Welcome 2010!

Another year gone, and what a whirl wind it was. I'm amazed at how quickly the time passes. I did make my deadline of updating the blog while still in 2009. Check the December 31st post which has a few entries that encompass Sept.- Nov. 2009!
Sorry about that, we were so busy traveling and competing that it was difficult to keep on top of all the things we were doing, much less write about them!

In a February 2009 post, I listed my "title" goals which I hoped Hazel could earn for the year (CH, CD, JH, RN, RA, TD, and TDI). As I reflect back, I can't help but be amazed at how successful we were in reaching those goals. Although we didn't have time to train for a TD (tracking) title, Hazel managed to earn all the rest, as well as an RE title! The highlight was earning our CH title out of the Bred By Exhibitor classes and then receiving a certificate and medallion from AKC for the achievement!
I am so proud of my girl! She continues to amaze me with her talent and her shear joy for life, which always seems to make me smile (even when I catch her doing naughty things like chewing on my cell phone)!

2010 Goals
So now onto 2010, I do believe that everyone should have goals and here's mine:
Obedience - CDX and UD titles
Hunting - Senior hunter title

We have a lot of work and training ahead of us, and I'll be forging into new territory as I try to train her for senior and master level hunt tests. I'm sure there will be trying times and hopefully some victories along the way, thankfully Hazel is an extremely forgiving soul, as I'm sure I'll make some mistakes too.
But at the end of the day, when the training bumpers and obedience equipment is put away, the best part of all is wrapping my arms around and burying my face in the neck of a dog that I love, cherish and respect and who loves me back just as much, even if we don't earn any titles at all in 2010!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Hazel with her 2009 ribbons and trophies

Christmas present from OFA

I received Hazel's OFA results on December 23rd.
Elbows - Normal
Hips - Excellent
WHOO HOO!!!!!

Hazel's "excellent" rated hips!

Last Titles of 2009

The show year has come to an end, and the last shows we competed in were in Syracuse, NY and Springfield, MA. Between those two shows, Hazel earned her Rally Advanced and Rally Excellent titles. Whoo Hoo!!
The Springfield, MA show was a tough one for me to attend as it was on opening day of our Southern zone deer season in NY. But I left my hubby at home to sit in the woods and like Hazel, he too was successful!
A nice 8 point buck!

Way to go honey!

ACC National Specialty Show

At the tail end of September, we headed off to Wilmington, Ohio for the American Chesapeake Clubs National Show Specialty. The weather was decent, seeing old friends and meeting new ones was fun, the food was great and the dogs were wonderful!! Hazel was entered in a few different competitions and overall did very well. Thursday, Oct.1st was Obedience day. Hazel competed for the first time in the Open A class and decided (among other things) that she was not going to allow me out of her sight for the stay exercises! Non-qualifying score for that one.
Next was Rally Advanced B where she was much happier to have me by her side and we qualified with a 94.
Our last endeavor for the day (and certainly the most fun) was the team obedience. We had an awesome team comprised of Jess Seebohm with Hazard, myself and Hazel, Jill Conroy with Abby and Chris Beste with Brin. Decked out in snow flake covered shirts and bandanna's (for the dogs) and labeled as the Nor'easters, we strutted our stuff and, despite a few "opps" moments, did quite well taking second place out of the six teams competing!

Oh, what fun this was!!!
I can't wait until 2011 in Gettysburg, PA!

On Friday, Oct. 2nd Hazel competed in the Hunting dog class and amongst the stiff competition came out with a 2nd place! I was thrilled! She didn't seem to care!

C'mon........
Stop taking pictures and THROW this bumper!!!

The rest of the weekend was spent enjoying the show, watching the other dogs that were competing, shopping, and chowing down at the dinners! Unfortunatly we won't be going to next years national as it will be in California, but we're looking forward to 2011 when it will be back east in Gettysburg, PA!

After our busy spring, summer and early fall, it was nice to be back home and do a little duck hunting. The season wasn't very productive, but we had fun anyway!

You watch that way Dad, and I'll watch this way!

Waiting is the hardest part,
and we seem to do an awful lot of it when duck hunting!
I think I like the hunt tests better!

Update from Sept.

Mid-September we headed off to Maine for the American Chesapeake clubs national field trial specialty.
Although Hazel was not competing, as it's way above her level of training, the plan was to see new places, meet new people and have lots of fun. And that we did!
We started our trip with our usual stop in Salem, MA for a night, then headed north to Gloucester, MA before heading to our Maine destination.

While reading our adventure, you can learn more about some of our stops if you'd like, by clicking on the places printed in bold white lettering, to visit informative links about them.

First stop, Gloucester, MA

Hmmm......
I remember watching a movie about this with mom and dad.
"The Perfect Storm"

Making a new friend.... smile Hazel and Laine!

After reading the history and meeting new friends, it was time to go down to the beach and play!

Now this is fun!

Just me and my shadow.....

Mmmm.....salty water!

Hazel believes in keeping our beaches clean of pollution!

Look what I found mom!
A whole roll of plastic wrap!

Then it was onto Maine where we would spend the next three days watching wonderful dogs, enjoying great food and sharing stories with old and new friends alike at
The ACC National Field Trial Specialty in Pittsfield/Burnham Maine

September 14 - 17, 2009



Watching a dog run a mark

While there, I was observing and taking notes on dogs of extreme natural talent, trainabilty and looks, because it's never too soon to start the search for future potential boyfriends for Hazel! Here's a few that caught my eye!

Johnson's Kidd Crackshot MH

And another potential boyfriend....

WW Button's "Sly" MacGregor

Mac flyin'

And yet another.....

CH Sugartree's Moose Pond Gunner MH

Gunner flyin'

But it wasn't all about the boys,

Mine and Hazel's heroines,
and the winners of the Open class and Best Bitch in Trial,
Linda Harger and Yakity

Seeing an old friend from The Netherlands was great,
as well as meeting new friends from England

and new friends from Denmark

What beautiful trophies,
maybe someday.........

After leaving the field trial on Wednesday, we headed off to spend Thursday touring around Acadia National Park. The weather was overcast and cool with a little drizzle now and then. But we still had a GREAT time!

Yipee!!
Another National Park visit!

First stop, Sand Beach

This looks like a fun place!!
Let's go!

Water for as far as I can see!

Look at me, catching a wave!

Then it was off to Wildwood stables for a scenic carriage ride!

A carriage ride?
I don't know about this one Mom!

Hmmmmmm.....
Don't you think the horse should be keeping his eyes on the road?

Well that was cool!
I felt like the Budweiser dog!

Then the climb to Cadillac Mountain

My goodness,
it's WINDY up here!

Our last stop in the park was to see Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse in Tremont.

Checking out the view
on the way to the lighthouse

OOOOO..... there it is!!
How pretty.... I could live there!

Then it was time to start back to NY, but first, one last stop in Maine at a fresh water lake to rinse off the salt water and sand from the ocean.

Whoooooo-Hoooooo
A bumper and fresh water!!

AHHHHHH...............
Perfect end to a perfect day!

New Champion!

I can't believe how fast the days have flown by and that summer is coming to an end already!

Hazel and I have had a whirl-wind of a summer and have some great news to post! The last weekend of August we traveled up to Cumberland, Maine for a three day dog show. The weather was beautiful on Friday, but alas, we didn't do too well in the show, we got third place. Oh well, ya can't win them all! So then we headed into nearby Boothbay Harbor for some sight seeing and good food and drink, making sure that the day wasn't a total loss!

The show on Saturday was a supported entry by the American Chesapeake Club, and the judge was Nat Horn, a longtime breeder/exhibitor of Chesapeakes himself. Saturday's weather was cold and rainy, but Hazel loved it! She strutted her stuff around the ring in the rain and won the class along with a 4 point major, which finished up her points needed for a Championship title!
I was (and am) SO proud of my little girl!!!
Then there was a dinner that evening at Safe Harbor Chesapeake Rescue which was absolutely fabulous! Lobster, steak, clams, corn on the cob....all you could eat.....thank you to Jane and Ron Peabody for being such gracious hosts and having all us wet folks in your beautiful home! It was the perfect end to a perfect day!

On Sunday Hazel competed in the Best of Breed class with the other Champions, and although she had fun, the class was won by a lovely bitch (CH. Poisett's Following Sea) and her very talented Jr. Handler - Annie Henshaw. Congrats to the both of them!
On the way home we stopped in Wells Beach for some clam chowder and to take some photos of the ocean! All in all it was a wonderful weekend!

Whoo -hoo!! New Champion!!!
With a very damp (but happy) Mom!

Mom and me practicing our synchronized trotting!

Dad and me in Boothbay Harbor

The Tugboat Inn in Boothbay Harbor

Getting ready for Dinner (and a good one it was!)

I can smell the ocean from here!!!
Hurry, lets go!!

Ohhhhh.....That looks like fun down there!

Please can I go down there????
Pretty please????

Showing off my Maine "bling"!

Ahhhhhhhh...........

Champion Hazel!!!
CH Blucollars Hocus Pocus CD, JH, RN

And a couple of weeks before our Maine trip, we were in Fitchburg , MA where Hazel and I competed for the first time ever in a Rally Advanced obedience class. Not only did she get 1st place out of the 33 dogs in the class, but she was the only dog to score a perfect 100!

Mom says I'm pretty AND smart!
Really all I want to do is get the ball
that dad is taunting me with while taking this picture!


Our next adventure starts this weekend (Sept. 13) when we head off once again to Maine to watch the American Chesapeake Clubs National Field Trial Specialty. No competing this time, just watching, learning and keeping an eye out for handsome young Chesapeake boys!!! ;-)

Summer Fun

Last weekend I went to Syracuse and met up with my Mom and the two of us, and Hazel of course, participated in a wine tour event on Cayuga Lake!
It was geared towards dog lovers and the dogs were welcome to join in the fun!
Visit: Greyhound Wine Tour & Friends
We could only attend Thursday night and Friday, but had a great time and can't wait for next years event!

Our first stop on the trail!

This is my new friend, Miles.
She was serving the wine at Long Point winery.
And dog cookies too! I like her!

What a pretty day!

Another new friend!
Being greeted by the resident winery dog, Ruby.

I think Ruby's had enough wine!

Last stop of the day. We only got to visit four of the wineries, but still had a lot of fun! Looking forward to doing it again next year!

Sunday was spent having a cookout with my husbands family, including his five grandchildren, all girls,
ranging in ages from 1 1/2 - 5 years old!
What fun for a energetic pooch!

Cool sticks! Can I play?



Catch me if you can!

Ummm....excuse me, but I get yelled at
if I try to eat the frisbee!

Is it my turn yet?
Please, please, pretty please?

I LOVE pool time!

Who gave her the hose?

Yikes! Everyone outta the pool!

Dutch also enjoyed the family party.........

Stealing kisses from all the girls

Hope everyone is having a great summer!

New JH Title!

With such good news, you'd think I would have updated the blog site sooner, but alas, I've been slacking on my blog duties! Sorry!!!!
Anyways......on July 11, 2009 at the Finger Lakes Retriever Club hunt test in Baldwinsville, NY, Hazel qualified for the fourth and final time to earn her Junior Hunter title! She was entered on Sunday as well, and qualified that day also! What a good girl!

Mmmmmm......feather up the nose!

You can't fool me! I know those geese are fake!

Don't I look dreamy!

This pesky decoy keeps following me!

Splish, Splash!!

Blucollars Hocus Pocus CD, RN, JH

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing everyone a Safe and Happy
Independence Day!

Last weekend in June was busy!

The last weekend in June was a busy one.
On Thursday and Friday (the 25th and 26th), we were in Bainbridge, NY competing in a breed confirmation show. Hazel has been shedding out her coat, which does not help with the "beauty" contests, but she still managed to win her class on Thursday and also win BOS (best of opposite sex) earning another point towards her championship title!

She needs a total of 15 points with two "major" (3 or more points) wins, and she's halfway there with 8 points and one major win!

We spent Saturday at home, doing stuff around the house and trying to rub as much coat off of Hazel as possible (we're done with the beauty contests until August, so hopefully the faster I can get her old coat out, a new one will grow in!)

Sunday morning it was off to Simsbury, CT for a hunt test. The weather was perfect in the morning for the land series, overcast and just a wee bit cool. Hazel nailed her land marks, but I was a little dissappointed in her delivery back to me, as she wanted to parade her retrieved prize in front of the judge first!
By the afternoon water series, the sun had come out and it was quite warm. Hazel did a good job on her water marks. The first one landed in the reeds and she had to hunt a bit for it, but found it and the second mark was in the open water (yeah)! Both time's she would have "broke" on the line (good thing I was holding her) and her delivery again was sloppy (set the bird down to "shake off") so we do have some things to work on! But all in all it was good and she qualified!
She needs one more pass now to earn her Junior Hunter title. She will be competeing in Baldwinsville, NY on July 11 and 12, so hopefully that will be it!

Yipeeeeee!! Here I come duck!

But Mom.....I wanna go swimming again!

Fun in Salem, MA

No dog events scheduled for this weekend, instead we spent Friday and Saturday in one of our favorite places to visit, Salem, MA.
The rain held off and we enjoyed all of our usual "haunts" (O'Neill's Pub, Red's, Pickering Wharf and The Engine House Pizza), as well as walking about town enjoying the sights, sounds, shops and people. And although the Boston Red Sox lost against Atlanta on Friday night, they won the games on Saturday and Sunday! " Yeah" says Mom and Dad! "Woof Woof" says Hazel! Go Red Sox!

Our first stop on Friday night is always O'Neill's Pub
for great food and great live Irish music!

Hazel also enjoyed the live Irish music by
John Rockwell (guitar) and Larry Young (fiddle)
at O'Neill's Pub

Relaxing on Essex Street

Salem is filled with Witches
(Mom can't fool me, I know it's her!)

and Skeletons
(Mmmmm, bones - I'm getting hungry)

and Pirates! Oh my!
(Do you have any treats?)

Which one do you like best Dad?

Hazel and Dad checking out the boats at Pickering Wharf

Trying to get a closer look

What a fun weekend in Salem, MA
Can't wait to come back again!

Jr. Hunt test passes

Hello everyone!
A month has passed since our last entry and we apologize for that!
A quick update of what Hazel has been up to since earning her CD title in May...... The last weekend of May we attended our first hunt test in Newburgh, NY. Unfortunately it was not a successful venture, the test the first day was very difficult and we weren't alone in finding it difficult as 22 of the 47 dogs entered didn't pass either! The highlight of the day though was a visit from one of Hazel's siblings, her sister Briley! (See picture below) Briley is a very nice girl, who is spoiled rotten (as she should be) by her family and enjoys goose and pheasant hunting with her dad who raves about her trainability and retrieving skills.

Me and my sister "Briley".
We had fun visiting each other in Newburgh, NY
I'm glad I got to play with her again!

Sunday's test was a nice test and Hazel got her first land mark, but unfortunately looked back at the first set of gunners as the second mark was being thrown and missed the fall. She doesn't handle yet, so I wasn't going to even try. But the weather was beautiful, we met some new friends, and all in all it was a decent weekend!

On June 7th we were in Yorktown Heights, NY for a confirmation show. Hazel did get reserve winners, but alas, no points towards her CH title.

Last weekend, June 13th and 14th, we were in Baldwinsville, NY for another two hunt tests. This time we were successful! The tests both days were nice tests, the weather was great and the test grounds are only about 45 minutes away from where my Mom lives so we were also able to get free room and board! Can't beat that!! Hazel performed very well, but it is amazing how when walking to the holding blinds, obedience type heeling seems to be a forgotten skill! Definately something to work on!
Here are some pictures from the tests.

I see it!!
Let me at it!

It's all wet Mom....
are you sure you really want it?

Waiting in the holding blind for my turn at the fun!

I've got it Mom and here I come!

Waiting for your turn is the worst part!

Thank you judges!
That was fun!

This weekend we're headed to Salem, MA for some "relax" time, and then the following week (June 25th and 26th) is a breed show in Bainbridge, NY and on the 28th a hunt test in Simsbury, CT. We'll let you know how it all goes!

New CD Title!

Hello to everyone that visits this blog!
Thanks for stopping by and checking in with our updates and activities!
Hazel and I had a fun and successful weekend. We competed in an obedience trial at the Albany Obedience Club in upstate NY, hoping to qualify and earn the two passes we needed for the AKC Companion Dog (CD) title.
Saturday was a good day for Hazel. She performed well and surprised even me with a score of 193 out of 200 for a 3rd place finish placement! Whoo hoo!
Sunday was a bit more of what I expected, with some major ADD moments and yet she managed to hold it together enough to get a score of 183.5 earning the third leg for the title!
I'm quite proud of my girl earning her title in three consecutive shows!

Next weekend it's off to Gettysburg, PA for a mini vacation and then the following weekend to Newburgh, NY for a weekend of hunt tests where we'll be working on earning a junior hunter title.
Stay tuned for updates on our progress!

Blucollars Hocus Pocus RN, CD, CGC, TDI

New CGC and TDI

Last Saturday Hazel took her Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog tests at "All Dawgs Training" in Richmondville, NY. She passed both tests with flying colors and made some new friends along the way.
Once we get the paper work filled out and sent into TDI, we'll be a registered working team and will be able to begin visiting nursing homes, hospitals and other similar facilities with the hopes of brightening someone's day!

I'm ready to do some therapy dog work
and bring a smile to someone's face!

One must be very patient when hunting tennis balls!

W. Springfield, MA shows

April 18th and 19th we were in West Springfield, MA. to compete in two "breed confirmation" dog shows.
We had a successful weekend and won both days earning 3 more points towards our championship title! Woohoo!

This is nice Mom, but I want to go swimming!

After the drive back home, it was still early enough that we were able to go down to the river for some REAL fun!

I love the splash!

Yikes - water up my nose!

I just can't get there fast enough!

I got it Mom!
Can we do it again?

Rally Novice Title!

On Friday, March 27th we attended a show in Syracuse, NY at the NYS fairgrounds.
Hazel was entered in the "bred by exhibitor" confirmation class and although Dad wasn't there to take any pictures (he was in the obedience building making sure we wouldn't be missing our turn over there), she won her class and went on to win WB (winners bitch) and BOW (best of winners). Earning another point towards her championship title.

Then we high-tailed it over to the opposite side of the fairgrounds, to compete in the Rally Obedience Novice B class.
Hazel still needs to work on paying better attention to me (although she doesn't seem to think so) yet, even with her moments of distraction, she completed the course and scored a 92 out of 100. Earning her third (and final) "leg" for her RN (rally novice) title!

I see you taking my picture Dad!

Last sign on the course.... guess I'll pay attention now!

What a pretty "New Title" Ribbon
Now that I have a RN title, does that mean I can fix sick people?

After leaving the show on Friday, we went to spend the rest of the weekend at my Mom's home in Pulaski, NY.
It wasn't long after arriving that Hazel and I promptly got into a much more comfortable environment for both of us! We both love being outdoors getting dirty!

I love water and MUD!

WooooHoooooooooo - I'm flying!
My feet aren't touching the ground!

Found it!

Got bird, now back to Mom!

I'm coming Mom!
This is SO much more fun than a dog show!

Hazel will now have a couple of weekends of fun (outdoor training) and then it's back to another dog show in Springfield, MA on April 18th and 19th.

Fitchburg & Salem, MA

The weekend of March 14th and 15th was spent in Fitchburg and Salem, MA.
The Sporting Dog specialty show was held in Fitchburg.
On Saturday, Hazel won the Gun Dog class, and on Sunday she won the Bred By Exhibitor class. No points towards her championship title were won, but we had fun anyways!

Ahhhh.....ear rubs from the judge!
Life is good!

I won first place in my class??
That must be good for at least 5 cookies!

After leaving the show on Sunday afternoon,
we headed off to Salem, Ma to celebrate an early St. Patrick's Day at O'Neill's Irish Pub on Washington Street.
But first, some play time for Hazel at Winter Island park!

Leave it to Mom to find a Tree of Woe!
And then make ME sit by it!

Run as fast as you can
from the Tree of Woe!

Look! A playground! Much better than that "Woe" Tree!
Oh....This is gonna be FUN!

Here I come Mom!

Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

Parting shot of another one of our favorite eateries in Salem!
Engine House Pizza
YUMMY!

Our next show is Friday, March 27th in Syracuse, NY.
Hazel is entered in the breed confirmation class and the Rally Novice B class.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Wishing everyone a Happy and Safe
St. Patrick's Day!

Sunday Morning Visitor

Welcome March!

Hazel has been taking it easy the past couple of weeks.
She promptly came into season the week after the Hartford, CT show, which I was actually very pleased about because now she'll be done in time for the Fitchburg, MA show in two weeks.
I can also train and compete with her all summer and into the autumn with out worry of a heat cycle interrupting our plans!

The snow is (very) slowly beginning to melt, although now the temps. have dropped again and all is frozen, making walking quite treacherous and running and playing frisbee out of the question for now.
Hopefully it will begin to feel like spring soon!

On a different note, for the past month, or so, we've been adding various scraps to our bird/squirrel feeding station for the crows and ravens to enjoy.
Recently, in the evenings, we've seen a fox visiting the buffet.
Imagine our surprise this morning when she decided to stop in and check out the Sunday morning brunch menu!

Hartford, CT weekend

My husband and I spent Valentines Day Weekend in Hartford, CT at a dog show.
Hazel sported her Valentines Day bling on Saturday and a Mardi Gras one on Sunday! The weather was sunshine and blue skies! We had fun shopping at Cabelas, and a great Valentines Day dinner at the Olive Garden.
But best of all, Hazel got a three point major on Saturday! I was so proud of her.
I did have an official show picture taken, which I'll post once it arrives. Hopefully it will be a good picture!

We have a lot of goals for this year and this was a nice start on one of them.
2009 goals: Earning a breed championship, obedience CD title, Rally RN and RA titles, JH hunt test title, Therapy Dog certification and a TD (tracking) title would be awesome. I'll be thrilled if we can earn just a few of these this year, but goals are a good thing to have!

Our next show will be March 14 & 15 in Fitchburg, MA
Wish us luck!

Hey Mom, is my Valentines Day bling on straight?

Only 28 more Cabelas locations to visit!

Maybe Cabelas would hire me as a greeter!

I think Cabelas needs a Chesapeake Bay Retriever statue!
Don't you?

I took these photos Sunday morning outside our hotel in Enfield, CT before heading off to the show.
It was a beautiful morning!

"The color of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever
must be as nearly that of its working surroundings as possible."
- from the official standard for the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Look! I'm a deadgrass against the deadgrass!

Hey, I think I hear something in there!

Gotta go and see what I can find!
Remember....Live in the moment!
See you next post.

Sadie's Memorial

This past Thursday, January 29, 2009 we said goodbye to our eldest canine family member:
Shadkatz Sensational Sadie CDX, TDI.
Sadie passed quietly in her sleep shortly after I had said "good morning" to her.

Sadie was a rescue pup that was found on the city streets of Albany in 1996. I volunteered to foster her until a suitable home was found - you know the rest of that story. She was a very smart pup and took immediately to the obedience training I started with her, which led me to get her ILP number from the AKC so that I could compete with her in the obedience ring.
She did very well in competition, and was always a crowd pleaser as she had a way of being quite comical in the ring! One example of this was when I had her entered in the utility class at the 1999 American Staffordshire Terrier National in Chicago. When she ran out to the scent articles, she happily "play bowed" to the judge before commencing to get the right article!

She loved people and relished the visits to nursing homes and rehab centers (even when I dressed her up for the holidays) where we did frequent therapy dog visits.

She was always very tolerant of the new pups that were introduced into the household, although she was getting a bit more grumpy as she got older and slower. Hazel proved to be way too much energy and movement for Sadie's senior years, and she usually tried to avoid her as much as possible!

She loved to swim, play frisbee and destroy tennis balls!
She was a wonderful dog who made many friends and touched many lives.
She will always be remembered with great fondness as the goofy little AmStaff that stole our hearts.

Young Sadie - about 6 months old

A successful obedience day!

A tolerant Sadie with Dixie, and a very young Dutch

Tolerant of Mom's get-ups as well

The pack in 2006
Dutch - Sadie - Abby - Ranger

Forever Friends

Last Picture
January 2, 2009

Winter weather for Fitchburg, MA show

Fitchburg, MA - January 10 & 11
Hazel's first breed show of 2009.
It was a nice show with a large enough entry of dogs to make a major both days. And the lovely bitch that took winners both days, also took best of winners therefore earning two majors as well!
Sadly it was not Hazel, although she did get reserve winners on Sunday, so I was happy.
Sundays travel to the show was quite an adventure as the Northeast had been blanketed by a snowstorm overnight, making the roads a bit treacherous. Luckily the Chessies weren't on until late morning, so we were able to take our time getting to the show.
Hazel's next adventure will be a bit more local for us in Queensbury, NY on Jan. 25th and we should do quite well............. Hazel's the only Chessie entered! LOL!
In the meantime, we'll enjoy the cold and snow and try to stay warm!
Hope everyone else does the same.

Hazel (sporting her "winter" bling),
waiting patiently to go in the ring on Saturday with Mom.

This is what the ride was like Sunday morning on I-95!
At least there wasn't a lot of traffic!

This is really kinda boring Mom.
When do I get the cookie?

Hi there!
Do you have a cookie for me?

Hello again Mr. Judge!
Are you sure you don't have a cookie for me?
What do you mean I shouldn't jump on you?
UGHHHH...... so many rules!

All in all it was a fun weekend, and Hazel's "winter snowflake" party collar turned out to be quite appropriate!

I'm a snow princess!

First Rally-O show of 2009!

This past weekend (Jan 3 & 4, 2009), Hazel traveled to Syracuse, NY to attend the Bare Bones Winter Trial put on by the Syracuse Obedience Training Club.
The weekend started with some good old fashioned fun in the snow at home, before making the two hour drive to the show.
The show went well, and she earned two legs towards her Novice Rally title!
Although we really need to work on her "paying attention" in the ring (to me - not to all the other things that are going on), I was still pleased with her respectable scores of 95 and 96.
After two very long days, Hazel seemed quite happy to be back home relaxing with her chew bone and then dozing on the couch. While I was planning our venture next weekend to Fitchburg, MA for a breed confirmation show!

Frozen drool-cicles!
How cool!



The elusive frisbee, a rare species
only seen after I've gone potty!
(I think Mom has something to do with that!)

Hey, where'd it go, come back here!

I think I've got it!



Boy, it's putting up quite a fight!

Ahhhhhhhh, the thrill of victory!

I really like trying to catch the frisbee in mid-air, it makes me feel like I'm flying!

Frisbee cam



Frisbee cam - 2

Well, here we are at the show and it's almost
"show time"!
I thought it would be nice to pay attention to Mom
for a moment or two outside the ring.

Notice now how I'm not paying any attention to her!
(Hee Hee, that really bugs her)
I just can't help myself, there's SO many things to look at!

Moving down?
That seems kinda silly, don't you think?
Sometimes I think Mom is making these things up.

Yeah! We qualified!
(I'm pretty sure that means I get a treat now!)

Finally back at home!
While Mom relaxes with a glass of wine -
give me a bone or two (or five).

Sweet dreams

Christmas Morning!

Another Christmas has come and gone.
The day was quite uneventful with my husband working
all day from 7am to 11pm, leaving me and the dogs to entertain ourselves (which we do quite well)!
Here they are enjoying what Santa left for them!
Now to prepare for New Years Eve, although Hazel can't party too much as she has a Rally Obedience competition that weekend in Syracuse.
Check back to see how it goes!

Gosh darn, who wrapped this thing!

Wow!! A ball with pokey things!
This is cool!

Ahhhhhhhh, finally sweet success!
I think I can stay busy chewing on this
for at least........Hmmmmm.........five minutes!

Just like a kid,
Dutch has more fun ripping the package open
than playing with the actual prize that's inside!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Winter Solstice 2008 - Yuletide greetings

December 21, 2008

The dogs were having great fun playing in all the snow that has fallen this weekend (about 18 inches). It was a soft, light, fluffy snow that was "oh so fun" to tunnel in (if you're a dog), and thankfully easy to shovel/snow blow (if your my husband)! It was overcast and still snowy, so the picture taking was somewhat difficult though.
Besides being a great day for playing in the snow, today was also the Winter Solstice/Yule. This being the longest night of the year which marks the return of the Sun and the lengthening days. A time of introspection, and celebration of endurance and the powers of hope.

YIKES! An abominable snow dog!

Has anyone seen the frisbee?

Ugggghhhh.... she has it AGAIN!
Hazel loves playing "keep away" with Dutch

Hey, come back here with that!

To celebrate the passage of the longest night of the year
and the return of the Sun's power,
a bonfire is lit and enjoyed by all!

Where's the marshmallows?

While Dutch is staying cozy by the fire -
where is Hazel?????

Hunting for mice in the wood pile, of course!

Yuletide blessings to all, and to all a good night!

2008 ACC National - Fitchburg, MA

The American Chesapeake Club held their annual national show this year in Fitchburg, MA the week of October 9-12 .
The weather was absolutely beautiful every day, the food at the dinners was delicious, it was great seeing old friends and meeting new ones, and the dogs competing in the various classes were outstanding!
Sincere congratulations to all the winners in all the classes.

Hazel participated in the confirmation classes, rally obedience, regular obedience and the working certificate program. I didn't get any decent pictures of her in the confirmation classes and her behavior was nothing to write home about anyway. But then again I'm not much of a handler when it comes to the breed ring so I can't blame it all on her.
Posted below are some pictures of her in the performance events, along with her thoughts on each event! Enjoy!

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Hazel and I participated in the Novice B Rally Obedience
class,and although Hazel did great, I screwed up and missed a station causing us to NQ!
Yet Hazel, being the forgiving, happy go lucky soul that she is, couldn't have cared less!
She thought I did as great as she did!

Rally is fun 'cause Mom talks to me
and tells me how WONDERFUL I am!

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The National was Hazel's debut in the regular Obedience
(Novice B) Class. I was a bit jittery, but she seemed to be
having fun (perhaps a little too much fun at times).
After a few harrowing "attention deficit" moments, she
managed to hold it together and qualified with a score of
188 to earn her first leg!

Mom, why does this man keep following us around?

Don't I look calm and relaxed?
Actually I was about ready to jump out of my skin!
3 minutes is WAAAAY too long to lay still,
when there's so many other things to be doing!
(Not to mention that Mom kept STARING at me - creepy!)

Mom is really proud for some reason.
She says it's because I earned a "leg" towards my CD title, whatever that is.
I think it's actually because I'm so pretty in my festive Halloween party collar!

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The Working Dog (WD) tests were held on Sunday.
Again, the weather was absolutely beautiful and although I always get nervous about where the bird might land or what other unforeseen circumstances might arise, Hazel did wonderfully and earned her Chesapeake Club WD title.

This is WAY more fun than the obedience and confirmation stuff!

YaaHooooooooooooo!!!

I love this part!

Wish I had grabbed this thing by the body instead of just a wing!

I'm coming Mom!

Oh boy, water, I love water!

Got it!
But I think I swallowed some water

Hazel and her brother Hunter

One of the best parts of the national was that one of my brothers came to visit and cheer me on as I participated in the WD.
He lives in New Hampshire now and I miss him a little. I wanted to give him a kiss, but he wasn't into that mushy sister stuff!

Hazel's spring vacation - 2008

This past May 2008, I participated in an art show in Staunton, VA.
We decided to extend the journey down the Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway and into the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee for the opportunity to get some new photos.
Hazel had a great time vacationing, and the following pictures are some of her adventures!
Click on any picture to see it enlarged.

First stop on my adventure, Gettysburg PA

I think they went this way!

I don't see anything, do you?

Oh my goodness! I've found a camp!

Shhhhhh..........
I must hide so as not to be captured!

Gettysburg was fun!

Yeah! The mountains!
This is gonna be an adventure!

Mom says this area is called Big Meadows.
I wonder how long it would take me to run across it!

Look at me! I'm rock climbing in the mountains!
Well, kind of.

What a great name, but where's the ridge?

Mom, can we go for a walk!
Pretty please!

What a view!

Whew! All this adventuring is making me tired!

A new day and another adventure begins!

This is my new friend, park ranger "Steve"!

What pretty flowers.
Where are the Rocks?

Is it lunch time yet!

Do you see what I see!
A deer at Peaks of Otter in VA

I'm guessing this is why they're called the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Mabry Mills on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I need to get a closer look at this working grist mill!

Hey, I think I see a duck!

Welcome to North Carolina!

What a pretty day. I think I just saw a butterfly!

Are you sure this is safe Mom?

OK, I will if you will Mom. Let's go!

WOW! That was actually quite fun!
(I'm glad Mom was with me though!)

Mmmmmm, don't forget to stop and smell the flowers!
(and eat a few when no ones looking!)

I think my ears just popped!

This is the last mile marker of the Blue Ridge Parkway!

Where's the smoke?

I can have one paw in Tennessee and one in North Carolina!
How Cool!

This was an awesome place to stay in Townsend, TN. Very cozy and rustic with a front door, a back door AND a creek to splash in!

I'm ready to hit the road again! Let's get going!

One of our last stops before heading back north to the art show in Staunton, VA was the Christy Mission in Del Rio, TN. It was very hot and I would have rather been swimming, but Mom and Dad wanted to see this place because there's a novel about it and the story used to be a TV series. I think it looked better on TV then it did in real life!
Where's the watering hole?

Hope you've enjoyed my adventures! I can't wait to have more!

They Grow so Quickly!

The days fly by and puppies grow so quickly!
Watch as Hazel grows and approaches 6 months old!

Smile, life is good!

I got it!

I like Hiding!

5 Months Old

I love my hoola hoop!

Portrait with Dad

Portrait with Mom

Weeeeeeeeeee!

Halloween in Salem, MA - 2007
Our favorite place and time of year!

Sweet Sweet Puppy Breath

There's nothing sweeter than puppy breath!
Enjoy these pictures of Hazel as she grew from a tiny little bundle of wavy fur into a bouncing, curious pup.

Retired members of the Blucollar K-9s family

GRCH., U-CDX Cheyenne Indians Running Bull CDX, TDI, RN

"Dutch"

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Shadkatz Sensational Sadie CDX, TDI
"Sadie"
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CH Shadkatz White Rock Dixie CDX, TDI
"Dixie"

The Start Of It All!

My first dog and the start of my interest in the world of competitive dog sports was a black lab named Annie that I bought as a pet from a family in my neighborhood.
Little did I know that she would open up doors to a new hobby that would literally become a way of life for me! She excelled in the obedience ring and loved the hunt test game. But most of all she just loved to be doing something with the people she cared about most, whether it was in the obedience ring, field, swamp or backyard!
Godspeed little Annie girl - you were a once in a lifetime dog!

Shadkatz L'il Annie Sunshine CDX, JH, TDI
"Annie"