"Elise"

Interviewed in The Global Toy Spaniel, Rachel Venier had this to say:

"We have had a lot of special moments in the breed, some small but personally meaningful. But I think that every breeder wants to win their National Specialty with a dog that they bred. Ch. Orchard Hill Easier Said, JW, won the 2008 ACKCSC National Specialty from the 12-18 month puppy bitch class.

In 2007, Rocky won the AKC National and Party Shoes was Best of Opposite Sex under Judge Di Fry (Amantra, UK). I didn't think the thrill could be topped. But Mom could not stay to celebrate the wins because she had a new-born puppy at home that was not thriving. The dogs come first, always. So the evening of winning the National and Best of Opposite, Mom was in a box tube-feeding a days-old Blenheim bitch. One year later, that puppy won her own ACKCSC National for us (Judge Annette Jones, Timsar, UK). It was indeed "easier said." "

~ Rachel Venier, The Global Toy Spaniel

From the beginning "Elise" was special. In 2008 she made her AKC debut at the Progressive Toy Dog Specialty winning Reserve Winner's Bitch, Best Puppy and Puppy Group Three. Two days later at the Meadowlands CKCSC Specialty she was Best in Sweeps under Father Bryan Timby and Winner's Bitch, Best of Winners and Best of Breed over all the Specials under UK breeder-judge Mr. Peter Hill (Montcolly).

Elise was still a baby and although the wins were not expected, they were well-understood by many accomplished breeders present that day.

In May, 2008, at the CKCSC-USA National weekend, in Tarrytown, New York, Orchard Hill Easier Said (Elise) began the weekend by winning Best Puppy in Sweeps under USA Judge Mrs. Vanessa Weber (Kenjockety.)

On Saturday at the Trudy Albrecht Memorial Rally Elise was Best Puppy Bitch and Award of Merit under noted UK breeder-judge Mr. Gordon Inglis (Craigowl.) The following day she was Best Puppy in Show under UK breeder judge Mrs. Lorraine Gillhespy.

Ten days later (May, 2008) Elise traveled to California for the ACKCSC National Specialty where she was Winner's Bitch, Best of Winner's and Best of Breed under UK breeder/judge Annette Jones (Timsar) in an entry of close to 330 Cavaliers.

The following day Elise was Winners Bitch again for her third 5-point Specialty major to complete her championship under Swedish breeder-judge Mr. Jan Tornbloom (Hackensack.)

For us, producing a dog which is recognized by one's peers either in the Breed ring or as a producer is the soul of the sport. Real breeders understand the journey.