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2021 in Review
2021 was a year of ingenuity and perseverance for the dog world as we sought out news ways to compete and connect. The pandemic has been isolating in so many ways, which is why one of my highlights for the year came in the form of several invitations to discuss a range of topics with Laura Reeves on the Pure Dog Talk pod cast. It's always fun to think the big thoughts, especially when you can do it with someone who has such a wonderful sense of humour and deep knowledge of dogs--thank you, Laura! We also had an adorable litter of three here in the summer and, of course, they were the most adored and photographed babies in the history of the world. And, although there were plenty of disruptions and lots of mask-wearing, we did still manage to have a show season...and what a year it turned out to be!
Here in Canada, Dylan kicked things off in the summer by finishing her championship with an All-Breed Best in Show from the classes. As we weren't really intending to special her this year Dylan attended just 13 days of shows where, in addition to her BIS, she was awarded seven Group wins and two Reserve Best in Shows, making her not only the #1 Toy Manchester in Canada but also the #10 Toy Dog.
Not to be outdone, south of the border her half-brother, John, thrilled us all year long with an amazing record of wins leading him to #1 Toy Manchester Terrier in the United States (All-Systems). and #12 Toy Dog in America--making him the highest ranking male TMT in known breed history (breaking the record set by his great-grandfather, Jake, almost 20 years ago).
And these two were not alone. In Canada, Denzel and Corey were #3 TMT and Marvin and Jacquie were #5 TMT while little Miss Lily made an adorable debut for one weekend in the baby puppy class. In the US, several of our young prospects earned majors and titles, with a star performance put in by Buckie and his incredibly talented owner/handler (and mother), Taylor Blankenship. This team finished 2021 as the #2 National Owner-Handler series Toy Manchester Terrier and #1 Toy Manchester Junior...
Being part of the excitement this year was a great reminder of the past. The last time we had the #1 Toy Manchesters in both Canada and the US was in 2008 when Jake was #1 in the US and Brita was #1 TMT and #10 Toy in Canada. More importantly, however, it was a reminder of how important it is to be grateful for the present and the wonderful people in it. I am, as always, thankful to my family, friends and owners who make such wonderful things happen. Chief among them, is my wonderful friend and co-breeder, Carolyn Horowitz (Rustic Lane). While it is always fun to see how our midnight musings about potential breedings and long-distance puppy evaluations turn out, simply having such a talented, amazing friend in my life is worth more than any collection of ribbons. This year, Carolyn and I also need to extend a huge thank you to John's owners, Donna Young and Dave Horowitz; his incredible handlers, Matt and Ellen Perry, who took such wonderful care of him; and to both Carol Prykosz and Renae & Taylor Blankenship for their love, support and help making some of our recent litters happen! I could make a list as long as my arm of everyone who deserve thanks, but I'll unintentionally miss someone for sure, so instead I'll stop here and send big love to everyone--and especially to the special little dogs who continue to light up our lives.
Amanda
Here in Canada, Dylan kicked things off in the summer by finishing her championship with an All-Breed Best in Show from the classes. As we weren't really intending to special her this year Dylan attended just 13 days of shows where, in addition to her BIS, she was awarded seven Group wins and two Reserve Best in Shows, making her not only the #1 Toy Manchester in Canada but also the #10 Toy Dog.
Not to be outdone, south of the border her half-brother, John, thrilled us all year long with an amazing record of wins leading him to #1 Toy Manchester Terrier in the United States (All-Systems). and #12 Toy Dog in America--making him the highest ranking male TMT in known breed history (breaking the record set by his great-grandfather, Jake, almost 20 years ago).
And these two were not alone. In Canada, Denzel and Corey were #3 TMT and Marvin and Jacquie were #5 TMT while little Miss Lily made an adorable debut for one weekend in the baby puppy class. In the US, several of our young prospects earned majors and titles, with a star performance put in by Buckie and his incredibly talented owner/handler (and mother), Taylor Blankenship. This team finished 2021 as the #2 National Owner-Handler series Toy Manchester Terrier and #1 Toy Manchester Junior...
Being part of the excitement this year was a great reminder of the past. The last time we had the #1 Toy Manchesters in both Canada and the US was in 2008 when Jake was #1 in the US and Brita was #1 TMT and #10 Toy in Canada. More importantly, however, it was a reminder of how important it is to be grateful for the present and the wonderful people in it. I am, as always, thankful to my family, friends and owners who make such wonderful things happen. Chief among them, is my wonderful friend and co-breeder, Carolyn Horowitz (Rustic Lane). While it is always fun to see how our midnight musings about potential breedings and long-distance puppy evaluations turn out, simply having such a talented, amazing friend in my life is worth more than any collection of ribbons. This year, Carolyn and I also need to extend a huge thank you to John's owners, Donna Young and Dave Horowitz; his incredible handlers, Matt and Ellen Perry, who took such wonderful care of him; and to both Carol Prykosz and Renae & Taylor Blankenship for their love, support and help making some of our recent litters happen! I could make a list as long as my arm of everyone who deserve thanks, but I'll unintentionally miss someone for sure, so instead I'll stop here and send big love to everyone--and especially to the special little dogs who continue to light up our lives.
Amanda
