Sheltie International article

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=48 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kylene Shelties"><U><B>Kylene Shelties</B></U></A><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kylene Shelties"><U><B> Home Page</B></U></A><B>     </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#003300" FACE="Tahoma" ><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kylene Shelties"><U><B>352-490-9798</B></U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="kibble.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Misc."><U><B>BACK</B></U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=432 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Sheltie International article</B></div> <bR> <div> The following article appeared in the June-July issue of <A HREF="http://www.fix.net/~dogmag/sheltie/sheltie-home.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.fix.net/~dogmag/sheltie/shelt"><U><I>Sheltie International</I></U></A>. It is reprinted with permission.</div> <bR> <div> Kylene Shelties</div> <div> Kathy Dziegiel and Arlene Bulens</div> <bR> <div> <I>By Pam Staley</I></div> <div> <I>DAYSTAR SHELTIES</I></div> <bR> <div> Kylene Shelties is situated 30 miles north of Boston on 4-1/2 lovely acres in Rowley, Massachusetts.<B> </B></div> <div> <B>(Webmaster note:  Kylene is now thousands of miles south of Boston in Chiefland, FL. Check the new address</B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kylene Shelties"><U><B> here</B></U></A><B>.)</B></div> <bR> <div> <U>The stroke of the brush…</U></div> <div> Kathy Dziegiel and Arlene Bulens have shared a deep love and respect for the little toonie dog for about 11 years. In their minds's eye they began to put brush to canvas as the picture came to life and the two began to combine their talents and desires. The empty canvas began to flow with bright orange colors and soft outlines, and slowly the picture breathed.</div> <bR> <div> Their first Sheltie, "Niki," was purchased from Nancy and Dick Hildreth, of Cindahope fame, in 1985. The ruler reared its ugly head, "OVERSIZE" and that first show prospect was history.  However, this in no way deterred the pair from entering her at matches in obedience and attending other Sheltie functions. This was a game they intended to win; Kathy and Arlene wanted to make it perfectly clear that they were very serious about obtaining a show dog. So, Niki was spayed and eventually placed in a wonderful pet home. Their emphasis has always been to show first, with breeding a means of producing their next champion.</div> <bR> <div> During this time, Kathy was also actively showing Quarter Horses on the AQHA circuits. This particular form of competition is not only very demanding but seems to complement and enhance the skills of those who later go into the avenue of showing dogs. Being well aware of the expenses and the amount of work involved in showing horses also laid the ground work for her new doggy venture. Showing horses had not only given Kathy an acute understanding of the ups and downs of winning and losing but also enabled her to realize the financial costs that were involved.</div> <bR> <div> Her love of horses initially was the door opener for Kathy when it came to acquiring a show dog from Nancy; Nancy had also shown horses, and it was at this point that Nancy decided to take a chance with a novice and sold them her half (Dick wouldn't sell his half) of a 2-1/2-year-old bitch.  The contract was simple and straightforward, "finish her or put her with a handler." "<A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sarah Lee started it all ..."><U>Sara Lee</U></A>," six months later, was their first champion, Ch. Cindahope Crystal and Gold, HC,TT.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Combining color and substance…</U></div> <div> "Sara Lee" was bred soon after, which resulted in Kylene's first homebred champion - Ch.Kylene's T-Thirty Eight, HC, TT, "Talon." "Talon"  was also their first Specialty Best of Breed winner. The second litter by "Sarah Lee" produced Ch. Kylene Cindahope Town Cryer ROM. "<A HREF="id7.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="TC"><U>TC</U></A>," as he is affectionately called, was their first National class winner, and also has a pointed sister.  Not content with staying a home, Kathy and Arlene also put Canadian titles on the earlier dogs, including the ASSA herding titles. One of their exciting memories was during temperament testing when "Sara Lee" had the highest score beating out all the Rotties, Shepherds and Terriers. Temperament Testing, Canadian titles, obedience training, herding trials-one would think these two would be quite busy.  But they felt they were running out of things to do with the dogs! However, the proverbial "showbug" had bitten Kathy and it appeared to be a fatal bite. She soon became a natural, with no cure in sight.</div> <bR> <div> Nancy viewed Kathy's enjoyment and expertise in the ring and offered her a puppy bitch to show who she thought might pick up some points in the puppy classes. Little "<A HREF="id60.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kissy"><U>Kissy</U></A>," as she was called, finished at 18 months and has been the youngest champion of any of the Cindahope dogs, as they tend to be slow maturers.  On the second weekend out she was Reserve Winners Bitch at the Colonial SSC Specialty! This perfrect little picture is no other than Ch. Cindahope Picture Perfect. Still immature, "Kissy" took time out for two litters and matured into a beautifully balanced bitch.</div> <bR> <div> "Kissy's" sister, "Desi," was offered to them to show by her breeder, Melinda Turner. This came at an opportune time as the two partners were still short of dogs of their own to show.  "Desi" finished quickly and became Ch. Madeira As Life Goes On. While they were campaigning "Kissy," they would occasionally enter a filler bitch to try to make majors. This little "extra" surprised them all by finishing one weekend before "Desi!" Dumping this little showgirl seemed impossible, as nothing could curtail her love for the ring. And "<A HREF="id58.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bridget"><U>Bridget</U></A>" was her name!  Ch. Kylene Cindahope Picture Me, to be legally correct. "Bridget" is "Kissy's" daughter by Ch. Benayr Sentimental Journey,  Karen Dickinson is currently specialing this bright little picture. She is a group winner and hopes to follow in her mother's pawsteps.</div> <bR> <div> <U>The hue, tone and shade...</U></div> <div> Any problems that the pair faced in the breed was dealt with honestly and openly. Oftentimes the heartache was evident, but the commitment remained steadfast. For instance, one hardy little girl named "<A HREF="id69.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Lily and Christina"><U>Lily</U></A>" had a difficult time.  "Lily" was the pride and joy of Arlene's husband, Don.  She was not only his faithful companion, fellow hiker, and mountain climber, but she was destined for the show ring as well. She was, however, one of the hardest dogs to finish. It seemed that every time "Lily" was shown she would immediately start blowing coat and her skin would become inflamed. Among other things, they learned by trial and error that she was allergic to the metal pin brush. Her allergies seemed to crop up after her first and only litter of one. Ch. Lily Kylene of Cindahope finished quickly however as soon as she coated up. Gulie Krook focused in on "Lily" and captured the moment in history…and then she was spayed. Lily's mother had a similar problem (but not near the extent) when she, too, came into season. It was difficult and painful decision, but there was no alternative - the problems would end here and now.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Blending the edges…</U></div> <div> Ch. Cindahope Picture Perfect "Kissy," was one of those rare animals from which a person, if willing, can learn much. Kathy was a willing student…and went to the head of the class. "Kissy" was a terrific mover, and the more she was shown the more she excelled. With "Kissy" one found out very quickly that the breed rings were generally too small. She was in her element in the group ring, however, where she could really strut her stuff. After that first pass around the large gorup ring she would settle down and literally announce that the win belonged to her !  By the time "Kissy" was closing in on her 100<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Tahoma" >th</FONT> Best of Breed she would bark in the line up, she just couldn't wait to go. If Kathy so much as dropped a shoulder, she shot out of line. Ch. Cindahope Picture Perfect became the 4<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Tahoma" >th</FONT> bitch to reach the Century Club, gathering 3 BIS and 3 BISS along the way. What a way to learn about showing dogs! </div> <bR> <div> Although Kathy enjoyed showing her own dogs, she now shows dogs for others. Since most of her clients' dogs are also housedogs, they adapt remarkably well at Kathy's.  Neither are in a kennel environment.</div> <bR> <div> <U>The perfect p</U><U>icture needs a perfect frame…</U></div> <div> The gilded frame that protects and encloses the finished product is as important as each brushstroke on the canvas.  First and foremost, all these picture-perfect four-legged balls of fluff have their quality time on the sofa. However, they do enjoy the beautifully fenced yard with 5 chain link runs (2- 12 x 12; 3 - 6 x 12) two of which are covered (i.e. escape proof) and another larger area (1/2 acre) which is fenced and has a nice slope to keep them in great muscle tone. Although each dog gets plenty of outside time, nobody stays outside when the family is away, everyone returns to the "Dog Room." Situated off the kitchen/family room it can comfortably house the 12-15 dogs, which is the maximum that is usually kept (usually 3-4 to be shown plus visiting bitches). They have found that any more than 15 prohibits the time that is available to spend at dog shows, as well as denying the four-legged part of the family the quality time that they deserve.</div> <bR> <div> An addition to the Kylene team is a new, larger RV, redecorated with the doggy family in mind. A kennel room was designed by removing the queen size bed in the bedroom so that they can now bring all the dogs with them while still have their own little get-a-way space.</div> <bR> <div> Kathy's original full-time occupation was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). However, because of tax law changes, work had become very seasonal. Working 80-plus hours from January through April was usually the norm, but then it was down to 16-20 hours the rest of the year. Although that schedule left her with plenty of time to show dogs during the off season, it meant having to miss some of the earlier Nationals and specialties. Time and priorities change and so, too, with Kathy-she was hopelessly hooked! She now shows dogs year round and during tax season prefers the bigger circuits which enable her to evade some of the New England winters while taking in some sun down south. She now handles a moderate client tax base from her home and gives a local CPA firm as many hours as she can in between circuits.</div> <bR> <div> As Kathy and I viewed the picture that has since taken life at Kylene Shelties, it seems the emergence of vision to masterpiece has slowly developed over the years by focusing in on certain elements. One determining element lies in the close-knit relationship that Kathy and Arlene have developed. The quality and care that radiates from this small butt effective partnership is one to be respected and emulated. The second ingredient is from purposefully keeping the numbers small. Of the seven adults at Kylene, five sleep in the bedrooms (three with Kathy; two with Arlene and Don). Preferring the flexibility of breeding bitches to whelping bitches, they also stand a couple of dogs at stud. Airport runs can be scheduled around show schedules and lots of time is spent socializing puppies as they enlist no outside help (it's just Arlene and Kathy). When both Kathy and Arlene travel to the shows the only dogs left home are Don's two ladies ("Lily" and "Desi"); everybody else gets to tag along.</div> <bR> <div> Puppies are whelped in Kathy's bedroom and then moved to s spare bedroom which comes fully equipped with baby monitors to keep abreast of any goings on. The temperature of the room is monitored closely and kept very warm and a humidifier is also used to keep moisture in the air. Since socialization is also very important to the development of the puppies, they are moved downstairs into the kitchen/family room as soon as they can, which depends upon the individual litter and the time of year. The pups can then become accustomed to sounds such as the vacuum cleaner, the telephone, other dogs, including the one and only non-Sheltie, "Diva," a Bouvier Des Flanders. "Diva" not only loves the Kylene Shelties, she thinks she is one! She has made a tremendous difference in their Shelties' attitude about big dogs when exposed to them in the ring or at training classes. As for being "kid-broke" they can give the credit to Arlene's grandchildren, who visit frequently.</div> <bR> <div> As one can see, Kathy and Arlene tend to a little bit of everything with their dogs. But the focus has been more on showing than on breeding, and that could very well be one of the reasons they have come so are in such a short time. Kathy shares her viewpoints on this by saying, "First, we don't pretend to know everything. Every day there is something new to be learned if you keep your eyes and ears open. Second, we had a head start with the horses, they helped us avoid similar mistakes being made in dogs. Thirdly, we teamed up with the Hildreths who had the type of dogs we admired, and our philosophies are very similar. And fourth, we kept only our best. Another valuable tip was that "one should buy the very best one can afford." It will cost the same to feed and keep a great producer or champion as it does a pet. This is one of those "wise sayings" that many wannabes should take to heart!</div> <bR> <div> <U>Sharing the vision…</U></div> <div> Kathy also wanted to share some other lessons she has learned along the way. The first million dollar questions is always "How do you get a good dog?" Well, try to work with a breeder whom you respect and expect to pay your dues. If you can't afford to buy a good one (let's face it, there are a million reasons-one being spouses who aren't into dogs), breed to the best you can and if the offspring are better that the dam, spay and place her, freeing up the slot for the better one. Let me say that again…spay and place the dam and continue to work your way up. It's a lot harder and longer trip, but the efforts will eventually pay off. Quantity doesn't mean quality, and if more people would "clean kennel" the dollars saved in feeding the mediocre dogs could be better spent on the end goal.</div> <bR> <div> The second million dollar question-"How do you buy a good dog!" Well, like the lady said, work with a breeder. No breeder to work with in your area? Then purchase or co-own a decent brood bitch with a breeder who has an established record. This may seem like the impossible dream, but don't let one (or more) rejections kill your enthusiasm. Also, don't be afraid to ask them for references of people that they have sold "show prospects" to, or whom they co-own dogs with. It's much better to find out ahead of time if this is a person you would like to deal with, or if the "strings" they place are unreasonable. However, keep in mind…by the same token, why should they trust you? Do you have references? The tide turns both ways, and many breeders have believed in people in the past and paid dearly for it. Such as the Junior Showmanship dog that never saw the show ring - the child went to boarding school and the dog ended up in the backyard. And what about the enthusiast who really believes they know what it takes to finish a dog and then just can't let the dog be away from home, or control what it eats, or can't seem to find the time to bring it by for some ear help, and on and on and on. The risk works both ways. Another thing that Kathy stressed was that when you are looking for that special dog and are calling all over the U.S., please be considerate about the time of day - there are different time zone you know! And not only time zones…but remember, it should be on your dime, not theirs. Most breeders or handlers are more than happy to chat with you and give you some free advice if it isn't costing them anything. Remember, yours is not the only phone call they get. And it's best to keep it to phone calls, letters have a way of going unanswered-there are so many things to take care of during the day and a phone call is so much easier.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Evaluating the picture…</U></div> <div> One of the things (and there are quite a few!) that impressed me abut Kathy was her honesty and integrity. If someone asks her what goes well with their stud dog. "TC," makes no bones about it - she tells them, even if it means losing a breeding. She analyzed each bitch type and pedigree and has been able to evaluate which lines click with great success and which ones just don't. The not so greats, well, she'd just rather pass. Kathy is quick to admit that there is no perfect dog out there for every bitch, but she can further your goals by being honest with her evaluations concerning what does go well with her own dogs. The same type of honesty applies to her handling - her clients know where they stand and she is very realistic with them regarding the competitiveness of their dogs. In dealing with co-owners, most of her dealings are in writing and are very detailed, so there are no misunderstandings and always the dog involved remains in the end with the co-owner.</div> <bR> <div> The mutual love of the little Sheltie dog between these two creative ladies was nurtured with integrity and honesty. The vision in their mind's eye has slowly taken shape and the portrait is now known as "Kylene Shetland Sheepdogs." This canvas, however, is by no means finished; but it is indeed, a pretty picture. To date, the brushstrokes in the canvas includes:</div> <bR> <div> 9 Sheltie AKC Champions (4 home bred*)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ch. Cindahope Crystal and Gold (<A HREF="id70.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sara Lee"><U>Sara Lee</U></A>, dam of 2 champions)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ch. Kylene's T-Thirty Eight (<A HREF="id78.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Talon"><U>Talon</U></A>, sire of 1 champion, 2 CDX)*</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ch. Cindahope Picture Perfect (<A HREF="id60.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kissy"><U>Kissy</U></A>, dam of 1 champion, co-owned with the Hildreths) Co-owned and exclusively handled to 100 BOB, 3 BIS, 3 BISS, 13 Group1, 17 Group2, 12 Group 3 and 11 Group 4 and #4 Sheltie for 1993 and 1994</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ch. Kylene Cindahope Town Cryer ROM (<A HREF="id7.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="TC"><U>T.C.</U></A>)* Currently the sire of 12 champions</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ch. Lily Kylene of Cindahope (<A HREF="id73.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Lily"><U>Lily</U></A>)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ch. Kylene Cindahope Picture me (<A HREF="id58.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bridget"><U>Bridget</U></A>)*</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ch. Madeira As Life Goes On (<A HREF="id75.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Desi"><U>Desi</U></A>, co-owned with Melinda Turner)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ch. Mapleridge Fields of Gold (Diva, the non-Sheltie)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ch. Ozark Crest City Slicker (<A HREF="id57.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Trevah"><U>Trev</U></A><A HREF="id57.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Trevah"><U>ah</U></A> - co-owned with Paul & Susie Hannah)</div> <bR> <div> In 1993 Kathy handled a client's Sheltie to the #16 position plus a Westminster Best of Breed, (2 dogs in the Top 20 for 1993). They have also had numerous ASSA class placements (1994 Award of Merit with a "T.C." daughter, 1991, 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Tahoma" >st</FONT> BBE with "T.C.," class placements in Stud Dog both times entered - 1994 and 1992, plus other class placements) and Specialty wins.</div> <bR> <div> To bring this story up to date a little, as far as the four-legged family is concerned, "Sara Lee" is now a feisty 11-year-old-and resides with Arlene's grandchildren. Of course, this was all "Sara Lee's" idea as she just loves kids. Her first homebred champion, "Talon," resides with a school chum of Arlene's who has one of his daughters, and all the others are keepers of the sofa at home.</div> <bR> <div> Their commitment and vision has been evident for all to see from day one. And through honesty, integrity and hard work the portrait will be refined and retouched until the coveted Masterpiece emerges. The color and perspective that these two ladies have added to the canvas of the little Sheltie dog will hopefully continue for many years to come.  he never ending portrait of our beloved little Sheltie needs them…and do so we. Way to go!</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>