News and Updates

December 24, 2009 - I went up to Carrollton, Texas, just north of Dallas to spend Christmas with my parents and brother. Much to our delight it started snowing huge fluffy flakes on Christmas eve. In fact, this event turned pretty much into a blizzard at times with visability significantly reduced. We were all driving around doing last minute shopping and got to enjoy the snow up close and personal. Not only did it snow a lot, but it stuck! In fact it snowed enough to be an official White Christmas, one of only four in Dallas histroy. The last time the Dallas area had a white Christmas was in the 1920's. We all enjoyed this unique event. What a fun way say hello to Christmas and end 2009.

December 5, 2009 - Finally, my long awaited chance to attend an AKC National Lure Coursing Championship came to pass. But things weren't going as planned. First Booker could not compete that weekend. But no matter, Hay Luz and I would have fun together. Hay Luz' prelim run was rather lack luster on Saturday placing her solidly in next to last place. But in her finals run she decided that she was going to show her stuff. In fact, Hay Luz's final's score was the highest of all the cometitors. With that score, she went from next to last to second place. I was so proud of my girl. She gave me a run I will always remember. With that finish, I was realy looking forward to the competition on Sunday. That was, until Hay Luz came into heat on Saturday night. Of course I was disappointed, but that one finals run was worth the trip. All in all, the NLCC was a blast and watching all those great dogs run was quite a treat.

November 21 and 22, 2009 - Another great NOTRA race meet was held in Jacksonville, FL sponsored by the Southern Most Sighthounds. Sammie took second both days for a total of 3 points.

October 31 and November 1, 2009 - The Sighthounds On the Lam club held an LGRA meet on Saturday and a NOTRA race meet on Sunday in Camden. Robin reports that Sammie took second at the straight race and first at the oval track race against a large entry.

October 17, 2009 - Robin took Sammie to the LGRA/NOTRA Nationals. He took 9th place in a field of 20. Unfortunately, he had a collision with Gossip and came up lame, so he had to head home instead of competing in the NOTRA competition on Sunday. I am so pround of this fellow and thankful to Robin and Al for all the work they have put into him.

October 15, 2009 - Today, Flyte was released from pain assisted by my wonderful vet, Dr. Julie E. Stiekert, and her equally wonderful staff and myself. I am so grateful for their compassion and caring during this difficult time. The care they provided allowed Flyte to drink in as much life as she possibly could during her last weeks. And drink of life Flyte certainly did. What lessons dogs can teach us about how to live life from beginning to end. Flyte lived life with great passion and kindness. Hers was definitely a life well lived. Things are going to be so different without Ms. Flitter Flyte around. I miss her terribly.

October 11, 2009 - Well, Sammie got another NORC point today, but he bowed his head to the greater speed of Al Schemel's boy Rider who won the honors of Fastest Borzoi at SOMOS for the Day today. Robin and Al are thrilled. Congratulations Rider, Al and Robin!

October 10, 2009 - Sammie took a trip to Florida to take part in the SOMOS NOTRA races at their wonderful track and earned his first NORC point of the season.

September 22, 2009 - Very sad news here at Celeritas. On August 20th, my vet discovered a tumor under Flyte's left arm pit during a visit for vaccinations. I was shocked because I had just washed her the day before. When I rinse the dogs after washing, I always take care to make sure areas like the arm pits are rinsed well. But I had not noticed the lump. We did a needle biopsy and while what my vet saw was not really obviously bad, she felt we needed to remove the mass. We scheduled to have the mass removed the next week. At that time my vet discovered that Flyte's liver was under significant stress. She'd had a blood test in April that had showed all indicators within normal limits, no sign of anything beginning to go wrong at all. Now, in August her blood chemistry was showing something significantly different. At that time we discussed the possibility that the mass may be a secondary tumor originating from something in the liver or abdominal cavity, though my vet felt we should not assume this as Flyte was not showing any real symptoms. The change in the liver could be something unrelated to the lump. We put her on liver supporting meds and waited for the pathology. The results came back as a spindle cell cancer, removal was expected to be curative. Then I found another lump. My vet took a needle aspirate of the new tumor and we scheduled an ultrasound appointment. Before the appointment I found another lump. This one showed up in an area I had been over with my hands the morning before looking for tumors: I had felt nothing. These tumors were popping up very quickly. Flyte was also beginning to show signs that all was not well. Unfortunately, the ultrasound confirmed our worst fears. Flyte's liver was completely involved and obviously the primary site of cancer. It was suspected that the cancer must be very fast growing. The pathology that came back from the biopsy underlined the fast growing malignant nature of Flyte's cancer, a very aggressive spindle cell sarcoma. There was nothing to do for my sweet girl but help her have as much quality time as possible. We are trying a combination of drugs to help Flyte feel better and slow the tumor's growth. I can definitely see changes in Flyte's behavior. I am devastated.

August 22, 2009 - I entered Lightning in the Lone Star Borzoi Club's first independent specialty. Because I was the trophy chair and was not sure how busy I would be, I had arranged for someone to show Lightning for me. I was so glad I did. Not only was I far busier than I could have possibly imagined, but I was able to watch Lightning being shown so expertly by Rachel Hunt. Thanks to Rachel, Lightning took forth place in the Open Bitch class. There were seven lovely bitches present in the open class. I am very proud of Lightning and thoroughly enjoyed watching her in the ring.

August 1, 2009 - Well, my old computer began to show its age and slowly crash so I had to find a replacement and find new programs (my old computer was REALLY old) did not make any updates all summer. Now I have forgotten all the specifics of the specifics I would have posted. I took Hay Luz to Colorado in June to some straight races being held a the Zoi Boys Ranch in beautiful Colorado. Not only is the area beautiful, but Tom and KC are wonderful hosts. This was Hay Luz' first experience with LGRA. She did pretty well, though I cannot remember what placement she got, though at the risk of being completely wrong, I think she got a third on Saturday. It rained during the race with temps in the upper 50's or lower 60's. What a change from the 100 and 100+ degree days we had been having in San Antonio since April (ugh). I think Hay Luz strained something because she pulled up during the race on Sunday. The change in temperature was a bit much for us, going from summer weather to winter in only a day. So either this was the problem, or she does not like LGRA. We will see when I take her to the next race. We had such a great time during our entire trip.

First also went to an event and picked up another point. Of course, now as I am typing this, I can't even remember if this was a lure course or a straight race. I suppose it is clear at this point that it is not the awards that are important to me, but the experience I have with the dogs. Of course the awards are great, but in the end, it is the experience I have with the dogs or the experience the owners have with the dogs that is what is important.

April 12, 2009 - First went to the Cental Leatherstocking Area Sighthound Society (CLASS) race meet and picked up another .5 point. Way to go, First, though I must admit this is the HARD way to get a GRC. Time will tell how sister Hay Luz will do on the straight track.

March 29, 2009 - Today at the SOL race meet in Camden there were an astounding 25 borzoi! Sammie did well by coming in third for two points to finish his SGRC!

March 28, 2009 - Sammie was on the run again today at the Sighthounds on the Lam (SOL) race meet in Camden, SC. There were 16 borzoi present and Sammie took first for five points toward his SGRC.

March 14, 2009 - First had a day at the races hosted by the Count Basie Racing Association (CoBRA) and gained another point.

February 22, 2009 - Well, Sammie took first place again for another five points at the SOL LGRA meet. I think there were 17 dogs present for the race this day. Mr. Sammie is tired and happy, I bet. Nothing like a weekend at the races to satisfy a Borzoi.

February 21, 2009 - Sammie attends the Sighthounds on the Lam LGRA meet in Camden, SC. When he got there he found 16 other borzoi, several of whom are pretty high powered dogs including two other borzoi in the 2008 Top Ten. Sammie managed to earn 1st place for five points in that tough competition. Way to go Sammie!

February 7, 2009 - Hay Luz became an AKC Field Champion today at the AAWC AKC Lure trial in Hutto! On her way to the title, she competed with four other borzoi and took Best Of Breed. While she did not take Best In Field, the course between Hay Luz, the greyhound, and the saluki was stunning (the saluki won). That course was a wonderful way to put the icing on the cake of that title!

February 1, 2009 - Sammie earns his ORC! He stuck around for a second day of NOTRA racing hosted by SOMOS and took another first and three more points to finish. Thank you Robin and Al for taking Mr. Sammie so far.

January 31, 2009 - Sammie returns to the greyhound practice track in Florida to compete at the SOMOS NOTRA Trial. He takes first place for three points toward his ORC.

January 11, 2009 - Luckily, I chose not to attend the lure course on Saturday. From all accounts it was cold and windy with an emphasis on windy. But Hay Luz and I did attend the Lone Star Borzoi Club's ASFA lure trial in Hutto on Sunday. The weather was beautiful, cold (well, cold for South Central Texas) and clear without the blustery wind of the day before. There was a nice entry of borzoi, four borzoi in open and five field champions. Miss Hay Luz did me proud by taking first in the Field Champion Stake and going on to take Best of Breed in an exciting run off.

January 1, 2009 - I can attend only lure trials that are relatively close (from a Texas perspective), so I never expected Hay Luz to appear in any rankings for lure coursing. Much to my delight, with only six days of coursing, Ms. Hay Luz managed to tie for the 17th AKC lure coursing borzoi for 2008. So while Mr. Sammie outstripped his sister with his accomplishments for 2008, I am very proud of Ms. Happy-Go-Lucky Hay Luz.



January 1, 2009 - Sammie only participated in one NOTRA weekend, so I did not think to check the rankings for borzoi competing in NOTRA for 2008. Silly me, Mr. Sammie ended up number 5 NOTRA borzoi for 2008!



January 1, 2009 - Sammie ends up in a three way tie with two of his cousins for third LGRA Borzoi for 2008! WOW!

Whatcha got?

November 30, 2008 - With Hay Luz' help, I got an early start home in an attempt to beat the post Thanksgiving traffic on I-35. While I was sitting in bumper to bumper traffic at Hillsborough (I guess I did not leave early enough) Booker took first in Open, which now gives him all his placements toward his ASFA field championship. Bonnie Dalzell and First (and her kennelmate Focus, who is apparently a real hot running bitch. First has her work cut out for her competing against the tough competition in her neck of the woods!) also took advantage of the long weekend by attending an AKC trial this weekend. First earned the first leg for her JC title. All in all I have a lot to be thankful for!



November 29, 2008 - At the Region 4 Regional Invitationals hosted by Lone Star Whippet Club Booker took another second place in Open. Hay Luz competed in the Field Champion stake for the first time and gave me a big thrill by taking first place. She unfortunately came up lame during the Best of Breed run off. Hay Luz is OK, and that is what counts. Hemi ended up taking Best of Breed. It is always a trill to see a nice running dog take away the honors.



November 28, 2008 - At the Lone Star Borzoi Club ASFA trial, Booker took a second place to his sister, Hay Luz's, first and Best of Breed (there were no field champions competing). This finished Hay Luz's ASFA field championship!

November 22, 2008 - First went to the races and competed against 12 other borzoi including two who are currently in the top ten. She managed to pull out sixth place and brought home one GRC point. That is one WHOLE point, her first whole point!

November 15, 2008 - First goes to the LGRA races and managed to pick up another .50 GRC point by going third.

November 8 & 9, 2008 - At the Trinity Valley Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Texas AKC lure trials Hay Luz got to compete with her brother, Booker, again after several months. Well, Hay Luz better take him seriously because he beat her both days. On Saturday, Hay Luz tied with her brother but forfeited second place to him. So Hay Luz took third to Booker's second. On Sunday, Hay Luz tied again for the second/third placement with Ridge. This time the two dogs competed for the point and Hay Luz won the run off. This left Hay Luz taking second for one point with Booker taking first for three points.

November 2, 2008 - At the NOTRA Nationals Sammie had to be pulled from competition due to an injury. But in an effort to cheer her brother up, First, who was competing in her first weekend of LGRA races hosted by MAIGC tied for second/third, took third and got her first points. Well, actually it was .25 of a point, but that is OK it is still exciting. And not to be outdone, Booker won his first AKC major while taking part in the AKC trials in Louisiana.

November 1, 2008 - Sammie traveled all the way to Oklahoma with Robin to compete in the LGRA/NOTRA National race competition. I was quite happy to see that he was competitive even against the stiff competition who had come to show their stuff. In the first race, Sammie took second. In the second race, he tied for first/second with Comet. In the third race he came in third. What a good dog, Sammie! You sure can run!

October 18 & 19, 2008 - Hay Luz participated in the Alamo Area Whippet Club Trials in Hutto, TX this weekend. In addition to hosting AKC and ASFA trials on both days this weekend, the AAWC offered a Total Event Challenge. Participants in the challenge competed in or chose one AKC and one ASFA event and the sum of the scores was used for determining the winner of the challenge. I was very proud of Hay Luz as she won the challenge! We had a great time on a beautiful weekend watching wonderful hounds running. On Saturday, Hay Luz ran in the AKC trial where she was the only open. On Sunday, Hay Luz was the only borzoi entered in anything other than singles. She had a great time as did Lightning who got to run in singles. It is great to have lure trials to go to, good people to visit with, and great dogs to watch.

October 12, 2008 - Sammie gave another repeat performance by gaining another 4 ORC and 4 NORC points for a total of 8 points his first weekend out on the oval track.

October 11, 2008 - Sammie took a little trip to Florida to attend the Southern Most Sighthound NOTRA races. Well, the boy proved that he could run around corners really fast by taking first for 4 ORC points and 4 NORC points. Way to go, Sammie! Your sister is wondering why I don't let her have fun on the track, too.

October 5, 2008 - On this day, Sammie took first in the open class for 2 points. Keep running Sammie! your mom, sisters, Sartre, Porphyry and I are all rooting for you!

October 4, 2008 - Sammie went to the Carolina Lure Coursing Society AKC lure trial and took second place for one point.

May 18, 2008 - Hay Luz, takes a 5th place in the open class on the second day of competition at the TVRRCOT AKC Trials in Cleburne, TX. This day had 12 open dogs and 4 specials. This was an especially fun weekend. A bunch of very nice borzoi came out to play (not only were they pretty, but they could run well, too!). It is always super to have a chance to compete with such lovely competition. Besides, a borzoi, Rose Hill Barracuda, went on to take Best In Field on Sunday, too, making this a totally borzoi dominated competition, which is pretty cool--not that I have a breed bias or anything.

Hay Luz earned her Senior Courser title at this trial.

May 17, 2008 - On Saturday there were 13 open borzoi and 2 specials at the Trinity Valley Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Texas AKC trials in Cleburne, TX. Hay Luz was really on and not only took first in this large open class, but also managed a win over the special to take Best of Breed. Then she continued on to give her mom an early birthday present by taking Best in Field. What a wonderful birthday present! I guess she was jealous of her brother, Sammie's achievement and just had to try to out do him. Too bad Hay Luz, no cool trophy. But there was a really impressive ribbon and a neat squeaky toy (much better than a cool trophy from Hay Luz' point of view).

Sammie's cool trophy.
The Les Pekarski Challenge Trophy.

April 13, 2008 - Sammie went to the Metropolitan Atlanta Whippet Association this weekend to try his paw at AKC coursing. On Sunday morning, Sammie completed his JC title. But wait, there's more! After finishing the JC he went on to compete in the AKC trial in the afternoon. Not only did Sammie take Best of Breed, he took Best of Field. Not only that, Robin got to take home the really cool Les Pekarski Challenge Trophy! Way to go Sammie!

March 30, 2008 - Sammie earns his GRC!

March 29, 2008 - Sammie headed out for his second weekend of straight racing and took first again against a good field of dogs earning more points toward his GRC.

March 8, 2008 - This weekend was Ligthning's time to play with mom, so we went to the San Antonio Kennel Club show in San Antonio, TX. Today Lightning was given her first conformation point by Judge Judy Webb. She was competing against an adorable puppy (who, I must mention, has a beautiful head) and a lovely bitch, who I really like. It has been a while since I have won in the conformation ring, so this was quite a treat for me.

March 2, 2008 - Hay Luz took first place and Best of Breed (by forfeit) at the AAWC's second ASFA trial of the weekend. She is beginning to "kill" the bunny (actually a plastic bag for those not acquainted with lure coursing) which she never did before this weekend. I think this game is getting more and more fun for her!

March 1, 2008 - Hay Luz went to the Alamo Area Whippet Club ASFA trials in Hutto, TX and took first place and Best of Breed (no field champion competition) .

February 24, 2008 - Sammie did a repeat performance against a smaller field of competators. Even so, he took home two more points toward his GRC.

February 23, 2008 - Sammie went to the straight races at Camden, South Carolina. There was a good showing of borzoi for the competition. Mr. Sammie ran well and surpassed my dreams by taking first for three points toward his GRC!

February 10, 2008 - Hay Luz takes first place in open for a three point major but forfeits to the Special who took Best of Breed at the Alamo Area Whippet Club AKC Trial in Hutto, Texas.

February 9, 2008 - Hay Luz takes first place and Best of Breed for a four point major at the Alamo Area Whippet Club AKC Trail in Hutto, Texas.

January 26 & 27, 2008 - This was Lightning's turn to go out with Mom and have some fun. And fun we did have. First the Abilene club always has a wonderful show, second the local borzoi people, Terry Steel and the Dewitts, always teach everyone about what hospitality really means. So I knew it would be a great weekend. However, Lightning made sure to make it an even better weekend by making her mom proud with a second place in the bred by bitch class on both Saturday and Sunday. Good girl!

January 12 & 13, 2008 - Hay Luz has a good weekend at the Alamo Area Whippet Club and Lone Star Borzoi Club ASFA lure trials over the weekend. She took third place on both days against stiff competition. I was quite pleased with her last run.

Hey! What's going on?

December 2, 2007 - Sammie becomes the first puppy from this litter to be awarded comformation points! Sammie took Winners Dog for one point at the Savannah Kennel Club show under Edward P. McNamee. Way to go Sammie and Robin!

November 24, 2007 - Hay Luz ran again and pulled a NBQ behind four of her older relatives on the Region 4 Invitational held by Gazehounds In Texas in Decatur, TX. Debbie and Bheru were smart and stayed home to avoid the rain, sleet, wind, and freezing temperatures on Saturday and Sunday. Hay Luz did not run on Sunday.

November 23, 2007 - Hay Luz manages to take a second place at the Lone Star Borzoi Club trial in Decatur, TX. Her brother, Bheru was right behind her and took 3rd.

November 10, 2007 - Booker attends his first competitive trial at the Trinity Valley Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Texas AKC trial in Cleburne, TX. He takes second place for two points behind his cousin Hemi's major win. I am thrilled he is turnining into such a nice dog for Sherita.

October 21, 2007 - Sammie competes at his first lure trial and takes Best of Breed at the SEGC ASFA trail in Moorland, GA! Now, I was really proud of Hay Luz and Lightning this weekend, but both Sammie and Bheru showed them up in a big way. I am so impressed with what Robin, Al, and Ashley have done with Sammie.

Lightning achieves her Junior Courser title (pending AKC approval) at the AAWC ASFA lure trial in Hutto, TX. I am so pleased that she is running now. Her intensity for the lure is getting more pronounced with each run.

Hay Luz takes part in her first ASFA lure trial competition at the AAWC trial in Hutto, TX. I am again really pleased with how well this girl runs. Each time she ran showed improvement. She tied for 3rd/4th and ended up winning the run-off to get 3rd place.



October 20, 2007 - Bheru takes Best of Breed at the AAWC ASFA lure trial at Hutto, TX. This is his second placement toward his ASFA field championship. I am so pleased for Debbie and very proud of Bheru. Thank you Debbie, you are making me run to keep up with your boy!

Sammie gets certified to run in ASFA competition. The reports are that Sammie is quite an avid runner and a great athlete.

October 14, 2007 - Lightning delights me at the October lure practice in Hutto, Texas by chasing the lure with gusto; twice! I never thought she would run since she showed very little interest the first few times I took her out. But at the end of last spring, Lightning showed a glimmer of interest. Well, that glimmer turned into a high intensity beam of interest. That makes only one pup in this litter who has, so far shown no interest in chasing the lure!

September 22 & 23, 2007 - Hay Luz and Booker achieve their Junior Courser titles. Sherita and I were quite pleased with our dogs.

May 5 & 6, 2007 - Bheru attends his first ASFA lure course and gets a 3rd place on Saturday and a 2nd place on Sunday at the Trinity Valley Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Texas trial. He beat all his brothers and sisters by getting his first placement and first points way before anyone else. Way to go Bheru and Debra!

Spring, 2007 - All the Celeritas B litter pups are taken to lure course practice several times and all but Lightning and Morpheus show indication that they will run.