Opportunity does knock twice!

In 2005, I was asked if I would like to design a graphic design for the 2006 CSSA Nationals that were held in Ottawa .  Thanks Kim for thinking of me and passing me the carte blanche sorta speak.

After working with the committee's ideas (Maureen and Michael Lynch, Tom and Liz Graham) This is the logo we came up with representing all 3 events:  Hearding, Conformation and Agility

This past Thursday I received an email that asked if I wanted to design an ad for the 2010 CSSA Nationals that are going to be held in Saskatchewan.  I immediately said yes.  The ad can be seen on the American Web site SheltiesOnline.com.  It was posted on Saturday Morning.

But I like it so much.... here is a screen capture of the ad tee hee  BUT Please check it out for your self!!  I'm very proud of this work.

Thank you Jo Ann and Thank you Marge for giving me this wonderful opportunity.

Some perks when you co-own a Sheltie

I've been wanting to blog this for some time now... just never got time.... better late than never.

After getting Rayna and L'Annie finished with their Canadian Championships, Kim Aston of Laureate, the co-owner of both Shelties surprised me with one of my very favorite things..... Plants and Flowers for my home and garden and a note of thanks for getting their championship.

For Rayna, I received this beautiful Orchid (Phalaenopsis). It bloomed a flower almost every 4 days... and stayed alive for months on end.... as I recall. Now I look at it with only its greenery... hoping that I will again, see the beautiful white flowers in the near future.


For L'Annie, Kim came over for a visit and hauled out this beautiful verigated Pussy Willow Tree! I had admired these during my road trip in Chateauguay! How'd she know!



I have it now planted in my front yard in the "circle" of my laneway. I can hardley wait to see it mature as it's only to grow 6 feet tall, yet the branches will form a type of umbrella!... I will be taking pics of this come next spring/summer.


Thanks again Kim for the beautiful plants.

A family that works together accomplishes great things II

April 11, 2009 - a day I will never forget.

Today, grooming up the 2 dogs, getting ready for the show, working with Portia's "jumping problem" a bit, watching (trying to learn) Kim do some pruning and putting final finishes on Portia, I walk into the Sr. Puppy Class.

Portia receives 1st place. Not once did she jump. Handing her over to Brianna with the arm band, who now has to get ready to go into the ring for Winners just in case. (she hasn't done this in 2 years) . I see "fear" in her eyes. - tee hee.

I then Bring in Rosé in the bred by exhibitor class, she also places first. Bria is definately going into the winners class with me. OMG!! What do I do? she asks.... quick explanations... quick reassurances... in we go.

So there we are, going around, showing our dogs, baiting them....Judge G. Maccuaig honours Kim's beautiful blue, Stormy, Winners. Around we go again, low and behold... Brianna puts a RWB on Portia. She was soooo stunned. Judge Maccuaig says... " You look surprised".. Bria being bria.. " I am!" then she shares a giggle with the judge.

Bria comes out of the rings and says, "Okay so you want me to pack up the truck?" I gently tell her that we have to compete for Best puppy in Breed. She quickly hands over Portia and the arm band to me, "Have fun!" she says.

Portia receives BPIB. I'm pretty emotional at this point and it doesn't help when all the ringside friends and fellow breeders cheering me on after the win. They are a great bunch of people.

So Kim whisks me away - like we are going to a secret hideaway... and now it's serious stuff... she does more primping and pruning. She reminded me of a mother bird with me under her wing....truly a heart filled moment of joy, respect, friendship and everything else that says pride!

So off I go to the Best puppy in Group, Kim giving me last minute ringside grooming instructions....do this... this... and this... relax...this and this....... in I go.

Portia is just working it now. She is alive, she is alert, focussed, just showing her heart out. I think she knew - this was it - and it was. She takes BEST PUPPY IN GROUP. Now the Sheltie section of ringside "goes wild" - well, they are cheering louder than before.... I"m a basket case. I've never gone this far with a dog... and to have it being one of my very own... what can I say... like a proud mom.. I fall apart, and again it doesn't help with everyone congratulating me. Now it's time for photos before the judge leaves.

Kim swoops her away from me, and starts brushing her and getting ready for her pictures... just like a vogue photo shot.. .Not that I minded at all!!! I felt very very special Thank you so much Kim.

Off to best Puppy in show. Again.. Portia is all out, showing like a trooper. We did not get the big ribbon,,,, but an experience I shall NEVER NEVER forget.

Thank you Kim for all you did for us today.... Thank you Brianna for your courage and excellent presentation of Portia, and thank you all those who gave words of encouragement and routed us on!