as well as Best in Specialty Show. In 2007 he won Best Veteran and Stud Dog at the Northern California Newfoundland Specialty. I am similar to my Sire but nowhere near as grand in show experience. I aspire to be just like him and am becoming like him in at least size as I stand 32 inches at the withers. I am headed for the NCA Specialty in Southern California this next weekend and will start a serious show schedule by the end of March. I have much competition in the ring with other Karazan Champions including Ch Karazan Meet The Press (Preston) and Ch Karazan I'm No Angel'ina Jolie (Jolie) who compete often between Best of Breed and Best Opposite Sex. Jolie, my litter sister, is really beautiful and I will discuss her in another blog, but she and Preston are very high in the rankings for Newfoundlands. I have a responsibility as a Karazan Dog and as the offspring of Gaia, to do well at the shows. Both Preston and Jolie have competed with National and Westminster Winners and have won on numerous occasions. I have much to work to do towards winning these prestigious titles. One of my greatest assets is my youth and hope that maturity will be on my side. Gaia is our high standard and inspiration and I can only hope to meet the challenge before me. Long live The Highlander!!!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
By The Bay
Like my Viking ancestors, I too, like the ocean, the bay, the beach, and lakes. I am drawn to the water, the breezes and cool ocean air. I live by the San Francisco Bay in the easternmost part where it is calm and where Ferry boats take commuters to work in the Big City every day. I live in a suburban area where people jog and ride bikes and walk dogs like Golden Retrievers and Shitzu's and Lhasa Apsos. When we go for our walk, people pass us and say to my Mom, "That's a Big Dog!" meaning ME, and I think that I don't feel as big as they think I am, I just want to be a part of the whole scene like the other dogs..... go ahead, pet me, MAKE MY DAY! Some people might think I would bite them, but they are wrong, I wouldn't bite, I'm a Show Dog, I have scruples.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Face to the Wind
Dogs and the Sea
Norwegian explorer, Leif Erikkson, one of the great navigators and explorers to land on the North American Continent helped to lay the genetic groundwork for the Newfoundland breed today. Mixed with other ancient large breeds like the Tibetian Mastiff and Indian Bear Dog, descendent of the great Wolf, brings us a dog that looks like a bear, large paws and jaws, ready to swim for fish or protect against other ferocious animals. However, the Newfoundland is docile and sweet, willing and able to assist his master in many ways from fishing to pulling carts, or even rescuing a fellow fisherman from the cold ocean after having fallen overboard.
Oolum and the Vikings
In 1000AD. Leif Erikkson landed and settled his ship and crew, including a dog named Oolum, on the peninsula now known as Newfoundland in Eastern Canada. At the time he named the land "Vinland" because of the lush grapevines and grasses that grew there. Oolum, known as a Viking Bear Dog, large and black with giant paws for swimming and covering miles of terrain, was a comrade at sea to his master adventurers. This is my ancestry, my North American roots, which developed in Europe and mixed with the great hunting dogs of the North American Indians and other settlers who used dogs for hunting and companionship during long days at sea.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Newfoundlands and Children
Newfoundland dogs love children just as much as children love Newfoundland dogs. Known as the natural 'Nanny" for children as portrayed by Nana the Newfoundland in the play "Peter Pan", children do not hesitate to give the dogs a big hug without fear of nipping or growling, and the dogs are always willing to be hugged and loved like a giant teddy bear. With a relaxed and social temperament, the Newfoundland is approachable because of his handsomeness and sweetness and desire to be a part of the group. Newfoundlands approach children with a warm and open heart, and this is why they are so successful as lifeguards, nannys, therapy dogs, and family pets. The Newfoundland speaks to the inner child in all of us where unconditional love reigns.
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