Introducing Sweetbay's 2009 Titlists

Introducing Sweetbay’s 2009 Titlists

We'd like to introduce you to the Newfoundlands and their special owners who achieved titles in 2009.

Jimmy

Ch Sweetbay’s James CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-8867, EL-2706
Call name: Jimmy
Born: 9-6-03
Sire: Sweetbay’s Tanner AmCanCD RN AmCanDD, OFA 7777, EL-1867
Dam: Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD RE TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owner: Maria Rizzuto, Golden, Colorado
Title earned: CD (AKC Companion Dog obedience title)

The Martin Luther King weekend in January was a particularly successful one for Maria Rizzuto. Her Jimmy earned two legs toward his CD title with back-to-back performances that were consistent and clean. His third CD leg came at the High Country Newfoundland Club’s regional specialty on February 12th. There were many Newfs in competition, and Maria was elated when Jimmy finished his CD and went High in Trial.

Annie

Sweetbay’s Corinanne CD RN TDD, OFA NF-8246, EL-2221
Call Name: Annie
Born: 3-28-02
Sire: Sweetbay’s Kyak CD CanCDX WD CanWRD DD CanDDX, OFA NF-7189
Dam: Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owner: Nancy Aliff, Tallahassee, Florida
Title earned: RN (AKC Rally Novice title)

Nancy Aliff’s Annie had earned her CD easily, and they had embarked on Open training. That’s a big leap up from novice, and Nancy wisely decided to lighten the work with a little bit of rally. Annie loved the fast pace and the variety, and they earned their rally novice title easily, finishing up on February 21st.

Sharon and Petra demonstrate Petra’s flashy heeling.

Maria elatedly shows off the tracking glove that Vivi has just found.

Sweetbay’s Vivian CD RA TD TDD WD, OFA NF-10505, EL-4130
Call name: Vivi
Born: 4-4-08
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay's Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Ellie, OFA NF-9695
Owner: Maria Rizzuto, Golden, Colorado
Title earned: TD (AKC Tracking Dog title)

Patti Pigeon provided the figurative nudge, encouraging Maria to track her six-month-old puppy. From their first time in the field, it was instantly apparent that this was the sport Vivian was born for. She showed such enthusiasm and joy on the track that she was nicknamed the “Mighty Mite.” She didn’t care about the weather, the terrain, or the abounding distractions: she just hustled and snuffled until she joyously found that glove. She certified early in spring, but failed to make the draw for the first test they entered. That was her last “failure” – Maria’s entry was drawn first for the April 5 test at Chatfield, a wonderful omen since Vivian would turn one year old on April 4. Her luck continued as Maria drew track #1 at the test. Cold weather and snow on the ground meant the handlers and tracklayers were bundled up, but one Newfie puppy was in heaven. Vivian ran her track – literally at a run – in the blink of an eye, sailing around the corners and charging down the straights. When she got to the glove, she stopped dead, nosed it once, then spun around, grinned at Maria, and nosed it harder, sending it sailing into the air, as if to say, “Here it is! Get up here!” Her exuberant indication gave the judges a good chuckle. Maria agrees that this was a wonderful – and memorable – way to celebrate Vivian’s first birthday.

Petra sports her qualifying rosett.

Sweetbay’s Petra CDX U-CDX RN UR01 WD DD
Call name: Petra
Born: October 6, 2006
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay’s Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Taylor, OFA NF-8333, EL-2288
Owners: Sharon & Michael Marcus, Portland, Oregon
Title earned: U-CD (UKC Companion Dog obedience title)

Petra started her UKC obedience career with two back-to-back legs the last weekend in January. She is a very happy worker and is focused and upbeat in the ring. Her third leg came on April 19th. UKC novice work has a few innovations not present in AKC obedience. The biggest change is that the dog leaps a jump as it returns to the handler on the recall. Petra’s judge made a point to compliment Sharon Marcus on Petra’s enthusiastic work, and noted how unusually light she was on her feet for a big dog. Apparently soaring over a jump was not what the judge was expecting.

Carol guides Hayley to the next obstacle on the maneuvering course.

Sweetbay’s Hayley WRD DD, OFA NF-10036, EL-3686
Call name: Hayley
Born: October 6, 2006
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay’s Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Taylor, OFA NF-8333, EL-2288
Owner: Carol & Mike Perkowski, Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Title earned: DD, requalification (NCA Draft Dog carting title)

When Denver’s spring 2009 draft test rolled around, so did a nasty blizzard, which created all sorts of issues for the test sponsors. It didn’t bother Carol Perkowski or Hayley at all, though. Hayley handled the slippery snow on the maneuvering course with aplomb, and she and Carol showed true teamwork and mutual enthusiasm as they performed each of the tasks with style.

Carol freely admits that the hardest part, for Hayley, is working at the (slow) speed required by the rules. She’s an enthusiastic carting dog and has a brisk, efficient pace; she is always the fastest dog in the freight hauls. But the rules require that the dogs remain behind the lead stewards, and those stewards tend to saunter. Fortunately, Hayley responds well to a “slow” command, and doesn’t seem to mind Carol reminding her to cool her jets as they lead the way on the mile long route.

Lyric looks to Lois for guidance as she flies off the dog walk.

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H, OFA NF 7437, EL 1624
Call Name: Lyric
Born: 12-17-99
Sire: Sweetbay’s Cheechako AmCan CDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF 4603, EL 173
Dam: Sweetbay’s Talisman CD, OFA NF 6526,EL 1016
Owner: Lois Apfel, Lakeside, California
Titled Earned: CSL3-H (CPE Specialists Level 3- Handler Games)

Lois and Lyric compete in many agility venues, but the CPE games are high on their list of favorites. The “Handler” games consist of a combination of Wildcard and Colors courses. Wildcard requires the handler to somewhat construct his own run, choosing one of two obstacles placed side by side at various places on the course. Lyric finished this requirement in June, 2008. Colors has two courses in the same ring, and the handler chooses which he wishes his dog to run. This one was more problematic, as Lyric is a broad-minded dog and thinks the best course should include some of both colors. But she held it together and qualified the required three times, including a spectacular final leg on a 43 second standard course, where her time was a blazing 30.18 seconds.

Lyric exits the tunnel at top speed.

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H, OFA NF 7437, EL 1624
Call Name: Lyric
Born: 12-17-99
Sire: Sweetbay’s Cheechako AmCan CDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF 4603, EL 173
Dam: Sweetbay’s Talisman CD, OFA NF 6525, EL 1016
Owner: Lois Apfel, Lakeside, California
Title Earned: CSL3-S (CPE Specialists Level 3- Strategy Games)

CPE (Canine Performance Events) has many inventive agility games, and Lois and Lyric have given them all a try. For the Strategy Games Title, they were required to earn three legs each in Snooker and Jackpot. The rules for those competitions are too complex to list here, but Lois enjoys the mental challenge they pose. In April 2008, Lyric finished her Snooker requirements. But that last Jackpot leg seemed to elude her, with a new reason each time. However, at the West Los Angeles Obedience Club trial on March 29, 2009 she was successful in her Jackpot run, earning 42 points and coming in two seconds under the standard course time.

Michael directs Petra through the low narrows.

Sweetbay’s Petra CDX U-CDX RN UR01 WD DD
Call name: Petra
Born: October 6, 2006
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay’s Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Taylor, OFA NF-8333, EL-2288
Owners: Sharon & Michael Marcus, Portland, Oregon
Title earned: DD (NCA Draft Dog title)

Petra made her draft debut at PNNC’s spring draft test, held on May 17 at Lewisville Park, just north of Vancouver, Washington. It’s a beautiful park with miles of paved and dirt trails, and many heavily treed areas provide plenty of shade for the obedience and maneuvering portions.

Petra was the youngest dog of the ten-Newf entry, but she worked like a seasoned veteran. Owner Michael Marcus accompanied her through the three portions of the test, and their teamwork was exemplary. The freight haul was a treat. Petra was the first dog in the group by catalog order, and she set off at a good clip. She covered the mile at that same steady quick pace, insisting on being the lead dog the entire way. The sunny weather had the crowds out in full force, and there were distractions aplenty. Petra noticed each one, yet remained responsive to Michael’s commands.

Wyatt

Sweetbay’s Wyatt WD, OFA NF-9155, EL-2930
Call Name: Wyatt
Born: 5-19-04
Sire: CanCh Sweetbay’s Kyak AmCanCDX WRD CanWRDX DD CanDDX W-FD FDN, OFA NF-7189
Dam: Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD RE TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owner: Kathy Robbins, Mt. Airy, Maryland
Title earned: WD (NCA Water Dog water rescue title)

Kathy Robbins wryly admits that she was too indulgent when Wyatt was a youngster. He’s a natural clown, and loves to make Kathy laugh. That’s a wonderful trait, but Kathy soon learned that it hampered training. When water season rolled around, Kathy buckled down and explained the new rules to Wyatt: “You can still do your stand-up routines, but only after our training session is over.”
That change paid off nicely. At the Colonial test on August 29th, at Codorus State Park in Pennsylvania, Wyatt aced his six junior water test exercises. His speed, energy and enthusiasm made him the center of attention - and he was the only Newfie (junior or senior) to qualify that day. Kathy reports that Wyatt was very focused on his work - for the most part. There were - ahem - a few comic relief moments when he sneaked in some drive-by smooches with the judges and he flung some broad grins at the crowd, but those just captivated the audience all the more.

Zara

Sweetbay’s Zara CD DD WRD, OFA NF-10497, EL4123
Call Name: Zara
Born: 3-19-08
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay’s Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Somerset, OFA NF-9432
Owner: Pat and Rick Pourchot, Ballwin, Missouri
Title earned: WD (NCA Water Dog water rescue title)

Rick Pourchot and Zara passed their WD at the Heart of America water test in Olathe, Kansas, on September 5. Zara was the youngest dog at the test, and one of only two juniors to pass. Zara has loved water work since puppyhood, from the very first time she encountered a body of water big enough to swim in, and her actions at the test reflected her joy and the pride she takes in the work. She aced the five in-the-water tasks promptly and with enthusiasm, never needing a second command. The test site was very shallow, with the change from wading to swimming depth at least twenty-five feet from shore. This posed a problem for many dogs, who weren’t keen on the long wading distance before the boat beached. But Zara loved the extra challenge, and plowed it straight into shore and up onto the sand.

At the test, one of the spectators asked Rick how he managed to keep her attention considering her young age. This is especially hard during the lengthy between-exercise times on the beach. Rick just smiled and said, “I talked to her, paying her compliments, telling her what pretty brown eyes she had, how lovely her fur was, and so on.” Clearly, that did the trick.

Lexi wears her qualifier’s medal as she poses with judges Pam Rubio (left) and Shauna Bryant.

Sweetbay’s Alexis AmCanCD U-CD RA WD CanWRD DD, NF-8169, EL-2157
Call Name: Lexi
Born: 11-15-01
Sire: Sweetbay's Cheechako AmCanCDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF-4603, EL-173
Dam: Sweetbay's Esme AmCanCD TD WRD AmCanDD, OFA NF-7215, EL-1456
Owner: Kenny Norman, Bellevue, Washington
Title earned: DD (NCA Draft Dog title)

Lexi earned her DD on October 11 at the Newfoundland Club of Seattle’s fall draft test, held at Battle Point Park on Bainbridge Island, just outside Seattle. Lexi was one month shy of her eighth birthday. She was the oldest dog in the test, although you would never have guessed from watching her work. She was also the only one to pass (in an entry of twelve).

Owner Kenny Norman put Lexi through her paces. He reported that the freight haul was particularly difficult, and many otherwise good workers succumbed to its challenges. The one mile route included a cliff with a steeply vertical down-slope, and the judges instructed the handlers to physically assist the dogs for safety’s sake. Later, the dogs encountered a narrow footbridge with a low rail on only one side, a tricky spot that caused several of them grief. Many more failed to resist the intriguing distraction: two people sitting on a bench at a narrow wooded section of the trail, each squeaking an obnoxious rubber dog toy. Lexi, however, showed her maturity and excellent training and proofing by maintaining her focus and her steady pace. At the end of a long day, judges Pam Rubio and Shauna Bryant were all smiles as they handed Kenny and Lexi their trophy.

Sue and Ruca

WA Sweetbay’s Ruca CDX RE WRD TDD, OFA EL-4152
Call name: Ruca
Born: 4-4-08
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay's Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Ellie, OFA NF-9695
Owner: Sue and Mark Raney, Arvada, Colorado
Title earned: DD (NCA Draft Dog title)

According to NCA rules, dogs must be eighteen months old to enter a draft test. Sue Raney’s puppy, Ruca, would turn eighteen months old two weeks before Colorado’s fall draft test – and to Sue, this seemed like a good omen. Ruca loves to learn new things, and she and Sue had been busy with water and obedience. It wasn’t much of a stretch to add draft to their “to do” list. Ruca’s introduction came in tandem; Sue hitched experienced big brother Quin into team shafts, and slipped a harnessed Ruca right beside him. Ruca is like all pesky little sisters; she just has to do what her brother does, and she caught on very quickly. In no time, she no longer needed his support, and started carting on her own. Maneuvering was a cinch. Sitting and standing patiently took longer; Ruca is very social and active, and holding still is not her strong suit.

Ruca showed poise far beyond her age at Saturday’s test (October 17) at Lions Park in Golden. She made it through basic control in fine style, for once refraining from wiggling her way through the one minute stay. She worked confidently and quickly in the maneuvering course; she was clearly on task. The freight haul was typical for this test site, which means wall-to-wall distractions. Literally every minute, something new and unexpected pops up. Much of the route is along Clear Creek, and water-loving Ruca found the rushing waters, only a few feet away, quite attractive. But Sue calmly talked Ruca along, keeping her focused on the job – and keeping those Newfie feet on the trail and out of the creek bed.

Quin

Sweetbay’s Quin CD RE WRD TDD, OFA NF-8101, EL-2105
Call name: Quin
Born: 11-15-01
Sire: Sweetbay’s Cheechako AmCanCDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF-4603, EL-173
Dam: Sweetbay’s Esme AmCanCD TD WRD AmCanDD, OFA NF-7215, EL-1456
Owner: Sue and Mark Raney, Arvada, Colorado
Title earned: DD requalification (NCA Draft Dog title)

When Sue Raney decided to ready her youngster, Ruca, for the fall draft test, her biggest helper was eight year old Quin. He came to the park during their practices and stepped right into the role of Ruca’s mentor. Sue hitched them both into a team rig, and Quin showed Ruca that draft work was great fun. He also taught her how to maneuver that cart with precision. Ruca caught on quickly, but it was obvious that Quin had no intention of bowing out. Each time Sue gathered up the gear for a session, Quin would be right there, nosing the harnesses, insisting on coming too. So Sue gave into the inevitable, and entered Quin as well.

On test day, October 17, Quin was all smiles, grinning from shaggy ear to shaggy ear as he breezed his way through basic control, maneuvering, and the freight haul. As a youngster, distractions were his biggest downfall, and Lions Park abounds with them. But Quin-the-mentor was unflappable. And Sue, who cheerfully concedes that she can get really nervous at tests, was the picture of calm, happily handling her steady boy to his requalification.

Annie

Sweetbay’s Corinanne CD RN TDD, OFA NF-8246, EL-2221
Call Name: Annie
Born: 3-28-02
Sire: Sweetbay's Kyak CD CanCDX WD CanWRD DD CanDDX, OFA NF-7189
Dam: Sweetbay's Darby AmCanCD TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owner: Nancy Aliff, Tallahassee, Florida
Title earned: DD requalification (NCA Draft Dog carting title)

When a Sweetbay dog becomes a good draft dog, those skills remain with him throughout his life. And when a dog loves to cart, it’s a shame to retire him just because he’s earned the draft title. Nancy Aliff knows Annie loves to cart, and she is an especially good team draft dog. Her steadiness and competence have helped many Newfoundlands get a good start in team work. And every once in a while, Annie is invited to be part of a team that will compete in an official NCA test. For instance, on November 15, 2009, Annie formed half of a team that competed at the Florida club’s draft test, held at Eagle Farms in Riverview. Annie and her partner Luke were by far the eldest dogs in the test (at seven-and-a-half and eight, respectively) but they put the youngsters to shame. The veteran team was the only qualifier of the day – and they had an absolutely wonderful time doing so. As Nancy says, “It might not have been the most blazingly fast freight haul in the history of NCA draft work, but it certainly was the most fun to watch. Everyone cheered when they passed the finish line.”

Petra poses by a rally station sign.

Sweetbay’s Petra CDX U-CDX RN UR01 WD DD
Call name: Petra
Born: October 6, 2006
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay's Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Taylor, OFA NF-8333, EL-2288
Owners: Sharon & Michael Marcus, Portland, Oregon
Title earned: RN (AKC Rally Novice title)

Petra began her AKC rally career on October 31/November 1 at the Willamette Kennel Club shows in Salem, Oregon. She qualified both days, with a 93 followed by a 98. Spectators and stewards alike complimented owner Sharon Marcus on Petra’s happy attitude and their nice teamwork. Her third leg came on December 4, and her 96 score earned her a fourth place rosette. The course was particularly difficult, with its many elements crammed into an unusually small space. Sharon reported that it was so tight, even the dachshund’s owner complained. But Sharon had trained well on even tighter practice courses, and Petra handled it easily.