2012 -- Quite possibly the year of "mixed blessings"...

While we did not get to as many shows as we would have liked due to health, time and puppy constraints, we say THANK YOU to the many who kept the Kamgaard flag flying for us this year.  We saw some outstanding results and performances in both breed and agility rings in the US, Canada and (way!) beyond and for this we are most grateful.

Early in the year we said a fond farewell to young "Seth" who made the long journey to Australia as well as having to say a sad good bye to Kandle In The Wind, Kristalea and Kenya who went over the Rainbow Bridge during the year.  These losses were mitigated by the addition of Poppy from the UK in the spring as well as the birth of the Kodiak x Kekekabic litter in the summer.  From this litter, we have retained two outstanding bitches to go forth with:

Kamgaard Kaaterskill - "Rosie" - age 5 months

and

Kamgaard Kiamesha - "Siri" - age 5 months

We wish the best of luck to their littermates "Dora" (Kamgaard Kalistadora - Benedetti - PA), "Kendrik" (Kamgaard Koalition Forces - Stonebraker/Hamilton - IN) and "Trac" (Kamgaard Kaministiqua of Wrathwood - Tarnowski - Ontario) who will all be embarking on conformation careers as well as "Bella" (Kamgaard Kordelia Bella Cove - Tsiorbus/Pratte - NH) who is already excelling in obedience.

Clocking out of the year with 155 Championships, we have lots of plans, travels, and accomplishments to set our sights on in the New Year... here's to 2013 being even better!

Maggie and Sally 

...and the winner of the "Last Win of the Year" award goes to...

"ZigBee" - Ch. Kamgaard Katch The Buzz, RE, AX, AXJ, OF

who completed his Master Agility Excellent (MX) title today at the Great Lakes Belgian Tervuren Club trial in McCook, Illinois under judge Lisa Potts.

BIG CONGRATULATIONS to "Zig", Toni and Pete!!!

Here is the YouTube clip of his run:  http://youtu.be/l5zspIUSw4Q

At the absolute last show of the season in North America, Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Klearly Kommander Keeno came through with a Best of Breed today at the Elora Gorge Kennel Club in Ontario, Canada over some nice competition under top Canadian all-rounder, Ms. Virginia Lyne ("Ranzfel").  Once again congratulations to Keeno and owner-handler Lisa Bank!!

 CONGRATULATIONS to Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Klearly Kommander Keno and owner-handler Lisa Bank on their Best of Breed today at the Credit Valley Kennel Club in Canada under judge Paula Hartinger.

Saying good bye to a lifelong friend is never easy and thoughts go out to Dennis Frye who helped American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kristalea ("Krissy") over the Rainbow Bridge today.  Although never shown heavily, Krissy won both of her titles with ease and most importantly proved to be an excellent brood bitch in just two litters of six puppies total, leaving behind Champions Kasey, Libby and Thor.

Rest in Peace, Krissy... we're sure you're keeping Cecilia company.

Couldn't think of a better place for "Grey" (Kamgaard Kovered In Grey NF) to make her official agility debut... the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club's agility trial in Swedesboro, NJ.  From all reports she did awesome and came home from the week-end with 2 Q's -- on Saturday under Elkhound breeder-judge Tom Slattery in the Novice Jumps With Weaves class, she scored a 100 and a 3rd place and on Sunday under Scott Stock her score was 95 in the Novice Standard class with a 2nd prize placement.  Congratulations, Cheryl!

Videos of these two runs are at:  http://youtu.be/5ac7tqDCg_I

Grey LOVES it!!! 

While it is Halloween today, we feel it's more like Thanksgiving.  Giving thanks that Hurricane Sandy left us pretty much unscathed and with power for most of the last few days.  So many here were not as lucky as we and we pray for those who lost lives, family and property.  Thank you to so many from around the world who called and emailed us to make sure we and the dogs were safe.  Dog folk are a wonderful and caring bunch!

A little something to make us smile was the autumn photo below received this week from Jessica Spencer of Kamgaard Klearly In Kommand ("Rowan") and her friends "Riot" and "Cinda."   Three happy faces!

Bless you all!

Maggie and Sally

  Coming home from the Garden State specialty, we had a few days to turn around, change gears, and get everything ready to fly off with SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point ("Kasey") to Bermuda for the four shows of the Bermuda Kennel Club along with visiting with Linda Atcheson and a reunion with BIS American/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Klapham Junction ("Liza") now eleven years of age.  Four great shows with this aunt and niece combination -- Kasey winning all four Hound groups, two Reserve Best in Show awards and gaining her Bermudian Championship.  She was also awarded a lovely plaque at the awards banquet for the Top Hound overall as well as qualifying to compete at the world famous Crufts show in England in 2013.  Likewise, Liza did not let us down either!  Handled by Sally, she was Best Veteran Hound at all four shows, twice Best Veteran in Show, received a plaque for the Top Veteran overall and also a Crufts qualifying certificate.  Thanks to judges Thora and Allan Brown of Canada and Mary White and Patricia Laurans of the US for a most wonderful time!

"Kasey" left and "Liza" right

While at the shows, we got the wonderful news that the Kasey son Kamgaard Kut To the Point ("Gibbs") was Winners Dog at the Norwegian Elkhound Association of Minnesota specialty under Mr. Ralf Campbell of Norway ("Tallo").  BIG congrats to owner/handler Claudia Holst! ... and... since coming home have learned that "other brother" American/Australian Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge ("Seth") won a competitive Best of Breed in Australia also on the same week-end, owner-handled by Craig Evans.

WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!  What more can we say but THANKS, ALL for two glorious week-ends!

A cool, crisp and very Elkhound kind of day for the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Specialty which was held in conjunction with the Ramapo Kennel Club in Augusta, New Jersey.  Starting with the Puppy Sweepstakes judged by Gwen McCullagh ("Brendans"), she found her Best in Sweepstakes in our Powdermill Remember Me ("Poppy").  Best in Veteran Sweepstakes went to SBIS/UBIS American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kameo Appearance owned by Pam Johnson, Linda Syner and Kamgaard and shown by Linda.  Best of Opposite Sex to Best Veteran in Sweepstakes to SBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kodiak Snowbear owned and handled by Mary Jo Benedetti.  The Sweepstakes judge later commented on what wonderful lasters her Veterans were... music to our ears!

The regular classes were judged by breeder Mr. Rick Berger ("Galena Creek") who again rewarded the top Sweepstakes winners giving "Poppy" Reserve Winners Bitch and Best Puppy while "Kami" was Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed.  "Kami's" son, Horizon Rock Solid picked up his second major going Winners Dog and Best of Winners -- a great mother/son day!

"Poppy" later went on to place second in the Puppy Hound group under Mrs. Phyllis Rosinsky ("Canterbury").  She is pictured below in her Sweepstakes win:

Exciting news received today from Cheryl Cramer - "With her best FAST run yet, Grey just finished her title!  And got first place.  And beat a Border Collie.  And most importantly was happy the whole time!"

That would be "Grey" (Kamgaard Kovered In Grey) completing her Novice Fast title in agility.

Go, "Grey"!!!

An early start this morning driving to the Northwestern Connecticut Dog Club in Goshen, CT.  A beautiful ride up into the hills where the leaves were just starting to turn red and golden, it brought back memories of Goshen shows of yore when entries of 60 or so Elkhounds were the norm thanks to the hospitality of breed pioneers Wells and Catherine Peck of the famous Pitch Road Kennel who always provided a festive week-end for Elkhound exhibitors.  A cool, crisp day was on tap and Best of Breed once again was "Kasey" (SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point) under Mrs. Sulie Greendale-Paveza.

We took along puppies "Siri" and "Rosie" who enjoyed their day out watching all the goings-on and passing out many kisses as the day progressed.  Talk about "kid magnets"!:

"Got food?!?"

A beautiful end-of-summer week-end here.  Starting on Friday, we traveled to the Pocono Mountain Kennel Club show in Gilbert, PA where "Kasey" (SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point) was Best of Breed under Mr. Phil Marsman and went on to a 4th in a very strong Hound Group under Ms. Lena Tamboer -- her second group placement in less than a week!

Coming home that night to some fun emails, one was from Christine Tilburg and her Kamgaard Katch The Wave ("Rogue") who sent along this photo of him in an agility practice:

Love the intensity!

Another agility email came from Cheryl Cramer to say that Kamgaard Kovered In Grey ("Grey") had gotten her second Qualifying score in FAST agility out of 3 tries and she attached this video:

http://youtu.be/nsjigpz86bI

Could it be that these two are training for a certain Elkhound agility trial coming up?  Hmmmm....

Good news from Minnesota over the week-end where Karen Elvin reports that Kamgaard Karibou Highland ("Finn") was Winners Dog and Best of Winners on Saturday at the Rochester Minnesota Kennel Club under Mr. Doug Gaudin ("Obiwan") and Winners Dog at their Sunday show under Mrs. Avery Gaudin ("Obiwan") to finish his Championship owner-handled by Karen!!!  EXTRA BIG

but more importantly our thanks for having faith in this individual and getting him on the right track.

Always a highlight on the annual calendar, the Somerset-Westchester week-end is truly one of the northeast's classic week-ends of shows.  While the days of traveling to the fabulous Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown for the fabled Westchester show are gone now, these shows do manage to hold down large entries in many breeds, due in part to the foreign judges brought over to officiate and the convenience of all shows on a common ground.  Lots of good vendors from near and far for early Christmas shopping along with Take The Lead festivities made it extra special.  Maggie has always has a particular fondness for the Somerset Hills show in that it was where she showed her first dog... fifty (yes 50 !!!) years ago to the day this week-end.

Starting off with the Tuxedo Park Kennel Club's show on Friday, Best of Breed went to SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point ("Kasey") under Ms. Pat Laurans ("Laurwyn").  Saturday was the Somerset Hills Kennel Club show and a supported entry of the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club.  Our judge was Ann Ingram from Ireland who found her Winners Dog, Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed for a 3 point major in Horizon Rock Solid, owned by Linda Syner and Pam Johnson and co-bred by them and Kamgaard.  Winners Bitch to our puppy Powdermill Remember Me ("Poppy"), first in Veteran Bitches and Select Bitch to SBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kameo Appearance, "Rock's" dam who looked and moved fabulously for her age!  Best of Breed once again to "Kasey."  Stellar day!!  But the best was yet to come!  After two days of horrific heat and humidity, the storms came on Saturday night and cooled things down for the Sunday Westchester event.  Best of Breed for the third time in a row went to "Kasey" under Ms. Theresa Hundt and she went on to place Fourth in a super quality Hound Group under Ms. Ingram!!!

Great way to end three wonderful days!

Hard to believe that Labor Day week-end is here already!... where did the summer go?

At eleven weeks of age, some of our puppies have been filing out this past week and although we are missing them, we are thrilled with the homes they are going to and know that they need to start their new lives with "their people."  The two boys who were shipped had no problems and it seems that everyone has bounced into their new situations with not a care in the world -- music to our ears!

Perhaps the best music...no, call it a symphony!... was the news received on Sunday that "Seth" has completed the requirements for his Australian Championship this week-end at the Dogs NSW Purina International Spring Fair with two Best of Breed wins -- one under Norwegian judge Per Iversen who had high praise for Seth and again making a cut in a 200+ dog Hound Group.  Best of Breed again the next day under Canadian judge Michael Bouchard.  His new name is:

Australian/American Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge

way to go, Seth!  We are SO proud of you and "Team Seth" for making this dream a reality!!

So much for lazy, hazy days of summer...seems we are busier than ever!  Lots of catch up to do on this blog...

First of all, hats off to Seth!  American Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge has been doing so well in Australia with new owners Craig Evans and Anna-Lee Forsberg and we are SO proud of him!  He has chalked up the following wins in the last few weeks and it seems as though he is getting the hang of the Australian show scene:

August 3rd -Sydney Kennel Club - Best of Breed and made the cut in a 170+ dog group under Mr. Dan Ericsson of Sweden

August 4th - Sydney Kennel Club - Best of Breed and made the cut in a 170+ dog group under Dr. Ron James of the UK

August 5th - Junior Kennel Club of NSW - Best of Breed under Betty-Anne Stenmark of the USA 

August 11th - ACT Ladies Kennel Club - Best of Breed under Mr. J. Black of Victoria

August 12th - ACT Ladies Kennel Club - Best of Breed under Mrs. L. Black of Victoria

...we do sometimes have to remind ourselves that he is not even a year and a half old .. the best is yet to come!

Meanwhile back at the ranch, we have been having fun with our puppies who delight all with their daily antics

at the same time giving us much cause for study as they are so uniform, making "puppy picking" difficult choosing homes where they will excel given their qualities and personality.

Pictured at 8 weeks above, they are (top row) Blue (male), Purple (male), Orange (female) and (bottom row) White (female), Red (female) and Green (female).  Several breeders have asked us where we hide the cookie cutter... we're not telling!

Temperatures have abated and there is a feeling in the air that fall may not be too far off.  One youngster who is quite happy about this would be "Chip" (Kamgaard Knock On Wood) who has moved off "his" air conditioning vent in the Franzis household to the cool of his bench on the porch.  Gotta love him!

If I hide my eyes, do I HAVE to have a bath???

So said American Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge ("Seth") who felt if he hid behind his buddy Austin, he might escape the ordeal!   It obviously didn't work as after a bath and a groom he went to the Harden Murrumburrah Kennel Club show and scored his best win thusfar at breed level since landing in Australia, winning Best of Breed in a good entry including Best in Show competition.  The judge was Mrs. Jackie Weeks from Victoria.

Keep up the baths and the good work, Team Seth!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Dog days of summer!  We've been staying home, enjoying puppies, working on a few projects and trying to stay cool.  Dogs are in all stages of wardrobe change, so no shows for a while.

Credit to SBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kodiak Snowbear and owner/handler Mary Jo Benedetti who braved the heat to show at the Cuyahoga Valley Hound Association specialty and the Grand River Kennel Club shows in Madison, Ohio.  "Kodiak" was Best of Breed at the Hound Show under Dr. Levente Miklos of Hungary who had high praise for him and cut him down to the final few in the Hound group.  He was also 3rd in the Veteran Hound Group under Mr. Jordan Chamberlain ("JLC").  Best of Breed at Grand River the next day under Ms. Sharon Sakson ("Paris") and home to the air conditioning!

If last week-end was "Mother-Son week-end" then this week must have been "Brother-Sister" week-end!

Lots of great news to share from the Land O'Lakes state and Kamgaard Karibou Highland ("Finn") who accompanied owner/handler Karen Elvin to four shows in the Minneapolis area with great success.  Starting on Thursday at the Anoka County Minnesota Kennel Club, Finn was Winners Dog and Best of Breed over 3 Champions from the classes for his third 3 point major, this time under Mr. David Peat.  The next day he was Winners Dog at the same club under Mr. Gary Doerge.  Saturday and Sunday were the shows of the Cambridge Minnesota Kennel Club and Saturday saw Finn scoring Winners Dog, Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed for 2 points under Mrs. Pam Peat while on Sunday he was Winners Dog and Best of Winners for 1 point under Ms. Linda More. 

While Finn was out doing his ring thing, sister "Kekka" (Ch. Kamgaard Kekekabic) was getting creative in the whelping box, quickly producing six puppies (2 males, 4 females) in a little under two hours!  Mom and babies are doing great and they are growing healthy and strong.

The sire of this litter is the handsome SBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kodiak Snowbear ("Kodiak"), winner of the 2011 NEAA National Regional specialty and the combined pedigree of these two individuals represents great strength in producers of note.

Pushing off from home early on June 13th, the Kamgaard van flew through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois enroute to the Chicago suburb of Wheaton, home of the back-to-back specialties of the Northeastern Illinois Norwegian Elkhound Association.  Having attended their inaugural specialty in 1976 and back many times since, it seems to be a normal beginning of summer ritual.  The first day was judged by Sheltie breeder Katie Gammill, a provisional judge for Elkhounds.  First in her 6-9 month Puppy Bitch class was 7 month old Powdermill Remember Me ("Poppy") attending only her second show and an Award of Merit went to SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point ("Kasey").  Pulling away from the show on Friday afternoon we noted the 101 degree temperature reading and were happy to head for the cool of our motel!

Saturday's judging honors fell to breeder-judge Judy Silker ("Dunharrow") and she again awarded "Poppy" her Puppy class.  After a long afternoon of breaks and cuts, "Kasey" emerged victorious as

BEST OF BREED

in what  proved to be a very popular decision with the gallery.  Through all of it and the extreme heat, she never let down once, flying around the ring and showing her heart out like the true Champion she is! 

Happy Father's Day a day early to Denny, her co-owner!

Arriving home on Sunday night to more wonderful news from Australia, we found that Kasey's son "Seth" (American Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge) had two great days at the Yass District Kennel & Training Club, Inc. shows, on Saturday winning this third Best Junior in (Hound) Group under Dr. Francis McEvoy (SA) and on Sunday he was Best of Breed over a top Australian winner and again Best Junior in (Hound) Group under Mr. D. McGreevy (QLD)!!!  Way to go Seth!!!

A great "mother/son" week-end!!! 

Two nice wins to report from two young gentlemen on different shores!  We first heard from Craig Evans and Anna-Lee Forsberg in Australia reporting in that American Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge had won his second Best Junior in (Hound) Group at the ACT Ladies Kennel Club Inc. under Mrs C. Rafton (NSW).  The candid photo below taken by Craig shows Anna-Lee handling "Seth" and we can see he is developing nicely and displaying sound, balanced movement:

Later in the day we heard from Karen Elvin who happily proclaimed that Kamgaard Karibou Highland had won his second major in less than a month by going Winners Dog and Best of Winners at the Lake Minnetonka Kennel Club show under Mrs. Jane Rappolo.  Way to go "Finn"!!

CONGRATULATIONS, BOYS!!!

After picking up Linda Atcheson of Bermuda earlier in the week, we traveled to the Greater Philadelphia Dog Fanciers Association show (via Maryland!) where we had a lovely day before the rains started.  "Kasey" (SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point) did too!... winning Best of Breed and 3rd in the Hound Group under Dr. E.K. Martin ("Kaihorn/Full Circle") -- her second group placing in less than a month!  :-)

Thought we would share this funny YouTube video just in of Kamgaard Kovered In Grey ("Grey") trying her paw at lure coursing with owner Cheryl Cramer: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi3AsQYcA1c 

Typical Elkhound behavior!  ... i.e. "what's in it for me?" and "why should I chase empty plastic baggies?   Silly Sighthounds!" 

Lots of fun in the days following with the Coronation Jubilee and a great party hosted by our friends David and Scott.  From the cover of the English Dog World magazine comes this photo of Maureen Taylor's Barlestone Quilla at Fabelmor, a 13+ year old veteran daughter of Kamgaard Kapture The Moment with her Pug buddies joining in on the celebration.

Thanks for sharing, Maureen and

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!

Good news from Down Under!  The first "official" show in Australia for American Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge resulted in a Best of Breed at the Cowra and District Kennel Club Inc. (New South Wales) under judge Mrs. Dianne Besoff (NSW) for "Seth's" first points toward his Australian Championship.  In addition, he was Junior in Group defeating quite a few youngsters of the Hound Group in his age bracket.  CONGRATULATIONS to Craig and Anna-Lee who shared handling duties and of course of "Seth" who has taken the transition in his stride and is loving life in his new land.

A beautiful driving day on Friday found us heading to Virginia for the Norwegian Elkhound Club of the Potomac Valley specialty show on Saturday which is held in conjunction with the Mattaponi Kennel Club.  Making her ring debut at just six months of age was our little world traveler, Powdermill Remember Me ("Poppy") who had a ball and was Reserve Winners Bitch to a 5 point major.  Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed was SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point ("Kasey") under breed judge Joe Gregory.  After the usual delicious Potomac picnic, "Kasey" was presented with the Skip and Karen Weir Memorial Challenge Trophy as BOS at the specialty.

Pushing off midday, the two girls and Maggie drove to New Jersey that night and on Sunday morning continued onward to the Long Island Kennel Club show where "Kasey" was Best of Breed under Ms. Pamela Bruce of Canada.

Once home on Sunday, we were very happy to hear that "Poppy's" litter brother "Angus", Powdermill Prince of Peace also made his debut in England at the Coventry and District Canine Society Open show and was Best of Breed and Best Puppy under Stuart Mallard and later 2nd in the Puppy Hound Group under Elkhound breeder-judge Neville Simms ("Elverdal").

Poppy says "Way to go, bro!"  Sibling rivalry at its best!!

A glorious Mothers Day spent in the northwestern Connecticut countryside yielded a Best of Breed and Hound Group Second for SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point ("Kasey") at the Windham County Kennel Club show under Ms. Lena Tamboer ("Tam Boer's").

Meanwhile, a little farther west, we got some good news from Illinois on our drive home that Kamgaard Karibou Highland was Winners Dog and Best of Winners at the Scott County Kennel Club under judge David Samuelson ("Dashing") for his first major!!  CONGRATULATIONS to owner/handler Karen Elvin and "Finn" ... great way to start his career!

...and this was a special day for some senior citizens celebrating their 12th birthdays... to Ch. Kamgaard Kaballero and sister SBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kapri at Graafin we wish many, many more!  Photo below shows Kaballero celebrating with his famous birthday hat which he has worn on "his day" for the last 11 years...what a smile!

The Norwegian Elkhound Association of America National and the Norwegian Elkhound Association of Southern California specialties went on for the better parts of a week in San Diego, California.  We unfortunately could not attend but had regular reports of what was happening thanks to friends and Facebook.  We were pleased to hear that the Best of Breed winner at the National, Windy Cove Riverwind Pepperjack N Wine was a double descendant of UK exported Kamgaard Kapture The Moment.  CONGRATULATIONS to breeders/owners Marie Peterson, Libby Parmer and Jim Kiesel... what a way to finish your Championship!  GCh. Kamgaard Kan You Hear Me Now had a great run winning Best Veteran and Best Brood Bitch at the Southern California specialty as well as Best Veteran Bitch in Sweepstakes at the National.  In addition, "Katie" was the dam of the Best of Breed and Reserve Winners Bitch at Southern Cal and Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed at the National.

A Mother-Son week-end!

Bright and early on Thursday morning we were off and running to the Central New Jersey Hound Association specialty show.  A damp and dreary day, it was made brighter when "Kasey" (SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point) was Best of Breed under Mr. Alan Ewles ("Afking") of Canada.  Later that afternoon, Kasey was pulled for further consideration in a VERY competitive Hound Group, showing her heart out all the way.  Back home that evening and re-pack for the Bucks County Kennel Club show on Saturday which hosted the supported entry of the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club with a meeting and picnic as well.

Our judge at Bucks County was the world-famous Hans Lehtinen of Finland who found his Best of Breed in "Kasey" and commented on her correct type, size, condition and showmanship.  A long day as the Hound Group was next to last ending at about 6:30 p.m. but a wonderful outing as the Bucks show is always one of the bright spots on the yearly calendar.

Home on Sunday to have a phone call from Claudia Holst of Wisconsin saying that "Kasey's" son "Gibbs" (Kamgaard Kut To The Point) was "no longer pointless" (!) having gone Winners Dog and Best of Winners at the Badger Kennel Club show that day under Sari Brewster Tietjen.  CONGRATULATIONS!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

to Christine Tilburg of Maine and Kamgaard Katch The Wave ("Rogue") who earned his Canine Good Citizen Award today.  Very nice!  Keep up with those Rogue "slapdowns" on the way in your obedience and agility careers!

Easter week-end in the beautiful countryside near Harrisonburg, VA with near perfect dog show weather.  At the back-to-back shows of the Shenandoah Valley Kennel Club,  American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point ("Kasey") was Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed on Saturday under Monica Canestrini ("Canebrake") and Best of Breed on Sunday under Nat Horn ("Eastern Waters").

CONGRATULATIONS to Ch. Kamgaard Kan You Hear Me Now who was Best of Breed on 3/24 at the New Brunswick Kennel Club show under Mr. Jon Cole and again Best of Breed on 3/25 at the Bronx County Kennel Club show under Mr. Donovan Thompson.  These wins completed "Katie's" Grand Championship!

CONGRATULATIONS also to SBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kodiak Snowbear for his two Best of Breed wins on 3/31 and 4/1 at the Western Pennsylvania Kennel Association shows, Saturday under Ms. Joy Brewster ("Cassio") and Sunday under Susan St. John Brown ("Serandida").

Our main problem with dogs is that they never last long enough and although fourteen plus years is a good long run and with "good innings" as Bermudians would say, we are saddened today by the loss of our American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Yggdrasil Kandle In The Wind, a/k/a "Poppit."  Brought home to Bermuda as a puppy from England by Linda and the late David Atcheson, she was co-owned by Linda and Kamgaard and over the years made many trips back and forth from the island for shows, litters, and just to visit sometimes.  The product of a Kamgaard sire exported to the UK and a Crufts-winning Ravenstone dam, she has been an important cornerstone and influential brood bitch, although only bred twice with a total of eight puppies.  She leaves the following individuals; from her first litter by Klearly Proud -- SBIS American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kommander In Chief, BIS American/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Klapham Junction, Ch. Kamgaard Kristalea, Kamgaard The Knockout of GV, and Kamgaard Kenya.  From her second litter of three via frozen semen to Ch. Greyplume's Gaining Momentum came SBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks, Ch. Kamgaard Kapture The Wind and Ch. Kamgaard Klear Blue Skye.

The photo above was taken at 11 years of age--still strong and beautiful as ever. 

To David's buddy "Popsadaisical" we say thank you for sharing your innings.  You will be missed by many.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

What happens when you kiss a leprechaun?  We don't know, but "Poppy" thought she would try to smooch with one at our local parade.  Haven't found the pot of gold yet ... oh well ... she had fun!

Oh happy day!  We had a wonderful surprise first thing this morning receiving email, photos and a video of "Seth" (Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge) and his release from Australian quarantine.  Freedom!  The following photo is of Seth enjoying a romp in his new home with his favorite Kong toy which we mailed over for him to have once home.  Happy guy!

Later in the day we read the great news and watched the live Hound group video of the Crufts Best of Breed winner, Kestos Ziva and proud breeder/owner/handler Babs Stokes showing their socks off in the big group ring.  The amazing thing is that Ziva won the breed at the world's largest show from the Special Puppy Bitch class in heavy competition under breeder-judge Ted Guy ("Skarstrom").  We had only just admired Ziva when we visited Kestos on our trip and wish her many more wins to follow this, her first Challenge Certificate;

Congratulations Babs and Brian on your many successes and thank you Kriega, for these two lovely grandchildren!

A little while since the last entry to the News blog, but we have been on the road and on the go during this time to England.  A busy schedule, but one which allowed for some "down time" as well as lots of visiting, events and traveling to new places.

We rented a beautiful 17th century cottage in the Cotswolds for the first week of our visit

and from there took lots of day trips, starting by visiting with Elkhound friends old and new at the Norwegian Elkhound Club of Great Britain's Annual Meeting and Contest of Champions on the 25th in Coventry.  The mystery judge for this event was none other than past Kennel Club president Ronnie Irving and we were pleased with the results-- the winner of the overall contest being the perennial favorite, English/Irish Ch. Kestos I Spy at Graythor, son of our dear Kriega and Best in the Veteran Challenge went to Maggie's BOB winner from her Scottish assignment in '09, Ch. Kinderhorn Dain of Conrick as well as a son of Ch. Kamgaard Kan You Hear Me Now winning the Best Puppy competition.  Thanks to all who made us feel so welcome and at home!

Daily trips from the cottage to the beautiful surrounding villages of Broadway, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Evesham, Woodstock, Chipping Campden, Stow on the Wold and Moreton on Marsh amid mild and sunny weather made for a great break from our winter world at home.  A visit to Babs and Brian Stokes and the Kestos Elkhounds in Wales was made in the cold rain, but a warm welcome was waiting for us as usual.  Another particular treat was getting to meet the North Cotswold Hunt pack of Foxhounds in Broadway (see http://www.northcotswoldhunt.co.uk/ ) at their home kennel and viewing sound, fit, and beautiful dogs and bitches as well as some sturdy puppies was a sight we won't soon forget!

Leaving the Cotswolds, we headed northeast to the town of Melton Mowbray to the Powdermill Kennel of Ruth Watson and Darren Pearson.  Primarily Papillon breeders, we were happy to become the new owners of a lovely puppy bitch from their very first Elkhound litter

(photos at 6 weeks, 9 weeks and just under 4 months of age)

Born on Remembrance Day, her name is Powdermill Remember Me and currently is answering to "Poppy."  Her sire is the aforementioned Ch. Kinderhorn Dain of Conrick and her dam being Nevelka Show Me Some Lovin' at Powdermill.  With a linebred pedigree full of many favorites, ties back to UK exported Kamgaard dogs and some Norwegian connections as well, we are hoping she will contribute to the gene pool here.

Traveling with us for another six days, Poppy weathered the trip (and a few storms) over to Ipswich to visit with Sally's dad for a few days and finally back down to Reading to visit with Sally's brother Christopher and his partner Jill before taking off from Heathrow...but not before charming many of the stewardesses at the airport!

Welcome to America, Poppy!

An anxious few days here as we said a fond farewell to Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge ("Seth") as he embarked on a very long journey half way around the world to Australia.  He flew first to Los Angeles to the importing agent where he overnighted and then back in the air the next evening following his veterinary and USDA check for the long fifteen hour journey to Sydney.  He arrived on schedule and is now currently in quarantine for a month before being released to his new owners Craig Evans and Anna-Lee Forsberg of Norvaan Elkhounds, Gundaroo, New South Wales.  From all reports, Seth took the flights well and is settling into his temporary abode with no worries, lots of cuddles for his caretakers and in true Elkhound fashion, a clean plate at every meal time.

It is our hope that Seth will have a wonderful life with Craig and Anna-Lee and their family in the years to come and that he will contribute to the gene pool "down under."

Good news from Dog News magazine!

Year-end statistics are out for 2011 and we are pleased to announce that two Kamgaard-bred litter brothers have made it into the Top Ten for the past year.  Despite being minimally shown, SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kut Above was ranked #9 on the Best of Breed list while sibling Grand Ch. Graafin Kapri's Steele Blue Kenaz has been ranked #10 for group placings.

Congratulations, boys! 

Happy New Year!

Here's hoping for a healthy and prosperous 2012 for all of our Elkhound friends worldwide!!