Embee Blogs (rarely)

In April of this year Tux, Asher, Taz, and Ruffi travelled down to Ohio for the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club’s National Specialty show. As part of their event they offered Fast CAT and of course, we had to take part!  Conformation is fun but with few exceptions my guys would prefer to go chase plastic bags (bunnies)!   In Canada, the equivalent event to Fast CAT is known as Sprinter  Unfortunately Sprinter events haven’t taken off the same way that Fast CAT has in the US, I am hopeful though that it will grow in popularity and events will become more common.  It’s so much fun and most Cavaliers really do love it.

The American Kennel Club defines Fast CAT as;

Sure, you think your dog is fast. But have you ever wondered how fast? Can your dog outrun Usain Bolt, who has been called the fastest runner in the world? They just might: Usain’s fastest time has been clocked at almost 28 mph – yet dogs have been known to reach speeds of 35-45 mph.

Well, you no longer have to wonder how fast your dog can run. Fast CAT® – which stands for Coursing Ability Test – is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure. It’s over before you know it — and it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring to watch your dog run at top speed, ears back, eyes focused, legs strong. And if your dog is really fast, you might earn bragging rights if their name makes onto our list of top 20 fastest dogs by breed! All dogs can participate in Fast CAT, whether purebred or mixed breed.

Although it is a relatively new sport, its popularity has spread like wildfire. No wonder. According to one AKC official, “The Fast CAT® provides a terrific opportunity to introduce new participants to the world of AKC sports as one of the few events where all that is needed to compete is a dog’s natural instincts.

It was Tux and Asher’s first time doing Fast CAT or any official lure coursing.  Both came home with their BCAT which is the first title they can earn.  Taz also came home with his BCAT to add to his CA title which is a Coursing Ability title.  As you can see by the photos below, they adore it.  Tux was the fastest at almost 19MPH, both Asher and Taz were clocked in at various intervals over 18MPH.

Enjoy the photos taken by MLBAER Photography.  As a hobby photographer I’m very fussy on photos and these ones are fantastic.  The weather was very overcast to pouring rain, which for Cavalier photos actually ends up being fantastic.  No squinty eyes or harsh shadows.

A very special thank you to Carleen (Danger’s Mom!) @dangertakesover on Instagram for releasing my guys at the start line.  Danger also earned his BCAT title so 4 Embee dogs came home with new letters to add to their name.  I really love having titles on both ends of my dog’s names, this breed is capable of more than just show titles and they love doing them.

CH Embee’s Tasmanian Night, CA, BCAT  “Taz”

CH Embee’s Arctic Blast, CGN, BCAT  “Asher”

American and Canadian CH Embee’s Tux and Tails, BCAT  “Tux”

Embee’s Luck of the Draw, BCAT  “Danger”

Taz Man focused on the lure

Going to get it!

Taz, soaking wet and rain drops falling

Caught it! One very wet Taz man

Happy flying toad (Taz)

Smiling Tux!

Ears up, pure joy! – Tux

Tux flying through the rain, look at all the raindrops. We were all very cold and wet, so worth it though

Happy boy Asher

Cutest flying dog! – Asher

Pretty sure this could be a magazine cover shot! – Asher

All smiles – Danger

More rain flying but still loving it – Danger

Chasing “bunnies” is serious business! – Danger

Happiest when running to Mom – Danger

We’ll be attending our first Canadian Sprinter event at the end of the month and can’t wait.  Hopefully we’ll have more action shots to share.  You need to have an Canadian Kennel Club registered dog to participate in Sprinter and an American Kennel Club registered dog for Fast CAT.  If your dog has been bred in Canada and you’re wanting to compete in the United States or vice versa, it’s easy to obtain dual registration if your dog has one or the other.  All puppies who leave this house are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club, as a purebred dog owner in Canada, you are entitled to your dog’s registration and your breeder should have provided it.  If they haven’t, investigate further and/or report it to the CKC.

Have a safe and healthy Christmas.  We’re looking forward to a better 2021.

The recently past Thanksgiving weekend in Southern Ontario was absolutely beautiful.  The weather was mild and although 2020 has brought many challenges, we were lucky enough to spend some time with friends and potential puppy owners socially distanced outside.  Nothing this year is remotely the same.  I haven’t attended a dog show in over a year.  We haven’t travelled since our vacation in February and the winter is looking long and looming. My husband’s industry is in shambles and for the first time in many years, I will be home for my birthday which is also fast approaching.  We are thankful that we’ve been healthy, our families have been healthy, and that we do have good friends to visit with when the weather permits it.  I have enjoyed having more time to sew, spend time with my dogs, and yes even pick up my camera and blog again

Our gorgeous Finn looking…. gorgeous

My sweetest boy.  He has an extra terrible coat after being neutered which makes grooming more of a challenge but he’s happy, healthy, and very well loved

This adorable senior guy is my friend Lori’s boy Rufus.  Rufus is our Molly’s half brother, they shared the same Momma Reese(CH Burbrook Rebecca’s Last Fling) and were both bred by Karen Murray.  He’s 11 years old

Ginny who is here being a fantastic Momma, flying through the leaves with her best buddy Taz

Ginny, on a mission to find the ball!

I posted in a Toronto Cavalier Facebook group using this photo that we are thankful for Cavalier’s smiling faces, warm hugs, and their pure joy of everything and everyone around them.  Appropriate for these two pictures I think.  I wish they were in focus.  I was able to partially save them with a sharpening filter, but not my best work.  L to R: Taz, Ginny, Raphy (who belongs to a friend), and Finn

Baby Asher with the ball and zooming through the leaves.  Asher (Embee’s Arctic Blast) is from Finn and Cricket’s litter this past February.  He mostly resembles his Momma Cricket in both looks and temperament but he inherited his Daddy Finn’s pure love of playing ball.  He belongs to a friend and we’re hoping to show him if that ever becomes a thing again

Happiest of ball dogs!  Taz, Ginny and Asher.  Bottom photo is Taz

Poor Raphy was having a hard time with Ginny.  He hasn’t been around very many intact girls and was completely in love.  She wanted nothing to do with him.

My friend’s beautiful senior girl named Scarlett.  Scarlett is a rescue is having some health challenges.  She is however very loved and I’m sure thankful to be cared for in such a caring home

Finn’s “I’m beyond happy” ball face

Scarlett and Rufus hanging out on the deck while the younger ones burn off all that energy chasing balls

One happy toad enjoying the fall day

Wherever you are, I hope your Cavaliers are keeping you healthy, safe, and giving you comfort.  I know how thankful I am to have mine.