Champion Ta-Jon's California Raisin
Righteous Dude!
Ch. Ta-Jon's California Raisin
Sire: Ch Validian-Remarc Raising Cane
Dam: Ch Ta-Jon's Phancy That
Dude's Three Generation Pedigree
Ch. Ta-Jon's California Raisin (a.k.a. "Dude") is the newest member of our Maltese family. Dude was bred by Tammy and John Simon of Ta-Jon Maltese. The Simon's breeding program has produced many outstanding Maltese Champions, most notably BIS/BISS CH Ta-Jon's Tickle Me Silly, who has won more Best In Show awards than any other Maltese. We are truly grateful to Tammy for entrusting us with this great little boy, who we co-own with Carol Cumbie.
Dude
is a sweet, affectionate guy and a natural in the show ring. He won his
first two points at eight months under Judge Norm Patton at Lawton Dog Fanciers
Association 'FKA' Lawton-Fort Sill KC show on October 24, 2004. He's shown
here as Mrs. Joan G. Alexander awarded him Best of Breed at the Bartlesville
Kennel Club All Breeds Show in Tulsa, OK (October 31, 2004) handled by Sharon
Bourbeau. Sharon not only trained and handled him until we were fortunate
enough to get him but she invested her heart in him and it shows in his
confidence and winning attitude. Thanks Sharon!
Here's
Dude at ringside in Mobile, AL. We entered him in the puppy match to get
accustomed to being in the ring together. Dude was excited as he watched
the ring, waiting his turn to shine.
Dude
is proved himself to be a true competitor. This photo shows Dude taking
Best of Winners at the Brandon Kennel Club of Mississippi in Jackson, MS
on December 11, 2004. Thanks to the judge, Mrs Suzanne Dillin, for the kind
words and encouragement.
The
following day Mrs Ann D. Hearn awarded Dude Best of Winners in the second
day of competition at the Brandon Kennel Club of Mississippi . Once again,
thanks to Mrs. Hearn for her gracious comments about this little guy.
The
Maltese breed is renowned for being affectionate, loving and devoted. Indeed,
the Maltese Breed Standard says: "The
Maltese is ... gentle-mannered and affectionate ..."
Dude is an excellent representative of the breed, simply over-flowing with
love and affection. He loves to flood his "people" with puppy
kisses.
Dude
has always been a beautiful Maltese but he is maturing into a very beautiful
dog who loves the show ring. In March he took Reserve on five, four and
four point majors and then in April he took his first major win. The first
day of the Brierfield show was a challenge for Maltese as it had rained
for three days and even rained that morning. When I tried to walk at the
show site my feet sank into several inches of mud. Dude had no problem with
the mud and he strutted his stuff around the ring with me trying to keep
up without falling into the mud and was awarded a five point major under
Judge Robert Moore. He also took Reserve on a five point on Sunday under
Judge Elaine Mathis.
Dude
finished his Championship in fine fashion, taking his last Major in Hattisburg
under Judge Joe Walton July 1, 2005. Although I was ecstatic to have him
earn this well deserved title I was also a little sad because it has been
such fun to show Dude. He totally loves the show ring and is so well behaved.
Perhaps we will special him at some time in the future. For now he has gone
home to his other Mom, Carol Cumbie, and is filling their lives with all
of his wonderful kisses. I pray that all of his progeny have his wonderful
loving temperament. Dude is an excellent example of the Maltese Standard
and we are eternally grateful to John and Tammy Simon for entrusting him
to us.