My passion for Westies began in September, 1993, when my first Westie was born. His name was Duffy (Windyridge's Clyde McDuff, CD, CGC). It was apparent from the beginning that he wasn't going to be the next famous show dog, so he was neutered and we went to work on his obedience career. Duffy was a hard working, outgoing little boy. He went to two obedience classes and without much practice afterwards, he obtained his Companion Dog title as well as his Canine Good Citizen status. He did it in style also by going third, a fourth, and then a second--and they say Westies are hard to train, NOT!
That sparked an interest in the breed that is still going strong today. After a couple disappointing attempts at getting a show dog, my first soon-to-be-champion arrived. Her name is Gloria (Ch. Lanarkstone's Morning Glory). She was bred by Sandy Davis of Renton, Washington. With the help of my handler and friend, Linda Wells, Gloria finished her championship in June, 1999. We have had several champions since then--Ch. L'Esprit's Secret Code, Ch. O'MiGracious Victoria's Secret, Ch. Thistlemirth's Highland Delight, Ch. L'Esprit's Nina Simone; but my pride and joy came when my little girl, Megan (Am, IAB Ch. Windyridge's Keepin' The Secret, CD, CGC), finished her American Championship. Megan is my first homebred champion. She also became an IAB Champion going Reserve Best Bred By in Show for two out of three days and winning the Terrier Group each day. Megan was followed by my second champion, Am. Can. Ch. Windyridge's Trade Secret. A gorgeous boy! He obtained his first major by going first in the Terrier Group at the Seattle Kennel Club show in 2002. He also got a second in group, Best Puppy in Group, Best Puppy in Show, and Best Bred By in group. What an exciting weekend that was.
Well, it doesn't stop there. I continue to show my dogs with the help of Linda Wells and Travis Luijten. Travis finished Ch. Simply Paige O'Riagain at the WHWTC of Puget Sound regional specialty. Linda finished Ch. O'MiGracious Victoria's Secret also at the the WHWTC of Puget Sound specialty a few years earlier. Am Can Ch. Windyridge's Simply Irresistible finished her American championship with Linda Wells and then went on to get her Canadian championship with her friend, Wanda Konski. We travel as often as possibly including to Pennsylvania to compete at the WHWTCA national specialty and Long Beach, California for the WHWTCA roving specialty.
We are now seeing our second and third generation doing well in the show ring. Currently we have a daughter of Ch. Simply Paige O'Riagain named Windyridge's Just Jessica. Currently she has nine points and going strong at only one year of age.
Windyridge Westies
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