This girl... The girl that won't be denied!! Daughter of our Primo and Tovi—wow... is all I can say. At such a young age, with only a short stint in showing, she finished with a bang! Achieving her final major under the prestigious judge Patricia Trotter was no small feat. I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to highlight this remarkable judge, whose extensive credentials and dedication to the world of dogs truly deserve recognition.
Patricia Trotter has been a true "dog person" since her childhood in Virginia, a passion that has led to her extraordinary success in the field. Her Vin-Melca Norwegian Elkhounds are not just famous; they are legendary in both the show ring and as esteemed producers. This remarkable kennel includes the top sire and dam in the breed's history, boasting an impressive ten group firsts at Westminster, a pinnacle of achievement in the dog show world. Among her most celebrated dogs, Ch. Vin-Melca's Vagabond is enshrined in the AKC Museum of the Dog Hall of Fame, a testament to the deep respect and trust the community holds for her breeding program.
Mrs. Trotter's accolades are numerous and well-deserved. In 1953, she was honored with the Gaines Research Center's Girl Show Dog Fancier of the Year award. Over the decades, she has garnered fourteen Kennel Review Breeder of the Year and Owner-Handler of the Year awards, and she proudly holds a place in the Quaker Oats (now Nature's Recipe) Hall of Fame. Her contributions to the dog community were further recognized with two Fido Awards—first as Dog Woman of the Year in 1991, and later as Dog Writer of the Year in 1998. Becoming an AKC judge in 1994 opened new avenues for her to share her expertise, and she has since judged several national specialties, including the prestigious Westminster shows in 1999 and 2021, as well as the 2000 Morris & Essex revival. Mrs. Trotter is also the author of the influential book Born to Win, and her breeding column for the AKC Gazette won a 1997 Maxwell Medallion from the Dog Writers Association of America. Moreover, she has served as the past president and show chairman of the Del Monte Kennel Club, reinforcing her commitment to the improvement and promotion of the breed.
Now about Secret! Secret was a spark that shined even as a puppy. As we had several dogs we were showing in the same age group, we decided to send her to our good friend Michaela Wille for evaluation. We wanted to ensure that we were making the right choice in pursuing her budding show career. And wow... in less than ten months, she not only earned her points but finished with the same elegance with which she prances in the ring.
I cannot say enough good things about her handler, Rachel Hannah. Rachel’s approach is a perfect embodiment of respect, trust, and care for Secret. She ensured that Secret felt right at home, engaging her in various events during her spare time. Rachel’s dedication extended beyond mere training; she made certain that Secret was not only happy but also deeply engaged and loving every moment in the ring. This bond of trust between handler and dog is crucial, and it is evident that Rachel has fostered a nurturing environment where Secret can thrive.
Thank you to Secrets owner - Michaela and to her handler Rachel for bringing out the best in Secret. With your support and guidance, we look forward to a bright future—cheers to the journey ahead!
Patricia Trotter has been a true "dog person" since her childhood in Virginia, a passion that has led to her extraordinary success in the field. Her Vin-Melca Norwegian Elkhounds are not just famous; they are legendary in both the show ring and as esteemed producers. This remarkable kennel includes the top sire and dam in the breed's history, boasting an impressive ten group firsts at Westminster, a pinnacle of achievement in the dog show world. Among her most celebrated dogs, Ch. Vin-Melca's Vagabond is enshrined in the AKC Museum of the Dog Hall of Fame, a testament to the deep respect and trust the community holds for her breeding program.
Mrs. Trotter's accolades are numerous and well-deserved. In 1953, she was honored with the Gaines Research Center's Girl Show Dog Fancier of the Year award. Over the decades, she has garnered fourteen Kennel Review Breeder of the Year and Owner-Handler of the Year awards, and she proudly holds a place in the Quaker Oats (now Nature's Recipe) Hall of Fame. Her contributions to the dog community were further recognized with two Fido Awards—first as Dog Woman of the Year in 1991, and later as Dog Writer of the Year in 1998. Becoming an AKC judge in 1994 opened new avenues for her to share her expertise, and she has since judged several national specialties, including the prestigious Westminster shows in 1999 and 2021, as well as the 2000 Morris & Essex revival. Mrs. Trotter is also the author of the influential book Born to Win, and her breeding column for the AKC Gazette won a 1997 Maxwell Medallion from the Dog Writers Association of America. Moreover, she has served as the past president and show chairman of the Del Monte Kennel Club, reinforcing her commitment to the improvement and promotion of the breed.
Now about Secret! Secret was a spark that shined even as a puppy. As we had several dogs we were showing in the same age group, we decided to send her to our good friend Michaela Wille for evaluation. We wanted to ensure that we were making the right choice in pursuing her budding show career. And wow... in less than ten months, she not only earned her points but finished with the same elegance with which she prances in the ring.
I cannot say enough good things about her handler, Rachel Hannah. Rachel’s approach is a perfect embodiment of respect, trust, and care for Secret. She ensured that Secret felt right at home, engaging her in various events during her spare time. Rachel’s dedication extended beyond mere training; she made certain that Secret was not only happy but also deeply engaged and loving every moment in the ring. This bond of trust between handler and dog is crucial, and it is evident that Rachel has fostered a nurturing environment where Secret can thrive.
Thank you to Secrets owner - Michaela and to her handler Rachel for bringing out the best in Secret. With your support and guidance, we look forward to a bright future—cheers to the journey ahead!
Posted from her owner Michaela Wille:
Introducing ( AKC Pending )
CH Fairfax Pines Little Black Lies with Red Diamonds ( Secret) .
Finishing in style with a Reserve to a major ( to a very nice girl ) on Saturday and finishing her Championship in Grand Island Nebraska today under Judge Patricia Trotter .
Secret was bred by Grant Boudreau Tammy Jo Boudreau Boudreau and Coowned with Tammy Fairfax Pines Labrador Retrievers Pines Charla Webb My partner in crime this weekend. THANK YOU So many laughs and memories made. Bonnie St John & Les Hall my dearest friends and cheerleaders.
The real credit has to go to Rachel Hanna our Amazing Handler. Rain or shine she keeps showing up.
Rachel wasn't a Labrador handler or a Chihuahua handler When I found her. She was a Pro handler of Griffins Brittany's and numerous other breeds That didn't stop her from taking on this challenge. Anyone that knows me knows what a hardass crybaby I can be putting it lightly. How she puts up with me in her sweet professional way I'll never know. 1st she finishes My friend Jaime Roach Walker Chihuahua Luke to the GRCH level at only 6 months old in record time..Yes I was jealous but incredibly happy and proud of Jaime finishing her 2nd or 3rd Bred By Champion She put CH pts on My Beloved Wizard who never made it to his 1st birthday. She loved him like I did . Then she met Miss Amber. She put numerous CH pts on her including a few BOB .She went the extra mile and ran her for me and got her BCAT in 2 weekends in Nebraska last year. I had to pull her when she blew her coat and she had a pencil tail. Then she took on our lovely Secret . She believed in her and reminded me constantly not to give up.
She turned this sweet stunning puppy into a Champion . She finished her fast struggling to find shows with Majors.
There isn’t a dog show I have been to where someone hasn’t said “oh it’s a handler breed” or “it’s all political” or “the judge always looks at the wrong end of the leash”. None of these comments are wrong . But I think the handlers get a disproportionate degree of blame . Actually I think so do judges for that matter . It takes a physical toll on these folks – I know many have bad knees, back and feet at a minimum. And sadly, many of them can’t get the right medical treatment to take care of it because they cannot afford it . Yet weekend after weekend , they show dogs with utmost professionalism . Some are blessed to have great clients who have them on a retainer year after year. But vast majority have to work supremely hard throughout the year to make a living . That takes the kind of tenacity and toughness I admire .
While they do it for a living –MOST handlers love dogs just as much as I do . At least – the handlers I know do . That is important for me – if I have the slightest doubt on that factor , I won’t hire that person . Same about ethics and integrity . I am an extremely competitive person. But while I like to win as much as the next person – I won’t do anything against the spirit of good sportsmanship . Dog shows are not a game I play just to win . It’s just an irrational hobby .
Introducing ( AKC Pending )
CH Fairfax Pines Little Black Lies with Red Diamonds ( Secret) .
Finishing in style with a Reserve to a major ( to a very nice girl ) on Saturday and finishing her Championship in Grand Island Nebraska today under Judge Patricia Trotter .
Secret was bred by Grant Boudreau Tammy Jo Boudreau Boudreau and Coowned with Tammy Fairfax Pines Labrador Retrievers Pines Charla Webb My partner in crime this weekend. THANK YOU So many laughs and memories made. Bonnie St John & Les Hall my dearest friends and cheerleaders.
The real credit has to go to Rachel Hanna our Amazing Handler. Rain or shine she keeps showing up.
Rachel wasn't a Labrador handler or a Chihuahua handler When I found her. She was a Pro handler of Griffins Brittany's and numerous other breeds That didn't stop her from taking on this challenge. Anyone that knows me knows what a hardass crybaby I can be putting it lightly. How she puts up with me in her sweet professional way I'll never know. 1st she finishes My friend Jaime Roach Walker Chihuahua Luke to the GRCH level at only 6 months old in record time..Yes I was jealous but incredibly happy and proud of Jaime finishing her 2nd or 3rd Bred By Champion She put CH pts on My Beloved Wizard who never made it to his 1st birthday. She loved him like I did . Then she met Miss Amber. She put numerous CH pts on her including a few BOB .She went the extra mile and ran her for me and got her BCAT in 2 weekends in Nebraska last year. I had to pull her when she blew her coat and she had a pencil tail. Then she took on our lovely Secret . She believed in her and reminded me constantly not to give up.
She turned this sweet stunning puppy into a Champion . She finished her fast struggling to find shows with Majors.
There isn’t a dog show I have been to where someone hasn’t said “oh it’s a handler breed” or “it’s all political” or “the judge always looks at the wrong end of the leash”. None of these comments are wrong . But I think the handlers get a disproportionate degree of blame . Actually I think so do judges for that matter . It takes a physical toll on these folks – I know many have bad knees, back and feet at a minimum. And sadly, many of them can’t get the right medical treatment to take care of it because they cannot afford it . Yet weekend after weekend , they show dogs with utmost professionalism . Some are blessed to have great clients who have them on a retainer year after year. But vast majority have to work supremely hard throughout the year to make a living . That takes the kind of tenacity and toughness I admire .
While they do it for a living –MOST handlers love dogs just as much as I do . At least – the handlers I know do . That is important for me – if I have the slightest doubt on that factor , I won’t hire that person . Same about ethics and integrity . I am an extremely competitive person. But while I like to win as much as the next person – I won’t do anything against the spirit of good sportsmanship . Dog shows are not a game I play just to win . It’s just an irrational hobby .