MY FIRST MOTHERS' DAY ALONE

Jane Wheeler, 11/24/31-5/9/15

I will be spending Mothers’ Day this year without my mother, Jane Wheeler. She left this earth at 6:20PM, Saturday, May 9th, 2015, to join my father and her four sisters and brother in Heaven. Actually it’s been many years since I spent Mothers’ Day with her. She would turn off her phone every second Sunday in May and go to the casinos, declaring that if you hadn’t bothered to visit her the other 364 days of the year, don’t bother her on Mothers’ Day, or her birthday. 

My mother was a remarkable woman in her own way. She only had a tenth grade education but she never stopped learning. She read voraciously and introduced me to classic literature, grand opera, and great masters art. She played bridge with professionals and chess with masters. She also was the only woman allowed at my family’s poker table when I was growing up. She told me I was capable of doing anything AND I believed her. She told me, “Keep an open mind, but don’t let your brains fall out.” and “Don’t be afraid to commit. Nothing great was every accomplished by a moderate.” She had lived most of her life as an independent woman, long before the feminist movement started. My father traveled with his work and never spent two consecutive weekends at home. My mother ran the household, took care of the kids, and managed the family’s finances. 

After my father passed, she ran her own household these last 22 years only recently asking for help with daily chores. At 83 years, five months, and 15 days old, she was only 12 days younger than her grandfather, who had lived longer than any other in our family tree. It was a life lived the way she wanted it lived. 

I am very grateful for all of the family and friends who have supported us over these past few months. Thank you for your prayers and best wishes. Jane Wheeler is home.

MAY DAY IN NEW JERSEY

GCH CH A Feiner Eros 

While the labor unions of the world celebrated May 1st as Worker’s Day, the dog world looked to West Township NJ where the Bucks County Kennel Club and the Trenton Kennel Club offered up nearly 6,000 points to push a dog up the rankings. The BCKC had the Saturday slot and they asked judge Kenneth Kaufmann to consider the seven dogs who rose above the almost 2100 dog entry to make it to his final. They were the Pointer, GCH CH Hipoint Here Comes the Sun, the American Foxhound, GCH CH Kiarry’s Stonewall Jackson, the Leonberger, GCH CH A Feiner Eros, the Norfolk Terrier, GCH CH Yarrow Venerie Winning Ticket, the Shih Tzu, GCH CH Hallmark Jolei Rocket Power, the Coton de Tulear, GCH CH Mi-Toi’s Burberry At JustIncredible CM, and the Shetland Sheepdog, GCH CH Acadia Stage Presence. 

GCH CH Hipoint Here Comes the Sun 

Taking arguably the most prestigious win of his career, a Best In Show at Bucks County, was the Leonberger, Odin. Claiming the RBIS was the Pointer, Allegra. Odin is the winningest Leonberger in breed history with nine BIS, two this year in three final appearances. 

GCH CH Classical’s My Turn 

The TKC would take over on Sunday and ask judge Rafael Malo Alcrudo to consider the Weimaraner, GCH CH Doc's Greyborn North Star Of Acadia, the Scottish Deerhound, GCH CH Hobarra’s I Dreamed A Dream, the Rottweiler, GCH CH Big Beach’s Rhumba Man, the Skye Terrier, GCH CH Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie, the returning Shih Tzu and Coton, and the Bearded Collie, GCH CH Classical’s My Turn. 

GCH CH Doc's Greyborn North Star Of Acadia 

Best would go to the Beardie, Turner, and Reserve to the Weimaraner, Bella. Turner, the son of the Number One Bearded Collie of all time, GCH CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins, is the nation’s Number Seven herding Dog with three BIS and 13 Herding Groups.

GCH CH Bayaway Jersey’s Due Process of Law 

Turner and Bella would return to the final ring on Monday along with the previously seen Rottweiler, Skye, and Shih Tzu. They were joined in judge Joy Brewster’s ring by the Black & Tan Coonhound, GCH CH Bayaway Jersey’s Due Process of Law, and the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Gala Brighton Lakeridge Reflections of Me. 

GCH CH Hallmark Jolei Rocket Power 

Judge Brewster’s BIS was the Coonhound, Moses,. Her RBIS was the Shih Tzu, Rocket. Moses is the country’s Number Three Hound with three BIS and 12 Hound Groups.

WALLA WALLA KENNEL CLUB

GCH CH Imaginabull's First Edition 

Our last reports from April comes in from the Pacific Northwest where the Walla Walla Kennel Club hosted two shows in their Washington state hometown. Dr Gareth Morgan-Jones had the judge’s book at the day one final and his choice of the Flat-Coated Retriever, GCH CH Shastas Western Samurai, the Black & Tan Coonhound, GCH CSG Windbourne Like A Rock, the Alaskan Malamute, GCH CH Chikara’s Don’t Stop Believing, the Miniature Bull Terrier, GCH CH Imaginabull's First Edition, the Silky Terrier, GCH CH Tumbelle N Silkyence Eye Candy, the Dalmatian, GCH CH Blackflash Stars Comet, and the Bouvier des Flandres, GCH CH Rocheuses Papa Was A Rollin Stone. 

GCH CH Blackflash Star’s Comet 

Best went to the MiniBull, Saxon, and Reserve went to the Dalmatian, Comet. It was the third BIS in 12 final appearances this year or Saxon and handler Luke Baggenstos. 

GCH CH MGL-Isle Royal Ransom Of VW 

Judge Janet Sinclair would close it out Sunday with the English Springer Spaniel, GCH CH Ocoee Away We Go, the Harrier, GCH CH Pacific Happytails Heartbreaker, the above named Malamute, the MiniBull, Saxon, the Papillon, GCH CH MGL-Isle Royal Ransom of VW, the American Eskimo Dog, GCH CH Eskyblue Fuji Ltd Dom Perignon, and the Norwegian Buhund, GCH CH Jotunn Bella Binna. 

Her BIS was the Malamute and her RBIS the Papillon. It was the first BIS for the four year old dog. Congratulations to breeder/owner/handler John Dewing and breeder/owner Ronald Dysart.

LAKE MATTHEWS KENNEL CLUB

GCH CH Round Town Queen of Hearts of Maryscot 

Californian fanciers were in Chino CA on April 25th and 26th for the Lake Matthews Kennel Club’s two shows. The seven dogs that made it to judge Norm Kenney’s final on Saturday were the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Sandpiper's Let Freedom Ring, the Afghan Hound, GCH CH Thaon’s Wallstreet, the Boxer, GCH CH Hijinx This Is How I Roll, the Scottish Terrier, GCH CH Round Town Queen of Hearts of Maryscot, the Pomeranian, GCH CH Hitimes What the Inferno, the Keeshond, GCH CH Skyline’s Unit of Measure, and the Bouvier des Flandres, GCH CH Brocade Lil Deuce Coupe Barjen. 

GCH CH Hitimes What the Inferno 

(photo by Sharon Carvalho)

Taking home the BIS was the Scottie, Queenie. Collecting the RBIS was the Pom, Danny, It was the third BIS in ten final appearances this year for the country’s Number One Scottish Terrier. 

GCH CH Hijinx This Is How I Roll 

Sunday judge Robin Riel would see the Clumber Spaniel, GCH CH Clussexx Over The Legal Limit, the Basenji, GCH CH Jasiri-Sukari High Win Warning, the same Boxer, Scottie, & Pom, the Boston Terrier, GCH CH Sabe's Simply Invincible, and the Border Collie, GCH CH Borderton Lou Easy An I A RN PT CGC. 

Her Best was the Boxer, Semi, and her Reserve, Queenie, the Scottie. It was the first BIS in 17 trips to the final ring this season for Semi, persistence that has made Semi the Number Five Working Dog. Congratulations to breeder/owner Bette Jo Nunn, co-breeder Bridget Reinhold, and handler Wendy Bettis.

BAYTOWN KENNEL CLUB

GCH CH Maibee Orlando 

Crosby TX was the site of the Baytown Kennel Club’s two shows on April 25th and 26th. Judge Beth Sweigert had the day one final and her choice of the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Alliebeckscion Love On The Rocks, the Pharaoh Hound, GCH CH Farao Anubis Inferno BN RN SC, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, GCH CH Derby’s Toast with Gusto, the American Staffordshire Terrier, GCH CH Explicit’s Full Throttle To Alpine, the Prince Charles English Toy Spaniel, GCH CH Maibee Orlando, the Bichon Frise, GCH CH Overtop Niort, and the Shetland Sheepdog, GCH CH Akadia Blue Bombshell. 

Her top two were the Toy Spaniel, Orlando, and the Bichon, Gin. It was the first BIS in six final appearances this year for Orlando. Congratulations to breeders Shealagh Waters & Joyce Robins, owner Cindy Williams, and handler Michael Pitts. 

GCH CH Overtop Niort 

Orlando and Gin would be back to the final ring on Sunday to try their luck with BIS judge Peter Green. Joining them were the Pointer, GCH CH Chesterhope Honour N Glory, the 15” Beagle, GCH CH Foxtails Race for the Chase , the returning Swiss, Gus, a Smooth Fox Terrier from the classes, Belfox Mayka, and the Belgian Tervuren, GCH CH Sindarin’s Where The Magic Begins. 

Belfox Mayka 

Going to the head of the line was the Bichon, Gin, followed by the Smooth Fox, Mayka. It was the first AKC BIS for the Chinese import, Gin. Congratulations to breeder Ng Koon Keung, owners Sarah Ayers, Cecila Ruggles, & Bai Jai Dai, and handler Scott A Sommer

SEWARD COUNTY KENNEL CLUB

GCH CH Eastern-Magic Fly Me Safe 

The Seward County Kennel Club held two shows in their Nebraska hometown on April 25th & 26th. BIS Judge Houston Clark chose his top two from the Weimaraner, GCH CH Harline Winweim Encore Bravo Love Ya’ll, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, GCH CH Iceage v Tum-Tum’s Vriendjes, the Rottweiler, GCH CH Raden’s Relentless Storm, the Parson Russell Terrier, GCH CH Posey Canyon Classic Stun Gun, the Maltese, CH Ta-Jon’s Cuckoo 4 Your Luv, the Chow Chow, GCH CH Eastern-Magic Fly Me Safe, and the Belgian Tervuren, GCH CH Stonewall’s Lets Make It A Double. 

His top two were the Chow, Pilot, and the Maltese, Cuckoo. It was the second BIS in nine final appearances this year for Pilot and handler Michael Brantley. 

CH Ta-Jon’s Cuckoo 4 Your Luv 

Toddie Clark would have the judge’s book in the final ring on Sunday and her pick of the above named PBGV, Parson, Maltese, & Tervuren, the Brittany, GCH CH Rainbow Splash’s Ruggedly Handsome, the Bernese Mountain Dog, GCH CH American Ale Von Der Bernessehof, and the Bulldog, GCH CH Wilson's I'm Your Handyman. 

GCH CH Posey Canyon Classic Stun Gun 

Her BIS was the Maltese, Cuckoo, and her RBIS the Parson, Taser.  It was the first for the 20 moth old Maltese dog. Congratulations to breeder/owner/handler Tammy Simon.

HEART OF IOWA KENNEL CLUB

CH Perfect Companions Lintas 

Two first timers took home the top prizes at the Heart of Iowa Kennel Club shows in Marshalltown IA on April 25th & 26th. The 13” Beagle, CH Perfect Companions Lintas, was judge Denny Mounce’s BIS on Saturday. 

GCH CH Fist Face A Penny for Your Thought 

(photo by Rhonda Cassidy)

Lintas was joined in the final ring by the Sussex Spaniel, GCH CH Clussexx Howdy Doody Time, the Standard Schnauzer, GCH CH Katon’s Eye Of The Tiger V Morgenwald, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, GCH CH Cumhill Hell Raiser, the RBIS, the Brussels Griffon, GCH CH Fist Face A Penny for Your Thought, the Bichon Frise, GCH CH Cher Amis Toast With Remy Martin, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, GCH CH Sundance Ringside Rumor. 

The Beagle from Thailand is the first 13” Beagle to win a BIS this year. Congratulations to breeders/owners Peerapong Pisitwuttinan & C Phongthep and handler Doug Carlson. 

GCH CH Clussexx Howdy Doody Time 

(photo by Diana Han)

On Sunday judge Dana Cline would consider the returning Sussex, StaffyBull, & Corgi, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen , GCH CH Mirepoix’s Pierre-Jouet, the Alaskan Malamute, GCH CH Catera’s Keepin It World Class, and the Boston Terrier, GCH CH Deja-Vu I’m The Prince. He would name the Sussex, Clara, his Best and the Griff, Penny, his Reserve. 

Clara is the first Sussex Spaniel bitch in history to win an AKC Best In Show. Congratulations to breeders Karen Ann & Amanda Toner, owner Jeane Haverick, and handler Kaileigh Gonzalez.

THREE DAYS IN DECATUR IL

GCH CH Telltale American Ride 

(photo by Lynda Beam)

When we last check in on Decatur IL, we told you that the 15” Beagle, GCH CH Torquay Midnight Victory, was judge Victoria Johnson’s BIS at the Champaign Illinois Kennel Club show on April 23^rd. 

GCH CH Hallmark Jolei Rocket Power

At Friday’s Sandemac Kennel Club show BIS judge Roger Hartinger would see the English Springer Spaniel, GCH CH Telltale American Ride, the Beagle, Vicki, the Siberian Husky, GCH CH Highlander's Rumour Has It, the Norwich Terrier, GCH CH Roserock’s Atticus Finch, the Shih Tzu, GCH CH Hallmark Jolei Rocket Power, the Standard Poodle, Natalie’s Purple Reign, and the Old English Sheepdog, GCH CH Lambluv's Sultry Sensation.  His BIS was the Springer, Randy, and his RBIS the Shih Tzu, Rocket.

GCH CH Lambluv's Sultry Sensation

Randy would do it again on Saturday, taking the top prize at the Champaign Illinois Kennel Club’s encore.  He was joined in judge Robert Hutton’s final by the Saluki, GCH CH Baghdad A Missdemeanor, the aforementioned Siberian & Norwich, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, GCH CH Bonitos Companeros Dow Jones, the Tibetan Terrier, GCH CH Barnstorm Sim-Pa Caught On The Fly By Dzine, and the RBIS, the above named OES.  The two BIS brings the Number Three Sporting Dog’s 2015 resume to six BIS and 25 Sporting Groups.

GCH CH Torquay Midnight Victory

The Mattoon Kennel Club closed it out on Sunday with judge Anne Brocious in the final ring.  The seven who stayed to the end with her were the now familiar English Setter, Teller, the 15” Beagle, Vicki, the Siberian, Rumour, the Norwich, Finch, & OES, Andrew, the Pug, GCH CH Hill Country’s Tag I’m It, and the Finnish Spitz, GCH CH Kunniakas Whizz Bang Wallop.   Taking home the set’s last big rosette was the OES, Andrew, while Vicki, the Beagle, would add the RBIS to her earlier BIS win. 

It was the first of the year for Andrew and breeder/owner/handler Jere Marder.  Congratulations to Jere, co-breeders Jeff Yutzy & Gail Radke, and owner Kay Richardson.

TWO DAYS IN BIRCH RUN MI

GCH CH Hallmark Jolei Rocket Power 

The Progressive Dog Club of Wayne County chose Birch Run, MI for their two shows last weekend. Judge Francine Schwartz had the Saturday final and her pick of the Weimaraner, GCH CH Doc's Greyborn North Star Of Acadia, the Black & Tan Coonhound, GCH CH Bayaway Jersey's Due Process of Law, the Newfoundland, GCH CH Pouch Cove’s Southwind State of Play, the Russell Terrier, GCH CH Baylock Heart Of Fire, the Shih Tzu, GCH CH Hallmark Jolei Rocket Power, the Standard Poodle, Pouch Coves Southwind State of Play, and the Bouvier des Flandres, GCH CH Stonepillar's Steel Blu. 

GCH CH Bayaway Jersey's Due Process of Law 

She chose the Shih Tzu, Rocket, as her Best In Show and the Coonhound, Moses, as her Reserve. Rocket is the country’s Number Two Toy Dog and Number Five Dog All Breeds with six BIS and 45 Toy Groups this season. 

GCH CH Stonepillar's Steel Blu 

Rocket would be back to the final ring on Sunday to try his luck with judge Theresa Hundt. He was joined by the English Setter, GCH CH Stargaze'R 'N Wingfield Wait Wait Don't Tell, the Whippet, GCH CH Longlesson Caught In The Crossfire, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Kamtera's Legato, the returning Russell, the Shiba Inu, GCH CH Morningstar Jack Sparrow Black Pearl, and the aforementioned Bouvier. 

GCH CH Stargaze'R 'N Wingfield Wait Wait Don't Tell 

It was that Bouvier, Blue, taking the BIS, while the RBIS went to the Setter, Teller. Blue is the Number Two Herding Dog with Three BIS and 12 Herding Groups.

FORT ST CLAIR KENNEL CLUB

CH Samara Marquis Mr Muscles 

(photo by Tracy Leonard)

We start our reports this morning with the Fort St Clair Kennel Club’s two shows on April 25th & 26th in Eaton OH. The seven dogs that made it to judge George Boulton’s final on Saturday were the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Easthill Broxden Woodland Lettuce Entertain You, the Longhaired Dachshund, GCH CH Leoralee’s Little Bitofheaven @Jbs Sl, the Great Pyrenees, GCH CH Rivergrove’s Chateau De Castelnau, the American Staffordshire Terrier, GCH CH Ko Bo’s Prometeus, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, GCH CH Athercroft Love My Jimmy Chews CGC, the Lhasa Apso, CH Samara Marquis Mr Muscles, and the Old English Sheepdog, GCH CH Aryakas Phoenix CGCA. 

GCH CH Ko Bo’s Prometeus 

Finishing one/two were the Lhasa, Mr Muscles, and the AmStaff, Boris. It was the first of the year for Mr Muscles who will celebrate his eighth birthday this month. Congratulations to breeder Sami Payne and owner/handler Brad Reese. 

GCH CH Hampton Court Broxden What In Carnation 

On Sunday BIS judge Desmond Murphy would see the aforementioned Golden, Dylan, the Whippet, GCH CH Starline’s Jimmy Choo, the Mastiff, GCH CH Goldleaf's Trouble Coming CGC, the Smooth Fox Terrier, GCH CH Hampton Court Broxden What In Carnation, the Havanese, GCH CH Qbin’s Strictly Confidential At Enginuity, the Lhasa, Mr Muscles, and the Australian Shepherd, GCH CH Copperridge’s Unforgettable. 

GCH CH Easthill Broxden Woodland Lettuce Entertain You 

He would name the Smooth Fox, Debbie, his Best and Dylan, the Golden, his Reserve. It was the second BIS in six final appearances for the country’s Number One Smooth Fox Terrier.

GREYHOUND ROMPS IN PUERTO RICO

GCH CH GrandCru Giaconda

(photo by Edmilson Reis)

The Greyhound, GCH CH GrandCru Giaconda, showed us all how to enjoy a dog show by spending four days in a Caribbean paradise and coming home with four big rosettes. Gia and breeder/owner/handler Rindi Gaudet spent a long weekend in Puerto Rico taking in the Caribe Kennel Club’s & Ponce Kennel Club’s four shows. 

The CKC kicked it off on April 23rd, asking judge James Reynolds to name his top two dogs. He chose Gia as his BIS and the Smooth Coat Chihuahua, GCH CH Sonnus Filho (Sanchez), his RBIS after considering the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Emery’s Talk That Talk, the Boxer, Sandy Hills Maximo of Draco, the Miniature Schnauzer, Kelly’s Steele’s Every Day is a Holiday, the French Bulldog, CH Zafiro del Alma, and the Shetland Sheepdog, GCH CH Mistybrook’s To Russia With Love. 

GCH CH Sonnus Filho (Sanchez)

Judge Garry Newton’s would see the same final seven, save one, the Doberman Pinscher, Caribbean Girl De Dark Diamond-Argentina, before saying “ditto” and naming Gia and Sonnito, the Chihuahua, his Best and Reserve at the PKC’s Friday opener. 

At the PKC’s day two on Saturday, judge Norm Patton would see Gia, the returning Boxer, Schnauzer, & Sheltie, and the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Bearabella’s I Only Drink Champagne, the Pekingese, Jonsville Dreams Come True, & the Bulldog, Myakazos Cuervo Gold. Gia would get the big rosette and the Schnauzer from the classes would take the reserve ribbon. 

CH Zafiro del Alma 

At Sunday's closer judge Keke Kahn would name Gia her Best In Show and the French Bulldog, Zafy, her Reserve, after considering the Golden Retriever, Maximus Latin Friendship for Coolstar, the aforementioned Doberman, the now familiar Schnauzer, the Pug, CH Winsome’s Home Run For Nirvana, and the previously seen Sheltie. Gia now has seven BIS in 15 final appearances this year.

TREASURE COAST KC OF FLORIDA

GCH CH Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie 

(photo by Rhonda Cassidy)

The country’s Number One Terrier, the Skye Terrier, GCH CH Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie, spent last weekend in Vero Beach FL where he took both the BIS at the Treasure Coast Kennel Club Of Florida two shows. On Saturday judge Stephanie Hedgepath liked Charlie more than she did her RBIS, the Black Cocker Spaniel, GCH CH Toybox Little Bunny Foo Foo, who she liked more than the Afghan Hound, GCH CH Regime’s Thriller of Elmo, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Monarch’s Empire Maker, the Yorkshire Terrier, Brava York Tenis Cannons Country Girl, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Cashmere’s Raspberry Parfait, and the Border Collie, GCH CH Majestic Elite Clever Endeavor PT. 

GCH CH Baha Persian Of Interest CD RN SC OA MXJ NF 

Sunday judge Edy Dykstra-Blum considered the returning, Cocker, the Saluki, GCH CH Baha Persian Of Interest CD RN SC OA MXJ NF, the Black Russian Terrier, GCH CH Malahovskiy Graf Rossiyskiy CD RAE CA CGC, the Miniature Pinscher, GCH CH Marlex N Kisa Set Fire, the French Bulldog, GCH CH JCRV-Klasse Warrior Raising The Banner, and the above mentioned Border Collie, before naming Charlie her Best and the Saluki, Pepe, her Reserve. Charlie is the nation’s Number Three Dog All Breeds with 14 BIS and 35 Terrier Groups this year.

MYRTLE BEACH KENNEL CLUB

GCH CH Shaireab’s Bayleigh Wolverine 

After a six day vigil at our mother’s bedside, we are happy to be back at the keyboard to play catch up with our show reports. We will start with the Myrtle Beach Kennel Club’s two shows in Lumberton NC last weekend. Judge Mary Jane Carberry’s Best In Show on Saturday was the Welsh Terrier, GCH CH Shaireab’s Bayleigh Wolverine, and her Reserve was the Irish Setter, GCH CH Militza's My Cherie Amour. 

GCH CH Militza's My Cherie Amour 

(photo by Rhonda Cassidy)

Joining Logan and Adele in the final ring were the 15” Beagle, GCH CH Milroc Polarized Trouble, the Great Dane, GCH CH Old Missions Lucid Dream, the Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tiki Tom Tom, the Keeshond, GCH CH Trumpet’s Gimme Back My Bullets, and the Old English Sheepdog, GCH CH Peek-A-Boo’s Onstar Cover Girl BN RN PT. It was the first BIS for Logan. Congratulations to breeders/owners Sharon Abmeyer & Keith Bailey, co-breeder Pat Clark, and handler Luiz Abreu. 

GCH CH Raintree Rock Around The Clock. 

Logan and Adele would return to the final ring to try their luck with Dr Carmen Battaglia. They were joined by the American Foxhound, CH Crossroads Full Throttle, the above named Great Dane, the Pekingese, GCH CH Linn-Lee’s & Jenkar’s Maker’s Mark, the French Bulldog, CH Justus I’m Not Sayin, and the Bearded Collie, GCH CH Raintree Rock Around The Clock. 

Adele would add a BIS to her RBIS and the Beardie, Alex, would pick up the RBIS. It was the fifth BIS in ten final appearances this year for Adele.