May 25-30, 2013 ABTC National Specialty, Portland, Oregon May 25-26, Savannah competed in her first herding trial at the ABTC National Specialty. It was my first since Kylie passed away, and a long time really for me. Savannah must take after her sire in levels of offensiveness to crook direction. After attending a seminar with Larry Painter when she was quite young, Savannah decided that if a crook would be tossed at her, sh ewould not herd. But she was fairly amped up before her run, so I took a crook in "just in case." She "sort of" worked. She covered her stock a couple times, but then let them run down field in the PT course. They went back to the draw. I should have just dropped my crook, but hindsight being 20/20... Well so I retired on course. On day 2, I worked with no crook. I had to be in her face a few times, she was putting too much pressure on the sheep. This caused a couple splits, which sent her chasing after. She didn't do any grips, but I ran after her anyway, preferring not to have a single chased. She returned the single to the group, and on we went. She did some nice covers, which were helped by me starting the motion for her, and squaring my shoulders to the sheep. There was one point where the sheep balled up in the corner, and one dropped it's nose to her, which eliceted a perfect head from her. The judge liked it. We'll try to get ready for the July ASCA trial here in Montana.
May 28 Pinkie and I had a delightful lesson with Julie Flannery (www.rallyfree.com). I learned so much in our short session. Would be so nice to be living back there in Oregon and near her. I really appreciate trainers that will work with you where you are, and without judgement.
May 29th Pinkie and I both made our debut to Rally Novice A at the ABTC National Specialty(Portland). Though she was charming with all people, Pinkie was too nervous to perform. We practiced in the hallway, but once in the ring, I got a cute Terv walking beside me and only did one finish front. She wouldn't perform any other moves. It's okay though she showed her lovely attentiveness, and we will keep practicing and going places. We'll try obedience at Home Depot and there is an obedience class starting up locally that we will join.
May 30th, Abhithi, Aanandi and Savannah were entered in Conformation (ABTC National Specialty, Regular Classes). Savannah went 2nd in American Bred, Abhithi was 3rd (last) in Bred By Exhibhitor, and Aanandi was 2nd in Amateur Owner Handler. Then.... Aanandi went Reserve Winners Bitch for the ABTC National Specialty and a 3pt major :D I was moved to tears. I was so happy. She showed like she belongs in the ring. It was her first time. And I've only shown a few times. I'm not a good handler really, but I love to be with my dogs. It was an amazing experience! We are looking forward to showing again, perhaps at Centralia in July. More pictures to come!
May 20, 2013 "Novak" Anuraag earned his BDD (Basic Disc Dog) title at St-Lazare. He earned 6th place and 1st place in consecutive runs.
January 6, 2013 A new title for Anu!!! "Novak" Basquelaine Anuraag of Intention Hill earns his DDX title today with a 2nd place 50pt finish. First time with an indoor trial and seemed very happy to be back at it.
December 3, 2012 RIP Unia d'Ajelpajo, granddam of my Jai.
I've just learned from Chris Libs, Jai's breeder, that the world famous Unia passed on at 16 1/2 years old. She was still running in agility at 14 years old, and survived her daughter (from her only litter) "Disco" Baikadunia (Jai's mother) who passed away earlier this year to Hermangiosarcoma!
Unia's other offspring continue, as I understand it, including Brittadunia (USA), Bejaydunia recently at 10 1/2 yo won the Swiss Championship in August in agility, Bogeydunia still running agility in the Netherlands, and Jazzydunia with Guy Blanke (Unia's owner) running agility.
Unia's only litter was to Ch Megaspirits' All for One (Athos).
October 31, 2012 A new ram for Intention Hill for the Blackbelly Flock. I traded one of the juvenile BB rams with Five "R" Stockdogs/Sagebrush Meats for this three year old. He has a good attitude. His horns do not curl wide, as mine do, and I would like more length of back, but he has good legs and good color. We're overdue for a fresh BB ram here. So for next breeding, including the two BB ewes that currently have lambs on the ground, I expect to put FiveR to service.
October 31, 2012
"Jai" Chittaprasad Jairam du Volant begins Patrol/Protection training for security work.
October 14, 2012
"Novak" Anuraag completes his Rally Novice title in Canada at the Canadian Collie & Sheltand Sheepdog Association Trial.
September 29, 2012
Aarti, Abhithi and I visited with "Mulder" Amal (aka Aqua Boy) for the afternoon. We headed over to the lake for a swim, and play. I posted some photos here.
September 16, 2012
Another BRAG from the A litter!!! "Novak" Basquelaine Anuraag of Intention Hill, aka Prince Anu, competed in his first Rally Obedience trial at Club Canin Chomedev. He got 95% for 2nd place in his first run, and 98% for 1st place in his second run! Visit "Novak's page here. There are videos of his runs, and his complete "Performance Resume."
September 3, 2012
Another BRAG from the A litter!!! "Novak" Basquelaine Anuraag of Intention Hill, aka Prince Anu, won 1st place in BOTH runs at his frisbee trial today, with a scores of 65 pts and 55 pts. Comments from the judge include "Novak is a dog who can be in the numbers ones in Canada!" Our Prince Anu needs one more leg to complete his BDD title. He's currently at 271 pts, and needs a total of 300pts to complete the DDX title. Visit "Novak's page here.
August 12, 2012 A BRAG from the A litter!!! "Novak" Basquelaine Anuraag of Intention Hill, aka Prince Anu, won 1st place in the first leg of his frisbee trial today, with a score of 71 pts. He earned 2nd place in the second leg with a score of 53pts. He is now Basquelaine Anuraag of Intention Hill, CGN, HIT, DD. Anu's grandmother "Hupy" is also a frisbee queen. Grandma breeder Beata says she's very proud, and so am I! Some photos and a video of his first session here.
July 27, 2012
Some sad health updates for the A litte or relatives of the A'sr:
Orange Boy "Anu" was diagnosed with Pannus, at 1 year of age (07/27/2012)
Muko Deabei (brother to Matti Deabei, sire of the A's) to cancer (small intestine) at 6 years of age.
Minea Deabei (sister to Matti Deabei, sire of the A's) produced one offspring with idiopathic epilepsy (Dx 1/2012, euthanized 3/2012).
River, half sibling to Savannah (mother of the A's) has been diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy (Brenner x Jo litter).
July 3, 2012
I helped my old girl Kylie pass over the bridge today. Her necropsy revealed peritonitis caused by a perforation to the small intestine, the latter caused by cancer. A primary tumor was found on her pancreas. I made a photo montage of her here and wrote more about her on her page.
June 30, 2012 Novak competed in his first Frisbee Trial today! Sandra Lafontaine reports that Novak did well at his first frisbee trial. She said it was windy and hard to throw straight, and she had to head to work right after her runs, so doesn't know the results yet. "But im VERY proud of him - good behavior good focus hes just awesome to bring to canine events."
Bravo to both of them, and really wishing that Sandra's throat would stop hurting. Novak, also called Anu, is more formally known as Basquelaine Anuraag of Intention Hill, CGN, RPT, HIT. Sandra, sent to me by Kelley Hoffman, was interested in one of Anu's sisters, but after I watched her working Vega, I had a strong sense that Anu was her dog. It's been a match made in heaven, they are just in love.
I sent him to her at six months of age, a difficult age to travel alone on a plane for a young Belgian boy, but he has really blossomed with Sandra and her community of dog friends.
Novak/Anu is from the Basquelaine 'A' of Intention Hill litter by UKC Ch Matti Deabei out of my SAR Cert bitch "Savannah" Basquelaine Cat On The Scent (who is torturing the boys in her standing heat as we speak), bred by Kelley Hoffman and me.
June 19, 2012 I wish a very happy birthday to my first litter! It seems impossible that one year ago today, the A's were born! It was Father's Day, and they began just after midnight, arriving about every half hour, but for the last two, which barely had a moment between them. Four of the puppies went on to new homes, and four are still with me. I have jobs to begin training them in, though I will still consider sending two of them on to the right performance or working home.
Basquelaine Amal of Intention Hill "Mulder" is in a companion home on a ranch in Montana. He is to accompany his mistress on trail rides, and help alert the homesteaders to intrusion and predation. He provides them many hours of entertainment.
Basquelaine Alluring of Intention Hill "Lourdes" is with Kelley Hoffman of Basquelaine, and will be part of Kelley's ongoing breeding program. Lourdes broke her leg and has a plate on that femur. She might not have the opportunity to show. She is adored by Kelley and Rick, and also now known as Princess.
Basquelaine Amsterdam of Intention Hill "Vallon" is also with Kelley Hoffman of Basquelaine, and will be part of Kelley's ongoing breeding program. Vallon may have opportunities to participate in showing, agility, tracking or IPO as Kelley or a nearby handler can accomodate, but he will do her proud regardless.
Basquelaine Ashwini of Intention Hill "Pinkie" is with me, and will be training for freestyle and rally, under the online video tutelage of Julie Flannery. She will also be training for Conservation Detection with a new partnership I am part of in the Pacific Northwest. We are working on deciding our first odor, and will begin. Pinkie is suitable for Search and Rescue, agility and possibly herding (ducks certainly, lighter sheep yes, cows no), and could be available for such a home.
Basquelaine Aarti of Intention Hillis with me, and will also be training for detection. We are still contemplating what this will be, as she is very detail oriented like Pinkie, but also has a nice deep nose. It will either be Conservation Detection, or trailing for pet finding, or both really. I hope to also show Aarti in conformation. She says she might like to try herding. Aarti loves swimming, and is a much calmer brand of energy than her siblings, though she is happy to be active all day, as opposed to short bursts of energy. She is nicely tolerant of heat. She is suitable for Search and Rescue, Tracking and Obedience. With her calm and affectionate demeanor, Aarti could also participate in therapy or reading for children programs, but as an active dog with lots of drive, she must also have a good exercise program. I see no residual symptoms from her previous back injury at this time.
Basquelaine Abhithi of Intention Hill is with me, and will be training in agility. I will have online structure and coaching from Marla Friedler, and have practice sessions locally while we are in Montana. Once we move back to Washington or Oregon, we will inroll in some local activities. If opportunity presents, I'd like her to go to Marla for training and handling. At some point, I will also work Abhithi in herding. She has a lot of drive in a very small package. Abhithi is a fairly sharp bitch, very dominant, extremely athletic. She is an extreme swimmer, and I hope, a future dock diving participant. I may train her for Area Search over the next year as a back up to Savannah.
Basquelaine Aanandi of Intention Hill is with me. I have not decided what I will do with her. I really want to work her in avalanche on Mount Hood, and participate in the ski patrol there, but of course, our move is undetermined at this time. She could also participate in the Conservation Detection program. With her current coat, which could be very different as her adult coat comes in, I don't find her as heat tolerant for conservation work in Summer environments, nor Wilderness SAR in warmer months. Once we move, I'd like to try her for IPO. She has come off her bite somewhat, but I expet she'll go back one as she passes through this phase of hormones. I may also work her in herding for trialing. Aanandi is very biddable, though independent, and a deep thinker. She is very social and loves all people. I look forward to showing her in conformation as well.
June 8, 2012 Novak had a special and exciting day! He and Sandra Lafontaine participated in the filming of an episode of Animo, a pet-focused weekly television show in Canada. Novak and Sandra practiced Frisbee for this episode, which takes a look at dog sports. Sandra reports that Novak was a star, friendly with the film crew and other participating dogs. She says she learned some new frisbee techniques to boot, from Martin Daunais.
Filming lasted about 3 hours, and we'll let you know when the episode airs! Such a wonderful opportunity for both of them! Upcoming episodes can be viewed here: http://www.tou.tv/animo. The show's official website is here http://www.radio-canada.ca/emissions/animo/2012/. Visit them on Facebook for, hopefully, some sneak previews https://www.facebook.com/AnimoRC! Novak was of course, the Orange Boy from the A Litter. He is more formally known as Basquelaine Anuraag of Intention HIll, bred by Kelley Hoffman and me, and co-owned by Sandra Lafontaine and me. For more about this litter, clicke here.
Also June 8, 2012
I am sad to learn of the passing of Jairam's mother, "Disco" Ch Baikadunia, AX, AXJ, STDs, MAD, MS, MA, CGC. "DIsco" died of hermangiosarcoma at the age of 10. She produced 19 offspring, and has 26 grandget on the ground as well. Her offspring have been healthy to date with exception of one puppy with epilepsy. Disco gave an intensity of energy and enthusiasm to her offspring. She was highly social and silly, intense in prey drive and athleticism, and seemed to be an eternal puppy herself. RIP Disco. May you find the flock you can really herd there in heaven. Kisses for you. Disco (DN02643101, 5/11/02) was bred by Guy Blancke, by Ch. Megaspirit's All For One x Unia d' Aielpaje. She was owned by Chris & Ryan Libs. Her mother Unja still lives at 16 years of age, in Belgium. To read more about Disco and her offspring, visit Chris' site at Volant Kennel. Chris had this to day of Disco's passing:
Sadly taken from me at only 10 years old, my happy, full of life
groenendael, Belgium bred, was dx with hemangiosarcoma when I took her to be
spayed. She was at an optimum in athletic ability, entered in agility after
litters of pups, heat cycles, to try to get those last Gamblers legs for her
ADCH in USDAA and full of herself. She didn't show any distress until
Saturday night June 2.
We took our last walk around our big ranch and a couple of the Fell ponies
(all black, like little Freisans) came up as if to say goodbye. She chased
a bunny and 2 days ago did some serious chasing on our walks. I knew she
had lost weight, and was distended so the time was near. She turned down
meat but loved to eat horse poop!
My beautiful queen of mischief is gone. Her tail wagged as she passed. I
think she was here to help me learn to enjoy the things that are "free", I'm
always so serious and stressed out. She took in all of the horses, goats,
sheep, birds, sounds, smells and loved life.
Disco's legacy are 19 wonderful puppies and quite a few grandkids out there.
"B'Rumba du Volant" has made his fame with his incredible "heart" for
agility and winning the 2010 Purina Dog Challenge large dog agility and 2nd
in the weave poles. Rumba thinks he's a "Rock Star" and is the most like
Disco, his mom. Happy, happy, happy, loves everybody. We had time to
connect with the Volant Family relatives and I'll see parts of Disco is all
of them. Disco's[Mother] incredible FCI Champion "Unia d'Ajelpajo" is lives in
Belgium and is 16 years old, competing into her 14th year in agility.
I just hope Disco doesn't get "demoted" at the Bridge stealing from other
Angels! (she wanted me to think happy thoughts, it's hard!)
Chris Libs
I have written more about my memory of Disco here.
April 3, 2012 Eva's lambs are on the way. She's been uncomfortable all evening. She wanted to lamb in the woods, which is cleaner, but with the fox about, and lions, coyotes and wolves, I made her come into the barn. Eva is 1/2 Shetland x 1/4 Rabouillet 1/4 Polypay. More about this here.
March 28, 2012 Predation begins, signaling Spring. One lamb lost to Raven attack. Neighbors dogs killed by lion, and another by wolf. More about this here.
March 23-24, 2012
Basquelaine A of Intention Hill Litter CERF Clear/Normal (Aanandi, Aarti, Abhithi, Aswhini, Mulder)
Basquelaine Cat On The Scent "Savannah" CERF Clear/Normal
Chiitaprasad Jairam du Volant CERF Normal
Gabbit Elmar Slovakia CERF Normal
March 22, 2012
Aarti spinal xrays reveal normal spine with no fractures, preliminary hip xrays confirm good to excellent hips, pelvis still not fused, no signs of panosteitis - gorgeous healthy bones. Confirms soft tissue injury, which has been steadily healing with Percussive Realignment from Deb Gwynn of Glacier Peak Holistics, plus the addition of MSM, Vitamin C and Inflapotion.
March 9, 2012
New photos of the puppies at home, with two cute series "Study on Tennis Ball" (Pinkie) and "Reflections of a Tennis Ball" (Abhithi), 8 months old: Photos here.
February 18-20, 2012
This weekend, Gabbit, Abhithi and Savannah practiced skijor with just a collar line, running beside Jairam. For Gabbit and Abhithi, this was their first time. Neither one had any reaction to the skis nor the sound of the skis when I snow plowed :P Abhithi kept jumping over my skies, cirling me... without fear! Liveing up to her name. Here is some video of their first attempts: Gabbit with Jai
February 17, 2012
I am saddened by the loss of a great Groenendael, FR 3 MR 3 Orsam de Salte Cabre, FR3, MR3. Orsam was the first Groenendael in 25 years to be present at the final of the ring ( Fr.Ring III, Selectif 2003 & 2004, Finalist 2003, Mondioring III, Selectif 2005, Finalist in september 2005). I am privileged to have one of his sons, Chittaprasad Jairam du Volant "Jai" (SAR), and to have connected with others with his progeny so I may follow their progress in life. He left us February 17th, at 14 years of age. RIP and my condolences to André Dugast. http://www.working-dog.eu/dogs-details/6950/Orsam-de-Salte-Cabre
February 4, 2012
New photos of Gabbit and Aarti at Lake Kookanoosa-MT, 7 months old: Photos here.
January 29, 2012
New photos of "Mulder" (Amal), Abhithi and Aanand, 7 months oldi: Photos here.
December 31, 2012 - Lambing Season Began!
Last season, we lost two lambs early Spring, causing two ewes to be on a different lambing schedule for 2012. The first ewe had her lamb trampled in a feeding frenzy over the daily mash. This year, ewes are staying in the night pen for three days, The LGD also prevent the previous frenzy over the mash. The second early loss last year was due to fox predation. The remaining ewes should lamb in February.
December 10, 2011
Exciting announcement from Kennel Deabei, from which we have the sire of the A Litter (Matti Deabei) and the sire of Gabbit (Prot Deabei). Prot will be bred to Minea Deabei, Matti's sister, for a 2012 litter. We will follow this litter with great interest, as it may be predictive of future aspirations for Gabbit and the girls from the A Litter.
December 6th
The remaining four A Litter puppies and Gabbit contracted Parvo after Pinkie visited Petco on the 3rd. All puppies have made a full recovery. Gabbit and Aanandi were not very sick, Gabbit had mild inappetance and diarrhea for a week, Aanandi had inappentance, bloody diarrhea and a little vomiting, but only for two days, then she was bouncing off the walls again. Pinkie took 5-6 days to recover, with her primary issue being inappetance. She had soem diarrhea and vomiting, but mostly she had no action. She got fluids for 1/2 day, IV. Abhithi needed about 5 days of IV fluids, during the day,and I brought her home each night for holistic treatment. Aarti was the sickest, but still maintained her energy to go potty at the litter, or to vary her sleeping spots. She took about two weeks. All puppies have made a full recovery, with the only long term affect expected to be lifetime immunity.
December 4th
Anuraag flies to his new home in Quebec City - Montreal. He is now called "Novak" and will train in agility, obedience, herding and skijor. He is now co-owned with Sandra Lafontaine and Tracy Wessel.
All puppies in the litter passed their BAER testing with hearing in both ears (+/+).
September 3, 2011
Aqua Boy is now Basquelaine Amal of Intention Hill "Mulder" - now with Marty & Harriet Collier of Libby, MT
August 30, 2011
Purple Girl is now Basquelaine Alluring of Intention Hill "Lourdes" - now in residence with Basquelaine
Blue Boy is now Basquelaine Amsterdam of Intention Hill "Vallon" - now in residence with Basquelaine
Red Girl is now Basquelaine Aanandi of Intention Hill - will remain with Intention Hill
August 2011
Welcome to Gabbit Elmar Slovakia (Ich.Prot Deabei, IPO2 x CAC, R.CACIB Karla z Polytanu), bred by Juraj Paulovič, Slovakia
Prot trains in IPO with owner/breeder Beata Stybrova in the Chzech Republic. Karla is with the Slovakian Police with owner/handler Juraj Paulovič. Gabbit will train in narcotics detection and protection, and team with Jairam for skijor when he is old enough.
June 11, 2011
Prot Deabe (Sire of Gabbit) with breeder/owner/handler Beata Štýbrová - IPO3 (77/87/82)
Prot Deabei executed exam IPO3 today.
Helpers Martin Plecháček and Tomáš Taubner. "Points are not selective, but they are good enough and due to the strict arbitration I appreciate them.
The exam left me feeling good from hard work and enjoyment of training. Prot worked for me and it was great.
I love my dog! I love Prot :o)"
Latest Photos
Gabbit Elmar Slovakia, 15 months (9/23/12)
Aarti, 15 monhts (9/23/12)
Anuraag "Novak" at his 2nd Frisbee Trial (8/12/12)
Aanandi with her mother Savannah (3/9/12, T. Wessel)
May 29th Pinkie and I both made our debut to Rally Novice A at the ABTC National Specialty(Portland). Though she was charming with all people, Pinkie was too nervous to perform. We practiced in the hallway, but once in the ring, I got a cute Terv walking beside me and only did one finish front. She wouldn't perform any other moves. It's okay though she showed her lovely attentiveness, and we will keep practicing and going places. We'll try obedience at Home Depot and there is an obedience class starting up locally that we will join.
