There and Back Again: 2021 American Lhasa Apso Club National Specialty

 

There and Back Again is the subtitle to The Hobbit, a book that, along with the Lord of the Rings trilogy, has the theme of friendship at its heart.

"A friend should be one in whose understanding and virtue we can equally confide, and whose opinion we can value at once for its justness and its sincerity." ~ Robert Hall

And so I write today about friendship and a trek five of us undertook to get to MA and the ALAC National!
LaVonne, Karen, Sue, Jan and I loaded all of our "stuff" into Jan's RV and left for MA on 10/15. I drove to Jan's in WI the day before so I wouldn't have to leave here so early in the morning to make the 6 hour trek to her house on the 15th.
Here is a photo of all the things (except the dog) that I took with me. The others had dogs also (5 total) and an equal (maybe more?) amount of "stuff."

Somehow we managed to get it all packed and we set off!

(Now, what follows might be as interesting as looking at another person's vacation photos. Sorry about that! I tried to keep it brief.)

Of course, we saw a lot of interstate between WI and MA! Everyone talks about the fall colors in the northeast, but we saw many beautiful leaf colors as we traveled through the midwest and into the northeast. Here is one photo I took in upstate NY.

We were running ahead of schedule so decided to visit Niagara Falls. The day was overcast, misty, and chilly. We were glad for our gloves and jackets.

Karen, LaVonne, Sue, Me (Jan took the picture)

The 5 of us at the Falls: LaVonne, Jan, Me, Sue, Karen

This is not even a black and white photo. It was a dreary day!

Finally, here is a video of the Falls in action.

Once we arrived in Boxborough, we were glad to be there, glad to get unloaded and settled in our hotel rooms, and glad to see so many friends from across the country who also had come to MA to show their Lhasas at the various events during the week. Since we were unable, due to COVID restrictions, to have a National Specialty in 2020, it was especially good for so many of us to be together again.

Me, LaVonne, Karen, Teena and her husband

My long-time friend Marsha, who lives in ND, and I have been roommates at the various ALAC Nationals since 2000. Since we missed last year and since Marsha said this was probably her last National, this stay together was bittersweet.

I have to find a new roommate!!!

Rusty Makes Me Proud (Yes, I am bragging!)

Rusty waiting on the grooming table

I took only one dog to the National: Rusty is officially known as Chic Choix I'll Do It May Way At Joyslyn. And he did do it his way. I was proud of his accomplishments that week which included:

1) MLAC Sweepstakes - First in his class, Best Puppy in Sweeps, Best in Sweeps.

2) MLAC Specialty - Second place in his class

3) ALAC Regional Specialty - Fourth in his class (well, that was disappointing!)

4) SSLAC Match Show - First in his class, Best Puppy in Match

5) ALAC National Specialty - First in his class, Reserve Winners Dog (because there were double the amount of dogs needed for a 5 point major, getting Reserve meant that Rusty also was awarded a 3 point major. He now needs only one point to finish his championship.)

Of course, we had official photos taken of his wins but they have not yet arrived from the photographer. I will post them after they arrive.

In the meantime, here is an informal photo taken of the National's judge, Mr. Steve Campbell, Rusty, and me after Rusty was awarded Best Puppy in the show.

I also enjoyed seeing Beethoven (GCH CH Joyslyn's Beethoven's Fifth West) in person. I last saw him when he was just 6 months old. He is as lovely as his photos! I was also glad to see his owner Gwen again. She and I attended Beethoven's first shows together, with him coming away with 4 points at age 6 months.

It was good to see his handler, Sue Cannimore, also. Sue showed and finished my girls Greta and Winter.

Beethoven in the ring with his handler Sue Cannimore

Beethoven received an Award of Merit

All in all, it was a great trip, a great time to be with friends new and old, and a great pleasure to see so many beautiful Lhasas from across the country.

A special thanks to Kathleen W., a reader of this blog who lives near Boxborough and who, along with her husband, came to meet me and to watch the judging.

She later wrote, "It was very nice to meet you and Rusty! Thank you so much for your kindness and for sharing your knowledge. We learned so much and had a wonderful time. It was such a delight to see so many Lhasas!  It has been hard to be without one in our household, so it was such a treat to see them."

Bobbie Wood live streamed the various events during National Week and posted to FB so interested persons could view what was going on.

Use this link to watch the ALAC National week judging, starting Tuesday. Rusty's part starts about 6:10 on the time bar. We are at the front of the lineup. I am wearing a turquoise jacket.

https://www.facebook.com/bobbie.wood.12/videos/374105864401541/

Puppy Photos

All of the Misti and all of the Onyx puppies, except one, have left for new homes. The remaining Onyx puppy, Pearl, is one we plan to keep. She has been a little minx since Josie left -- carrying on and fussing through the night (ugh). She is already spoiled!

Bekka and Josh puppies are now almost 5 weeks old. They don't miss a meal!

Black male that looks a lot like his older brothers, Gus and Ty

Gold female

Gold male that we might decide to keep (or not)

Many of you reading this are on our waiting list for a puppy. I need to let you know that we have breedings planned for 2022 but that the girls are not even due to come in season until late January and February. That means that even if the breedings result in pregnancies, it will be roughly 2 months before puppies are born and another 9-10 weeks before I let them leave. If you find a puppy from another breeder, please email me and ask to be removed from my list. I know that waiting is hard when you want a puppy and cannot blame anyone for shopping around. Just please be careful and buy your puppy from a reputable breeder. Here is a link to an article that may be helpful as you look around.

I truly wish I could snap my fingers so that everyone who wants a Joyslyn puppy can have one. 

Notes and Photos From Others

Ty has an instagram page! Nanda wrote, "His name is Ty and he's a real-life teddy bear! Ty teddies company should hire us! They are missing out! Follow Ty at titancares0320 on Instagram. I'm totally imitating big brother Gus who has his own social media." 

From Maryann, “Just catching you up on Minako. She is learning the lead quite well. Her tail goes down being a shy at new areas, but she is going almost everyplace with me to get use to society. We are working on the stack. She is doing better at that. Minako certainly has a mind of her own. Lol  She sleeps with me and as I had mentioned, her routine is to stack at bedtime, morning and in different environments. Dechen and all took to her immediately as their family. All are taught words such as kiss kiss and be nice. Dechen has been the mentor of the Lhasa to show her the lead, staying beside me, etc. I have a coupler so I use that to encourage the ways of an adult. I then had her do it herself so we have that nearly down.” 

From Debbie:  "Five and half months. She poses when I say “cheese”! And sits still when I tell her “be a lady”! Such a joy in my life! Thanks"

Sparkles

From Debi about Lacey: "I Just wanted to let you know how Lacey is doing. She is adjusting to her new surroundings very well.  She is such a good girl and happy girl. I thought she might cry most of the night, but she did not. She was very content. We had a night light on for her and a radio playing like you had suggested...She loves the turtle and chicken toys you had given her and loves balls. She has a plush soccer ball that is bigger than her head, but she likes to push it with her paws, pounce on it and run around with it in her little teeth.Then she takes her little naps and lets us know when she would like to play again, lol. I think we have laughed more in one day than the last year. We are enjoying her so much! She doesn't seem to be bothered by new noises. She is very curious though...Thank you so much, I will update you again soon."

In a later note she wrote, "Her first encounter with grass was comical, I wish I got it on video.  She didn't like the feel of the grass so she tried to hold up every body part she could so it didn't touch the grass while looking up at me with a sad face, so I had to save her. LOL.  Now she just wants to eat the grass."

 Kathleen H wrote about Pixie: "She certainly is a very busy girl! Loving, curious and teething! Will send pictures when I get more time."

Ginny sent photos and wrote about Maple: "Thank you, she is a dandy! Smart, curious, and loves to snuggle. She has a swagger now when she explores the house and the two Lhasa’s are working on their relationship.😂Maple is a true gem and we are very fortunate🧡 "

Jessie wrote about her Sam, "He has been a great puppy, we are so in love with him!"

From Michelle: "Hi Joyce, here are some pictures of our beautiful boy! He sure loves to sleep! The truth is he loves to be wherever we are! It doesn’t matter if it’s in the motorhome or at home! With all the cold and rain this weekend we had lots of snuggle time. Sunny is doing well, we just got home from a check up at the vet and he got the bordatella vaccine. We don’t plan on boarding him again anytime soon but at least hopefully he won’t get it ever again, we will be making sure he gets the annual vaccine. I have enjoyed seeing all the pictures of the Nationals on the ALAC Facebook page. Such beautiful Lhasa’s! It looks like Rusty did well! Congratulations!"

Mary R wrote, "...Rusty sure is handsome..I don't see many deep reds anymore. My Taz had that color as a puppy....but I trimmed him down so his color diluted fast. Pic below....they are wanting bedtime snack/meal.....and as you can probably tell... Belle's favorite meal. And Rafe...his sloth in tow..kind of his thing..he has 2....if one needs to be washed...so he is not without. Moka is tired but she won't turn down the snack." 

Left: Moka, Center: Belle. Right: Rafe

Judy L posted on my FB page: "...it is Whisper and Raven's 11th Birthday!!!Two very special, loving, feisty, and rambunctious Lhasa Apsos. I love both of them so very much.  A huge shout out to Joyce Johanson, who is currently attending the Lhasa Apso National Specialty this week, for her preservation breeding, for the reputable and responsible Breeder that she is, and for allowing me to share my life with these two crazy girls. Well, AND their Great-Nephew/Grandson, Gusto Spitz!!  I'm still patiently waiting for Bekka (Gusto Spiitz' mom) to join us, hopefully at the end of 2022. .Anything worth having is worth waiting for. Right? I waited for Raven until she was 4-1/2 y/o so she could be Whisper's companion. I called "dibs" on Bekka 3+ years ago, knowing I would have a wait. I had NO clue that there would be a Gusto Spitz - he is now 2-1/2 years old. I guess Bekka decided that I needed Gus to keep me company until she could get here. Thanks, Bekka! Thank you again, Joyce Johanson. I love The Munchkins so very much."

Jill wrote about Breaker, GCH CH Joyslyn's Heart Breaker, whom she adopted from at an older age (13). "Breaker is so much fun, he fetches his toys like Cruiser. Loves my soft blanket so I put it in his crate. Life is so much better now! When he walks he acts like he is showing himself. Everybody looks at him and says how beautiful he is. I tell them he is a GCH CH. So proud of him and feel very privileged to have him."

Breaker, age 13 -- 8/21

I just wanted you to know that you should not be afraid to buy a healthy older Lhasa from a reputable breeder. As a whole, the breed is long-lived and healthy.

Book Recommendations

I am an avid reader and especially enjoy mysteries. A few months ago when browsing the stacks in our local library, I ran across a series by Spencer Quinn and eventually read all the books in the series. The latest, #12, is It's a Wonderful Woof. The interesting thing about this series, whose main characters are a private eye (Bernie) and his dog (Chet), is that Chet is the narrator! The books are quick to read and rather humorous as Chet tries to make sense of what is happening.

And I would be remiss -- and a terrible wife -- if I made a book recommendation and failed to include my own husband's mysteries. Two books have been published and are available from Amazon. Look the Rose's Thorn and Havana Brown by Lynn-Steven Johanson. The third book is at the publisher for edits and will be out in the Spring of '22.

Thanks to all who sent notes and photos to share and to all who are reading this blog regularly.

Until next time!

Joyce

GCHB CH Joyslyn MLS Dakota Wind Breaker (Josh) He is a Breaker son.

 

October Rain!!

  

I write this as the thunder roars, the lightening flashes, and rain pours! I am supposed to be loading the car with luggage and other items I am taking to our National Lhasa Apso Specialty. I leave tomorrow to meet friends in WI. Then the five of us leave on Friday for MA, so I am hoping tomorrow's weather does not include another thunderstorm! I do need to get the car loaded!

You know I usually start with a quotation so here is the one for this post. I thought it would go well with the photo of Josh!

"How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward."~ Spanish Proverb

GCHB CH Joyslyn MLS Dakota Wind Breaker ("Josh")

Our October began well. Rusty and I went to shows in Freeport, IL, on the 2nd and 3rd. The Lhasa entry was small but we all had a good time together. I was proud of Rusty, who earned two single points. On day one he was chosen Best of Breed over a lovely male Champion, and day two he took Best of Opposite Sex also over that Champion. He now has 11 of the necessary 15 points and he just turned 10 months old on October 5! He has done so well for such a young dog. I am taking him to the National and hoping he behaves himself!

Puppy Pictures

Five of our 7 puppies left for new homes this past weekend. We decided to keep the puppy we call "Pearl." We have one puppy left because no one seems to want an adorable black Lhasa puppy that is smart, spunky, and full of energy and kisses.

Gee...maybe my husband will let me keep two!??

Here is Pearl. She is the daughter of Archie and Onyx.

And, here is Josie, Pearl's litter sister.

Josie and Pearl have a brother, Milo, who left with his new people on the 8th.

These three have four half-sisters who are also Archie offspring. Their mother is Misti.

Nora (now named Lacey) also left on the 8th.

Her sisters, Evie and Chrissy (now Maple) left the next day.

Bernie went to her new owner last night.

Now you would think that with 5 of the 7 now in new homes things would be quieter and less hectic around here.

Think again!

Notes and Photos from Others

As usual, I am sharing the communications and photos I've received since the last post. 

Joey wrote (with help from Paul), "Dad took me to the neatest place this morning. Part of the campground in Bradenton, Florida has a really big off leash park.  I was able to run around as much as I wanted to. I still kept an eye on Dad to make sure he didn't walk too far away from me.

Dad still has to type the emails for me. Joey"

And Paul wrote: "Joey is learning certain signs to let me know when he needs to go potty. These things he has figured on his own. In the motorhome he goes and lays on a Goose Rug at the top of the stairs. If we are driving he just waits until I can stop somewhere. If we are in a campground, he makes sure one of us sees him. We put Ellie on, name for his leash, to go outside. We have names for all of his items in order for him to know what is what. If we are sleeping he will stand on my side to wake me to go outside. We do go out before going to bed. He just can't make it all night at certain times. When we are in the car, he gets up on the center console and licks my right ear to let me know he wants to go. I cannot always stop, I tell him it may be awhile and he lays down to sleep and wait.

[Here is a photo of] One of his most interesting sleeping positions while underway in the motorhome."

Bernie's new owner sent me pictures taken last night when she got Bernie from me.

Bernie with her new mom

She already has a lot of toys

Me hugging Bernie one last time

Ginny wrote about Maple (formerly known as Chrissy): "Maple🍁 is learning to love her big backyard with mama. Our maples are in the backdrop."

From Debi about Lacey, the Archie X Misti puppy we called Nora: "She gets all wound up at times, especially after eating, and races around our coffee table and living room, then crashes out with her hind legs in back of her when she gets tired. It is so cute!  She loves her kong tennis ball, we roll it for her and she chases it and brings it back. She loves that she can grab it with her little teeth. She spotted herself in our curio cabinet mirror and gave a little puppy bark at herself, it was so cute!"

Lori posted a greeting to Josh from his son Finn on Facebook.

Michelle sent this picture of Sunny:

From Molly Anne about Luna:

"Jacob, a little boy who lives down the street rang the doorbell last week. He was upset and trying not to cry. His big dog had gotten out and someone had called the police reporting a vicious dog was loose. He was afraid the police would take his dog away, and asked if Luna ( not me...) would come and find him (His dog is not vicious, just needs exercise). As I brought Luna out on her flexi, a police officer and 3 other people appeared. I told them all to stay back and be very quiet - let Luna do her job. She did. She found the dog ambling down the street and ran right up to him. As they were touching noses, I put my arms around his  neck and called for the collar and leash. Little Jacob said “Luna saved Chance”. 

That’s my girl-She is Perfect!!........and yes, I will babble on about her ad nauseum.........."

Mollie Anne sent a photo of Luna and I am going to add one taken of her at an earlier National Specialty when she was a winner. I am so proud to be her breeder.

As regular readers know, Onyx recently "retired" and went to her new home in Indiana.

Here are a couple of notes from Judy G about Onyx:

"Oh Joyce, she is just perfect!! Never made a sound on the way home...Once we got home I let the other dogs out in the backyard and then brought Onyx into the yard. She wagged  her tail the entire time and everyone got along just beautifully. No barking, no antics and everyone gets along. She ate her dinner and then went out the back door with the others. ... She loves to run and Ty enjoys having a partner along with him. Later, we will play with the tunnel as all dogs love the tunnel."

 A few days later, Judy added, "She is just wonderful!!! There are no barks or growls between any of the dogs. She fits right in. She is sweet, kind to the other dogs, friendly to friends and a little lover girl. Last night we watched an old black and white western TV show and she curled up on my lap for the hour. John told her "Don't be like crazy Izzy" so the next morning when Izzy was galloping around the kitchen island doing her laps Onyx joined her running with her tail wagging and flying. She is potty trained as enough dogs are going in and out all day she figured it out quickly."

This is a photo from my files. It is of Onyx after she won at a show. 

From Sally about Ginger and Jaxon: "A couple firsts for Jaxon- jumped up on the couch much to Ginger’s chagrin😂

And first ride in the car out of a kennel- he is hooked in on a seatbelt. He was very good…. They are both very quiet car riders which is nice. They will both be going to the groomer in a couple weeks- Jaxon has been there once so far. Your blog was so interesting as usual. How nice you still have your Mom! The pictures were so pretty of you all. Rusty is gorgeous!!  I hope you had a really good show this weekend."

Above: Ginger and Jaxon. Below: Jaxon

Kris and Fern: "Hi! Our little ham has outgrown his first crate. He still likes to curl up in there for a voluntary nap - we removed the door. Now he’s been upgraded to a playpen and just as expected: he loves it. He’s unbelievably easy to train and a freaking heartthrob. We love all our animals dearly but this guy…. we’re obsessed! Thank you, Joyce! #forevergrateful"

Ty is a son of Josh and Bekka. They have a new litter of three puppies, now two weeks old. Photos, etc. of them when I get back from the National.

Marilyn wrote, "Hi Joyce, I hope you, Lynn, and the dogs are doing well. It’s been quite a long time since I’ve emailed you. I was so sorry to read of Connor’s passing. It is never easy to part with 1 of our family members. I hope you are enjoying one part of your retirement. I know you are still breeding and showing as I really enjoyed seeing the pics of Rusty, and of the puppies I think have just departed to new homes. It has been a really warm fall. I’m just waiting for that chill in the air to hit St. Louis... 

      I am including pictures of Maci and Hunter. We picked Hunter up 4 yrs ago from the national show here in St. Louis. We always tell him that was his only shot at being a show dog!! He is a typical Lhasa, on guard, wary of everyone he doesn’t know. Maci is the same way. You can never say you’ve seen it all with a Lhasa. As soon as you think so, they come up with a new wrinkle! Take care and Happy Fall!🍁

 Maci is the first pic. She knows treats are behind door #2!"

Everyone who owns (is owned by) a Lhasa knows...

Thanks for reading this post! (... and if anyone wants a gorgeous black Lhasa puppy, let me know!)

Joyce