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20 let’s talk INTERVIEW
with janne simonsen, from bright & brindle bostons
34 let’s talk DETAILS Dog Show Etiquette by pamela preston
48 let’s talk JUDGING
A TALK WITH THE BT JUDGE MRS. Vanessa Williams-Wegmann
64 let’s talk OUTSTANDING
the amazing multi titled Wagtime Independenz@Jo-Clem
57 let’s talk TRAVELING
the incredible travels of a family and two bostons! by jenn gehr
let’s talk
INTRODUCTIONS Hello, fellow Boston Terrier lovers, and welcome to the sixth edition of Let’s Talk Bostons international magazine, where we discuss and celebrate all things Boston Terrier! We are thrilled to present this last edition of 2015 to the fancy and can’t wait until you start reading.
This has been an amazing year for Bostons, with many group placements and Best in Show ribbons for our breed. We have been seeing more and more quality, not only in North America but around the world. This issue, we interviewed Janne Simonsen, from the kennel Bright & Brindle from Norway. Our cover Boston is the beautiful Eve, who has had quite a year and got a Best in Specialty Show at the 2014 Boston Terrier National Specialty. This girl is on fire!
drawings and giveaways! So make sure you are subscribed to our online mailing list and that you have LIKED our Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/LetsTalkBostons for the latest announcements and news regarding our publication. You will also find great local show coverage on our fan page, which is not to be missed! Our upcoming issue will be the first one of 2015 and the Westminster Dog Show edition. Don’t forget to reserve your ad space with us at ads@LetsTalkBostons.com See you soon, and let’s talk Bostons!
Whether online or on the go, make sure you get your hands on our magazine to browse. Simply go to www.LetsTalkBostons.com and read this or any of our back issues on your computer or tablet. We also offer limited hard copies, available to be ordered straight from our website, or by emailing us at info@letstalkbostons.com - if you are an online subscriber, you will also get a notice whenever we release a new edition and also will be able to participate in different
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Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Janne Simonsen
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INTERVIEW
Interview with Janne Simonsen Bright & Brindle Bostons, Norway Let’s Talk Bostons had the opportunity to talk to Mrs. Janne Simonsen, the Norwegian Boston Terrier exhibitor and breeder behind the kennel name Bright & Brindle. Get to know Janne and more of her breeding program in the next pages!
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Hi Janne! Thank you for agreeing to give us this interview. We would like to know what difficulties you had when you were first starting to put together your breeding program. Before we started with Bostons, we went to a lot of shows, to get to know the breed, and to meet the breeders. It was quite a shock to see how different the dogs were. Even though they were the same breed, a lot of them did not look alike at all. Back then we did not have internet at home, so
Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Janne Simonsen finding information on this breed, or finding a breeder with available puppies was not easy at all. But we knew, the very first time we saw a Boston Terrier, that this was the breed for us, so we were not willing to give up. We eventually found a few breeders that lived close enough for us to be able to go visit them. So, after almost a year, we could finally bring home our very first Boston Terrier. This boy had some great dogs in his pedigree. He was a sound boy, with a lovely temperament, and we felt he was a good foundation for our breeding. When looking for a suitable girl to add to our family, we decided on a flashy little puppy with a good pedigree. She was from a litter of 5 puppies, free whelped, and was the most active and most beautiful puppy in that litter. We had to wait almost two years to find her. Ch Mtn. View Casino Royale (Drew)
What made you choose the breed? The very first time I saw a Boston Terrier, I just knew that this was the breed for me. I was outside a hospital, in labor, and walked by a taxi. Inside the Taxi sat the most arrogant and beautiful dog I had ever seen. His looks and attitude were so appealing to me. Later we learned more about their true temperament, and I love how friendly and outgoing they are. Their elegance, loyalty and beauty were everything I wanted in a dog, it makes this the perfect breed for me.
Did you have a history with another breed before you got in Bostons? Before we got Bostons into our Bright & Brindle family, we owned a Doberman and a Rottweiler, both males. None of them were show dogs, but so perfect for obedience. I learned a lot from them.
What breeder or kennel do you feel has been a good mentor during your time breeding/ showing Bostons? When we started with Bostons, we did not have
the privilege of being guided. The breeders and handlers we reached out to, did not have the knowledge to see further than their own dogs’ beauty. When asking a specific question, they never had a good answer, and if they did, they were not willing to share any information with us. They were determined to say their dogs were better than other Bostons, but they could never answer why. I believe this is called kennel blindness. We did not have internet at that time, so all we could rely on was our own interpretation of the breed standard. Luckely we had and still have good friends in other breeds, that we have shared and gained information and experiences from, and that has helped us tremendously. Times have changed, and we now are always willing to mentor others, both regarding breeding and showing. It gives me a lot of pleasure to be a part of other breeders’ successes.
Would you use a dog in your breeding program that has outstanding virtues, but that possesses one major fault? It really depends on what faults we are talking about. But if I think that a dog has something really good to offer in my breeding program, I will certenly consider it. December 2014 - 21
Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Janne Simonsen acceptable for me either. I love a level topline and small tight feet.
Which dogs bred by you that you feel better represent your ideal of type? I am really pleased with our girl Bright & Brindle’s Love At 1st Bite. She has a lot of the qualities I am striving for. Of course she also has a few things I would like to improve, but overall she is a very nice bitch that I am proud to have bred.
If you could breed to any dog in the world, which dog would it be? CH Sunwood and mtnviews luv a man in a tux My own dogs will need to be strong on this dog’s faults one though, as to double up on a fault is not an option for me. I feel selective breeding is important for me to achieve what I want.
At this very moment I do have what I want and need available to me, due to good friends in the States. Our visitor, owned by Cathy Jones of Mtn. View kennels; Ch Sunwood And Mtnviews Luv A Man In A Tux is the stud I am currently introducing to my breeding program, as he has the attributes I need and want to strengthen what I already have accomplished. His first litter here in Europe is expected soon, and we are really excited to see what the future brings.
Who would you say that were the greatest influences in the breed in the beginning? Zodiac’s Special Beau is for me the dog that has had the greatest influence in our breed. His offsprings that I have seen, unfortunately only on pictures, have so many good and strong qualities. Especially his son Albelarm Rather Special is a dog that posesses the qualities I strive for in my own breeding.
what is your pet peeve in our breed? What would you absolutely not want your dogs to have? I really don’t like the typical terrier head, with that long and narrow muzzle. I have seen it a lot, but it is a no no for me. A terrier head is totally ok, on a terrier. But our breed standard is clear on this, a Boston terrier head is square on square. Almond shaped eyes and bad toplines are not
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bright & brindle’s love at 1st bite
What is your process to evaluate a puppy for its show potential? I have learned a lot from Pat Hasting’s method to evaluate the puppies in a litter. We put most of
breeding program, which dog/bitch would you choose? Without a doubt; Zodiac’s Special Beau. He may not have it all himself, but he produces well, and has so much to offer.
What dog has had the most influence in your breeding program? Why did you choose that dog? the focus on the head, topline, shoulders, neck, angulation and feet. Also balance and movement tells so much about the structure.
The dog that has had the most influence in our breeding program has been Ch Mtn. View Casino Royale, Drew. We imported him from his previous owner Melany Anaya of Cool Bostons.
But even if everything looks good, when the pups are 8 weeks and ready to go to their new homes, it often changes a lot. So we do not sell puppies for show, but if new owners would like to show their dog later, it is ok if the dog still looks nice.
He gave us some fabulous puppies, heads, eyes, toplines. He will soon be 8 years old, still playful like a puppy. Never been sick, wonderful temperament and what a tremendously show dog he has been.
I do not want any dogs from my breeding to enter the show ring if I would not be proud of showing it myself.
We needed stronger heads and better toplines, and he was the right dog to give us that.
What is a goal that you feel you have not yet obtained in breeding that you would like to achieve? I would love to be able to breed the same type of Bostons, generation after generation. But with our breeding rules, it is difficult, as there is little room for linebreeding.
Do you believe in inbreeding (tight breedings between mother/son or father/ daughter)? I have no experience with tight linebreeding. The rules from our kennel club do not allow us to do this kind of breeding. But I do strongly believe that it is easier to set a type when linebreeding.
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Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Janne Simonsen
largest dog show, Crufts, judged by Professor Terry Desombre, has been my biggest achievement so far. This girl, Ch Bright & Brindle’s Top Of The Line, really is burning up the ring. With 23 CC at the age of 24 months, multiple champion titles, and 6 Speciality wins, it has been an adventure. She will soon be 6 years old, and still has a lot to offer, always on her toes, ready to show. She is so special to me, and she knows it quite well.
CH bright & brindle’s top of the line
What is the most difficult characteristic to get rid of when breeding a Boston? For me, the most difficult thing has been to establish the fronts. Those short upper arms have given me nightmares. To get the right movement and balance, the front needs to be correct.
What do you feel are the strongest attributes in Boston Terriers in different regions/countries? As I see it today, Bostons in the USA have such better heads than Bostons in Europe generally do. Of course there are some pretty nice heads in Europe too, but in general it looks like breeders are striving more for overall structure. Don’t get me wrong, it is not bad to breed for sound structure, as the head does not carry itself around the ring, as a good friend so clever has said, but this is a head breed, and we need to keep that in mind.
What has been the biggest honor or achievement in your breeding life? I have to say that being the breeder, owner and handler of the best of breed winner at the world’s
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judge - Mr. Milos Caban, Germany
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PHOTO: NEFRE.EU
Let’s Talk DETAILS - Dog Show Etiquette
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DETAILS Dog Show Etiquette or… Ooops, Did I Say That Out Loud?
I
part 1 of 2 - by Pamela Preston, ChriMaso Boston Terriers
know that there have been articles about this in the past, but I have been asked by a number of exhibitors, experienced folks as well as newbies, to write something regarding etiquette at dog shows. Questions came to me regarding attire, conversations, behavior and supervision of dogs, so I thought: why not, it might be helpful and it’s also an opportunity to share some of my (and my friends’) faux pas over the years. And, hopefully other can learn from our mistakes! Part I of the article will focus on talking, an activity most of us like to engage in while sitting or standing ringside and watching the other dogs in the ring, or when we’re exchanging a few words with the judge during pictures. So, let’s get started with our first topic: Conversations: This really is actually a simple topic to discuss, believe it or not. One rule of thumb I try to adhere to: Don’t say anything about anyone or dog that you wouldn’t want said about you or your dog- especially ringside! I know that we all have opinions and thoughts and we should, but sharing that information is best saved for private conversations away from the ring. Let me give you a few examples of very innocent comments that became “problems” without any intention to do so. (All names, as well as some details, have been changed to protect the innocent, or guilty, as the case may be...)
True Story Number 1
A friend (let’s call her Denise) and I were sitting ringside at a specialty show a few years ago admiring the entries. I don’t recall what class it was, but it was either BOB or one of the non-regular classes (e.g., veteran, stud dog, etc.). A lovely dog was standing in front of us and Denise commented that he was very lovely. I agreed. Denise then commented that it was too bad that he didn’t pass one of his last health certifications. I said that it was too bad, and we continued chatting about whatever else came to mind. Now, mind you, this conversation was not a finger pointing exercise, simply an exchange of information. There was no intention of spreading rumors or being derogatory in regards to the dog, or anything negative at all. HOWEVER, the owner of this lovely dog, who was not known to me or Denise, was standing right behind us watching AND LISTENING to what was said. 34 - LetsTalkBostons.com
She immediately left, extremely upset feeling as though we thought her dog was inferior, and naturally assumed we were now going to be telling everyone that he hadn’t passed a test. Fortunately, a mutual friend brought this to Denise’s attention and apologies and explanations were exchanged, and even new friendships formed. This is not always the case. More often than not, feelings are hurt, rumors are spread, and things get blown way out of proportion. Moral of the story: There will always be people you don’t know ringside, be sensitive about what you say and don’t say it ringside if you wouldn’t want to hear it about you or your dog.
True Story Number 2
Another friend of mine (we’ll call her Tina) in another breed, was very excited when her bitch received a group placement. Tina is a friendly, outgoing person that truly enjoys talking to judges and other exhibitors when she gets the chance, and she can talk, let me tell you! ☺ Her husband handled the bitch and when it was time for the group photos, the judge made a comment that he really liked this bitch and asked if they had considered breeding her to the #1 dog. The judge had judged that dog in the past and said he was quite lovely as well and felt it would be a good match. Tina, having already researched that possibility, stated that she wouldn’t consider breeding to the #1 dog because he was a PRA carrier. Ooops!! Did she say that out loud? Fortunately, Tina was not standing as close to the judge as her husband was, so the judge only heard her husband’s response, not Tina’s. Thanks goodness! Moral of the story: Thing BEFORE you speak. Again… don’t say it if you wouldn’t want to hear it about you or your dog.
True Story Number 3
Several years ago, one of my dogs was shown at a fairly large show out of state. The judge that day was a woman that I admired and respected. I don’t know her personally, per se, but I have had conversations with her when watching the groups or when I’ve seen her at dog shows. At the time, she was a fairly new judge to Bostons, but she loves the breed and studies the standard. From my personal experience, she awards dogs based on the merit she feels they have, not according to who may be at the end of the lead. I’ve seen her put up a new junior handler with almost no experience over professional handlers and I’ve seen her put up owner/handlers over pros on multiple occasions. That’s not to say that I always agree with her selections (do we ever always agree???), but it seemed obvious to me that she puts up what she thinks is the best on that day. Okay, I digress, but I wanted to give you a little background information. Anyway, my dog was with his handler and I was working, waiting for that phone call to tell me what had happened that day. A friend of mine was also at the show and
decided to go watch the Bostons and report back to me later. When I got the phone call, I was happy to hear that my boy had won, but then my balloon of joy completely deflated as my friend continued to inform me that while standing ringside MANY of the exhibitors were putting the judge down saying that she’s obviously just a handler judge and put up only handlers, thus inferring that the dogs awarded were not worthy. And to top it off, my friend described a couple of the exhibitors to me and I knew immediately who two of them were… Yes, you guessed it… they were “friends” of mine. Talk about being disappointed and down right hurt! Regardless, even if it had been complete strangers, this makes it not fun, at least for me. I wasn’t even at the show, but hearing that completely detracted from the happiness that I experience with a win. I don’t know about you, but I am still excited and appreciate my wins - any win whether it’s a Breed award or a first place in my class - I enjoy them all. Moral of the story: Do unto others…, if you know what I mean. If you win, do you like hearing that the judge doesn’t know what he/she is doing? One more time: don’t say it ringside if you wouldn’t want to hear it about you or your dog. Please keep in mind that everything in this article is based upon my experience, my own views and opinions, and may, or may not, work for you. The bottom line is: Do what works for you and your dog and enables you to enjoy this wonderful sport without deterring from someone else’s experience. It’s an expensive hobby and we should all be able to enjoy it, right? Until next issue...
- Pamela H. Preston (NOTE: The pictures accompanying this article are “staged” photos. All of the people in the pictures are “show people”, NONE of whom are actually “talking” about anyone or any dog, so if you see someone you know, please know that they were not “caught in the act”, but simply helping us out with a few ringside pictures.)
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JUDGING
A talk with the UK judge Mrs. Vanessa Williams-Wegmann Article by Fernanda Barlow
W
e recently had the opportunity to chat with the Boston Terrier judge and breeder Vanessa Williams-Wegmann. Based in the UK, Vanessa has had a history in Bostons and is now about to judge the breed in Helsinki. Vanessa had her first Boston in 1999 and since then has acknowledges there are still 3 sizes of Boston Terriers everywhere, but she feels that health has definitely improved due to more people’s awareness and breeders taking responsibility. That’s great news for our breed! Vanessa shared with us that when judging, she feels that it is important that a Boston Terrier looks like they are supposed to look. She loves a “breedy” head and outline, combined with soundness and good health. “It is a real picture to see a smart Boston standing square showing themselves in the ring,” she says. When asked about heads, Vanessa told us that she feels that the length of the nose can detract from a typical “breedy” expression. Vanessa told us “A big nose is just so untypical and coarse, a pinched little nose looks like a punched in pin cushion!”. Vanessa looks for a well-defined stop, and a short blunt muzzle with a defining line between nostrils. “Equally important to that gorgeous Boston head is a slightly undershot lower jaw. I know the standard says the bite can be level but often just a tad undershot gives a lot of character to an expression,” she says. We moved on to talk about coats, specifically ticking and markings. Vanessa states that if a dog’s socks are unevenly marked, it could create the false appearance of irregular front and rear action. Likewise, mismarked face could give a dog a clown like appearance, and a wide or short collar can give the illusion that the shoulder and neck are different than what they are, so she believes markings can be distracting. As a judge, she has to “look through” the Bostons to see the dog beneath all that. Despite our standard mentioning markings and how they should ideally be, she feels that even if a dog does
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not have a full collar, she doesn’t mind putting them up, provided that the basic markings on the head and feet are there. As far as ticking goes, she feels like she can look past a little bit of ticking, but when she is making the decision for Best of Breed with two dogs of equal merit, it is something that would come into the equation. “But it all depends on the dogs on the day,” she states. “I like to see a well-trained, smartly presented Boston Terrier in my ring,” Vanessa shares. She goes on: “it would be so embarrassing if I had to send in a scruffy ill prepared dog to represent the breed in the Group. I get fed up with exhibitors who ‘over bait’ and are throwing cheese and liver into the air”. Another pet peeve of hers is when right after awarding a CC (Challenge Certificate) and Best of Breed, she likes shaking the exhibitor’s hand. “Imagine my dismay when some sloppy people have cheese and liver hands!” In fact, it enrages her so much that she may consider taking the award back from the next person who does that to her, she jokes. So exhibitors: Be warned! Compared to other breeds, Boston Terriers aren’t classically group winners, and a Best in Show for a Boston is not that common. But Vanessa feels that when the right Boston Terrier comes along, we will see one win Best in Show at a General Championship Show level. But first, it has to get through the Group. “Dog Showing in the UK is so very competitive, and Boton Terrier numbers are one of the few breeds on the up!” she says, adding that it is not an easy breed even at Best of Breed level. “This is where a super smart, heavy weight Boston Terrier would really stand out alongside breeds like Standard Poodles and Akitas in the big ring.” Sometimes, judges can look for a smaller Boston because they are cute, or they prefer a strange color, or end up choosing a mediocre dog not shown to its full potential, and then that dog gets Best of Breed and moves on to represent the breed in the group ring. Vanessa, however, has as a priority to always look for
excellence and what would represent our beautiful Boston Terriers best of all in the Utility Group. As Vanessa has moved on to judging the Utility Group at Championship Show level now, she has judged two Groups in the UK but has yet to judge them overseas. Vanessa tells us “I think that Boston Terriers are a really specialist breed and not enough judges know enough about them to give a Group placing”. So far, she has placed a worthy Boston Terrier in a Utility Group and feels like she would easily award Best in Group to the right dog of any breed, which certainly includes Boston Terriers. “A smaller lightweight Boston can easily be overlooked in large company by a judge who is not fully conversant with us,” Vanessa concludes. When asked about British Boston Terriers and how they compare to American and European Bostons in general, she feels like the breed differs from country to country mainly in their expression and ear carriages. “Also, different lines produce different traits all over the world,” she adds. The American Bostons that Vanessa has seen tend to be very smartly prepared for the show ring, and that might not always be the case in the old continent. We try to steer the conversation to talk about dogs that have impressed Vanessa in the ring, but she smartly reminds us that if she mentions one dog over another, it could put off future exhibitors whose dogs are of different type or size, or people might think that is the only sort of dog that she would consider for top honors. However, she does mention admiration for the last two Bostons that she has awarded CCs to: CH WILDAX SCARAMOUCHE and CH ANTRIX TICKETY BOO. Although these two are medium sized dogs, she admits to having a soft spot for the lightweight Bostons are they are exceptionally cute in miniature. Going forward, Vanessa would love to judge the breed at Crufts, but also hankers after Switzerland, her husband’s home nation, and Westminster Dog Show in the United States for its iconic value. Vanessa shares “I always feel privileged to judge as it’s such an honor to be invited and a big responsibility to help shape the future of the breed for health, beauty and fitness.” We would like to thank Mrs. Vanessa Williams-Wegmann for the opportunity to get to know her a little better! Watch for future talks with other Boston Terrier judges in future editions of Let’s Talk Bostons. December 2014 - 49
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TRAVELING pictures and article by Jenn Gehr
H
ello! My name is Jenn Gehr and I’m “homeless, living in parks”. Yes, most are beautiful, State and National parks as I currently reside in a 36 ft., 5th wheel trailer with my Husband, Bill and our two Bostons, Ginger and Brie. Home is truly where we park it, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. So much so, I wish each one of you could share in a day-in-our-life and know that you’re welcome to do so, just bring your dog along, too!
made and we appreciate the hard work and dedication that top quality breeder’s sacrifice to ensure the breed standards are kept. Our Family just loves The Great Outdoors and to share our knowledge of the Boston breed with the general public. I always say: I do not show dogs nor am I a breeder, but I have a lifetime experience with training animals and instructing others how to better understand animal behavior. Trust is earned and we reap what we sow.
A little over seven years ago, Bill and I decided to become “full-time RVer’s”, meaning that we would say goodbye to the day-to-day rat race of city life, hectic work schedules, and anything routine! While both our professional lives were in full swing, we saw the opportunity to take a chance at a new way of living, so we went for it! After 2 years of carefully planning, readjusting life as we previously knew it, we have been on the open road for 5 ½ years and life in less than 400 sq. feet just wouldn’t be complete without our Blessed Bostons…and a great sense of humor! When we started out, we were pet-less. After just 6 months of traveling, I told my husband if he, “didn’t let me get a dog, I would begin training HIM!”. Needless to say, he got the message and I went on a hunt to find the perfect canine traveling companion for our lifestyle. Many months and a ton of homework later, I had made a decision. The American Gentleman, low shedding and grooming, RV sized, wash & wear, big-dog-in-a-little package, full of intelligence, personality-plus a serious stubborn streak, sweet-snoring, “music” making, nonsporting group, please speak softly, love me and rub my belly Boston it was and Ginger was her name-o! With thanks to Guardian Bostons in CT, we fell hard, hook, line and sinker! So much so, that 9 months later, we set out to add to our family with another Boston, and the love of my life, Miss Brie, or “Mt. View Brie and Wine and Guardian”, came into our lives. We found that roots run deep with the many Boston Families we have December 2014 - 57
For 20 years, horses were the focus of my career life. I still teach for Pony Club, professionally ride, clinic, and instruct and I am a judge for many local and 4-H related events around the country. Bill owned and operated a RV service/repair center in Ventura, CA for 34 years before retiring. As a veterinary technician, I knew the importance of getting a dog for a pet that was going to be as healthy as possible for the long run. We are very active and our dogs are very socialized. Our yearly adventures in traveling take us all over the USA and write technical articles for various RV related magazines along the way. I can’t tell you how many people I have been able to interact with about what it means to purchase a dog from a highly reputable, Breeder of Merit individual, and how to select a breeder in their area versus a dog that just has AKC papers and a year heath guarantee, even if it’s from a rescue situation. Although I fully do support rescue organizations, I knew that for our lifestyle, I needed our dogs to have full genetic health screenings/ testings and I was willing to pay now for that assurance, rather than later down the line. It’s a pleasure to have an open platform to go over with people about the importance of health screenings, why they are necessary for the sustainability of the breed, what each individual health-screening test looks for, why fad colors should not be promoted, and what all of these concerns translates for the long-term health of a dog has been my way of giving back to the breed. In addition, I try to educate the public with the needs of a healthy canine diet versus one mostly comprised of commercialized corn, wheat and “other” fillers. Of course, the majority of the people reading this is well aware of these issues and understands the importance of quality breeding and feedings, but much of the public is so unaware. I think we can all agree, that animals matter, regardless of their breed. In planning our journeys across the country, we try and focus on a different area each year to spend the spring, summer and fall. I am a weather wimp, and so are my dogs, so we carefully calculate our adventures as to avoid any extreme temperatures. Just like snowbirds, we travel south for the winter and enjoy family visits in either the Texas Hill Country or Southern California. Being prepared for any weather situation, unforeseen encounter or emergency when traveling with our Boston’s is a topic I take very seriously. So much so, that I write a monthly Q&A column for the TrailBlazer Magazine called “Four Paws on the Road”. Everything from the discussion of canine training challenges, RAW diets, travel tips and more are covered. 58 - LetsTalkBostons.com
When my Husband and I are in a campground we often have people comment on how well behaved our dogs are. And truly, we couldn’t be more proud of our Boston’s!! Generally, we stay put for 2 weeks at a time and one-on-one conversations always tailspin into new friendships and colorful story-swaps about these personality packed little dogs. I try to encourage dog owners that their dogs can be great, too, and that they can offer the same leadership qualities to their individual pet with consistency in their everyday interactions by bringing excellence in timing with their praise and correction. I regularly praise the dogs and tell them what great breed ambassadors they are! When it is safe of course, my dogs are usually off leash in the mountains as well as on the beach, and both have a solid recall. I do limited vaccines, monthly Heartguard, and keep a sharp awareness of potential environmental hazards such as poison plants, bluegreen algae, snakes, other animals, or terrain that might be uncomfortable to sensitive paw pads. Both Ginger and Brie are Micro-chipped, wear secure i.d. tags on their collars, and both are extremely water savvy. When we kayak in our two-man inflatable, we bring the Girls along and both dogs wear RuffWear K9 Life Vests. I hike with a backpack that includes; packable, rain/ lined jackets for myself and the dogs, a medical supply bag with dye-free 25mg Benadryl tabs, alcohol wipes, a compass, gauze, Transpore Tape, sterile eye wash, a survival knife, scissors, tweezers, a black Sharpie marker, Baggies, a rescue whistle, and I always bring along extra food and water for us all. It’s important that we plan our outings around areas where the dogs can get in the water to cool down and that we always hike in the early mornings or later afternoons to avoid any unexpected high temperatures- and I’m talking nothing higher than 70 degrees, just to be on the safe side. Thank God, we have never had an emergency, but I like to be as prepared as possible. I’m often asked about what I do for personal and puppy protection when I’m in the backwoods. The dogs have GPS trackers on their harnesses although they have never run off before; I can’t stand the thought of loosing either of them. After all, these are my kids! I do carry a handgun, a walking wooden staff and a small Taser and pray I never have to use any of them! Bill and I have trained the dogs to stay in-between us when we ask. This way, there are always eyes observing the trail, both behind the dogs and looking ahead. If there is any question, we simply keep the dogs leashed.
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The biggest threats we have encountered are an occasional Giardia outbreak from the pups not drinking their bottled water. I carry antibiotics with me incase we are in a remote area where we are unable to take in a stool sample to a local vet. In addition, I’m always on the hunt for ticks. It’s funny, as the little critters really used to give me the “willies”, but now, I’m over it! Anything for the Girls! After removal, I wipe the area clean with an alcohol pad and treat with triple antibiotic ointment. I save the body of any tick I remove just incase a reaction were to occur, I could have the tick tested for Lyme or any other disease. I be sure to note the date and location where the tick was removed both on the dog’s body and the trail we picked the tick up from. So far, I have never had any problems. After several weeks, I trash the little bugger! Having traveled to 35 states, we simply relish the memories we’ve made with our Boston’s. Both dogs travel exceptionally well and have never had an accident in or damaged anything in the RV or the truck. Ginger and Brie were crate trained from an early age but now only sleep in their soft, collapsible crates at bedtime. Due to lack of space, during the day, we just keep one crate up, but to our knowledge, never before have they used the night bed in the daytime hours. Their go-to spot is our TempurPedic Bed! Most mornings, Bill is up before me and takes the Girls out to do their business. They then run into our bedroom, cover me with kisses and quickly hunker down under the snuggly blankets to cuddle with me for a few more hours of beauty sleep. Next to fresh coffee, it’s the very best start of the day! Runs on the beach or morning hikes along sill waters, back splashed by 14,000 ft. mountains with a fly rod in hand and only my girls trotting beside me frequently headline my morning news. Having the chance to
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introduce Ginger and Brie to people that have never met a Boston or to those who go out of their way to come visit them is also a treat. It’s been heartwarming to meet several folks in our journeys that have rescued puppy mill Boston’s. Watching the transformation of what love can do is truly uplifting. Both Ginger and Brie are kind and gentle when meeting shy children and those individuals with handicaps. Their sweet, balanced personalities have helped several mill dogs we know come out of their shells. There is never a dull moment in our day-to-day life. We laugh when Brie plunges her entire neck and head under the water to look for fish and any nimble, escaping frogs. She lives to act like a piglet and enjoys rolling in anything dirty or stinky and is then patient for a refreshing, warm water shower followed by a long nap in the sunshine. Brie is the joy of my life and we are like Velcro! Ginger is brilliant and learns anything I want to teach her in the blink of an eye. Then, like any good-looking smarty, uses the newfound knowledge to her advantage! She is the queen of digging up ground squirrel holes, rocks an agility course and is so Daddy’s Little Girl. I work really hard on my handling skills with my Boston’s and it has been a lot of fun to help others see what a pleasure dogs can be if you’re willing to put in the work, douse it with love and add a dash of creativity. After all, who wants to live life just stuck in a cage or tethered to a leash? We regularly joke that we are “homeless and living in parks”, but truth be told, we feel like we won the Lotto and are thankful for each and every new day. You and yours are welcome to come join us on the road! Or, if you have any questions about where to camp and what to do when you get there, or anything else, please email me! RVLife4us@gmail.com www.BillGehr.com The more Bostons, the BETTER! . I always say, “The best parts of our days are BRINDLED, BLACK & WHITE!!”.
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let’s talk
OUTSTANDING
CH MACH9 PACH2 ADCH PDCH Wagtime Independenz@Jo-Clem RE MXC2 MJB3 MXPB MJPB PAX2 MXF T2B3 T2BP CAA Bred by Susan Miller & Owned by Daniel and Julie Haddy
I
ndy earned her conformation Championship in 2005 with one of her majors coming from the FL Suncoast Boston Terrier specialty. In 2007, she made breed history by becoming the 1st dual Champion in the breed when she earned MACH.
In November 2011, OFA named her a Champion of Health. She has produced 3 litters of puppies and her offspring include CH MACH10 Jo-Clem Rev Me Up, the youngest Boston to earn MACH & the 1st Boston to earn double digit MACHs.
She earned 9 MACHs in regular competition in AKC before dropping to Preferred where she has now earned 3 PACHs (Preferred Agility Champion). Indy is the 1st Boston to earn MACHs 8 & 9 and the 1st to earn PACH 2 & 3. She has also earned ADCH (Agility Dog Champion) in USDAA competition & is the 1st Boston to earn PDCH (Performance Dog Champion) in USDAA. She has competed multiple times at the Eukanuba Agility Invitational, AKC Agility Nationals and at USDAA Cynosport where she has twice made the Finals in Team events, finishing at #8 with one of those teams.
At almost 12, she is still running & having fun & will get to play as long as she enjoys it as she doesn’t seem quite ready to stop at roughly 120 titles. Lure coursing has become one of her favorite activities at shows. When she’s at home, she’s a master blanket arranger & loves to nestle in LOTS of pillows if she is not spending her time antagonizing the cat.
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Many thanks to Susan Miller for allowing this once in a lifetime dog to come home with us.
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