This page is maintained by Donna Stekli, last updated
10/19/2005
A*starz Performance Keeshonden
"Chipper", Ch. BISw Keeshusker's Blu Chip A*starz, ROM, CGC, CD
SIRE: Ch. A*starz And Stripes
DAM: Ch. Windrift's Anecdotes, CD
WHELP DATE: 12/08/1990
PASSED AWAY: 05/12/2005
BREEDER: Georgia Sue Davis & Connie Renken
Owner: Donna Stekli + Lemuel Burnett: A*starz in Maryland
Trainer/Handler: Donna
"Chipper" is our resident clown, our keeshond ambassador. He is the only boy we have at this writing. Chipper and I decided to go for his Companion Dog title and started training while he was 7yrs old. The spring he turned 8yrs old, we decided we were as ready as we'd ever be. We started competing. It had been at least 15yrs since I, Donna, had competed for a CD title. I was rusty. Chipper was eager.
He attained his title in his first 3 trials, but on the last competition, he made me sweat... BIG TIME!
It was at the Laurel Highlands Kennel Assoc. in Pittsburg PA 4/4/99. We were going for his 3rd CD leg. It was a small class because it was the day Daylight Savings Time went into effect, so everything took place an hour earlier. Some people missed their ring times because of that, but not us. We were at ringside, early. Chipper went in to do his routine. He did alright on his heeling. He did a decent figure 8, a nice fast recall and a passible finish. It was on the long down that he started getting into his "clown" routine.
The judge gave the command for down. I gave it to Chip and as he did the down, he decided he would be "funny" and roll on his back like he did when he was a pup. Well, there was nothing I could do, except when I gave him the "stay" command, it was a BIT firmer than usual. I was livid! This dog was on his back. I had to walk to the other side of the ring, hoping like heck he'd not flip up during the 3minutes. His head followed me and he had all 4 legs up in the air. Very cute puppy... at least to the crowd!
There were some Kees folk there watching. They had to hold their laughter! I'm sure it was very funny if you were OUTSIDE the ring.
Needless to say, Chipper did fine. He did not break. After we had been given the "back to your dog" command, the judge came over and congratulated us. Chipper placed 2nd in the class.
He earned his CD. I earned a bout of humility from a keeshond who showed me, once again, that he would have it HIS WAY.
To view Chipper's home page, go to:
Chipper's Home Page