A Herding Boston Terrier:

Robson is a 2 year old Canadian bred Boston Terrier owned by Le-Ann Elgie, Owner/Director of Fido Can 2: Canine Consultation and Training in Pleasant Hill, CA.

Robson had previously shown extreme prey drive but had difficulty with attention, focus and excess energy. He has previously trained in obedience, rally, agility and disc sports, however, nothing ever seemed to slow him down nor completely tap his drive/energy.

Robson’s “brother”, Dash (a Cattle dog) is a herding breed, thus, Robson spent some time at the sheep farm watching his brother train. Robson always seemed very excited by the other dogs working at the sheep farm and he would watch them carefully on a weekly basis; eventually, we decided to give Robson a try on the sheep. Robson was phenomenal….he got around his sheep, demonstrating good balance and excellent instinct. After such initial success, the AHBA was contacted (American Herding Breed Association) and it was found out that “non-herding breeds” can compete in AHBA events, however, they must start at the Junior Herding Dog (JHD) level which essentially is the “second” level of competition that requires the following (as quoted from the AHBA website):
The stock (3 to 10 animals) are free-standing in the middle of the short side near the top of the arena, well off the fence. The dog may be brought in on lead, and the handler may gently guide the dog by the collar to a position within no less than 15 ft. of the stock before removing the lead. Off-lead, the dog must hold a stand, sit or down, then is released to gather and/or drive the stock.
Throughout the course, the handler may take any position relative to the stock and dog but may not touch the dog once the stock are set in motion.
The stock are taken through the panels. The handler may take the center panel either on the return from the corner panels or on the way to the corner panels (when negotiating the corner panels, the handler may choose to do either the righthand or lefthand panel first).
The stock are then taken to the pen. The dog is stopped, holding the stock in place, while the handler opens the gate to the pen. After the stock have entered, the handler must close the gate; the dog should remain outside the pen.
Course time is 8 minutes.

Robson now trains in herding, along with his brother Dash, on a weekly basis. He has most recently learned to “walk up” and he is showing great promise. It is hoped that Robson will compete in the first JHD trial offered in 2007 by the AHBA. In addition to Robson’s herding success thus far, weekly “work” on the sheep has greatly changed Robson’s attitude. He is compliant, calm, eager to please, focused and motivated to train on a daily basis. For those who do not think that Bostons can do it all, Robson demonstrates that he “begs to differ.”

You can now see videos of Robson herding his sheep at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC17Pa0JQqE

You can get it full sized and copy all of them (there are four) from here: http://www.dogplay.com/Activities/Herding/Video/

Final Tag Update

Great update and news about Tag…please feel free to share it with the BRU members. Tag has found his PERFECT “forever” home and will soon be going to live with his new family. I have been very busy interviewing people and doing home visits and it was very apparent to me when I met Rick and Christine that they were meant to be his family. They are incredibly kind, compassionate and experienced boston owners.
They know and understand his limitations and have the means to provide for him should he require further expensive medical care in the future. Best of all, he adores them! (However, I am going to cry buckets when he leaves my care, I will miss his sweet smiling puppy face greeting me each morning!). And the very best news of all……Tag was seen by his specialist and he has been pronounced in great health!! The surgery was a success!!!!!! No scar tissue! (YIPPPPPEEEEEE!) He can now go on and lead a normal life, but he will always need to be monitored for blockages because of his small (but functioning!) rectum

I know that the ebay fundraiser is wrapping up and that it has been a huge success. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you, Brenda, and all of the wonderful BRU members for helping our rescue organization raise the funds to help this special little pup and the others in our care. We could not continue to help homeless boston terriers without the support of caring individuals like all of you. We have been hit particularly hard with rescues in Ontario lately, here is just a brief bio of some of the dogs in our care:
Chester, who underwent cataract surgery this past fall, still needs at least one more follow-up visit with his veterinary opthalmologist and some more medications before he can go to his forever home. Chester has been in foster care since May of 2005, and in addition to his eye surgery has also required neutering, dental work, as well as routine medical care such as shots, heartworm testing and preventative, etc. Sam, a sweet senior, suffers from Cushing's Disease, and will require medications and testing for the rest of his life. His treatments are continuing to give him a great quality of life, and he is much loved by his foster family (human and canine alike).Jessica is an extremely sweet and playful young female who suffers from a persistent skin condition that may be related to an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder. Numerous tests have been completed, and different treatments have been tried, but unfortunately this delightful girl still suffers from a painful, itchy rash that we have been unable to control. Jessica also needs to be spayed, but with her immune system down this can not yet take place. Her continued care will undoubtedly be expensive, but Rescue will do whatever we can to get her condition under control so that she can enjoy a happy life.

(and we have more dogs entering our care next week!)

Thank you to everyone who donated items to the fundraiser, to everyone who bid on items, and to everyone who sent donations to our rescue account. We could not have saved this sweet puppy without your help, we will forever be grateful to BRU for your incredible compassion towards our special Tag. I’ll be sure to post new pics when I receive them from his new family!
I know that I have said this before but…..THANK YOU so much to Arlene and Brenda – you both have been the driving force behind Tag’s fundraising efforts and our organization is so grateful to the both of you for everything that you have done. By taking on this fundraiser you allowed me to have the time to provide the 24/7 medical care that Tag needed after his major surgery and because of the continued care he received, he recovered without any complications. Thank you for taking on such a big job and providing me with the opportunity to provide Tag with my undivided attention and love, you both played a huge part in his recovery as well as providing the financial means to help pay for his care. There aren’t enough words to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude
Ana-Maria
BTCC Rescue

The Search is On For America's Top Dogs

Do you own one of America's Top Dogs? The search is on for the top dogs in America for inclusion in the 1st edition of the American Dogs of Distinction. Destined to be a collector's item, the 1st release will be a comprehensive historical compilation of biographical profiles and achievements made by 'American dogs of distinction' as well as being a colorful and informative history of dogs and activities they are involved in.

(PRWEB) July 22, 2006 -- The American Dogs of Distinction announced that their nationwide search continues for America's top dogs! Nominations for inclusion in the '2007 American Dogs of Distinction' are currently being accepted on their company's website http://american-dogs-of-distinction.com/. So far, the response is overwhelming. Prominent dogs from all sectors are being nominated. The overall excitement is increasing as the news is spreading about this monumental under-taking to compile the first-ever comprehensive record of America's Top Dogs.

Amongst America's top dogs are search & rescue dogs, guide dogs, working dogs, performance dogs, therapy dogs, k9 & other law enforcement dogs, movie and TV stars, service dogs, obedience and conformation champions, Register of Merit (ROMs), top producers in each breed and of course America's pampered pets. Dogs that are accepted into this publication might be top ranking dogs (in conformation, obedience, agility, herding, etc) and/or are the extraordinary working, service or therapy dogs. They are dogs that 'make a difference' in our lives and the lives of others.The 2007 American Dogs of Distinction is a comprehensive historical compilation of biographical profiles and achievements made by 'American dogs of distinction'. No one has ever compiled such comprehensive reference data on America's top dogs of yesterday and today. There are countless biographical reference books available today, but this is the first one that is specific to dogs. In the aftermath of the Oklahoma bombings, 9-11, Katrina and the countless other national and local emergencies where law Enforcement Dogs, Service Dogs and Search & Rescue Dogs are called upon to save human lives and property we salute their efforts but few people remember their names. We hear about the major disasters but the contributions of guide dogs, therapy dogs, assistance dogs, law enforcement dogs and countless others occur on a daily basis. Their contributions to society are impossible measure.The 1st Edition of the American Dogs of Distinction will be a tribute and lasting memorial to all dogs, their agents, owners, trainers and handlers.

This memorable book will surely be valued for its biographical reference data, and is destined to become a treasured favorite of dog lovers everywhere! In addition to the hardcopy publication, The American Dogs of Distinction plans to have an on-line database of the biographical data contained in their book. An interesting perk is the company will 'update' the information on a quarterly basis.For dogs that are winning awards, achievements or working towards top rankings it will be a nice feature to have an on-line database with current and accurate information.

The 2007 American Dogs of Distinction 1st Edition publication will only be distributed through the American Dogs of Distinction website. Reserve copies of the '2007 American Dogs of Distinction' can be ordered on their website. Advance sales are now being accepted.To nominate a dog, owners and handlers must complete an on-line form that gathers information about their dog(s). Everything from the basic information (i.e.; name, age, sex, breed, etc) to the awards, titles, and achievements the dogs have earned. There is no fee to nominate a dog or to list a dog in any of their publications - it's free.

For further information -- please visit: http://american-dogs-of-distinction.com

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My Famous Bostons

Eleanor Freeman, artist and owner of Pinehill Bostons has three famous Boston Terriers, soon to become even more famous!

Oreo is 7 years old. El says of Oreo, "she is my first Boston and my "heart" dog. She owns me and that's it. I have shown her in Conformation, agility and flyball. She has many agility titles and is a flyball Master excellent. Together we have driven many miles, stayed in many hotels/motels and she is the very best companion a girl could want.

Sparkler is a half sister to Oreo and is 6 years old and my diva. Basically, she does what she wants to, sometimes she is funny, sometimes she is aggravating but she is always a diva. She has been shown in conformation, agility and flyball and excelled at none of these. Now she is my most popular modeling girl because she tilts her head so cute.













Chips is Sparkle's son, he is just 2 years old. Sweet, dependable, loving with a good soul. He is being shown in conformation and has 6 points toward his championship but he really doesn't like it much. He is happiest when I take him to a children's party or senior center where he can perform his tricks.

El says it all started when a friend of hers told her about how she was making extra money with her dogs modeling and suggested that she try it. She even gave Eleanor the names of two animal agents working in NYC. Their very first job was for Target in Feb. 05. First we went down to a photo studio and Sparkler posed in a sweater looking back over her shoulder (I call it her "come hither" look.) That picture was up on the Jumbotron is Times Square the week that Westminster was in the Garden and my husband went into the city just to get a picture of it.



The following week we had to be in Bryant Park early in the morning with both Sparkler and her son Chips for Fashion Show week and in our case it was the Target dog Fashion show. The dogs got to wear a beautiful blue raincoat outfit and they were both pretty cute going down the runway. Chips was only 6 months old and a little frightened of the flashbulbs in his face. We had so much fun and decided that we would continue to do whatever jobs came our way. Since then we have done more shots for Target, a full page shot of Oreo for Real Smart magazine, Pfizer, Chicos, Anthropologie among others and Sparkle is on Project Runway tv show on Bravo TV tonight at 10:00. She and a bunch of little dogs are "the hottest accessory" according to Heidi Klune and the designers are supposed to design outfits for them and their models.

The First Boston Terrier To Earn An AKC TDX Title!

Ch. Chelestina’s Star Romancer,CD,CDX,TD,TDX (Ch. Wannaberun’s A New Hope X Ch. Chelestina’s Thistle Rose) AKA "Flynn"

This most awesome Boston boy earned his TD (AKC Tracking Dog Title) at the age of 6-1/2 months old! Just under 6 months later he finished his bench championship with a 5 point major and BOS at the Golden Gate Boston Terrier Club’s fall specialty. He then went on to earn his CD (AKC Obedience title Companion Dog) by the age of 1-1/2 years. Later, at the age of 2-1/2 years he earned both a TDX (Tracking Dog Excellent) and a CDX (Companion Dog Excellent)within 3 weeks of one another.

Flynn is the very first Boston Terrier in the history of the breed to earn the AKC TDX title.

His human mommy, Jan tells us that Flynn is currently in training to compete in agility and rally obedience, as well as continuing in obedience and tracking (VST). "

Am I thrilled with this little guy? Yes I am!! " Says Jan.

"I cannot thank his breeders, Lynda Piercy and her daughter Kylie, and Candice Celestina-Smith and her daughter Gabriella enough for “ Flynn “.

Who says a Boston Terrier can’t do it all? Positive and fun-filled training methods is all it takes."