Happy Easter

....WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WHITE STAR PONS. SCROLL DOWN OUR FRONT PAGE TO SEE, AND READ ABOUT OUR PON "KIDS" . PLEASE COME BACK AND VISIT OFTEN: ...... JANUARY 13, 2008: OLIVIA CELEBRATES HER 14TH BIRTHDAY AS BEAUTIFUL AS EVER!

CARLY ROSE, ELLI MAE AND LIZA JANE ON SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2008

*********************************************************************************

Would somebody just throw the ball ?

Bentley, Liza Jane, Elli Mae, Higgins, Pooh, Bernice, Carly Rose and Brady, being very patient.

**************************************************************************************

A windy afternoon...Bentley, Liza Jane, Pooh and Brady enjoying their Sunday afternoon

******************************************************************************************

Sweet Little Liza Jane....May 11, 2008

***************************************************************************************

Sisters.......Carly Rose and Liza Jane

**************************************************************************************

April 13, 2008: Bentley, Elli Mae and Brady play "sofa ball!" Beat's the Florida heat!

***********************************************************************************************

April 5, 2008: Brady started his show career 1 year ago today, at the National Specialty, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was just 7 months old, and, in 4 days, was a New AKC Champion! He is currently ranked #1 PON in Breed and ranked #1 for the AKC/Eukanuba 2008 National Championship. Brady shown above with Jeff and Judge Roberta Campbell accepting his Group 3!!

BRADY AND JEFF ON THEIR WAY TO A GROUP PLACEMENT

*******************************************************************************************

Here is Elli Mae resting up before her big win at the Central Florida Herding Group Association Fun Match.

A big thanks to Bill Gilchrist for taking the photos and sending them to us!!

*****************************************************************************************

PRISCILLA DOES BEETHOVEN! Well, not really, but almost as good. Universal Studios is using Jenny Devlin and her Mom's house, in Orlando, Florida, to shoot much of the new Beethoven 2 Movie. So, Ms. Priscilla has made quite an impression on the Movie People. Why not? She's already a "White Star."

******************************************************************************************

February 19, 2008:

Ms. Ellie Mae

*******************************************************************************************

February 16, 2008: It's 75 degrees, on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, in Ocala, Florida, and the White Star kids decided to take 3 month old, Elli Mae, out to teach her "how to play ball." Big surprise! Elli Mae already knew how to play ball. "Super Ball Stars", Pooh, Liza Jane, Bernice and Bentley were amazed that their little sister's feet barely touched the ground. Proud Dad, Higgins, was loving it!!

***************************************************************************************

Liza Jane and Bentley, in hot pursuit

***************************************************************************************

Hey, Dad, what ya' got there?? Higgins, Bentley and Elli Mae

**************************************************************************************

Bernice and Elli Mae, not quite fast enough for 9 year old Pooh

***************************************************************************************

Pooh catches it on the fly, and the race is on !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

***************************************************************************************

Hey, guys! Isn't it time for a nap? Pooh, Bentley (with the ball), Elli Mae, Bernice and Liza Jane

*******************************************************************************************

I think I'll sit this one out.

******************************************************************************************

Super Bowl weekend found Brady and Grandpa Jeff, watching Brady's namesake, Tom Brady, the New England Patriot's Quarterback, from the comfort of our family room. Both Brady's actually share the same birthday...August 3rd.

***********************************************************************************************************

Brady and Bentley watching the half time show

******************************************************************************************************************

While Elli Mae attempted to put on a half time show of her own, in her "sheepie disguise". ...a PON in sheeps clothing???

********************************************************************************************************************

******************************************************************************************************************

We also had some PON ghosts attending???????????????

************************************************************************************************************************

Elli Mae...

Judge, I'm a Polish Lowland Sheepdog and I'm supposed to be judged down there with my strawberry!

Can't go anywhere without my strawberry!

Cute butt, eh? Hey, where's my strawberry?

***************************************************************************************

Olivia with her Great Grandson, Bentley

************************************************************************************************

Olivia, looking great at 14 years old

**********************************************************************************************

Miss Prissy is the daughter of our Bernice and Higgins, sister to Hooch, Patton and Belvedere

******************************************************************************************************

Jeff and Brady on their way to another Best of Breed

*************************************************************************************

Brady started his show career on April 5, 2007, at the National Specialty in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was 7 months old when he and Jeff boarded the plane to fly out to Brady's first AKC Shows. Little did we know what a hit this charming guy was going to be. Brady finished his AKC Championship in 4 days with four, 4 point Majors from the Bred By Exhibitor Class. He, and Jeff, thoroughly enjoyed hangin' out in Vegas and went everywhere Jeff went, including the Annual Meeting. Brady flew home as a new Champion, and resumed his wonderful life with his co-owner, Julane White, in Citra, Florida.

Brady was shown at a few shows in Florida, as the year progressed...and, at 16 months old, Brady finished the year 2007 with 24 Best of Breed wins, and several Group placements, ranking him the #4 All Breed Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the #6 Ranked PON in Breed Points. He is currently ranked #1 PON IN BREED and ranked #1 for the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship 2008! Brady will be 20 months old on April 18, 2008, and has taken Best of Breed at every show in 2008, plus several Group Placements. We are so very proud of him. Jeff and I really believe that Brady is the "best PON" we have bred to date. He seems to "have it all"...structure, balance, flawless movement, top line, gorgeous head, strong bone, incredible coat, and the most wonderful personality! He loves everyone, AND he LOVES to show! When he's not showing, he can be found digging holes in the mud at our house, flying over the top of the sofa or following you everywhere with a ball in his mouth, just in case a game might evolve. He is also known to wait until you're snoozing on the sofa, and then climbs up on you and tries to put a stuffed toy or a ball in your mouth! Ask Julane...she's had to remove several. Brady is always happy and brings a lot of laughter wherever he goes.

Brady is the son of Ch White Star's Paddington Bear (Paddy) and Ch White Star's Sweet Little Liza Jane....Grandson of Higgins, and Winnie...Great Grandson of Olivia. He is the brother of "Connor", who is currently setting records in Australia. Do I sound like a proud Grandma? You bet!

****************************************************************************************

Pictured below is our newest "show girl", Priscilla. (White Star's Walkin' On Sunshine). She is the daughter of our Bernice and Higgins, and littermate to Patton, Hooch and Belvedere, who will turn 7 months old January 14th.

Jenny and Ms. Prissy struttin' their stuff in Deland

******************************************************************************************

Priscilla is only 4 months old in the above photo.

*********************************************************************************** Brady and Merrilee in Orlando...December, 2007

***************************************************************************************

Bentley and Princeton just hanging out in Ocala

***********************************************************************************

14 YEAR OLD OLIVIA STILL STRUTTIN' HER STUFF

****************************************************************************************************

JEFF AND POOH LOOKING GREAT! POOH IS 9 YEARS OLD.

***************************************************************************************************

OLIVIA'S GREAT GRANDSON, POOH'S GRANDSON, BRADY, LOOKING GORGEOUS AS ALWAYS

*******************************************************************************************************

NOVEMBER 11TH.....INTRODUCING TEAM WHITE STAR'S 31ST CHAMPION

CH WHITE STAR'S SPARKLING ROSE, "ROSIE"

***********************************************************

Brady turning it on in Group

Another adorable pose by Rosie

Jeff and Rosie on her down and back

Pat getting Brady's attention in Group

What a difference a year makes! Brady and Merrilee in Puppy Best In Show November, 2006!

*******************************************************************************************

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM MS. PRISCILLA AND PATTON

Prissy Now, do I look like a pumpkin?

Patton waiting for the Great Pumpkin

******************************************************************************************

AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2007

We are so proud to announce that 7 Champions from "Team White Star" have received their invitations to compete in this prestigious event, in Long Beach, California, December 2nd, 2007. 6 of them finished in the Top 20, and two finished from the Bred-By Exhibitor Class. Congratulations to all of you. It is one of the greatest compliments any Breeder could ever receive. We thank all of you, from the bottom of our hearts, for making this "dream come true." Pat & Jan Wilkison, only had 1 litter with their White Star's Lily Anne, and 2 of them finished in the Top 9! What a thrill for them! Jeff and Merrilee

#3 Ch White Star's Bentley Z Bluegrass "Bentley" (Winnie and Higgins Grandson)

Bred By Pat & Jan Wilkison Owners: Jeff & Merrilee Cirtwell, Ocala, Florida

#8 Ch Zhiggins Goral White Star Z Banciarni "Higgins" (previous winner of Eukanuba & Westminster)

Bred by Barbara Rayska-Swist Owners: Jeff & Merrilee Cirtwell, Ocala, Florida

#9 Ch Bluegrass Ivy League Z White Star "Princeton" (Bentley's brother; Winnie/Higgins Grandson)

Bred By Pat & Jan Wilkison Owners: Jenny & Steve Gough, Laguna Beach, California

#11 Ch White Star's It's A Sirius Family Affair "Brady" (Paddy/Liza Jane's Son, and Olivia, Winnie

& Higgins Grandson) Bred By: Jeff & Merrilee Cirtwell Co-Owners: Julane White, Jeff &

Merrilee Cirtwell. Brady also finished in the Bred-By-Exhibitor Class.

#15 Ch White Star's Sam's Watch'N Ewe "Sam" (Son of Daphne & Zach; Grandson of Olivia)

Bred By: Merrilee & Jeff Cirtwell Owners: Amber & Richard Farrell, Quinton, VA.

#20 Ch White Star's Winston Churchill "Winston" (Son of Daphne and Higgins)

Bred By: Merrilee & Jeff Cirtwell Owner: Richard Roth, MD, Savannah, GA.

Bred-By Class: Ch White Star's Scarlett O'Beara "Scarlett" (Daughter of Daphne/Higgins;Winston's sister)

Bred By: Merrilee & Jeff Cirtwell Co-Owned: Gerard Plank, Jeff & Merrilee Cirtwell

******************************************************************************************

OCTOBER 2007: PRISCILLA (PRISSY) DEVLIN...PATTON AND HOOCH'S SISTER

******************************************************************************************

JEFF AND BERNICE AT THE ST. JUDE SHOWCASE OF DOGS...MEMPHIS

***************************************************************************************

MORE PHOTOS FROM MEMPHIS

Jeff and Bernice in the Herding Group

Best of Breed Line Up: Winston, Moonshine, Bernice, Leif and Carly

******************************************************************************************

Rosie and Brady's Mom, Liza Jane

Our Sweet Little Liza Jane, looking beautiful after her bath on September 23, 2007

*****************************************************************************************************

BOOKENDS..................HIGGINS AND BENTLEY

_________________________________________________________________________________

HIGGINS, BENTLEY AND LIZA JANE

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

LIZA JANE, BENTLEY AND POOH....CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

WINNIE THE POOH...WILL BE 9 YEARS OLD NOVEMBER, 2007

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

HOOCH IS THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE APPELL HOME IN MISSOURI

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Patton with his favorite ball

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Belvedere using his most charming look...Am I cute, or what?

__________________________________________________________________________________

HIGGINS AND HIS KIDS

_______________________________________________________________________________

LAUREN CONYERS AND HER NEW PALS

______________________________________________________________________________

Pups at Doggie Disney World

___________________________________________________________________

Little Girl asleep at Doggie Disney

_________________________________________________________________

At Doggie Disney with Mom, affectionately known as the "chocolate squirrel"

______________________________________________________________

ARE WE CUTE, OR WHAT??

_________________________________________________________________

WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS IS? NOT ONE OF US, EH?

__________________________________________________________________

PUPS SNOOZING ON DAY 11

__________________________________________________________________

ANYBODY GOT AN ALKA-SELTZER?

___________________________________________________________________

OK, I'LL SETTLE FOR SOMEONE JUST GETTING ME UP!

__________________________________________________________________

Bernice, and pups having dinner. Wanted chocolate, not polka-dot!

___________________________________________________________________

BERNICE GAVE BIRTH TO 4 BEAUTIFUL BABIES, JUNE 15...3 BOYS & 1 GIRL

_________________________________________________________________

"NEECIE" RESTING 4 HOURS BEFORE GIVING BIRTH

__________________________________________________________________

"NEECIE" AND PUPS ONE HOUR AFTER BIRTH

________________________________________________________________

Bernice finds a comfortable spot on Day 58!!

BERNICE CHECKING OUT HER WHELPING BOX.

_________________________________________________________________

"Look out Higgins. You've got to lean into these curves!!"

_______________________________________________________________

OUR TRIP TO CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA May 4-6, 2007

Last weekend we took our first weekend off from the show ring in a long, long time. We went over to Cedar Key, Florida to celebrate our 7th Wedding Anniversary. Of course we couldn't go without taking some of the "furry ones". The condo on the Gulf that we were renting didn't look too kindly on 6 PONs, but did agree to two. So, we took the boys...Higgins and Bentley. If there was ever a question as to what activity they would prefer...show ring or going on vacation, we had our answer. We have never seen the boys this happy and full of life and mischief, since our trip to the cabin in Virginia during the snowstorm last February, than we did this weekend...and ever since, for that matter. Their actions certainly confirmed our decision.

We spent the weekend cruising the island, with the boys, in our golf cart, taking naps, watching movies, enjoying the sunsets, sampling great seafood from the island restaurants, and, playing ball with the boys, of course. Bentley was never more than 2 inches from a tennis ball or three! He even taught Jeff a new trick. When Jeff got tired of playing ball, Bentley would take one of the balls, go out on the balcony (2nd floor) and push it off the balcony with his nose. Then he would look at Jeff. Jeff told him that was a dumb thing to do. So, Bentley went and got the 2nd tennis ball, looked at Jeff, giving him the chance to play, but Jeff just said, "don't you dare push that ball off the balcony!" Gentle push...thud! Fortunately, we only brought 3 tennis balls with us, so, as the 3rd one took the plunge, Jeff just looked at Bentley and said, "now what are you going to do?" Bentley got up on the sofa and kept looking at Jeff with those big brown eyes and pathetic look. Within minutes, Jeff was going down 2 flights of stairs, under the house and out onto the beach collecting all 3 tennis balls. He threw the first one back up into the condo, which delighted Bentley, so he promptly ran and got it, and pushed it back off the balcony to Jeff. This went on for a while, until Jeff finally realized that he had to carry all 3 balls back up to the condo, and put them on top of the refrigerator, to get a break. Bentley spent the next hour or so staring at the refrigerator and whining. Later that afternoon, the game started up again. I personally witnessed the game in play at least 4 or 5 times. Of course, Jeff thinks he taught Bentley a new game. Yah, right!!

Anyone for tennis????

_________________________________________________________________

VARIOUS PHOTOS.....................

Winston Roth hits paydirt!!! I know there's a toy in there for me!

___________________________________________________________________

CH WHITE STAR'S IT'S A SIRIUS FAMILY AFFAIR....BRADY

What can we say about this little guy, except that he has been a winner since he came out of the womb! Since I have no photos from the shows yet, I'm including a few of him as a baby. I think you'll see how we knew he was destined for fame.

Brady at 9 days old.

________________________________________________________________

Brady at 4 weeks old. "Ride 'em Cowboy!" He feared nothing.

________________________________________________________________

Brady at 5 weeks. "Chair is a little big now, but I'll fit someday!"

_____________________________________________________________

Brady doing roadwork with Grandpa Jeff 2 days before leaving for Vegas

__________________________________________________________

Just back from working out. Gotta' get ready to fly to Las Vegas.

_____________________________________________________________

BRADY AT THE ORLANDO AIRPORT BEFORE BOARDING FOR LAS VEGAS.

CAN'T I FLY UP IN FIRST CLASS?

ON OUR WAY!

__________________________________________________________________

Champion Zhiggins Goral White Star Z Banciarni aka "HIGGINS"

_________________________________________________________________

New Champion White Star's Scarlett O'Beara

_____________________________________________________________

WESTMINSTER 2007

The trip to New York was an "interesting" trip. In some ways, it was "The trip from Hell", and in other ways it was spectacular. What made the trip worthwhile, was the tremendous outpouring of love and support from our friends. There were many there, especially for Higgins last show, but right at the top of the list are Elaine Glass, who arranged our hotel, came bearing gifts for us, Higgins and Bentley, and took us out to dinner at the Union Square Cafe...she was right at ring side rooting for us, as she has been for the last 5 years, along with her late husband, Joe. She is a wonderful friend and has been for over 12 years. Elaine lives in Connecticut with her 2 PONs, Mr. Toughy and White Star's Diva. Another great friend and staunch supporter of Higgins is Jeanne Richter who came in on Monday, also bearing incredibly beautiful gifts for us and the "kids". We got to spend a whole afternoon sipping some White Star Champagne and catching up on all her activities with her two PONs, Zorro and White Star's Zorro's Lovely Zeta, as well as all the latest news on Camp Gone To The Dogs, of which she is the Director.

For the second year in a row, Deborah Burand, came in from Washington, DC, to cheer for, not only Higgins, but for Ch White Star's Baron (Miseu), who is the littermate to her Ch White Star's Belle Fleur. Deborah treated us to a congratulatory dinner at Niles, after the show on Tuesday. Jan and Joe Skrzypczak, who own White Star's Tasha,came in from Connecticut to wish us luck. Rick and Nancy Deckert flew in on Monday night to support all the PONs, but especially for Pippin, who is their breeding out of Katie and sired by Higgins. Rick even attempted to take some photos for us with our camera, which was difficult because of the tremendous crowds. He did manage a few, further down this page.

The biggest surprise of all was when Ails and Terry Jenkins, with their daughter Madison, came up to us in the benching area and gave us big hugs. Ails and Terry are from Australia, and are the owners of AKC Champion, Australian Champion White Star's It's All In The Family, aka, Connor. Just the week before I received an e-mail from them while they were on a safari in South Africa. We had no idea that they had planned this surprise since last July. Even better, when I asked how long they were here for, they said they were flying down to Florida for 2 weeks. "That's fantastic! Where are you staying?" "With you", they replied. "YIKES, who's going to clean our house before they get there?"

We could never had made the trip if it weren't for one of our best friends, Julane White, who worries more than we do about us, keeps track of all the weather and driving conditions, and always makes beautiful special crate pads for our "kids." This year she made red ones with black suede bones, and had all their names embroidered on them. She made one for Higgins, Bentley, Miseu and Pippin, so we all matched, as we were benched together. Last year she made a mink coat for Higgins. Although since it's been so cold in Florida lately, I see Pooh eyeing that coat, hoping Higgins will let her wear it. She is in a puppy cut now and needs the warmth.

Higgins and Bentley in the benching area

_______________________________________________________

Sandy and Earl Beachler and Daphne Joy, made it possible for us to be away for 7 days and not worry about our "girls." They came and stayed at our home and spoiled the girls rotten. I can't tell you what a great feeling it was, after the horrible trip home, to walk into our home. It was spotless, laundry was done, and the girls were all groomed. It never ceases to amaze us that our PONs have brought so many precious friends into our lives.

We received much support via telephone calls, e-mails and cards from so many friends. You can't know how much that meant to us. I'm going to try and list everyone, but am sure I'll inadvertently leave someone out. If I do please know that it was not intentional. Thanks to Dale and Jennifer Appel, Virginia Chirchirillo, Jeannie and Frank Collins, Dr. Fred Hall, Cheryl Cook, Jenny and Steve, Amber and Richard Farrell, Jan Kaval and Julie Callahan, Dawn Kennedy, Janet and Brian LeNoble, Shirley Maier, Rich and Bernadette Mauch, Dr. Mary McDaniel and her husband, Tom, Margot and Bonnie, Teena Murray, June and Jerry Plank, Sheryl Preslar, Miroslav Redlicki, Patty and Scott Riddile, Rick and Debra Roth, Pam and Vic Siehr, Beth Turgeon, Joline, their wonderful groomer, Pat and Jan Wilkison and Tim Young, for all your well wishes and good thoughts.

Here are a few of the only photos we got at Westminster. After those you can read about our harrowing trip home through a snow and ice storm.

Higgins and Mom

_______________________________________________________

Higgins, Bentley, Miseu, Rola

_____________________________________________________

More Mom and Higgins

___________________________________________________________

Crowd around the ring. It was worse in the benching area.

_______________________________________________________________

While we were at Madison Square Garden, my wallet was stolen from my purse in the benching area. It was so jam packed with people pushing and shoving that it was an ideal set up for thieves. All our credit cards, bank card, drivers license, social security card, cash and irreplaceable photos were gone. Fortunately, I noticed it within an hour after they took it. In that short time, they had managed to charge 6 different items to 3 different credit cards, to which I now know is an On-Line Pharmacy called Duane Reade's...obviously drugs were involved here. They also tried several times to access our ATM's but couldn't figure out the PIN #. We spent the next couple hours contacting credit card companies, our bank, fraud alert, etc. Everything was finally cancelled so there could be no further transactions. The bad news was that we couldn't use them either. So, now, we're in a blinding snow and ice storm, in New York City, with no credit cards or identification and very little cash...and we HAD to get back to Florida.

The trip home was the "trip from hell". We left at 10 PM after the show, trying to get out of New York City before the storm got worse. We accomplished that, except that we drove into a worse storm...snowing, sleeting, freezing, ice..you name it, we had it. There were trucks and cars literally sliding off the roads, traveling at speeds of 10 MPH. Jeff drove while I prayed, for 12 1/2 hours, with a 2 hour break at some rest area in Maryland, so Jeff could sleep at the steering wheel, and I could continue to watch the ice build up on our windshield. Visibility was zero, and to make matters worse the low fuel light came on so I had to wake him up before we ran out of fuel. You have to understand, this Yukon has never seen ice and snow before.

Not to dwell on that, we made it to a little cabin in Luray, Virginia about 10:30 the next morning, where there was 2 feet of snow, covered with ice, but it was beautiful! We couldn't make it up the long driveway, so we had to leave the car on the road and carry everything up the hill. Here's where the fun starts: Higgins and Bentley see snow for the first time! They ran and they leaped and they rolled...it was like a doggie Disney World.

The end of another PON Adventure. Where will they take us next?

________________________________________________________________

January 22, 2007

Ocala was good to us this past weekend. On Saturday, CH White Star's Bentley z Bluegrass took Best of Breed. White Star's Sir Winston Churchill took Best of Winners for a 4 point Major...his first. White Star's Scarlett O'Beara won Best Bred By Exhibitor, Reserve Winners Bitch, and took a Group 2 in the Bred By Herding Group. One we hadn't planned on was Ch White Star's Sweet Little Liza Jane won Winners Bitch giving her a 4 point Major, which we had hoped would go to one of the class bitches that needed it. She also was awarded Best of Opposite Sex.

Sunday, brought more beautiful weather and some great wins. Bentley took Best of Breed again, which was his 15th BOB out of the 16 shows he has entered since January 6, 2007.

Winston took Best of Winners and his 2nd Four Point Major, leaving him only 2 more points to go to finish his AKC Championship.

Scarlett took Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex, giving her her 2nd Major..a 4 pointer this time, leaving her only 3 more points to finish her AKC Championship.

__________________________________________________

WHITE STAR'S SCARLETT O'BEARA STRUTTING HER STUFF FOR JUDGE PAULA HARTINGER, AND HER DAD, OF COURSE.

____________________________________________________________________

MS. SCARLETT O'BEARA IS OWNED BY JERRY AND JUNE PLANK OF SARASOTA, FLORIDA AND CO-OWNED WITH BREEDERS MERRILEE AND JEFF CIRTWELL

_____________________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA JANUARY SHOW CIRCUIT: BEGAN IN DELAND, FLORIDA, JANUARY 5th, 6th & 7th...MOVED TO SARASOTA JANUARY 9th THROUGH 12th...THEN TO BROOKSVILLE JANUARY 13th THROUGH 21st, AND FINALLY, OCALA, JANUARY 27th AND 28th. 17 DAYS OF SHOWS IN ONE MONTH!!

The Florida Show Circuit allows one to see, compete, and "mingle" with, the Who's Who in the dog Show World. It is an opportunity to see most of the top professional handlers and top dogs in the United States. It is a grueling 3 weeks, and, I, for one, have a totally new respect for those folks that do this, week in and week out, all year long. It's not all glamour and competition. I watched them set up living quarters for 10 to 20 dogs they are traveling with, and showing. I watched the endless hours of grooming, exercising, practicing, and clean-up of each of these potential champions. I watched them race from one ring to the next at record breaking speed, to professionally show a dog entrusted to them, and hope to come out a winner. Their meals consist of whatever they can grab from a vendor, on their run from one ring to the next...usually 2 or 3 bites and then it's tossed. Their days start before the sun rises and lasts until the wee hours of the morning. Most of them are away from their homes, families, and their own dogs, for weeks at a time. Yes, they occasionally get to go to a local restaurant for a late dinner, but that is the exception, not the rule.

We had the opportunity to show 2 of our PONs during this year's circuit, and we are totally, mentally and physically exhausted...and we live in Florida! So, when you watch these folks on TV at Westminster and the likes, realize what it took for them to get there...that includes us Owner/Handlers as well. Hats off to any of you that have earned your rights to compete at Westminster, and Eukanuba. It took a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and money to achieve these goals. We will be going to Westminster next month, as will several other of the Champion PONs and their Owners. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to all who participate. You earned that 15 minutes of glory!

____________________________________________________________

PICTURED BELOW ARE SOME SHOTS OF BENTLEY AND SCARLETT DURING THE FLORIDA CIRCUIT.

Bentley in Brooksville

_____________________________________________________________________________

Bentley in Deland

____________________________________________________________________________

Scarlett in Brooksville

_______________________________________________________________________________

Scarlett in Brooksville

___________________________________________________________________________

Bentley in Group at Brooksville

________________________________________________________________________________

More Bentley in Brooksville

____________________________________________________________________________________

HIGGINS FINISHES AS # 1 PON FOR 2006!!!!

2006 has been a great year for our boy. In January, he won the Florida Regional PON Specialty. In February, he won Best of Breed at Westminster. In June, he won the National Specialty in Illinois. In October, he turned 5 years old. Then, in the beginning of December, he took the only Award of Merit at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championships in Long Beach, California, and his son, Miseu, won Best Male. Finally, we went back out to San Mateo, California, winning Best of Breed on December 28th, which secured his title as #1 PON in the United States, based on Breed Points....meaning, he defeated more PONs in 2006 than any other PON.

In his 5 years of competing, he has accomplished so much. In addition to his great wins in 2006 Higgins won:

Best Male at Westminster 2003 (he was 16 months old)

Best of Breed AKC/Eukanuba National Championships 2005

Award of Merit at Westminster 2005

Finished in the Top 5 PONs 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Here are some of the photos from our most recent trip to San Mateo, California.

We spent some our free time cruising the Pacific Coast

_____________________________________________________________________________________

To say it was windy there would be an understatement.

________________________________________________________________________________

Me and my Dad practicing in 50 MPH winds.

________________________________________________________________________________

Cruising for chicks in the lobby of the hotel.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Where are you guys going to sleep?

________________________________________________________________________________

Is that Room Service for me?

_____________________________________________________________________________

The dreaded bath!

___________________________________________________________________________

Shakin' it out!! Everyone runs when I start this .

_______________________________________________________________________________

My "Down and Back" for Judge Purkhiser.

_____________________________________________________________________________

I just know he's going to pry open my mouth. I hate it when they do that! ________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Views from our room. It's not Motel 6!!

We watched planes land from our room. It got pretty tricky when the wind gusts got up to 90 mph!

_____________________________________________________________________________

All this, and #1 too! A great trip! Life is good!

______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

HIGGINS CHASING THE REINDEER

_________________________________________________________________________________

BENTLEY WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS

_______________________________________________________________________________

PHOTOS FROM OUR FABULOUS TRIP TO AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA BELOW

READY AND WAITING FOR JUDGE'S DECISION: LEFT TO RIGHT: CH NADZIEJA'S ICY ODYSSEY, CH ZHIGGINS GORAL WHITE STAR Z BANCIARNI, CH WHITE STAR'S BARON, CH SUPER BOGDANKA DZIECHCINEK, CH NOWINKA KOSY DZIECHCINEK, CH BOGDANKAS AMAZING AMELIA

_______________________________________________________________________________

Left to Right: Twix, Higgins, Miseu, Super, Nowinka, Amelia, Abba Gale

_________________________________________________________________

Twix, Higgins, Miseu, Super

____________________________________________________________________________

Twix, Higgins, Super, Amelia

_______________________________________________________________

All of the above photos were taken by Patrice Kiedaisch

________________________________________________________________________________________

Long Beach Convention Center from the Hyatt Regency side

_________________________________________________________________________

Looking toward the Convention Center

_______________________________________________________________________________

The show site was beautifully decorated with Christmas Tree's and Reindeer

Higgins and Miseu waiting for Santa

___________________________________________________________

Kris and Miseu in the Breed Ring

_______________________________________________________________________

Miseu in Group ring

_________________________________________________________________

Higgins, in the Breed Ring

________________________________________________________________

Higgins and Mom, practicing in the grooming area

_____________________________________________________________________

Jeff, Higgins, Richard, Chelsea, Amber, Sam, Merrilee

________________________________________________________________

The PONs were well represented at the AKC/Eukanuba Championships, not only in Conformation, but in Obedience and Agility, as well. White Star's Chelsea, owned by Amber and Richard Farrell, was the only PON to be invited to compete in the Obedience Championships. Chelsea is 10 years old and did very well. Mosely, the famous Agility PON, and his Mom, Elizabeth, were invited to compete in the Agility Championships. I don't have those results yet. All in all, it was a Special Week for the PONs.

___________________________________________________________________

We were fortunate to be staying on a yacht, named Nauti Girl, which was located in Rainbow Harbor, directly across the street from the Convention Center. It was so peaceful after coming back from a day of showing. Higgins loved being a "boat dog"! The Harbor was decorated for Christmas with lighted Christmas tree's in the water, Christmas music playing in the Harbor area and we even saw the official lighting of the tree, with Santa being delivered on a fire truck, topped with Santa and his reindeer's, sirens blaring. It was a trip of a lifetime for us. One that we will never forget.

Higgins looking for his life jacket

__________________________________________________________

Captain Higgins

____________________________________________________________

Higgins hanging out in the salon

________________________________________________________________

Is this where the chow is served?

___________________________________________________________________

Tough life for a show dog...but, somebody's got to do it!

________________________________________________________________

Higgins, all worn out, after showing all day.

_____________________________________________________________________

Christmas Tree in the Harbor. We could see it from the boat. At night it was awesome.

____________________________________________________________________

View from the rear deck of our boat

_____________________________________________________________________

View from the right side of our boat

______________________________________________________________

All good things must come to and end. I took these photos at sunrise, as we were leaving for the airport. We came away, relaxed, with wonderful memories of a good time, with good friends, beautiful weather, successful shows...all in a paradise called Long Beach.

_________________________________________________________________________

'Till next year.............

____________________________________________________________________

PUPS NAPPING IN THEIR LUXURY CONDO

BABIES ARE SLEEPING AT 3 WEEKS OLD

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHITE STAR'S BENTLEY Z BLUEGRASS FINISHES HIS AKC CHAMPIONSHIP JULY 16TH, AT 7 MONTHS 16 DAYS OLD! He becomes the 24th White Star Champion. Bentley was bred by Pat and Jan Wilkison in Louisville, KY. His parents are White Star's Lily Anne and Ch Alexandor of Lity-Coco. Lily's parents are Higgins and Winnie, making Bentley, Higgins and Winnie's Grandson and Olivia's Great Grandson. We are so proud !