We had a second loss in 2016 (after saying goodbye to Charlie in May) when Mika passed away later in the summer.  She was diagnosed with glaucoma in late 2013 and was treated with eye drops to keep her pressures down.  She saw her ophthalmology specialist several times a year, but eventually her medication no longer controlled the pressure in her left eye.  Because Mika was virtually deaf, and because the right eye would probably be fully afflicted within six months, we elected to let her go, rather than doing surgery.  We miss her.

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Our first Welsh Springer, Elena, was so much fun that when our older daughter took over training and showing her, I just had to have a puppy of my own.  And so Elena's half-sister Mika joined us in March 2002.  Despite my novice handling, Mika finished her championship with three major wins and earned her title at the age of 2-1/2.  She did well in junior showmanship classes with both of our daughters showing her.  At the 2007 American Spaniel Club show, our younger daughter showed Mika in best of breed and made the second cut.  She was only 9 at the time, the youngest person in the ring, and seeing her hold her own with the top handlers and winning dogs of the day gave her mom a thrill.

August 2004

Mika is balanced and has good depth of body.  We like her correct rib-to-loin proportions and her ground-covering trot.  She still moves out cleanly and enjoys romping in the yard with the other dogs.

Mika has given us three lovely litters, sired by CH Rysan's Just For Me, Am/Can. CH Alzahna's Morgan Silverstone, and CH Fanfare Swingn Onthe Fairway RN TD OA NAJ.  We kept Charlie from the first litter and Holly from the third.  She has produced healthy, happy dogs that we are quite pleased with.  All of her puppies that have been tested have OFA Good or Excellent hips and normal elbows, thyroid and eyes.

Mika is retired from breeding and showing, but at 14  she still has a twinkle in her eye.  She trots around the back yard and even breaks into a canter for short spells.  She no longer has her obsession with toys, but she's always up for ear rubs and chest scratches.

 
American Spaniel Club show, January 2007

 
May 2007

 
American Spaniel Club show, January 2009

Leaping for joy, age 14

Still loving her ball

May 2008