Hollering in Hollister

Hummer wins Best of Breed at the Gavilan show in Hollister! Held in the secluded tree-lined Boldero Park, it was a small but pleasant show. The weather was sunny and cool and there was a huge Rottweiler entry. Hummer showed beautifully and seemed to really enjoy himself in the Group ring amongst some fabulous top dogs like the Malamute, Samoyed, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Standard Schnauser who took the four Group placements. Judge Arley Hussin was very complimentary of Hummer. We watched our friend the Beauceron handled by Bill McFadden take Group 2, the Northern California bred German Shorthair Pointer took BIS on Saturday and got Group 1 on Sunday as well, and Hummer made a new friend, a 4 year old male Old English Sheepdog named Nick who came up from Southern California and got BOB as well. With so much to do,the camera never got out of the bag, so there will be more photos later! Looking forward to our next show in Woodland on May 9th and Mother's Day, May 10th.

Showtime

Having had a couple of months off from the show ring since the Cow Palace and Santa Clara shows, Hummer is now ready to get back into competition. He has been exercising, undergoing rigorous grooming sessions, and enduring the weather change from a chilly winter to a very warm spring. These weather changes can have a marked affect on the coat which can cause severe sudden shedding of the undercoat. Most Newfoundland owners refer to this process as "blowing coat". The only thing good about it is when it's over and the coat settles into it's next stage and regains it's shiny healthy appearance. 

Hummer's next show appearance will be this weekend in Hollister, California, where he will compete for Best of Breed with the Gavilan Kennel Club. It is not a particularly large entry because many Newfoundlands are getting ready for the NCA Newfoundland Nationals in Michigan. Good luck to Jolie and everyone who will be attending!!!  

Cat-A-Tonic

Besides his best friend, Cher, Hummer enjoys the company of his two cat friends, Aubrey and Buttons. If he had his way, Hummer would cuddle up with them during naps and have them in the house with him at all times. He LOVES the cats. The cats, however, allow only limited appointments in the dogs' company. Aubrey lets Hummer come close and sniff and will tolerate his heavy breathing and large paws near her. Buttons will not tolerate the dogs at all and wishes they would leave her alone and go back in the house. These are outdoor cats. They come in when it's really cold at night, but in the summer they prefer the garden and stay within the confines of the yard. Aubrey is a gray/tan Calico and has 6 toes on each foot. She is really sweet and affectionate. Buttons is more of a Chartreuse/ Siamese cross and she is very aloof and self sufficient. They both have beautiful green eyes and are both at least 15 years old. I have never had to take them to the Vet other than when they were spayed. They are loyal and sweet and are a part of our family. Newfoundlands, when not swimming, carting, rescuing people out of an unfriendly sea, or looking gorgeous at the dog show, enjoy lounging with their owners, playing with other dogs, and enjoy the company of.... yes..... even Cats!

ANUBIS.... He Who Is Upon The Mountain

ANUBIS, the canine God who protected the souls of the dead in Ancient Egypt, who looked over their Eternal Resting Place and protected against thieves and evil doers who entered the Necropolis, is part dog, part man. He protected the Mummies in Egypt from desecration and made sure the dead were guarded. He took part in the mummification so that the dead would be able to enter the Afterlife safely. A Dog, a Protector. Is this why we are so close to the Dog, a Canine, an animal with highly developed senses of smell and sight with predatory and protective instincts, so that they can save and protect us from evil? I think so. As they sit vigilant, as they lay with one eye open, guarding the door, protecting the entrance to our home, to our soul. They are the sentry, the first to see and interact. The dog, the protector, the Best Friend. Three thousand years ago the Egyptians adopted an animal who had better powers than our own human species to be our guards. Still today, we employ the common dog, mutt or otherwise, as our best friend, our protector, our guardian. It is a unique relationship which benefits each, Man and Beast. Presently the De Young Museum in San Francisco is exhibiting a once in a lifetime exhibit of King Tut, Tutankhamen, and his treasures, items dating three thousand years ago when the Egyptians believed that Anubis, Isis, Osiris, and many other Gods, really existed. Gold was in abundance and used for decoration and jewelry as well as many other gemstones. Anubis, part Jackal, part Man, assisted in the mummification and preservation of the diseased soul, the Ruler who would enter the Afterlife whole and with all of his powers. This was paramount with the Egyptian culture who developed tombs for the dead who took with them their most valued possessions into the afterlife. Because of this heritage, if you will, we hold dearly to our possessions, to our valuables, and keep our dogs close to us in case we have such an uncertain demise so that they may protect us in our darkest hours. Three thousand years ago is not that far away. We must visit the King Tut exhibit for its simplicity as well as its connection to the present. 2010 is exactly the same, only more inhibited, and in a different language. The language of the Dog, however, stays the same. Protection, Guarding, Guidance, Love. A relationship that transcendends the ages. 

Palette du Newf

The Newfoundland is a great subject for art interpretation. The expressive eyes, the dark coat which reflects the light in so many different ways, the giant paws and postures that make this dog so unique, are a constant inspiration to me. I currently have new works in the making which will be on display by the summer which will include paintings of the Newfoundland as well as other canine breeds. Stay tuned for up and coming gallery announcements.

Original paintings in acrylic, by C. Silsby    2008

Congratulations Jolie!!!!

DEAR JOLIE,    Congratulations to you and your Handler, Mr. Bill MacFadden, for your Best Opposite Sex WIN at the Westminster Dog Show in New York last night, February 10, 2009. Congratulations to your owner, Christine and your Breeders, Karazan Newfoundlands, for this very prestigious and most honorable accomplishment. We appreciate the efforts of just getting to Madison Square Gardens in New York in the winter,  handling the extreme change in climate, the grooming challenge, the crowds, and fanfare. YOU DID IT!!! What a tremendous show!!! Personally, I  would have chosen you for Best of Breed, you would have been beautiful in Group. Your coat was glowing, your gate was flawless, and I was rooting for you all the way. I hope you made it back after all the parties to be safe and sound back home and we look forward to seeing you at the Northern California show circuit. With love, your humble littermate, Hummer, Ch Karazan H2.

All Decked Out for Sunday

There is nothing like a Sunday at home for relaxing and enjoying some time on deck to make the day last longer before the regular week routine sets in. Sunday is slow and quiet, serene and cool in the pre-spring weather. People are home, cooking, building a fire in the fireplace, reading and watching an old movie on TV. A long walk, a long nap, and Voila! Monday makes its way to the front of the line again. Somehow I think almost everyday is a Sunday for a dog. Even Show Dogs need Sundays once in awhile.