Happy New Year! Recap of Espy's achievements for 2015

2015 closed with Espy achieving four titles in one year.  She finished her Championship with a Major at the Reno Kennel Club, then went on to get her first Best of Breed at the Mensona Kennel Club.   Big thanks to my handler, Lisa Fennell and to Judge Vince Mulligan.  

Then we concentrated on training for our performance titles.  Espy hit it out of the park getting scores of over 90 each time she appeared in the Rally Ring.  She finished her Rally Novice title at the San Joaquin Kennel Club in Stockton in November, finishing with a score of 97 that day.  That was her second performance of the day (and what a long day it was!) which didn't start until after 5 p.m. due to the large number of entries.  If you get a chance to compete for obedience at the Stockton shows, you should do it.  They have such a great set up with the rings there.  

Espy also finished her Companion Dog obedience title that day, with a score of 193 out of a possible 200.  She just got better and better each day of what is fondly known as "The Turkey Circuit" because it happens near Thanksgiving each year.  We started the Companion Dog title in Turlock at the Golden Valley shows and Espy did me proud by earning scores in the 190's each day.  Three days, three legs and the title.  

The last day of the Turkey Circuit, Espy competed in Conformation and took Best of Opposite Sex, defeating two the top ranked bitches in the nation and earned her first Major towards her Grand Champion title.  We'll hope to make more progress on that title in 2016.  

To say that I'm proud of this lovely girl would be understating it.  I owe so much to my mentor in the breed, Vicky Cochran Rudy, who educated my eye about topline and movement and taught me the importance of those things to this wonderful breed.  

I also owe a debt of gratitude to Linda Orr, who bred Isabella, Espy's mother.  She had the foresight to see the potential of the Rocket/Celine breeding that produced Isabella.  

For her (seemingly endless) patience in teaching me about obedience, I thank Cecelia Banfield of Sky's The Limit Dog Traning in Vacaville.  Without her, my footwork was a mess.  She helped me become the handler my dogs deserve and improved our scores immensely. 

And, lastly, but not least, to Jim and Colleen Squires who bred Tony, Espy's father.  She wouldn't be here without you!