Why do I continue to be surprised?

I guess part of me still believes in the inherent goodness of people.  

I still find it amazing that we are the bad guys yet again.  

But I guess I should not be surprised. 

What is the saying?  "No good deed goes unpunished."

Story of our life.

Maybe we just shouldn't help people out when they need it, only after they hire us.  At almost every show we help people out, free of charge, with grooming, handling advice, etc. with no expectation that they will hire us.  They are owner-handlers and seem to enjoy it.  Good for them.  That's how we started. 

But then they decide to hire us. 

OK, great.  They sign a handling contract, receive and sign a fee schedule.  They come to the show, but not when they are scheduled to arrive.  They show up 4 1/2 hours later, still need to check into a hotel, and the dogs have not yet been bathed.  Dave had a dozen dogs to get ready for the next day.  They had an appointment - not a suggested date of arrival.  They want to bathe their own Bichons.  Fine, but they had better be dried properly, or the grooming will not be as perfect as it could be.  This means no mats, dry to the skin AND the ability to get a fine toothed comb through them from the skin out.  Did this happen?  NOPE!  Not even after Dave gave them detailed instruction, multiple times, on how it should properly be done.  Did they leave the dogs with Dave so he could keep them clean for the weekend, and tweak the grooming on them every evening?  NOPE!  Did they walk them all over the building, the parking lot, the hotel, and wherever else they went?  YEP!  Did the dogs need multiple baths?  YEP!  Dave even had to re-bathe after they came in with the dogs improperly dried. 

All was well and Dave was FABULOUS, according to their facebook posts.  One of the owners even contracted with Dave to show at shows the following month.  When I sent out the billing, and charged them for the extra work (show grooming does NOT mean dematting!) they had a fit.  As we explained to them, had they left the dogs with Dave, there would not have been a boarding fee or any extra grooming charges.  

Then a few days before the next set of shows, we get an email that she has hired another handler.  Well, that's all good and fine, but you contracted with us.  We turned down another dog for that spot, and by the contract that you signed, you must notify us considerably earlier than that if you don't want to pay us.  Hotels have a cancellation policy, and handlers do to.

Both owners sent us emails stating an amount that they 'should' pay.  The one who went on to hire another handler, showed up with TWO CHECKS, one for the amount she wanted  to pay, and one for the amount of her revised bill.  She presented them to Dave, handed him the smaller of the two, and said "If you know what's good for you, you'll take this one."  Again, WTF ?!?!?!  I told Dave that if he really knew what was good for him he would take the other one, and he did.  Smart Husband. 

Then all the facebook posts went to how great the new handler was.  Although he didn't put any points on the dog, and Dave did. 

When we called the breeder, who we considered a friend, just to keep her up to speed with what was going on, the response was "Well, there are two sides to every story."  We even tried to contact the lady who usually helps one of them groom, since that owner spent all weekend, dropping the f-bomb and complaining about how long it took her friend to groom and what a bad job she does.  That 'friend' didn't care either.  Yes, there are two sides to every story, but neither gave us the courtesy to listen to our side.  Then Dave's efficiency at grooming went from an asset to a liability, because she couldn't believe he only spent 'X' number of minutes grooming her dog, and still charged her! 

So, if you go to the dentist and they take 15 minutes to clean your teeth one time, and 60 minutes the next, to achieve the same result, does is mean that one job was better than the other?  Or does it mean that one person has top of the line equipment and many more years experience?  Or did you take less care with your teeth before one than the other?  Or was it a combination?  In any case, trying paying them less for one job than the other, and see what result you get from their billing department.

All anyone had to do to confirm our statements was check out the facebook pages of the other people, to see all of the places the dogs had been besides the show site.  And yet, all of those posts were full of praise for Dave. 

We had given both owners a break on things, and still we are getting the short end of the stick.  The only reason I was a flexible as I was with them, was because of our previous relationship with this breeder.  But I guess that loyalty doesn't go both ways, as she recently came up to Dave and told him how disappointed she was at "the way we treated them."  She also threw in som digs at Nurple - My Group Winning Bichon.  (While there is no perfect dog, and she is entitled to her opinion - Them thars fightin words, little missy!)  Oh, yeah, did I say that Nurple has beaten her dog?  Hmmm...

But I digress...

The way we treated them?!?!?!  WTF !?!?!

Handling, for David, is a business.  This is how he makes his living. 

David Scheiris does many favors for people on a regular basis, not expecting anything in return.  Sometimes to my dismay.  Dave enjoys seeing people whom he has helped do well and come out of the ring proud of themselves.  I must admit, I do too!  Then when someone he has helped chooses to hire us and signs a contract, they still expect everything for free. 

FINE!!!  You want someone to de-mat and show groom your dog for free?  There are hundreds of handlers out there.  Let me know if you find one that will do it for you.  Oh yeah, and since they spent hours grooming, they might as well show it for free too, right? 

Good Luck with that.

Makes you wonder if these people call the doctor for something, get a prescription or advice over the phone, then refuse to pay when they go in for their next office visit.  I kinda think not.

Heart of Iowa Kennel Club, Marshalltown, IA Sunday April 26, 2015

Havanese
Patches - 1st / Winners Dog / Best of Winners / Best of Opposite
Selena - Best of Breed 
Thank You Breed Judge Mr. Dana Cline 
Group Judge Peggy Lloyd 

Bichons
Leilani - 1st / Reserve Winners Bitch
Nurple - Select
Thank You Breed Ms. Denny Mounce 

Black Russian Terrier 
Varias - Best of Breed  
Thank You Breed Judge Mr. Dana Cline 
Group Judge Brian Meyer 

Varias
Black Russian Terrier
GCH That's What's In A Name
Breeder - Owner - Handled by David Scheiris

Consistent Judging???

Ya gotta love it when a judge doesn't even give a dog select one week (she did give him BOBOH), then gives it an All-Breed Best in Show the next.  

I understand if a dog really is off their game one week, but this dog is very showy ALL OF THE TIME!  It is a great show dog.  It is just not a great example of the breed.  I have never seen this dog have an off day.  The owner/handler on the other hand is another story.  She gets all pissy at the judges and threatens to call the AKC Rep, when the judge tries to give her dog Best of Opposite when they have given a male Best of Breed.  This dog has been mistaken for a bitch more than once.  

This dog is very showy, has a nice coat, and is groomed well.  BUT...it has a bitchy head - small for the size of the dog (The  head must be in proportion to the body and give the appearance of power and  strength. It is approximately equal to the length of neck and not less than 40%  of the height of the dog at the withers.), medium bone (must have large bones), big floppy hound dog ears ( The ears are medium in size, triangularly shaped, set high, but not above,  the level of the skull.The ear leather is dense, rounded at the  bottom, hanging with the front edge lying against the head and terminating at  approximately mid-cheek.), and a very wet mouth (Lips are thick, fleshy, black, tight and without flews.).  

Makes you wonder what judges are thinking, or in this case, what was said when the owner pulled this judge aside in Perry after the breed was judged.  

Things that make you go "Hmmm."

BUT...A win is a win, and I should be gracious and say "CONGRATULATIONS!"  So..."CONGRATULATIONS!!!"

and that's all you are going to get out of me - this time!

Heart of Iowa Kennel Club, Saturday April 25, 2015

Havanese
Patches - 1st / Winners Dog / Best of Winners / Best of Opposite

Patches
Bejewel That's Shabby Chic
With Judge Edd Bivin
Wichita Kennel Club 2015 

Selena - Best of Breed & Group 4
Thank You Breed Judge Peggy Lloyd 
& Group Judge Mr. Dana Cline

Bichons
Leilani - 1st / Winners Bitch / Best of Opposite
Nurple - Select
Thank You Breed Judge Peggy Lloyd 

Black Russian Terrier 
Varias - Best of Breed
Judge Change:  Thank You Breed Judge Brian Meyer 
Group Judge Mr. Dana Cline

We Have Lost a Dear One

Bongo
CH That's The Heart of the Cuban Beat
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

We have sad news that has taken us a while to make public, as we were waiting for full necropsy results.  Then it took me a while to be able to put it down in writing.

Bongo, CH Thats The Heart of the Cuban Beat, a beautiful Havanese boy that we bred, and co-owned with Carol and George Janes, has passed away.  Bongo was only 5 years old. 

Bongo presented with allergy-like symptom at the beginning of one week.  Unusual for him, Carol took him to the vet, who also thought allergies.  By Saturday, he was not better, and in fact was worse.  He was having difficulty swallowing and his breath was becoming very raspy.  Back to the vet, then off to the emergency/specialty clinic.  After admission, IVs, intubation, and many extensive tests, it was determined that he had a form of strep.  Bongo was put on several antibiotics and other medications.  He had minor improvement, but despite Carol and George doing everything possible, Bong eventually lost his battle, within a week of first symptoms. 

Bongo
CH That's The Heart of the Cuban Beat
2010-2015

Carol and George also have another Havanese:  2 ½ year old Benny, GCH That's The Original Parti Dog at Maple Haven.  The week after losing Bongo, Benny presented with similar allergy-type symptoms, so the vet immediately started him on antibiotics.  Those particular medications were not helping.  The Janes were very proactive, and had a necropsy performed on Bongo and remained in constant contact with several of the vets, including the one performing the necropsy.  When that vet found out that they had a another dog, she was even more determined to find out what happened.  She performed resistance tests (?) on the bacteria and it was determined that Benny was on the wrong antibiotics.  He was switched to ones that should be more effective.  It has been 2 weeks, and Benny is still having a bit of a cough and the occasional sneeze, but continues to improve.  Our prayers go out to Carol, George, and Benny for their loss and continued recovery.  It is scary to think that they could also have lost Benny by now, had they not had the necropsy performed. 

This was NOT THE FLU.  THIS WAS STREP.  It was in Bongo's tissues and progressed rapidly.

While we are heartbroken over the loss of this great little dog, I share this today for two reasons:
1.     When you lose a pet to an unknown or mysterious cause, do a necropsy.   By the Janes agreeing to have on performed on Bongo, they are saving Benny's life. 
2.     This is a nasty infection.  Anyone who has a dog that presents with allergy symptoms, please follow up.  Do not assume anything.  Do not let your vet take it lightly.  Don't let it go. 

YOU ARE YOUR DOG'S ONLY ADVOCATE and can easily be his worst nightmare. 
LET'S TAKE CARE OF OUR 4-LEGGED FAMILY MEMBERS.

There is no clue as to where Bongo got this infection.  They had not been to any shows recently, no dog parks, or anywhere else that would raise suspicion.  Was this something transmitted from another animal that happened to pass through their yard?  We just don't know.  Based on the necropsy, there is no evidence that it can be passed between humans and dogs.  It does appear to be highly contagious between animals.

Our continued prayers go out to Carol, George, and Benny.  

Bongo & Carol 

I hope that I have these details correct.  At this time, it is too painful to go back and read through all of the emails, lab results, and vet reports.

BICHONS AVAILABLE

These two Bichon males are available as a pair from the Petco Adoption Center in Overland Park, KS.

They are a bonded pair, and very social.  There must be a sad story here for these two wonderful boys to be available at a shelter.   I LOVE the old boys!  They are so sweet,  My Sunny is 15.  It is hard to believe that Harry, Red Dog, Tunia, Buttercup, and Shayna just turned 8.  You would think they are still babies the way they play.  Let's get these boys a new home!!!!

Here is a link to the Petco site.

It even includes a short video:
Link is: http://www.petango.com/webservices/adoptablesearch/wsAdoptableAnimalDetails.aspx?id=25343936&css=http%3A%2F%2Fsms.petpoint.com%2FWebServices%2Fadoptablesearch%2Fcss%2Fstyles.css&PopUp=true

Followup on STUPID PEOPLE.

This puppy was out of the last litter of the end of a line.  We would never have sold her, but it wasn't entirely our litter, so wasn't our call.  These people had her spayed less than a week before turning her into the shelter.  They supposedly turned her in because she had intestinal parasites and a slimy stool.  They were treating her with enemas and some other holistic treatments.  

ANYONE EVER HEARD OF GIVING A DOG AN ENEMA FOR INTESTINAL PARASITES???

Now don't get me wrong, I have no problem with holistic treatments, but with all of the health testing that the Humane Society did, there was no evidence of any health problem, whatsoever, with this puppy.  

CALL YOUR BREEDERS!  CALL THE PARENT CLUB!!!  DO NOT PUT YOUR DOG INTO A SHELTER.  IF SOMEONE BRINGS A LIVING BEING INTO THIS WORLD, AND PLACES IT WITH SOMEONE ELSE, THEY SHOULD BE WILLING TO TAKE THEM BACK AT ANY TIME.   

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A DOG MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE THAT IN WRITING. 

I am just sick about this.  How do you know who to trust?  I guess putting scary things in a contract, kind of like putting locks on doors, they just keep honest people honest.  Stupid people, or people who's goal is to do something against the contract, I guess will always find a way to hurt the dog.  
I HATE THIS.

OMG!!! STUPID, STUPID, STUPID PEOPLE !!!

And people don't understand why I hate breeding dogs… 

An hour ago, we got a call from a Humane Society in Arizona.  They had a puppy whose microchip was indirectly registered to us.  We co-bred the litter and provided the microchips and had a record of it.  

Within two days of placing this puppy, our co-breeder had second thoughts and tried to buy her back.  The new owners refused as they 'were so much in love that they could not part with her.'  

Well, after no contact for over 6 months with either us or our co-breeder, the call came today:  
They had turned this Havanese puppy in to the local shelter!!!  STUPID.  For one thing - any of us would have taken her back.  For another thing, our contract says that there is a $$$$ penalty if that puppy ends up in a rescue or shelter situation.  AND THE CO-BREEDER WANTED HER and they knew that!!!  

Kelley and Duncan White paid a lot of money for that puppy, and then did this.  Those people do not deserve a dog - EVER!!!

THANK GOD FOR MICROCHIPS!!!  

I hate this.  I hate to think about what would have happened if they could not have reached us.  I HATE dealing with people that are this stupid, selfish, or whatever the situation is.  If they could not get ahold of the co-breeder (who lived 10 miles from them), we would have been on a plane in a heartbeat to get this pup back.  Thank goodness that the shelter did due diligence, scanned the microchip and followed through.  We reached our co-breeder and she is on her way to pick up this little girl, who has already been over vaccinated with every vaccine the shelter could think of.

MICROCHIPS AND CO-OWNERSHIPS - Even on your pet puppies are a good SAFETY NET.   

It tells people that you care about what happens to lives that you bring into the world. 

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Just got these photos from friends Roseanne & Brad Bunger.
After Roseanne won Best of Breed from the classes on Sunday April 5, 2015 at the Wichita Show, under Judge Norm Patton, Dave had the opportunity to show him in Group.

Love to see that man in the ring.  Dog's not bad either!

"McKay"
TOLLCHESTER'S ALL FIRE'D UP
Presented by David Scheiris
04/05/2015

"McKay"
TOLLCHESTER'S ALL FIRE'D UP
Presented by David Scheiris
04/05/2015

Bartlesville Kennel Club, Grove, OK Sunday April 12, 2015

HAVANESE
PATCHES - 1st / Winners Dog
TAFFY - BEST OF BREED
ZEUS - BEST OF OPPOSITE
THANK YOU JUDGE GLORIA GERINGER
Group Judge Carol Jean Nelson


BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER
VARIAS - BEST of BREED & GROUP 3 
THANK YOU BREED JUDGE & GROUP JUDGE DR. ROBERT SMITH 

BICHONS
CHEETO - 1st / Winners Dog  
NURPLE - BEST OF BREED
THANK YOU JUDGE CAROL JEAN NELSON 
Group Judge Carol Jean Nelson

Innocent until proven Guilty????

Someone sent me the following link, to a TV news story, about an AKC Judge.  Thought it was interesting.  Top of the line leather goods with designer names are not bought New - or factory seconds from China.  They have their own outlet stores in which to sell them, if they even admit that there is a 'factory second.'  

Has she never seen any of those TV Magazine shows about designer knock-offs?

But we need to remember that this is America, and she is innocent, until proven guilty.  (lol)

http://m.wpbf.com/news/woman-charged-with-selling-designer-knockoffs/32298140?utm_campaign=WPBF%2025%20News%20-%20wpbf25news&utm_medium=FBPAGE&utm_source=Social

FORT PIERCE, Fla. —A Fort Pierce businesswoman is in hot water, accused of selling fake products.

• COUNTERFEIT GOODS

  

  VIEW LARGE

Janet Fay Birdsall, 46, of Fort Pierce, was released Thursday on bond.

Mobile users: Click here to see counterfeit items

Birdsall is accused of selling counterfeit products at her Orange Avenue store, Bling it.

VIDEO: Woman charged with selling counterfeit goods

Detectives executed a search warrant on Thursday and found dozens of items believed to be counterfeit.

Also: Truck overturn in tornado

WPBF 25 reporter Angela Rozier tried to speak with her Friday. "I need you to leave. OK? I need you to leave please," Birdsall said.

Independent experts helped officials determine that items said to be Michael Kors, Coach, Tory Burch, Gucci, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels and Sanrio were fake.

"She was marking the products as second-hand manufactures defective products when in essence they were actually counterfeit products," Lt. Brian Hester, with the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, said.

"She said it came right out of the factory so that's the story. I was annoyed. I felt like I got hoodwinked pretty good," Jennifer Gulluni, a victim, said.

Birdsall was charged with possession of counterfeit merchandise over $2,500. (it was actually over $24,000.00)

"She appeared to be a honest person but if she's selling fake bags and telling us they are real, then I got a problem with that," said customer Brenda Williams.

Photos: Counterfeit products sold at Fort Pierce store

Bartlesville Kennel Club, Saturday April 11, 2015

HAVANESE
PATCHES - 1st / Winners Dog
TAFFY - BEST OF OPPOSITE
ZEUS - BEST OF BREED
THANK YOU JUDGE POLLY SMITH  

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER
VARIAS - BEST of BREED & GROUP 2 
THANK YOU 
BREED JUDGE POLLY SMITH 
& GROUP JUDGE JAMES FREDERIKSEN

BICHONS
CHEETO - 1st / Winners Dog  
NURPLE - BEST OF BREED
THANK YOU JUDGE JAMES FREDERIKSEN 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAMMY !!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my little sister, Tammy!  

She had better still be in he 20s or she has passed me up!  (well, on some days)

Northeast Oklahoma Kennel Club, Grove, OK Friday April 10, 2015

I wanted Dave to show Leilani, our Bichon, in the fun match last night.   We have only had her back for a short time and she needs the practice. 

Leilani did not get shown in the match. 

Dave ended up judging the match instead!

They are good people and really do put on a nice show and always try to find someone knowledgable to judge their matches.  When it comes to breed standards, he's your man!
Glad he could help out the club.  

--------
We do need to get the City of Grove to put lights on the back of the building though.  

Someone fell over / onto some of our SeaBreeze expens the other night and squshed them dead :(

Northeast Oklahoma KC, Grove, OK Friday April 10, 2015

HAVANESE
PATCHES - 1st / Winners Dog
TAFFY - BEST OF OPPOSITE
ZEUS - BEST OF BREED
THANK YOU JUDGE JAMES FREDERIKSEN

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER
VARIAS - BEST OF BREED & GROUP 3 
THANK YOU BREED & GROUP JUDGE JAMES NOE

BICHONS
CHEETO - 1st / Winners Dog/ BEST OF BREED 
NURPLE - Select
THANK YOU JUDGE POLLY SMITH

Major ring conflicts today.  Moved the Bichons so they wouldn't conflict, but they did anyway!  Had another handler help out with Bichons and she went on the Cheeto, the class dog, and her assistant was on the special, Nurple!  With all of the girls in season, both were squirrelly, but Cheeto, not as much.  Crap!

Northeast Oklahoma Kennel Club, Grove OK, Thursday April 9, 2015

HAVANESE
PATCHES - 1st / Winners Dog
TAFFY - BEST OF BREED
ZEUS - BEST OF OPPOSITE
THANK YOU JUDGE DR. ROBERT SMITH

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER
VARIAS - BEST OF BREED & GROUP 2
THANK YOU BREED JUDGE JAMES FREDERIKSEN & GROUP JUDGE POLLY SMITH 

Varias
GCH That's What's In A Name
Breeder/Owner/Handled by David Scheiris

BICHONS
CHEETO - 2ND
NURPLE - BEST OF BREED
JUDGE GLORIA GERINGER

Wichita Kennel Club, Wichita, KS Monday, April 5, 2015

HAVANESE
PATCHES - 1st / Winners Dog
HOLLY - THAT'S THE ORIGINAL PARTI GIRL EH - 1st / Winners Bitch / Best of Winners - Thanks Jane Chavez for grooming and handling!
BABY BELLE - SELECT
TAFFY - BEST OF OPPOSITE
ZEUS - SELECT
THANK YOU JUDGE EDD BIVIN

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER
VARIAS - BEST OF BREED
THANK YOU JUDGE VIRGINA LYNE

BICHONS
CHEETO - 2ND
NURPLE - BEST OF BREED
JUDGE LESLEY HILTZ

Hutchinson Kennel Club, Wichita, KS, Sunday April 5, 2015

HAPPY EASTER !!!

HAVANESE
PATCHES - 1ST / RESERVE
HOLLY - 3rd
BABY BELLE - SELECT - NEW GRAND CHAMPION
TAFFY - BEST OF OPPOSITE
ZEUS - BEST OF BREED 
THANK YOU JUDGE DAVID KIRKLAND

BICHONS
CHEETO - 2nd
NURPLE - Select
Judge Carolyn Herbel 

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS 
VARIAS - BEST OF BREED 
THANK YOU JUDGE STEVEN GLADSTONE

Wichita Kennel Club, Wichita, KS Saturday, April 4, 2015

HAVANESE

PATCHES - 2nd 
TAFFY - That's Pullin' at Your Heartstrings - 1st / Winners Bitch / Best of Winners / BEST OF BREED !!!  5 pt MAJOR - NEW CHAMPION !!!!
Holly - 2nd 
ZEUS- Select Dog 
Baby Belle - nuttin'
THANK YOU JUDGE JIM BRILEY 


BICHONS 
CHEETO - Victoire That's The Cheesiest - 1st / Winners Dog / Best of Winners -  MAJOR
NURPLE - SELECT DOG - Major
THANK YOU JUDGE DAVID KIRKLAND


BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS 
VARIAS - BEST OF BREED
THANK YOU JUDGE EDD BIVIN

Salina Kennel Club, Wichita, KS Friday April 3, 2015

After a night of TORNADOES and HAIL, leading to power outages the show was almost cancelled, but ended up starting at 11:00 AM

This is what I woke up to.  No picture as it was too dark, but turn the sound up and that is what the hail sounded like for over 30 minutes.  

HAVANESE

Patches - 1st / Reserve Winners Dog
Taffy - 1st / Reserve Winners Bitch 
Holly - 3rd

ZEUS - Select Dog 
BABY BELLE - Select Bitch 

Judge Carolyn Herbel

BICHONS 
CHEETO - Victoire That's The Cheesiest - 1st / Winners Dog / Best of Winners / BEST OF BREED !!!!! MAJOR
NURPLE - SELECT DOG  

THANK YOU JUDGE NORM PATTON

NO EMAIL

FOR SOME REASON, I CANNOT LOG ONTO AOL FROM THE HOTEL WIFI.   So not only does my phone have "Calheimers' - A disease that I recently named.  

Now I cannot even check emails while at the Wichita shows.  

And to top it off - Dave's phone has gone AWOL.  I am sure it will turn up, because anyone in their right mind wouldn't take it. 

So for now we are mostly incommunicado.  I don't know why it will let me access this blog.  It feels like a GOOGLE TAKEOVER !!!!   EEEEKKKKK!!!!!

Kansas Toy Dog Club - Park City, KS (formerly Valley Center, KS) - Thursday, April 2, 2015

Havanese - 
Patches - Bejewel That's Shabby Chic - BBE Dog - 4th 
    Bred and Owned by Carolyn Knuth.  Co-Bred & Co-Owned by David & Darlene Scheiris
    Patches is a super Desi puppy.  
    The brother of Hammer who is owned by Jeanne & Philip Woods.
    For his first time in the ring, we are happy that he walked around the ring!  
    Looking forward to showing this little bugger!

Taffy - BBE Bitch - 1st & Reserve Winners Bitch 
Holly - Open Bitch - 2nd - Thanks to Jane Chavez for handling her! 

ZEUS - BEST OF BREED 

ZEUS
AM GCH CAN GCH Mendota's Adorabull Greek Legend

Thank You Judge Leslie Hiltz

Our Contracts !!!

I guess it is a good thing that Dave and I believe that our contracts are fair to everyone.  We just entered into another contract with someone who did not have one set up to cover that particular type of transaction.  So they asked if we had one and could they see it.  We sent it to them and said "here is ours, use it if you want."  
And they did.  

The Talk of the Town !!!

Or at least of the Match!!!

New Havanese owner Paula Bender (you probably recognize her name from Bichons) had a pretty darn good day at the match (somewhere in Texas - it is a whole 'nother country) on Saturday.  Best of Breed and a Group 1 !!!   WOO HOO !!!

Paula has Keisha x Bugs girl Ripple, now known as Piper - That's A FrontPage Special Report.

Paula was a little hesistant, as most people are when it comes to Dave's philosophy on lead training a Havanese puppy, but she went with it.

I think she was even happier when the Saturday's judge came up to her on Sunday and told her "you have MY puppy!"

We are so proud of them both!

Here is a short video of Piper, taken about 2 1/2 weeks ago.  We think she is FABULOUS:

New Math or What makes a breeder?

Someone was interested in Tux, one of our available male puppies.

She requested more information and a contract, through a friend.
So, because of the friendship, we sent everything on, without first speaking with her.
YES, THAT WAS OUR MISTAKE!
But every now and then, we go back to believing that everyone has the breed's best interest at heart and that they are truthful and are exactly how they represent themselves.  Time to throw those darn rose-colored glasses out again.  It's just that they seem to creep back in, because we want to believe the best in people.

Here is what happened.
Friend K:  I want to breed Havanese Puppy who is just 16 months old to a bitch owned by my friend 'D' long time breeder.  In fact she might want to breed a couple of her girls to him.
Us (OK, ME):  No.  Remember that contract?   Nobody gets bred until they pass all of their OFFAs, which means that he must be over 2.
K:  OK, just thought I'd ask.  My friend D saw Tux on your facebook and is really interested.  Please send her information and a contract. (she included her email)
Me:  OK, will do.
I sent all of Tux's information and a contract, and a nice note in an email.

In the mean time, I looked up D's website.
Shortly after sending the contract, we received this email response from her:

Thank-you Dave,

I think the pup is very cute  from what I can see and has possibilities, but as a 16 year breeder and handler of Havanese I think your contract is all one sided  to you and has nothing to offer the buyer.  That you retain total breeding control over the dog , not even guaranteeing that a finished OFA  CH. bitch would  be approved by you and not allowing  the same curtsey of any bitch you would bring to the stud to be approved by the buyer, again all in your favor.

You have the right according to your contract never to allow  the buyer to  use their dog at stud if you choose to do so .I  would not  want to buy a show -breeding dog from you if I could never breed him.

Thanks  for your time,

D  

I have deleted the rest of her name.  Why I am 'protecting' her identity, I don't know.  High road, I guess.

Now, let us return to her website: 

About a half dozen 'show dogs' listed and several puppies.  On their puppy page they advertise: 

"They are all AKC registered from health tested parents."

Well this is true, sort of.  Some of the parents have Eyes and Patellas, some have Heart and Hips, some have Elbows and Baer.  None have more that 3 tests, and nothing consistent.  

Someone who has a 'Music Ministry' on their website would never deceive anyone would they?   My ex's family were super religious, but when it came to making money, it was 'anything goes.'  And I have run into that more than once, in the dog show world. 

In her email, D says, that she is a 16 year breeder and handler of Havanese.  Well, according to her website, the dog that she has listed as her first Havanese was born in June 2003, making him only 11 1/2 years old, and a male.  Owning a male does not make one a breeder.  Let's just play with this a bit, since Dave wouldn't let me publish the math on another breeder who, in her young life, had bred something like 35 litters, making her a fetus when the first one was bred, if all generations were health certified prior to breeding, but I can't go there.  

Back to D.  Her male is 11 1/2.  He did not turn 2 until June 2005, which means the earliest he should have been bred was July 2005.  But again, when did she get a female?  Let's give her the benefit of the doubt and say that someone sold her a Champion health tested bitch (not listed on her website), in season, and she bred in July 2005.  She would not be a breeder until that time, making her a breeder of Havanese for 9 1/2 years, NOT 16. 

So far, this woman has wanted to breed to one of my males, and has insulted me and my contract, and LIED to us, AND I STILL DON'T KNOW HER LAST NAME OR RECOGNIZE ANY DOGS OR KENNEL NAMES IN HER PEDIGREES. 

Now to what she says about our puppy contract. 

Why on earth would anyone buy a male show dog if they didn't have the option of breeding him later?
She has skimmed the contract and made assumptions.  

Here is my response to her, which was cc'd to both owners of the underage stud that she wanted to use:

Dxxxxx,

It is not our intent to prevent a puppy buyer from breeding the dog.  If it was, why would anyone buy a dog on that kind of contract?  It is only our intent to do what we can to ensure that only the healthiest possible dogs are bred to improve the breed.  We do not just breed to produce puppies. 

What our contract does say is:  As long as he has his championship and passes all of his health testing at the levels stated in the contract, he can be bred to pretty much any bitch who has done the same.  All health testing cannot be completed until a dog reaches the age of 24 months, therefore, he/she shall not be bred until all of the results are received from OFFA.  

Regarding breeding a bitch that we own or co-own to a co-owned stud dog of our breeding: 

It is our bloodline!  

If we were to bring a bitch that we own or co-own to that dog for use at stud, there is no reason that we must ask anyone which of our dogs we can or cannot use. 

The requirement of written justification, to the buyer, as to why we would disapprove of a particular breeding is only for their benefit.  It is two-fold protection.  It is a safety double check to ensure that the bitch or stud does indeed have all of their health testing, and it prevents us from 'just saying no' without a reason.  We would have to give the buyer a reason in writing as to why we would not approve a particular breeding.  In addition to the requirements for mates stated in the contract, perhaps we know something about that particular dog or line that you may not.  For example a particular top winning stud dog throws a lot of bite and dentition issues.  Do they advertise it?  Of course not.  He was being heavily used for a while and we started seeing a lot of that problem in puppies and dogs in the ring.  When one of our puppy people wanted to breed her bitch to him, we told her what we had been seeing.  She asked the owner of the stud dog as well as contacted several people who had dogs sired by him.  For the most part, they admitted, that yes a lot of the puppies in their litters had some dentition or bite problem.  Nobody puts it all together until you have someone who sees multiple puppies with the same problems, out of different bitches, sired by the same stud.  The individuals thought it must have just been their bitch, or just a bad match, until they realize that there was pattern.

It is not our intent to keep someone from selling stud services.  It is our intent to help improve the lines.  If a bitch or dog has not passed their OFFA health certifications and has not proven themselves in the show ring then it is our belief that they should not be bred.  That said, there may be extenuating circumstances that might allow for a bitch or a dog who is not a champion to be bred, but they would still have to have passed all of our required OFFA testing.  There are very, very, very few reasons that a male would be bred before they were old enough to have all of their official OFFA testing, there is no reason that a female should. 

On your website, you advertise your puppies as having  'health tested' parents.  I just checked through the OFFA website and none of the dogs listed on your 'show dog' page have enough health testing for a CHIC, let alone the health testing that we require.  I understand that BAER is difficult to get.  We have to drive 3 to 4 hours for BAER testing so wait for it to be offered with health clinics at shows.  Everything else is easily accessible anywhere in the US or Canada, and if a dog is to be bred, it must be done.

Our health guarantee goes to the age of 2 1/2 years to provide adequate time to pass his OFFAs, and allow him to be bred at the earliest age.  If he does not pass his OFFAs as stated in the contract, he may be returned for a replacement, show quality, dog. 

Multiple Bests in Show have been won with dogs of our breeding.  We have won multiple Best of Breed at National as well as Regional Specialties, and numerous other National Sweepstakes wins, and other top placements.  So obviously we are doing something right, and the people who have puppies from us don't seem to have complaints.  

You say that you have been a Havanese breeder and Handler for 16 years, yet your website says that Gabe was your first Havanese.  His birth date is listed as June 1, 2003, which means that he could not be shown until almost 2004, and should not have been bred until at least July 2005.  By my calculations, he is only 11 1/2 years old at this time.   Owning a male does not make one a breeder. 

I do find it almost comical when we receive a note like yours about our contract.  Then a year or so later, sometimes sooner, we find out that the person has copied many parts of our contract, sometimes verbatim.  

Also, if I spend this much time on a response I usually know the person's last name.  Since we are extremely proud of what we have accomplished, our names, first and last, are available on our website, our emails, our business cards, our blog, and in all advertisements.

Thank you for your interest in our dogs, but due to your lack of commitment to the health of this breed, we will not be able to reach an agreement for a puppy purchase or stud service to our dogs.

Sincerely,

Darlene and David Scheiris 

TOO HARSH?  I THINK NOT.

Why am I talking about this now?  BECAUSE SHE WILL, and I just want the facts out there.  

Not only whatever this Music Ministry, "16 Year" Havanese breeder, who neither Dave or I have ever heard of, might say. 

This is another example of why everyone, whether shopping for pet or show, needs to do their homework.  D had minor misspellings in some of her dog's names on her website, and I had to put together her show photos, with the show results (it takes skills to find show results from 10 years ago), then with the AKC site and OFFA to find the truth.

Columbia, MO Kennel Club, Purina Farms, MO Sunday March 29, 2015

Hammer - That's Puttin' The Hammer Down  - Reserve Winners Dog 
     Breeders:  Carolyn Knuth, David & Darlene Scheiris

Moriah - CH That's The Colours of the Wind - Best of Opposite - GCH Major

Both Owner-Handled!!!!

Judge Rita Holloway

CONGRATULATIONS TO JEANNE WOODS!!!!

Jeanne showed her new puppy 'Hammer' today in Gray Summit, as well as, her Specials Bitch Moriah. 

Another Desi kid kickin' butt in the ring, at 6 months of age: 
Hammer - That's Puttin' The Hammer Down  - Winners Dog & Best of Winners 2 pts.
     Breeders:  Carolyn Knuth, David & Darlene Scheiris
I'll look for a photo of him on my other computer, although it is having issues.

Moriah - CH That's The Colours of the Wind - Best of Opposite - GCH Major

Both owner handled!!!!

'Moriah"
CH That's The Colours of the Wind

THANK YOU JUDGE CAROLYN TAYLOR

Tina x Roché Puppy Boy SIZZLE

Four months old.  First time on a lead today.  Video at the end of the photos.
Sire - Roché - MBIS AM GCH CAN CH Adorabull That's Better Than Sex
Dam - Tina - (a Desi daughter) CH That's Timeless Elegance

First time on a lead....Not bad.