My Dogs

TRAILHEAD RIDGEBACKS

When I first decided to develop a kennel name and site for my ridgebacks I had to come up with a name. I thought the kennel name Trailhead Ridgebacks would conjure up visions of my dogs and I hiking and running in our beloved foothills/mountains of Idaho. This kennel heading also indicates to me the athleticism of my dogs and team we have become.

Current and former DOGS

Decker - Durabo's Flying Aces o' Shira HIC

3/12/2003-3/7/2013

Decker was my first Ridgeback and my heartdog. a sweeter dog was never seen. When I first got Decker there weren't many Ridgebacks in Boise, so I made sure that he was well socialized and took him to obedience lessons before we started to hike in the foothills where other people and dogs roam. He was a true ambassador for the breed, greeted everybody gently but always came back to me. Decker was out of Championship parents, one of 12 pups, but was above the standard, 29" at the shoulder and also had a kink in his tail. We traversed many trails in the foothills as well as neighborhoods and everyone loved Decker, matter of fact a couple people got ridgebacks after meeting him. Decker always wanted to be with me, no matter what we were doing. He also taught my other dogs manners as they were growing up. On our runs/hikes Decker stayed at the back of the group in case somebody tripped and fell, he would then help the person up and stay with them till he felt they were ok. On March 7, 2013 Decker fell ill suddenly and we found out he had cancer around his heart, that evening I helped my friend over the Rainbow Bridge, with all the love and support he gave me.

Double Deuce - Riveroads Double Deuce, HIC

12/16/2004-8/28/2011

Deuce was my 2nd Ridgeback and he had self esteem issues from the first, I never knew what would make him anxious from day to day. He was the sweetest boy and loved those he felt comfortable with. An excellent dog trainer worked with Deuce and I and we were able to able to figure out how best to accommodate Deuce's fears/anxieties. He was a small ridgeback but was lightening fast and enjoyed learning agility and running with me and my friends in the foothills. At age 4 I noticed he was peeing and drinking more so I took him in for tests. Deuce had Cushing's Disease, his pituitary gland was not working well. After a lot of discussion with the vets and a breeder friend, I decided to treat Deuce homeopathically. Deuce lived well for 2 more years then his internal organs began to give out. Deuce was embarrassed by how his body was changing and he was getting tired. On August 28, 2011 I helped Deuce over the Rainbow Bridge after he had a wonderful last hike in the foothills with his brothers and I. I cherish the memories, I know he did also.

Titan - Cynara's Africa's King Of The Titans GN CD THDA RA CGC HIC TDI

1/23/2008-10/13/2018

Titan is a beautiful medium red wheaten dog that I got from Cynara Kennels in Oklahoma. After working with Deuce's issues, I made sure I did more research and asked more questions when looking for my next puppy. Elaine Hudson was more then willing to put up with my frequent calls with new questions. We discussed the activities I liked to do, my home situation with 3 other dogs and Elaine picked a special pup for me. Since Day 1 Titan has been a wonderful addition to my family. His temperament is superb, he is loving, willing to work with mom at anything she wants to do or teach him. He also is a notorious counter surfer(lots of ridgebacks are) and loves to pull stuff off the counter and shred it on the floor. Titan doesn't like to wait his turn, as a puppy he ate the inside of my minivan when I took one of his brothers out of the car to herd sheep first. He is very much in tuned to my emotions, if I get upset he always comes up to comfort me. If he does something he knows is wrong he ducks his head and runs around the table, that is how I know something is wrong even before I see what has happened.

Titan is so smart that we have been doing obedience since he was a pup, but just for ourselves. My handling instructor, Carol Green, talked me into doing obedience training to compete with other dogs. Last year, 2012, we entered our first event, Beginner Novice Obedience, which requires passing 3 separate tests with 3 different judges. I had a brain glitch and signed us up for the more advanced test, Novice Obedience, which requires on and off leash work as well as long sit/stays. The 1st judge talked us into competing anyway and we passed, 3rd highest score! without off leash training! We came back on Friday and passed, then on Saturday we again earned 3rd highest score and earned our CD title! Titan was now ranked #13 in the country for ridgebacks. Titan's temperament is so gentle and loving that I had also taken him to classes to obtain our Therapy Dog title with TDI. This big red dog loves doing his 'good visits' as I call them and those he visits love him also. We were asked to visit a riding camp for disabled kids where after they rode the horses they would calm down by reading to therapy dogs. Both the kids and Titan enjoyed the experience, the camp even made bookmarks with Titan's picture on it saying 'I read to Titan". We did over 55 therapy visits in just over a year(Titan was just a year old when we started) and applied for the new AKC Therapy Dog title, Titan is the 2nd Rhodesian Ridgeback in the US to receive the title! In 2013 Titan was the 1st ridgeback to receive his THDA, which means he has done atleast 100 visits. At the end of the summer of 2018 Titan was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor under his shoulder blade. After talking to my veterinarian, other veterinarian friends and Elaine Hudson (his breeder) I made the decision to treat him with homeopathic supplements. I was hoping to get more time with Titan. After a month the tumor kept growing and Titan was starting to loose his appetite and then began limping on that leg. I made the best decision for a wonderful dog who devoted 10.5 yrs of his life to me, Titan would suffer no more. He has left a large hole in my family, an emptiness in my household but I keep my memories of Titan close.

Trooper - AKC GCH UKC CH Cynara's Bounty Of The Black Pearl THD CGC TDI HIC

8/26/2009-9/10/2006

After I had enjoyed Titan for a few months I called Elaine up and asked if I could be on the next list for a puppy from her. Elaine's next planned breeding was between her GCh Jendaya's Mint Julep of Cynara, CD RE OA NAJ, Nat'l JHA, Int'l JHA, HIC CGC VC ROM (Katie, also Titan's mom) and a Canadian champion, BISS CH. The Black Pearl of Course (Jack). This litter produced such beautiful puppies, the male that Elaine thought would best fit into my home was a show potential pup. When I heard that I was apprehensive, I had never shown before. Elaine didn't pressure me, but encouraged me to consider trying, but whatever decision I made she knew this pup had an good home with me. I contacted a few people and found a handling instructor who gave lessons as well as bred Border Collies, nationally ranked.
   Carol Green and I then began our journey together because she had never worked with ridgebacks before. I never realized how difficult handling really is, if your pup turns his head to the left going down the diagonal mat it will throw off his rear and he won't be straight. After much blood, sweat and exhaustion we were going for our 1st show as a 9 month old pup. That 1st show we almost got our 1st major, it was between a 2 year old male and Trooper, the other 4 dogs waited against the side of the ring while the judge tried to decide. We got 'Reserve' because she said Trooper's chest had not 'dropped' since he was young. I loved the experience, the people I met and the friends I made, so thus began our show career. Being in Boise you find there are not a lot of big shows nearby, most are a day's drive away and when you work every other weekend as a nurse it is frustrating trying to get a Championship on your dog.
     Trooper is a stunning dog and has matured beautifully, in 2012, at our first Rhodesian Ridgeback National we got 1st in the Amateur/Owner/Handler Division! I was ecstatic, Trooper was happy that I was happy. Elaine and another breeder, Sue Morrill talked me into shipping Trooper to Elaine in Oklahoma where he would stay with her and her professional handler would get the other half of the points he needed, including 2 majors that were needed for his Championship title. After 6 shows (2 weeks ) and 2 back to back majors, Trooper had his Championship. With multiple Best of Breeds under our belt, we were now accumulating Grand Championship points for Trooper while I showed my new puppy. Trooper is a dark red wheaten with a glossy coat and a musculature that is so solid. He has a superb temperament, like his half brother, but he is a more serious dog. He thinks his jobs are to protect me and to show in the ring.
      In the foothills he taps my hand repeatedly when my blood sugar is dropping ( I don't always eat enough before hike), When I got bit by a poisonous snake while running through the grass he wouldn't leave my ankle alone and by the end of the day I looked down under my sock and saw the bite/damage. In July 2012 Trooper kept licking the back of my calf and nuzzling it for about 4 days. I had checked it and didn't notice that my calf was swollen until the 4th day. The MD found a clot in my leg from a previous trauma...again Trooper to the rescue. On the trails he'll run off to play but always comes back to stay near mom, at home he wants to be able to near enough to put his paw or head on me while he sleeps. With his soft eyes and very expressive face Trooper lets me know he is watching and taking care of me. Trooper is also a therapy dog, visiting many who enjoy his company. In 2013 Trooper received his THD for 50 visits as a therapy dog.
Trooper is DM negative, hips and elbows OFA good, his Thyroid test was normal as was his cardiac and CERF. Results are posted on OFA. On May 7, 2015 Trooper sired his first litter in Oklahoma, 2 males and 5 females. I will be taking pick puppy. This litter is very healthy, have gorgeous colored coats and are already loved by those who have visited them. On July 1, 2016, Trooper was diagnosed with a brain tumor after I noticed him having random seizures. We tried anti seizures meds as well as THC Oil hoping for more time with my boy. On September 10, 2016 with the help of a veterinarian friend I helped Trooper to the Rainbow Bridge. The hole he left is large,but having his son Forte helps. So many people who knew of or had met Trooper have been very supportive which is appreciated.

REBEL -akc/ UKC CH Rufaro's Good Golly Great Balls Of Fire, CGC TDI

1/12/2012

After Deuce died there was a hole in my household, so after a while I began looking for a new addition to our family. I was interested in another show pup since this activity really strengthens the bond between you and your dog. I found a breeder in Colorado, Jennifer Taylor-Cousar who had a litter of puppies on the ground. We talked long and hard on the phone, she checked my references and she had a couple show potential males in her litter. As it got closer to the time to pick up my puppy I found out I had my choice of the 3 show males, this was a hard decision, the litter had great uniformity in the puppies. After Carol and Elaine and I looked at the stack photos we decide on Zinfandel (now Rebel), in addition Jen said he had a great temperament, would escape out of the x-pen and she would find him behind her just sitting there watching her, a very loving puppy. Rebel has been a wonderful addition to my family, his temperament is rock solid.
He is loving, a snuggler, follows mom everywhere, wants to greet everybody and every dog he sees. Two days after I got him we were in the ring having a lesson with Carol, to start his show career. This pup is a very quick learner, moves easily around the ring, and is happy doing anything with mom. With limited showing Rebel has just won his 1st-2 points as Winner's Dog at the Blackfoot Show. He received a lot of notice from professional handlers both in the ring and those outside watching us. He also got Best of Breed at his 1st UKC show over other dogs Can't wait till he matures, in the meantime I am still trying to keep Rebel out of the garbage disposal and off the counter. In the foothills Rebel always greets those he sees but comes back to mom which is why obedience lessons are important for all dogs. Next we are going to start agility and possibly obedience lessons. As long as Rebel and my other dogs enjoy what they are doing I will continue to try any and all activities made for dogs and their humans.

forte - akc ch/int ch cynara's it's all about the base at trailhead cgc TDI

5/7/2015

Forte is the pick puppy out of the breeding of my Trooper and Elaine Hudson's Shiloh (Elaine co-owns Trooper with me). This breeding has been 3 years in the planning and we are thrilled with the results, the puppies seem to have gotten the best attributes of both parents. Forte in his first two weeks with me has already made 4 visits to the nursing home where I take my certified therapy dogs. He was a hit with clients and staff. We received compliments about his temperment being so loving and secure about anything or anyone he met. He has started handling classes as he will be shown in the ring, my instructor is very excited about working with Forte and what he is already learning. With any new puppy, socialization and puppy classes are a must! Socialization doesn't mean meeting different people, but seeing different people and things, the more the better. Once Forte gets his final shots we will be hiking in the foothills. Forte is sweet, so loving, smart, sassy and just plain fun. Stay tuned for more adventures of Forte. At his first Ridgeback National Forte rec'd 5th in the puppy sweepstakes as well as 3rd in his 12-18 month dog class. The South African judge was very complementary. This dog received his International Championship with 4 BOB and 4 Group 2 wins. Next he finished his AKC Championship by going BOW/BOBOH (Best of Winners and Best of Breed Owner Handler) on September 2, 2017.

Cynara's Keeping up appearances at trailhead

After I lost Trooper and Rebel there was a hole in my family, so I was thinking about another puppy. Elaine Hudson of Cynara Ridgebacks had done a breeding of her AKC Champion and top lure courser, Dagger with Ivan, an AKC Champion, now deceased, but with great bone, temperment and movement. The puppies of this litter were gorgeous, had great bone, color and were very intelligent. I was hooked and got matched with Teal Boy, who I had already fallen for ...hard. Our adventures have already started, he passed his AKC S.T.A.R. test, loves obedience and has started on nose work at 16 weeks of age. Keeper is starting the summer of 2018 being trained in obedience for competition. It is hard to take 4 dogs to class and get the training done, so I take 2 dogs to the lessons and then use what I learned to train Keeper and Maple at home. Hoping to start agility with Keeper because he is so 'wicked fast'.

Diamondridge Descendent cgc cgcu td

About a month ago I was looking on facebook at some ridgeback litters being planned and started to think how another puppy would fit into my household. Long story short I started following the breedings that used a United Kingdom stud, Blaze, Bovijo Blaze of Glory. I tracked down his owner Carol Torr and she let me know of some upcoming breedings with Blaze. Carol also let me know that a ridgeback puppy was available from a Blaze breeding, the owner/breeder was Lindsey Barnes of Diamondridge Ridgebacks in the Uk. I looked at Lindsey's kennel site on facebook and fell for this 4.5 month old liver nosed female called Maple. Pictures, questions and logistics were gone over across the pond. Maple has a wonderful pedigree and it turns out that a 5th generation dog is a distant part of our Cynara pedigree. Lindsey will also be the judge of the Rhodesian Ridgebacks at the 2018 Crufts Dog Show. Finally on February 15, 2018 I drove to DFW Airport to pick up our new addition. It was hard for Lindsey to send Maple off and I appreciate her faith in me. By the first full day Maple had fit into our household easily, she is so sweet and loving but will also let the boys know that she means business. It is so much fun to watch the boys chase Maple and her chew toy, then 30 minutes later she is chasing them. As soon as her AKC registration comes through I will be showing her here in the US. This picture was taken by Elaine Hudson of Cynara Ridgebacks.

Dykumos The End is the beginning at Trailhead

A couple hours after Titan passed a beautiful litter of ridgeback puppies were born in Florida. I think it was Titan's way of making sure that I would have a puppy to help me over loosing him. Inquires were made and Asta Palmer and I decided that I would be getting a show potential male from the litter. Asta was terrific in giving updates on the pups as they grew, she also took so many pictures I didn't feel as bad that I wasn't there seeing him. In the end, I decided on Green Boy, aka "Phantom" because of his structure, looks and most of all his 'I'll do anything' attitude. On December 12th Asta arrived in Oklahoma on her puppy run with Phantom and 4 of his siblings who she was dropping off in other states. Phantom has fit in beautifully, he gets along with all my adult dogs, has visited the juvenile center where I work and did so well with kids, staff and the environment. Right now he is in puppy class and enjoying every minute as I am enjoying every minute with him. Look for Phantom at a dog show near you in the Spring.