Beach bum

Check out Savi's blog to see her visit to Fischer Beach.

Afternoon swim for Savi

Glistening afternoon light added a shimmer to today's swim pictures.  You can actually see stars in the picture below of Savi as she retrieves her floating Kong on a rope.  We've added distance to her retrieves and she doesn't seem to notice, swimming out and retrieving with excitement and drive.

The Kong on a rope was Wotan's all-time favorite toy and he would retrieve it on land or water non-stop and carry it for hours on hikes.  It is very sweet to see that Savi has the same enthusiasm for this toy.

Savi Salt Marsh Diving

Savi had no problem learning to swim and retrieve in the wonderful salt marshes of Cape Cod.  It's great training for her to be able to navigate different bodies of water and banks as well as learn how to do blind retrieves.  This salt marsh is part of Pamet Harbor in Truro, MA, a beautiful place.  The marsh is a natural habitat to Great Blue Herons, Cormorants, and a myriad of other types of birds and wildlife.

Jam at Ballston Beach

What fun she had romping on the beach and stopped to look at the beach birds...a gorgeous moment caught with my phone...

A slice of heaven...

Trixie on point

Follow the leader

Savi, pure joy...her smile says it all

Jam and Savi, checking out the salt marsh

and away they go...

The perfect place to rest, reflect and rejuvenate...

Thank you friends...

We are overwhelmed by the wonderful words of support and condolences received after we lost our beloved Wotan last week.  I truly appreciate the outpouring of love.

One friend, who knew Wotan well, whose words especially touched me:

I am so sorry to hear of Wotan's passing.  He certainly was a life-changing dog for you - opening up an entire world and tons of friendships.

You just can't say his name without a smile - he was that special.

I know you will miss him with an ache in your heart but knowing that your life was so much richer because of his presence.

Goodbye my Wotan

Who could have imagined the amazing journey he took me on and the lessons he taught me...he will forever be in my heart...

 Windward's Standing In Motion, JH, AX, AXJ, NSD, CGC, V

"Wotan"

September 13, 1996 - August 19, 2010

(CH Greywind's High Flying Cloud, JH  x  CH Windward's Perfect Harmony, JH)

 

Wotan was my heart and soul dog.  He was a truly wonderful gift from his breeder after a  tragic accident killed his sister.  He was my constant companion and kept me company as a pup, while on bedrest during a difficult pregnancy and as my personal therapy dog during chemotherapy.  So tolerant of a then novice handler, Wotan was my "A" dog, and guinea pig and exposed to almost every dog activity out there.  I showed this boy myself and put a 4-point major  on him but we retired him at 13 points, just short of finishing his championship, as we tried unsuccessfully to get that last elusive major.  He would not work for even the best handlers as he was such a momma's boy. 

Wotan had incredible drive and athleticism.  Extremely birdy, he finished his Junior Hunter title easily and loved to hunt at the preserve.  He even earned his first leg with a very pregnant handler traipsing behind. 

We then discovered agility and immediately became hooked.  Wotan was born for this sport but it took years to bridle his extreme enthusiasm and drive, and gain control and consistency.  He humbled his handler at many agility trials and if anything, always provided the entertainment. Amazingly at the age of 12, he completed his AX and AXJ titles with first places at all breed trials.

Known as the Houdini dog, Wotan broke out of every crate made and would rather just guard the house from his perch on the couch.

Wotan retired from agility (at age 12), and up until the very end, he still loved to hike, run around the yard and cuddle next to me in bed.

Savi at 7 months gets her own blog

Savi's "official" 7 month stack photo with Michael Anderson, Trixie's breeder
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I figured it was about time to launch Savi's blog http://grayhartweims-savi.blogspot.com/

You can follow all our blogs, by clicking the follow button at the top of the page for each one (Trixie, Jam, Savi and Wotan). The links to my dog's blogs and those of our puppy people on the right side of the page.

"Q" Cupcake to Celebrate CDX leg #2!!!

"Q" = Qualify, and that's what Trixie did this past weekend at the Saturday obedience trial in Harrisburg, PA. We were so proud of her for earning her 2nd CDX leg and her score earned her a 4th place ribbon. Trixie hasn't competed in obedience in almost a year and with a litter of pups to keep her busy as well as agility training and the Nationals, there hasn't been an opportunity to get her in the ring at an indoor venue until now. Ironically, we came to these shows primarily for Jam and I entered Trixie to see what she would do. Well, she upheld the family honor! Out of 21 dogs entered in the Open A class, only 5 qualified, meaning they earned passing scores (a minimum of 170 out of 200) to get a leg toward the CDX title. This is a challenging class, called the heartbreak class, as it can be frustrating to do well enough to pass...and we've had our share of disappointments trying to attain the CDX title.
Trixie's breeders were at the show, along with many Weim friends, who watched and supported us in our obedience run. Amy, Trixie's breeder, bought Trixie doggie cupcakes to celebrate this special day. Like a true princess, Trixie shopped herself and picked out which cupcakes she liked best along with cookies to share with our other dogs with the gift certificate she won with her placement.
Showing off her manners and not eating until given the okay...good girl!
She then decided the dog bed made a better placemat and wolfed down the cupcake in a very unladylike manner.
and for the party... a lovely selection of all natural, fancy dog cookies, almost yummy enough for humans to eat.
Time to party...l-r - Savi, Trixie, Jam and Wotan

Nothing in life is free and all of them had to earn their cookies...excellent group stay with this food distraction.
Jam found the cookies lip smacking good!

Of course, Trixie was entered two days in obedience and with qualifying the first day, our expectations were high that she had a good shot to do a repeat performance and finish her title on Sunday but it just wasn't meant to be. Trixie did do another nice job in all her individual exercises, lagged a bit on her sits, but still showed that she was working and had solid retrieves and an excellent drop on recall. We were still in the game when it was time for the out of sight stays. I know not to count my chickens until they are hatched and for good reason. Trixie held her 3 minute sit but after 2 minutes of the long down, which is for 5 minutes, she popped up into a sit, dang! But then, she stood, in a lovely stack position, and woofed for her mommy...ugh, she is really going to make me work for that last leg. Everyone watching thought it was cute...well you gotta love a Weim. Back to practicing those out of sight stays so we can finish that title.

Jam's show news: Those majors just didn't have our names on it this weekend. She showed better and better each day, getting a 3rd the first day, a 2nd the second day and even winning a large open bitch class on Sunday, looking terrific with Steve Lane doing an excellent job handling her. As they say, on to the next show...

On the road again

Trixie giving full attention before her obedience run-through at the AKC Canine Experience Match Show
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Trixie put on her modeling hat today and did a bang up job in NYC for the IAMS photo shoot. Those obedience skills truly pay off when she is asked to pose in various positions with all kinds of distractions and asked to look this way and that way, with me handling from a distance away. Monty, (Parker x Trixie), will take over the set tomorrow to finish the shoot for shots that will appear Nationally as point of sale displays and possibly on packaging...a very exciting assignment!

We'll be heading to the Harrisburg show circuit where Jam will be shown in conformation and Trixie in obedience. These are large shows and drew a major entry in Weims. We are hoping for Jam to win one or two of those majors as Jam needs them to complete her AKC Championship title. Savi will come along for the ride as the show is a great place for training, socialization and to spread her cute factor!

The Diva on location...

Trixie, taking a break during filming of the IAMS commercial. The commercial will be aired Nationally in three to four months. Trixie and Monty did an amazing job and impressed everyone with their training and onscreen charisma. We can't wait to see the finished project!

Savi LOVES to Swim

Savi, Grayhart's Shear Genius, 6 1/2 months old, enjoying a summer swim at a friend's pool. She's quite the little retriever!

Girls just wanna have fun

Trudy and Savi
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Trudy spent the afternoon with us and Savi was ecstatic to have her half-sister here for an unexpected playdate. Trudy ran around the yard with Jam and then played indoors wrestling with Savi until it was time to go home.

A moment of rest...

The toys are always better at someone else's house!

Mia-belle's New Rally Advanced Title!

Huge congratulations to Jessica and Miabelle, Grayhart's Special Request, RN, (Zeke x Trixie), for earning their Rally Advanced title in 3 straight shows at the Greenville circuit last weekend. Not only did they do a terrific job but had 2 - 1st places and a 4th place to show for it scoring a consistent 97 out of 100 every day- Wow! This versatile girl also showed in the conformation ring, winning her class and literally ran to the rally ring for their run.

This is Miabelle's video from their first day competing with a stellar performance.

Trixie hired for IAMS Commercial!

Trixie & Joel Silverman

Trixie's star continues to rise as she has been hired to star in an upcoming IAMS commercial. Trixie was the standout from the start and only Grayhart dogs were considered for the Weimaraner spot in this commercial. Jam and Monty have also been hired as backups and we are thrilled that this is a family affair. They will also be used for still photos.

Famous dog trainer, Joel Silverman, of Animal Planet's Good Dog U, pictured with Trixie, is the animal agent/head trainer for this project. Trixie and Jam were part of the casting process in New York City, for the actors to be used in the commercial and Joel, the producers and the client's were impressed with their training, beauty and engaging personalities. Trixie was able to pick out which actors were comfortable with dogs and which ones were not. The dogs will get to meet the actors that have been hired for the shoot and then filming is scheduled for later this week. This will give us time to work on their moves and practice their lines!

Savi goes Best Puppy in Match Show!!!

Savi and her breeder/owner (me), posing for the Best Puppy in Match photo - what a cool ribbon!

Savi took the big prize today by winning Best Puppy in Match at the AKC Canine Experience Match show hosted by the Suffolk County Kennel club. This is a large and competitive match show and we were excited when the judge pointed to us as the winner.

Savi's win photo for going Group 1 in the Puppy Sporting Group. Then, we went in with all the other Group winners to compete for Best in Match. (below)

My what lovely teeth you have!

We had a terrific day at the show and it was wonderful to have friends Bonnie and Steve and Kellyann, (who took all these fabulous pictures), there to share in the excitement of Savi"s win. Jam won Best of Breed (adult) and Steve did a wonderful job of showing Jam in the Adult Sporting Group. The show also featured agility demos and obedience run- throughs which Trixie and Jam participated in. Ranger's family came to visit and it was great seeing them, especially baby Luke.

Savi at just 6 months old and already are her way to being a show dog!