2008 - Where did it go?  Thinking back on the year, it is sometimes hard to summarize all the events in our little Elkhound corner of the world.  While the breed has scored some positive highlights over the last twelve months, it is also poorer for the loss of several world-wide "guiding lights."  It is our hope that the wisdom of the younger generation will emerge to see the breed through what is currently a trying time.

Due to the wonder of the internet, we have met some wonderful new friends from all over the world who share our passion of breeding and presenting the best quality Elkhounds possible.  We are continually amazed at the popularity and interest this website generates.  Our control counter shows a current total of 28,000+ visitors and nearly 73,000 page views since inception only a year and a half ago.  There is still much work to do on our site and we pledge to bring you more of the "golden oldies" from years past along with needed updates to our current crop of young hopefuls.

We are thrilled and gratified with the victories of all our dogs over and their offspring over the past year.  The following three offspring of SBIS/UBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Klearly Proud have made it a year to remember!  Son BIS/SBIS Ch. Highland Typhoon is the #1 Elkhound in the U.S. (group system) for 2008, son American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kodiak Snowbear finished as #3 Elkhound in Canada and daughter, new Best in Show winner American/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Klapham Junction is not only the #1 Elkhound in Bermuda, but the #1 Hound as well.  Thank you, "Kubota"!!!  We close our 2008 books out with 137 recorded Championships along with a number of individuals on the Championship "finishing line."  We have several really lovely young puppies to start out in 2009, such as young Kamgaard Kekekabic, pictured below on the December 24th entry at 4+ months of age.

We send you our very best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year!

Maggie and Sally

(Photo above of Kamgaard Katch The Buzz being chased by his rescue girlfriend, "Hallie" in his Chicago backyard... it seemed appropriate as this was being uploaded on New Year's Eve amidst a snowstorm!) 

A sad week here as two Kamgaards have crossed the Rainbow Bridge -- a half brother and sister, both offspring of Ch. Elvemel's Brittany. 

Kamgaard Knickerbocker MSLF ("BC") at age 14+ owned by Dave and Cindy Bundy

and

Kamgaard Kindred Spirit ("Libby") at age 13+ owned by Joe and Sandy Olesky were both long lived, much loved and gave their owners much joy.  We've done some reminiscing about them with their owners and know that both will be sadly missed.

Rest in peace "BC" and "Libby."

Good news reached us this afternoon from excited co-breeder/co-owner Linda Atcheson in Bermuda that Ch. Kamgaard Klapham Junction ("Liza") was

BEST IN SHOW!!!

today at the third of the six show circuit of the Bermuda All-Breed Club under Canadian judge, Mr. Jack Ireland.  She had won the Hound Group at the first two shows as well, so 3 GR1's and the Best out of the first 3 shows.  Equally thrilled was her handler Bermudian Leanne Christie who we have worked with since she first entered the Junior Showmanship ring with her Corgi.  She has grown into a lovely young woman who is an excellent handler.  CONGRATULATIONS, LEANNE on your first Best In Show!  May the future hold many more for you.

Our first winter storm of the season dumped quite a few inches of the white stuff and when coupled with leaves still on the trees and high winds, we have been experiencing power outages...BUT...the puppies are just in Heaven!  That's not just "frost on the pumpkins" you see at the entrance to our driveway!

On to Wisconsin where we happily sorted through the quartet born to Ch. Sangrud Julibjorn Benjamin and Ch. Kamgaard Kan You Hear Me Now and raised by Kristin Wehking for us.  Uniform puppies of high quality, they are a tribute to their designed pedigree which triples on Norway's best known producer, Norwegian Dual Ch. Baus.  We chose to bring "Miss Violet" home with us. 

We spent several days visiting with various members of our dog "family" and we were reminded time and again how fortunate we are to have true friends.  Once home, young "Kobi" was SO happy to have a playmate his size!

The good Lord gives with one hand while taking with the other...

A rainy and foggy day found us riding to Connecticut to evaluate the three sons born to Ch. Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks and SBIS/UBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kapri at Graafin.  Three "peas in a pod"!  After much poking, prodding and gaiting we found ourselves going home with young

"Kobi"

a beautiful square, silver guy with excellent shoulders, clean movement and an outstanding attitude!

Once home, we learned of the death of Maggie's long-time advisor, mentor and "other mother." Mrs. Margaret Walton, of Lyn-Mar Acres Basset Hound fame passed away at the grand age of 90.  The Basset Hound Club of America has honored her with this tribute on their website: 

http://www.basset-bhca.org/WebPDFs/2008%20-%20BHCA%20-%20Peg%20Walton%20-%20website.pdf

Rest in peace, Peg.  There will never be another like you and I treasure our times together.

More great news!!!  As if yesterday's specialty wins weren't enough, we learned this evening that the Klearly Proud son, BIS/SBIS Ch. Highland Typhoon earned his THIRD Best in Show today at the Laurel Highlands Kennel Association under Mark Kennedy.

CONGRATULATIONS once again, "Ty" !!!

Undaunted by approaching hurricane Hanna, we set off early in the morning with Bermudians Linda and David Atcheson for the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club Specialty show in North Branch, New Jersey.   Despite rumors of the show being cancelled due to the weather, the specialty judging was completed before the heavens opened up... Amen!  Sweepstakes judging was done first by Nancy Dougherty and she found her Best in Sweepstakes in Kamgaard Kase In Point, ably shown by Sue Ratz.  The regular classes were judged by Carol Reisman ("Kai") and the "Kriega kids" had a field day!;  5 point majors each to the Winners Dog, Strom's Dancing With The Stars and the Winners Bitch and Best of Winners, Kamgaard Kase In Point from the 9-12 month Puppy Bitch class.  As well, the Kriega daughter Kamgaard Highland Karmann Ghia was Reserve Winners Bitch.  Reserve Winners Dog to Graafin KNK Maximum Kool Fusion, a son of Ch. Kamgaard Konscious Kontact.  Lots of class wins with siblings, too and overall, it was a very gratifying day.  A wonderful club meeting and picnic followed with lots of new and friendly faces and after helping each other pack up, we paddled our way home!

has been flying low and has dropped several "bundles":

Born July 5th - 3 males to Ch. Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks ex SBIS/UBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kapri at Graafin (in co-ownership with Graafin Norwegian Elkhounds)

and

Born July 8th - 2 males, 2 females to Ch. Sangrud Julibjorn Benjamin ex Ch. Kamgaard Kan You Hear Me Now

Mommas and babies are doing just fine!

CONGRATULATIONS once again to BIS/SBIS Ch. Highland Typhoon

for his BEST IN SHOW today at the Potomac Hound Club under judge Nancy Bodine!!!

Arriving home on a big high from the National, we were suddenly brought back down to earth this week with the passing of two ladies in Elkhounds which will never be replaced.  Early in the week came the news of the sudden and unexpected death in England of Margaret Harper ("Ravenstone" Elkhounds).  Working with Ravenstone dogs since the 70's, we grew to appreciate the many qualities inherent in this bloodline and incorporated many individuals into our breeding program.  Margaret was a visionary in her breed and we embarked on a bloodline exchange program which benefited both of our kennels as well as many individuals around the world.

Later in the week, we learned of the passing of Canada's First Lady of Elkhounds, Barbara Innes ("Karin" Elkhounds).  Barb had bravely battled cancer for several years, so while her death was not unexpected, we nonetheless feel a great sense of loss.  A finer friend the Elkhound breed will never know.  Barb's enthusiasm, wit, charm and spirit will remain with us always.  

HAPPY SYTTENDE MAI!

We can't think of a better way of spending Norwegian Independence Day than finishing the Championship on "Trevor" -- now Ch. Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks!  At the Norwegian Elkhound Club of the Potomac Valley Specialty, he was Winners Dog for a 4 point major to finish his title under Nat Horn ("Eastern Waters").  The amazing part of Trevor's Championship is that he attended only 7 shows in total, all of them Norwegian Elkhound specialty shows and he finished with 4 majors and all points from the Bred By Exhibitor class, thus earning a coveted AKC Medallion. 

Congratulations here also went to his cousin "Summit", Horizon's Raise The Roof (by SBIS American/ Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kommander In Chief ex SBIS American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kameo Appearance) bred, owned and handled by Linda Syner and Pam Johnson.  In her very first show, Summit was Best in Sweepstakes under breeder Tina Bishop ("Glede") and was Winners Bitch and Best of Winners for 4 points as well.  Her dam "Kami" was Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed, so lots to celebrate!!! 

Next stop... Rochester, Minnesota for the NEAA National Specialty.  Good luck all!

Sorry not to have any updates for a while.  Although we haven't been to many shows, we have been busy with several breedings, shippings, semen collections and dispatch, eye clinics and hip x-rays (all those good things which breeders do!).  Never a dull moment here and now our thoughts and energies are turning toward the forthcoming National Specialty in Minnesota.  Looking forward to seeing old friends once again along with meeting some new ones.

In early April we said farewell to SBIS English/American/Canadian Ch. Kestos Kriega as he flew back to England.  Kind owner Gill Bingham allowed him to stay nearly a year longer than originally planned and for this we are grateful.  He has left behind some wonderful offspring for us to incorporate into our breeding program.  Kriega's son Kamgaard Kool Your Heels ("Emerson") has found a new home with Karen Charlier and we look forward to working with her to attain her goals.

April CONGRATULATIONS go to Ch. Kamgaard Kan You Hear Me Now on her Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed win at the Columbine Norwegian Elkhound Association specialty show in Denver under breeder Rose Martino ("Fromar") and also to English Ch. Barlestone Qualiti, a daughter of Kamgaard Kapture The Moment on her Challenge Certificate and Best Veteran in Show at the National Specialty of the Norwegian Elkhound Club of Great Britain under breeder Michael Sharman ("Naraena"). 

At the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club supported entry at the beautiful Bucks County Kennel Club show on May 3rd, Best of Breed went to Mary Jo Cieply's Ch. Kamgaard Kodiak Snowbear with Winners Bitch, Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex going to Kamgaard Highland Karmann Ghia handled by Sue Ratz under judge Edna Martin ("Full Circle").  Next day at the Bullmastiff Club of America obedience trial, BIS/SBIS American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kristorn, CGC, RN gained her second leg toward her C.D. title under judge Ed Whitney!  Congratulations Sherry and "Holle." 

SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS to go new Ch. Graafin Kate's Legacy KNK (a double Kamgaard descendant) who celebrated Mother's Day by finishing her Championship at almost 7 years of age.  It's never too late!!!  Her son Graafin KNK Maximum Kool Fusion (sired by Ch. Kamgaard Konscious Kontact) celebrated with his mom by winning the dog points as well!

BIG CONGRATULATIONS go out this week from two of our sires to their sons.  Klearly Proud sends a "way to go" to BIS/SBIS Ch. Highland Typhoon on his THREE GR1's and 1GR2 in Ohio and Kriega sends a big "Jolly Well Done!" to English/Irish Ch. Kestos I Spy at Graythor on his THIRD Best of Breed at the world-famous Crufts dog show in England along with his THIRD group placement there as well (GR1 in 2006, GR3 in 2007 and GR3 in 2008). 

Well done, boys!

A new gallery photo for Ch. Kamgaard Kan You Hear Me Now and a new OFA "Good" rating for Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kapture The Moment have made it a wonderful week!

Snowblowing our way down the hill and out the driveway and then dodging the snow out to Wisconsin, we made it in time to attend the back-to-back specialties of the Greater Milwaukee Norwegian Elkhound Association, Inc.

The first day judge Monica Canestrini ("Canebrake") found her Reserve Winners Dog in Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks and then rewarded 6 month old Kamgaard Highland Karmann Ghia with Winners Bitch for a 4 point major!!!  Rounding out a successful day was Ch. Kamgaard Kan You Hear Me Now who was Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed.

On the second day, Sweepstakes judge Carlin Rasmussen found her Best of Opposite Sex to Best in Sweepstakes in Kamgaard Highland Karmann Ghia.  The regular classes were judged by breeder Kathy Carter ("Norelka") who found her Winners Dog and Best of Winners for 4 points in Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks who won the lovely Midnight Sun Challenge Trophy as well.  This was "Trevor's" FOURTH Specialty win with all wins under breeder-judges and all from the Bred By Exhibitor class.  Ch. Kamgaard Kan You Hear Me Now was the receipient of a Judge's Award of Merit.

SNOW! (again!) prevented us from getting to the Rockland County Kennel Club show on Saturday, so we were happy to be able to get to the Sunday Rockland event and work with two ladies; six month old "Karmann" (Kamgaard Highland Karmann Ghia) who was Reserve Winners Bitch on her first time in the ring and "Katie" (Ch. Kamgaard Kan You Hear Me Now)  who won a competitive Best of Breed under Mr. Jeffrey Pepper ("Pepperhill").  While Katie was concentrating on her group performance, Karmann was happier to go outside and explore the snow trails around the college!