Archive for the ‘Kanzu’ Category

nathanNathan is a 4 year old boy with a severe speech impairment related to an anatomical abnormality of his palate. He has been in speech therapy for most of his short life. His parents were very concerned with the discrepant diagnoses that Nathan had received and the lack of progress in speech therapy. They sought out further information and found their way to Dr. D’Antonio. Nathan and his family live a great distance from Southern California and in order to have evaluations and therapy with Dr. D. they would travel and schedule intensive therapy on a daily basis for a week at a time. Such aggressive therapy is a challenge and tiring for such a young child. Enter Kanzu the therapy dog. It was always a thrill for Nathan to come to visit Kanzu and to be able to see him after his therapy sessions. Nathan’s parents also rewarded Nathan with a special prize after each week of therapy.

 

After his most recent week of therapy, Nathan earned a trip to the nearby toy store where as his parents had promised, a ‘Jeff Gorvette’ car was waiting for Nathan. Nathan’s mother related the following wonderful story about Nathan’s trip to the toy store:

 

“Yesterday after our session, we took Nathan to the toy store as promised. As we walked in, we reminded him that he could get one car for working so hard. He agreed and all was well. He went in and picked up one Jeff Gorvette car and was very excited and started to walk away. He then stoped dead in his tracks and said “wait wait wait!” He ran back and grabbed a second Jeff Gorvette. I looked at him quizzically and reminded him that he only earned 1 car. He then explained that Dr D needed a car for working so hard too. Then he picked up a third car and said “Kanzu was a good listener. He needs a car too.” It was very sweet — we ultimately explained that Dr D would get her own reward and one for Kanzu so he finally put it down and seemed relieved.”

 

It sounds like Kanzu made quite the impression and Linda had to agree…..Kanzu was a very good listener.  And yes, he got lots of nice rewards for being a great speech therapy assistant.

 vkpachOn November 14, 2014 Kanzu and his special friend Vicki LePenske earned his second agility championship. After earning his MACH in January 2012 we made the decision for Kanzu to continue his agility career in the preferred jump height moving from 24 inch jumps to 20 inch. In the preferred class, dogs are also given a time advantage with slightly greater time to qualify on the course. The requirements for the Preferred Master Agility Championship or (PACH) are the same as for the MACH. The dog has to earn 20 Double qualifying scores and 750 points. A double Q is obtained when the dog has perfect runs and is under course time in the Jumpers and the Standard course on the same day. This is a “Double Q”. He must also have 750 points (a point is earned for each full second under course time). Kanzu and  Vicki competed together earning Kanzu’s PACH title at the Samoyed Club of LA trial in Chino. Kuyu earned a Double Q with a first place in Jumpers with Weaves and a first place and his final points in the Standard Run under judge Donna Gommer. We are so grateful to Vicki for running Kanzu to this championship and making it so much fun for him.

 
 
 
 
 
 

pachkanzu

kanzuteeter

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

20140808_120933-MOTIONFor more than 2 years Kanzu has been an active therapy dog providing pet therapy visits through the Enlighten Dog Chapter of Love on a Leash. As a certified therapy dog team Kanzu and Linda visit a variety of different types of facilities including retirement communities, library reading programs and schools.
 
In an effort to recognize dogs who do this kind of work, the American Kennel Club (AKC) developed the AKC Therapy Dog™ program and now awards official AKC titles to dogs who have worked to improve the lives of the people they have visited. AKC Therapy Dog titles can be earned only by dogs who have been certified by AKC recognized therapy dog organizations and have performed the required number of visits.
 
In August 2014 Kanzu completed the 50 visits needed for the AKC Therapy Dog (THD) title. Kanzu’s 50th visit was completed at Lynwood Learning Center where Kanzu is a regular visitor. He and the students celebrated with lots of tricks and treats for Kanzu and pizza and red velvet cake for the students and staff. It was thumbs up for everyone; human and K-9.

 
 
 

 < -----Click on photo for simulated motion effect

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

smythpuppiesKitoRidgebacks is proud to announce the arrival of the Kanzu x Smyth litter. Puppies were whelped on August 8, 2014 in Salt Lake City, Utah by Smyth’s owner, Mary Anne Draper . The litter is comprised of 6 ridged puppies with 2 boys and 4 girls.

 
 

 
 
 
Girl 1 Pink10570542_10152595342449660_6875084223554240219_n10481175_10152595342379660_1046612230614771030_n10610743_10152595342234660_5908116837751095885_n
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

kaiabifKanzu x Kayta daughter Kaia earned an amazing Best In Field (BIF) title in an AKC lure coursing trial in Junction City Oregon on 8-9-14. This was also Kaia’s first major toward her AKC Field Championship. Kaia is now BIF GCH Bakari’s Fabled Treasure Kaia. It is not common for Ridgebacks to win a BIF and Kaia did a fantastic job running first against an Ibizan hound and then in a tie breaking BIF run off with a Saluki. Great Job Kaia. When Kaia’s owners and breeders made the match with Kanzu and Kayta their hope was for their intense lure coursing passion to be passed on and even improved upon in their get. Looks like Julie and Sheri accomplished just what they were hoping for.

 
 
 

Hoagy kissing SamThe Kanzu x Salome puppies have turned 4 weeks old and are now more lively than ever. This is the middle of the first stage of socialization during which the puppies are becoming more aware of the world around them. Liz is creating an environment and presenting tasks to stimulate the puppies and to give them opportunities to succeed physically, mentally and emotionally. This physical and mental conditioning will go a long way in maximizing the genetic potential of the litter especially when it comes to future performance activities.

 
 
 
 
For videos of the puppies at 4 wks click here
 
 
 
 

Rosemary Clooney

Rosemary Clooney

Rosemary Clooney

Rosemary Clooney

Patti Page

Patti Page

Hoagy Carmichael

Hoagy Carmichael

Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith

Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole

Dinah Shore

Dinah Shore

Dinah  Shore

Dinah Shore

Dinah Shore

Dinah Shore

Hoagy and Nat

Hoagy and Nat

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Les Korcala of DogActionFotos has designed a lovely African themed two-page ad for us for the Stud Dog issue of The Ridgeback. It features Kanzu and his most recent champions. Thank you Les for such a beautiful job.
Kanzu Ad The Ridgeback Left Side FinalKanzu Ad The Ridgeback Right Side Final
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

To view more Ads Click here
The Ridgeback
2014 Stud Dog Issue
Kanzu Ad The Ridgeback Left Side Final
Kanzu Ad The Ridgeback Right Side Final
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

IMG_1365 The Kanzu x Salome puppies have turned 3 wks old. This is a really exciting phase in puppy development.  At this stage the puppies now have the use of all of their senses.  Their sight and hearing are now working well. They will be interested in toys and other visually stimulating objects in the whelping box and their environment.  It is also time for puppies to experience different locations sometimes without their littermates.  At this stage the puppies are also imprinting  not only on their mother but also on their littermates and the humans in their lives.  Puppies begin play fighting during this stage and a ‘pecking order’ will begin.  So the whelping box will be quite an active place. On their 3rd week birthday the litter was started on a gruel and they were very interested and excited to have such interesting food. Now, Liz’s nephew Sam has come to visit and help with the puppies. There will be lots of socialization going on and lots of fun to be had by all.  Be careful Sam, the puppies are imprinting on you!

 

For videos of the puppies at 3wks Click Here

 
 

photo 9photo 2photo 8photo 10photo 11photo 4

 photo 14
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 hand in handOne of Kanzu’s jobs is working as a therapy dog.  He visits many different types of facilities including retirement communities, libraries and schools.  But his favorite venue is a local alternative school.  One of the special things about this location is the small contained yard where he can walk and run and play with the kids.  One young boy has become Kanzu’s very special friend.  Dayvion was drawn to Kanzu immediately at their very first meeting.  Kanzu has many tricks and behaviors that he will do on command for Linda.  But he has never volunteered nor routinely performed these tricks for others.  Dayvion wanted Kanzu to do his tricks for him when asked.  So, he worked very hard with Linda to learn Kanzu’s special commands and hand signals.  He also had to learn how to keep commands consistent and understandable and how to reward the behaviors Kanzu performed on command while not rewarding when Kanzu did not comply.  There are so many lessons for everyone in this set of learnings. To Dayvion’s amazement and delight, after only a few short lessons Kanzu began to respond to Dayvion’s commands.  Kanzu seemed very generous with his responses often responding to Dayvion’s requests even when his body language or commands were a little confusing.  The end result  has been a special bond that has provided many opportunities for learning and discussion.  And Kanzu is a happy dog who got lots of love and treats while working.

 
 

For video of Kanzu and Davion Click Here

 

The kiss 20140725_110704 Love20140725_110718 Resting

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hoagy's cornerThe Kanzu x Salome puppies are now 2.5 weeks old. They are moving about more and walking more both forward and backward. Their eyes are open and they are very interested in their littermates and paw and chew on each other and seek out their littermates for play and for snuggles. They are vocalizing actively, frequently and loudly. Their vocalizations are also more specialized indicating different psychological states. They seem to sing together especially while eating. They have little barks and they certainly cry when they are away from their littermates for more than a few minutes. But, they are easily calmed when picked up and snuggled. They move about in their sleep and appear to have a rich dream life. They move to their potty pad at one far end of their whelping box to potty. Liz, (Salome’s human mom) has begun an early neurological stimulation program to optimize the puppies’ neurological systems and make them more resistant to stress and change in their later lives.  Salome now spends a little time each day out of the whelping box watching over her pups from a nearby futon. She often goes out to find the rest of her RR pack and brings them in to see her precious babies. But, don’t let that fool you, she is still very protective and seems to count all the puppies when she returns.

For videos of the puppies at 2.5 wks click here

Nat and Hoagy

Salome with pups

Salome with pups

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

kanzupaxOn July 17, 2014 Kanzu and Vicki earned his PAX2 (Preferred Agility Excellent) and MXPS (Master Excellent Preferred Silver) agility titles. The PAX is earned when a dog has earned 20 double qualify scores on the same day on the Jumpers with Weaves and the Standard courses. The PAX2 is the second time Kanzu has reached the 20 Double Q level. The MXPS represents 50 qualifying scores on Masters Preferred Standard courses. Kanzu and Vicki are now under 100 points toward his Preferred Height Agility Championship. As always, Kanzu loves running with Vicki and never misses an opportunity to give her big kisses and let her know how much fun he has running with her.

Click Here to see Kanzu’s PAX2 runs

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Kuyu RetrievesAsk a group of Ridgeback owners about the breed’s  reaction to water and swimming and a lively conversation will ensue. Most Ridgeback owners will tell you that their Ridgebacks view water as ‘acid’. There will be a host of humorous stories about how their dogs were walking on the beach and as a wave came in and touched them they jumped as if they had received an electric shock. Others will tell you how hard they tried to get their Ridgeback to swim and the dog rebelled with all the stubbornness the breed has to offer. But on the other hand, a few owners will tell stories of how much their Ridgeback loves to swim. Some will say that if a Ridgeback is exposed to water early in its development and in a positive playful manner they will be more likely to swim. Short of some sort of social experiment, we have no way of knowing what percentage of the breed are innately  happy to swim. I have had both types. But I discovered quite by accident that Kuyu is a swimming machine and Kanzu is happy to be in there as well although more to please his mom than because of any natural affinity.  I originally took Kanzu to swim when he was actively competing in agility in order to get exercise that would not add additional stress to his back. But Kuyu who came along for some exercise as well, stole the show and showed how much he thinks he is a Labrador Retriever. Below are some photos and videos of the first few sessions that Kanzu and Kuyu had in the water. Some of the videos included in this post were taken in the summer of 2013 when Kuyu and Kanzu began swimming with Chelsea Conway who at the time did K-9 water therapy. We will always be grateful to Chelsea for introducing swimming to Kanzu and Kuyu and making it so fun for them.

 

Click Here for video sequence of Kuyu as he learns to swim

Click Here for videos sequence of Kanzu as he learns to swim

Click Here for videos of Kuyu and Kanzu swimming summer 2014

Kuyu swims with Linda

Everybody gets wet Kuyu Swims after 4 sessionsIMG_2176Kanzu Swim 5-23-13 2Kuyu favorite toy

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

salomepup

Ridgebacks of the Highland Rim is proud to announce the arrival of the highly anticipated Kanzu x Salome litter. Puppies were whelped on July 3, 2014 in Nashville TN by Salome’s owner, Liz Mask. The litter is made up of 6 ridged puppies with 2 boys and 4 girls. The puppies in the “Firecracker Litter” have litter names from The Great American Songbook.  Meet Kanzu and Salome’s puppies with their first photos below  Watch here for frequent updates of this beautiful litter as they grow and develop.

 
 

For video of the Kanzu x Salome Litter at 3 days click here

 

 
 
 
 
 

#1 Hoagie Carmichael-Red Boy

#1 Hoagie Carmichael-Red Boy

#2 Dinah Shore-Orange Girl

#2 Dinah Shore-Orange Girl

#3 Rosemary Clooney-Yellow Girl

#3 Rosemary Clooney-Yellow Girl

#4 Bessie Smith-Bright Green Girl

#4 Bessie Smith-Bright Green Girl

#5 Nat King Cole-Dark Green Boy

#5 Nat King Cole-Dark Green Boy

# 6 Patti Page-Aqua Girl

# 6 Patti Page-Aqua Girl

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

kanzuvetKanzu turned 7 years old in July 2013 making him eligible to show as a veteran at dog shows that have the class available. In January 2014 Kanzu showed at the Rose City Cluster in Portland Oregon at a Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the US (RRCUS) supported entry. He was shown by Julie Eschilling who just 2 years earlier had chosen Kanzu to breed to her girl Kayta. Julie is now the owner/co-owner of several Kanzu x Kayta puppies and it was a special event to have her and Kanzu show together in the ring at the same show with 5 of Kanzu x Kayta puppies in the ring on the same day. With quite steep competition Judge John Bradfeldt awarded Kanzu Best in Veteran Sweepstakes making for a very special win.

Kanzu and Co-Owner/Breeder Julie Eschilling.

Kanzu and Co-Owner/Breeder Julie Eschilling.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The 2014 Rose City Cluster of dog shows in Portland Oregon was the opportunity for several of the Kanzu x Kayta litter to come together for the first Dragon Litter Family Reunion.  Five of the Kanzu x Kayta offspring showed in the 4 days of conformation shows.  On Thursday Jan 16th Logan, Bakari’s Logan Msaka was first in the Open Class.  On Friday Jan 17 Pilot, Bakari’s Lucky Dragon Flight was 1st in a large Bred By Exhibitor Class and Reserve Winners Dog.  On Saturday the 18th, Kanzu won Best Veteran in Sweepstakes and daughter Kaia, Bakari’s Fabled Treasure Kaia was Select Bitch.  Finally on Sunday, Pilot again won the Bred By Exhibitor class and Kaia earned her Grand Championship with a best of Opposite Sex.  Kara, Bakari’s Firestar Karisma and Kuyu, Bakari Tigris African Legacy both did some lovely showing and made us all proud.  After the formal showing there was time for some family photos.  It was a very, very special opportunity to see Kanzu and Kayta’s get all together and to renew K-9 and human connections.

Left to Right:  Kanzu-Kuyu-Logan-Kayta-Pilot-Kaia

………Kanzu…………………… Kuyu………………………………. Logan……………………… Kayta………………………… Pilot………………… Kaia……

 

Kanzu and Kara

Kanzu and Kara