Princess Pretty Pretty

Angelique was born back in February of 2001.  She singled out in showing, but I never was able to get those majors on her.  I finally cut her down due to my working 12 hour days and not having the time, skill or knowledge at that time of appropriate products to keep her coat in good condition.  Angelique is a sweet little girl who is a champion producer and a girl that has more than earned her spot on my pillow every night.  She has the sweetest disposition and she makes me smile every day. 

Angelique just turned 11 years old last month and she is still going strong!  She loves her some cookies and is just a tad pudgy for her size.  She's cute as a bug and my groomer, Sharee, loves her best.  :) 

Our breed has lost a legend

I got the word on Friday from Joan that her lovely boy Max was gone. Max grew up and lived as a pet his entire life, but with an unbelievable desire to show. He spent his days running the house and yard, playing with toys and reminding Joan it was time for dinner everyday at 3pm even though dinner wouldn't be served for another couple of hours. It was just his way. He loved his momma's home cookin'.

Fanciers will always remember Max as one of the greats. His movement was flawless - he was the typiest black Shih Tzu out there.

He was still in coat and showing as recently as 2004, taking BOS at our National Specialty after taking breed both days before at the independent speciaties. I wish I could have been there. Joan and Tom were so proud. I can remember Joan's calls recapping the days. She was so excited and proud of her boy's latest accomplishments. We joked after she cut him down that she should grow him out again to show him this year. Sadly, it wasn't meant to be. Even at the ripe old age of 15, Max was still playing with toys and loving life. Until last Thursday night.

To my friends Joan and Tom McGee - my heart goes out to you. I know what Max will always mean to you. He truly will be missed.

Our new little girl

I am happy to introduce the newest addition to our household! Little Garnet is shaking things up around here! She is quite a dynamic puppy and I have great hopes for her future here. Garnet's mother is Aurora - S'Dandi's Lite Up the Nite and Garnet's father is my first homebred champion Cole who is a Tojo Midnight Max son. Max of course is a legacy within himself, so talk about heritage! Garnet's great grandmother is my first ever champion Booty, who is still, and will always be, very special to me.

I have to thank Sally and Richard Watkeys for allowing Garnet to come West. I have wanted a solid red girl for some time and this little wonder was worth the wait!

As a tribute to my baby girl Crystal, taken from me by cancer last November, Garnet will officially be known as S'Dandi's Crimson Crystal Of WoTeH'sin. In many ways Garnet reminds me of Crystal, only with a red dress on. Garnet is feisty and spirited like Crystal was as a baby, and Garnet is a big kissin' girl like Crystal. I miss Crystal with all my heart and sometimes I think she's come back just a little darker and, if possible, in a more mischievous persona. Garnet has come to me at a time in my life when I needed a puppy to keep my heart from completely breaking in two.

Thank you Sally - this girl is very special.

One special little Shih Tzu

I vividly remember one Saturday afternoon when I called my friend Sally. It was the day I received an issue of the Shih Tzu Reporter that featured CH Tojo Midnight Max on the cover; his picture underwritten with the word "Timeless."

I had been debating on a breeding with one of my girls and that issue of the Reporter made up my mind. I remember telling Sally that the worst that could happen is that the McGee's - Tom and Joan who bred and own Max - could say no to my humble request. After all, Max was and still is quite a dog.

Fast forward to June of 2005 when my Max son went Best Puppy in Show in Traverse City, MI. I could have burst from my pride! This was only surpassed when Cole finished his championship with his third major, being a single dog entry going Best of Winners at the Berrien KC show for a 4 point major. Along the way we were worried because Cole was so small - only 9 pounds - but boy could he move! He went through a stubborn period too where he just wouldn't show. I guess he just wanted us to remember who really was the boss! Sometimes those solid black Shih Tzu can be stubborn. But through it all he is now known as Champion S'Dandi WoTeH'sin After Midnite.

Cole lives in Michigan with my mentor and dear friend Sally Watkeys. Sally did such a great job with this little wonder dog - finishing my first home-bred champion in grand style! We co-own Cole to this day and he remains a special addition to both of our breeding programs. Cole puppies will be out there soon in the show ring and his second litter of hopefuls were just born this week. If his first litter is any indication, his progeny will make both Sally and I very proud.

Because of Cole I also have a special friendship with the McGees as well to this day. Tom and Joan are such wonderful folks. And Max is still running the yard and ruling the McGee roost in Modesto! I can never express my gratitude to these two special friends that allowed a nobody like me to breed one of my girls to a dog like Max! Max will always be one of the greats in our breed.

Shown above is Cole winning Best Puppy in show - a special little Shih Tzu on a very special day!