Happy Barkday ... Nine Years Young

Happy early Barkday to Zoey, Beloved Zodiac's Magic of CJ's, who turns nine years young on Wednesday, the 10th. Zoey is from the Bo/Nikita litter from February 2001 but now calls Beloved Shilohs in NJ her home where she shares her life with Ellen and Murray Brenner and doggie pals, Gabe the Doberman, and fellow Shilohs Tylor and Sage. Ellen shares "It's hard to just write just a little about our girl, ZOEY. She is our first Shiloh Shepherd and we couldn't have been blessed with a better dog. We don't think of her as a "dog" at all. Zoey has a great sense of humor and a joy about life. She is always ready for a big kiss on the face and if she can wet your eye glasses, all the better."

Zoey enjoying the rewards of the "Blizzard of 2010."
Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.

In 2004 Zoey was named the Grand Victrix for the TSSR. But Ellen shares they would have never dared to guess what the future held when Zoey came to them as a puppy. "She started out as the clumsiest puppy we'd ever seen. She could not put three steps together without falling over when we first got her at 9 weeks old. Murray and I had no idea that Zoey would go from a puppy that tripped over her own four feet to having a most beautiful flying trot." Zoey completed all of her health testing and gave Beloved Shilohs a litter of puppies in March of 2005 and now it seems her son Sage, is following in his mother's footsteps as he was named the TSSR's Grand Victor and and ISSDC National Select for the 2007 & 2008 show seasons.

Zoey, Beloved Zodiac's Magic of CJ's, stacked.
Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.

Zoey has represented Shiloh Shepherds well throughout the years including a guest appearance on NBC's "Today" show representing rare breed dogs. Conformationally she has earned her ARBA, Breed and Rarities (now NAKC) Championships, as well as earned Grand Victrix and NS titles with the TSSR. She has also earned her CGC (Canine Good Citizen), TT (Temperament Testing) and TDI (Therapy Dog) certifications and completed her full HCT (Herding Capability Testing) title from AHBA (American Herding Breed Association) in just one weekend which she earned at seven years young!

Zoey in Fall 2008 with her AHBA HCT ribbons, after earning her full HCT testing title in one weekend. Photo Courtesy of Heather Yates, Candid Paws.

Zoey is retired from the show ring and now cherishes her role as Shiloh Ambassador when she is out and about. At the 2008 ISSDC specialty Ellen and Zoey dusted off their show leads as a last minute entry in the Veteran's Class and she earned the "Best of Veterans" title that show! "Zoey went into 'show mode' as soon as we entered the ring and did us proud. She stacked and moved around the ring in beautiful form," Ellen shares. "When she was awarded the BEST OF VETERANS trophy, I burst into happy tears."

Zoey and Ellen with their "Best of Veterans" trophy in 2008.
Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.

Happy Barkday Zoey, all the more beautiful at nine years young and may you have many more wonderful Barkdays to come!

Zoey at nine years.
Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.

Have Baby ... Will Love!

We all know how dear our Shiloh Shepherds are to us, but sometimes you see a photo that just reminds you how wonderful they really are, our gentle giants. We're told a picture is worth a thousand words, well these speak volumes as to the temperament of this magnificent breed.

Our first set of photos come to us from ISSDC NE member Eva Girolamo, showing photos of her first grandson Tony and her Shiloh Shepherd Vito. Vito is from the Bismarck/Savannah litter from Sleeper Shilohs/Windsong Shilohs. Eva tells us Vito just naturally did this, "I laid Vito on the floor and the next thing I knew Vito was there!"

Vito, Windsong-Sleeper's Vito, with his new human grandson.
Photo courtesy of Eva Girolamo.

Vito curled up with Tony.
Photo courtesy of Eva Girolamo.

Our next batch of photos are of Shiloh Shepherd Dakota who lives in Pennsylvania with his family and his human baby sister Kelsea. As you'll see from the photos he just adores Kelsea. Dakota is a smooth Shiloh from Beloved Shilohs March 2005 Noah/Zoey litter. These photos make us smile whenever we see them, thank you to his breeder Ellen Brenner of Beloved Shilohs for sharing them.

Dakota cuddling with his human sister Kelsea.
Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.

"I love you Kelsea," says Dakota's soulful eyes.
Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.

Sweet dreams. Shiloh Dakota and his human baby Kelsea.
Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.

Dakota and an 11 month old Kelsea.
Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.

"I still love you Kelsea!"
Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.

Don't you just LOVE it!

Aptly named ...

BG's No More Mr Nice Guy WSRSS aka Cooper is really a nice guy afterall!

Cooper, 12 1/2 months old, from the Birch/Aspen 2008 litter can now add a "CGC" after his name. He passed his testing with flying colors.

Cooper at obedience class. Photo courtesy of Bellegrace Shilohs

"He walked through the crowd of people like a pro, says owner Dawn Swick of Bellegrace Shilohs. "He was more interested in going up to meet the person in the wheelchair and the woman with the walker. I see therapy dog testing in his future."

Coooper with his mom, Dawn Swick. Photo courtesy of Bellegrace Shilohs.

Cooper, bred by Woodside Ranch Shiloh Shepherds in Oregon, also completed his Obedience Basic II class the week before and was awarded his certificate. From the looks of the picture, he sure appears to be proud of it! Or just maybe it is the bag of goodies his instructors gave him for being such a well behaved student.

Cooper with his certificate and his bag of goodies.
Photo courtesy of Bellegrace Shilohs.

Congratulations Cooper!

Cooper showing us his "down, stay." Photo courtesy of Bellegrace Shilohs.

Bailey and Kodiak still celebrating ...

Some Shilohs just have it made. I mean, still celebrating the holidays well into the end of January — and I ask, where do we sign up? Well, it's true, Kodiak and Bailey of Kindred Spirit Shilohs recently made a trip to see "cousin" and fellow Shiloh Shepherd Sundance and do some hiking and holiday celebrating. Sounds like a good way to spend a day to us! Apparently the visit — which included five dogs, two husbands, and two Shiloh moms — was a smashing good time. Well we're told everyone had a great time except maybe the cats.

Kodiak, Bailey and Sundance just "being" Shilohs.
Photo courtesy of Kindred Spirit Shilohs.

After an afternoon hiking in Sterling Forest in Tuxedo NY, where everyone burned off their inital energy and excitement, dogs and people returned to the homestead. The peoples had a grand Italian Feast — again I say, where do we sign up? — and the poochies enjoyed some fresh chicken necks — and now my Shilohs want to know where they can sign up for this kind of thing?

Shortly after the pasta coma ended, we hear there were presents opened in front of a roaring fire — jeesh, this sounds like a vacation, can we PLEASE sign up already?!?! The Shilohs in attendance were Sundance, Bailey, and Kodiak who were kept on their toes and in line by Golden Retrievers Summer and Cassidy.

The whole canine gang (with John and Joe) posing in front of the "roaring fire." Photo courtesy of Kindred Spirit Shilohs.

Sundance, an ISSDC NE Region Shiloh Shepherd was Mr Rainbow from the April 2006 Jaeger/Timber litter born at Dog Pond Shilohs. Sundance lives in NY with the Chvastek family and works as a therapy dog, a noble profession.

Sundance hanging out at the celebration.
Photo courtesy of Kindred Spirit Shilohs.

Kodiak, Duke Kodiak of Babbling Brook, is from the December 2006 Malachi/Mia litter from Babbling Brook Shilohs. Kodiak was Kindred Spirit Shilohs first Shiloh, but we have it on good authority he's getting more company very, very soon!

Bailey and Sundance patiently posing for photos.
Photo courtesy of Kindred Spirit Shilohs.

Bailey, Dutch's Bailey of BelleGraceBearpaw, is a rehome Kindred Spirit Shilohs adopted through the ISSDC Rescue and Rehome Program and the help of her breeders when Bailey was 18 months old. Kindred Spirit Shilohs recommends and supports the ISSDC Rescue and Rehome Program as they believe "pets are not disposable. They are living and breathing things with real feelings and emotions deserving to be loved and cared for their entire lives."

Rio's Snowy Hike

Greetings to and from Rio! Rio lives in Easton PA and shares his life with his mom Loretta Lester and two German Shepherd Dogs. Loretta enjoys to take her fur kids on hikes and here shares a wonderful photo she took of Rio from one of their snow covered hikes.

Rio posing on his snowy hike. Photo courtesy of Loretta Lester via Ridgewood Shilohs.

Rio was bred by ISSDC NE breeder Christi Yonavick from Ridgewood Shilohs. Rio was one of 12 healthy, dark dual puppies born to bCHptd P&C's One Too Many, CGC (Carly) and brCH Hilltop's Storm of Barnegat Bay, CGC,TD (Storm) on October 2, 2007.

Welcome Rio and Loretta!

The BelleGrace Poster Girls

We have two poster girls in our midst and both bred by Dawn Swick of BelleGrace Shilohs in PA. Dawn recently received the news a photo she submitted of her lovely Destini was chosen by Burton's Total Pet to be featured as a poster on one of their aisle end caps. Already excited about this development, just a few weeks later Hannah, another of Dawn's progeny, was also chosen to be featured!

Destini, BelleGrace Destini O'BlitzKrieg, calls BelleGrace home and is a plush black/red from their Sampson/Maizi litter.

Destini, BelleGrace Destini O'BlitzKrieg, in her poster debut at Buton's Total Pet Store. Photo of poster courtesy of BelleGrace Shilohs.

Hannah, BelleGrace Lil Bit-O-Honey, from BelleGrace's Toran/Honey litter is a smooth gray sable owned by Gloria Frick and also lives in PA.

Hannah, BelleGrace Lil Bit-O-Honey, the second BelleGrace Pin-up at Buton's Total Pet Store. Photo of poster courtesy of BelleGrace Shilohs.

Congratulations to these girls and their owners (and breeder!). The posters are available for viewing at Burton's Total Pet Store, Monroeville, PA and isn't it wonderful there is a plush and smooth Shiloh smiling at their customers everyday.

Brk Chapls Tempted By Delyla, cgc, graduates Summa Cum Laude!

We recently received this bit of news from Rhonda Van Emon of Brick Chapel Shilohs. They're honorary ISSDC NE Region members as they don't have a group that covers their region, so we're pleased to share her news! Brk Chapels Tempted by Delyla, Brick Chapel's latest addition, is from their own Konrad/Fina litter born May 2008. We left the message in tact as sent as we thought it was a lot of fun!

Lyla, Brk Chapels Tempted by Delyla, showing off her graduation bandana.
Photo courtesy of Brick Chapel Shilohs

Lyla graduated from basic obedience this week at the top of her class. As an honor student, she stated that she had to study very little for their silly test. She felt that a 1 minute sit stay and 3 minute down stay were not challenging enough for her shiloh self. She was amazed that the only other classmate that made it through both tests was her Visla pal and fellow honors grad. Lyla also stated that had it not been for older kids misbehaving in the adjacent ring she would have graduated with a 98 rather than a 97.5.

"I graduated top of my class and all I got was this stinkin' bandana?!?!"
Photo courtesy of Brick Chapel Shilohs

Lyla will be taking the rest of December off to play with her new sisters and brothers. She plans to start training them as soon as they figure out how to stand up. In January she will return to class with Boxer gal pal Greta, notably not honors ranked due to above stated distractions. Lyla's prior accomplishments include graduation from Puppy College, 1 Best in Show Jr Puppy, 1st place in her first Rally-O competition, and CGC at 5 months of age. She would like to thank her mother and father as well as brothers for their encouragement in her career.

ISSDC Reporter
Rhonda Van Emon

Thanks for sharing Lyla's accomplishments Rhonda, we see great things for her in the future! Congratulations from your ISSDC NE family.

Bailey Proudly Participates in Costume Contest

Kindred Spirit Shilohs shares photos of their lovely 2 1/2 year old Shiloh Shepherd Smooth coated female, Bailey. She proudly entered the costume contest at the CT Pet Show on October 25.

Bailey, aka Santa Paws, in the Halloween costume contest at the recent CT Pet Show. Photo courtesy of Kindred Spirit Shilohs.

There were 15-20 dogs entered in the Halloween Costume Contest, sponsored by the North East Miniature Australian Shepherd Club aka NEMASC. Prizes were given to the top winners. We're told Bailey wore her costume with pride and without grumbles. We suspect she knew the event was something special just as she is.

Lovely and tolerant Baily in her costume. Photo courtesy of Kindred Spirit Shilohs.

The top 5 entries were chosen by the NAKC, but cheers from the crowd determined the winning order. Bailey strut down the "cat walk" smiling, antlers held high winning herself the number 3 slot.

Bailey showing off a side view of her costume accessorized with her rosette! Photo courtesy of Kindred Spirit Shilohs.

Among her prizes, all donated by NEMASC, was a LED Clip-On Headlight, and a beautiful rosette. It was very tough competition, from the Mi-Ki's dressed up as the Wizard of Oz characters Dorothy, Toto, Flying Monkey with their owner as the wicked witch; to a Dogue De Bordeaux as a bumble bee; Mini Aussie as an airplane; Cotons dressed up as bags of cotton candy and so much more. What a great time.

Congratulations Bailey, thanks for representing us well!

Cooper Hospital names Shiloh Shepherd Tylor 2008 Therapy Animal of the Year

We want to send out a big CONGRATULATIONS to Tylor Brenner on being selected the 2008 Therapy Animal of the Year at Cooper University Hospital in NJ. This is the first Pet Therapy Award given by Cooper Hospital and Planetree Organization.

The award given to Ellen and Tylor to commemorate their efforts at Cooper Hospital. Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.

Barb McCarty, Head of the Child Life Department, introduced Tylor and Ellen at the award ceremony held in early October. Ellen has volunteered at Cooper for many years and started the Pet Therapy program at Cooper in 1997 with her dog, Julie. Tylor and Ellen visit Cooper Hospital every other week to make their rounds. Ellen says that "Tylor, the gentle giant, loves everyone he meets and basks in the attention he receives from staff, patients and parents. He can work a crowd, making sure that no one has missed an opportunity to love him."

Tylor doing some of his best work, a picture is worth a thousand words. Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.

Ellen shares she was very nervous having to give a speech to such a large crowd of people. But, somehow, talking about her boy made it easier and she was able to provide some anecdotes of Tylor's therapy adventures. Ellen admits she was fidgeting and swinging her arm back and forth; with no cajoling Tylor put his paw up to touch her hand, "You should have heard the collective "ahhhhhhhhh" in the audience," shared Ellen.

Ellen was so honored and excited by the support she and Tylor received at the award ceremony. All the people from the Child Life Department came to support them, as did many people from the hospital who came out when they heard Ty was going to be honored. "Tylor was outstanding and showed off his stuff and why he's amazing at what he does," says Ellen. "It was an outstanding experience, one I will never forget."

Tylor and Ellen visiting with an appreciative patient at Cooper Hospital in NJ. Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.

Ty, Beloved BT Tylor of Shenandoah, calls Beloved Shilohs home and is owned by ISSDC NE members Ellen and Murray Brenner. Tylor was bred by Shenandoah Shilohs and is from the Kota/Trinka litter born on Valentine's Day 2004.

Tylor at 19 months old in September 2005. Photo courtesy of Heather Yates, Candid Paws.

I admit I'm biased; Tylor and Ellen are part of my Shiloh family as my Hamish is Tylor's brother, but we are so proud of Tylor and Ellen regardless. She, and Ty, have given so freely of themselves to bring a bright spot to those in some unfortunate circumstances. We wish them many more honors, but we also know they would do therapy work without any accolades as long as it was helping someone.

Congratulations to a great team!

Family Portrait

As of this writing Zion-Misty's Golden Saber, a.k.a. Saber, is 11 1/2 years young. Recently there was a family reunion of sorts as she met her grandson Konrad and her great grandbabies Winston and Lyla for a playdate. Konrad, Konrad Braveheart of Zion, calls ISSDC NE members Brick Chapel Shilohs home and Winston and Lyla are from the first litter whelped at Brick Chapel Shilohs.

l to r: Konrad 5 1/2 years , Saber 11 1/2 years, Winston six months & Lyla six months. Photo courtesy of Brick Chapel Shilohs.

What a lovely moment in time and a great photo.

Corbin's Grand Adventure

Labor Day weekend held an adventure for Blkwd’s Sir Corbin of Sunshine . . . a.k.a Corbin, as he was off to the NKC Labor Day Show in Punxsutawney, PA. Although Punxsutawney Phil never made an appearance, Corbin still had quite the weekend as did dad Harley and older sister Belle [from the first Harley/Sunshine litter]. Corbin is owned by ISSDC NE members Jim and Pat Hartnett of Blackwood Shiloh Shepherds in PA. Pat described the experience as "a beautiful weekend" where Corbin got to spend time with his dad and sister and breeder Anita.

Corbin with his father Harley, at the 2008 NKC Labor Day show. Photo courtesy of Pat Hartnett, Blackwood Shiloh Shepherds.

Corbin took the puppy ring by storm taking two Best in Breed Puppy wins and a wonderful Best in Show Puppy win! His older sister Belle also had a great weekend with a Best of Breed and a RBIS! However, not to be upstaged, dad Harley had three Best of Breed wins, one RBIS and two BIS wins! Quite the weekend for the Sunshine Shilohs extended family as a whole.

Corbin, with breeder Anita Tricoli above, at the 2008 NKC Labor Day show. Photo courtesy of Pat Hartnett, Blackwood Shiloh Shepherds.

Seems Harley is passing the torch to his progeny, he has achieved 114 Best in Shows, 60 Reserve Best in Shows as well as his other bountiful conformation awards. What an amazing accomplishment for Harley in particular but also for Shiloh Shepherds as a breed.

Corbin's father Harley, with owner Anita Tricoli and judges above, at the 2008 NKC Labor Day show with his two BIS trophies and ribbons. Photo courtesy of Pat Hartnett, Blackwood Shiloh Shepherds.

Corbin was the only boy out of the second Harley/Sunshine litter born March 1st 2008 bred by Anita Tricoli of Sunshine Shilohs.

Corbin, his father Harley — with owner Anita Tricoli above — and older sister Belle at the 2008 NKC Labor Day show. Photo courtesy of Pat Hartnett, Blackwood Shiloh Shepherds.

Harley is owned by Anita Tricoli of Sunshine Shilohs and was bred by ISSDC NE breeder/member Patti Schaefer of Shenandoah Shilohs in PA. Belle is owned by Pat & Godfrey Crowe.

Master Supreme Champion Sage

We recently learned that ISSDC NE member Shiloh — Sage, GV NS brCH Beloved Zoey's Legacy of Frack, CGC, TT, TD; has obtained the title of Master Supreme Champion with the NAKC (formerly Rarities) show organization. Sage is the seventh dog of any breed to achieve this honor and the fourth Shiloh Shepherd. What an honor for sure.

Sage stacked, September 2007. Photo courtesy of Heather Yates, Candid Paws.

Sage is the first Shiloh Shepherd to attain this title who is "owned by, bred by and handled by" his owners Ellen and Murray Brenner of Beloved Shilohs in NJ. Although Sage only shows once in a while, he was able to achieve this honor and we are so proud of him. To watch Ellen and Sage in the ring together you can't help but see his devotion to her. They have also achieved GV status with the TSSR and #1 National Select for the ISSDC for the 2007 show year.

Ellen and Sage enjoying themselves in the ring, September 2007.
Photo courtesy of Heather Yates, Candid Paws.

Sage was Ellen and Murray's pick puppy from Beloved's Noah/Zoey litter born in March 2005. Ellen was drawn to Sage from the start but they almost kept a different puppy as she felt it had more of a showmanship personality. Ellen, however, just couldn't let the "sage" ribbon puppy she had fallen in love with over their eight weeks together go, and Sage joined the Beloved family permanently. Ellen shares she just feels "He is as beautiful inside as outside and loves all people and all dogs." Sage has recently sired his first litter and now shares his home at Beloved with his son Finn, as well as his mom Zoey, Tylor and Doberman Gabe.

Sage — September 2007. Photo courtesy of Heather Yates, Candid Paws.

Congratulations to Ellen and Sage — you make quite a team!

Grand Champion Kodiak

Congratulations to GRCH biCH Duke Kodiak of Babbling Brook, CGC, TDI; for earning his NAKC Grand Championship. Kodiak has been picking up Grand Championship points but finished his Grand Championship at the July 12/13 NAKC Fort Mott Classic with an exciting BOB and Group 4 finish, handled by Debbie Cherubin.

Kodiak's owners, ISSDC NE members John and Monica Popaduke of Kindred Spirit Shilohs in NY, couldn't be more proud of their Shiloh boy. Kodiak was the reason they began showing and now they can't imagine not doing it. Earning Kodiak's Grand Championship means more to them then they could have imagined. Kodiak's recent BOB and Group 4 placement was thrilling for Monica. "Wow, what a great birthday present that was for me," shares Monica, "there were so many awesome Shilohs in the breed ring, what a thrill!"

GRCH biCH Duke Kodiak of Babbling Brook, CGC, TDI; above with Monica, judge and handler Debbie Cherubin; after his BOB and Group 4 win at theNAKC Fort Mott Classic. Photo courtesy of Kindred Spirit Shilohs.

Kodiak is from Babbling Brook's December 2006 Malachi/Mia litter bred by Valerie Jones and Jo Ellen Esposito.

Congratulations Kodiak, you've done us all proud ! Many thanks to Kindred Spirit Shilohs for supporting and showcasing the Shiloh Shepherd breed like they do.

ISSDC NE Member Shenandoah Shilohs proud breeder of first NAKC Hall of Fame Dog

We are excited to send Congratulations to Shiloh Shepherd Brodie for not only being the first Shiloh Shepherd to have earned a place in the NAKC Hall of Fame, but for being the first dog of any breed to earn the honor. This is so exciting for his owners, The Grieves family of Midnight Shilohs, his handler Suzy Graham of Tantara Shiloh Shepherds and his breeder ISSDC NE member Patti Schaefer of Shenandoah Shilohs. This is no small feat to achieve as Brodie had to beat 10 Master Supreme Champions to earn the honor. Until recently a Master Supreme Championship was the highest CH awarded by the NAKC and at the present time there are only a select handful of them. Brodie was only the second Shiloh Shepherd to earn his Master Supreme Championship title with NAKC (formerly Rarities) and the fifth dog all around to achieve the title.

Brodie, above with Handler Suzy Graham, with his 2007 ISSDC and NSBR GV awards; Brookville Show Weekend –May 2008. Photo courtesy of Dave Herz of Bold Canine via Midnight Shilohs.

Brodie; GVx2 TD GrCanCH rbCH Shenandoah's Midnight Special, OFA CGN HIC TT; is from the August 2005 Bullet/Willow litter bred by Shenandoah Shilohs in PA.

Brodie has excelled in the conformation ring since puppyhood, starting his career as the ISSDC 2006 Puppy of the Year; 2006 #1 Puppy in Group, #2 Puppy all around and #4 dog in Group for the RBCSWO (Rare Breed Club of Southwestern Ontario); as well as the NSBR #1 Top Dog for 2006. 2007 brought more success as Brodie was honored with double GV awards earning GV status with the ISSDC and the NSBR as well as being named the #1 Top Dog for the RBCSWO.

Brodie, enjoying a momemt of sheer abandon!
Photo courtesy of Midnight Shilohs.

"Brodie's success could not have been obtained without the help of his handler Suzy Graham," explain his owners, the Grieves family. "She brings out the best in him and he absolutely enjoys being in the ring with her."

But on top of Brodie's impressive show career he is a total family dog. The Grieves go on to share, "We have to thank his breeder Patti Schaefer of Shenandoah Shilohs for him, and he is an absolute gem to have in our home. He has a laid back attitude which fits in well in our family. He loves our girls very much and can often be seen upstairs on a bed looking out the window waiting for them to come home from school. He also gets along very well with our other Shiloh, Meeka (Ocean State's Bonnie wee Lassy)."

Brodie taking a minute to stop and smell the flowers.
Photo courtesy of Midnight Shilohs.

Thank you to ISSDC NE member Patti Schaefer for breeding such a great Shiloh and for his owners, Robert and Sue, and handler, Suzy, for bringing out the best in him and showcasing the breed in such a positive way.

Fa la la la la . . .

So there I was, driving out of town and listening to the radio scan from station to station. Suddenly there was a familiar croon coming through the speakers — a reminiscing about a White Christmas. It brought an instant smile to my face. It was a Christmas in July Celebration and I got to listen to Holiday melodies for the rest of the drive. So now I had holiday cheer in July, thinking of the holidays, presents and most of all Winter and Snow, my Shiloh boys most favorite things in the world. Oh what to do with those feelings.

One of my most favorite things to do is taking photos, especially of my boys, and I really don’t get to do it much in the summer as my boys [and I] wilt in the heat. Still I figured I’d take advantage of my Christmas in July mood and share some favorites from Mac Shilohs Christmas last year! I hope you enjoy.

Hamish & Gareth during a Holiday Winter Walk in Franklin Square, Syracuse NY. Photo courtesy of Heather Yates, Candid Paws.

Gareth; rbChptd B&T Rising Star Gareth MacKota, CGC; patiently posing for mom for Holiday photos. Photo courtesy of Heather Yates, Candid Paws.

Hamish; bChptd Hamish MacKota of Shenandoah, CGC, TT; patiently posing for mom for Holiday photos. Photo courtesy of Heather Yates, Candid Paws.

Bailey takes "Best Companion Bitch" in Specialty

Congratulations to Dutchs Bailey BellegraceBearpaw, Bailey, who was awarded Best Companion Bitch in Specialty at the recent TSSR Shiloh Shepherd Shootout Specialty held at the NAKC Lums Pond Classic. Bailey is owned by ISSDC NE members John & Monica of Kindred Spirit Shilohs in NY, and is a beautiful 2+yr old spayed smooth coated Shiloh Shepherd female whom they adopted as a rehome late August 2007. Bailey was bred by Bearpaw Shilohs and Belle-Grace Shilohs of NJ and PA respectfully.

Bailey, above with Monica and her Best Companion Bitch in Specialty ribbon and trophy. Photo courtesy of Kindred Spirit Shilohs.

Bailey has been sitting on the side lines watching her Shiloh pack leader Kodiak in the ring, and has built up her confidence enough to give this showing thing a whirl. As you can see in the photo above, she is now enjoying her new "show career" in the NAKC Companion Spay/Neuter Class.

Pretty Bailey standing. Photo courtesy of Kindred Spirit Shilohs.

Monica wanted to be sure to mention Bailey's trophy and rosette awared for Best Companion Bitch in Specialty was sponsored by Colleen Greathouse of SpiritPath Shilohs in memory of Destined Spirit of Windsong. "Thank you again Colleen," states Monica, "these awards truely hold a special place on our hearts. We really hope more spayed and neutered Shilohs come out to join Bailey in strutting their stuff in the show ring."

Again Congratulations to Bailey and her Kindred Spirit Shilohs family.

New NAKC International Champion, Chase!

Congratulations to new NAKC [formerly Rarities] International Champion Chase. Chase earned his International Championship after only two show weekends, finishing at the Brookville event. His owners and ISSDC-NE members, the Verderrosa family of NJ, are extremely proud of their boy and credit him and his breeder with getting them hooked on attending shows. "I have never shown a dog," explains Mary Anne "but Val said he was her show pup and well, my husband and I love going to the shows now."

Chase, with handler Daniel Rosa and the judge, at the ISSDC Brookville Shows in May 2008. Photo courtesy of Mary Anne Verderrosa.

Chase, Babbling Brook's Chase the Bullet, was bred by Babbling Brook Shilohs in PA and is one of eight Saber/Xena puppies born on December 27, 2006. Mary Anne just fell in love with him as she watched the puppies grow on the Babbling Brook website but he had already been spoken for. So she watched from afar, and as fate would have it he became available and Mary Anne jumped at the chance to bring him home.

Chase as a puppy. Photo courtesy of Babbling Brook Shilohs.

Mary Anne describes Chase as a very sweet and loving boy who loves people, loves to play with his Shiloh "brother" Lobo and loves his toys. He likes to lie on the couch and look at Animal Planet while at home and Mary Anne says he just takes her breath away when she watches him in the ring with handler Daniel Rosa. "When I saw Daniel working with Chase, who was not trained for the ring, I stood back and couldn’t believe that was my pup, he looked amazing," shared Mary Anne.

Chase loving on the judge, Brookville, May 2005. Photo courtesy of Mary Anne Verderrosa.

So Congratulations to Chase and his family from your ISSDC-NE Shiloh family — may you have many more accomplishments to come!