Happy (2nd) Birthday, MuNashee!

Nash turned 2-years-old on June 13, 2010. He has been such a great dog! Lovable, entertaining, playful, with a smidge of stubbornness that keeps things fun! He has been extremely loyal to me and each individual in our family. I highly recommend a RR for companionship.

NEW CHAMPION! - Nash Wins 4 Point Major!

I'm so happy to announce that Nash, at 18 months old, is now a Champion! He was superbly handled today by Courtney Norris. She truly was extra-ordinary in showing Nash only four times and winning two major wins (5 point/4 point). What a blessing she was to me. Nash just took to her, and really loved the steak concealed in her pocket! Thank you Courtney! We thank Judge Elizabeth Muthard for this win at the Rubber City KC show in Tallmadge, OH.

Nash Awarded 5 Point Major Win!

Nash + Courtney + Judge Sahloff = 5 Point Major winning combination!

It was a freezing, blustery day in Cleveland, Ohio where Nash earned his first Major win! The IX Center was crowded with chilled pups during the Lorain KC dog show. All Ridgebacks entered made the show to compete for a huge 5 point win, and it was Nash winning from the 12 - 18 month puppy class. Nash is just days away from his 18 month birthday.

Courtney Norris handled Nash beautifully! We couldn't be happier! This win was very "BIG" to me, as Judge Salhoff has been a respectable Ridgeback breeder for many years, and it appeared that he took his time - closing his eyes - as he gazed on each dog, as if to recall the perfect Ridgeback standard. Nash's weight of 85 pounds IS the standard weight for a male Ridgeback, but often appears "small" when in the ring with above-standard sized dogs weighing as much as 100 - 105 pounds.

Judge Bill Salhoff's comments were complimentary to Nash's movement and muscular rear. Thank you Judge Sahloff for this exciting win, and thank you Courtney for your help. I believe the best is yet to come . . . be watching for Nash's next major win to earn his championship. (Nash does earn his championship status just 4 weeks later! See above post.)

Nash Goes Reserve to a Huge 5-Point Major!

It's not often that one brags on a Reserve win (2nd place), but this was a nail biter! We put a professional handler, Frank Murphy, on Nash this past Saturday in Columbus, OH, and they were oh, so close to winning a huge 5-point major! Don't they look great?!

Nash went Reserve with a male entry of 18. He was in the ever-competitive OPEN class with 10 males. Frank really gave it his all, and at one point, he put his arms around Nash’s neck and kissed him on top of the head! What a great handler - he makes a dog owner proud!

When I asked Frank if he were disappointed with the Reserve win, he said, "Yeah, we should have won!" I hope these two can pair up again ~ they made quite a team. Frank's comments on Nash were that he had a sweet temperament and beautiful movement.

See a quick clip of Frank and Nash go "down & back".

Lawrence KC - October 10, 2009 - 1 Point

Nash spent his last weekend with Alice at the Lawrence, KS show. On Saturday, Judge Houston Clark named Nash Winners Dog! 1/WD - 1 Point. Good job, Nash, and thank you, Alice.

Cudahy KC - August 7, 2009 - 2 Points

Nash and Alice head back East, where Judge Nancy Bodine awards Nash Best of Winners (BOW) in Wisconsin. 1/WD/BOW - 2 Points.

Natural Herding Instinct : 13 Months Old

Nash and breeder Alice Caplinger travelled to Pennsylvania to the Ridgeback Rodeo on July 25th to try his instincts on herding sheep! To our amazement - he did fabulously and earned his Herding Instinct Certicate. The title HIC will be added to his name.


Kelly Malone returned for her 3rd year to head up the Herding event. Kelly has stated that our breed representation at the rodeo had at least as much and maybe more herding instinct than some AKC herding breeds! Kelly is an AHBA (American Herding Breed Association) judge and has German Shepherds. This was a huge attraction at the Rodeo.


Nash was especially smitten with this black sheep and gave her a kiss!

Therapy Dog (TDI) and CGC Certificates Earned

On June 30th, Nash delighted the evaluator from Therapy Dogs International (TDI) and we received certification to be a Therapy Dog team at the age of 12 months old. The evaluator said to his knowledge he had never given TDI certification to a Ridgeback before. The breed is typically known as stubborn and strong willed. Simultaneously he received his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate, an AKC award that verifies his calm temperament and good behavior skills within the community.

God has given him a temperament that is calm, curious, and eager to please. Through the TDI program, we desire to share love and joy to the lives of those that may be hurting - elderly, children, disaster relief, etc.

Happy 1st Birthday MuNashee!

June 13th, 2009

A Family of National Winners!

#1 Brood Bitch Nika (mom), Bree (sister), and Koda (sister)

• Nika, mom - 2nd in Veterans and 1st in Brood Bitch
• Bree, sister - 2nd in Bred By Exhibitor class
• Koda, sister - 1st in 9 - 12 month bitch class
• Nash, himself - 4th in 9 - 12 month dog class

Relaxing By the Grand River : 11 Months Old

Our first day in Lansing, MI, the three of us took a walk downtown on a trail beside the Grand River. The hotel was getting busy with activity with hundreds of Ridgebacks arriving, so it was nice to experience the quietness of the park before our National debut.

8 Months Old

"Where do we sit?" is a common phrase with the humans in our house. Nash does not leave much room on this 96" couch for the rest of the family. It's become his favorite spot.