Generally these blog posts are written without any "I" or "Me" connotations, or at least that's the goal, but for today, that tradition is breaking as the Barkday wishes include my heart dog, Hamish.
It's hard to believe it's been five years since I brought home my first Shiloh bundle of joy! And boy did I get everything I had hoped for in his personality but I also got so much more — a wonderful extended littermate family, a welcoming embrace into the Shiloh world, wonderful Shiloh friends, and a passion for these dogs which made me jump into the Shiloh world with both feet wanting to learn as much as I could and help in any way I could. Five years down the road and I'm still learning, making more friends and still loving these dogs!
So Happy Barkday wishes to "The Valentine's Nine," the Kota/Trinka litter who entered this world on Valentine's Day 2004 at Shenandoah Shilohs in PA. Trinka blessed me with the best Valentine's Gift ever and Kota, bred by Ridgewood Shilohs in PA, was handing out cigars!
Trinka and newborn pups. Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Shilohs.
The ISSDC NE Region is home to four pups from this litter, Hamish, Kassie, Tylor and Ryder.
Hamish, Hamish MacKota of Shenandoah, is owned by myself — Heather Yates and James Blackham of Mac Shilohs and calls Central NY home. He shares his life with his real Shiloh half brother Gareth. Hamish spends most of his time being my best friend. He never really enjoyed the show ring although is pointed, and we have tried our hand at herding and obedience work. He is, as ever, my best photographic model and the inspiration for me to pick up the camera again.
Hamish, Hamish MacKota of Shenandoah, enjoying some Christmas presents during the 2008 Holiday Season. Photo courtesy of Heather Yates, Candid Paws.
Kassie, B&T's Princess of Shenandoah, lives at Ridgewood/B&T Shilohs with owners Brennan & Trish Beltz and their Shiloh crew. Kassie is now living the life of a retired show dog. She excelled in the conformation ring, being the first female Shiloh Shepherd to earn the Supreme Grand Champion title with the NAKC (formerly Rarities) organization. Now she prefers to chill out at home and is part of her local therapy dog group.
Kassie, BT's Princess of Shenandoah, at four in the summer of 2008. Photo courtesy of Jacki Wilde, wildeshots/Shiloh Shepherd Botique.
Tylor, Beloved BT Tylor of Shenandoah, calls Southern NJ home with Ellen and Murray Brenner and shares his life with the Beloved Shilohs pack. Tylor started out as a show dog but now excels at his Therapy work. In fact Cooper Hospital in NJ named Tylor the 2008 Therapy Animal of the year.
Tylor, Beloved BT Tylor of Shenandoah, in September of 2005. Photo courtesy of Heather Yates, Candid Paws.
"Tylor has been a joy and is the most wonderful therapy dog ever. He looks especially handsome with his hair trimmed and all clean and washed by the groomer," Ellen shares. "While he can be incredibly noisy and very stubborn if you want to leave him home, he is such an amazing ambassador to our breed."
Tylor representing the Shiloh breed well! Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.
Ryder lives in PA as a beloved pet with his Shiloh Shepherd, Australian Shepherd and Coated GSD brothers and sisters, owned by Marion Milavec and her husband. Ryder is also a working therapy dog!
So Happy Barkday to Hamish, Kassie, Tylor and Ryder from your ISSDC NE Family and also across the country to your littermates Shaman, Sophie, Jazz, Maverick and Kato (god speed) and all your very special families. What a great gift you all are!
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