Note:  While navigating through the site to check out these Updates, you can return to this page using the Updates link in the bottom navigation menu on any page.

In order to keep a pup or two we had some tough decisions to make. We've worked long and hard to get to this point, and in the end it's a good feeling to be able share some very nice terriers with eager aspiring young breeders. Congratulations to Cristen Hand, the new owner of Little Eden Demi, Penny Jukes, new owner of Little Eden Diva II, and Cary Merritt, new owner of Woofgang Stash. I know these three Texas gals will make me proud!

Puppy pictures are up! Please click here to see our puppies from Diva and Stroll! They are growing like crazy and are starting to really get up and around now. Before long they'll be able to take the trek back to the pond with the older pups!

Our annual CERF clinic was held June 13 and we are pleased to announce that all (ours and those owned by others) of the Jack Russell tested were normal - great news for all of us!

We've been to three trial weekends so far this year and have enjoyed every minute. Thanks to those who host these events and also to all the volunteers who keep things running smoothly so that we may enjoy a weekend out with our terriers. Results for our dogs can be seen on their individual pages - we're pleased to say they have been doing us proud! It's especially exciting to have Sam back after his year in Indiana. He is as breath taking as ever, and is also proving to be a sire worth watching. Thanks to Jennifer Shaul for taking such great care of our boy - we wish you great success with his Dig It puppies!

We've added a "Sire Of" link to  Spanky's page. We are quite pleased with what we've seen in his first litters since arriving here at Little Eden, and can hardly wait to see what he and Stroll can create :-) She is due July 1, 2010.

We've been busy adding new photos throughout the site. Please check out Violet's litter by Stash and the new additions to Wrinkle's page (fifth generation descendents) in the History section. We are also extremely pleased to introduce our newest "golden girl" Dig It Sasparilla. We just love this girl and feel she represents a huge step forward in our breeding program.

Violet presented us with seven beautiful puppies on March 10. Unfortunately one tiny girl didn't make it past the third day, but the remaining six are growing and doing well. It's been a year since we've had a litter here and we are thoroughly  smitten with them! Tarnation was bred to Spanky and is due next week. She looks to have a belly full - fingers crossed for an easy delivery! Oh! and Sam is coming home next week too! WooHoo! We can hardly wait!

Today we are enjoying temperatures in the 70's. Been doing lots of grooming and coats are coming along as we prepare for the first trial of the season. It will be great to get out and see everyone again and to have a look at the season's new crop of puppies.

Puppies on the way! Sequel and Stash have a litter due in March! Something to look forward to while shoveling the seemingly never ending snow this winter :-) Check out Stash's "Sire Of" page to see the new photos of his son Shelmar Sergeant. We have been very pleased with his pups so far and can hardly wait for Violet's litter to be born! Double Dose's "Sire Of" page has been updated as well. We are equally as impressed with the ability Sam has shown as a sire and we look forward to welcoming him home in May.

Congratulations are in order here and a bit overdue. Little Eden Brisk earned a Natural Hunting Certificate to Raccoon back in November.  Thanks Don and Sheryl for doing such a  great job with our beautiful girl.  We now await her much anticipated litter - Brisk has been bred to Strut and is due to whelp in mid February. Please contact Ruckerhill for information on this upcoming litter.

Congratulations also go out to Cristen Hand in Texas - her Little Eden Katie recently earned her first Natural Hunting Certificate by working a large Raccoon. Katie has been bred to Little Eden Intensity and is expecting a litter early this spring - please contact Shotglass JRT for more information on this exciting combination.

We've been busy updating photos throughout the site - check out Wrinkle's page in the History section and be sure to take a look at the new picture of Spanky. He's one handsome dude! We've also added new photos of Little Eden Diva II to Stroll's offspring page. This litter sister to Sequel and Demi is every bit as nice as they are - what a litter! And finally we've updated the Upcoming Litters Page with plans for Stroll's next litter.

Show News:

We attended three great Trials this month, with the first being Northgate.  The Tack's always put on a first class show, but this one was extra special in that it was their 10 year anniversary trial. The weekend started with a "Champion of Champions" class, open to any dog who had been a conformation Champion at Northgate over the last ten years. This historical showcase seemed like a fitting event for Strut's final appearance in the show ring. Needless to say, it was a very sentimental  experience - this dog has done everything I've ever asked of him and more - he still looks great and this is how I wanted him to go out. I was an emotional mess getting ready for the class, but once in the ring with my favorite boy I savored every minute we had together out there. It was hot, and there were three judges to examine each entry, but Strut kept it together and showed like he always has. It was a  true pleasure to be at the end of his lead, and a time I will cherish forever. It was only icing on the cake when he was selected as the "winner" - and I didn't even cry :-) Please click here and scroll down to see "the man" on the day.  The rest of the day went well for our terriers too - this was to be Lofty's debut in the ring and WOW! did she pull it off. I swear she never put a foot wrong - it's as if she glows from within. Crazy I know, but true. Our little Lofty girl was Best 4-6 Month Puppy on Saturday and Sunday as well. In the Working Division Demi was Reserve Working Bitch on Sunday to her sister Sequel who went all the way to be Working Terrier Champion both days! WooHoo! Not to be totally outdone by the girls, Stash was Reserve Best Working Dog on Saturday under Joan Crouse and Ten was named Best Open Terrier on Sunday under Ted Harris. To finish the weekend, Sequel was named the "Best Terrier of the Weekend" by the two judge panel. It was very exciting!

Two weeks later we headed south to Virginia for the Jacks on the James Trials. This was also a very well run trial and we had a great time despite the long drive :-) Lofty was ready for her debut in the 6-12 Month Puppy Division and again did not disappoint - she was Reserve Puppy Champion on Saturday and went all the way on Sunday to be Puppy Champion. Stash was Best Working Dog Saturday and Demi was Best Working Bitch and Working Terrier Champion. Later in the Open Division, Stroll was Reserve Best Bitch and Reserve Best Open Terrier to her daughter Little Eden Samantha who is also Demi's sister! Talk about a family affair! Congratulations to Fred and Janet Settle who own Samantha - they've done a wonderful job with her. On Sunday littermates Sequel and Demi  swept the Working Division taking Champion and Reserve respectively. It is extremely satisfying to have the consistency we strive for in our breeding program recognized and rewarded by a variety of well respected judges - it's been a great year!

The next week it was on to Canada for the JRTCC National Trial. This small(ish) Club sure did put on a great trial! From the venue and beautiful decorations to the hospitality it was first class all the way. The wet weather did little to dampen anyone's spirits and we were all grateful to have the opportunity to show our terriers to David Jones (he doesn't' judge in the States). On Saturday puppies and working terriers showed. Lofty showed well in the rain (it's that great dense jacket!) and is the 2009 Canadian National Puppy Champion! She's a good one alright :-) In the Working Division Stash battled it out with Brockwood Zoom who  is owned by our good friend Sandra Barnett, but had to settle for second. Zoom showed his brains out and went on to be National  Best Working Dog - Congratulations Sandra! Very well deserved! Demi won her under Working Bitch Class, then another friendly battle between Sequel and the beautiful Cairnbrae Rubicon owned by Ursula and Mal McEwen in the over working bitches. It was a tough match up and the Judge loved them both, but in the end there can only be one winner - this day it went to Ruby - what a class! These two went on to be Best Working Bitch and Reserve and then to National Working Terrier Champion and Reserve. Congratulations to the McEwens! The Open, Family and Canadian Bred classes were held on Sunday. Intensity started the day off for us by going Best Open Dog. Then Stroll went Best Open Bitch! At the end they were the only two left standing in the ring - I was absolutely delighted that Stroll was named Canadian National Best Open Terrier with her half brother Ten going Reserve. A fitting way for Stroll to go out as this was her final trial before retiring from the ring. She had been acting rather bored with it of late all but she sure did turn it on this day! She did one even better later in the day by winning Brood Bitch and Produce and then National Best Family with Demi and Sequel by her side. Our Gilda has some big shoes to fill now that her mother Brit has been retired from breeding. Somehow we think she's up to the task -  on to the the whelping box Stroll!

The Upcoming Litters page has been updated.

This year has been the best in recent memory for groundhog hunting! They are everywhere! In addition to having plenty of work for the seasoned terriers, we are pleased to announce that Sequel and Stash have earned Natural Hunting Certificates this month. It's always especially exciting to see the youngsters proving their mettle and discovering what they are all about :-) Special Congratulations go out to Little Eden Brisk (co-owned with Don and Sheryl Gaskell) for earning a NHC to Groundhog her very first time in the field - talk about a natural! Way to go!

Show News:

The annual Liberty Bell Trials were held this month at the beautiful Breezewood facility. As always, Bob and Betty Lee were the best of hosts and fun was had by all. It was a girls weekend for us -  the boys stayed at home to grow coat in preparation for a major stripping in August. Bree made her debut in the 6 - 12 month Puppy Division and was Reserve Bitch Puppy on Saturday. She is really starting to come into herself and we think she will only get better with age. Demi was our star in the Working Terrier Division and was awarded the Working Terrier Championship both days! WooHoo! We chose Tarnation to represent our kennel in the Open Division for this show and she didn't disappoint. She was Best Bitch and Reserve Best Open Terrier on Saturday.

We're done showing now until September - it's going to be a busy fall season! Hope the coats stay manageable!

Groundhog season is starting to hit full swing now - we are delighted to say that Violet has put A, B, and C together and has become a force to be reckoned with in the field. She is one strong bitch and knows how to use her power to best advantage - it looks like she'll be a good one.

The "Twin Trials" were held this past weekend up in Ontario, Canada. Since the loss of Sunny Hill to the annual trial schedule , these trials have become our most "local" at two hours away. As always seems to be the case at the Canadian trials, people were relaxed and happy and the terriers had a great time too. On Saturday we had the pleasure of presenting our terriers to  Nancy Breakstone in the conformation ring. Among the highlights of the day for our kennel was  Little Eden Bree going Best 4-6 Month Puppy. This little dynamo has some developing to do in order to really pull herself together, but we feel that her strong bone, harsh easy care coat and amazing chest bode well for the future. To finish the day we were thrilled when  Intensity was awarded Best Open Terrier from a very strong division. Check out his gorgeous new photos which we were able to get with some much appreciated help from our friend Brian P.  We couldn't be more pleased with how our boy Ten is growing up :-)Sunday found Sandhi Rogerson officiating in the conformation ring. Highlights from this day included Bree as Reserve Best 4-6 Month Puppy and Little Eden Demi as Working Terrier Champion. Intensity was Best Open Dog (and Lure Coursing Champion!!) but at the end of the day it was the girls who took the final honors in the Open Division with Little Eden Sequel  as Best and Kay Seawright's gorgeous bitch Reynard's Folly Shelby as Reserve.  It is always an honor to show breeding stock to experienced and highly sought after Judges such as the two we were lucky enough to have at these trials. We can only hope the trial chairs know how much breeders appreciate their efforts, especially in these difficult economic times.

Show season has started in the north - we've been to CT and OH this month, and are proud of how well our terriers are doing. Results can be seen on each individual terrier's page.

We picked up our puppies from Roxy's litter sired by Fox Island Grit. Thanks to Linda Lujan for bringing them all the way from Texas and to Cristen Hand for doing such a fine job of raising them. Watch for updates on Little Eden Lofty,  a crackin little bitch pup and also a nice male from the litter, as yet unnamed.

And finally, congratulations to Doug and Sue Tack - new owners of Little Eden Brillo! It was hard to let her go, but I know she will be appreciated and well loved in NJ.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we've been busy, busy, busy with puppies :-) Cleaning, feeding, cleaning, observing by the hour, cleaning, and of course lots of play time! What could be better? Stay tuned for photos in the next week or two.

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/cX5XJ4mS

Brillo whelped her litter by Stash but it was a tough one for her. Although the puppies were not large, all four needed to be forcibly pulled from her. Try as she might, she just couldn't get them born. Even with the assistance of my veterinarian we were only able to save two of the four babies. A sad day for sure, but the remaining two girl pups look very nice indeed. Stay tuned for updates on these little beauties.

We have a busy spring planned with three litters due in March. Thankfully by the time the puppies are old enough to be monsters, they will be able to play outside! We didn't have any puppies last spring or summer and I really missed watching them learn about life and explore back at the pond. I can hardly wait!

Our very special girl Ovation has made the permanent move to Michigan - we miss her already, but know Joyce of Woofgang Kennel loves and appreciates  her as much as we do. Fang leaves us with a beautiful son and a new daughter from her most recent litter to carry on with.

Roxy has moved to Texas and now lives with her new co-owner Cristen Hand. Congratulations and thanks for giving Roxy such a wonderful home!

We've finally had time to make a page for our beautiful smooth girl "Kate" - take a look!

Puppies! Gilda had her puppies on November 12 - two girls and a boy. At this point it appears they are all spoken for but we do have another litter coming early in the New Year. Click here for details!

Several new photos scattered throughout the site - check out Demi and Intensity, and also Clarissa and Jazz in the Offspring section.

Other highlights for our Kennel include Intensity's class win and Reserve Dog Puppy award, and Working Division class wins for Demi and Kate. It was a terrific weekend all around - beautiful weather, good friends and the opportunity to see some really fine terriers. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all who made the trial possible for everyone to enjoy.

It was our last Trial of the year. Now we're looking forward to hunting season and are eagerly awaiting the birth of  puppies from Ovation and Stroll. Certainly plenty to keep us busy for the long winter months ahead!

Flash!   Little Eden Intensity is the 2008 JRTCC National Puppy Conformation Champion!

This year's Canadian National was one of their best yet. It was very well organized and the new venue was outstanding. To top it off, the ring and trophy tables were beautifully decorated and the trophies  were absolutely gorgeous! A class act all the way around! The entry was not especially high in numbers as has been typical of most trials this year, but the quality was there and competition was keen. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to the JRTCC for a great trial! Stay tuned for photos!

Oops! Another Flash!  Cairnbrae Spider, a beautiful Strut son bred by Shirley Buist and owned by Sue Godbehere was Agility High in Trial at the Canadian National! Way to go Spider!

And Flash! number four - Little Eden Chiller, owned by Alan and Terri Wylie earned the JRTCA Bronze Medallion for Special Merit in the Field over the weekend! Way to go Vinnie!!

New pictures scattered about the site. And stay tuned for an upcoming litter announcement in the near future.

Congratulations also go out to Paula Rhyndress and Little Eden Jazz who recently earned his Advanced Standard Agility Title! Good going you two!

Hunting has been good this summer season - the youngsters are all getting some exposure and Brillo  has been happily working herself bald :-) She'll have some help now from Demi who is a "natural" and has earned a spot on the "A" string.

No more shows until mid August. The rest of the month will be spent working and grooming, with time out for our annual CERF and BAER testing clinic on July 26 (all are welcome).

 We've had several farmers calling for pest control services with Groundhog season in full swing now. Youngsters Intensity and Sequel got a bit of work and we very much like what they are showing us so far. This week it's off to another farmer's bean fields and more fun with the terriers!

We still have a very nice, eager to please female puppy available. She is really smart, and is pretty too! Take a look at this little love here.

We have an especially nice female puppy available to a loving pet home. Please click here for more information.

We've updated our Stud Dogs section and added new pages for our up coming young boys. Click on their names to check out Woofgang Stash and Shelmar Double Dose !

Things have been pretty quiet around here, which is a good thing. Our youngsters are coming along well and Roxy and Tarnation  are showing promise in the hunt field. Unfortunately, Brit failed to conceive this time, most likely due to poor timing - so no New Year's puppies.  Thanks to all who expressed interest in the litter. Please check the Upcoming Litters Page to see what we have planned for this spring - we're quite excited! We've also updated both Wrinkle's and Keeper's pages in the History section and added a  couple new kids to Bric's Sire Of page. Enjoy!

September found us at the JRTCC National Trial for a wonderful Autumn weekend with terriers and friends. The weather was simply breathtaking -  the clear blue skies a perfect backdrop for stunning fall tree colors. We brought home some very nice placements including Reserve National Puppy Champion with Little Eden Roxy and Best Bitch and Reserve National Open Terrier with Stroll. Old York came out and pulled a very respectable 2nd place in Bronze Medallion Dog and Magic won the always competitive Bred by Exhibitor Dog Class.  However the highlight for me was leading Little Eden Brit into the ring - this bitch  always takes my breath away. I don't even recall what placement she took, but she sure gave me a thrill as she floated around the ring, then stopped and looked so regally off into the distance. I think she knew what I was feeling too :-) Although he wasn't in attendance, Strut was very well represented through his offspring whose placements included Working Terrier Champion, Reserve Puppy Champion and Open GTG Champion.

On to October and the JRTCA National, always the highlight of the trial season. Unbelievably the weather here rivaled that in Canada the previous month - how did we get so lucky?? On Saturday we had three 4-6 month puppies with this being the first time in the ring for each of them. I was thrilled with their placements in the large competitive classes - the boys Shelmar Double Dose (aka Sam) and Little Eden Walker were second and third respectively in their class with Sam going on the be Reserve Best 4-6 Month Dog Puppy. Our bitch pup entry, Little Eden Demi was second in her class to Sam's litter sister, Shelmar Brash. Little Eden Samantha owned by the Settle's and a littermate to Demi and Walker was fourth in this very large class as well.  Brash and Demi wound up as Best 4-6 Month Bitch Pup and Reserve with  Brash  and ultimately going on to be the Best 4-6 Month Puppy overall! I thought Jean, Brash's breeder/owner was going to burst - heck I was pretty thrilled myself as Brash and Sam are sired by our young dog Bric - and in fact are his first get to enter the ring.  Brillo was third in her working class and Tarnation was also third in her puppy class. On Sunday we won the Breeders Generation Class with York, Brit, Stroll and Demi - an honor we're very proud of. In the Open Division Magic was third in BBE Dog - our last time in the ring together as he now resides in Georgia with his new owners Fred and Janet Settle. I wish the Settle's the best of luck with this very special dog. Little Eden Angel, co-owned with Don & Sheryl Gaskell took a fourth in the incredibly tough under R/B Bitch class - excellent job Sheryl! Watch for Angel's upcoming litter by Bric, due to be whelped in Kentucky later this winter. And finally, Stroll did it again! She was named the National Reserve Best Open Terrier for the third year in a row! Some might say three strikes and you're out, but I'm delighted with Gilda's consistent record in top competition over the years and also quite proud of the fact the both she and the winner Cairnbrae Rubicon are York grand daughters. Other highlights from the trial include Little Eden Chiller owned by Alan and Terri Wylie winning Veteran Working Dog, Stud Dog and Get and then National Reserve Best Family. Congratulations on an outstanding National! Representing Strut were Littlefields Milkman, owned by Beth Kleinfelder, who was Reserve Best Working Dog and of course our Gilda, Reserve Best Open Terrier.

In other news - we weren't going to have any winter puppies this year, but decided at the last minute to repeat the Strut x Brit cross - see details here.

We'd also like to introduce a couple of very promising puppies from Ovation's litter by Strut. Woofgang Stash resides here with us and Joyce's puppy, as yet unnamed is in MI with her. If all goes well, you'll be seeing more of these boys next year!

We've added a "Dam Of" page for Stroll. If her first litter is any indication, it's looking like "Gilda" may just follow in her mum's footsteps as a producer - could we be so blessed?! Click here to see why we're so excited. Congratulations go to Fred and Janet Settle on the acquisition of one of these fine puppies - watch for Little Eden Samantha down south!

We made our annual trip to the Northgate Trials over Labor Day weekend - and what a weekend it was! The weather was perfect - certainly after last year's hurricane the Tack's, our ever gracious hosts really deserved it! Year after year, Doug and Sue open their home and farm to us and put on what inevitably ends up being one of finest events of the season. Saturday's judge was the esteemed terrierman Bob Clough, over from Wales. I am honored and extremely pleased that my terriers placed so well this day as I value Mr. Clough's opinion very highly. Highlights include Little Eden Tarnation - Reserve Puppy Champion, Little Eden Brillo - Reserve Best Working Bitch, Little Eden Magic - Best Open Terrier, Little Eden Stroll -  Best Open Bitch and Reserve Best Open Terrier. On Sunday our own equally well respected breed expert, Sandra Ferber did the officiating.  Highlights of this day included class wins for Tarnation and  also Roxy  who went on the be Reserve Best Bitch Puppy. Brillo was once again Reserve Best Working Bitch and then went on the be Reserve Working Terrier Champion. Magic was second in Bred By Exhibitor Dog, and Stroll won Bred By Exhibitor Bitch. A good showing all around and we couldn't be more pleased :-) A big thanks goes out to my friend Brian P. for helping me get the great new photos of Brillo and Tarnation - I really appreciate it Brian!

We attended the Sunny Hill Terrier Trials this past weekend and had a really fun time with friends both two and four legged. Brillo made her debut in the Working Division and pulled off a Reserve Championship on Sunday. She may be tiny, but you'd be hard pressed to find a terrier more full of themselves - this little bitch makes herself seem larger than life! Tarnation got herself noticed as well with her gorgeous movement and showy attitude and was  Puppy Champion on Sunday. Our little Angel made her show ring debut and really shined. On Saturday she won her under R/B bitch class and went on to be Reserve Best Bitch and Reserve Best Open Terrier behind another beautiful bitch Little Eden Sassafras who is owned and loved by Jennifer Shaul.  Angel also went Best Open Bitch on Sunday. We were delighted with this honor as the depth of quality  in our breed's females is currently truly outstanding. There were certainly some very fine examples in attendance at this trial - it was great to see. After the show, Angel  left for her new home with co-owner's Don and Sheryl Gaskell - we know Angel  will love the hunting in Kentucky!

We have several nice male puppies available - contact us for details!

It's been a busy month  hunting with friends, playing with puppies, and our summer BAER/CERF clinic. This year we again had multiple breeds here for testing, including 54 Jack Russells for CERF (53 normal, one w/cataracts) and about 40 puppies for BAER testing (all normal). For a change the weather actually cooperated and we didn't melt - it was quite pleasant and we really enjoyed hanging out with friends for the day.

We'd like to extend a hearty congratulations to Alan & Terri Wylie and their beloved boy Little Eden Chiller. We understand they had a great weekend in the field recently with Vinnie working hard and earning  Natural Hunting Certificates to Groundhog and Red Fox. Good job!

Congratulations also go to  Lena Kjempengren from Norway on her beautiful puppies! Lena, a veterinarian and experienced breeder, had a really nice litter out of Little Eden Cleo sired by a dog of her breeding, and a also a litter sired by Strut via frozen semen out of her gorgeous bitch "Vita." Click here to see what has to be one of the most astonishingly beautiful eight week old puppies I've ever seen.  I'm absolutely thrilled for Lena - it's looking like her plan to combine our bloodlines just might be working :-)

Little Eden Tarnation has her own page now in "The Girls" section - click here.

Summer hunting has been great so far. Our youngsters are showing what they're made of and we're liking what we see. Angel (Strut x Beauty) is showing the full promise of her pedigree - with Bagpiper as her double grandmother she will be a good one. Bric is very keen and is also developing nicely. Brillo will be worth her weight in gold on groundhog. Watch for her in the Working Classes at our next trial outing - our little itty bitty has recently earned her first NHC :-)

Congratulations go out to Jennifer Shaul and her Little Eden Swish who was Best Open Terrier and Best Family at the recent Summer Celebration I in Illinois. Great job you two!

From the Editor…………………..

Welcome to the first edition of the JACK RUSSELL JOURNAL.  This newsletter has been launched to provide articles about owning, showing, and breeding our terriers.  We hope to have articles on working as well as all phases of competition - racing, g-t-g, agility, obedience, and conformation.  

While many new people have become avid enthusiasts of our breed, they can’t find information to help them learn to work or exhibit the dogs they have or to establish and conduct positive, productive breeding programs.  They face years of learning – or not learning – by trial and error.  At the same time, we long-term owners can always learn something new. 

While many breeders and exhibitors are willing to provide guidance to the novice, many newcomers are reluctant to approach well-established breeders.  By publishing this newsletter, we hope to provide a vehicle for breeders and exhibitors to exchange ideas with each other and at the same time bring their wealth of information to you.  We hope to provide exciting, informative, and enjoyable articles about our dogs, their breeders and exhibitors, as well as give insight into the general world of dogs. 

This newsletter will be published monthly with the shortest press deadlines.  We believe timely information is critical.  We welcome your input, comments, suggestions, and participation.  We will publish articles on almost any dog-related subject as long as they do not include personal attacks on any person or any group.  And, we invite letters (or emails) to the Editor.  We are always willing to listen to whatever you have to say.  This is your newsletter. 

Thanks.  I hope you enjoy it and I hope you will submit your comments and suggestions.

Gail

 If  you'd like a copy of The Jack Russell Journal, please contact Gail Stock at: morganhill@superpa.net  or (717) 528-8220.

BUCKEYE TRIALS: A week later we were off again (YIKES! I'm getting too old for this!). Thank goodness for the breeze! It was HOT in Ohio! Or at least it seemed that way to us northerners - heck we had a frost at home earlier in the week. These Trials are especially nice in that we get to see friends we rarely see otherwise - it was great fun. Our 4-6'er Roxy once again started the weekend off with a  bang by going Best 4-6 Month Bitch Puppy and Res. Best 4-6 Month Puppy overall on Saturday. Tarnation was Best Bitch Puppy and Res. Puppy Champion Saturday and Res. Best Bitch Puppy on Sunday. These girls are off to a great start in the ring for sure! Looker finished his Puppy career with a second in his class each day - next time he goes into the ring he'll have to play with the "big boys." Magic continued to shine - he was Best Open Dog both days, Best Open Terrier on Saturday and Res. Best Open Terrier Sunday. Brillo won Bred By Exhibitor Bitch both days and also took Res. Best Open Bitch on Sunday - we just love this little dynamo - she sure doesn't think she's small!

That's it for us as far as shows until late August. We'll be home playing with new puppies and getting the youngsters into the field. The farmers have been calling - looks like a good groundhog season ahead! Stay tuned :-)

New pictures of Bric and Magic and Brillo!

We had good news from Texas where Little Eden Vixen (L.E. Strut x L.E. Foxy) was Working Terrier Champion and Little Eden Turbo (L.E. Strut x Fox Island Dart) was Reserve Champion right behind her at the recent Texas Two Step Trial. Congratulations Deborah!

Good news also came from Canada where Little Eden Jazz (Strut x Dart) entered his first Sanctioned Agility Match. His owner Paula called me breathless with excitement - seems Jazz ran five out of five clean runs in great time. He has now earned his first Agility title and is half way to his second - Congratulations Paula and Jazz!

We took some new photos of our young hopefuls yesterday. Little Eden Roxy  is from Foxy's last litter. We are extremely pleased with her so far and feel fortunate to have such a lovely bitch pup to go forward with. Roxy exhibits the best her pedigree has to offer - super personality with a  tail that never stops wagging, beautiful angles front and rear, and the "motor" to put them to good use. Her movement will take your breath away!  Little Eden Tarnation is from Revelation's first litter. She too has a personality to die for and is beautiful to boot.  Both of these girls are showing lots of promise and we look forward to their future contribution to our breeding program. Click on their names to see the photos - I haven't yet gotten the hang of getting a link to take you to an exact location on a page, so you may need to scroll down a bit to find them - sorry!

In September we attended the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Canada's National Trial held at the beautiful Valen's Conservation Area. We really lucked out when it came to the weather—it was much better than had been predicted. Dedicated breeders and exhibitors traveled from far and wide to attend this event and lend their support the JRTCC. Some of the classes were small, but by no means was there any lack of quality in the terriers being exhibited. We had a great weekend visiting with friends and couldn't have been more pleased with how the terriers performed—they truly did us proud. On Saturday Turbo was second in the Bronze Medallion Dog class. His sire Strut was Best Working Dog and was then crowned the 2006 JRTCC National Working Terrier Champion, an honor he also received in 2004, the last time this show was held. Our working bitches did really well too—Ovation won the Bronze Medallion Bitch class and went on to be Best Working Bitch closely followed by Cleo who also won her class and then took the Reserve Working Bitch honors.  Ovation continued on to be Reserve Working Terrier Champion behind her kennelmate Strut. In the Puppy Division Magic continued his winning ways and went all the way to be named the 2006 JRTCC National Puppy Champion. Little Brillo took a respectable third in her class. On Sunday morning Strut took Best Family honors with Conquest Strike and our girls Cleo and Stroll by his side. Later that afternoon, Stroll showed beautifully and ended up as the 2006 JRTCC National Best Open Terrier. As is fitting for this show the afternoon ended with the Canadian Bred classes. Our entry, Conquest Thorn won his class and his sister, owned by Gaye Redpath went all the way to Best Canadian Bred Puppy. All in all a really great show!

After a month of struggling to keep coats in shape we were off to Maryland and the largest gathering of Jack Russell Terriers to be found anywhere—the JRTCA National Trial. The weather was far better than last year and as always we got to visit with folks we never see any other time, made new friends and saw some of the finest terriers in the world. Walking around the huge ring filled with the best of the best is an experience like no other and one not to be missed by any serious breeder. Saturday started off with the 6-12 Month Puppy Division in Ring I and 4-6 Month Puppies in Ring II. Our first entry was Conquest Thorn who was awarded fifth place in the 6-9 month R/B dog puppy class. Magic then took a second place in his 9-12 Month class. All this happened while the huge 4-6 month R/B dog puppy class was going on in ring 1. We had an entry in that class and made it into the ring with Looker just as the Judge finished examining the final dog. Being so rushed was certainly not the best of circumstances for his first time in the show ring, but Looker held it together just fine and was awarded second place in the class. This pup was a delight all weekend—he was a great traveler and really seemed to enjoy the "show scene." We have high hopes of this little guy following in his dad's footsteps someday. Special Congrats to Doug and Sue Tack of Northgate Kennel on winning Reserve Best 4-6 Month Puppy with Little Eden Quinn (their dog Squire x our girl Cleo). It was quite an honor as this division is always huge at the National and the quality was especially deep this year.

I'd also like to say thank you and offer huge congratulations to Jennifer Shaul for handling our co-owned girl Little Eden Sassafras to a fabulous class win in the 9-12 Month R/B Bitch Puppy Class—great job Jennifer! Brillo was our entry and she managed a fifth place in this very tough class. All in all we were very pleased with the youngsters—they held their own in the very toughest of competition.

After the lunch break the Working Terrier Division started off with the Bronze Medallion Dog class. Turbo showed his little heart out and won this prestigious class in grand style. Standing in the ring I couldn't help but be reminded of another great smooth working dog—Hudson, Turbo's great grandsire, who previously won this same class three times. It was a true honor to lead each of these dogs into the ring, and an experience I won't ever forget.

Then it was Strut's turn in the ring. He won the Bred By Exhibitor Working Dog Class and ended up as Reserve Best Working Dog with Conquest Chisel, a beautiful dog we've always admired taking Best. Although we were secretly hoping for the elusive and as yet never achieved "hat trick "for Strut's swan song in the ring, we could never be disappointed in him, and it's impossible to feel bad about standing behind Chisel, a truly outstanding example of our breed. It just wasn't to be, that's all. Perhaps in a few years, we'll bring Strut out again for one final public appearance at the National, like we did with York. Until then, I think almost everyone will agree, Strut is one of kind—a very special dog, beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. He certainly leaves some very big shoes to fill on the Trial circuit. Click here for photos of Strut in the ring..

Both of our working bitch entries were in season and had to be scratched, so on to Sunday. Our only entry in the Open Division was Stroll, And she once again did us proud. She won the highly competitive Bred By Exhibitor Bitch Class, then went Best Open Bitch. Our little Gilda was truly amazing—the further she went, the better she showed—what a blast we had together! At the end of it all, Stroll was Reserve Best Open Terrier at the JRTCA National Trial for the second year in a row. I think she's a keeper. Click here for photos of Stroll in the ring.

Now we'll settle in for the winter and concentrate on getting our youngsters some time in the field. There's a chill in the air and thoughts are turning to fox hunting around here!

Little Eden Vixen. Look for Deborah and her new charges down in Texas this winter.

Our annual BAER and CERF testing clinic was held on July 16 this year. Somehow it never fails to be unbearably hot for this event. Thank goodness for plenty of electric fans and shade trees! We had multiple breeds attend this year, including over 70 Jack Russells for CERF testing. All were NORMAL (Yippee!) with the exception of three who had been previously diagnosed with cataracts and are being annually monitored for progression. This was great news for lots of people. We also had quite a few puppies for BAER testing, and all were normal! A good day all around!

Probably the most exciting news in July came from Germany announcing the birth of two beautiful litters sired by Strut via frozen semen. Congratulations to Gabi Schmidt (The Wanderers) and Hans Lange (Highfast)! Many thanks to them for the steady stream of great photos! See the miracle babies here and stayed tuned for updates on these little beauties. Ain't technology grand??

We brought out a new dog pup (Conquest Thorn) for the first time and he started the weekend off by going Best 4-6 Month Puppy. Thorn repeated this win on Sunday as well. Magic was Puppy Champion on Saturday and ended the day as Reserve Best Terrier of the Day—quite an accomplishment for a young pup! Keeping things in the family, Magic's sister Brillo was Best Bitch Puppy both days, and Reserve Puppy Champion on Sunday.

Turbo won the Bronze Medallion Dog class both days and went on to be Reserve Best Working Dog on Saturday. Sunday he stepped it up a notch and was Best Working Dog and Reserve Working Terrier Champion. Stroll was Reserve Open Terrier on Saturday. Sunday was an even better day for her as she went Best Open Terrier and Best Terrier of the Day! This was a repeat feat for her as she was Best Overall Terrier the year before at this same show while still a puppy. Stroll is on a roll!

Our young dog Magic has been very well received this year and was Puppy Champion both days. Ovation is truly in her prime and was Best Working Bitch both days and went all the way to Working Terrier Champion on Sunday. All in all, a good showing—we couldn't be more proud of our four-legged friends.

Judges for the weekend were Steve Wallace (England) and Gaye Redpath (Canada). Strut had never been shown under Mr. Wallace either, so we brought him along to show on Saturday. Although Strut has been enjoying life in semi-retirement, he has really seemed to relish "strutting his stuff" on a few special occasions this year. Neither rain nor wind nor Hurricane Ernesto could keep "the Strut Man" from showing his butt off. He could not be denied and was crowned Working Terrier Champion for the fourth straight year at this Trial.

Our girl Fang was Best Working Bitch and was right behind Strut as Reserve Working Champion. We didn't show Strut in Family this year but nevertheless his kids made their presence felt. Turbo was Reserve Best Working Dog both days, Stroll was Best Open Terrier both days, and his beautiful smooth daughter Northgate Stella, owned by the Shury's was Puppy Champion on Saturday. Magic had his turn again on Sunday taking Puppy Champion with his litter sister Brillo taking Best Bitch Puppy. The Working Division on Sunday was a sweep for the girls with Ovation as Champion and Cleo as Reserve.

We did attend the Buckeye trials, as this fit nicely into our schedule, just before the girls started whelping. It was great to see our friends from near and far at this, our first trial of the year. The terriers did us proud.

On Saturday, Little Eden Sassafras and Little Eden Brillo were Best and Reserve 4-6 Month Bitch Pups; and Brillo's brother Magic was Reserve 4-6 Month Dog Puppy. Sassafras then went on and was named Best 4-6 Month Puppy. This was our first time showing for all three of these pups.  Saturday, Stroll was the star among our adults, going Reserve Best Open Terrier.

On Sunday, the babies again did well with Magic going Best 4-6 Month Dog Puppy and Sassafras overall Reserve Best 4-6 Month Puppy. In the Working Terrier Division, Fang showed beautifully and literally felt like she was floating on the end of my lead. This spectacular performance did not go unnoticed by the judge who made our girl Fang Working Terrier Champion of the day.

The Duchess County Trials were the last on our calendar until August. rained a bit on Saturday morning and was blazing hot all day Sunday. I wish all trials could be held at such a wonderful facility as this. The covered pavilion made sure all remained comfortable, allowing a nice breeze to flow through and blocking the brutal sun. Our terriers showed well. Brillo and Magic were Best 4-6 Month Puppy and Reserve each day. On Saturday, Stroll was Best Open Terrier and Revelation took that same honor on Sunday. Be sure to take a look at the new photos of these two lovely girls. The Fairgrounds were great for photo opportunities as well!

Our dogs did us proud. All placed well in their respective classes. In ring one, Strut pulled off his third consecutive National Best Working Terrier Dog award. It was quite a thrill and a fine testament to his ancestors that he is holding together so well over the years. At four he is in his prime and looks better than ever—in our eyes anyway. 

Strut's kids, Turbo, Cleo, and Vixen did well in their working classes, placing 2nd, 3rd, and 2nd respectively. To top it off, his dam Bagpiper managed a 3rd place in the Veteran Working Terrier Bitch class—not bad for a smooth in that horrid weather! Click here for a photo of old Piper showing off her stuff. It was a good day for the family.

Special mention and congratulations go to Northgate Flyn (Strut x Crossruff Fuss), owned by Doug and Sue Tack. This gorgeous and versatile girl was 2nd in her large puppy conformation class, 3rd and 4th in her racing classes, and was Puppy GTG Champion!

Over in ring two, Ovation's girls Revelation and Rendezvous made their debut in the 4-6 month puppy division.  We were very pleased indeed when Revelation won and Rendezvous  placed third in their very large class and Rev went on to be named Best 4-6 Month Puppy!

On Sunday the sun made an appearance and good spirits abounded for the day. First Class of the day was Stud Dog and Get. The only problem with competing in this class is that you don't get to walk around the ring and get a really good look at all the gorgeous exhibits. This is the premier display of current stud dogs and their offspring and is something not to be missed by any serious breeder if they can help it. You cannot imagine how thrilling it was when Strut won the class and his grandsire Hudson was second. Strut was also awarded Reserve Best Family, with Best going to the lovely and very deserving brood bitch, Sow's Ear White Riot. Click here for a picture of Strut with his get Stroll, Cleo, and Crossruff Cutter.

In the Open Division, Stroll made her debut with the "big girls" and won Bred by Exhibitor Bitch. Especially at the National, this class is always full of the "best of the best!" We were so proud of Stroll—she pulled it off after just turning a year old the week before! Ovation also showed her heart out—she put on the performance of her lifetime and was fourth in the tall R/B bitch class. So, at the end of the day, the ball was in young Stroll's court as the representative of our kennel. She didn't disappoint us. Our little girl went Reserve Best Open Bitch and then on to Reserve Best Open Terrier! Yahoo! Click here for a couple of nice pictures of Stoll in the ring.

Probably the highlight for us at this year's National was the Breeders Generation Class—our kennel won it for the third consecutive time! This year our entry consisted of Hudson, his daughter Bagpiper, her son Strut, and his daughter Stroll. We couldn't be any more proud of these four special terriers, each representing a successive generation in our breeding program. They are a living example of our "motto," and what we strive for in breeding: "Quality through the generations." Each of them is outstanding in his or her own right, both in the field and in the show ring. Hudson is a three time winner of the Bronze Medallion Class at the National and was the 2000 Reserve National Champion. Piper won the Veteran Working Terrier Bitch Class at last year's National. Strut has won at the national each of the four years he has attended: Best Open Dog in 2002, Best Working Dog 2003-2005 and National Champion in 2003 & 2004. And last but not least, Stroll was Reserve Best Open Terrier at this year's National—her first time competing as an adult! Click here for a really great picture of our wining group.

Turbo, our very promising youngster also got to show us what he's made of. After a near-death experience involving him and a thankfully  dog-savvy band of broodmares, Turbo got down to business in a sette occupied by two good sized groundhogs. One bolt and a good dig later, my appreciation for this smart little smooth dog's ability below ground continues to grow. Here's hoping he's now stock broke too!

We were very pleased with our terriers' results. Making her first appearance in the ring, Little Eden Revelation showed beautifully and was third in her class on Saturday. She won it on Sunday and ended up as Reserve Best 4-6 Month Puppy. We couldn't be happier with this little girl.

Turbo ended his puppy career in style, winning his class both days and on Sunday, going Reserve Best Dog Puppy. He'll show with the "big boys" at the National. Stroll also finished her puppy career with bang and was Puppy Champion both days. Another Strut daughter, Arazmataz Scout, was Reserve Best Bitch Puppy behind Stroll on Sunday, much to the delight of her proud owner Brian P. Daddy Strut was Working Champion and the winner of Best Family both days. 

Other  highlights include Little Eden Cleo making her debut in the working division where she was Reserve Best Working Bitch on Sunday and Little Eden Ovation going Best Open Bitch and Reserve Best Open Terrier on Sunday as well.

That's all the news for now. We'll continue to enjoy groundhog hunting as long as the weather holds, and work on keeping coats in shape for the National next month. Until then...

All our dogs did well in their respective classes and divisions. But without question, the high point was at the end of each day when Best Terrier of the Day and Reserve were chosen from amongst the Puppy Champion and Reserve, Best Open Terrier and Reserve, Working Champion and Reserve, and Best Colored Terrier and Reserve.

On Saturday we had three dogs in the ring: Strut (Working Terrier Champion),  Stroll (Puppy Champion, and Cleo (Reserve Best Open Terrier). I was thrilled and amazed to the point of having goose bumps when Best Terrier of the Day was awarded to Strut and Reserve went to his daughter Little Eden Stroll. 

At the end of the day on Sunday, we had the same three terriers in the ring. I can't tell you how exciting it was when on this day, Stroll was awarded Best of Day and her sire Strut was Reserve Best of the Day. It was an emotional and very memorable moment, and something I will always be proud of as a breeder.

• Turbo was Best Dog Puppy on Saturday and Reserve Dog Puppy on Sunday. 
• Stroll was Best Bitch Puppy and Puppy Champion both days. 
• Slick won her class both days and was Best Working Bitch on Sunday. 
• Strut was Best Working Dog, Working Terrier Champion, and won Best Family both days. 
• Little Eden Majestic, now owned by Joyce Kruger, was Best Open Dog on Saturday. 
• Vixen won the  Bred By Exhibitor class both days.
• Cleo was Best Open Bitch and Best Open Terrier on Saturday
• Swish was Reserve Best Open Bitch on Sunday.

Congratulations are also in order for Brian and Patricia Prochzka! They couldn't have smiled any bigger when their Strut daughter Arazmataz Scout was Best 4-6 Month Puppy on Sunday.

It was quite a weekend for Susan Snyder as well. Her York daughter Decisive Awe won her class and was Reserve Best Working Bitch on Saturday. This was their first time in the working division and I was very proud of them both.

Not to be undone, Vixen's son Sling Blade, sired by Oliver Twist, was Best 4-6 Month Puppy both days. Keeping it all in the family, Strut's daughter Stroll (aka Gilda) was Puppy Champion on Sunday, and his son Swift Run Derringer was Best Open Terrier on Saturday. We practically flew home after skipping the Family Class on Sunday in record time, expecting Tundra to whelp that night. False alarm though—she was awfully nice by waiting until Tuesday morning and allowing me to catch up on sleep before the big event!

The Rescue Trials held at Breezewood were very well-attended and ran without a hitch all weekend. Our terriers again did us proud. Strut was Working Terrier Champion and the winner of Best Family both days. Our young Sling Blade was Best 4-6 Month Dog Pup and Reserve Best 4-6 Month Puppy overall both days. A lovely Strut daughter, Northgate Flynn, owned and bred by Doug & Sue Tack, was Best 4-6 Month Puppy on Sunday. This division was quite large and had wonderful depth of quality throughout—a good sign for the future in our breed. Stroll was Reserve Puppy Champion on Saturday, Turbo was Reserve Best Dog Puppy both days, and Vixen was Reserve Best Working Bitch on Sunday.

Hunting has been slow this year due to several trappers having set lines on some of my best places. These are farms I have been hunting for years. We did bolt the first fox of the season in December, with more dens to check as soon as we can get out again. 

Saturday dawned chilly but wonderfully sunny! The day could not have started off any better for us, as our beloved Strut won the Bred by Exhibitor Working Dog Class. There simply are no words to describe my feelings as Strut won Best Working Dog and then went on to defend his title, becoming the JRTCA National Working Terrier Conformation Champion once again. No one will ever have to remind me of how special this dog is. Click here to see us in the ring during the final judging, the 2004 Champion and Reserve with the judge, and Strut with his trophies.

We didn't show any puppies this year, as we wanted to bring out our veterans without having to worry about ring conflicts. Naturally York was along for the ride. He hadn't been out in a couple of years and it seemed appropriate that he make one more public appearance in his lifetime. I can't tell you how exciting it was to be on the end of his lead as he paraded around the ring like a stallion surveying his domain. At nine years of age, this grand old underground warrior still has wonderful flexibility, and outstanding movement that always gets noticed. He looks as good as he ever did—and isn't even gray! At the end of it all, York won the Veteran Working Dog class in ring one, and was second in a very competitive Veteran Dog class in ring two. Take a look at this great action shot—I think you'll agree that York seemed to be enjoying himself as much as I enjoyed being out there with him.

We were equally pleased with how our girls did this year. Vixen and Slick were each second in their respective Working Bitch classes. On Sunday, Veela showed herself well and was fourth in the always huge under R/B Bitch class. Ovation (aka Fang) won a very tough Bred by Exhibitor class. She ended up one of only three bitches left in the ring as the judge narrowed down the field and made his final decision for Best and Reserve. Click here to see Fang turn it on when it counts!

Not to be outdone by the younger generation, Bagpiper won her Veteran Working Bitch class in ring one and had great fun doing it! In ring two, Thriller won the Veteran Bitch class and went on to be named Best Veteran overall. This made it a "North American Sweep" for her, as she was Best Veteran at the Canadian National this year too. The Veteran  Division is always exceedingly competitive at the National. What an educational treat for new breeders (and the not-so-new too!) to see these great old dogs, many of whom are in the pedigrees of today's younger generation of top working and winning terriers. Click here to see Thriller in action.

On Sunday, Strut placed fifth in the Stud Dog & Get class. But the highlight of our day was definitely the Breeder's Generation Class. Thanks to a rule change, the mighty Hudson was able to take his rightful place in our group this year. It was an emotional moment to see him standing in the ring, as magnificent as ever, with his daughter Bagpiper, his grandson Strut, and his great granddaughter Slick. I was nearly moved to tears as we won this class for the second year in a row. Hudson has certainly been a very big factor in the success our kennel enjoys today—hats off to the old dogs!

On Sunday Englishman Geoff Burnhill officiated in the main ring.  He used Veela as Reserve Best Open Terrier, Strut as Reserve Working Champion, and Vixen as the winner in the Bred By Class.  In ring two, Strut won Best Family and Roxy was second in a very good class of bitch puppies.  All in all a good weekend.  We it made home just before midnight, and the transmission in our van kindly waited until we were about ten miles from home before deciding not to shift out of second gear :)

Hearty congratulations also go out to Mandy Johnson and our good friend Gaye Redpath.  Mandy's Strut daughter Crossruff Cutter was Best Open Terrier on Saturday and Gaye's Little Eden Sergeant (York x Little Eden Dallas) took Best Open Terrier on Sunday.  We heard these were terrific trials and that fun was had by all—wish we had been there!

At the recent West Virginia Working Terrier Trials, Strut's sons continued their winning ways.  Anmchara Jekyll-n-Hyde was Reserve Best Dog Puppy under Bob Clough and Conquest Strike who was Best Dog Puppy Champion under Marye Vale.

Our crew did very well at our most recent outing, this time up in Ontario, Canada for a couple of very well run Trials.  The weather was wonderful and great fun was had by all.  On Saturday at the Brocksett Trial, Strut was Best Working Terrier and also won Best Family.  His get were very well represented as well.  Swift Run Derringer was Best Dog Puppy and Puppy Conformation Champion while his litter sister Swift Run Honor was Reserve Best Bitch Puppy her first time in the ring.  Little Eden Slick was Best Working Bitch and Little Eden Vixen won a very nice Bred By Exhibitor Bitch Class.  To top off the day, our pride and joy, Veela was Best Bitch Puppy & Reserve Puppy Champion.

Sunday was the Niagara Group Trial.  Strut was again Working Terrier Champion with Reserve going to his daughter, Slick.  Reserve Working Dog went to the gorgeous York son Conquest Omen.  On this day, Strut took Reserve Best Family to Oliver Twist and his beautiful, always consistent family group.  Congratulations to fellow Western New Yorker Valerie Davis!  In the Puppy Division, Strut sons Conquest Strike and Swift Run Derringer took Best Dog Puppy and Reserve, respectively.  Best Bitch Puppy and Puppy Champion was Veela who showed like a dream and literally stood like a statue.  The Open Division was especially exciting for us.  In what the judge of the day said was one of the strongest Open Divisions she had judged in quite some time, our own Little Eden Brit took the top honor and was Best Open Terrier!  We have always dearly loved Brit, but she slow to mature and was only shown once as a puppy.  This weekend was her debut as an adult and we couldn't have been more thrilled!  To top if off, Vixen again won the Best Bred By Exhibitor Bitch Class.

Until next time—hug your terriers and smile like you mean it  :)

Congratulations to Micki Gorman for a successful trial at Hi Bid!  Micki has been doing a great job with her gorgeous male Little Eden Majestic, who was awarded the Puppy Conformation Champion for the day.  Another dog pup, Anmchara Dasher, this one of Micki's own breeding, and sired by Strut was Best 4-6 Month Puppy.  Dasher's handsome littermate, Anmchara Jekyll-n-Hyde is definitely one to keep your eye on this year.  He won his class in style at the Ice Breaker in April.

The Yankee Trials in CT were very well run as usual and loads of fun.  In the puppy division, our girl Veela showed her heart out and was Puppy Conformation Champion both days.  Not to be outdone, her littermates Wizard and Majestic, showed great guns too.  Wizard was Best Dog Pup on Saturday and Micki's Majestic was Best Dog Pup and  Reserve Puppy Champion on Sunday!  In the Open Division, Ovation took top honors on Saturday while Cleo got the nod on Sunday.  Both these girls have matured beautifully—we couldn't be more pleased!  Having young bitches of this quality in our breeding program surely bodes well for the future.  Strut won the Stud Dog & Get class on Saturday and placed second to his influential grandsire on Sunday.  In the Working Division, Strut's daughter Slick made her adult debut on Sunday and was Reserve Working Terrier Champion.

We drove to Ohio over the Memorial Day holiday weekend to attend the Buckeye Extravaganza Trials.  It was really great seeing our good friends from as far away as Texas, Florida, and Indiana.  On Saturday, our girls Veela and Stitch were Best Bitch Puppy and Reserve, respectively with Veela going on to be Reserve Puppy Conformation Champion for the day.  On Sunday, the very exciting Strut son Swift Run Derringer made his debut by going Reserve Best Dog Puppy.  Strut won Stud Dog & Get/Best Family both days in some very tough competition.  Strut was also best Working Terrier on Saturday, with his daughter Slick going Reserve Working Terrier on Sunday.  In the Open Division on Saturday, Ovation was Best with another of our favorite young bitches, Vixen going Reserve.  Ovation continued her winning ways on Sunday, once again being named Best Open Terrier.  Our little "Fang-Fang" has really made us proud this year, earning five Best Open Terrier awards out of six times shown!  To make it a "clean sweep" for the weekend by girls from our bloodlines, the beautiful Decisive Awe was Reserve Open Terrier on Sunday!  Awe is owned and bred by Susan Snyder and is out of Little Eden Radish, sired by The Hollow York.  Congratulations Susan!

Although we didn't go to any shows ourselves in February and March (too cold and terriers too hairy!), our thanks go out to the owners of our pups and terriers sired by our boys who were out there showing and reporting their consistently excellent results.

In February at the Georgia Winter Spectacular, the gorgeous York daughter, Briddle Creek Encore owned by Shirley Davis, was Reserve Open Terrier on Saturday, while Bagpiper son, Little Eden Maverick owned by Cathy Shreve, was Reserve Open Terrier on Sunday.  Another young son of "Piper," Little Eden Reign of Fire owned by Deborah Williams, was Reserve Puppy Champion both days!  Rainy, as Reign of Fire is called, then went on to the Brenham, TX show where he was Reserve Dog Puppy.

In Florida at the Fox Cry Spring Fling Trials, Strut daughter, Crossruff Cutter owned by Mandy Johnson, was Best Bitch Puppy both days and went on to be named Puppy Champion on Saturday and Reserve Puppy Champion on Sunday.  The beautiful York daughter, Hart Farms Shirley (all grown up now) owned by Cheryl Hart, was Best Open Terrier on Sunday as well.

At the Mississippi River City Trials, York's daughters again did very well.  Briddle Creek Encore was Best Open Terrier both days and Firestorm Fahrenheit was Reserve Open Terrier on Saturday.  Congratulations to all!

Our first trial of the year was The Mason Dixon Ice Breaker.  We were very much looking forward to getting our two young bitches, Vixen and Slick, out for their first time in the Working Terrier Division, but as luck would have it, they both came into season the day after I sent in my entries!  It never fails!

I hadn't entered Strut in Working, but since his daughters were unable to compete, "the dude" stepped into the ring once again winning Working Terrier Champion on Saturday and going Reserve to another very nice Rivet son, Firestorm Blast on Sunday.  Strut with his get, Little Eden Cleo, Little Eden Stitch, and Swift Run Jagger by his side, won the Stud Dog Class and Best Family both days, remaining undefeated in these classes!

Our Little Eden Wizard was Puppy Champion on Saturday  his very first time in the ring!  Be sure to check out the updated photos of Wizard and his littermates here.  This whole litter continues to please us greatly.  

To top off the weekend, Little Eden Ovation was Best Open Terrier both days.  Our little "Fang" has really blossomed over the winter and we couldn't be more proud of her!

In January we got out once before the snow and cold took over completely.  Our girl, Vixen found and worked what has to be one of the largest opossums on record.  It was so big I couldn't lift it with one arm as we were doing an "after dig" photo session!  Vixen did a great job, earning a NHC in the process.  This is one that Steff and I will remember for a very long time.

In addition to the above awards, we would like to congratulate the following Strut children for their success at this year's National Trial:

• Swift Run Swagger: 2nd (out of 29) 6-9 Month Dog  Puppy, R/B
• Swift Run Jagger:  3rd (out of 29) 6-9 Month Dog Puppy, R/B
• Swift Run Secret:  6th (out of 13) 6-9 Month Bitch  Puppy, Smooth
• Crossruff Cutter:  3rd (out of 42) 6-9 Month Bitch Puppy, R/B
• Smilin' Jack Stride: 3rd (out of 28) 4-6 Month Dog Puppy, R/B
• Smilin' Jack Starstruck:  5th (out of 26) 4-6 Month Bitch  Puppy, Smooth

A special thanks to Bob Boyd and Chris Wardell for the use of their outstanding Strut x Chaos son Swift Run Vengeance in the Family Class, and to Jan Dewinter and Micki Gorman for their help in handling my puppies in the class.  I couldn't have done it without you guys!

At the Free State Trials, Strut again swept the Working Division and also took Best Family both days.  His kids really shined over the weekend as well.  On Saturday, Swift Run Swagger was Best 4-6 Month Puppy and Little Eden Slick was Reserve.  Swift Run Secret was second to Slick in their class, and Little Eden Vixen was the 6-12 Month  Puppy Champion.  Sunday, Swagger had a class win and was Reserve Best 4-6 Month Puppy, Secret and Slick did a flip flop and were first and second respectively and Little Eden Cleo had a nice class win.

At the Canadian National, Judge Terry Petrie didn't seem to care much for Strut, but his kids on the other hand, did really well.  Swift Run Swagger won a tough 4-6 Month Puppy class with his brother Ghost coming second.  Little Eden Slick won her class with Swift Run Secret again coming second.  Slick then went on to be named the 2003 Canadian National 4-6 Month Puppy Champion!  Our Little Eden Vixen had a nice class win and went on to be named Reserve Best Bitch Puppy—not a bad showing for our Strut babies!

Little Eden Only: Best Open Terrier, Rocky Mt. Challenge II & IX

Conquest Cricket: Reserve Best Open Terrier, Rocky Mt. Challenge II

Briddle Creek Pride: Puppy Champion, Kentuckiana Classic

Conquest Taunt: Reserve Best Working Bitch, Research  Benefit, II

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