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Relatively Speaking

  
Throughout the years, I have had my fair share of success in the dog show ring.  However, a large part of a breeder's success is truly measured by the happiness that is brought to the people owning the pets.  These pages are dedicated to these successes and is my way of saying,  "Thank you for opening your home and your heart to one of my dogs."  Several owners of the puppies/dogs I have placed over the years, have submitted little anecdotes of their life with them.  Others just have photos to share.  I have enjoyed both stories and photos very much and believe you will too.

Sincerely,

     Joyce B. Winkels



Royale's Grand Slam
(Manaca's Run Rings Around All ex Ch. Royale's Touchdown)

"Lilly"





"Lilly is a wonderfully, sweet, little girl.  When we began obedience lessons, late in her puppyhood, she totally amazed the instructor and I when, at her first lesson, she responded to hand commands!  Her heel position was already admirable.  Did I mention that along with her other attributes, she is intelligent, too?!

Lilly will be trained as a Therapy dog just like her English Cocker companion, Megan Belle, whom we adore.  We think Megan is the most perfect girl and  now wonder what we ever did to deserve two perfect girls.  We love them dearly and are very proud of our little misses.  Thank you for entrusting Lilly and Megan with us, Joyce."

Owner:  Gerry











Purplehart Itoba Bull Dozer
(Ch. Daisymead's Braveheart ex Ch. Daisymead's Gotta Have Faith, CGC)

"Dozer"









 












"Dozer  is doing pretty good for a 10 year old pup.  He still walks at least 2 miles a day and works a couple times a month.  Life is good.  Dozer is a reader-dog for children."  Owner:  Tammy




"Nelson"

 

"In celebration of Nelson's recent third birthday, I am sending along a photo so you can see what a handsome boy he has become!  He is a little fluffy right now, but he really looks cute that way!  He was sitting in the chair tonight as we were looking out the window waiting for President Obama's helicopter to go by. Obama is in Chicago, this weekend.  Air Force One lands at O'Hare, and they they helicopter him down Lake Shore Drive just over the lake.  There were a total of five helicopters.  Pretty exciting!  What a good little democrat Nelson has become!!"   Owner:  Joanie









Itoba London Calling

Manaca's Run Rings Around All ex Ch. Itoba Little Miss Marker

"Bertie"



"I thought you might like an update on Bertie.  First, he wishes you a happy 4th of July! Friday, he went to the groomer for the first time.  They added the scarf so I got a picture of him for my Facebook page.  He did fine at the groomers and we think we have found a new place.

He was neutered and has recovered perfectly from the surgery. The hardest part was keeping him quiet for a few days.  He has a tremendous amount of "outdoor" energy!  We have been taking him over the the State Fair grounds' parking lot, near where we live, in the evening and letting him run off some of his energy by fetching a ball.  That has helped a lot.  He is not at all difficult around the house but, we continue to keep him in a crate at night and during the day.  We still stop home and let him out during the workday. 

When we got him,  I checked out obedience classe and found that none were scheduled for several weeks.  We decided to have someone come to the house a few times, so we weren't doing the wrong things.  We've been working on getting him on the Gentle Leader, staying calm when he sees other dogs.  She has also taught us how to teach him to make eye contact with us consistently.  He also sits and waits now before going through the door or the fence gate.  He is progressing well.   Always open to your thoughts or advice from a breed perspective on his continued socialization.  The trainer is very good but, I don't think she knows a lot about ECSs.

I have to tell you about an experience I had last week.  I was meeting a friend after work in NE Minneapolis.  I was looking for a parking spot when I saw this guy walking THREE English Cockers!  I was so excited I pulled over and rolled down my window and started shouting at him.  He had two males and a female.  We talked for about five minutes.  I think he was excited as I was to talk with someone about them! "
Owners:  Kris and Don Olsen






Itoba Winter Light

Manaca's Run Rings Around All ex Ch. Itoba's Affair to Remember

"Lincoln"


"Just a photo of "Lincoln" taken today.  We love him and so does everyone else!  Thanks for him."
  Owners:  Pat and  Lavonne











Itoba Summer Interlude
Manaca's Run Rings Around All ex Ch. Itoba's Affair to Remember

"Chase"

"Hi Joyce! Just thought you would enjoy seeing some updated pictures of "Chase" and his buddy, "Jasper".
He loves to play ball and swim in the lake.  After that he will roll in the sand probably thinking he’s “drying off” but,
 really making a bigger mess.  I don’t know what goes through his mind.

 He also likes to hog the bed by sleeping on his back. You probably don’t think this is true, but his absolute
favorite thing in the world is chewing ICE.  I don’t know what it is about him and ice.  His other favorite thing is
toys and since he tears them apart and leaves stuffing around the house we have to give him non-stuffed
toys.  He has two right now and one has a ripped open head.  Guess he is off to a new one.

He wants to be friends with every dog he sees. In fact he just met a new buddy, "Shadow",
who is older and doesn’t think that playing with "Chase" is very much fun. His girlfriend, "Bailey", as we say,
likes to swim and run with him at the lake and is the same age. She is only one week older."
Owner: Allison Keller!

Chase is a litter brother to Canadian Ch. Itoba Saraband and to Itoba The Magic Flute, WD CGC (see below)..

 

Itoba The Magic Flute, WD CGC
Manaca's Run Rings Around All ex Ch. Itoba's Affair to Remember

"Cuchulain"

 
"This is our new boy "Cu" or Cuchulain (the hound of Colin). I have always wanted to name a dark, handsome, little Spaniel after the great mythical Irish hero and his grandpa in Sweden, is called Colin.  Joyce almost named his sire Kullen.  Wee "Cu" is certainly small, dark and handsome so, the name just fits perfectly.  His kennel call name was "Anson" or "Handsome Anson".  Joyce’s husband, Max, gave them call names after the surrounding counties in Wisconsin.  Joyce saved his AKC name of  “Itoba’s The Magic Flute” just for our pup, too! 

He was born or "bjorn" as Joyce says, on both Mary’s dad’s and my brother, John’s, birthday, too.  He, for us, is one special pup to fill little "Fi’s" space in our lives. Mary has taken to dressing him for bed.  Here's photos of him in his "Lamby jams".  What hurts is that "Cu" actually likes them.  The shame of it all!"


Submitted by owners, Mary and Ed






Ch. Itoba Purplehart One For The Money
 (Ch. Glen Oaks Dr. Itoba ex Ch. Purplehart Itoba Double Take)

"Otis"



Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2009 from "Otis" and Brenda.



Itoba American Dream
 (Ch. Itoba Purplehart Eros ex Ch. Itoba Heart of America)

"Igor"

 

"Hope you are doing well.  I have been meaning to write you for some time now but, life has become a whole lot fuller since "Igor" came into my life.  First off.. He has a super clean bill of health. We changed vets and are glad we did. This one is very informative and smart. Thanks for helping me out with all of that. :)

"Igor" has been busy
making friends and is by far the most popular dog in the park!  Everyone is constantly telling him what a beautiful boy he is and how much they love his markings.  He even has a little crush on the rather voluptuous Lhasa Apso down the street and shares all of his toys with her including his favorite plush toy!  I am constantly amazed at how smart, loving and joyful he is.  He loves going for car-rides, play dates, and curling up with me at night.  He literally makes me smile or laugh every single day! I am sending you some pictures of him "on vacation" and another with his favorite toy. I just love his expressions!! Anyway, hope you and your family are doing well.  Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know I am thinking of you!"  - Submitted by owner, Ilivia




 

Itoba Cliff Note
  (Ch. Itoba One For The Money ex Ch. Royale's Slap Shot)

"Bo"


"Bo" is doing very well and now weighs just under 12 pounds.   He slept most of the morning, and then woke up after I got home from lunch, feeling very frisky, indeed.   (See above photo of him playing in leaves -burrowing, rolling and ... laughing. )  He understands 'come,' 'sit,' and waits patiently to be fed a treat and ... dinner.  Growing like crazy.  Very social.   Wrestled for almost an hour last night with an
 8 wk. old, cream-colored Labradoodle until he was exhausted. The other dog was 50% bigger but, the scene was definitely cute as can be."  Submitted by owner, Dan.








Ch. Purplehart Itoba Double Take
(BIS/BSS Ch. Daisymead's Playboy, ECM ex Ch. Itoba Purplehart Abracadabra)

"Emily"

I HAVE attached a photo of "Emily" with Father (Monsignor) George.  She’s fond of BOTH priests—and they both adore her. She is “officially” Father George’s dog—but she does spend a great deal of time with Father Dennis. Father Dennis is going through a very tough time right now—and he takes great pleasure in just sitting with her and petting her (I don’t think that she minds this TOO much!!).   Or, if he needs to go and lie down for a while, he’ll invite her to go along (again—the poor little girl is willing to make that sacrifice!!)

"Emily" survived Holy Week in grand fashion!!  She went with Father George (and Father Dennis) to visit his sister in Kenosha, for Easter.  Even Father’s toddler niece (who’s generally not allowed to play with doggies) was allowed to play with "Emily"!!  Last week, "Emily" assisted with grief counseling (a  family funeral—who loved—but didn’t currently have—a dog, came in to plan their mother’s funeral.. "Emily" sat in to 'help').  All in all—"Emily" is a wonderful dog!!

Father Dennis just stopped at my office asking about "Emily"—she’s at the groomer (he’s anxious for them to call so that we can go and pick her up!!).  Submitted by:  Maggie


 



"Raleigh"

 "Happy New Year from "Raleigh".  He finished his first level of Obedience in mid Dec., and we start the next level in January.  From about 5 months to 8 months he seemed 'possessed' by hyper-energy demons.  However, just in the last week, both Mike and I have noticed a decided look of maturity with a calm behavior.  We love him very much.  I thought you might enjoy some pictures.  They are a few months old."  Owned by Alice and Mike Wachter

He is a littermate to Ch. Itoba Little Miss Marker and Ch. Itoba Little Miss Can't Be Wrong.




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