Canadian Specialty - Obedience

In July we headed to Abbotsford, BC for the 2012 FCRSC National Specialty.  It was extra special as we had some UK visitors along to watch and help show our dogs.

The specialty started with the obedience trial.

Darren and Teva were the first Blazingstar team in the ring.  Teva (Blazingstar Tansley) did a super job and ended up winning the Novice A class!  This was the 3rd and final CD leg for Teva - congratulations to Teva, Darren and Michele on their CD!

Next, it was Cava's first time in the obedience ring.  As we had done very little training in the weeks leading up to the show (she was in season and we were busy), I was a bit uncertain about how it would go.  She was actually pretty good and maintained good attention and attitude right up to the heel-free exercise.  At that point she noticed the dirt/sand floor and all of the interesting smells and such in it..... Our heel-free routine was downright ugly, but we got through.  Despite not having done any group stays in several months, she coped nicelwith a ring full of flat-coats-on-stays and we managed a qualifying score and her first CD leg.

Cava and Liz in the obedience ring - thank-you to Amanda Shigehiro for the photo!

Lindy (Blazingstar Linneaus) did a really nice job in Utility - we were especially impressed with her signals and glove exercise.  Unfortunately she did not bring back the correct scent articles, so did not pass.  But after watching her lovely work, we are sure she will get there!

Blazingstar's First Master Hunter - Annie!

Annie showing off all 5 of her Master Hunter qualifying ribbons

We are bursting at the seams with pride and excitement to announce that Annie (HRCH Blazingstar Beaufort CDX MH) completed her AKC Master Hunter title in wonderful style.

Her owners, Brian and Katy Abrell state that she finished her Master title with a "grand flourish!"  and that "the last three tests have been flawless- no handles to any marks, excellent blinds, perfect line matters, very nice style. We could not be more proud of Annie! She never had a single cast or whistle refusal in any of her tests this spring, despite some water blinds that were quite challenging. She really showed her birdiness and big heart as she kept driving despite the heat, and always came back to Brian with her tail wagging!"

Brian and Katy have obviously done a wonderful job of training and handling Annie to have achieved this great accomplishment.  And we are very very proud and thrilled that a Huxley and Lupine daughter has done so well in working tests and all owner-trained and handled as well!

Huge Congratulations to Annie, Katy and Brian!!!