Kagee Border Collies Blog

The joy of old photos

2011-08-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

I recently went through all the photos on my harddrive. After so many years growing up along the Border Collie ring, I have gathered so many photos. It was such a joy seeing so many dogs of the past and present from years ago. Even since then I can see how much the breed has changed type, or style. I uploaded most of the photos to my facebook page, but have added a short example of some I have!

Old scanned pics!

2011-06-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

I finally scanned the head/movement shots I got from a photographer from the So Cal Specialty last year (2010)! Sorry for the grainy files, the scanner wasn't the best of quality. It's so funny looking at the head shots of Penny and Presston. They look so young!

Litter Eval for Fallon BCs

2011-06-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday myself and friend Jeanne (Celestria BC's) went to visit Pam and her Fallon BCs for a litter evaluation. I enjoy going to as many litter evaluations as I can of any breed. I feel like every time is such a great learning experience, and builds and develops more of a foundation for structure for myself. I have been helping at litter evals for years now and hope to do many more! One of the best parts about them is getting the chance to play with puppies and snap some photos.

This litter is Celestria's Warrior O' Tonalee PT (NZ/Aust/Am Ch Xmas-Cracker at Clan-Abby x Ch Tonalee's Highland Hope PT, FDCH) x Gr Ch Fallon's Silver Phantom (Ch Glentress Spell Bound NAJ x Ch Shoreland's Misty Moonlite). Enjoy!

A few Penny photos...

2011-06-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

3pt major for Presston

2011-06-08T09:33:00.001-07:00

Wow what a whirlwind trip to Gridley, CA for the shows this past weekend. Entering Presston was not something I did until the last minute, and I am so very pleased that I did.

First of all, the show was a total weather disaster. On Saturday it was a steady pour of rain non-stop all day. I think I can say that every exhibitor was dressed in muck boots and mud-stomping attire. Sunday the weather was still raining, but not as steady. It did seem that it would stop everytime we were hanging inside the RV or arriving home- right Jeanne? I can't say that I didn't take a fall in the parking lot in the pouring rain tripping over some crates. It was just one of those weekends.

Saturday, Presston took WD/BOS for 2 points.

Sunday, Presston took WD/BOW/BOB for a 3 point major!

Winning that major was a very emotional experience for me. Presston means the world to me, so there was no greater joy than taking the purple ribbon with him. Now, just one more 3 pt major to go. If we would have taken BOW on Sunday he would have been finished. There's always the next show.... :)

Photos from Vallejo by Julie

2011-04-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

My good friend Julie Lahr got some great pics of me and Penny this past weekend. Just wanted to share! Thank you so much Julie!

Also, wonderful news, we did a CERF check on Penny this weekend while at the show and she is clear! Yipee!

International Shows

2011-04-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

The first weekend of this month we decided to do something different... International Shows! The IABCA (International All Breed Canine Association) puts on local all-breed shows through their program a few times a year. Hearing about a very relaxed, fun environment, I decided to bring Penny along to one and see how it goes. In these shows, dogs are given a written critque in "European style". Dogs are given ratings based on quality. The highest level given is a V-1 Rating. if your dog receives 3 V-1 rating cards, under three different judges, with at least one from a different country, you will receive your Intl. Ch title. There were two shows each day, which made for a lot of ring experience. Penny easily obtained four V-1 ratings, thus finishing her International Title. She also won Best of Breed 3 out of the 4 shows, and each time she won BOB she pulled group placements.. which was a Group 2, and two Group 3's. We came home with lots of medals and it was a really great experience. At this point we can attend another and gain two more V-1 titles and get the National Champion title. Just another thing to add to her name I suppose!

Article: The Tragic Loss of Bloodlines and Mentoring in America

2011-03-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

The Tragic Loss of Bloodlines and Mentoring in America- By Carol D. Hawke

http://www.rojongreatdanes.com/danelinks.com/archive/guest_col/2005/6.1.05/tragicloss.htm

A couple of quotes that really pop to me:

"Health clearances are marvelous (we've promoted them for years ourselves) but they can never substitute for the intimate knowledge that will reveal exactly which lines tend to produce which defects. A series of health clearances achieved by a dog from a line that has consistently produced those defects is like a rubber swore. It's not going to protect your breeding program in the end run."

"Today's version of novice unfortunately tends to reveal the stereotypical know-it-all who eagerly acquires a dozen differing bitches from equally as many breeders (often worldwide) and pack them right off to the top winning stud dogs in their breeds"

December afternoon

2010-12-15T22:23:00.000-08:00

Random photo from a December afternoon. Hard to believe it's only 10 days until Christmas. My how time flies. Before we know it, the New Year will be here. I have so many promising and exciting things coming up for 2011!

How we spend fall

2010-11-28T13:10:00.001-08:00

Who's going to Nationals? ME ME ME!

2010-08-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

Why am I so giddy? Because my vacation request at work was approved and I will be going to Border Collie Nationals this year. I am SO EXCITED. I've really been waiting for this opportunity for some time, and decided this year I'm just going to do it. The hotel reservation has been made. Just need to buy some plane tickets..... I don't believe I will be bringing any dogs with me this year unfortunately, as that is financially not in the cards. Next year of course, as it will be in Oregon! A hop, skip, and a jump away from Northern California.

If you'll be at Nationals this year be sure to look me up. I can't wait to put more faces to names!

Things have been so busy...

2010-08-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... things have sure been busy! It seems like it's at the height of the Fall show season and I have lots of projects going on. But we shall carry on, as always! In the next month things will calm down again... and then get a little crazy ;)

We went to the Border Collie Club of Greater Los Angeles' (BCCGLA) specialty show recently and had a blast! I love specialty shows as it's a great chance to see lots of great border collies in one location and meet up with friends from distant places you don't get to see as often.

Presston took a 2nd in Open Dogs at the specialty, and a 3rd and 1st the other two days.
Penny took a 4th and 3rd during the specialty, and I believe high placements the other two days.

Ok I had the throw this one in there... a picture of Penny as a wee pup before she came home to me. Isn't she the cutest?? She's growing into quite the girl!

More show results

2010-04-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

It's been a very busy show month so far.

I took Penny to the Sacramento Kennel Club's all-breed shows earlier this month and Penny took WB/BOS the first day for a 1 point! Saturday we got Reserve. I spent the weekend working for a handler so it was VERY busy!

I also just got back from the Chief Solano Kennel Club's all-breed shows.

Saturday
Presston took WD/ BOW/BOB for 1 point
Penny took WB/ BOS for 1 point

Sunday
Presston took WD/BOS for 1 point
Penny took WB/BOW/BOB for 1 point

Presston is now singled out with 9 points. Penny has 8 points, with a 4 point major. So close, yet so far!

Vallejo results!

2010-03-28T20:53:00.001-07:00

Ahhh a nice tiring 3 day long weekend of shows. It was nice to have one of those show weekends where you felt jazzed about the future, you know? Also, the weekend started out sort of iffy with a lady blowing at us because she thought the entire power outlets belonged to her and wanted no part of sharing and proceeded to unplug my extension cords. Alas, I found another place to groom out dogs and let things pass. To put good karma out there, I let some borzoi people borrow thinning shears and equipment and put good dog show vibes out into the world. Can't all people be positive and giving? ;)

Now onto the results..

Friday- Presston RWD, Penny RWB
Saturday- Presston RWD, Penny RWB (can I just remind everyone how close it was on both decisions and how we had to reaaally work it in the ring. So so close!)
Sunday- Presston, RWD, Penny WB, BOW for a 4 point major! Yipeeee!

Great great weekend all around. I'm so proud of my border kids. Presston is really out there asking for the points now, so I'm sure it's just a matter of time. And Penny, my sweet girl! Her first major. I'm very excited. She is so fun to show. The compliments on her are incredible. And exhibitors of other breeds always comment on her rich gold coloring.

Lots of nice dogs out there showing. It's such an enjoyable experience just to be out there enjoying the gorgeous weather with my dogs!

Julie, my GSP friend, took a few pictures of Penny for me to share. At 11 months she's starting to mature and look great. I just love her look. Thanks again Julie!

Show news & some shots!

2010-03-06T12:24:00.000-08:00

I took a few shots of Penny running around in the morning sun last weekend. She is starting to fill out in the head and look mature. It's so hard to believe that next month she will be turning a year old! Time flies by so fast these days. She has a bunch of coat and I love her britches/tail. So long and gorgeous in gold! Penny will be starting pre-agility classes at the WAG (Western Agility Group) facility in Elk Grove, CA at the end of this month. The classes will go over basic obedience, send aways, recalls, introduction to some of the equipment, handling, etc. It's going to be very exciting for us as Penny is such an intelligent serious dog and I just know she will excel in agility.

Also for some updated show news, I took both Presston and Penny to the San Jose show a couple weekends ago. Presston got WD for 1 point and Penny got WB/BOW/BOS for 1 point. Great job guys! We only showed Sunday as it was a Sunday/Monday show and not much reason to show Monday. More shows coming in the following weeks!

Napa Photo Shoot!

2010-02-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

After a match during the day, we headed up to Napa, CA with Chloe and "Remy" to do a photo shoot of the boys. Nothing like the famous wine country as a backdrop. Doesn't Presston look handsome?

By the way, Presston decided to be naughty at the match but we still managed a BOB & Group 4 (it was a herding breed only match, 30+ entries).

Almost show season

2010-01-17T19:22:00.000-08:00

Presston, December 2009

It's finally almost the start of the high show season around here. I'm READY. Well I am. Maybe the dogs aren't quite ready (can we say slipper feet?). I'll have both of my crew out showing hopefully, which luckily I have a dog and a bitch so I can spread things out each day a wee bit. Here's to some interesting show adventures.. and as always, the blog will be full of them! :)

Old Win Photo

2010-01-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

As I realize posts/photos/links/etc. to share from the past, I will be posting them. So look forward to backdated information if I decide to post it.

Such as, back in March I showed Presston at the Bakersfield, CA shows. They had a BIS Puppy competition, so after we won Best Puppy in the breed ring we did puppy groups. Presston handled the whole thing wonderfully (and kudos from all the waiting around in the heat!), and we took home a Puppy Group 3. :) I don't like the picture too much (ackward angle), but it's a souviner for greater things to come.

Puppy Eval Party Day

2010-01-11T09:33:00.000-08:00

no I'm not in the pic. I got to be the photographer! ;)

Last weekend I headed over to my friend Pam's house with several other border collie breeders to have a puppy evaluation party day. And to smell puppy breath! I LOVE these. I try to attend litter evaluations as much as possible (other breeds too... like the German Shorthair one I went to a few weeks back). Doing these really helps with education on our breed, and it's nice to see an 8 week old to compare it to as an adult when I see it out in the rings in the future. Pam and Rick had a really nice litter. I can't wait to see them all grow up!

Just a few snapshots of puppies.. because who doesn't like to see puppy photos?

Oh, Pennnnnnnny!

2010-01-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

If you check out my website you know that little "Penny" is my little bundle of gold. I noticed through a long gap in my blog postings she didn't get mentioned, as that was during the time I got her. Anywho, Penny is Noteworthy Heart of Hot Gold. Yes, from the same place Presston came from. How could I pass up another dog from Carol? She's a little firecracker, full of drive and eagerness to please. When I met her sire Robbie (Ch Pawtails Too Hot THandle CD) in person when I went to pick up Presston I was in love. What a beautiful and driven dog. Her mother is "Juice" (Ch Noteworthy Queen of Hearts), who is a Thief daughter (Thief is Presston's dad).

Penny has been my "cross over to clicker training" guinea pig dog, and so far it has been working wonderful! She catches on to new commands so easily. Do I see a CD in our future? I'm thinking so! I took her out as a puppy once at a show (Conformation) and showed during a 3 day weekend. She took reserve one of the days. Which hey, considering she's gold and has prick ears that's a pretty sweet deal. She moves very clean and consistent and does great little freestacks, so for me, a puppy just behaving in the ring is icing on the cake. She's about 8 months now, and should be hitting up the puppy show classes again very soon.

Eukanuba Pictures

2009-12-17T15:44:00.000-08:00

The AKC Eukanuba National Championship show is summed up in pretty much one word- WOW. It is absolutely amazing. I've been to large benched shows in the past so I knew what to expect in regards to a large indoor show full of vendors and booths and exitement, but this show surpassed my expectations entirely. It was amazing to have the opportunity to make a short jaunt (6+ hours yeah?) down to Southern California for this event, very randomly. My good friend Chloe came along for the ride and we had a total blast.

I think my favorite part of the event was having the opportunity to see so many "famous" border collies up close and personal. The best thing was for me to see some BCs that made it over from Europe.. specifically a couple Tonkory dogs. That were absolutely dazzling. Many of them I had sat an admired since there were wee ones on the web and to have them surprisingly IN PERSON for me to touch was incredible! To meet the people behind Huntley and Borders Home was awesome! I am so very thankful to have the chance to talk to these fine exhibitors from halfway around the world.

Enjoy the following pictures!

Ch Gesse Bravo

Ch Sportingfield Reflections O Bordefame- BOB Winner

Another of Debbie and "Kenya", the BOB winner

Lineup of bitches during BOB judging

Ch Shoreland's Bring On The Night

Mult. Ch Tonkory Valley of the Storm, getting cuddles before ring time!

Ch Pawcific Strike A Pose

Off to Eukanuba!

2009-12-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

Well, by a surprise decision, I decided to take a road trip down to Long Beach, CA this weekend to go watch the AKC Eukanuba National Championships! I don't have anything entered, but with 33 border collies in attendance my friend Chloe and I figured it would be wonderful to go and watch and experience the event.

Many photos to come next week! I wish everyone traveling a safe and happy time!

Carmen Battaglia Article

2009-11-17T14:49:00.000-08:00

A very interesting link in relation to judging dogs and seeing what's in front of you. A good read by the renowed Carmen Battaglia. Definitely worth a look!

http://www.onlinedigitalpubs.com/article/MORE_THAN_MEETS_THE_EYE_:_PROXIMITY_AND_KNOWLEDGE_-_KEYS_TO_OBSERVATION/244087/0/article.html

Hanford Win Photo

2009-06-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot to post our win photo from Hanford back in March! Presston did so very well for his first shows. And how about this photo? I think he looks GREAT!

Presston's First Show!

2009-03-05T09:35:00.000-08:00

Presston is currently the only border collie in my clan. His official name is Noteworthy Make An Impression. He is black and white, and currently 9 months old. He is sired by the gorgeous Ch Jenaid Thief of Hearts CDX (Aust. Imp.) and his mother is Ch Pawtails Flyin In Time (Aust. Imp.). Both are gorgeous well structured dogs. I could never thank Carol Green enough for entrusting me with this beautiful boy. The past 7 months he has been part of my life have been amazing. I have such a special connection with Presston. He is my heart and soul!

Last weekend at a few days shy of 9 moths, I took Presston to his first shows. They were in Hanford, CA. Quite a bit of a drive (3 1/2 hours), but we were told the number of class dogs would equal a major so decided it would be a nice fun chance on his first weekend out. On Saturday, February 28th Presston took WD for 2 points! We learned that one of the other dogs didn't show up, so the major broke. Ughh. Sunday, March 1st Presston took WD again for 1 point (one of the other class dogs was excused). There were no class bitches any days.

I am so very proud of my boy. I see great things to come in his future. We got a commemorative win photo for his first points on Saturday, and I'll post that once I have it!

Here we go!

2009-03-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

I decided to start a blog regarding my border collies and dog show adventures. In the beginning it wont have a ton of posts, but I promise it will pick up speed!

Look forward to lots of border collie news! :)

Katie