Bragging Rights

She may be a veteran but the nose knows!!

From Isobel

"Maisie might not see as well or hear as well as she used to, but her nose still works!
She still likes to be busy and so today she knocked off her first Scent Detection title and can now add SDN (Scent Detection Novice) to her list of accomplishments.
Tail wagging throughout, clearly enjoying herself immensely.
The exterior component was in heavy snow, I was not at all sure she'd even try, but she managed to pull it off.

Scent detection is a fabulous activity for the older dogs, does not stress their joints, and the stimulation of learning and playing with their person is, in my opinion, immensely beneficial to their wellbeing.
I see Maisie ageing and that makes me sad, but seeing her having so much fun delights me."

Switching Gears...again - June 22, 2019

At the Central Bark AWTA Tials, in NY - Judge Judy Todd:
Maisie was the oldes dog running but still knew her job, earning her AWTA Certificate of Gameness

In style!!! May 26, 2019

At the Red Barn Event Center CKC Sprinter Trials, as Isobel puts it:
Maisie ran her little heart out, she's a bit slower than she was last year, but no less enthusiastic. And, in between her Sprinter runs, she was participating in a Scent Detection Fun Match, seeming to make the transition to a [completely] different sport effortlessly.

She's back!!! October 6, 2018

After a long sabbatical dealing with immune mediated haemolytic anaemia, Maisie returned to competition maker her CKC Sprinter debut at the Red Barn Event Center in Barrie, ON.
With two good runs under her pelt, you can bet she is looking forward to more of the same next year

As always, this brag will benefit Isobel's favourite cat rescue group.

A "Master" at support

Maisie supported the Earthdog Association of Ontario's CKC ED tests at Plattesville, ON, on October 22nd, 2016 by running (and qualifying)in Master under judge Richard Reynolds.

As always, this brag will benefit Isobel's favourite cat rescue group.

And Done!!

Maisie has taken to the Chase Ability Program like a "duck to water", knocking off her CKC CA title with two more qualifying runs at the Saluki Club of Canada CAP Tests on July 30th and 31st, 2016 in New Tecumseth, ON.
Judges Barbara Smith and Larry Gahan
Lure Operators Brad Heppel and Jacob Simunovic

On the run!!

Maisie made her Chase Ability Program debut a succesful one. Earning the first leg towards her CKC CA title with a great run at the Ontario Lure Coursing Association CAP Test on July 16th, 2016 at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, ON.
Judge Jocelyne Gagne
Lure Operators Jason Wilson and Jacob Simunovic

Wow!! What a debut!!

Maisie made her Utility debut on October 5th, 2015 at the Poodle Club of Ontario Obedience Trials under judge Diana MacKenzie

....and QUALIFIED.

Isobel says it was "not pretty" but Maisie's enthusiasm earned her nice compliments and much praise and petting from other participants.

Mastering her Trade... both sides of the border

Maisie completed her Canadian Master Earthdog Title at the Border Terrier Club of Ontario Earthdog Test on June 20th, 2015

I had the priveledge to be judging this event and this was my write up on the brace that Maisie ran in:

My first master brace qualified in a manner that put their run right up there with the best of the best; a mini smooth Dachshund and a Border Terrier - their hunt up was a joy to behold.
A maximum length walk up through a deep wooded area with sufficient clearings, cover and game trails to provide the dogs ample opportunity to show their ability and that they did.
They were searching from the get go and by the end of the walk up the synergy between these two dogs was magic.
I would take them out hunting as a brace in a heartbeat.
Their work at the den was "by the book" as one might expect from two such focused and talented dogs.

2014 CKC Stats - Obedience

Despite very limited trial appearances, Maisie managed to finish as No. 2 Border Terrier and No. 9 Terrier in 2014 based on Canadian Kennel Club Trial statistics.

Way to go Maisie!!

December 07, 2014 - Barn Hunt - Oxford Dogs Sports, Princeton. ON

Maisie had no problem completing her RATN title under judge Laurie Soutar.

September 21, 2014 - Barn Hunt - West Highland White Terrier Club of Canada, Terra Cotta. ON

Maisie's Barn Hunt debut was thrilling to say the least.
She earned her first Barn Hunt Novice leg nicely enough under judge Robert Kripaitis.
Her second leg under judge Stephanie Capkovic was nothing short of spectacular with Maise completing the tunnel, climb and finding the rat in under 10 seconds.
Not surprisingly, she not only placed first in her height divsision but also in the Class.

Earth Dog Association Of Ontario, June 22, 2014 - Third Leg in Style

Maisie earned her third CKC Master Earthog leg under judge Russ Wischover. As someone who works his Borders to ground on a regular basis, Russ knows his stuff, so his compliments on the hunt up by Maise and bracemate (another Border female) were well earned.

Yeah!! No More Stays (at least in Canada)

Maisie finished her Canadian CDX on May 4th, 2014 at the Peterborough and District Obedience Club Trial under Judge Marie Johanne Cloutier
Isobel sums it up nicely
" As usual, she managed to entertain the Judge and onlookers with some of her antics between exercises, where I really struggle to keep her attention, because Maisie would prefer to share her happiness with the ring crew and judge, but , as soon as we set up for the next exercise, she ( usually) regains her focus.
I love her attitude and joie de vivre and have never been willing to sacrifice it for a higher score.
For me, having her work happily in the Ring is essential."

Second Leg in Style

Maisie earned her second Open B CDX leg on March 23, 2014 at the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of SW Ontario Trial under Judge Ted Leslie.
Not only did she qualify but she placed first.
Way to go Maisie

Happy Dance for a Happy Leg

Maisie earned her first Open B CDX leg on March 02, 2014 at the Red Barn Event Centre in Barrie, ON under judge Leslie Marshall.
Isobel had wanted her to enjoy working in the ring and it sounds like she did just that.

In Isobel's words:
I wanted her to be happy.....she was more than happy, had to fight to keep her under control, because, as we navigated between exercises, she very much wanted to share her happiness with the judge and ring crew, doing her best to go visit, but she got the job done in the end and I'm delighted.

Half-way There

Maisie earned her second CKC ME leg at the BTCO Test on September 21, 2013 in Pontypool, ON

No Fooling Maisie

Maisie earned her first CKC ME leg at the Victoria County KC Test on June 23, 2013 under judge Brenda Weintraub. It wasn't pretty, the slightly different configuration of the den obviously confused her, but she figured it out and got the job done

Was there ever a doubt

Maisie completed the requirements for her AKC Master Earthdog Title at her first outing of 2013. Qualifying under judges Marian Shaw D.V.M. and Lynn W Stonesifer at the Ravenna River Earthdog Club Tests on April 27-28, 2013.

December 02, 2012 - Not sure what it means, but...

.....Maisie had a great day at the CPE Agility Trials held at the Red Barn Event Centre in Barrie, ON qualifying in Standard Level two and Colours under judge Pat Saito.

To say that Maisie was well within time is an understatement

Mastering her first love

Maisie earned her first two AKC Master Earthdog legs at the Rivanna River Earthdog Club tests in Virginai on November 10-11, 2012.
judges were Paul Emanuelson and Sally Yancey
Saturday she ran with a Border Terrier aged 11 years, whose little grey face reminded Isobel of Gordie and maybe jogged Maisie's memory too because she went over to him to give him a little kiss (fortunately he didn't mind). On Sunday, Maisie was paired with a fast Border Bitch, the Judge said it was the best walk-up she'd seen all day.

This brag will benefit North Toronto Cat Rescue, a small local group which spays, neuters and feeds a colony of feral cats.

Make that a title!

Maisie completed her Canadian CD On June 10th, 2012 at the Ontario County Kennel Club Obedience trials under Border Breeder Judge: Sandy Briggs

Two down, one to go

Maisie earned the first leg on her Canadian CD April 22nd 2012 at St.Catharine's and District Kennel and Obedience Club under judge Leslie Marshall.
She followed this with leg number two on May 20th at the Barrie Kennel and Obedience Club Trials under Judge Bruce Gibbons.

April 15, 2012

No major surprise from this accomplished Border Gal. Maisie completed her CKC Rally Excellent Title with a second place under Border Breeder judge, Sandy Briggs.

Well and truly back in her stride

And multi-talented at that. Despite [in her own words] "totally inept handling by Isobel - as though she had been the one on maternity leave!", Maisie earned her secon CKC Rally Excellent leg on February 19, 2012.

A "career" girl at heart

Maisie celebrated the end of her maternity leave in style at a CPE Agility Trial on 11 February 2012.
In her standard run she raced through the course coming in 26.8secs under time with no faults..... Her first Standard leg.
Then came games!!! Maisie was in Wild Card, which was right up her alley, and she earned another Q.

"A nice working little dog"

Was judge Ted Leslie's comment to Isobel, followed by "but you had a 10 point deduction"
Thankfully Maisie still scored 88 and earned her first CKC Rally Excellent leg at the Barrie KC Show on June 19, 2011

She's agile alright!

Maisie is delighted to report that she earned her first CPE Jumpers leg on May 1st, 2011 at the first attempt, running clean and coming in 20.5 secs under time, even though Miss Congeniality had to take time out part way through to visit one of the ring crew who she happens to know (not that she needs much excuse to socialize).

Done!!

While enjoying a trip to Virginia visiting two-legged family Maisie took time out on November 13, 2010 to go to the Ravenna River Earthdog Club Test.
Beautiful weather, gorgeous setting and Maisie, in fine form, knocked off her 3rd SE leg, without any trouble at all.

This brag will benefit North Toronto Cat Rescue, a small local group which spays, neuters and feeds a colony of feral cats.

Making it Last

Maisie is not one to rush things, after all she loves going to Earthdog Tests so she ensured at least one more visit "south of the border" by qualifying in just one of the two test offered by the Motor Cities Fox Terrier Club on August 21, 2010. But she did it with a run that judge Susan Chapman described as "perfect ".

Three out of Four does it!!

Maisie earned her CKC Rally Advanced title with three qualifying runs out of four attempts and three First placements.
First leg was April 30, 2010, at St.Catharines Kennel Club (judge was Marie Sawford).
Second and third legs were earned at the Poodle Club of Canada, May 29-30, 2010 (judges Susie Bell and Lorraine Purnell).

One, two, three and done

2009 BTCA Specialty Achievements - September 27-October 01, 2009 - Centreville, MD

Maise did a picture perfect run to qualify in Senior at the National Specialty ED test under judge Sharon Yon

She topped this off by qualifying in her Novice B Rally Class (judge Cheryl Pratt)

She also had "fun" in Obedience and Conformation though her respective handlers might disagree!

Don't mess with this judge

Maisie indeed pulled off a fine weekend, causing me (and Pam) my usual palpitations with her need to investigate the surrounding hedgerows before she actually enters the tunnel, but she is running so fast that she still got to the rats in time (assisted by a good smack with Pam's clipboard when she thought she might pause to say hello), worked them beautifully (they were quite the ugliest, most ferocious rats I have ever seen) and recalled instantly when they were removed.
I was delighted with her.

This brag will benefit North Toronto Cat Rescue.

This Time I Will !!

In her JE run on Sat. am, Maisie had her usual attack of the zoomies ,but managed to hold herself together in the PM under Judge Ron Sebastiani. It looked like she was going to take off running in the afternoon, but, after just a few paces, she quite literally seemed to put the brakes on, trotted back and straight down to work, so here's hoping she's had some kind of breakthrough in her little mind??????

Sunday she moved up to SE. No zoomies, she started very purposefully to the entrance, then changed her mind! Several dogs had peed at the entrance, so that may have put her off, but she just started off to look for another way in, right into the false exit, found the rats , worked beautifully and recalled without any problem, Judge Russ Wischover said it broke his heart to have to fail her because she worked so well and that ,if she were working in the field, it wouldn't matter where she entered.

Maybe I will, maybe I won't

Maisie stayed true to her recently acquired unpredictable form by sandwiching a perfect AKC JE leg between two "how annoying can I possibly be" runs at the Lackawanna ED Tests in PA June 19-21, 2009.
Seems her "inner earthdog" is easily overridden by her outer flamboyance

Not Exactly Mainstream

In Isobel's words [edited for context]
A couple of weekends ago, I took the little JR I train in Obedience to NAMBR's (North American Mixed Breed Registry) first ED tests.
They only had 7 entries, all JRs, so I was prevailed upon to let Maisie have a go - well....
2 JE Tests later, she had a NAMBR JE Title. - her "inner earthdog " seems to emerge without encouragement!

Well! That took care of that

Maisie capitalized on her handy sized and wrapped up her Canadian Championship at the Fredericton Kennel Club shows (July 25, 26, 27, 2008) with Best of Breed and a Group 3rd under John Ross at the BTC Booster on Friday then Best of Breed on Saturday (judge Margaret Jones) and Best of Breed and a Group 4th on Sunday (judge Susan Badick).
Just to emphasize that she is not just a pretty thing, she also earned the first leg of her CKC SE title under judge Maria Sacco at the BTC CKC ED Test on July 27, 2008.

More "to the point"

Maisie added one more point towards her CKC CH by going Winners Bitch at the Hochelaga Kennel Club Show on May 18, 2008 under judg Polly Smith

Getting "to the point" in yet another venue

Actually that should be "two points", Maisie tucked her CKC Major under her belt by going Winners Bitch at the Ontario Breeders Show in Markham, ON on February 23, 2008 under Judge Bruce Owen

It's in the Genes

No Messing Around

After the disappointment of coming into season and thus not being able to run in the Maritime ED Tests, Maisie did not waste any time in earning her Canadian JE at the Dachshund Club of Greater Ontario ED Tests on August 25-26, 2007 (judges Richard Reynolds and Pam Dyer)

She's Red Hot.......

In Isobel's words:
"Maisie went off to a Flyball tournament this weekend. Since she has had virtually no training, the goal was just to put her in warm-ups and see how she coped with the frenzy of a tournament.
We started with restrained recalls, which did not go particularly well - she patterns very quickly and she knew the aim of the game was to get the ball from the box, so she was trying to turn and do that.
When we caved to her pressure and allowed her to do so, things went much better. She was delighted to go down get her ball and bring it back, ignoring ( much to my surprise ) all distractions.
Some teams had to pull at the last moment because of kennel cough, so there were a couple of races with nobody running in the parallel lane, and it was decided to let her try to actually run with the team since we would n't have to worry about her going over to visit the opposition - no problem and she had her FD.
At the end, when there was a team running against us, we put her in again and again - no problem - but her team-mates messed up!!! The rest of the team was most apologetic , since otherwise she could have also pulled off her FDX. She was, in fact, the only dog on our team to run clean throughout the day!
For some of this, we had her being run by the daughter of one of the team members, Kendra, aged 11 years, who adores her and was desperate to have a little dog to run ( her family's dogs are too large for Kendra to manage) and with me alongside coaching them, the 2 youngsters pulled it off. Kendra can certainly run faster than me, as can Maisie, so she may become Maisie's regular handler!
In the meantime, however, although Flyball is not my favourite dog activity it looks like Maisie and I will be trucking off to train her properly for the game, rather than just relying on her instinct to get the ball."

This brag will benefit North Toronto Cat Rescue

Flash!!
Turns out that Maisie actually got her FDX in her first venture into Flyball (somebody on our team miscalculated the points).