Playing At Dad's - April 22nd

I took Sparrow and Lily down to Greg and Dennise's so they could play with their Dad, Mojo. Sparrow spent most of her time watching the birds while Lily played ball with Mojo, Taz, and Kiya. It was a beautiful day and we spent a good three hours there playing the entire time! 

Sparrow Hunt Test Training at Field of Dreams

I took Sparrow down to Paul and Kirsten's on April 24th for a little brush up on her bird skills. It's been a hectic year and the last time we were down for training was in October. Watching her scour the fence lines at Greg and Dennise's and watch birds flying overhead, I knew her nose was still good to go.  She didn't let me down - she did some great work. She worked the scent, and turned right on it when she found it. She held her points and even worked well with Destiny, meaning she didn't play around. We worked mostly on pigeons but made sure to test her on a chukar since that's what they use in hunt tests. She did very well and I was pleased.  This little girl makes me happy when I watch her in the field. 

Wall of Shame!

Mom - We were hungry and missing you so we helped ourselves to Bree's trail mix. It's your fault for not sending it to her already! Sparrow was saved only because she was in her crate! She was so upset about not getting any, she made herself throw up.

Oh, these girls! They couldn't go with me to get the oil changed on the Explorer and to get groceries. I got home as quickly as I could!!  I still love you - Mom

Four Generations

From left to right:

GCH CH Catch A Fire's Autumn Prairie Wind JH, Paloma. She is 4.5 years old.

CH Sunstead's Catch A Fire JH, Marley. She is 9.5 years old.

CH Opus One Lena of Dunantul, Lena. She is 13 years old.

Catch A Fire's Peace Like A River, Sparrow. She is 1 year old.

Lena is Marley's mom; Marley is Paloma's mom; Paloma is Sparrow's mom.  

So, which one is the most food motivated of them all?!?!?  That would be the one creeping forward on the rug!

BIS CH Opus One Lady Sang The Blues ROM - April 25, 2000 to April 13, 2013

It is with great sadness that I share with you today the passing of Billie, BIS CH Opus One Lady Sang The Blues ROM.  Billie is Lena's sister, Marley's Aunt, Paloma's Great Aunt and Sparrow's Great Great Aunt. Judy Hetkowski, who owned Billie's Dad, Cassidy, has a very nice bio of Billie on her website: BIS MBISS CH Opus One Lady Sang The Blues ROM.  Please do read her page; she was quite the star. I only got to see Billie in the ring once which was at Vizsla Nationals in Omaha in 2007. It was there she took Best in Breed. Her free stack took my breath away; she was stunning. Her owner, Ida, was handling another dog in the ring at the time but when the judge picked Billie, she hit the floor on her knees; she was so happy! It was a moment I will never forget. 

All of heaven is a stage for you, Billie. Rest in Peace Dear Sweet Girl. May you always know how much you were and are still loved. XOXOX

For those who might be wondering what all the letters mean -

BIS = Best in Show

MBISS = Multiple Best in Specialty Show  

CH = AKC Champion

ROM = Registry of Merit (given by the Vizsla Club of America for her puppies' AKC Titles)

Today's The Day!

Happy First Birthday Paloma and Mojo Pups

Hannah hopes Sparrow, Bodhi, Lily, Harley, Kyra and Battle are as happy on their first birthday as she is in this picture!

Seems like only yesterday you all were this small and cuddling together.

Happy Birthday!!