New obedience star!

Sandy Howley and "Gracy", SR Banquo's Strikes Our Fancy WC JH CGC, traveled to Durham, N.C. for their first for-real obedience trials, the weekend of December 13 and 14th, 2003. Gracy came away with a first place in Novice A on Saturday, with a score of 186.5. As well, she was won High Flat-coat in Trial honors. On Sunday, Gracy took second place, with a score of 190 (darn that Border Collie!). Again, she took High Flat-coat in Trial Honors. They were in-the-running for High Sporting Dog in Trial, but were edged out of first place, by 2 points, by a Golden (and handler) from the Novice B class. Both Sandy and Gracy had a ball and look forward to going for that third leg and title!

  New Junior Hunter!

"Sunny", Ransom's Camden Sunshine *JH* (Labrador Retriever), owned by John and Sandy Bulger and Bernadette Brown, finished his Junior Hunter at the Palmetto Retriever Club test in Boykin, SC on December 6, 2003. Sunny (age 15 months) was handled by John and went 4 for 4 for the title, making it 5 for 5 the following day. On to learning blinds and steadiness for the try at SH. Tanner and Brook are proud of the little brother!

  A new Champion!

At the CRFCRC Supported Entry show, *Ch* Salasana Double Arrow, "Eagle", won Winners Dog and Best of Winners for a 4 point major under James Burns, finishing his Championship at 9 months of age with 3 majors!! At the FCRSA Supported Entry the day before, Eagle won Best Opposite in Sweepstakes under Carol Brown. Eagle's journey started on August 17, 2003 when he won WD/BW for 2 points at his first show. In three months, Eagle picked up 18 points, 3 majors, 3 Best of Breeds and 4 Best Puppy In Breeds. A short journey but we are so proud of him and look forward to the years to come!! Eagle is owned by Dawn Buttion & Marty Archmbeault.

  Major news from Riversong!

Our girl "Libby", Riversong's Dream Catcher, had a super *double major* weekend at the Turkey Cluster! Libby won a 4 pt major going WB/BOW from the Bred By class at Friday's Northeastern Maryland KC show. Then, Sunday at the Upper Marlboro KC show, she won WB from the Bred By class for her second 4 pt major! It seemed like déjà vu as her dam, Risa, earned double majors in 1999 at the same cluster! Libby is a lot of fun, and at 14 months old, we look forward to her many future successes! She's proudly owned, trained and handled by Janet and Cary Ciarico.

  11/23/03 -- At the Upper Marlboro Kennel Club Show in West Friendship, MD:

"Valley", SR Allegro's Free Valley Sunrise *CD* JH WC, finished her CD title as well as earning the Highest Scoring Flat Coated Retriever in Regular Classes award. Big congratulations to Valley and Penny Woodward!

  A new Champion in the Beach household!

*Ch* Bertschire Not Even A Mouse finished her title with a 5 point major taking Best of Winners under Judge Don Evans at the CRFCRC Supported Entry on November 22, 2003 at the Chesapeake Kennel Club show at Howard County Fairgrounds. "Mouse" was expertly handled by Cathy Reinhart and cheered on by owners Cheryl and Buzz Beach, big brother Cutter (CH Maplemanse Ruff and Trump CGC) at home, little sister Hannah (Homeport Passage to Riverwind) in the WB ring for the 6-9 month puppy bitch class, and all our FCR friends. What a way to finish!!!! It was a long road to the championship since Mouse MUCH preferred being handled by Cathy and Sandy Bulger rather than Cheryl. Mouse is co-owned by Donna Slavin. Mouse joined the Beach pack 18 months ago (thank you to Andrea Holsinger) and will be 3 years old on Christmas day. Her favorite activities are chasing tennis balls with Cutter, swimming in the South River, snacking, and sleeping in the king size bed with Mom and Dad and Cutter. Next on the agenda for Mouse are field training and obedience classes.

  Agility news from Tina Borden!

"Vita" and I have good news to share after slogging through a long and frustrating agility season! He finished his OAJ on Sunday 11/15 at the Capital City Cocker Club's trial in Dale City, Virginia with a second place. He got first place in his height division 11/14 at this trial in the Excellent Std A class...and on 11/8, the Sunday prior, he got first place in his height division in Excellent Std A at the National Capital Bearded Collie Club trial in Leesburg, VA. So we're one leg away from finishing his AX and finally finished that OAJ! He is now Ch Blazin's Doppelbock CDX JH OA *OAJ* WCX." Congrats, Tina and Vita!

  11/9/03 -- At the Mispillion KC show in Salisbury, MD:

"Eagle", Salasana Double Arrow, handled by Jr. Handler Alex Biolozer, won Winners Dog, Best of Winners and Best of Breed over a special for 2 points under Jan Krohne. This was Eagle's first time in the 9-12 Puppy class and brings him to 14 points with both majors.

"Sky", Salasana Blazin Arrow, handled by Dawn, won Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite for 1 point at the same show.

Eagle and Sky are owned and loved by Dawn Buttion and Marty Archambeault!!

  11/2/03 -- At the Back Mountain KC show in Bloomsburg, PA:

"Eagle", Salasana Double Arrow, handled by Dawn, won Winners Dog and Best of Winners for a 5 point major under breeder/judge Doug Windsor (Butterblac).

  11/1/03 -- At the MAFCRC supported entry (Back Mountain KC) in Bloomsburg, PA:

"Eagle", Salasana Double Arrow, handled by Dawn, won Best Opposite in Sweepstakes under breeder Jennifer Andrews (Huntlane).

  11/1/03 -- At the MAFCRC supported entry (Back Mountain KC) in Bloomsburg, PA:

"Risa", Ch Rainbow Autumn's First Frost CDX SH WCX CGC, handled by Janet, won Best Opposite Sex (BOS) from the Working Class. The judge noted how happy he was to honor a dog from the working class. Likewise, we feel very proud to have a girl who runs master hunter tests one weekend and takes BOS at a supported entry the next. That's what it's all about. Thanks so much to the MAFCRC folks who put on a great supported! Cary and Janet Ciarico.

  10/30/03 -- At the Langley KC show in Va. Beach:

"Cosmo", Ch SR SHR U-CDX U-AGI Blazin's Back O' The Moon UD JH AX NAP NJP WCX CGC TT HOF, won Best of Breed from the Veteran Dog class over 6 male specials, handled by Melody. At 8 and a half years, Cosmo still has what it takes and he knows how to use it! :-)

  Penny Woodward and Valley have been bringing home the field ribbons!

On October 4th at the Tidewater Retriever Club in Richmond, VA, "Valley", SR Allegro's Free Valley Sunrise CGC *JH* earned her JH title! Then on October 19th at the PVGRC test, Valley earned her *WC* title as well as taking a 5th leg in the AKC Junior Hunter test!

  Notes from Jane and Cliff:

"After taking over a year off due to injuries, family traumas, and a little event called the 2003 FCRSA national...we finally got back to doing stuff with *our* dogs this summer. Consequently, we have 2 new JHs in the house:
"Lin", Ch Blazin Dunlin of Tidalflats *JH* Am/Can WC TDI
"Selkie", Tidalflats' Selkie *JH* Am/Can WC CGC
Both girls finished in fine style at the PVGRC hunt tests (on Oct. 18). The gallery was treated to a bonus as Cliff waltzed off the line (literally) with Lin after the upland series." Very Proudly...Jane Boraczek & Cliff Williams

  News from the Bulger household!:

"Brook", Ch SR Bertschire's Avalanche CD *SH* WCX, received her Senior Hunter title at Tidewater Retriever Club on September 28, 2003! Brook is owned by John and Sandy Bulger and Donna Slavin and was handled by John. She earned her 3rd leg at Greater Pittsburgh on Sept 6, and a lucky 5th leg at Lab Club of the Piedmont on Oct. 4. She's getting ready to get her feet wet in Master! Brook's little yellow brother, "Sunny", Ransom's Camden Sunshine (Labrador), got his 1st JH leg in his very first test at PVGRC on October 19, 2003!

  10/19/03 -- At the PVGRC hunt tests and WC/X stakes in MD:

Gillian Impey's "Dina", Ch SR Quillquest Dinamite JH *WCX* Can WC, achieved her WCX title! Little "Jess", Quillquest Joyful Jess, placed 3rd in the Pee Wee stakes (6-9 months). Also, "Dart" finished her SH title in Georgia the same week-end; she is now Falconcliffe Dark Delight *SH* WC, Can WCI JH. Gillian writes, "Congratulations to all who achieved titles and legs." And to you too, Gillian!

  10/19/03 -- At the PVGRC hunt tests and WC/X stakes in MD:

Joan Bensen's "Quest", Ch Skywalker Galaxy Quest JH *WC*, got his first SH leg and his WC title on the same day!

  10/19/03 -- At the South Jersey dog show:

Ruth Marsh's, Ch Athercroft if it Fields Good, "Davis", proved that veteran doesn't mean old! He won the veteran sporting dog group over some very nice other ol' geezers. Davis certainly enjoyed his day!

  10/18/03 - 10/19/03 -- At the PVGRC hunt tests and WC/X stakes in MD:

Ch Wingmaster Gale Force at Victory CD JH *WCX*, "Gale", owned by Judy Gladson, earned her first SH leg and her WCX title, both on her first try!

Judy's "Solo", Victory's Clear Sailing *WCX*, also earn her WCX on her first try! Judy writes, "Solo has run several derbies this year and while we have not gotten any ribbons, she has gotten some callbacks, alot of compliments and made me very proud. The young dogs (labs) running derbies are phenominal to watch and I was pleased just to be playing the game." You go, girls!

  10/4/03 - 10/5/03 -- At the Tibetan Spaniel Club of America and Briard Club of America Agility Trials in Frederick, MD:

Ch Blazin's Enchanted Forest *NA* NAJ CGC, "Piper" was handled by Dawn to her 1st Open Jumpers leg and 4th place and handled by Alex to her 2nd and 3rd Novice legs, 2nd and 1st place, and her NA title!!! Piper and Alex looked fantastic!!! Piper is owned by Dawn Buttion and Marty Archambeault.

  From Janet Boss:

"Franklin", Maple Manse Stayman Rules, earned his 3rd Flyball title in September. He is now a Flyball Dog Champion (FDCh), and his ranking among flyball flatcoats has gone up to #26 or so. At this tournament, Franklin was put on the top level multi-breed team. Since this was his first full tournament, we were a little nervous, especially since our team was competing for the regional championship for the fiscal year 2003! We won all but 2 heats the entire weekend, set a team record for time, and he did an awesome job. Technicalities in the way tournaments are scored means it will be awhile before we know if we got the regional chamionship, but I was proud that my boy did such a great job at an important tournament.

  9/28/03 -- On the Wine Country circuit in NY:

*Ch* Wingmaster Gale Force at Victory CD JH, "Gale", owned by Judy Gladson, finished her Championship with her 3rd major (a 5 pointer)!

  9/7/03 -- At the Catoctin Kennel Club Agility Trial in Frederick, MD:

Ch Blazin's Cosmic Thing NA *NAJ* CGC, "Junebug" was handled by Marty to her 3rd Novice Jumpers leg, perfect score, 3rd place and her NAJ title!!! Junebug is owned by Dawn Buttion and Marty Archambeault.

  New Salasana Puppy Show Ring Test Drive

The Salasana puppies (sired by "Cosmo", brought over from Finland, and owned by Blazin Kennels), turned 6 months on August 5th and were taken out for a show ring test drive!! Results are in and based on early analysis, the future looks bright! :)

Test Drive 1: Annapolis KC, August 17, 2003, Annapolis, MD
"Eagle", Salasana Double Arrow, was Best of Winners for 2 points under Betsy Horn Humer!
Eagle's litter sister "Sky", Salasana Blazin Arrow, was Reserve at the same show!

Test Drive 2: Great Barrington KC, August 24, 2003, W. Springfield, MA
"Sky" won Winners for the 5 point major under Marilyn Spacht!
"Eagle" was Reserve to the 4 point major in dogs at the same show!

Test Drive 3: Newton KC, August 30, 2003
"Sky" picked up 2 more points under Finnish judge Eeva Rautala!
"Eagle" was Reserve to the 4 point major in dogs at the same show!

Test Drive 4: Sussex Hills KC, August 31, 2003
"Sky" and "Eagle" both won the puppy class under Dr. Bernard McGivern.

  From Janet Boss:

"Franklin" (Maple Manse Stayman Rules) has finally started his flyball racing career. With only a handful of heats under his belt, he has earned his Flyball Dog and Flyball Dog Excellent titles and should earn his next title at his next tournament (have to miss the CRFCRC Reunion Picnic for that!). He already ranks #54 of 93 FCRs registered with NAFA for flyball, and hopes to move up that list very fast! His mixed breed "sister" Lucy is currently the #96 mixed breed out of 1896 registered, so he has big paws to fill.

  7/27/03 -- Bald Eagle Kennel Club Show, Williamsport, PA

We are very proud to announce that "Risa", Ch Rainbow Autumn's First Frost *CDX* SH WCX, handled by Janet, earned her CDX this weekend in high style by taking 1st place and winning the High Scoring Flat-Coated Retriever in Trial trophy. Risa earned 1st place ribbons for two of her three Open qualifications - what a thrill! Winning the trophy was especially meaningful as Risa's breeder, Lauren Weidner, donated the HFCIT trophy *13* years ago in honor of her first Flat-Coat "Charry". Over the 13 years, though many Flat-Coats were entered and competed in obedience at the show, the trophy was never won. Yesterday, it was our pleasure to accept this trophy, and an honor that the judge allowed Lauren to come into the ring and present it to us! Lauren said it would have never occurred to her that 13 years later, a dog from one of her own breedings would win the trophy. It was a very special and meaningful moment we'll always cherish. We can't thank Lauren enough for breeding this very special girl who brightens our lives each and every day!

Janet & Cary Ciarico

  A new Senior Hunter!

Ch Allegro's Free Man in Paris *SH* WCX, "Beau", qualified at the American Chesapeake Club hunt test in Baldwinsville, NY, on June 7, 2003 for his fourth and final Senior Hunter leg to earn his title. Just a few weeks earlier (May 11) at the FCRSA National Specialty in Carlisle, PA, Beau qualified for his third SH leg. Beau is owned by Linda and Mark Reynolds, and handled by Linda.

  A new Champion!

Ruth Marsh's "Sammy" is now *Ch* Athercroft Did It Mai Way! Not only did he finish with four majors, but he was Best of Breed two days over the Southern Maryland Kennel Club weekend! Sammy was most happy about his new toys, which Davis has stolen, and the happy meal on the way home!

  6/27/03 -- At the Southern Maryland KC show in Bel Alton, MD:

*Ch* Blazin's Eternal Flame CD NAJ, "Prue", was handled by Dawn to Winners Bitch/Best Of Opposite for a 3 point major and her Championship!! Prue is owned by Dawn Buttion and Marty Archambeault.

  6/21/03 and 6/22/03 -- At the Potomac Valley Golden Retriever Club Agility Trial in Westminster, MD:

Blazin's Eternal Flame CD *NAJ*, "Prue", was handled by Marty to her 3rd Novice Jumpers leg, perfect score, 4th place and her NAJ title!!! Prue is owned by Dawn Buttion and Marty Archambeault.

Ch SR TLC & Shalyn's Rhythm O' The Island CD *NAP* CGC, "Reggae", owned/trained by Sherri Lilley, earned her 2nd and 3rd Novice Standard Preferred legs for her NAP title, with a clean run and 2nd place, and 3rd place!! Sherri's Lab Danser completed both her NAP and NJP titles with clean runs and placements!!!

  6/1/03 -- At the Metro All Breed Dog Fanciers All Breed and Obedience Match:

Salasana Blazin Arrow, "Sky", was handled by Dawn to Best Flat- Coat Puppy, Best Sporting Dog Puppy and finally Best Puppy In Match!! This was Sky's first time in the ring and she was a real trooper showing right up until the end when she spotted the Pug behind her in the Best Puppy In Match ring!! :) Her brother "Eagle", Salasana Double Arrow, made his debut handled by Marty. The judge had a hard time deciding between Eagle and Sky.

  The Capital Region dogs showed off their Winning Ways in many ways at the National Specialty, held in Carlisle, PA! See Details!

  Sherri Lilley and Reggae had a great spring!

"Reggae", Ch SR TLC & Shalyn's Rhythm O' the Island *CD* CGC, owned/trained by Sherri Lilley, earned her first Novice B Standard Preferred agility leg with second place and a score of 95 at the Hampton Roads Training Club in Gloucester, VA on April 6, 2003.

Reggae also completed her CD obedience title in three consecutive shows at the Hampton Roads obedience trial on April 27, The Flat Coated Ret Nat'l Specialty in Carlisle, PA on May 14, and Va Beach Kennel Club on May 24 with second place in Novice B. She also made the cuts at the Flat Coated Nat'l Specialty in the Best of Breed class.

  Reggie is a Champion!

"Reggie" is now *Ch* Quillquest Ghillie's Gundog. After winning a major in puppy class, he finished his Championship with a 3 point major at Bucks Co. & a 5 point major at Trenton KC. Reggie is owned by Jane Brumley.

  New Blazin agility titles! On 5/13/03 at the FCRSA National Specialty Agility Trial:

Ch Blazin's Cosmic Thing *NA* CGC, "Junebug", was handled by Marty to her 3rd Novice Standard leg, 2nd place and her NA title!!! Junebug is owned by Dawn Buttion and Marty Archambeault.

Ch SR SHR U-CDX U-AGI Blazin's Back O' The Moon UD JH AX NAP *NJP* WCX CGC TT HOF, "Cosmo", was handled by Melody to his 3rd Novice Jumper Preferred leg, 1st place and his NJP title!!! Cosmo is owned by Melody Daniels and Blazin Kennels.

  4/5/03 - 4/6/03 At the Capital Dog Training Club Agility Trial in Westminster, MD:

Ch Blazin's Alluvion Solitaire CD *OAP* *NJP* WC CGC, "Augie", was handled by Dawn to her 2nd Open Preferred agility leg and 2nd place and her 3rd leg, 1st place and her OAP title!!! Augie was also handled to her 3rd Novice Jumpers Preferred leg and 1st place for her NJP title!! Augie is owned by Dawn Buttion and Marty Archambeault.

Ch Blazin's Cosmic Thing CGC, "Junebug", was handled by Marty to her 1st Novice Standard leg and 2nd place and her 2nd leg and second place! Junebug was also handled to her 2nd Novice Jumpers leg and 4th place! Junebug is owned by Dawn Buttion and Marty Archambeault.

Blazin's Eternal Flame CD, "Prue", was handled by Marty to her 1st Novice Jumpers leg and 1st place!! Prue is owned by Dawn Buttion and Marty Archambeault.

  Congratulations Sandy, John and Brook!

"Brook" became a Champion on April 5, 2003, with a 3 point major at the Greater Ocala Dog Club, handled by Cathy Reinhart! In addition, she earned her CD at MSDA on March 8, 2003. She earned her 1st Senior Hunter leg on March 22. She is now *Ch* SR Bertschire's Avalanche *CD* JH WCX. We're proud! -- Sandy and John Bulger

  Cosmo and Melody are having fun!

"Cosmo" has had a fun spring! In February, he finished his UKC CDX title with placements in Open B. In April, he earned his NAP title and 2 legs on his NJP in AKC agility trials, with all placements including 4 clean runs and 3 blue ribbons. Ch. SR SHR *U-CDX* U-AGI Blazin's Back O' The Moon UD JH AX *NAP* WCX CGC TT HOF is owned by Melody Daniels and Blazin Kennels.

  Congratulations to Simon, Erica, and John!

Ch. Rainbow's Autumn Classic, "Simon", finished 2002 with enough confirmation breed points to be ranked #1 and all-breed points to be ranked #4 in the nation! His #1 breed point ranking made it possible for him to win the Pedigree Award for flatcoated retrievers for 2002! To add to this, Simon was awarded a Judges Award of Merit (JAM) by judge Michelle Billings just recently at the Westminster KC dog show, which was a special honor in a field of some very nice flatcoats!

We feel very lucky to own a dog like Simon and are very proud of his accomplishments, and as always, we are very thankful to his breeder, Lauren Weidner.

Erica Wallace & John Evenson

  2/15/03 - 2/16/03 At the TailBlazers Agility Trial in Aston, PA:

Ch Blazin's Doppelbock CDX OA NAJ JH WCX, "Vita", picked up his 2nd Open Standard leg at the Shetland Sheepdog Agility trial in Timonium, MD on 2/1/03. He then picked up his third on 2/16/03 at the TailBlazers Agility Trial in Aston, PA earning the title! Vita is owned by Scott & Tina Borden and trained and shown by Tina.

Ch Blazin's Alluvion Solitaire CD NAP WC CGC, "Augie", was handled by Marty to her first Open Preferred agility leg and 1st place. At the same trial, Augie and Marty picked up her second Novice Preferred Jumpers leg and 2nd place. Augie is owned by Dawn Buttion and Marty Archambeault.

Ch Blazin's Cosmic Thing CGC, "Junebug", picked up her fist Novice Jumpers agility leg, handled by Marty. This was Marty's first agility trial-what a day he had! Junie is owned by Dawn Buttion and Marty Archambeault.