The brothers Theo and Jammer finished their championships first.  Both boys were owner-handled to all of their wins. I'm proud of them, and their owners.  

Theo still carries his slimy tennis ball around, even though he is a champion. Click here to see his show picture.	Jammer has his ears up now, but he's still the same lovable boy. You can see his first win by clicking here.

The sisters, Rio and Willa were next. Since neither girl can do things small, they decided to finish the same way -- big!!!  Rio was first, adding another 5 pt. major and a 3 pt. major.  Hot on her heals, Willa started the year with a Breed from the classes (for a 4 pointer) and finished with her second 5 point major.  Willa also finished with all her points from the Bred-By class.

Out on the "other" coast, the dogs are doing very well, also. At the Southern California Specialty, Phi-Vestavia Incense N' Mint (Iris) was RWB and Inky (Phi-Vestavia Inkling) won his sweeps class. Phi-Vestavia INXS (pronounced in-excess), Indy, won his regular class.  Indy finished on May 24, 1997 by earning back-to-back four point majors. Congratulations to owner Kathy Steele!!!

In the Pacific Northwest, Ch. Phi-Vestavia Blue Juniper made a reappearance after some winter time off to grow up. He now has many, many Best of Breeds! Juneau's full brother, Shadowalk PV Understudy in Blue, "Rudy," went Best in Match at his first appearance in Helena, Montana.  Rudy finished the year with 11 points, both major, and sister Silver (Shadowalk PV Under a Silver Lining) is also pointed.

Percy has been staying in shape over the long winter by working sheep.  He is perfecting his outrun and looks forward to entering some trials this spring.  Percy has one leg on his Herding Started title and my ambition is for him to finish that title this year. Shown is Percy and his trainer, Sue Mesa, practicing some flanking maneuvers.

The rest of the Phi-Vestavia crew has been staying home, relaxing and playing. A mid-winter visit from Sue and Don Lassila brought us a brindle terror named "Chipper."  Chip is Inky's son out of Ch. Shadowalk's End of the Innocence -- a bitch I've long admired. Pictured is Chipper in his favorite bed with his favorite toy.  Chip is now in a new home in Ohio with owner, Anne Weirum.

Willa has learned to be a bird hunter.  Caged birds, that is. A few squirts from a water bottle is discouraging her, but she still trys to sneak a bird out when I'm not around.

Phi-Vestavia Inkling is our next show prospect. He already has a few points he earned in the puppy class last year. His first litter of puppies looked very promising. Inky is now co-owned with Carolyn and Richard Huff. He has earned 9 points with one major and we are hoping for a champsionship soon. In the meantime, he has sired a couple more promising litters.

And last, but certainly not least, Miss Jaccie came home from Montana with 7 points and one major. Thank you, Susan Lassila for showing her for me.  At the Soaring Gull circuit (one week after arriving home) Jaccie won her second major and a couple more points from the Bred-by class, giving her 13.  Just to prove that 13 wasn't her unlucky number, she finished her championship at her very next show.   Thank you to Kim Fitzgerald to taking her to the show I couldn't get to. I'm used to dogs who finish with 3 or 4 majors and extra points.  Jaccie finished with just two majors, and exactly 15 points.  Ironically, I received her championship certificate faster than any of my other dogs!