Bella Vista Times

December 2010

 

Pictured from left to right:  Cuss, Joyce, Dot, Claire and Hayden (the Wheaten Scottie), Tiger (the Yorkie) on the chair and in the basket is Lena (the Sealyham Terrier).  Once again this year’s photo is the work of professional photographer, Terry Rowe.  The sweaters were made by Susan Walsh and are way too cute.  Many thanks to both of these ladies for a great photo!

 Since it is now December, it’s time for the annual Bella Vista Training & Care Center update.  First, as always, I need to thank all of my instructors, students, boarding/grooming clients and friends who helped make 2010 another successful year for Bella Vista!  Without this help and support, Bella Vista could not continue to grow and offer the wide variety of classes, seminars, and events for our canine companions.  It is a privilege to know and work with all of you and with your dogs!  My life changes this year have shown me what a wonderful network of friends I have and I really appreciate everyone’s help and support.  Many thanks to all you from the bottom of my heart!

As you can see from the photo, there have been some significant changes at Bella Vista.  In case you have not heard the news, Scott is no longer involved with Bella Vista.  In June, he along with Gator and Phyllis moved to the Philadelphia area to begin a new life.   I will be keeping Bella Vista and services and events will continue to expand.

As always, the dogs and I have been busy!  Here is what has been happening:

 

2010 The Year of Becoming the Judge:

As many of you know, I just don’t go to a training class, I need to own the training center.  So it just makes logical sense that I just don’t go to a trial, I become the judge! 

In June, I met the requirements to become an agility judge for the American Kennel Club.   This has been a goal of mine for some time so it was a real personal accomplishment to pass the 3 days of tests on my first attempt.  I need to thank both Rob Kripaitis and Scott Stock for their help with preparing for the seminar and especially for their help with course design.   While at this time, I am still a Novice and Open Provisional Judge, I have my assignments scheduled and if all goes well, I should be approved to judge at the Excellent level in January. 

In July, I attended and passed the seminar to become a Teacup Dog Agility Association Judge.   My first judging assignment is on December 17 for the Trained and Talented Canines.  Teacup Agility is for smaller dogs that measure 17 inches and under at the withers.  The equipment is smaller and the distances are shortened.   This agility venue makes running a smaller dog feel like you are running a border collie and is lots of fun!

In December, I was accepted as an agility judge for UKI.  UKI is a new agility organization.  Yes, if I had my way, it would be all agility , all the time.

Also this year, I took and passed the test to become a Senior Representative for Rally O with the Association Pet Dog Trainers.  I have been a Rally O judge for this organization for many years so becoming a Senior Representative was just the next logical step.

I have also taken the test to become an obedience judge for the Companion Dog Sport Program.  I am still waiting for the results but I hope I can begin to judge for this venue in 2011. 		  

Here’s what each of the dogs did in 2010:

 Gator (the Portuguese Water Dog that now lives with Scott) earned his ARCHMX  (APDT Rally Master Championship), the RL3X3 (APDT Rally Individual Championship Level 3 times 3) and the RL2X4 (APDT Rally Individual Championship Level 2 times 4).

Claire participated in a limited amount of agility and rally obedience this year since she was busy making and taking care Westie puppies.   In 2010 she earned the CPE Fun Games Level 1 & Standard Level 1 Titles in agility.  She also completed her Rally Level 1 Title in APDT with an Award of Excellence.

Cuss was shown on a very limited basis in Teacup Agility and for those of you who attended the trials--you know why!  Cuss continues to be more interested in girls than in listening to his handler.  Cuss hangs out every night in my office to keep me company.  He is still possessed with balls and is a dog that enjoys life every single day!		  
Lena continues to be the watch dog of Bella Vista.  You cannot enter the yard or the house without her sounding her loud Sealy bark!  In case you don’t remember, she is my rescue Sealyham Terrier who spent the first 18 months of her life with no human contact.    Lena has now decided that playing with toys is entertaining and that destroying them is even greater fun!  

Tiger turned 13 years old in June.  Although he has some serious health issues, he is still as spunky as ever and will still bite your ankle if you don’t give him enough attention.  Believe me!

Dot continues to be shown in earthdog on a limited basis.  Her handicaps do not allow her to participate in other dog sports.  She is my ace hunter and has killed mice in the house (ugh!) and in the yard.

Hayden is the newest addition to the Bella Vista Gang!  He is a Scottish Terrier.  His color is called red wheaten.  Hayden is a half brother to Rubio (the Scottie owned by Susan Walsh that I have the privilege to run in agility (the picture is of Rubio).  Hayden is busy learning basic obedience skills and weave poles!  He turned 2 years old on Halloween so the serious training has begun.  I am very grateful to his breeder, Betty Lou Breeze, who has allowed Hayden to come and live at Bella Vista.  Hopefully soon you will hear me calling “Hay, Hay, Hay..Den” in the ring.  

Joyce continues to be my performance girlie.  As always we had a busy year.  Here is her list of Agility titles:  CPE: Agility Standard Level 1 & 2, Strategy Games Level 1 & 2, Fun Games Level 1 & 2; NADAC: Outstanding Tunnelers Novice; AKC: Open & Excellent Fast, Open Standard & Open Jumpers.   In obedience she earned her United Companion Dog Title from the United Kennel Club (UKC).  In the May UKC trials she received the total dog award.  She also finished the requirements to be a Show Champion for the UKC.  In APDT Rally Obedience she earned the RL2X2, RL3X, ARCHEX, RL1X4, and RL3X2.   Joyce earned a total of 18 titles in 2011--pretty good for a naughty terrier!

So, in total, in 2010, the home gang has earned 24 titles.  It was a very busy year at Bella Vista!

 

Bella Vista Westies that are owned/co-owned

& live with others:

Brinkley:  Brinkley was shown by his owner, Lisa Erdley and completed both his AKC and UKC Breed Championships! He also earned the RL1X and ARCH rally obedience titles in APDT and the TDAA Games 3 Title in agility. 

Hattie:  Jody Brinley with the help of Marjory Good handled Hattie to her AKC Championship.

Katie:  Wanda and Wade Stare take turns running Katie in Earthdog. She also is being trained in rally and soon will be shown in local competitions.

 

Bet:  Bet was shown in Rally Obedience by Melissa Graham and also earned her AKC Rally Novice Title in October at the West Highland White Terrier Club of America.

Evelyn:  Evelyn and Jen earned the AKC Rally Novice Title and passed the Therapy Dog Incorporated evaluation to participate in pet therapy activities.

 Currently, there are many Bella Vista Westies that are actively competing in agility, earthdog, rally, tracking, and obedience with their owners.  Congratulations to all who took the extra time and effort to work with their Westies.  Pictured here is Brodie earning his TDX with his owner, Mary Ellen Frame.  Please keep us posted on you and your dog’s progress!

York County Dog Training Club

In March the York County Dog Training Club celebrated its 10th Anniversary.  It has been my privilege to serve as President for this entire time period.   Here I am pictured with the beautiful canine floral arrangement that the club presented me at the annual banquet.  In the picture below are the banquet attendees wearing the new club jackets.  We look marvelous!  Red is definitely our color!

CANINE CARING CONNECTION:  The Canine Caring Connection is based in central Pennsylvania and was founded to be an organization focused on providing social, philanthropic and career networking opportunities for canine loving individuals of all ages. Membership is free and open to the public.  The Canine Caring Connection was started & is organized by Stephanie Capkovic, Leslie Hoy and Jen Nowak of the Bella Vista Training Center.   The goal was to give people in the central Pennsylvania area a new, relaxing  opportunity to network and have fun while supporting  local bars and restaurants, and benefiting local canine charities. Although there are no "official" members, the instructors, student and friends of Bella Vista began the group which has expanded to all dog lovers in the community.  To keep everyone informed and updated, an extensive email mailing list is maintained.  All events are open to the public and new participants are always welcome.  Please email Leslie at reddogmom@comcast.net to be added to the Canine Caring Connection


Breeding News:   Bella Vista continues produce quality Westie puppies.   In fact, there are 2 litters due in January.  Please go to the website and look under Westies for the current updates and photos.

Sometimes (but only sometimes) there is more to life than dogs! 

Just to prove that my life isn’t 100% dogs.  Here is the picture of our group at Fantasy Fest in Key West on October 31, 2010.  This year’s theme was Habitat for Insanity.  We fit right in!  Just remember, Steph is not a nurse--she just plays one on Halloween!

2011:  BVTC is looking ahead to 2011!  New classes and events are currently being added to the schedule.  Plans are also being made to open the house as a Bed and Breakfast to allow exhibitors to stay on site for dog events. Please keep an eye on the website and contact us with any questions or concerns!  Have a great holiday season!  We hope to see you and your canine companion in the near future!

 

Happy Howl-i-days & A Very Happy New Year from Steph & the Bella Vista Terrier Gang!