Thank You To Our Customers!

Before the clock runs out on another year Brandykegs would like to thank all our customers for their patronage this year.  In these difficult economic times, your business was very much appreciated. We hope you will visit our store again next year, 2012.  May the New Year bring you health, happiness, and prosperity. Thank you for shopping at Brandykegs Store!

Lady Lyndon

Have You Ever Felt Like This?

NOT GONNA GO
Oh Boy! Here's the premium list for a Show!
Oh no! Not that one! We're "not" gonna go!
Remember last year how we swore lose or win
That we'd never set foot on these show grounds again?
It was hot, it was dirty. and not enough shade,
The inadequate benching was so poorly made. 
The entry was lousy in bitches and dogs,
And they charged way too much for their bad catalogues.
The rings were so distant and located far 
From the quagmire where we abandoned the car 
That we nearly collapsed from having to pack 
The dogs, crates and penning over and back.
And we nearly expired from hunger and thirst, 
'Cause the food and drink set-up was truly the worst. 
And the ring was so small and on uneven ground; 
There were stickers and weeds and debris all around,
And it's too far to travel for just one old show 
So throw out the entries: we're not gonna go! 
We'll stay home and loaf and relax and be glad 
For no bathing, nail trimming, and rushing like mad.
No hitting the road at the dawn's early light, 
No dragging home beat in the still of the night. 
Just think of all the time and expense 
We'll save by just using our good common sense.
However, there "is" one small thing I'll concede: 
I would like to watch while they're judging our breed. 
Say, I'll tell you what! Why don't we just go 
As leisurely spectators viewing the show?
What a treat it will be to sit ringside with ease 
And after the judging, just leave when we please. 
No bother with dogs and all their regalia, 
And all of the various paraphernalia.
But. as long as we'll be there, what could be wrong 
With 'just for fun' taking one dog along? 
OK! We'll take one. But the problem is: which? 
A pup? The special? A dog or a bitch? 
If we took a puppy it would just be for fun 
But we could sure use the points if the dog or bitch won.
We'll never decide - it's no use to stall. 
Dig out the entries - We'll enter them all! 
But if it turns out as bad as we fear, 
We'll really and truly stay home "next" year!
Reprinted from Lenape Lines via The Gateway Golden Gazette
 Copyright © John White & Gill White 1998 - 2006

Saint Fancier Magazine

This is a great Saint Bernard Magazine, published by the Saint Bernard Club of America.  There are four issues each year; Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.  Visit the SBCA website for details on becoming a subscriber.

Time Capsules

Looking for something to do on New's Years Eve or Day, how about a time capsule?  It is a great time to put one together with family and friends around.  You could give your time capsule a theme or just put typical items from your everyday life inside.  Someone will need to be assigned with the safekeeping of the capsule, decide upon the time frame for when it will be opened. 

We put one together several years ago, it is locked away for 25 years.  Here are some ideas to include in a capsule:

• current photos of your time capsule group
• business cards with your current position listed
• currency (it does seem to change)
• list of grocery items and their current cost
• news worthy events local, national, or global
• goals for the future

2011 AKC Eukanuba National Winners

Move A Mountain Isabella won Best of Breed for Saint Bernards at the 2011 AKC Eukanuba National Championship.  The breeder/owner of  Move A Mountain Isabella is Maria Cecilia Salas.  Congratulations on your win from Brandykegs!


The 2011 AKC Eukanuba National Championship Group Results:


The Working Group

1. Boxer   GCH CH Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream
2. Portuguese Water Dog   GCH CH Spyglass's Legend Of Bahia
3. Newfoundland   CH Good As Gold Anmalamual Del Basaburua
4. Standard Schnauzer   GCH CH Charisma Maxim Von Diable

The Sporting Group

1. Cocker Spaniel Black   GCH CH Casablanca's Thrilling Seduction
2. Pointer   GCH CH Chesterhope Sharp As
3. Cocker Spaniel Black   GCH CH Casablanca's Thrilling Seduction
4. Irish Setter   GCH CH Greengate The Boss At Beaubriar RN

The Hound Group

1. Harrier   GCH CH Downhome Hitech Innovator
2. Pharaoh Hound   GCH CH Northgate's As You Like It
3. Whippet   GCH CH Sporting Fields Bahama Sands
4. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen   GCH CH Jodell Boogie Back To Texas

The Terrier Group

1. Wire Fox Terrier   GCH CH Steele Your Heart
2. Smooth Fox Terrier   GCH CH Slyfox Sneak's A Peek
3. Skye Terrier   GCH CH Cragsmoor Buddy Goodman
4. GCH CH Meadowlake Simply Sinful

The Toy Group

1. Affenpinscher   GCH CH Banana Joe V. Tani Kazari
2. Brussels Griffon   GCH CH Cashnross' First Griff Tina Fey
3. Maltese   GCH CH Scylla's Small Kraft Re-Lit
4. Miniature Pinscher   GCH CH Marlex Classic Red Glare

The Non-Sporting Group

1. Standard Poodle   GCH CH Jaset's Satisfaction
2. Xoloitzcuintli   Tecoman (Avalos)
3. Tibetan Spaniel   GCH CH Wassong's Djebel Of Lollipop
4. Bulldog   GCH CH Considine Exact Classic Cooper

The Herding Group

1. German Shepherd Dog   GCH CH Babheim's Captain Crunch
2. Smooth Collie   GCH CH Bit O Heavens Sorceress
3. Cardigan Welsh Corgi   GCH CH Aubrey's Tails Of Mystery
4. Bouvier des Flandres   GCH CH Rocheuses Me And My Shadow Of Cornus

Congratulations to all the winners!

First Day of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community, and culter. Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 to January 1.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Brandykegs!

Bet You Can't Own Just One

BET YOU CAN’T OWN JUST ONE

Why own a Show dog? There's a danger you know.
You can't own just one, for the craving will grow.

There's no doubt they're addictive, wherein lies the danger
While living with lots, you'll grow poorer and stranger.

One dog is not trouble, and two are so funny,
the third one is easy, the fourth one's a honey.

The fifth is delightful, the sixth one's a breeze.
You find you can live with a houseful, with ease.

So how 'bout another? Would you really dare?
They're really quite easy, but Oh Lord, the hair!

With dogs on the sofa, and dogs on the bed,
And crates in the kitchen, it's no bother, you said.

They're really no trouble, their manners are great.
What's just one more dog and one more little crate?

The sofa is hairy, the windows are crusty.
The floor is all footprints, the furniture's dusty.

The housekeeping suffers, but what do you care?
Who minds a few nose prints and a little more hair?

So let's keep a puppy, you can always find room.
And a little more time for the dust cloth and broom.

There's hardly a limit to the dogs you can add.
The thought of a cutback, sure makes you feel sad

.
Each one is so special, so useful, so funny.
The food bill grows larger, you owe the vet money.

Your folks never visit, few friends come to stay,
except other dog folks who live the same way.

Your lawn has now died and your shrubs are dead too,
Your weekends are busy, you're off with your crew.

There's dog food and vitamins, training and shots
and entries and travel, and motels cost lots.

Is it worth it, you wonder? Are you caught in a trap?
Then that favorite comes up and climbs in your lap.

Her look says you're special and you know that you will
keep all the critters in spite of the bill.

Some just for showing, and some just to breed,
and some just for loving, they all fill a need.

Winter is a hassle, but the dogs love it true,
And they must have their walks though you are numb and blue.

Late evening is awful, you scream and you shout
at the dogs on the sofa, who refuse to go out.

The dogs and the dog shows, the travel, the thrills
the work and the worry, the pleasure, the bills.

The whole thing seems worth it, the dogs are your life.
They're charming and funny and offset the strife.

Your lifestyle has changed, things just won't be the same.
Yes, those dogs are addictive and so's the dog game.

Author Unknown

Just Two Days Till Christmas

If you live somewhere that is cold, be sure to provide shelter for your dogs.  A good rule of thumb is this, if it too cold for you to spend extended periods of time outdoors then the same is true for your dogs.

Winter Begins

Our daylight hours are shorter and our nights are longer.

First Day of Hanukkah

Hanukkah is an eight day Jewish holiday celebrating the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

On The Twelfth Day Of Christmas

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me twelve drummers drumming

On The Eleventh Day Of Christmas

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me eleven pipers piping

On The Tenth Day Of Christmas

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ten lords a leaping

On The Ninth Day Of Christmas

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me nine ladies dancing

On The Eighth Day Of Christmas

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me eight maids a milking

On The Seventh Day Of Christmas

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven swans a swimming

On The Sixth Day Of Christmas

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six geese a laying

On The Fifth Day Of Christmas

On the fifth day of Christmas my true gave to me five gold rings

On The Fourth Day Of Christmas

On the fourth day of Christmas my true gave to me four calling birds

The Third Day Of Christmas

On the third day of Christmas my true gave to me three French hens

On The Second Day Of Christmas

On the second day of Christmas my true gave to me two turtle doves

On The First Day Of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - cont.

I hope you will find these suggestions useful.  That first Saint Bernard puppy is a unique experience for everyone; one you will look back upon with fond remembrance.  A Saint Bernard is not for everyone, but for those of us privileged enough to share our lives and home with them find that our lives have been enriched beyond description.  I know my Saints have made my life better; each Saint Bernard is unique and your relationship with them will be as well.  Enjoy that little ball of fluff; you are in for the ride of your life!

Brandykegs Saint Bernards

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - continues

Teeth cleaning and x-raying for hip dysplasia is not necessary during the first year of a puppy’s life.  If there were any major deformities they should have been noted by your vet during their initial examination of your puppy.  Saint Bernard puppies grow so quickly that first year, that early x-raying will not give an accurate picture of problems.  If your puppy is lame for extended periods of time, or has difficulty getting up or down, then x-raying is beneficial; however it you have a healthy active puppy then this is not necessary till they are older.  Your puppy/dog has to be sedated for teeth cleaning or x-rays; this is not something you want to do more often than is absolutely necessary.

Brandykegs Saint Bernards

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - cont.

Enrolling your puppy in a training class is a great idea; you learn training techniques and more socializing occurs during class time.    Make sure your puppy is around handicapped individuals, those in wheelchairs, those with canes.  Be sure they meet a wide age range of individuals; babies to elderly.  Large or tall people, people with hats, people with bulky coats. Try to include as much variety as possible with dogs, puppies, and other animals as well.  You will want your puppy to be well rounded when it comes to other dogs/animals and people.    Socializing and training should occur during your dog’s entire life.

Brandykegs Saint Bernards

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - continues

It is not a good idea to take your young puppy to a dog park for a socializing encounter.  So many loose dogs can be a bit overwhelming for your young pup.  You really want to strive to make socializing encounters a positive experience; not something scary.  If your young puppy has a bad experience, you may have a difficult time helping them recover from it.  In some cases puppies are permanently scarred from a bad encounter.  Aggression can become a major behavior problem; underlying causes for aggression are fear, territorial dominance, and pain.  Once aggression is established in a puppy or dog, it cannot be fixed.  You can be taught how to deal with the aggression, but it will not go away once it is established. 

Brandykegs Saint Bernards

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - cont.

Socializing and training your puppy is very important. Actually it began before you got your puppy; the breeder on a daily basis handles the puppies. They touch their paws, expose them to different textures, acclimate them to noises (like a vacuum), just to name a couple of things. It is crucial that during the first six months that you make every effort to socialize and train your puppy on a daily basis.  As soon as they have their first shots, the socializing and training should begin.  It is best to control the situation for the first socializing encounter.  You should know the people, dogs, cats personally. These first socializing encounters should be a positive experience for your puppy. 

Brandykegs Saint Bernards

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - cont.

Puppy proof your yard, you want to make sure that they cannot get out of your yard.  Check to see if you have poisonous plants or shrubs.  Puppies will get into mischief, so be prepared.  Puppies will dig; and they will chew on a huge variety of things. It is not a good idea to leave a Saint Bernard puppy alone for extended periods of time, some very serious behavior issues can develop.  Be a good neighbor and don’t let your puppy be a barking nuisance.

Brandykegs Saint Bernards

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - continues

Prior to bringing you puppy home, you should have a food bowl, water bowl, toys, collar, and leash.  It is a good idea to purchase a weighted bottom food and water bowl, this type is not as easily knocked over.  A 1 inch wide and 4 to 6 foot long leash is a good choice.  Retractable leashes are never a good idea with the large breed dogs.  Some people prefer choke collars, other use just a regular collar, keep in mind the Saint Bernard puppy will grow quickly and you will have to purchase a series of sizes.  Nylabones are excellent for chewing; do not give your Saint Bernard rawhide!  Get an ID tag for your puppy’s collar; consider having them micro chipped as well.  A dog crate can be very useful; it is not cruel to use a crate.  Your puppy will often view a crate as a safe haven.

Brandykegs Saint Bernards 

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - cont.

Saint Bernard puppies are adorable and will easily steal your heart.  Puppies should be a minimum of 7 weeks old before they leave their litter mates.  Many breeders do not allow them to leave till they are 8 to 10 weeks old.  This is a better age because by 8 weeks they will have their first shots and have been wormed as well.  It is very important that you take your new puppy to your veterinarian for a physical examination.  They can advise you of any health concerns, plus they will insure that your puppy receives all the necessary vaccinations.  There are a series of vaccinations that all puppies should receive; they are usually given at two week intervals.  The rabies vaccination is required in all states; it is given at 4 months of age.  If the veterinarian tells you that something is wrong with your puppy, you should return it to the breeder.  The reputable breeder guarantees their puppies for a certain time period.  If you have to return a puppy, be sure to bring paperwork from your veterinarian stating what the problem is.  Rarely does someone have to return a puppy, but it does happen.

Brandykegs Saint Bernards