New Year: Winter 2013

It was a wonderful Holiday Season. Very grateful to all for the many greeting that came in the mail, on the phone, or through the internet --complete with photos and stories of TTs and their human companions. Sharing is a very satisfying, warming expression. It helped make the perfect Christmas.

And since the Holiday Season, I have received more photos, stories, and up-dates. Love to get these so keep connected and keep them coming.

Dear Dennis,

I hope you are well! Felix is doing very well and is enjoying this snowy season very much. I practically have to pick him up and carry him inside because he can't get enough of the white stuff.

In the next message I am sending some snowy photos of Felix, some from the recent 35" we got here in New Haven. Thank you again for allowing us to take him home, he is the highlight of every day and we love him to pieces.

Karisa

Hi Dennis,

I just wanted to send you this picture. Ranger is fitting in so well with our family, especially with Jackson and Scoot!! Hope all is well with you. 

Susan

Dennis,

Here is a shot of Ali, resting after a very happy combination Birthday and Valentines party.

Hope you are doing well.

Charles, Cam, Kate, Evan, and Ali!

Dennis, Happy Valentine's Day from Panda Stephan! Judy

Rosie's little family of six all found exceptional, loving homes. Tessie (alias June) went all the way to Sweden to live out her life with momma Rosie's breeder, Anki Slevin of the Nivels Kennel. We have heard many stories and have received many photos of her enjoying her new home. This is one of my favorite of Tessie in the Swedish snowy landscape.

Tessie didn't travel alone. Co-breeder, Elizabeth Valovic, had the incredible opportunity to travel with her and enjoy a week long experience of Swedish hospitality. She stayed with Anki, but got to meet and visit many TT breeders in Sweden, and has come home with a long list of new friends. I'm green with envy; perhaps the next time.... And while Elizabeth was there, she had to opportunity to fulfill a buck-list item (though she's way too young to even be contemplating them) and exhibited TTs --including little Tessie-- at a European show. It was a Tibetan Breeds extravaganza.  Tessie took a 2nd in her class out of many bitch puppies --but the judge loved her, wanting to put her up first, but because Tessie was favoring a rear leg earned from learning a lesson the previous day from Nivels' in-house, top-bitch, the judge explained that she could not honor her with a championship certificate.

The Judge's mandatory critique: "4 months old, very pretty, well balanced head, well balanced in body, lovely shape, excellent topline, would prefer a little more angulation in front. She moves well in front and holds a lovely shape but she is moving a little lame behind which is a shame as I like her a lot!"

Makes one wonder how different our very subjective judging technique here in the States would be if judges had to orally report in the ring about their findings and placements as they have to do in Sweden.








Tessie's sister, Lucy (Kiara L Dharma's Doll), remained here at Kiara. She is growing up nicely and will fulfill dreams here. Elizabeth and I are very grateful to Jim and Dee Aher (Dad, Samye's owner) and Catherine Shearer (Samye's breeder) for helping this breeding happen.

Dee and Catherine --and Alice Smith-- joined us for a puppy day when the litter was 10 weeks old. It was an informative, enjoyable experience. Six little ones racing about, stacked repeatedly on the table, photoed and played with, made for our own little in-house, TT exhibition. What fun!

And there is a little show news. Jim and Debbie Griffith report a win on little Miss KDee, Ring Brook KDee. Entered in the puppy class for her first shows in Florida, Miss KDee earned praise and even got her first point. Debbie sent a little video of KDee in the ring. Watch her strut her stuff.

 After many years absent from the Westminster KC show ring, I decided to return. Mostly because the venue had been changed. The day-time judging was to be conducted at the Piers --a more spacious, brighter, cooler, less-crowded location than Madison Square Garden had offered exhibitors and dogs. It was the first time I left the experience wanting to return again --and not vowing "never-again" until I could once again forget the experience. So, if I have something show, I already plan to enter next year.

Passion, CH Kiara All Fired Up, was my companion. She is newly "championed" and young for the experience, but exhibited well in a class filled with older, very seasoned, many-hornered TTs with their exhibitors. Included in that honored list was cousin Rosie, CH Lukilu Everything's Coming Up Roses At Kiara, with her very capable, loving breeder-owner Mike McLoughlin. Rosie and Passion had fun while helping many breed enthusiasts and the constant stream of dog-loving spectators enjoy touching, patting, and photographing them. They did it with a TT smile and the wonderful temperament Kiara TTs have become known for.













Mike and Rosie got special attention from the New York City area press for being a local exhibitor. At one point, camera lights were flashing at the couple so much it was like being at a red carpet event in Hollywood! A lovely piece was placed in the Stamford newspaper.









http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Terrier-commutes-from-Stamford-for-big-show-4269889.php?fb_action_ids=4584819893723&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=246965925417366#src=fb

Matthew McDermott (of McDermott Photos www.mcdermottphotos.com) took several candid shots of Mike and Rosie in the benching area for NYC newspapers. Again, lights flashing catching everyone's attention. "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. McDermott."

Mike reports that the TT stork made a visit to the McLoughlins. The lovely Miss Sugar has a new bundle of brindle and white joy. She (as it is a little girl) gets to enjoy all of the milk, all of the love licks --and clean-up licks, and all of the mother watchfulness...not only from Mom Sugar but from the whole family.









Here at home we're also preparing to usher in a new litter. It is a repeat breeding between Rain, CH Kiara Pitter Patter, and Karen & Charlie's Deli, CH Namaste Adeste Fidelis. For those who have shown an interest in this fortuitous breeding is a reminder of the first breeding: a wonderful YouTube video Karen made while deciding on which little one she and Charlie wanted to bring home to Vermont. The new pups will certainly resemble their older siblings.

http://youtu.be/96NK3I5wJKY

Momma Rain and the first litter.

 

Winter finally arrives in the Kiara dog yard. 

We're weathering the winter well. TTs love the richness their DNA has imprinted on them from their roof-of-the-world, Tibetan experience. Burrowing through over-the-head snow, muzzles and paws snow laden, their joy is well evident.

Looking at all the photos of TTs --some from the recent past and others from years gone by-- on Facebook by the many TT owners and breeders have made me feel a bit nostalgic.  It has made me look back in my own archives of photos and share some of the beauties that helped produce the Kiara TTs walking about today. Think I may take the opportunity in the next few News & Reviews to post a few from the Kiara History.  Here are three worth taking a look at:

CH Kiara Great Balls of Fire
WHISKEY

CH Tsering Shampsang Mingma
ASLAND

CH Kiara Ain't Misbehavin'
ZACK

More later.

Holidays Season 2012

Wishing everyone a bright and spirited holiday!

MURPHY

MAX

BEAU

The litter of TTs are all in their new homes. It's wonderful to watch the pairing up of a new companion family with their little furry friend. Each little TT is ready to make his contribution to the joy and happiness of the commitment. Max, Murphy, Ryder, and Beau are all going to try to do their parts.

RYDER

Happily reporting two new champions here at Kiara. Naldo, our golden boy, earned his AKC championship the day before Passion, our silver gal, earned hers.  Strike a pose!

Naldo

New CH Kiara Hollywood Bad Boy

Passion

New CH Kiara All Fired Up

LOUISE

Q-Tip

They have joined their family in the "Hall of Fame" in the Kiara Website. But their contribution will not end there. Q-Tip and his sister, Louise, have also been steppin' out on the show circuit to earn their majors. But with the change in the local show scene, looks like we will be at home until after the 1st.

Taking a rest before entering the ring.

Miss Sugar takes a break from the show scene to enjoy a walk with human-mom, Marie; I'm sure Mike is on the other side of the lens.

Once again this year I have put together a little YouTube video of the photo contributions from the various TTs in the larger family that have been sent to me. I hope you can take a moment to view it. I enjoy putting it together. I hope it brings the same gentle smile to you that it brings to me each time I watch it. Enjoy.

And there have been a few up-dates since the last posting:

Dear Dennis,

It's been a while, but I wanted to send along an update to let you know Felix is doing great!  He is up to 15.5 lbs and it looks like he's growing a little adult coat over his head and shoulders. He has learned how to "sit" and enjoys visits to the dog park to play with other dogs (he LOVES to play with other dogs). He is the center of attention wherever we go and everyone always says how beautiful he is, how great he is with people and dogs, and wants to know all about him. 

Here are a few more photos, including one of him playing with his "golden-doodle" best friend, Tali.

Karisa

Dennis, 

I thought you'd like this picture of Baudelaire. 

Paul 

It's always a joy catching up with members of the family. Love seeing them grow into themselves and certainly love to see them as adults. Thank you for sharing.

The other joyous news is from the culmination of several years invested in Rosie, Nivels Mint Rose, our Swedish import.  She had a litter of pups.  You can read about it in the "In The Spotlight" section of the website. They are all beautiful and the beginning of a fourth, distinctive fork of the Kiara breeding program outlined in the "Philosophy" part of the website. The photo above as the are today. The photo below: the day they were born.

And as the holiday season spins in, I wish all a special season filled with peace, joy and happiness.

More later.

Summer 2012

The seasons pass so quickly with little --or lots-- depending on how one reflects on the happenings. I guess much has happened...even though it doesn't seem like it. I know I've had time to take lots of photos. Little Miss Louise had to put up with several sessions. She's the most beautiful bloom in the floral arrangement at my back door.

Alice Smith found a painting of a TT that was very influential in the early years of Kiara breeding. She gifted it to me because she knew how important he was. Oliver's sire, Thunder, CH Kontan Shazam's Thundercloud, was a very powerfully built Tibetan Terrier. Many of his admirable qualities were passed on to his son, and through him to the many TTs bred here. Ella, Snoopy, Kermit (all profiled in the "Looking Back" part of the website. The painting certainly captivates the eye...what a beautiful TT.







On the show scene Pat Sutton finished her Sadie: Champion Khyber's Sadie My Lady. Sue Meluzin and I co-bred Sadie. Sue retained Sadie's sister Paris, CH Zin-Pa's That's Hot...who is currently expectant. Way to go, Pat and Sadie!

 Here at home, Naldo and Passion have taken all my time at the show rings. Naldo currently needs one major to complete his AKC championship and Passion just needs hers. There are still a few planned shows to go to, so hopefully before the end of the year there may be another champion to celebrate. And attending with them on occasion are brother/sister, Q-Tip and Louise --just to get them started. Lousie has earned a few single points in the process.

Sue Meluzin has also brought her beautiful Elvira to shows. Here's a photo of Sue and Elvira at ring side.  Elvira earned a major that day.  She just needs her second major to complete her AKC championship.

In another kind of competition, Rally, Travis reports that Cooper, CH Kiara Ewok Among Us, earned his first of three required legs his first time out at it!

He got his first leg in rally his first time in the ring.  He was actually really good at it  but distracted which my mother has to work out.   I will keep you updated.

Was a great day for her. Thank you for providing us with such a source of joy and comfort.  He is truly special.

Travis

Mike McLoughlin reports about a recent win for Miss Sugar, aka The Sweetest Thing by Kiara:

Had a fun day at the OxRidge Kennel Club dog show today. Here is Sugar channeling her inner Zen before show time!
















Miss Thing was retired from TT duties here and went to live with another TT relative. She went to enrich his life after he lost his other TT friend. She is truly doing well and enjoying her new home. Everyone at Kiara misses you, Miss Thing.

Dear Dennis,
A certain Miss has successfully passed "Come When Called" class and has mended nicely from her spay. Here she is at her first off leash walk at Appleton Farms with Jeff and her large Husky cousin from New York looking on. Hope you have a great Memorial Day.  She was a little put out when I actually let a human guest sleep on the day bed in my home office. Now that my sister has left, the pillows have been appropriately rearranged! Hope all is well with you and the Danvers gang. 
Regards, Laura



Great hearing about the birthday TTs --no matter how old they get! Yes, indeed, Baudelaire was a Dream/Asland pup; he is brother to Mike McLoughlin's Sugar.

Dennis,
Here is a picture of Baudelaire on his fifth birthday. He was in the midst of his favorite activity which is running free through the woods. He is sitting here on the edge of a corn field. He was born August 21st, 2007. His father was Asland and is mother was Dream. He must be one of the five little pups with his four sisters in the picture you have in the archives of Dream and her litter in the Summer/Fall of 2007. Perhaps he is the one lifting his leg. He is a wonderful dog and very much how you describe his father. Definitely his own man always. I tell him sometimes that he could have been a famous show dog but he reminds me that he loves the freedom he has in the woods and fields and streams of Vermont.
 Paul



And Baudelaire's half brother had a birthday too. Linda posted her loving sentiment on FaceBook. It resonates so much for me because I felt the same way about Their dad, Asland. Glad he was able to make the kind of contribution to the breed that states so much about the temperament of his children.

"Today my first Champion turns 14 years old. I couldn't have asked for a nicer guy! Echo was my first titled agility dog too although he didn't enjoy it like Zoe does. He is one who loves to be with me and snuggle. He loves his walks and always wants to go further! He knows Paul and I both can use the exercise. Happy Birthday Echo!"

Tashi enjoyed his 2nd birthday with much festivity. Bob sends a photo of the occasion. Looks like they were having a celebration.









And the news comes in from distant locations. Kathleen Kelley, although living in Florida, still tries to keep in touch to check on her little contribution still left here: Passion. Passion is a great-granddaughter of her Katie and granddaughter of her Willow. She writes about her Willy:

Hey Dennis, 
Willy is still a good-looking dog --for a soon-to-be fourteen year old. Despite a hearing loss, he still loves playing with the others and running around the yard -- And he still loves to pose for the camera! Hope all is well with you. Kathleen








And some times sad news comes in wrapped in so much joy and love in the rememberance:

Hi Dennis, 
 You probably don't remember me. My parents and I got my furry best friend from you in February of 1997. His name was Dudley but you referred to him as Mr Specs because of the tan around his eyes that made him look like he had glasses. I am writing to you to inform you of his recent passing. And also I want to thank you for providing a wonderful family companion. He gave me and my family so many wonderful and humorous memories. He truly was a great guy. Dudley will forever hold a special place in my heart. Looking forward the future, I am now 26 and in a couple years l plan to get another Tibetan Terrier as I have fallen in love with the breed. I have attached a picture of Duds that was taken a few weeks before his passing. Also sending along another from when we brought him home. Thank you and I hope you have a wonderful summer! 
 Best, Erin McGovern

And even the locals with Kiara TTs keep me posted. Another "getting-older" TT, Monty, still keeps his owners on their toes. Longevity tends to be a trait many TT lines seem to enjoy. From these notes, I'm happy to hear that some Kiara TTs enjoy it as well.



Good Morning Dennis...

Monty my little scamp is right here next to me. He is doing great, getting older but doing great. hope all is well with you.

Lou

 There haven't been many newbies born here this year. But there was one: a singleton pup. And it's not unlike having a litter of eight...he was just as much work, so became known as my little Trouble. Always underfoot from a few weeks old, he became an endearing sidekick of my every activity. Whether I was housecleaning, weeding the garden, or training another TT, the little guy was right there. So it's good to get a note and photos from his new companions.

 Dear Dennis,

 Felix has had a great week with us. He's doing really well with house training and is beating the heat by spending time in the AC. He loves his dog walker who walks him when we're at work full days.

He has met neighbors and their pups on walks and is appropriately playful and friendly :) We just adore him and he's settling in nicely! Thanks again for letting us take him home! I have a few other photos to send along from my regular computer. A day in the life (or a few) :) The sleeping photos were after a long afternoon of play with his labradoodle mix friend and another day of fenced-yard romping. Thank you again for this wonderful boy!

 Karisa and Nisha

And lastly, a little sad news. Sandy sent her news that her Kasha pasased over the rainbow bridge. He was seventeen years old and until the end, a special gift of joy for her. Kasha's TT friend, Little Mini-Claire, misses him as well.

















 I cannot end with sadness, but with expectant hopefulness.


             

Rosie                 

Our Rosie is ready to bring us a bundle of pups. We tried breeding her with Echo, an Asland son last year, but the timing was unfortunate and we missed. This time around, Echo's son, Samye, was selected to sire a litter --and all is as planned. We look forward to this for many reasons. Rosie was imported several years ago to enhance the current Kiara TT lines and also to start a Lamleh linebred line at Kiara. This litter will do that.     Samye



                                                                                                                 

And now they're here to do just that!

Doesn't Rosie look the happy mom with her brood of six: four handsome boys and two pretty girls.





Keep me posted. I love hearing from everyone.
More later.