VC UCH Dixie KS vom Riverwoods CDX GN RE SH JHR NAP NJP GSPCA VC RD
VC UCH Dixie KS vom Riverwoods CDX GN RE SH JHR NAP NJP GSPCA VC RD May 19, 2006-August 31, 2020
Dixie vas an amazing dog that came into my life at just the right time. I would not be the person that I am today without her, she saved my life in many ways. She taught me how to overcome adversary, win and lose with grace, be a great team member and so much more.
Dixie's story:
Dixie was born May 19, 2006 at Kings Kennel in Riverwoods, Illinois. Her breeders Willie and Rob Engelking offered her to my ex-husband and I. This came at the time of our divorce and my ex declined the puppy. I had a decision to make, take on a puppy at a very trying time in my life or miss that opportunity. I chose the puppy. The best decision of my life.
Dixie was a very boisterous pup! She gave me challenges that I could never imagine. In her first year of life we moved 3 times, trained many hours and met lots of people. She excelled in her puppy tests with a Derby Prize 1 in Maine and a NAVHDA NA 112 point, prize 1.
She challenged me in learning how to Force Fetch a dog. Boy she was a tough one. I asked for help from a lot of people and she stumped all of them. We made it through, and it made us a better team.
We worked really hard for her fall test in the German system "Solms". She was my first dog in Solms and I made a bad training and handler mistake which cost her a Prize 1, She received a Prize 3 Solms.
She blessed me with a litter of puppies, bred to VC CH Chance KS vom Riverwoods. The only VC KS litter to be produced. She was not the best mom, but did her job. It was a first for both of us. We did it together just like so many things we accomplished.
She and I ran in our first NAVHDA Utility test together receiving a Prize 2. We would run Utility 3 more times in search of the Prize 1.
We tested again the the AZP in search of a Prize 1 and we were successful.
Dixie carried me through my first VGP, the German Utility test, with a Prize 1.
She and I traveled out west to hunt and guided on many upland hunts.
We worked hard to pass a 20 hour blood track but it was not meant to be. It was an experience. Of course it rained, sleeted and snowed on the blood over night and all the way up to running our track. We were the last to go.
Dixie and I started obedience classes for AKC. We struggled but we both got the hang of it. She ended up earning Rally and Obedience titles. She was my Novice A dog. At my first trial she peed in the ring, Oh, how embarrassing for both of us!
Dixie ran in the NAVHDA Invitational in 2011. She passed it earning the VC title. She did an amazing job. She was in the prime of her life.
Dixie and I made the commitment to go to Germany and run in the IKP in 2011. We spent 12 days in Surwold, Germany with Jens Stahl, HJ Schomakers, and Rob Engelking. We prepared for a week before the test. We had a great adventure. Dixie shined at the IKP, she Passed with a Prize 1. While we were there she also completed a VBR, a retrieving reliability test on fresh shot game. We qualified for the Dr. Kleemann test. What an amazing trip.
2011 was filled with so many great things for us. But 2012 would bring more.
We trained all summer to be ready to go. We were headed Germany for the Kleemann test. We travelled again together flying into Hamburg. We spent time with Margitta Albertsen to be able to train a few days before heading back to Hamburg. We were very prepared. We passed the test! I was so excited and Dixie was just enjoying spending time doing what she loved with me.
She was such a willing partner that always showed up on test day to do her best.
We would make one more trip to Germany in her life time. She was bred in Germany but she did not end up with puppies.
I think this was OK with her as she did a much better job being a Grandma figure for puppies and dog that came into our home. She was the Queen of the house and everyone knew it.
She taught many kids about hunting. She was a fantastic youth hunt dog. She always knew when to retrieve the birds to the kids. I know she encouraged many new hunters, and bird dog lovers.
She was a well traveled dog. She visited, Germany, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Canada and many states her in the USA.
I have so many more memories of her that I would love to share but It would take hours maybe days. If anyone would like to hear more, maybe we will have to reminisce with a glass of scotch.
I will never forget you Dixie for I would have never ever expanded my life to this extent without you. I will miss your quiet love and noble stare, and most of all your friendship! I will never forget the lessons you have taught me. I will stay strong and embark on another adventure in your memory.
Dixie vas an amazing dog that came into my life at just the right time. I would not be the person that I am today without her, she saved my life in many ways. She taught me how to overcome adversary, win and lose with grace, be a great team member and so much more.
Dixie's story:
Dixie was born May 19, 2006 at Kings Kennel in Riverwoods, Illinois. Her breeders Willie and Rob Engelking offered her to my ex-husband and I. This came at the time of our divorce and my ex declined the puppy. I had a decision to make, take on a puppy at a very trying time in my life or miss that opportunity. I chose the puppy. The best decision of my life.
Dixie was a very boisterous pup! She gave me challenges that I could never imagine. In her first year of life we moved 3 times, trained many hours and met lots of people. She excelled in her puppy tests with a Derby Prize 1 in Maine and a NAVHDA NA 112 point, prize 1.
She challenged me in learning how to Force Fetch a dog. Boy she was a tough one. I asked for help from a lot of people and she stumped all of them. We made it through, and it made us a better team.
We worked really hard for her fall test in the German system "Solms". She was my first dog in Solms and I made a bad training and handler mistake which cost her a Prize 1, She received a Prize 3 Solms.
She blessed me with a litter of puppies, bred to VC CH Chance KS vom Riverwoods. The only VC KS litter to be produced. She was not the best mom, but did her job. It was a first for both of us. We did it together just like so many things we accomplished.
She and I ran in our first NAVHDA Utility test together receiving a Prize 2. We would run Utility 3 more times in search of the Prize 1.
We tested again the the AZP in search of a Prize 1 and we were successful.
Dixie carried me through my first VGP, the German Utility test, with a Prize 1.
She and I traveled out west to hunt and guided on many upland hunts.
We worked hard to pass a 20 hour blood track but it was not meant to be. It was an experience. Of course it rained, sleeted and snowed on the blood over night and all the way up to running our track. We were the last to go.
Dixie and I started obedience classes for AKC. We struggled but we both got the hang of it. She ended up earning Rally and Obedience titles. She was my Novice A dog. At my first trial she peed in the ring, Oh, how embarrassing for both of us!
Dixie ran in the NAVHDA Invitational in 2011. She passed it earning the VC title. She did an amazing job. She was in the prime of her life.
Dixie and I made the commitment to go to Germany and run in the IKP in 2011. We spent 12 days in Surwold, Germany with Jens Stahl, HJ Schomakers, and Rob Engelking. We prepared for a week before the test. We had a great adventure. Dixie shined at the IKP, she Passed with a Prize 1. While we were there she also completed a VBR, a retrieving reliability test on fresh shot game. We qualified for the Dr. Kleemann test. What an amazing trip.
2011 was filled with so many great things for us. But 2012 would bring more.
We trained all summer to be ready to go. We were headed Germany for the Kleemann test. We travelled again together flying into Hamburg. We spent time with Margitta Albertsen to be able to train a few days before heading back to Hamburg. We were very prepared. We passed the test! I was so excited and Dixie was just enjoying spending time doing what she loved with me.
She was such a willing partner that always showed up on test day to do her best.
We would make one more trip to Germany in her life time. She was bred in Germany but she did not end up with puppies.
I think this was OK with her as she did a much better job being a Grandma figure for puppies and dog that came into our home. She was the Queen of the house and everyone knew it.
She taught many kids about hunting. She was a fantastic youth hunt dog. She always knew when to retrieve the birds to the kids. I know she encouraged many new hunters, and bird dog lovers.
She was a well traveled dog. She visited, Germany, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Canada and many states her in the USA.
I have so many more memories of her that I would love to share but It would take hours maybe days. If anyone would like to hear more, maybe we will have to reminisce with a glass of scotch.
I will never forget you Dixie for I would have never ever expanded my life to this extent without you. I will miss your quiet love and noble stare, and most of all your friendship! I will never forget the lessons you have taught me. I will stay strong and embark on another adventure in your memory.
Anja Vom Vinnenberg CDX BN GN RA TDX JH
UCH Stricker vom Riverwoods D1
Strike lived a wonderful life and will be greatly missed.
UALCH Stricker vom Riverwoods D1 (AKA: Strike, Bubbs, Smooch) 2004-2016
He was a great best friend that I will truly miss. He always was there to support me through the good and bad times. We made many transitions in our lives together. He loved life and everyone in it. I don't think he ever met anyone that he did not like.
He loved my mom so much.
We traveled and hunted many places together.
He and I made our first solo trip to South Dakota together and we were a successful team. He also was my first testing dog. He entertained showing conformation when he was a senior; making the trips to dog shows with Anja and I; He was very successful too. He had multiple Best in Altered Breed Shows and Reserve Best in Altered Best in shows. He also picked up a Best Veteran in show. I think he enjoyed the spotlight because he always glowed when in the ring.
I will miss you buddy, run free and hunt hard with Willy until we meet again.
UALCH Stricker vom Riverwoods D1 (AKA: Strike, Bubbs, Smooch) 2004-2016
He was a great best friend that I will truly miss. He always was there to support me through the good and bad times. We made many transitions in our lives together. He loved life and everyone in it. I don't think he ever met anyone that he did not like.
He loved my mom so much.
We traveled and hunted many places together.
He and I made our first solo trip to South Dakota together and we were a successful team. He also was my first testing dog. He entertained showing conformation when he was a senior; making the trips to dog shows with Anja and I; He was very successful too. He had multiple Best in Altered Breed Shows and Reserve Best in Altered Best in shows. He also picked up a Best Veteran in show. I think he enjoyed the spotlight because he always glowed when in the ring.
I will miss you buddy, run free and hunt hard with Willy until we meet again.