It was a lovely spring day (yes, I am excited that it is officially spring) and so we took some photos in the green garden.
These little cavalier pups are heading to their first opthlamologist appointment this week to have an eye check – then they will see a cardiologist too. This is standard procedure for all Kazuri cavalier puppies so we have all the information we need before they set off to their forever homes.
These pups have the most amazing families waiting to bring these sweet little pups home.
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”)
Anyone who follows me knows how much I love the blue chair as it makes every puppy’s color pop – I just love photos taken on it.
Manny is 9 weeks now and Mistletoe and Holly are 8 weeks. It felt like a good time to take their photos.
In the coming weeks, they will have their opthamologist and cardiologist appointments (Standard go home protocol for my ckcs puppies) and start learning how to crate train. I am amazed at how fast these weeks start to go as we enjoy them so much.
Manny, Holly and Mistletoe are growing so fast. They are learning new skills like teetering on uneven surfaces, navigating stairs, following when we call, and eating on their own (yes this is a skill they have to learn).
The weather is mild this week so they have been able to play outside without their little jackets on – they are SO happy! They run around and chew on each other’s ears and tails – more than anything, it is delightful to see their happy little bounces as they enjoy the fresh air.
All three are social and happy. Their little personalities are starting to emerge. I cant wait to see the results of their Volhard tests and see how right I am about their baseline.
We have one ruby cavalier girl available to the right home. She is more reserved in nature – friendly, but likes to watch rather than initiate. I think she would do amazing in a home where she is the 2nd dog, to follow, or with a more quiet home that wants a snuggle bug.
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
Pipers little Manny is 6 weeks old and Ruby’s girls Mistletoe and Holly are 5 weeks old. They are enjoying three meals a day and are getting very good at using their potty box, so their play area is staying nice and clean.
It is fun to see their little personalities starting to emerge. Manny is very outgoing – he has started to growl which sounds like a little trill from a chipmonk. He thinks he is very tough, but melts when you pick him up.
Mistletoe and Holly have started to play too, but are much more laid back than their “brother”. I think Holly is the most laid back right now, but that can easily change as they are exposed to new experiences coming up.
We play movies for them through the day – Jurassic park, Transformers, Saving Private Ryan – anything with loud, strange sounds so they think those noises are normal and not scary.
I am so pleased with these sweet babies – I am so thankful they are healthy and happy little ones.
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.
Ruby went into labor on the day we expected – New Years Eve. Her signs were not obvious – she didn’t want to leave my side (or knee) and kept licking her lips. I put her in a crate beside me with a camera on her that I could discreetly watch from my bed 2 feet away.
Around 11:30pm, with no digging or grunting, she let out one big noise – I knew a baby had surprised her. And I was right. A big beautiful baby girl with little white markings. She was a lovely 5.9oz
She went to work caring for her daughter.
About an hour and a half later, she snorted and there was a wet sound – a tiny little angel Blenheim boy arrived – he never took a breath – he was barely bigger than my thumb and 1.8oz. I was so sad but I also know that there is usually a reason why they don’t make it, so I was thankful to lose him then and not in a week or month.
An hour after that again, Ruby started to push again, and another beautiful ruby girl arrived. 5.1oz of precious-ness.
Ruby has settled into motherhood quickly and loves her two girls so very much. The girls are healthy and strong and are already nursing.
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.
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 🙂
