In the Beginning . . .

Chantal was born December 9. 1994. This was her dam's last litter and we had spent considerable time finding just the right dog to breed "Caitlin" to. We decided on Am. Ch. Entrepreneur ROM ROMC "Trump" both for the excellence of his get and his own superior qualities. We were not disappointed! In fact, there were three promising puppies in the litter of four. Chantal's litter sister, Ch. Kincardine Sunbriar Cadence "Zoe" and her brother, Ch. Kincardine Okiedokie Kinsman "Chevy" also finished easily. It was easy to miss Chantal in her litter if you were looking only for flash since Chantal is a bi-factored sable with decidedly no flashy markings. However, her beautiful head and outstanding structure were evident from birth. She was an impish puppy with a delightful sense of humour, always curious and always ready to start a game of tag with whomever was available. At nine years old, Chantal is still playful, tossing her toys in the air never missing a beat.

I knew I had something special and was keen to get Chantal out to shows as soon as possible. She was rock solid in temperament at six months so out we went at barely 6 months old. Chantal was RWB under Judge William Taylor and she drew the attention of another all-breed judge watching from ringside who offered to buy her. I declined the kind offer and never for an instant regretted it. Chantal's first points were won at her next show at 7 months under Collie breeder judge, Joan Bulger, who commented on her quality. It was a good-size Sheltie entry and by the time we got into the winners class, my baby was getting bored. I gave her the treasured mouse toy she adored and she promptly settled down for a good chew. When I needed her to show again, and tried to retrieve the mouse toy, I was dismayed to find it tailess! Even without its tail, the mouse held its fascination for Chantal and she showed like a dream never taking her eyes off the coveted mouse except to gait with that reach and drive that left me breathless. I love a great shoulder and my girl has one! Chantal finished fast under Judge Paul Hudson who commented on her quality and her "neat little package"

In the Whelping Box . . .

Litter #1: bred to Am. Ch. Montage the Last Boy Scout for a linebreeding on Am. Ch. Macdega Glenhart Grand Prix "Jeep" and this was an all champion litter:

Ch. Kincardine Killing me Softly "Jazz" - Best of Breed winner

Ch. Kincardine Kissed by a Rose "Clancey"-shown 7 times: 7 Best of Breeds & 3 group placements

Ch. Kincardine Aberdale Cavalcade "Asheena" - Best of Breed winner and dam of one champion - thank you to co-owner Heather Walton (Aberdale)

Ch. Kincardine Can't Bi Me Love "Paula" - dam of a Best of Breed winning daughter

Litter #2: bred to Am. Ch. Montage the Last Boy Scout for a linebreeding on Am. Ch. Macdega Glenhart Grand Prix "Jeep"

Ch. Kincardine Kalikimaka "Nathan" - sire of one champion and several promising puppies (co-owner Marian Jean)

Litter #3: bred to Am. Ch. Westwind the Heartbreaker

Ch. Kincardine Romyldale Heartfelt "Timmy" - finished in 5 shows - excels in type (co-owner Kathy Belville - Romyldale)

Litter #4: bred to Am/Can/Aust. Ch.Enclave Jade Mist Tapestry

Ch. Kincardine Coalminer's Daughter "Vikki"- finished as a puppy and is the dam of several promising puppies

Handler Cathy Pickard with Judge Shirley Meger & Chantal winning one of her Awards of Merit

:

In the Show Rings . . .

In the United States . . .

a Best in Specialty winner (Best of Breed) - Judge Jean Simmonds - thank you to handler Sandy Stanfill

a Best of Breed winner - Judge Melbourne Downing - Cathy Pickard handing

major wins - thank you to Megan Pickard, Shelley McHugh-Boumans, Sandy Stanfill

minor points - thank you to Bill Sahloff

In Canada . . .

a Best in Specialty winner (Best of Breed) - Judge George Duncan - Cathy Pickard handling

a Specialty Best of Opposite - Judge Shirley Meger - Cathy Pickard handling

three Specialty Awards of Merit - Judges Tom Coen, Linda Millman and Judy Kelsey - Megan and Cathy Pickard handling

multiple all breed Best of Breeds and Group placements - thank you to handlers Shelley McHugh-Boumans and Megan Pickard

Handler Cathy Pickard with Judge George Duncan & Chantal winning a Canadian Specialty as a Veteran

In Our Hearts. . .

Chantal reigns over our household with a gentle paw. She is my constant companion and we "read" each other like old friends. She has a special fondness for Megan and will seek her out for an ear massage. She also has Frank pegged as the treat dispenser and never misses her breakfast snack. Always sweet with puppies, Chantal has chosen her double granddaughter Daria to be her bone chewing, toy tossing partner. Daria has accepted her role and returns the honour with due respect. Chantal - now at 9 years old - will continue to be shown at Specialties as a Veteran. Our girl . . . Caitlin's special girl . . .