Snow in Phoenix!

Well, we and the dogs are trying to escape winter weather by staying in Arizona. But a storm from California has brought cold, and wild weather to AZ, including high winds, cold temps, hail, thunder storms, rain AND hail and snow showers!  Snow in the Phoenix-area is very rare but we got some today!!  Brrrr!

Miska is a Grandmother!

Miska is a new Grandmother to 5 girls and 3 boys born December 15/10 to Jewel, the mom (Ch. Blackbullet Varazs Legacy NAVHDA Natural Ability Prize ll) bred by Sherryanne Farr and Wes Daniels of Blackbullet Reg'd kennel in Alberta, Canada. The father is "Blaze" (Varazs Kedves Quasar NAVHDA Natural Ability Prize III) who is Miska's son born June 16, 2008.

Pups have been doing well although Jewel has been having a very rough time after the whelping.  There are always risks to the mom (dam) of any litter as well as to the new whelps and it's easy to forget this sometimes. Our biggest hope is that Jewel stays on the road to a full recovery and good health. In the meantime, they have been getting a lot of extra care and tube feeding by breeders Sherryanne and Wes.  Thanks to Sherryanne for the photos of Miska's grand-kids.

Jewel with her babies on Dec. 17

2 weeks old, Dec. 29/10

Best in Show Veteran!

As well as written critiques provided by each judge, the IABCA does run group and best in show competitions. Diva took two Group 2nds & and a Group 3rd. Veterans such as Miska were judged for a Best in Show Veteran competition and Miska took a Reserve Best in Show Veteran on Saturday, Dec. 11 won two all-breed Best in Show Veteran competitions on Sunday Dec. 12.

Miska with her Reserve & Best in Show Veteran rosettes!

2 New International Champions!

Both Miska and her daughter, Diva, strutted their stuff at a recent International All Breed Canine Association (IABCA) all breed dog show in Tucson AZ on Dec. 11-12 and each earned an International Champion (UCI CB) title.  This type of organization is quite different from the Cdn or American Kennel Clubs because the shows are not competition-based. Each dog is judged against the breed standard.  Each judge gives each dog a written critique encompassing 12 different parts of a dog's body and movement. If a dog does well (gets the top score at each show), an adult dog can earn an International Title in three shows. Group and BIS competitions do not affect title points and missing a group or a BIS has no effect on title standings and points.

Both Miska and Diva accumulated four V-1 ratings which is equivalent to "Very Excellent" (the top rating for adult class) although only 3 are needed for an International Title.

Proud Vizsla mum with Diva (L) and Miska (R)

Miska (L) and Diva (R) posing with their IABCA medallions

Hike at Sedona AZ

Yesterday we took my step-daughter & our 3 Vizslas, Miska, Tyro & Diva for a drive and hike to Sedona AZ.  Sedona is re-known for its beautiful red rock formations and definitely worth a visit.  The hike we took was a fairly easy hike along Boynton Canyon.  The rocks were spectactular!  Unfortunately it was very overcast so the red colours were muted.