Handsome was our first Cardigan. We were fortunate to be put in contact
with Marla Gardner of Cardiridge & even more fortunate that she was
willing to take a chance on us & allow Handsome to move to MN to be
Mac's Jr's dog. To this day, Marla is both a friend & mentor to us.
Handsome is currently retired from active showing, although he competes
in a Veteran's competition once in a while, serves as a great example of
the breed for meet & greets, & is an A-1 puppy watcher & educator.
with Marla Gardner of Cardiridge & even more fortunate that she was
willing to take a chance on us & allow Handsome to move to MN to be
Mac's Jr's dog. To this day, Marla is both a friend & mentor to us.
Handsome is currently retired from active showing, although he competes
in a Veteran's competition once in a while, serves as a great example of
the breed for meet & greets, & is an A-1 puppy watcher & educator.
Handsome & Mackenzie in the Juniors ring. Mackenzie, with the help of Handsome, was the CWCCA Top
Cardigan Jr Handler in the U.S. for her age group (10-14) in 2004 (& 3rd overall) & in 2005 for the
Intermediate group (age 12-14). In 2006, 2007, & 2008 they have been in the top 5 for all age groups.
They are a Great Team!
Cardigan Jr Handler in the U.S. for her age group (10-14) in 2004 (& 3rd overall) & in 2005 for the
Intermediate group (age 12-14). In 2006, 2007, & 2008 they have been in the top 5 for all age groups.
They are a Great Team!
| We knew he could do it!! August 5, 2006 - Coulee KC, LaCrosse, WI Mac & Handsome earn their Rally Novice title & place 4th in the Nov A class! |
CH Cardiridge Cassanova RN NJP - "Handsome"
(BIS Int/Am CH Sisterwood's Winsome Will x Indovan's Belinda)
Born July 15, 2000 Breeders: Marla & Sam Gardner & Meri Tuli Aalto
OFA Hips - Fair/Elbows - Normal/CERF
(BIS Int/Am CH Sisterwood's Winsome Will x Indovan's Belinda)
Born July 15, 2000 Breeders: Marla & Sam Gardner & Meri Tuli Aalto
OFA Hips - Fair/Elbows - Normal/CERF
Photo by V.W. Perry
| Handsome earns his NJP!! This journey has surely taught Mac perseverance & to believe in the abilities of her dog & herself. In 2005, we succumbed to our doubts about Handsome's abilities as an agility dog & decided to discontinue his training & competing. Then in 2006, as Mac & Berry trained, we had Handsome do practice runs on the newly-built equipment, just for fun, & decided to give it one more try. Anyone who's seen him run knows he often chooses to trot the course rather than run it (he has been 23 seconds over course time) & he has caused a snicker or two from onlookers, especially when this 37-lb Cardigan walks up to a jump & then jumps it, but when he's in the right mood, he gives it his all. He earned his first leg in July in Bloomington with a clean run; his 2nd leg came in August at Lake Elmo with a 90, placing 2nd. Then he finished his title in style on October 7th at Key City with a 93, a first place, & only 2 seconds over course time. Way to go Mac & Handsome!!! |
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| From the moment he came home, it was obvious that Handsome & Mackenzie were made for each other. Cardigans have a special affinity for young people. The bond between these two shows that there is nothing more special than a girl & her Cardigan. |
Back in the Ring Again...
Once Handsome hit the ripe "old" age of 7, he was considered a Veteran, so he & Mac have been having
some fun back in the conformation ring. He has twice taken the Group 3 at the Coulee KC shows, & was
named Best Veteran in Sweeps at the 2007 Cardigan Supported entry at the Des Moines Kennel Club
shows. Most recently he received his second Group 3 in the Veteran competition at the large Herding
Group Specialty in Jan '10.
Once Handsome hit the ripe "old" age of 7, he was considered a Veteran, so he & Mac have been having
some fun back in the conformation ring. He has twice taken the Group 3 at the Coulee KC shows, & was
named Best Veteran in Sweeps at the 2007 Cardigan Supported entry at the Des Moines Kennel Club
shows. Most recently he received his second Group 3 in the Veteran competition at the large Herding
Group Specialty in Jan '10.
A Great Honor
At the 2008 CWCCA National Specialty in Fort Mitchell, KY, Handsome not only
won the 7-9 yr old class, judged by breeder Vivian Moran, but then went on to be
named Best Veteran in Sweepstakes by longtime breeder Neila Gelvin.
At the 2008 CWCCA National Specialty in Fort Mitchell, KY, Handsome not only
won the 7-9 yr old class, judged by breeder Vivian Moran, but then went on to be
named Best Veteran in Sweepstakes by longtime breeder Neila Gelvin.
Another Goal Reached...
Ever since she attended
her first National, it was
a goal of Mackenzie's to
handle Handsome to a
Best Junior win there.
That dream came true at
the 2008 National, under
breeder judge Leah
James - & is truly a
testament to the
relationship they have
both in & out of the show
ring.
Ever since she attended
her first National, it was
a goal of Mackenzie's to
handle Handsome to a
Best Junior win there.
That dream came true at
the 2008 National, under
breeder judge Leah
James - & is truly a
testament to the
relationship they have
both in & out of the show
ring.
Photo by C.C. Photography
Photo by C.C. Photography
