Ivy’s little ones are two weeks already, and I couldn’t be more in love with these little beagle babies. I did DNA swabs on them this week, and so in 4-6 weeks we should know for sure if Nick or Max or both are the daddy’s of these little ones.
Ivy is a wonderful and attentive mom. The babies are starting to move about the whelping area and so Ivy is enjoying the bed we have given her so she can take a little break from time to time.
Their little eyes are starting to open – I know this week will come more changes and toddling about.
Enjoy these photos of them from this week <3
Lincoln (Boy 1 – with the lighter color)
Grant (Boy 2 – with the white spot on his butt)
Girl 1: Monroe (Biggest girl with a backwards L on her neck)
Girl 2: Jackie (after Jackie Kennedy – girl with an upside down “T” on her neck”)
Girl 3: Betsy (after Besty Ross – girl with an “I” on her neck”)
Ivy is a wonderful mother. The babies are well fed and always sparkly clean. She loves to come out for snuggles and belly rubs and then is quick to go for a potty break and back to her mothering duties.
A good dam is worth her weight in gold and Ivy is worth every ounce. <3
We wont know who the sire of this litter is until DNA comes back in 6-7 weeks – stay tuned 🙂 Is it Nick or Maxim?
I took some pretty pictures of them – I am going to call them the President’s Week Litter since they were born the same week as President’s Day.
Without further Ado – introducing
Lincoln (Boy 1 – with the lighter color)
Grant (Boy 2 – with the white spot on his butt)
Girl 1: Monroe (Biggest girl with a backwards L on her neck)
Girl 2: Jackie (after Jackie Kennedy – girl with an upside down “T” on her neck”)
Girl 3: Betsy (after Besty Ross – girl with an “I” on her neck”)
Ivy decided that she wanted to take her sweet time to bring her babies into the world. I had her EDD as Monday or Tuesday. Both days she was restless and showing signs of starting but not really being serious yet.
By Weds i had her checked – her progesterone showed that she wasn’t quite ready and her fetal heartbeats were strong and normal, so I opted to wait it out a little more.
I had a camera on her at all times, and pretty much walked around with it, so I could watch her but also give her space. She loved sleeping in weird positions – especially burying herself under all the blankets.
Wednesday night, she panted a lot and her temp dropped so I knew we were on track for things to progress. It was a long night of digging, restlessness and panting with sleep and potty breaks in between. I “slept” right beside the pen.
Around 5:30am she was wanting me to be with her. I figured she was getting closer. She vomited a little and her fluid bubble came out and popped. I knew we would be seeing a baby in the next few hours (if not sooner).
Sure enough, just before 7am, we had some major pushing and our first baby was born – a baby boy – 10.45oz
Ivy went right to work taking care of him – she is really wonderful momma.
Around 8am she started pushing again and we had our first girl – 10.95oz
By 8:15 baby number 3 was born – Ivy wasn’t wasting time – another boy – 11.10oz – they kept getting bigger!
at 8:45 baby number 4 arrived – another girl – 10.20oz
Ivy then settled in with her 4 pups. I was pretty sure I could feel one more high in the horn – i knew she would need some time for it to move down into the birthing canal. I was right, and at 10:40 our final baby girl arrived – 10.45oz.
Ivy has had 2 litters now and she is my only girl to have more girls than boys both time. Well done Ivy girl.
Now we will need to wait a few days and DNA test to see if Nick or Maxim is the daddy of these pups. It will be fun trying to figure it out in the meantime.
Momma Ivy and the babies are all doing well – thank you to everyone who has messaged. <3
Following my last post about kindness, I wanted to say what a great weekend it was at the dog show. I often say “Community over Competition” and this weekend was no exception. Thank you to Malia, Dolly, Sami and Kayla for helping whenever it was needed ringside or even in the ring this weekend.
On Thursday before I got there, Kayla and miss Potato (Vada) CH Kazuri N Joyful Noise Sunshine on a Cloudy Day, bred by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns and co-owned by Sarah & Kayla Bonnin went BOV under judge Mr Jon R Cole and a lovely OHGroup 3 under judge Mrs Laura Reeves.
Our first show day was Friday, under judge Dr Daniel W Dowling, my 6 month old Skylar (Youngsong Chasing Dreams at Outwest bred and co-owned by Lisa Young and Jenni Neift, and co-owned by myself) went WB/BOV over 4 specials for a 5 point major in 13s. This was her first time in the ring, as BPUP wasn’t available while she was eligible. I was so proud of her. Miss Bella was RWB to her. In 15s, Nashville (Kazuri N JoyfulNoise Appearing At the Opry bred by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns, owned by Sarah Sweetman, Mike & Karen Kurtnzer and Lisa Young) won RWD to a competitive 4 point major.
Saturday, under judge Mr John P Wade, in his second weekend in the ring, Leo, (Kazuri N Wonderlust Trouble At the Top bred by Sarah Sweetman & Malia Throop, owned by Jaycee Barrett) went WD/BOS for a 5 point major going over several specials.
In 13s Bella (Kazuri N JoyfulNoise Little Miss Sunshine bred by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns, owned by Sarah Sweetman) won WB. Bella is the littermate of Nashville. 13 inch RWB went to Alice (Wonderlust N Kazuri Curiosity Leads To Trouble bred by Sarah Sweetman & Malia Throop, owned by Malia) from the BBE puppy class – she is the littermate sister of Leo.
On Sunday, under judge Mr Jamie Hubbard, in 15s Leo went WD again for another CH point. RWD went to Bro (Kazuri N Wonderlust Trouble’s A Brewin @ Cloudpoint bred by Sarah Sweetman & Malia Throop, co-owned by Amie McLaughlin & Garrison Sharp) from the BBE puppy class – he is the littermate brother of Leo & Alice. Bella won 13s WB again, with Skylar RWB. Savannah (GCHB Kazuri’s Gonna Be Peachy CGC TKN FDC DCAT bred by Sarah Sweetman and co-owned with Malia Throop) went Select and OHBOV for a 5 GCH points.
Last but not least, 5 month old puppy Cardi B (Kazuri’s A Little Sweet A Little Spicy bred and owned by Sarah Sweetman) played in the BPUP ring. She won Hound Group 2 on Saturday under judge Theresa M Lyons, and on Sunday (thanks to Kayla and Dolly getting her to the ring on time) she won Hound Group 1 under judge Mr John Mayhall.
It would a travesty to not mention that my wonderful friend Dolly Stearns and her husband John were the “hosts with the most” for the weekend and provided a wonderful space to hang out in their new RV, helped with dog care and meals. Amazing! I am so thankful to my travel partner extraordinaire, Malia, who took every stressful moment with care and kindness – I was so thankful for her steady “it’ll be okay “ attitude.
I would also like to say I loved getting to see my beloved friends Mike and Karen Kurtzner, who were visiting the West Coast from their home in TN. While my car troubles didn’t allow for much one on one chatting time during the day, I was grateful to wrap my arms around them, and share the ring with them. I loved seeing their beautiful dogs Lolli and Denver and cheer them on. Lolli and Denver’s littermate Blanche is the dam of my little girl Skylar. Denver is the sire of Bella and Nashville. Lolli and Denver are also ½ siblings (same sire) as my beloved Callie and Murphy. Not to mention their breeders Lisa and Jenni are great friends – So, cheering for them is so easy as it feels like family – because it is!
It was also so fun to hang out a little bit with Kayla, Sami, Carrie, Serena, Jonah and Hannah and Ashley. I love this beagle community and cheering everyone on! Every kennel represented had their day or even days in the ribbons and I couldn’t be more proud of this community – it shows the quality is deep in this area for the winning to be spread around and the judges having a hard decision to make. I always enjoy showing when there are more people to show with.
This weekend Malia and I drove to Portland to show our beagles there.
My Cadillac, affectionately known as Ken, decided that it didn’t want to start one morning – it was 5:30am and all was dark except one truck that had its lights on.
I sheepishly approached the driver and asked if they had a jumper cable. He called his work mates over and they all pointed their “griffin fluid management”trucks at my Ken to give us light, and after trying to jumpstart it for an hour in the freezing cold, one guy Mac told us he would be happy to drive us from the hotel to the show site so we could get our 8am ring time. We made it. (That post coming next)
While he didn’t have to do it – Mac kindly offered, taking Malia and I 10 miles in the opposite direction of his job site that day. He even came by the next day to check on us.
Later that day, I needed to meet AAA back at the hotel, and David Bert kindly lent me his truck so I didn’t have to catch an uber.
The world is crazy right now, but there are good people everywhere, doing little acts of kindness to fellow humans.
My weekend was overwhelming – 3 AAA call outs to start what I thought was a dead battery, which meant i neever knew if we were going to make it to the showsite on time and I arrived feeling scrambled and disheveled. For those ringside who didn’t know I am sure I just looked like a crazy woman
On Sunday, it culminated in me leaving the engine running in the car park while I ran in and showed my dogs (praying my car wouldn’t be stolen), and then packed it, and drove it home to Seattle, as I was advised not to switch the engine off as the starter was going and it was only a matter of time before it didn’t start again….its now safely at the mechanic where they will hopefully change the starter this week
Thank you also to unsung heroes Dolly and John Stearns and Malia Throop for helping through the chaos, meals and helping with my dogs. Thank you to Kayla Bonnin for coming to the hotel and picking up my baby puppy Cardi B so she could show in baby puppy. And for the hugs when the overwhelm was just too much and my tears wouldn’t stop flowing.
Every year I am amazed at the things I achieved in my breeding program and 2025 is no exception. I will say, it’s not just me – it takes a village and I am grateful for the people who have put their trust in me and my breeding program as we partner and work towards bettering the breed for these incredible dogs.
This is how our year went 🙂
NICK – MBIS MBISS GCHP Kazuri’s All I Want For Christmas CGCU ATT FDC BCAT – Nick came to live with me (Sarah) late 2024. There are not many shows in the early part of the year, and so I focused on bonding with him. We started in March and since then have obtained countess OH group placements, OH BIS and OHRBIS. We finished the 2024-25 NOHS year in #2 position, and the 2025-26 spot we are in 1st place for now. He ended the year as the #7 15 inch beagle. Nick and I garnered 45 BOVs, 1 RBIS and 4 Hound Group 1s, 2 Hound group 3’s and 3 Hound group 4’s. We needed 315 points for his GCH Double Platinum, and now need around 70 points to complete that goal. What a year! He is bred and owned by Sarah Sweetman, Mike and Karen Kurtzner
Murphy – BIS BISS GCHS Kazuri’s Everything’s Gonna Be Alright has mostly been shown by Randy Benns and they have become quite a team together. This year they finished in the #2 13 inch beagle spot and have achieved 57 BOV, 1 BIS, 6 Hound group 1s, 20 Hound Group placements. Murphy has just turned 3, so I think the best is coming yet. He was bred by Sarah Sweetman, Mike and Karen Kurtzner and is owned by Sarah Smith-Falkner, Sarah Sweetman and Ruth Sampson.
Savannah – GCHB Kazuri’s Gonna Be Peachy – Vannah Voo finished the NOHS year in the #4 spot qualifying her to compete in the prestigious Orlando NOHS spot. I am so proud of Malia and Vannah and the hard work they put in week after week. They also ended the year in the top 20 for 13 inch beagles! Savannah was bred by Sarah Sweetman and is owned by Malia Throop & Sarah Sweetman
Lucy – GCHB Wilderness You Can’t Take My Sass finished her Bronze GCH with limited showing this year. We are very proud of this sassy little miss who also garnered some lovely OH Group placements in her limited showing. She was bred by Diane Cazier & Cheyenne Wohlschlegel and is owned by Malia Throop & Sarah Sweetman
And now for the New Champion list – make yourself a cup of tea – it’s long 🙂
DeeJay (13 inch) – CH Kazuri’s Do You Get DeJa Vu – DeeJay finished under breeder judge Oleg Voloshin for her 4th major – including a Group 3 from the Bred By classes. She was bred and is owned by Sarah Sweetman, Mike and Karen Kurtzner
Vada (or Potato) (13 inch) – CH Kazuri N Joyful Noise Sunshine On A Cloudy Day – Vada won several Bpup Hound groups before making her debut as a 7 month old at the INBC beagle specialty. Unfortunately, I had entered her as a 15 inch, and she was clearly a 13 so no points that day, Howver, she did win 15 inch Bred By and then Best Bred by in show that day under judge Dana Cline. Since then, she garnered her CH title in 13s quickly including several Group placements and BOV wins over specials. She was bred by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns and is owned by Kayla Bonnin & Sarah Sweetman. She is littermate to Lyric and Beacon below
Lyric (13 inch) – CH Joyful Noise N Kazuri Sound Of Sunshine- Lyric quickly finished her CH title as a 7 month old at the INBC beagle specialty winning BOS to her brother over specials. She garnered her CH title in 13s in a couple of weekends including a lovely 5 point major by getting a group 2 as a 6 month old! She was bred by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns and is owned by Dolly Stearns & Ruthie Tesky. She is littermate to Potato and Beacon below
Beacan (13 inch) CH Kazuri N Joyful Noise Sunshine Of Your Love – Beacon got his AKC CH title on his 8 month birthday. His most notable win was BOV was from the Bred By Puppy class at the INBC beagle specialty, beating his dad Murphy. He was bred and owned by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns. He is littermate to Lyric and Potato
Mac (15 inch) CH Kazuri’s Lettuce Turnip The Beef – Mac finished his CH title with some wonderful WD wins. Mac was bred by Sarah Sweetman and is owned by Chelsea T
Mac’s littermate sister Pickles (15 inch) CH Kazuri’s Gonna Be A Big Dill won WB the same day allowing both a 5 point major and finishing their titles together. It was a very fun day! Pickles is bred by Sarah Sweetman and owned by Sarah Smith-Falkner and Sarah Sweetman
Gypsy (15 inch) CH JoyfulNoise N Kazuri Just Lace and Paper Flowers – Gypsy finished her CH title with 4 majors. Gyp is bred by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns and owned by Sarah Sweetman Gypsy’s littermates also finished – Ozzy and Whimsy
Whimsy (15 inch) CH JoyfulNoise N Kazuri Just Glitter In The Wind – Whim finished from the BBE class and is bred by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns and owned by Dolly Stearns & Ruthie Tesky. Her littermates also finished – Ozzy and Gypsy
Ozzy (15 inch) CH Kazuri N JoyfulNoise Just Over The Rainbow – is 4 singles away from his GCH also after 2 weekends as a special. Ozzy is bred by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns and owned by Tesla Sabatier, Dolly Stearns & Sarah Sweetman
Reese (15 inch) CH Belamie’s Everything Goes With Pink at Kazuri – Reese arrived to us in WA in October 2025, and became a new champion in Nov 2025 and 3 weekends in the ring. She is the daughter of Kazuri’s homebred CH Shelby, sister of Callie and Murphy. Bred by Pat Plana & Harmoni Plana and owned by Sarah Sweetman. She also finished her CH the same weekend as her littermate sister Bliss, that Pat kept for herself – so fun.
Malibu (15 inch) CH Kazuri’s Blue Skies Over Malibu – Blu-berry was shown sporadically and finished in just a few weekends. He was bred by Sarah Sweetman and owned by Malia Throop & Sarah Sweetman
Basil (15 inch) CH JoyfulNoise It Takes A Lot More Than Fancy Flying – bred by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns, owned by Dolly Stearns & Ruthie Tesky. Finished in style by John Stearns
Chase (15 inch) CH Kazuri’s Chasing The Dream. Finished with 3 majors. He was bred and owned by Sarah Sweetman, Mike and Karen Kurtzner
Elphaba (15 inch) CH Kazuri’s No Trouble Defying Gravity – finished with e Best Puppy in Show at the CWBC beagle specialty and 3 majors. Bred and owned by Sarah Sweetman
Walker (15 inch) CH Kazuri’s It’s A Cake Walk. Walker finished with 3 majors. Bred and owned by Sarah Sweetman and now retired and loved by Chelsea T
Honorable mention for miss Olvia Newton John who competed in BPUP (4-6 class) 7 times and walked away with 7 Hound Group wins, and 5 Best In Shows against some lovely puppy competition. 🙂 She will debut in the regular classes in 2026. She was also “borrowed” for puppy cuddles by photography Tyler Crady who did a photoshoot of her.
They say that the AKC National Championship in Orlando, is one everyone should go to at least one time in your career in dogs.
In 2025, Nick and I qualified for NOHS and so I decided to go. We had earned our spot and I wanted to experience it – and luckily for me, Dolly and Malia decided to join me.
What a well organized show. Multiple agility rings, a full size ramp and pool for Dock Diving, 39 rings for confirmation, vendors galore and grooming grooming grooming. And yet it felt like we had space to move, and watch and enjoy. It didn’t feel as overwhelming as it could have with 5500 dogs and over 10,000 people.
Showing was amazing – while Nick and I didn’t place in the ribbons, he showed his heart out. We laughed and hugged breeders we hardly get to see because we live on other coasts. We celebrated and cheered for Thaddeus and Cameron in Jrs, and our friends showing other breeds like Amie in Buhunds, Shelley in dachshunds, Barth and Heather in Pharaohs, Emily in Cernecos.
Dolly, Malia and I enjoyed nightly walks with the dogs looking at Christmas lights and eating on the patio (thankful for warm winter weather)
I don’t know if I will ever make the trip down again or not, but I am so so glad I went.
I always feel like 8 weeks sneaks up on me. I am surprised at how quickly they grow and learn and then it’s time to kiss them one last time and send them off to their new homes.
The first of the puppies will be leaving late next week and so I am cherishing each and every day with them.
They are bold, curious, sweet, and smart – just as they should be.
We are putting in a new run so we have a second space over the winter months – the babies enjoyed playing in there today so naturally I took my camera along 🙂
My friends Lisa (Youngsong Beagles) and Jenni (OutWest Beagles) had a litter that I had my eye on. I told them if there was an “extra” girl, to let me know as the dam Blanche, is a 1/2 sister to my Callie and Murphy.
Blanche was bred to an old famous 13 inch dog PD – BIS BISS Kowtown’s High Speed Chase – the son of Ben (BIS BISS Kahootz Chase Manhatten). Her pedigree ties in to mine so well, and I will be forever grateful for their generosity in sharing one of their precious girls with me.
This week, Miss “Dorothy” arrived in Seattle – she stepped off the plane and into our hearts
So introducing “Youngsong Chasing Dreams at OutWest” – her call name will be Skylar
Callie has done such a wonderful job raising her babies – she is now grateful that the rest of the pack is teaching them “no bite” and how to play with the big boys 🙂
The puppies are learning how to be patient while waiting for their meals, and have started crate training with time in their crates and being calm when they are let out. they have picked up on the “patience” cue so quickly – they are smart little ones.
I am so smitten with them – final decisions will start to be made in the next week or so – I dont even know how I will do it 🙂
