GSWC Specialty Show at Plainfield Kennel Club

Savi practicing before Sweeps

 One of our annual Memorial Day Weekend traditions is to support our club's Specialty show, which is part of the Atlantic Shore Classic show circuit in Freehold, NJ.  It is one of our favorite show sites, except it can and usually is extremely hot and humid this time of year.  Under 80 degree weather, we did our best to keep the dogs cool and have a good time.  It was a busy show, as we had three of our girls entered, Savi, Trudy and Jam, and I was fortunate to have my good friend, Kellyann there to help with the girls and take pictures.  The club served a lovely lunch to everyone entered and we even got to spend time with Michele and Mia, who came for a short visit.

Mia, Grayhart's American Woman, had some show training and we can't wait to start showing her this year.

Savi, getting ready for the judge to examine her.

 Savi, Grayhart's Shear Genius,JH,CGC, (Clay x Trixie),who has not been shown much, did very well, especially since she does not care for the hot weather but held her stacks, stood for exam and gated nicely.  She placed 3rd in sweeps and 3rd in the 12-18 class, both the biggest classes of the day.

Trudy, Grayhart's Special Reserve, (Zeke x Trixie) spent a wonderful weekend with us and found every tennis ball in the house, no matter how well hidden! She remembered how to be a show girl and placed 2nd in the Open class.  She got to then go home to swim in her pool.

Jam waiting for her turn to go in the ring, she's cool as a cucumber..

Jam, CH Grayhart's Purple Haze,CD,JH,OA,NAJ,NSD,V, held up very well under the hot conditions and received an Award of Merit!  After the show, we celebrated by visiting our favorite vendors and Jam and Savi both got fabulous new collars.

Happy 3rd Birthday to our Jimi Hendrix (Parker x Trixie) Litter

Jimi Hendrix pups 36 days old

This was our first litter and all of these pups, not so little anymore, hold a very special place in our hearts. We have enjoyed watching them grow up and made lasting friendships with their owners, all part of our Grayhart family.  Even though the pups are spread across the country, from Long Island, NY & New Jersey, to North Carolina and Kansas, we get regular updates/ pictures and have had a number of mini-reunions. These dogs have accomplished so much and continue to excel in whatever their owners ask, from conformation, agility, tracking, hunting and just being the best family companions ever.

Happy Birthday to...

• Marshall, CH Grayhart's In From the Storm (training for obedience)
• Sky, Grayhart Lightfoot Early Morning Rain, JH,TD,RN,NSD,V, CGC (major pointed)
• Ranger, Grayhart's Midnight Lightening (major pointed)
• Mia, Grayhart's American Woman (in training for show, agility, obedience)
• Monty, Grayhart's Stone Free, JH,CGC (in training for show & Senior Hunter)
• Jam, CH Grayhart's Purple Haze, CD,JH,OA,NAJ,NSD,CGC,V (our Special & competing in agility/obedience/Senior Hunter)

Oh, and Jam had a great birthday weekend getting an Award of Merit at the Garden State Weimaraner Club Specialty show at Plainfield Kennel Club! Of course, we then went shopping and picked out fabulous new collars for our special girl.

 Mia came for a visit at this weekend show & looks terrific!

4th Annual TSWR Hair of the Dog 5K & Pet Expo - Part 2 - Lure Coursing

Savi looking spiffy in the hot pink coursing coat.

One of the fun activities they offered at the event was Lure Coursing  practice runs.  Traditionally, lure coursing has been a performance event for sighthounds but recently, the AKC has made it a titling event called Coursing Ability Test for all-breeds. The AKC offers this program that the dogs and owners love so well, to test the dogs basic coursing instinct or hunting by sight ability.  The dogs chase an artificial lure, in an open field and are judged by two judges, on the dogs overall ability, speed, endurance, agility, and how well they follow the lure. The upside of this event is the dogs are kept in such good healthy shape, by doing something that comes naturally and that they really like to do.

Savi is totally fixated on the other dogs chasing the lure aka the plastic bags!

The lure coursing was run by PawPals PCA who offer weekly training and practice sessions in our area.  It is a great way to cross train your dogs for other dog sports such as agility. 

Showing me how to get Savi ready at the start line...waiting for the signal...

Release the dog on the "T" of Tallyho!!!  and Savi was off like a bullet chasing the lure!

Savi was quite impressive in her run and Mike Stoble from PCA said she was a natural and great PR as the crowd cheered her on during her awesome run.  He encouraged us to come to his practices.

Jam took a turn but wasn't quite as enthusiastic as her sister.  I think she thought there would be birds out in the field and was disappointed not to find any.  She had a good run but will stick to hunting birds.

Our friends Kellyann and her 9-yr old June at the start line.  June was amazing!

4th Annual TSWR Hair of the Dog 5K & Pet Expo - Part 1

On Sunday, we attended the 4th Annual TriState Weimaraner Rescue Hair of the Dog 5K & Pet Expo.  This event is held at the beautiful Silver Decoy Winery and a major fundraiser for TSWR.  The day was cloudy and very chilly, but the rain held off and the temps made for comfortable race conditions.  We opted to walk the 5k with our group of dogs and really enjoyed it.

The 5k took us through the local area and ended back at the winery where they offered wine tasting, live music and other fun activities.  All the runners received nice gift bags, etched wine glasses and event t-shirts.

Refreshing drinks along the route for everyone including the dogs.  Note how my girls didn't even have to ask the man to hold the cup for them to drink...they are princesses of course!

Yay - we made it to the finish line.  From l-r: Kellyann, Haze, June, me, Jam and Savi

Haze getting kisses from his momma.

Savi getting a quick cuddle as she watches the lure coursing....a new and exciting activity for her!  More on that in Part 2...

Bravo show news

While we were driving home from the WCA National Specialty in Ohio, Bravo, CH Grayhart Crescent Bravo, (Clay x Trixie), was just beginning his show weekend in California.  Bravo, only 16 months old, had a terrific run during the Specialty weekend shown by Debbie Hopkins.  At the San Francisco Bay Weimaraner Club Specialty, he was awarded Judges Select, which gave him his 3rd major win towards his Grand Championship title.  The following day, Bravo was awarded Best of Opposite, and this gave him a 4th GCH major! On Sunday, Bravo received the Judges Select award.We look forward to seeing his win photos.

Congratulations to Bravo's owners, Jay and Ron and handler Debbie!

Trixie's 1st place Open JWW Run - 2011 WCA Nationals Week

During the 2011 WCA Nationals Week, we ran three days of agility.  There were two all-breed trials, one sponsored by the Weimaraner Club of America, the other by the Keeshond Club of America and on the third day, the Weims and Kees shared a specialty trial.  Trixie had a great time and ran with consistency and control, leading to her winning the 24" Open JWW class at the Kees trial.  Trixie only needs one more qualifying Open JWW leg to complete her title.

2011 WCA National Specialty

Lots of ribbons for the Grayhart girls - this doesn't even include our obedience ribbon or Bliss' haul.

The 2011 Weimaraner Club of America National Speciatly was held last week at the Robert's Centre in Wilmington, Ohio with the related agility trials held at Queen City Dog Training Club(QCDTC) in Sharonville, Ohio.  Our Nationals adventure began with a long, almost 12 hour drive out to stay near the agility trials, which began on May 14th.  Three dogs (Trixie,Jam and Savi), three humans, leather leads stock, displays, soft crates, luggage and everything needed for the dogs and humans for a week away made for a very packed mini-van.  It was a week of exciting competition in various venues and socializing with friends from all over the world.  A major highlight of our trip was getting to meet and spend time with Jen Boyd and Bliss, Grayhart's Launch My Line, who flew in from Alaska just for the Nationals.  The only disappointment was the weather, which rained almost nonstop until Thursday, the day we left.  Fortunately, all the activities for us were indoors.

Bonnie (owner of Jam's sire, Parker, GCH Hibourne's It's All About Me) and me waiting for Jam's AOM picture.

Jam & Jamie in the BOB competition where they received an AOM!

I am still overwhelmed at the successful week we had as our hope was just to maybe get a placement or two but we ended up with many agility class wins, new titles in obedience and agility, Bliss, Grayhart's Launch My Line, placing 3rd in almost every huge 12-18 month conformation class and the Futurity, and Jam getting an Award of Merit. not an easy feat at a National with such a huge entry and high quality of dogs.

Jen & Bliss

Savi was along for the ride and was only shown in one day of sweeps and at the Columbus Specialty.  She was a good girl and I was pleased with her showing even though she wasn't in the ribbons. Not to be left out, Savi, came everywhere with us and thought that the Nationals were the best party she's ever been to and loved playing with her littermate Bliss!

Savi in the Sweeps class

 In the obedience venue, Jam finished her Companion Dog (CD) title with a 3rd placement and score of 185.

 Jam heeling

New CD title with a 3rd place for Jam

Trixie even competed in Open A Obedience and would have qualified with a 1st place if she had held her out of sight group sit but I was happy with her performance since we have not focused as much on competition obedience and her individual run was very impressive.

Trixie, off lead heeling with attention.

We were entered in three days of agility trials and I was thrilled with how Trixie and Jam performed.  Some of Jam and Trixie's runs are posted on other blog posts. The QCDTC is a wonderful venue, with cushy, matted flooring, air conditioning and indoor bathrooms.  The only negative was that the ring is the minimum size allowed by AKC, which made for very tight, challenging courses for the big-strided Weimaraners.  Judges Laura English and David Hirsch designed terrific courses that were fast and fun and were very encouraging to the competitors.  We were honored to be running alongside some of the top agility Weims in the country and were impressed with their drive, athleticism and owner's handling. 

Trixie 1st place Exc A Std!

The first day, Saturday the 14th, was the WCA All Breed Agility trial, where Trixie and Jam had stellar performances with Trixie winning the 24" Exc A Standard class and a 3rd place in Open Jumpers with Weaves and Jam earning 4th place in 24" Open Standard.

On Sunday, the Keeshond All Breed Agility trial, Trixie gave us an exciting Open JWW run winning the class, getting her 2nd 1st place of the weekend. Jam showed what a star she could be winning the Open Standard class which also gave her a new title - Open Agility (OA)!!!

Jam with her New Open Standard Title & !st place Ribbons!

On Monday, at the WCA Specialty trial, Jam won the Open JWW class! Both girls had great Exc Std runs but Trixie knocked the last bar and Jam knocked the top panel of the panel jump.

All the dogs were terrific travelers and held up well under crazy weather conditions from cold rain at the beginning of the week to warm temps at the end. This is a testament to their solid temperaments and training.  A busy week for sure and an exhausting trip but well worth the drive to see the top dogs in the country, meet other breeders, attend the Breeder's Ed seminar and have a great time.

Jam receives Award of Merit during WCA Nationals week!

 At the Weimaraner Club of Columbus Specialty Show during the WCA Nationals week, Jam was chosen for an Award of Merit, which is a great honor.  There were many beautiful Weims and the top dogs in the country are here, making this a very competitive show.  Jamie Bernardin did an amazing job handling Jam to this exciting award.

 Before Jam entered the breed ring, she was busy in the obedience ring earning her 3rd Novice leg to finish her Companion Dog (CD) title.

More news from the WCA Nationals and our great adventure to Ohio will be posted soon...

Jam wins the Open JWW class at the WCA Nationals!

Jam at the 2011 WCA Nationals Specialty Agility Trial wins the 24" Open JWW class!

WCA Nationals 2011- Agility Trials & a new title for Jam

Jam with her 1st place and new title ribbons!

 This week was the beginning of the 2011 Weimaraner Club of America National Specialty in Ohio.  We entered all three days of agility which included two all breed trials and one Weimaraner Specialty trial.  The first day, Saturday the 14th, was the WCA All Breed Agility trial, where Trixie and Jam had stellar performances with Trixie winning the 24" Exc A Standard class and a 3rd place in Open Jumpers with Weaves and Jam earning 4th place in 24" Open Standard.

Today was the Keeshond All Breed Agility trial where Trixie gave us an exciting Open JWW run winning the class, getting her 2nd 1st place of the weekend.  Jam showed what a star she could be winning the Open Standard class which also gave her a new title - Open Agility (OA)!!! Jam is now CH Grayhart's Purple Haze, JH,OA,NAJ,NSD,V

Jam with her 4th place Open Std ribbon

Tomorrow is the WCA Specialty Agility trial and we can't wait to see how our girls fare for their 3rd day of runs.  The facility in Sharonville, the Queen City Dog Training Club, is a terrific indoor venue, with air conditioning, matted flooring and friendly, welcoming club members.  We loved seeing old friends and meeting new ones plus watching so many talented dogs run.  After the agility trials, we'll switch gears and the girls will compete in conformation and obedience.  Friends videotaped our runs and we'll upload those soon.

Favorite things - Kong Wubba Friends

Trixie with the Bear Wubba

We have discovered a new line of toys from Kong that the dogs are crazy for - the Kong Wubba Friends.  These are plush covered Wubbas with a tennis ball head and a squeaker ball benath, covered in plush fabric to look like different animals.  They love to squeak and shake the tails on the other end or play tug.

 Of course, they always want the toy the other dogs has...poor Jam looking at Trixie, longing for the toy.
  I know that Trixie not-so-secretly enjoys tormenting the other girls with her toys!

 Savi loves her Rabbit Wubba, the first one we bought.  Although, seeing Trixie with the Bear...her brain goes into planning mode...

As soon as Trixie dropped the Bear Wubba, Savi moved in for the steal!

 Must show off my new toy!

 Savi and her new Bear, cozy on the couch and quite content.

Savi learns to Skateboard!

Savi, Grayhart's Shear Genius,JH,NSD,CGC, 15 months old, our future skateboarding queen!  This is just day one of her training and she really likes being a thrasher.

Paw it Forward

Back in August we received a present from our friend, Sagira. She let me join in the Paw It Forward game she was playing. It was during the time when Wotan was very ill and then passed away.  We were very sad and the present got put in the closet for a happier time.  Well, we admit, it kind of got forgotten and then it was found.  Yes, things are much happier these days and it was the perfect spring day to celebrate getting a present.

I took pictures while the girls, Trixie, Jam and Savi explored the interesting box and then helped open it. Sagira sent some yummy treats, a bag of tennis balls, a rope tug toy and Savi's fave, a new stuffie!

 Ooooh, smells like goodies in that box...

Looks like enough for the girls to share...

 Trixie's hoping it's all for her while Jam is making sure we didn't leave anything in the box.

 Good girls posing by their new treats and toys...after a few snacks of the yummy apple treats it was time to play with the toys!

After a quick game of fetch, Jam was hoping to destroy the tennis ball, sorry Jam, not today...

 Savi immediately got down to business nooking on her new stuffie...

...until Trixie took it away!  Trixie has a unique style of playing with toys, especially the stuffed ones.  She likes to have her butt in the air...too cute!

Thanks for playing Paw it Forward with my girls Sagira!

Now comes the fun part of Paw it Forward!
Now we get to send presents to 3 friends!

The rules of my paw it forward are as follows:
1. comment on my paw it forward post saying you want to play.
2. when you get your package, you must blog about your presents.
3. ask 3 of your friends to play paw it forward with you!

So... who wants to play Paw it Forward?!