My
Queen ...
Rotaiva Snowbird, FCh/DT,
CR, JC - "Tara"
October
9, 1993 - September 2, 2003; Bred twice; CERF clear
I decided after I had shared my life for seven months with
Gabe,
that I wanted to start showing. So, I called his breeders again to see
if there was a show pup still available. I knew they had a little lass
they were holding on to before, so I was hoping! Connie told me, IF
Tara liked me, I could add her to my home. (photo of Tara and me (c) d
beisinger)
We met up at a show in Indiana and I passed the "Tara Test"
when she curled up on my lap and fell fast asleep, that was 
in August of '94. I really enjoy taking her to the AKC conformation
shows, but it took me several months of watching and going to
conformation class to "get the guts" to take her in the ring myself. My
first time in the ring (with her) was under judge Mary Beth Arthur
(Marial Whippets) and Tara received Reserve Winners Bitch ... I was
estatic! After that, my "addiction" took off like a wild fire.
Pictured here is Tara with one of her breeders (Kenna, far right) and
myself the day judge J. Donald Jones awarded her with Winners
Bitch/Best of Winners for a 4 pt major, it was a very good day!
Poor Tara, she got dragged to show after show after show, at times she
would have rather been racing (or on the couch sleeping!). I burnt her
out, and in turn many times 
her
performance in the ring was a bit flat to say the least, but when she
did want to show ... she was impeccable. Her movement was wonderfully
balanced and fluid, temperament excellent, and love for the lure
amazing! She was an unbelievably wonderful mother to her two litters,
and even tried to nurse her grand pups (PhaseYa's first litter).
Oh how she loved to run! Her favorite was the oval track, and lure
coursing was a natural for her - she gave me goosebumps watching her.
Tara was a true English Princess, and always acted like a lady (even
when she played in the mud). She loved her family and enjoyed snuggling
with my grand daughter and the other dogs, but her heart had "Mommy"
written on it.
Highlights
As only a Queen can
In addition to
- showing,
- racing,
- coursing, and
- Junior Showmanship
Tara obtained these accomplishments:
- 7 AKC Champion points
- FCh (Field Champion)
- DT (Dual Titlist; ASFA)
- CR (Companion Racer)
- JC (Junior Courser)
- Top 10 Oval Meet placing
Who knew that dog saliva can mend a broken heart?"
- Jennifer Neal