Bella Vista’s Erin Go Braghlass ME, CD, RAE, NA, NAP, NAJ, NF, ARCH, RL1-X

Call Name:  Joyce (aka:  Slimy Worm)

Sire:  CH Bella Vista’s Heads Up!, RN, NAP, NJP

Dam: CH Bella Vista’s, Gypsophlia VCD-1

Just in case you didn’t figure it out, Joyce was born on St. Patrick’s Day in 2005.  The caretakers of her mother helped name the litter and Joyce was a family last name.  Joyce just fit her, and when she insisted on staying at Bella Vista it became obvious that she was Stephanie’s next performance girlie.  She earned the name Slimy Worm as a puppy since she managed to escape from ex-pens, to wiggle out of the gate, and to get through the rungs of our porch railing!  She is still good at escaping out of confined spaces when she tries!

In just 4 years, Joyce has excelled in both Rally Obedience and Earthdog events by earning the highest title in each of these sports.  She is fast in agility—sometimes a little too fast for Steph—but they are working on becoming a team. In addition to all her training and competing, Joyce also had time off to produce two litters.  Several of her offspring are competing in performance events.  Her daughter, Claire, resides at Bella Vista, and her son, Brinkley is co-owned with Lisa Erdley.   While Joyce has completed her breeding career, we are hopeful that her strong work ethic and drive will be passed on through her offspring.

In September 2009 at the West Highland White Terrier Club of America’s Centennial Celebration, Joyce earned second place in the Most Versatile Westie Competition.  She earned the third leg of her Companion Dog (CD) title with a second place finish.  She got the 10th double “Q” for her Rally Excellent Advanced title.  In agility, Joyce earned a third title by getting a second place in the Novice Agility Standard Class.  At the last event of the Centennial, the Earthdog Trial, Joyce qualified with flying colors in both the Master and Senior Earthdog Classes. Her placement in the competition was quite an honor!

Look for Joyce and Steph at all of the local dog events.  They show in AKC, NADAC, UKC and Teacup Dog Agility.  They attend Rally trials that are sanctioned by the APDT, UKC and AKC.  In Obedience they show in both AKC and UKC venues. They have also competed in Freestyle competitions.   In addition to all the performance events, occasionally Joyce can be seen in the Conformation ring in an AKC or UKC event.

(updated 9/21/09)