They Are Never With Us Long Enough

I had to send my first born baby to the bridge recently.  It was SO hard.  But it was time and she let me know.  They always do.  It didn't make it any easier.

Iris will always be my heart.  I loved this girl more than I ever knew I could love anyone, any dog or anything period.  I miss you baby.  I pray you will be there for me at the bridge.  Run free until then.  I love you.

So You've Contacted Me For A Shih Tzu

At least have the COURTESY to LISTEN to what I tell you.  If you are too wrapped up in your own life to comprehend what I say - then don't call me.  I'm not interested in listening to your life story ad infinitum - over AND OVER in an effort for you to impress upon me what a great home you can provide for one of my dogs.  What speaks VOLUMES is what you ask and WHAT YOU COMPREHEND.

I despise the "selling dogs" end of breeding.  I wish I could just keep them all.  Honestly. 

If  you are going to make contact with me - at least attempt to listen - not just hear the words I say.  Don't leave me a message after wasting quite a bit of my time and accuse me of being a liar.  I have no reason to lie to anyone.  I'd just as soon not sell you my young adult dog or puppy.  I don't do this for money.  I do this for me and to leave the breed in a better place than I found it.  I don't have to sell you anything.  I have no reason to lie to anyone because frankly - I'm better than any of the "breeders" out there you'll be contacting for your next dog.  If anything - YOU need to shut up and LISTEN.  You deserve the dog you end up with, just like the last one that was a heart breaker for you.  You know why?  Because you spend too much time trying to IMPRESS rather than spending enough time trying to LEARN.  And you seriously need to address your lack of comprehension.

And by the way - my 12 year old girl Iris isn't going anywhere - she is MY HEART.  And Violet?  At least you saved me the stress of having to tell you that you weren't my idea of a suitable owner.

Stepping off my soapbox . . .

I Am Officially A Snob

I will not ever sell a Shih Tzu to someone I don't know with full breeding rights. There are no exceptions to this rule. Even if I do know you, expect co-ownership. There is only one exception to this rule and if you don't know it's you - it ISN'T.

If I say anything else, I'll get myself in trouble.

Pictured above is WoTeH'sin Want U T'No Who I Am - "Iris"

Magic Man

I took Magic to Tucson last weekend for the IABCA Winter Seiger. It was a tiring trip, and cold, but well worth it.

The thing I like about the IABCA shows are the written critiques as well as the one on one time you get with each judge to go over the dog. In three shows you can complete an International title. I know of folks that have to keep going back to finish a dog, but I've been successful now twice in finishing dogs in consecutive shows.

My latest is International Champion WoTeH'sin Smoke and Mirrors - AKA "Magic".

Magic is a sweet little boy. He's a bit shy at first but he comes out of his shell quickly now. When I first started to show him earlier this year, he wouldn't walk. He'd put a few steps together but that's it. And each judge, patient as they were, told me they liked my dog but I had to get him to walk. And walk he eventually did - gathering four points in Traverse City last June. Since then he's been home, running the house, chasing the others around and being a dog. I expect to eventually finish him in AKC competition, but his sister Holly has to finish first. My checkbook can only handle so much. So in the mean time, Magic got his International championship and he'll run around some more until I decide to enter him in some shows here in the spring.

Pictured above is International Champion WoTeH'sin Smoke And Mirrors

My extended family

I've been blessed the past couple of weeks because I have received emails from a few past puppy buyers. The best part about these emails - besides the parts that say they adore their dogs and they are the best puppies one could have ever hoped for - the best part would be the pictures.

I was also at a dog show in Tucson this past weekend and I got to see a couple of past buyers who came to the show to see me and Magic. What a wonderful surprise! They raved about their puppy Zoey! We had a nice chat and I am so blessed that one of my kids is now their kid! Zoey is so loved! She is the light of her momma and daddy's life! And I feel so lucky to have my little one in their care - she is so loved and wanted!

Pictured above is Zoey Mallick of Oro Valley, AZ

Five Generations

This week has been so hard for me. Learning that my little Crystal is dying has tragically rocked my world. The hardest part is facing the choice of choosing to not put her through surgery and chemo and ultimately not knowing when her last breath will come. So instead of focusing on this, I am trying to make her final days happy and comfortable. I see her smile when she is outdoors - her favorite room of the house here. She lays on the patio overlooking the yard, just daring those birds to stop by so she can run and give chase. Seeing her this happy makes me smile. It seems she's got some good times left yet.

Today one of my co-workers came over with her daughter and they helped me take pictures of Crystal and her legacy - five generations. I am blessed with a part of her being passed down to each of these wonderful reminders of what a Shih Tzu should be. And it all started with Crystal.

Today reminded me of all that I have even though I feel great loss on the horizon.

Shown above is Crystal with her daughter Iris, her grand-son Magic, her great grand-daughter Violet and her great great grand-son Tuxedo.

Holly's travels with Sally

Just a brag here about my little girl Holly. Her full name is WoTeH'sin Breakfast At Sniffanys.

Holly's show career started earlier this year with me on her lead in Palm Springs where she won the 6 - 9 month puppy bitch class at the Shih Tzu Fancier's of Southern CA specialty. She went on to win the breed at the Superstition KC show held in Scottsdale, AZ in March for her first point.

In May, I flew Holly out to my friend and mentor, Sally Watkeys of S'Dandi Shih Tzu in Michigan. Sally said if she liked Holly she would show her for me, since majors out here in AZ are virtually non-existant.

Well, Holly's first weekend out with Sally in Canfield, OH resulted in a single point under Paula Hartinger. Later that weekend Holly, won a three point major under Dr. John Shelton. Over Labor Day weekend, Holly won another single in Marquette, MI under Maxine Beam. On to the Michigan Toy Club specialty in Goodells, MI where Holly went BW under Lydia Coleman-Hutchinson for a five point major! I think Sally likes Holly . . .

God willing, Holly will be Sally's boy Rush's (American/Canadian CH S'Dandi's On Loan From God) sixth champion, making him ROM eligible. What a special champion she will be! I am so proud of her! She is her mother Iris' first champion.

Holly's brother Magic (WoTeH'sin Smoke And Mirrors) has four points and he's waiting here in the wings being spot shown. Look for him next year.

The picture is Holly after winning her first major!