Catch A Fire's Autumn Blaze aka Jasper

Jasper earns his AKC Junior Hunter title at the end of May 2010. 

Brian writes: "Roy and I left Friday morning, the 21st, and drove 12 hours to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The hunt test started the next morning at 7 am at a location that was about a 20 minute drive from Sioux Falls.  Of course, it was raining as we drove to the course, but by the time the junior braces were called at about 10 am, it was just overcast and windy.  The course for the test was different from any of the others we had run this year.  Instead of a front course, a clearly marked bird field, and a back course, this one was laid out as one long course with a continuous bird field.  The juniors were to run the same course as the senior and master levels but they were not in the field as long.

Roy and I were somewhat apprehensive about that arrangement at first, but it ultimately provided the dogs with plenty of opportunities to find birds.  On Saturday, Jasper ran well  and was not hampered by the strong wind.  He covered the course well, circling back whenever he caught scent and narrowing his search area until he was on the bird.  He had two finds in the first half of the course and although he wasn't as steady on his points for as long as I had hoped for, it was good enough for a pass.  I ended up being very thankful for his performance, though, especially since his brace mate went birdless.   Kaari also passed on Saturday, so the pressure was off for all of us on the first day.  Roy and I had two new junior hunters!"

Congratulations Brian and Jasper! 

The Puppies' Grandsire

This is a photo I received from Siskel's owner, Nancy. It was taken last Saturday at the Vizsla Club of Northern California's Specialty. Nancy entered him in the Veteran Class - he didn't win but he and Nancy sure had a good time. Everyone enjoyed seeing him and couldn't believe he was already 13!  I hope you enjoy "meeting" the puppies' grandsire and his owner, Nancy. 

Take care - 

The Adventures of Paloma and Patriot

Marc and I took Paloma and Patriot up to Oakville, WA and Koopman Farm for two days of Hunt Test fun.  The first day was filled with rain and cold wind until late afternoon when blue sky was finally visible.  All Juniors passed on Saturday except Paloma who decided the grass was too tall and it was more fun to try to play with the other pup on course. Thankfully she didn't interfere with his ability to earn a pass!  Patriot found a bird and pointed during the last five minutes of time. Sunday was a little better than Saturday as far as the weather was concerned but way fewer Juniors passed. Patriot was one of those with three birds finds well within the time limit. Paloma decided, once again, that it was more fun to play than to find birds. Near the end of time, she somehow caught a glimpse of me up on the hill and decided to head back to camp. I tried hiding from her,  hoping she would go back on course and to Marc but no such luck. One man scared her back down the hill but when I noticed she had her tail tucked and wasn't going to head back to Marc, I decided I'd better get her. I called to her and she wouldn't come. I took off my hat, called her and she came three-quarters of the way to me, looked at me and ran back down the hill, tail tucked. The third time, I reduced my height and tapped my knees while calling her. It was then that she recognized me and came between my legs, a game we play. It was very disconcerting to have her look me right in the eyes and not know who I was. I now understand how a dog, when loose on unfamilar ground, will not recognize even a most loving owner. This is very sad. 

While we were surprised at Paloma's testing this weekend, we are encouraged by Patriot's!  We test again next weekend, different course, different terrain. We'll let you  know how we do. In the meantime, I've posted Patriot's results below.

Jasper Doubles at Hunt Test

Brian writes: I'm happy to report that he qualified on both days (3 legs earned, 1 to go for JH!) In spite of horrible conditions on Saturday (high wind, rain and sleet and about 30 degrees) Jasper had 1 find, and today (much nicer weather) he had two finds with solid points and was about to get a third when the judge called us off the bird field.

We couldn't be more proud of Jasper!!  Way to go!  Best wishes for a successful Hunt Test at the end of May in South Dakota! Our best to Kaari, of Finnrock Vizslas (Roy and Marty Sanford - Kirby's owners) for a successful hunt as well.

Hugs all around . . . . .

Jasper and Loki - A Successful Easter Weekend

Congratulations to Jasper who earned his first leg for his AKC Junior Hunter title.

Brian writes: "Jasper was very responsive to whistle, hand signals and all commands in the field (the judge commented favorably on that aspect of his performance as she rode next to me; she also said, "he's really a nice-looking dog"). A few minutes into the bird field, he caught the scent of a quail in a small clump of bushes and locked up in a perfect point. And wonder of wonders, he held rock solid until the quail flushed of it's own accord. He had no problem with the shot from my blank pistol (not that I expected any - he's been around shotgun fire so much in real hunting situations) and although he started to chase the flying quail, he turned back to me quickly after I whistled him off."

I have no doubt Jasper would have passed both days if not for the young dog he was paired with on Saturday who ran through the bird field before he was suppose to work his way to that area of the course. Jasper and Brian will try again in three weeks.

Congratulations to Loki who went Winner's Dog/Best of Winners at the Chintimini Kennel Club dog show in Albany, OR, both days. He was handled in the ring by his "Auntie" Suzanne Horvath.  Saturday's picture will be posted as soon as it is received.

Fun in the Field

On March 27th, we went to an  Oregon Bird Dog Challenge training day.  I had to keep my distance and stand downwind so I wouldn't interfere with Loki's concentration (a breeder sometimes has that affect on "her" puppies long after they go to their new homes!) I watched Loki work from the top of a hill that overlooks the entire field - it's a great vantage point.

I walked with Marc as he handled Patriot on his run. This allowed me to get closer photos but I also interfered with Patriot's run. He did check back with me a couple of times - I tried not to talk to him and to only give him my back or point in the direction he should be going. But, once I said, "Find it!" Marc reminded me I had agreed not to talk - but it was so hard to not give Patriot that command! I videoed Paloma's run so there are no close ups of her working. :( 

Patriot after his run, wishing he could have had one of those baby back ribs we ate for lunch. They were so good and the man who developed Tribal Moose BBQ sauces was our cook! YUM

Happy Spring

Here's hoping for more days of sunshine than rain and certainly no more snow!! 

Patriot is back with us for handling classes, shows, and opportunities to work on his bird skills. We are looking forward to getting both he and Paloma entered into a few hunt tests this Spring. 

Let us know what your Springtime plans are.