Highlights from 2009 and 2008:

The past 2 years in Darwin have flown, and we are really starting to settle in.  There were heartbreaks and highlights, but it wouldnt be life without these.  We said goodbye to 2 very special people - Ian and Gail Taylor - who will remain in our hearts forever and we made some amazing new friends along the way.  We got to attend Specialty shows, were privilaged to be placed, and also got to title 2 of our dogs (All Breeds Shows) with impressive wins.

A special mention has to go to my (Rachel) 2 dear friends Fiona McBride and Katrina Coulson - Im honoured to call you both friends!

Sara, Eilish and Kouta sadly left us for new homes, but we take comfort in the fact that they are now with AMAZING familys, and we are equally happy to say we are still very close with the family's who adopted Scooby and Lady's last litter.    Rags and Gypsy joined us - and are putting smiles on our face everyday!

Chloe is now "officially" a Junior Handler and is taking the Ring by storm - she is going to be one fierce little handler in the coming years!

Scooby was officially retired from the ring in 2009, after what was a VERY IMPRESSIVE show career!  Best in Show, Runner up Best in Show, Multiple Class in Show and Multiple Group Winner!  He has not only been an amazing show dog is is simply and AMAZING family member!

Renovations to our home are going full steam ahead and above all else 2010 is going to be a fantastic year!!!

Happy New Year all!!!!

So here is some small snipets of the previous 2 years:

3rd October 2009

The Wet Season is creeping in very fast now, with the humidity heavy in the air.  This time of year, see's not only extreme heat but tropical down pours that leave you unable to see your hand in front of your face.  There are only a few shows left for the year, which we will not enter now, rather give our little guys a break. The last few months of the year will be spent relaxing at home and playing in the pool (2 legged kids and 4 legged ones).

Thanks to everyone who supported us throughout 2009, and thanks to all the wonderful people we have met and showed along side - see you in 2010!

Rags and Gypsy enjoying the Beach Sept 2009

 17h July 2009

Its been a really busy but fabulous month so far:

July 3rd - Our little guys arrived at 1am in the morning - Rags and Gypsy!  The Norwich Terriers with works!!

July 3rd - 6th - I (Rachel) flew down to Alice to attend (only spectate) at the Alice Springs shows.  Fiona McBride and her partner Barry (Brohez Staffords) met me there, and we caught up with Craig and Ambre (Tenere') had a fabulous weekend, of shows, great food and lots of laughs!! Oh and re-named Stephens Road to "Barry Falls Road" - yep he broke his ankle LMAO!!!

 I flew back to Darwin on Monday 6th in time to pack the Prado up and get ready to head back down the track to Tennant Creek.

9th July- Our dear friends Ian and Gail Taylor were sadly killed in a car accident November last year.  They held the Tennant Creek dog Shows every year, which were a regular trip filled with fun!  This year marked the first Memorial show as a tribute to them.  Although a sad moment, we still had a fabulous time! 

The trip started with picking up Brianna (Herstellener Goldens) in Katherine and heading 1000k's down the road to Tennant.  We met up with Ambre' (Tenere' Staffords) and then with everyone else who travelled the distance.  Special mention to Russell and David (Kellanz Bulldogs) who are not only dear friends but who as true friends and sportsmen do, showed me their grooming secrets for our Norwich's (albeit they 2 have a group 2 terrier - Jimmy the Scotty who went on to win BEST IN SHOW!!!!)

On the first day of the shows Chloe did it in style again with 1st Junior Handler - showing Gypsy like a pro!  Mrs Marion Watson (the Judge) had some wondersful comments!  Thanks so much!!

Rags and Sara took their Challenges also!

The highlight for me (Rachel) was being awarded the Ruby Kellanz award!  Ruby was a British Bulldog whow passed away in Alice Springs 3 years ago, whilst at the July Shows.  This was the first time Russell and David had been to the Alice.  The Alice Springs Kennel club and its members rallied around that weekend to not only support David and Russell but to also buy a memorial plaque and bury her in a special fitting place.  The kindness shown by all in Alice, and the fantastic attitudes held by all inspired the boys to donate an award each year in memory to Ruby.  This award is given to an Adult and Child each year who tipifies what good sportsmanship is.

This year was my year, and i can honestly say tears well to my eyes just thinking about it.  Dog Shows to me are about spending time with friends and family and making sure everyone who attends are having a great time!  Im overwhelmed that doing something i love and being the person i am was noticed and honored by my peers!

THANKS!!!!

Well done to all who attended and made the weekend so wonderful!

At the completion of the Tennant shows we packed our Prado and headed another 500ks down the road back to Alice Springs.  There we collected Daemon (who was staying with his Nan), caught up with more friends and then 2 days later began the 1500k trip home to Darwin.

Now home we are getting ready for more shows this weekend, the Darwin Royal the next and the Expo shows the weekend after that!

***GREAT NEWS***

New Arrival(s) due this month

Watch our dog profile section for more information

20th June 2009

We had a fantastic weekend!  Mindil Beach Markets, Dinner at Jetty on the Wharf, watching Dog Shows and the V8's (GO HOLDEN)!!  The weather here in Darwin is to die for, and the weekend was jampacked with great times!  We also had an awesome visit from our dear friend Ambre of Tenere Staffords, with her new addtiion Macca AKA Likalot Devils Disciple, and got to see them take a clean sweep of Bitch Challenge at a double header show - WELL DONE!!! 

Its lovely to have some relaxing times, to get us ready for the busy July/August show season ahead, and we eagerly wait our newest member of the Show Team, and his little friend (arriving next week)!!

23rd May - Double Header Show

****THE STAR OF THE NIGHT THOUGH WENT TO CHLOE****

Chloe turned 7 on the 11th of May and was able to enter her first "Real" Dog show with Lady (our Staffy) . She took 1st in both rings with numerous great comments made about her handling!!  Well done Chloe!!

5th May 2009

Rachel has just returned home from a girls weekend away -  a 3000k round trip to Alice Springs with Di, Carrie, Bella the Golden, Berry the Basset, Sally the Pug and our Eilish.

"I think ive done more exercise over those 3 days than i have in a long time!  I helped show 5 dogs! 2 of which required me to run!"

I met Sara's  dad for the first time, and had the pleasure of helping Justin show Ronin (Sara's brother) for Best of Breed (which of course he won *smirk*  sorry Justin LOL).  I also got to catch up with my old friends and basically had an absolute ball!

Im very proud to say the dog trailer came home containing all winners!  A special mention to Carrie-Ann Taylor who showed her dear mum Gail's pug to Best in Group in all 3 rings and Aus Bred in Show in 2!! 

The show scene will take a back seat for a little while now while we concentrate on renovations on our house - CANT WAIT!!!

14th March 2009

Judge - Miss E Davis (NSW)

We decided to bring Scooby out for a last show, before his "trip to the vet" ssshhhh ;)

He strutted his stuff like the pro he is and took DCC, Runner Up Best of Breed and NT Bred in Group. 

Our little pocket rocket Eilish, was the highlight of the night though. Riding off the high from Melbourne, Eilish took BCC and BEST OF BREED!!! If she hadnt quite made her mark before she certainly has now!

*****

8th March 2009

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club Vic - Specialty Show

Judge - Ms H Reaney (UK) "Rolenska Staffords"

This is a day i will NEVER forget!!

After warming up from the day before and getting over my "star struckness", i was able to sit back and watch magic happen. I believe heaven was shining down today on all of us, as there is no other way to explain the feeling.

Fiona worked her handling magic, and all her home bred babies placed!  Eilish took 5th place out of 15, Deacon took 4th out of 11, Indie took 2nd out of 11, Pearla took 3rd out of 19, and Spike took BEST IN SHOW!!

(see Brohez Staffords for the above named details)

Im so proud of my little girl - Eilish on her first Specialty Show - she handled like a dream and really made her mark, with a lot of people commenting on how pretty she is!

7th March 2009

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club Vic - Specialty Show

Judge Mr B Aubrey (UK) "Jenabeck Staffords"

Katrina and I had a great day today.  Although we didnt place in the top 5, we still had a ball!

I spent the day being totally awestruck with all the amazing Staffords within patting distance, that i had only ever ogled over on the net.  It is very true that pictures do not do justice!  Some of these dogs were heaven in the flesh!!

Id like to thank everyone for making me feel welcome, and it was so wonderful to meet so many top breeders in the country!

Our first year in Darwin (2008) has officially ended, and what a year it was!! Here is what happened..

Kouta's Year

The Show Dog Handlers Club Dec 07 Show was the first show we entered Kouta in upon arriving in Darwin - At that show, Kouta was awarded his first Dog Challenge, and then he went on to take Best of Breed and Runner up in Group. He went on throughout 2008 to be a consistant DCC, BOB and Class winner (also adding a couple more Group and Runner Up in group awards to his achievements). He was titled in under 10 shows and proved he had what it took to show against some great dogs (All Breed comps). He was such a pleasure to show! 

Eilish's Year

Our little energizer battery - "EYE LASH"

Eilish has been a consistant Class in Group winner, and has been a joy to have a part of our family.  Now she is starting to fill out she is starting to make her mark in the Challenge area.  At only 10 months old she has x2 Bitch challenges and a runner up Bitch challenge under her belt already!

WATCH THIS SPACE IN 2009 - OUR LITTLE GIRL WILL BE ONFIRE!!

Sara's Year

Sara has re-joined our home after an extended visit with her other family (her Breeders Justin and Suzanne).

Whilst she was with them she was shown along side of her Brother (Ch Belgenbeau Avion Premier IID) at a double header show. In Ring 1 she picked up a Bitch challenge, but was beaten for Best of Breed by her brother.  In Ring 2 the tables were turned and she was was awarded the Best of Breed and then topped it by being awarded Best in Group!

Now back home - she went back in the ring guns blazing with another Bitch Challenge and Best of Breed at the Dec 6th Show.

With very limited shows - Sara is now over half way to her title..2009 will see her obtain it!

6th Dec 2008

Kouta took Dog Challenge and Best of Breed and Eilish scored another Bitch Challenge both under Ms P Suhr (NSW)

11TH OCTOBER 2008

Darwin Ladies Kennel Club

Judge Mrs Jenny Egan

A BIG THANKYOU to Brianna Tennyhuis for handling Kouta on the night - Kouta took Dog Challenge, Best of Breed and BEST IN GROUP!! 

Eilish behaved like a lady and took Runner up Bitch Challenge!

Well Done!!

WE ARE ALSO PROUD TO ANNOUNCE KOUTA IS NOW - CH SONIQUE DARK EMBRACE

KOUTA CAME TO US AT THE AGE OF 5 MONTHS FROM LEIGHANNE REID IN QLD.

THAT YEAR WAS 2007 AND HE SURPASSED EVERY HOPE WE COULD OF HAD.  HIS FIRST SHOW SAW HIM BE AWARDED MINOR PUPPY IN SHOW, WITH 3 MORE MINOR IN SHOWS TO COME STRAIGHT AFTER.  KOUTA PLACED #1 TOP SPAFFY PUPPY IN AUSTRALIA (DOGZONLINE POINTSCORE COMP) AND #1 TOP PUPPY OVER ALL IN THE NT. THIS WAS AN AMAZING FEET CONSIDERING WE HAD ONLY 8 SHOWS THAT YEAR AVAILABLE TO US TO ENTER.

IN DEC 2007 - KOUTA WAS AWARDED HIS FIRST DOG CHALLENGE (AND RUNNER UP IN GROUP) AGED 16 MONTHS - AND BEAT OUR CH BOY SCOOBY - HE HASNT LOOKED BACK.

2008 SO FAR HAS SEEN HIM AWARDED 4 RUNNER UP IN GROUPS AND 2 IN GROUPS AND AN INTERMEDIATE IN SHOW!!

KOUTA HAS OBTAINED HIS TITLE IN UNDER 10 SHOWS - AND NO 6 POINT CHALLENGES!!!

WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR LITTLE GUY AND ARE SO PROUD TO BE ABLE TO SAY WE HAVE TITLED LEIGH'S FIRST BRED CHAMPION - WELL DONE TO YOU LEIGH!!!

THANKS TO THE JUDGES THAT PLACED HIM AND GRANTED HIM THE POINTS TO OBTAIN HIS CH STATUS.

27th September 2008 

Judge Mr John Forbes NSW

Kouta struts his stuff once again to take Dog Challenge and Best of Breed and Intermediate in group.

"Such a fabulous topline held on your young lad, and such a pleasure to watch on the move" - Thanks Mr Forbes!!

Eilish was awarded Bitch Chellnge at 7 1/2 Months of age, and Minor in Group!!!

13th September 2008

Ms Margaret Joyce VIC

Kouta takes Runner up Best of Breed, Runner up in Group and INTERMEDIATE IN SHOW!!

Eilish was awarded Runner up Bitch Challenge and Minor Puppy in Group

6th August 2008

Lady had her her 5 beautiful babies - 2 girls and 3 boys ont eh 30th July! 

The Darwin Royal and Darwin Expo shows saw Eilish come out with GREAT wins..so far our little princess has won 7 out of 8 Baby Puppy in group awards since residing with us!! 

Kouta had some tough competition over the Royal/Expo weekends, but still proved he had what it took.  1 x Dog Challenge, 1x Best of Breed and 1x Open in Group, 2x Reserve Dog Challenges and 1x Runner Up Best of breed!  Kouta has under 10 points to go to his CH, all this done in under 7 months and only 13 shows available to enter in the NT, (also not one 6 point challenge in that lot!)

19th July 2008

Double Header held by NACA saw our little lady Eilish blitz the group again with Baby Puppy in group in both rings!  The judges were Ms L Buckley ACT and Mr P Primrose WA.

The state finals were held for the Pal Pedigree Junior Handlers competition on the same night.  This final was actually only Daemon's 6th time in the show ring, and we thought he did a stellar job. Andrew and I are extremely proud of his 3rd place!

A BIG congrats to all the kids who competed..they did themselves proud!

 21st June 2008

2 double header shows were held here with the Judges being Mr and Mrs Bowe (NSW) Kouta took Best of Breed in both rings and a Runner Up in Group under Mr Bowe.  Eilish made her debut in Darwin with Baby Puppy in Group in both rings! 

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO INTRODUCE

BROHEZ DAHLIAS AVENGER

 WE WELCOME THIS GEORGOUS LITTLE GIRL INTO OUR LIVES AND ARE EVEN MORE DELIGHTED THAT WITH HER COMES A WONDERFUL FRIENDSHIP WITH HER VERY CLEVER BREEDERS - FIONA AND BARRY!!!

10th May

Kouta went out guns blazin' for the Staffy's again and took Runner Up in Group! 19 Months old and doing so well!

5th May 2008

Darwin Show Dog Handlers Club, Kouta takes BEST IN GROUP - aged 19 months!!

 5th April 2008

A BIG thankyou to Di and Brianna of Herstellener Kennels for allowing Daemon to handle the Beautiful "Billy" for Junior Handlers.  Not only did he come out on top Daemon  is proud to say he "warmed Billy up" for BEST IN SHOW :) - Ch Goldtreve Wild N Wilful - Tennyenhuis' Golden Retriever - YEAH!!! Go Di and Bri!!

15th March 2008

Darwin All Breeds Kennel Club - a night with some great wins:

Kouta took Junior of Breed, Dog Challenge, Best of Breed and Runner Up in group (Junior in Group automatically)

Lady came out to play and took Intermediate of Breed, Runner up Bitch Challenge and Intermediate of Group

Sara took Bitch Challenge and Best of Breed - she was a little bit naughty on the night, but that didnt stop the judge from calling her "EXQUISITE"..way to go Sar'sa!!!

The star of the night was Daemon though..for his first Junior Handling experience in Darwin, and first Pal Pedigree heat.  Daemon won JUNIOR HANDLER!!! Well done mate!!!

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