Smoke Tree Goldens :: More than just Golden!

CURRENT BRAGS
PUPPIES!!!! We currently have puppies available. Contact: Julie Schepper 425-413-5348

July 2008 The very first show in July Louie took Best of Breed and another Group 1 and now is officially in the Golden Retriever Show Dog Hall of Fame. We need to get him a longer name plate for all his titles. BIS BISS CH SmokeTree's Hop's On Pops, SDHF For those unfamiliar it all stands for Best in Show dog, Best in Show Specialty, Champion and SDHF at the end stands for Show Dog Hall of Fame. Louie will soon take a trip up to Canada to complete his Canadian Championship where he only needs to win under one more judge. On the same weekend SmokeTree's Uh-oh! Spaghettios, Pasghetti as she is called by her close friends, took her first point from the 6-9 puppy class. She is just toooo cute. SmokeTree's Kinky Boots, Simon, who is also in the puppy classes (he's also in love with Pasghetti but won't admit it, just like a guy) is growing up nicely and took Reserve at the Inland Empire shows. July 26th we attended the Hurricane Ridge shows in Sequim, WA. Louie took Best of Breed and Group 3 the very first day. The breed ring was very competitive with 4 dog Specials and 2 bitch specials.

June 2008 SmokeTree's Rumple Stilton has been growing up beautifully and he took Winners Dog twice this month. The first weekend in June Louie got Best of Breed at the Puyallup shows. He then went on to the Canby shows in Oregon and took Best of Breed on Sunday and made the cut in the Group. Apparently Louie was just a little bored with his Best of Breed wins (how could that be?) and decided to surprise us at the Bell Vernon shows with a Best of Breed, a Group1 and then his first BEST IN SHOW!!!!! You should have been at his celebration party, some of us are still recovering. Louie now needs only three more points to enter the Show Dog Hall of Fame.

PUPPY AVAILABLE!!! SmokeTree Goldens currently has a four month old female Golden Retriever for sale. We are also looking for the perfect home for a mature male who is a sweetie. Call us at 425-413-5348 or 206-755-7020 for further information.

May 2008 May 23, 2008 is always going to be a most memorable day for all of us here at SmokeTree Goldens. Louie, Ch. SmokeTree's Hops on Pops, won the Specialty Best of Breed! Michelle Billings is one of the most respected judges in the United States and so we consider it a great honor to have our first Specialty win under Ms. Billings. We're anxious for a great show photo of Louie and his big win, but in the meantime we've added his show photo of his Group 3 win back in November if you'd like to see how Louie is maturing. And now we'd like to introduce our new hopeful SmokeTree's Kinky Boots aka Simon. We have anxiously been waiting for Simon to make his debut. He barely turned six months old in time for the Specialty. In Sweepstakes he won 2nd place, 1st place would have been better of course, but we were happy he showed so well. In the regular classes he was in third place. The day after the Specialty was also a very big entry and Simon won his class, good boy Simon! SIMON AT 5 WEEKS

April 2008 Cajun's puppies are heading off to their new homes. We have met so many wonderful new families and we know that they are all going to be busy this summer. April 12th at the Moses Lake shows Louie won Best of Breed and went on to a Group 4 which was all very exciting for us. There were no majors this month so Cheddar is just waiting for the upcoming Inland Empire Specialty in May.

March 2008 March was a quiet month in the show ring, but very busy with Cajun's puppies. We only attended two shows, Cheddar got a Major Reserve at the popular Seattle Kennel Club. She is still waiting for that last major to finish!

February 2008 On February 3rd at 6:40pm Cajun had her first puppy, a beautiful 12.8 oz boy. It took all night and she finally had her last pup at 4:34a.m. with eleven pups, 7 girls and 4 boys. We're not sure who was more exhausted, Cajun or us! There are a couple of puppies available for sale. Interested parties should fill out a puppy questionaire form and give Julie a call. While Cajun was home nursing the babies, the proud pop, Louie (SmokeTree's Hop's on Pops) headed off to Westminster for a very exciting adventure. There were 36 Golden Retrievers entered. The judge broke them up into three groups. Out of all the dogs the judge picked her top ten favorites and we were thrilled that Louie was ranked in the top 10. We are so proud of him and Randy as they made a beautiful showing. After returning home, Louie went to California for four shows. Two of the four days he claimed a Best of Breed and on the last day he took a Group 2 in the Sporting Group which added 3 points to his Show Dog Hall of Fame status, yippeeee!!

January 2008 January started off with a BANG as Juneau, SmokeTree's Turnip The Heat, owned by Deni Rauw and Bob Martin finished his Championship. He is SmokeTree's first Champion of the year! Juneau has all his clearances and will now be offered at stud to approved bitches. The puppy party was held on January 15th and was catered by Seattles well known Chef Tom Black. Breeders and friends flew up from California and Arizona and the party was well attended by local breeders and Golden Fanciers too. Lunch was spectacular and we all huddled by the fire on this cold day and watched puppies playing and then being graded for conformation. There are a couple of puppies still available to interested parties. For those previously interested in a Cajun puppy you will be happy to know that she is now pregnant and expecting puppies in early February. Some of you may not know, but Cajun is a full brother to Juneau. She has all her clearances and is a Canadian Champion and five points away from her American Championship. WOW!!! Louie, Ch. SmokeTree's Hop's on Pops, owned by Rich Larricq won Best of Breed at the Rose City Classic on Saturday January 19th. This is the day that is filmed live to be shown on Animal Planet. As soon as we find out the dates it will be aired we'll let you know, stay tuned. . .

December 2007 After getting snowed in during Christmas and missing the family gathering, Randy headed off to California. It was definately worth the trip as Louie went Best of Breed all four days! On the home front, the puppies are too cute to mention. A puppy party is planned for January where we will pick our show prospects and just generally have fun.

November 2007 PUPPIES HAVE ARRIVED!!!!! We have nine beautiful healthy happy puppies born almost Thanksgiving day. Anyone interested in a puppy should contact Julie at: 425-413-5348. There are 2 boys and seven girls. On the show front, Louie went Best of Breed and Group 4 at the Willamette Kennel Club shows early in the month. While we were busy having puppies at home, Louie was busy down in California going Best of Breed and Group 3 at the San Joaquin Kennel Club.

October 2007 October had us busy getting ready for upcoming litters due in November. Louie did find the time to go Best of Breed at the Vancouver shows late in the month and he made the cut in a large Sporting Group.

October 2007 October was one of those quiet months with few shows. We certainly needed the break after all the excitement at the National in September. Louie (Ch. SmokeTree's Hop's On Pops) went to the Vancouver Kennel Club and went Best of Breed the first day out. He also made the cut in the group. Later in the month we took off for the Nor-Cal Specialty in California. We had some nice placements, but we didn't pick up those majors that we were looking for. We did have some exciting news though, WE HAVE PUPPIES ON THE WAY!!!!!

September 2007 September was a busy month as we were gearing up for the exciting Golden Retriever National Dog show being held in Snohomish Washington this year But before we mention the exciting National we don't want to forget the two Best of Breeds that Louie won at the MacKenzie dog shows in Oregon at the beginning of the month and also another Group 3!!! It was quite hectic around here getting ready for the National. We decided to have the annual SmokeTree Soiree on the grounds at the National rather then in Maple Valley this year. Sally pulled off an incredible party the evening of Sweepstakes. Over 100 people stopped in and enjoyed great food and conversation. Of course when we planned the party we had no idea that we would actually be celebrating a great win. Cheddar showed beautifully in her Sweepstakes Class and won. She then went on to compete for Best in Sweepstakes and was awarded Best in Sweeps with over 200 dogs in attendance!!! It was a wonderful honor and we appreciate all the compliments and congratulations from everyone. The second day of showing at the National we had the regular classes. Ricky (SmokeTree's Ricky Ricotta) showed in the 12 - 18 class. There were about 35 dogs entered and Ricky just stole the show when he won the class. His brother Ribs (SmokeTree's Rumple Stilton) was showing in the Novice dog class. It was his first time in the ring and he showed beautifullly and won the class with seven competing. It reminded us of our last National in Malibu when Louie was young and won the Novice Dog class in 2004. The "Cheese" litter was proud to show alongside their father Reason (Ch. Aubridge Wave Your Rights) in the Stud dog class. There were many wonderful top breeders from around the country and we know that Robin Baker of Aubridge Goldens was pretty proud to place 4th in such a competitive class. We're glad the boys were able to help out! As most of you know, Tudie (Ch. Benchmark P is for Pulchritude) is the apple of our eye and she has given us some outstanding puppies. We couldn't wait to take her back in the ring for the Brood bitch class to show her off. There were twelve other competitors in the class and it was certainly strong competition. Tudie showed like the champ that she is. She was awarded third place and we are proud. There was lots of fun and festivities every night after showing. On thursday evening the Top Twenty Black Tie Gala was well attended. The art auction brought in money for the Golden Retriever Foundation. The Foundation raises money and distributes it for rescue and health research. We donate a portion of our puppy proceeds to the Foundation and encourage anyone who loves this breed to go to the Golden Retriever Club of America website and see what you can do to help. These are very special people who put their hearts and souls into finding a cure for cancer. We also like to support Golden Retriever Rescue as there is a great need for funds to help some of the less fortunate Goldens who sadly find themselves in shelters or needing special attention. Please consider helping. There were lots and lots of beautiful dogs in the breed ring. The judge afterward commented that the task of finding her final placement was much more difficult than she'd expected with so many wonderful entries. After the Breed class there was an awards banquet and we all had one last bite together and then said good-bye to friends and hope to see them again real soon.

August 2007 In August Tallulah found her way back in the ring and went Winners Bitch both days at the Umpqua Kennel Club dog shows.

July 2007 July was a quiet month for us. The dogs took a break and so did we. On July 19th we took a day of memory for our dearest Geyser who we lost last year just shy of his 12th birthday. Geyser was my first American/Canadian Champion and Group Winner. But mostly he was the dearest friend I've known. Geyser had a wonderful following of loving friends. There's nothing Geyser wouldn't do for a joke and we all miss his sense of humor and his great big heart. Julie

June 2007 Ricky was warmed up from the Canada shows and so at the Yakima Dog show he got Winners Dog the first day and Reserve Winners Dog the second day. His jealous sister Cheddar, being all girl, wasn't about to leave the show without going Winners Bitch the last day! Louie had a great weekend at Yakima and went Best of Breed both days, yahoooo!!

May 2007 The beginning of May was the Olympia Dog Fanciers show where Cajun took Winners Bitch and also Best of Opposite Sex. Louie took Best of Breed and onto Group 4. Later in May we sneaked up north of the border to Canada where Louie, his first time in Canada, took Winners Male and Best of Breed. He also went into the Sporting Group and made a placement in the group as well. Ricky, who is already pointed in Canada, was close behind his half-brother Louie and took Reserve Winners Male. At the end of the month during the Coeur D' Alene shows Louie took yet another Best of Breed and Group 3.

April 2007 The first day of the Peninsula Dog Fanciers show was extra special. Katie (SmokeTree's Cat in the Hat) won the Bred-by Exhibitor class and then went on to thrill us with going Best Bred-by Exhibitor in Show!!! She has now caught up with her brother Horton who received a Best Bred-by in Show during his career. The second day of the Peninsula Dog Fanciers show had Cheddar (SmokeTree's Mac 'N Cheese) going Winners Bitch and best of Winners. Both days Louie (SmokeTree's Hop's on Pops) went Best of Opposite Sex. Later in the month at the Idaho shows Cajun (SmokeTree 'N Zydeco's Okra Winfrey) came close to catching up with Katie and went Best Bred-by Exhibitor and on to a Group 2!!! The very next day Cajun got Winners Bitch for another point. Louie also dazzled us with two Best of Breeds and a Best of Opposite Sex during the Idaho circuit.

March 2007 The Kings Kennel Club were the first shows in March. Cajun (SmokeTree N Zydeco's Okra Winfrey) went back to the show ring and went Winners bitch one day and Cheddar went Winners bitch the next! The Pac-Rim Golden Retriever Specialty was well attended with over 100 dogs in attendance. Cheddar absolutely wowed the crowd when she went Winners Bitch and Best of Winners for a 5 point major!!! We are so proud of our girl and we appreciate all the cheers from the crowd. The Chintimini shows followed on the heels of the Pac-Rim Specialty and the huge entry continued through the weekend. On Sunday Louie went Best of Breed over more than 20 specials. In the Sporting Group Louie was chosen for a Group 3 by very well known judge and breeder Jeffrey Pepper. For those who aren't aware, Jeffrey Pepper has written one of the main Golden Retriever Books describing the Standard in detail and is used as a reference by breeders still today. What an honor.

February 2007 In February we had a chance to catch our breath as we only had four shows this month. However, it was not without excitement. At the Linn County shows in Oregon Cheddar not only went Winners and Best of Winners, but on to Best of Breed, how exciting is that? It gets even better as her half brother Louie gets Best Opposite Sex! At the Santa Clara shows Louie got the first Judges Award of Merit with several Champions competing.

January 2007 December of 2006 ended with great hopes for 2007. In December we started Cheddar, SmokeTree's Mac 'N Cheese in the 6-9 puppy class. In California at the Turkey Circuit she went Winners Bitch, Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex. Her brother Ricky, SmokeTree's Ricky Ricotta joined Cheddar for the end of December at the San Mateo shows. He got Reserve Winners two days in a row and also got Winners Dog and Best of Winners for his first point from the 6 - 9 Class. Cheddar also went Best of Winners again at the San Mateo shows for another 2 points. SmokeTree's Hop's on Pops has been waiting in the wings for some majors to show up so he could finish his championship and he did just that right out of the box at our first shows in January. The very next weekend we moved him up to Specials and he went Best of Breed at the big Portland Dog Show. He also made a cut in the Group which was very exciting for his first weekend as a Special. Now that Louie is a Champion, Juneau (SmokeTree's Turnip the Heat) who just needs his majors will head back to the ring. At the end of January we ran up to Canada where Ricky really made a splash. The first day he got a Puppy Group 1. The next day he got Winners for 3 points and Best Golden Puppy.

June 2006 We decided to bring Horton out for the Evergreen Specialty in Auburn Washington on June 17th and 18th. It was a large and exciting show, drawing competitors from as far away as Southern California. Horton made us proud by receiving the judges first Award of Merit in the Specials ring with over a dozen gorgeous dogs in attendence. On Saturday, the 17th, we had our first annual Smoke Tree Soiree here at the house with a turnout of close to fifty people! It was a lovely day, fortunately the rain from the previous week held at bay. Dave and Sally treated us all to a wonderful catered dinner and scrumptious desserts! We were so thrilled to have the opportunity to visit with many of our extended dog family and hope that next year it's even bigger. The puppies are heading off to their new homes! They have been a wonderful healthy and happy group. Thank you Robin for sharing your boy Reason with us. The first weekend in June Cajun went Winners at the Yakima Valley KC. The very next weekend Louie went Best of Winners for 2 points which minored him out. Now he just needs that last major to finish his championship cool!

May 2006 On May 19th, after a well deserved weekend off, Randy and the gang headed north of the border to the Chilliwack shows in Canada. The very first day Horton took Winners Dog to complete his Canadian Championship. Horton is SmokeTree's first American/Canadian Champion. At Olympia Dog Fanicers show, Cajun won the Bred-by Exhibitor class and then went on to take the points as well as Best of Winners and Best Opposite Sex. On May 7th her brother Juneau (SmokeTree's Turnip the Heat) takes Winners Dog. Congratulations again Deni and Bob. Juneau is headed home now for a well earned vacation.

April 2006 April 29th, the first day of the Walla Walla shows, Katie goes Winners Bitch,Best of Winners and Best Opposite Sex and she is one step closer to her championship! At the Moses Lake shows on April 16th Juneau went Winners Dog! We don't usually mention Reserve placements, but we would like to note that Juneau has received several Reserve placements in the last couple of months, so when he's not taking the points, you can bet he's still right in there! APRIL 1st !!!! TUDIE AND REASON ARE THE PROUD NEW PARENTS OF TEN, YES YOU HEARD RIGHT, TEN BOUNCING BABY PUPPIES. FIVE BOYS AND FIVE GIRLS. ALL ARE DOING FABULOUS.

March 2006 March took Randy and the gang down to shows in California. Juneau was ready and willing after winning his class at the Pacific Rim Specialty. And he didn't let us down either, going Winners dog at Kings Kennel Club on March 4th. The same weekend Cajun took Winners Bitch and Best of Winners. And of course good ol' Katie (Tudie ex Brooks) just hates to be shown up, so the next day she took Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex!! At the Peninsula Dog show in Bremerton Katie made sure that we knew she wasn't going to rest on her laurels and decided to go Winners Bitch and Best of Winners. And then the big thrill Best of Breed over three specials! But Katie just couldn't stop there and went to the Group ring for her very first time and walked away with a Group two, WOW.

February 2006 In February we always enjoy attending the Pacific Rim Golden Retriever Specialty in Oregon. This year we didn't take any points, but we're still very proud of our Katie who got Reserve Winners Bitch out of a very competitive class. The other exciting event in February was Tudie taking off for California to be bred to Ch. Aubridge Wave Your Rights. Puppies due in April.

January 2006 Randy and Horton took off on their great big adventure to the Eukanuba Classic in Florida. They were up against some pretty tough competition, and wouldn't you know, another Bred-by Exhibitor dog walked away with the top spot. It was worth the thrill however, and we're still very proud that Horton is one of only nine Bred-by Exhibitor dogs in the entire United States who qualified to show at the Eukanuba Invitational Dog Show in 2005. Onward we go to the big Portland Dog show. Cajun (Tudie ex Clipper) started her show career in the U.S. with a Canadian Championship already under her belt. She started off with a bang her very first weekend out on January 21st going Winners Bitch and Best of Winners for a 3 point major!

November 2005 It was an exciting time at the Turkey Circuit down in California. November 28th Louie goes Winners Dog, Katie goes Winners Bitch and Best of Winners and to top it off their brother Horton gets Best of Breed!!! All in the same day, whew! In the group ring Horton made the cut with several of the top winning sporting dogs in attendance. November 19th at the Widbey Island Kennel Club Louie went Winners Dog and Best of Winners for his first major!

October 2005 In October Katie and Louie continued with an exciting record. At the Richland Kennel Club shows Louie went Winners Dog and Best Opposite sex both days!!! October 13th at the Boise Idaho shows Louie went Winners Dog and Best of Winners, on October 14th his sister Katie went Winners Bitch and Best of Winners. On October 15th both Louie and Katie received Winners with Louie going Best of Winners, yea! October 16th, not to be outdone, Katie got Winners Bitch and Best of Winners. October 29th at the Vancouver shows Louie pulled it off again, taking Winners Dog. In a very short time Katie has 5 points and Louie has garnered 7 points.

September 2005 Horton (Ch. SmokeTrees Horton Hears A Who) finished his championship in June 2005 and then we had a short break before his sister Katie (Smoke Tree's Cat in the Hat) and Louie (SmokeTree's Hop's on Pops) hit the ring. September 3rd at the Longview Kelso shows Katie went Winners Bitch and the very next weekend at McKenzie KC she was Winners Bitch and Best Opposite. Louie started at the Gig Harbor shows and went Winners Dog and Best of Winners his first day out. The next day his sister Katie went Winners Bitch and Best of Winners.