AND THAT'S ANOTHER STORY...
Stories and Testimonials from Aislingcudo
owners
Aislingcudo Is Macalla Áine - Áine
Fritzy, Tawny, Jeni, Bozo, Callie, Chloe,
Tigger, Ceci - their unconditional love, ability to listen and understand,
and eagerness to be loved… I could never imagine my life without a dog. My
dogs were always my pets even though we watched The National Dog Show and
Westminster every year and cheered on our favorite show dog. It was
Ceci who saw the Irish Red & White Setter with me for the first time
at Westminster on TV. Her ears perked and with my assumption that this
gorgeous breed, with the ability to almost float around the ring, was not
as strong as she, together we decided to leave the working Boxer and begin
to focus on the IRWS sporting dog. I have since learned through experience
that the IRWS is no wimp – my Aine could pull me through the woods and over
the hills! With eyes on this new breed, I started my research.
After contacting several breeders, my gut told me I was about to enter a
whole new world – and that it has! Not only am I now entwined with
yet another best friend, but I have so many new friends who all share a common
love and admiration for this majestic sporting dog who once almost faced
extinction.
Breeders Pat & Albrecht Ua Saighail corresponded with me for almost a
year before the call came offering me a female puppy. The previous
months had me longing for a male puppy but breeders like Pat and Albrecht
don’t just sell puppies, they purposefully place each puppy with the best
family. The expectations of the family, the personality of the puppy
and of course all the things that make a show dog like structure and temperament
are considered. Placement is not solidified until the day the puppy
goes home. Pat had first put me into the male puppy box because I wanted
a soft, best friend. But she also discovered that I was interested
in testing the waters of conformation. The needs of one of the puppy
families changed right at 8 weeks and Pat saw it as the perfect opportunity
to offer me a female – if I was still interested in learning to show because
this particular female had structure that not only would win in the ring,
but whose genes needed to remain in the gene pool! With Pat’s promise
to always be there to support me, my heart quickly readied for that little
girl with the white ear. I had no idea what I was getting into but
my heart was ready! My dear Ceci had fear aggression and I was committed
to giving my new puppy every opportunity to open her heart to everyone.
Pat suggested Dr. Ean Dunbar’s book, Before and After Getting a Puppy.
I think I had it almost memorized by the time I brought my Aine home!
I highly recommend this book to the entire family readying their home for
a new puppy.
Homecoming…! The day was almost here. A year before I had planned
to host a family reunion at my home in the mountains. Those 2 days
with my family were so much fun but I have to admit my thoughts were on my
new puppy! However, Sunday came and I had still not received approval
to bring her from Canada into the US. Pat and I had been in almost
constant contact, checking with the other littermates’ families for their
experience in crossing from Canada. Aine was the last of her littermates
still in Canada and she was now into her 10th week of age. It was critical
that we begin our life together NOW. So, Pat invited me to come stay
with her until the approval came. It was that hidden blessing because
I had almost a week with Pat guiding me through puppy play and grooming.
I learned what grooming tools to buy, what agility equipment to introduce
and I was even thrown into a conformation class! Albrecht and I had
many conversations about his Irish roots and best of all he helped me name
my bundle of joy. Once an endangered breed, the Irish Red & White
Setter was loved by two very special people: Canon Patrick Doherty and Maureen
Cuddy (please read this history on another page) who dedicated their lives
to making sure the Breed endured. Pat & Albrecht furthered that
mission and named their kennel Aislingcudo – The Dream/Vision of Cuddy and
Doherty. I wanted to reflect my own Irish roots and loved the idea
of a Gaelic spelling so Aislingcudo Is Macalla Aine came to be!
Pat & Albrecht know every single one of their pack’s pedigree and just
a look around their kennel and home prove the love they have had for each
one. My Aine is named after her Great Grandmother – the dream of Cannon
Patrick Doherty and Maureen Cuddy is the echo of Aine. I’m proud to
be a small part of preserving the history of Aislingcudo!
Finally, the approval email came and I was on my way over the Peace Bridge
into the States. (Please note that the process is has change taking
a puppy in the US - it is a very simple and straightforward process!)
Upon my return home an entire mountain village adored my puppy. She
learned that car rides are fun and lead to some exciting adventures.
Aine adapts easily to new situations – hotel rooms, dog show sites, even
a new home – twice! She is the light of my life – and a Canadian Champion!
Once certain that it would be just me and my dog, I have opened my heart
and WE are now considering another puppy – a male this time! I’ve been
blessed with an enduring friendship with Pat and Albrecht who I know will
always be there for us.
Holly
|
Am CH/Can GCH Aislingcudo Is Caiseal Na Ri - Chester
Chester is out of Canadian CH Shireoak Iced Flame ~
(Bertie) X Canadian CH Aislingcudo Is Naimh Oisin (Naimh). This happy
go-lucky boy has earned many BOB and Group successes including BOB in the
Canadian National Specialty 2017. Thank you, especially to his handler,
Chris Downing who, in his most recent shows in the US Finger Lakes
Wine Country Circuit, steered Chester to a wonderful showing:
BOB at the Elmira Kennel Club Show under Judge Robert Stein, BOB at the Onondaga
Kennel Club Show under Judge Charles E. Trotter and BOB at the Kanadasaga
Kennel Club show under Judge Ruth H. Zimmerman. We are so thankful to
the judges who have recognized this boy as an excellent example of the breed.
Chester is a proven stud and a dog with a wonderful, playful temperament.
Proudly owned by Adam and Valerie Saunders.
Co-owned, bred and mentored by Pat and Albrecht Ua Siaghail.
|
It
will be a year in August 2017 since we welcomed Seamus into our family.
It was unplanned, we just lost our cocker spaniel several weeks before we
got and the sudden loss left us in shock and devastated. And I was in a
desperate need for a dog in my life, some people need time to heal, I knew
that the only way to overcome my grief was another dog... The search was
intense and very short. My friend recommended red and white setter, at that
time I was not even aware of this breed. I did my research and contacted
Pat, we were soon put on a waiting list for one of her 2017 litters.
It was meant to be that 9-months old Seamus became available due to sad
circumstances in his original family. When Pat called us to ask whether we
would be interested in taking him, there was no hesitation whatsoever. Yes,
yes and yes! A few days later we drove to pick him up. I will always remember
the beautiful yard with several red and white setters playing and running,
one of them our Seamus! He made us laugh when he was hesitant to come and
greet us on the wooden deck, it was his first time stepping on wood. A few
moments later I was playing fetch with him and after so much grief I felt
whole and happy again, thanks to Seamus. His energy, willingness to play and
pure joy are contagious. Pat and her wonderful husband Albrecht made us feel
welcome and over time I feel we also found good friends, another bonus coming
with Seamus.
We drove home for several hours, Seamus, his head on my lap at the back
seat of the car, staring at me with those big trusting eyes. I fell in love
and keep falling in love every day since. I am lucky to be married to a guy
who feels the same, this dog is such a blessing for all of us! As we soon
found out, Seamus was already well trained, very obedient and respectful in
the house. He has not destroyed a single thing, maybe except for one carpeted
stair when he investigated a snag (started by our cat). Somehow he knows
what he can and cannot do or take, if he tries something new that he is not
allowed, a simple no is enough and he loses interest. He is playful and mischievous
as all young dogs are but it is all positive, nothing to complain about
whatsoever.
I call Seamus my therapy dog, whenever I am tired or down, I walk or play
with him or pet him and in a few moments I am happy again. He makes me laugh,
how he still thinks he is a puppy and tries to sit on my lap or on top of
me, how he makes funny faces when I tell him he needs to take shower. He
is super gentle with our older cat, he sometimes tries to chase her, asking
her to play, but she is not interested. Even when she gets annoyed by his
kisses and "slaps" him on the nose, he is still very gentle and friendly
and just walks away...
There is another surprise in our lives, we never have been to a dog show
in our lives before and knew nothing about it. Although our previous cocker
spaniels were pure bred too, they were not show dogs. With Seamus I became
very interested in IRWS breed and spent hours and hours reading about these
wonderful dogs. When Pat asked whether we would like to show Seamus, we
agreed. Since my lack of experience, I was not comfortable showing Seamus
myself, so Pat put us in touch with Noreena, a professional handler. Seamus
is doing great and getting better as he matures, we are so proud of him
and thankful to Pat and Noreena for mentoring us. Whenever I need advice,
I ask Pat, she is always there, willing to help, we cannot ask for more.
We occasionally attend handling classes with Noreena, another good source
of advice and help. Thanks to these wonderful ladies, Seamus is doing great
in the show ring.
The only thing that worried me a bit in the past was how Seamus did not
like to eat kibble. It was a high quality, but even when I added something
like chicken to his food, his appetite was up and down. Several weeks ago
we switched him to raw food and now we have a dog that cannot wait to get
his next meal and keeps asking for more. We were hesitant feeding raw diet,
same reasons as most people I guess, fear of bacteria, how to handle raw meat
when travelling etc. Noreena helped with these issues and although the price
is about 1/3 more than kibble, we have no regrets. I am a convert and of
course Seamus is too!
Since our grown up sons will be moving out soon, we started looking for
a new property, away from the city, with some space for Seamus to run. And
we are already dreaming about adding more IRWS to out family, when we settle
down in a new place, at least one and then we will see. For now I started
my collection of antique porcelain IRWS figurines, postcards, stamps...
I never was a collector of anything but I am so in love with Seamus and
this breed that I could not help it. I was always interested in everything
Irish, so it all fits together.
Thank you Pat for the love of my life, Seamus! You breed great dogs and
I hope to keep learning from you for the years to come.
Jana and Roman, Ottawa
|
Our first dog was Hunter, a Golden Retriever. After losing
him to a heart condition, my husband and I were heart broken. We couldn’t
replace him with another Golden, so we began a search on the AKC website.
We looked for a breed that was similar in temperament, that would fill the
needs of our family: loving, loyal and integral to our family. Through our
search, we discovered the Irish Red and White Setter. Further research lead
us to Pat and Albrecht in New Hamburg. We made contact and were invited
to come and visit a current litter of puppies. After meeting those wiggling
little bundles, we were sure that this was the breed for us. Pat and Albrecht
were very knowledgeable about the breed, and explained the genealogy to
us. Plans were made, we would receive a puppy from the next litter. Enter
Milo O’Shay Cowan, who would be the first of our three IRWS from Pat and
Albrecht. Milo surpassed our vision: he immediately became the center of
our family, and was a wonderful companion to our two young children ages
5 and 7. We had many wonderful years with Milo, always at our side, our
loyal friend. After he passed, we took a year to grieve, and found ourselves
contacting Pat and Albrecht again. Enter, Quinn, our second male IRWS.
In no way did he replace our Milo, but continued our story of Irish Red and
Whites. He too, became the center of our family. After two years, we considered
another IRWS to be a companion for him. We had never had two dogs, and
were treading into the unknown. Enter, Emma, our sweet, loving little girl.
She had a personality all of her own and captured out hearts with her long
eyelashes. She and Quinn play, sleep, wrestle together. They are very affectionate,
well tempered dogs and love human contact. They are very athletic, love
to run and jump and chase balls in the yard. Both are high on security alert,
and notify us of any birds, squirrels, or people passing by the house, but
love to greet our guests. Emma and Quinn are half siblings, and share the
same mother. Having two dogs is not twice the work, but twice the love
added to our family. Our dogs are very healthy and quite lovely and often
garner attention on walks, “What beautiful dogs, and what is the breed?”
Every moment of every day our two IRWS Quinn and Emma fill our family with
love and joy—our life has been so much richer because of them.
|
Teena and I first met Pat at an agility
class and were struck by how regal, loving and enthusiastic her dogs were.
It was our first introduction to the Irish Red and White Setter breed and
we fell in love.
A couple of years later we were ready to bring a puppy back into our
lives, and we thought immediately of those beautiful setters we met those
years ago. We contacted Pat, who remembered us, and she was very thorough
in both answering our questions, and asking questions of us, as part of
her intentional way of selecting suitable “puppy people”.
Bradaigh (Brady) came home the day before Christmas Eve and our family
could not be more pleased with his breeding, temperament and spirit. After
several conversations and visits with Pat, we decided to get into showing
our dog for conformation and have enjoyed learning about this whole new
world. Pat is always there for encouragement, advice and training, never
pushing or pressuring us, only offering support and guidance.
Pat and Albrecht are true experts of the Irish Red and White Setter
breed and their passion, knowledge, and attention to detail is a testimony
to their professionalism and warmth.
It has been a pleasure to watch Bradaigh grow and mature into a confident,
playful and loving family pet. We are grateful that we attended that agility
class that introduced us to Pat and her dogs, and would recommend them
to any who are seeking to enrich their lives with an Irish Red and White
Setter companion.
Dave
|
Pat,
Yes, you may use my letter on your testimonial page. It's
not the most uplifting letter but if it helps just 1 prospective new
dog owner grasp the full responsibility that they are about to undertake,
then it would be worth sharing! I might add that the 12 wonderful
years that I had with Riley and the wonderful, indelible memories that
she left on my soul far out weighed the bad part at the end.
Sincerely,
Greg
Dear Pat and Albrecht,
I hope that this email finds you both well and thriving! It
has been quite some time since we last spoke but you both have often
been in my thoughts. It is with sadness in my heart and literally
tears in my eyes that I write you this day. On May 21th of this
year our Riley went to heaven. She was very ill and looked to me
for that most difficult of decisions to help her on her journey.
She was the best dog I have ever had in my 44 years. The 12+
years that she was with us were some of the best years of my life.
She was there to approve of Karen as my wife and shared in the birth of
our two sons! She enjoyed riding in the truck, the occasional ice
cream cone, and going to the dog “spa” (I finally found a groomer that I
could trust with my baby). She also enjoyed hunting up until a couple
of seasons ago. I think if she had her druthers though, she would have
wanted me to be as good of a shot as she was a hunter! She loved following
her nose whose curiosity was only outweighed by her insatiable spirit and
personality! She was a loving dog and divided her down time between
sprawling on the leather couch and squeezing onto my lap.
Thank-you both so much for such a wonderful member of our family!
As we take some time to celebrate the life of our Riley, I can’t yet
look to life with another yet (even though my oldest, Grayson, hinted
at just that earlier as I showed him your website). I do know that
when the time is right, another Irish Red and White Setter will be the
only option.
Thank-you again,
Gregory
|
Rowan is my first Irish Red and White
Setter. He and I are active in agility together, and through that,
I began a correspondence with Pat Ua Siaghail. Rowan’s mother,
Rosie, was one of Pat and Albrecht’s puppies. I began to
send Pat video and photos of Rowan running agility because I thought
she might like to see what Rosie’s prodigy was accomplishing.
As Rowan matured and continued to accomplish much in agility ,
I continued to correspond with Pat. She was supportive and excited about
Rowan’s accomplishments. We had many “discussions” about
agility and how wonderful and athletic these dogs are. Then one fateful
day, Pat posted ultra sound pictures of puppies which were expected from
Pat’s gal Bronough . In one of our e mail correspondences,
I randomly asked Pat if all the pups were spoken for. And that was
the beginning of a journey we are still taking together.
Pat asked that I call her to discuss the puppies. I remember
driving home from an agility class with Rowan and stopping at a rest
area to talk to Pat on the phone . Pat knew that I was debating
committing to a pup. She was extremely patient. All my questions
were answered. I felt like I had known her my whole life and in reality,
it was the first time I ever spoke with Pat directly. When I told her “yes”
I wanted a pup, she was very excited. I wondered why, and now I understand.
Pat takes care when placing her puppies. She wants to be sure they are
matched to the right owner and go to good homes. If you want an agility
dog, she considers that when placing, and the same for hunting, conformation
or pet.
I communicated to Pat that I was very concerned that a pup was
being suggested for me without my seeing it. However, there was something
about our conversations that were comforting to me. Pat asked what my
main concerns were for the new pup. I told Pat that structure came first,
as it would be an agility dog, then temperament. I was comforted
by the fact that Pat knew what I wanted to do with my new pup and would
select a pup with that in mind. And she did.
We continued our correspondence through phone conversations, emails
etc. I watched the pups grow through photos. I myself grew more
and more excited, but still nervous. Was I making the right decision? Would
another dog fit in here? Could I train another dog for agility while still
running Rowan? What if the dog was not the right one for me?
In April 2012, my husband and I drove to Canada. The babies
were ready to go. It was a mixed emotion ride to get a pup I had never
met. All the questions swarmed through my mind. Yet I couldn’t wait to meet
her. I was thrilled at the prospect of getting another pup. Yet I was nervous.
Pat and Albrecht welcomed us like we were long lost friends. Their
warmth was tangible! We met all the puppies, and all the adult
dogs in their home. The puppies and adult dogs live in a home where
they are loved and nurtured. Pat, Albrecht, Kevin and I sat together
and went about finding the perfect name for our pup. I knew I liked the
name Cushla because it meant “heart” or “sweetheart” and Albrecht helped
me with the rest….Aislingcudo is Cushla Mo Chroi……. Heart of my heart.
Pat has been here for me since that first day we spoke on the phone,
and continues to be here for me. We have shared many conversations where
she has answered all of my crazy questions. No question too inane for
her. I have the deepest respect for Pat and Albrecht, these champions and
devotees of the breed. It is evident that Pat and Albrecht are intent on
keeping the breed healthy and sound. Through Pat, I have learned volumes
about these dogs, their history, the nuances of selecting the correct breeding
combinations, genetics etc. Aislingcudo dogs are healthy,
sound and happy. They are raised and socialized to perfection.
I adore my Cushla Mo Chroi and am very excited about her progress in the
agility world. She is pure joy to run and train. Pat chose the perfect
dog for me. Cushla is beautifully put together, smart, fast, sassy and
loving. She is tearing up the agility rings and is going to be a real
head turner. Like her “brother” Rowan.
If you are reading this, then you are probably looking for an Irish
Red and White Setter, and searching for a quality breeder. I would
say you have found them, and look no further!!
Thank you, Pat and Albrecht, from the bottom of my heart
for sending Cushla my way. She is everything I dreamed of in an agility
dog, but more than that, she is everything I dreamed of for a buddy
and companion!! I am so very lucky that our paths have crossed.
- Kathy
|
Good morning Pat,
Let me bring you up to date on all of the excitement that's taken
place in the past 18 hours.
• I rode all the way home on Karen's lap, and
I was exceptionally good. (I didn't see any need to put Karen into the
crate.) You'd have been proud of me. I only slept part of
the way as this first road trip was too exciting. Although I was
concerned about the roads at first, the worst part was just getting back
to Hwy. 401. After that it was fine, with a little snow and a lot
of wet. As we passed through Bright, a big tanker truck carrying goat's
milk made a left turn in front of us. I asked Tom to follow that
truck, but he continued through the intersection. Tom doesn't follow
commands very well.
• We stopped at Sobey's in Tecumseh to buy some
goat's milk. They no longer carry it. But then we went to
Zehr's just down the street and Voila! They carry it.
• We completely confused the people at U.S. Customs
- like 6 of them. They assured Tom that there's no problem bringing
a puppy from Canada, but when he pointed out that I'm nine weeks old yesterday
and that I'd be thirteen weeks old + 1 day when they return from Iceland
and showed him the regulation - the agent was flummoxed (didn't know that
I knew that word, did you). They let Tom go into secondary inspection
and inside. He had five more agents confused by the timeline, but
a supervisor cleared things up. A pup can come into the U.S. without
having had a rabies shot up until the age of four months.
• As soon as we got home Tom put papers on the
floor for me and I eliminated EVERYTHING. Then we got around to
feeding. It wasn't as good as yours, but it was filling and I
was energized for some playtime. Fifteen minutes later it was potty
time again.
• Karen and I played on the floor and I investigated
the family room area. Meanwhile, Tom went back to Petco for a
larger crate and also brought home a bag of Old Mother Hubbard cookies.
He got the little ones. Shortly thereafter I stayed in my new crate
while he and Karen visited his mother in the hospital.
• At 10:00 I had my final meal, but didn't quite
finish everything. Instead, I laid down for a nap. Tom picked
me up to go potty, than put me in the crate and carried me upstairs to
their bedroom. I slept soundly until 4:30 a.m. when I started yelping.
Tom took me downstairs to go potty and then brought me back to the crate.
I complained for less than ten minutes and then went back to sleep until
7:15. It's really peaceful without ten siblings crawling all over
you, so I slept in. Karen and Tom normally get up at 5:30, but I
let them sleep in too.
• We went downstairs to potty again, and then
we played on the floor until 8:00. They made my breakfast and I
woofed it down. Then the three of us played on the floor again.
Tom loves handling me. I like it when he lays on the floor and
I crawl all over him. It's a long trip walking up his legs from
the ankles and all the way to his face. After fifteen minutes we
took another potty break and I eliminated everything again.
• I'm going to lie down now and take a nap.
Karen is getting ready for church and Tom will go after she gets home.
That's it for the first 24 hours. So far it looks like you
picked a new home for me where I'll be loved. Thank you for everything.
It's been a great nine weeks. Wishing you and Albrecht all the
best.
Love,
Nali
|
Enriched by my R&W
My R&W came to me through one of those coincidence
we have probably all experienced at times and which suggest the
subtle hand of destiny.
For more than 18 years we had a wonderful family dog,
a mutt of beagle, cocker-spaniel and blond lab ancestry. After that
long and energetic life, now old and tired, she deserved our mercy,
the sad realization that comes at some time for every dog owner.
My wife was already ill then. She fought it with courage
for another two years but it progressed further. We knew in our
hearts that to own and enjoy another dog together would remain a
dream forever. Finally, as it sadly still does so many, cancer claimed
my wife Brigitte too. I was numb with grief.
My daughter had the good intuition to buy me the 2004
Dog Annual before she left to return to England. I looked at the
pages from time to time, but for many months I felt no energy or drive
to enliven my empty home again.
In early summer I began visiting SPCA shelters, but
did not find what I was looking for, a dog like the mutt “Tuffy”
we owned as a family. At last I realized the futility of my attempt
to reach into the past. I also came to the conclusion that I would
likely have to get a puppy, although in my situation I preferred a
more mature dog.
My fond memories of Bernese Mountain Dogs when growing
up in Switzerland led me to look up a number in the Dog Annual
of a breeder of such dogs who just happened to live in our town.
It turned out to be another bout of nostalgia, the breed was not
for me after all.
The outing did, however, point me in the right direction:
Getting into my car and driving away, I noticed a couple walking
a young, trim and rather long legged dog with floppy ears and a lovely
face in which I seemed to detect something of our old family dog.
I stopped, got out and chatted with owners. Their dog was a young English
field setter, a “Llewellyn” setter they called it, and had been just
recently acquired by them from a breeder in the U.S. The more I played
with the dog, the more it grew on me. My search through the internet
turned up a number of breeders of English field setters in the Dakotas,
but after talking to some of them, I had a change of heart.
Back to the “Dog Annual” to recheck for Canadian breeders:
No English field setters, but the Irish Red & White pictures
by Aislingcudo looked in size what I had in mind, so I e-mailed them
to inquire about their setters. Pat Ua Siaghail answered right away
and also let me know that, no they do not have any puppies now, but would
I settle for a two-year old female looking for a new home and presently
at her sister’s in Edmonton? She definitely got me interested now.
Events got into high gear from then on, more correspondence,
telephone calls & paper work and finally in July 04, my son
and I drove up from Vancouver to Edmonton to meet Theresa and Paul
to pick up Katie.
Bonding, at least from my side was as instantaneous
as crazy-glue. I think it happened with Katie a few hours later
when we camped in the Rocky Mountains and she looked in our tent
to us for safety and assurance during one of the worst thunderstorms
I had ever experienced in the mountains.
That Katie was brought into my life I consider a blessing
and a gift for me and I understand that Pat and her sister are equally
pleased that I just happened to contact them when they were looking
to re-home Katie. Although she is “only a dog” as some people would
say, she has brought life and companionship into my home again and
her joyful exuberance is infectious.
I am now more willing to accept that life is like a
river whose current carries us relentlessly to the sea, only occasionally
interrupted by pleasant drifts in back eddies. The river will never
be the same as it was once further upstream and there is no way to
return to those shores other than by memory. My dog Katie has now joined
me on my raft and her presence has already made the journey onward
more rewarding and enjoyable again.
- WW
|
Generations
As I write this, I have a very active 4 month old Irish
Red and White Setter puppy racing around my desk. Her name
is Aislingcudo Mairnéalaigh Dea (Dea). She is the third
generation of a collaboration between Aislingcudo Irish Red and White
Setters and Mairnéalaigh Irish Red and White setters.
About 10 years ago, I was researching various sporting
breeds, trying to find one that would fit with the Newfoundland
and the rescue dog we already had, when I met an IRWS. This
dog was the smartest and most beautiful dog I’d ever met, and I knew
immediately that this was the breed I had been looking for. This IRWS
was an Aislingcudo dog, and through him I met Pat Ua Siaghail.
After what seemed like forever, in 2003 we got the cutest puppy, named
Treasa.
CH Aislingcudo Is Treasa Fionnrua RN (Treasa) became
Mairnéalaigh’s foundation. Treasa is a conformation
champion and obedience title holder. Naturally, you can’t
have just one IRWS, so our family grew with the addition of Aislingcudo
Is Erin Go Braugh (Quinn). Then along came Treasa’s puppies,
CH Aislingcudo Mairnéalaigh Dis (Duffy) and CH Aislingcudo Mairnéalaigh
Una (Orla). Duffy and Orla are both Canadian and American conformation
champions. Both are learning Rally, Obedience, and the finer points
of hunting. Now we have Dea, one of Orla’s puppies. She too
will do lots of activities as she matures.
Through the years, Pat Ua Siaghail has been a constant
source of information, support, and help for me. I am proud
to say that she is my mentor and my friend.
Jane
Mairnéalaigh Irish Red & White Setters
|
For the love of Tucker
I was introduced to Patricia
Ua Siaghail of Aislingcudo under very odd circumstances. I did not
obtain one of Pat’s puppies - I sought her expertise in the field of
Irish Red and Whites for my dog Tucker (Tuckmans Forrest Gump CD RE
CGC - Therapy Dog).
Under the suggestion of the American Kennel Club, I
required confirmation from a reputable IRWS breeder that my 6 month
old rescue dog was an Irish Red and White Setter. Pat’s confirmation
on December 13, 2006 (via a number of photographs that I sent her)
was all that AKC needed in order to register my dog for Obedience
and Rally competition under their ILP registration (Indefinite Listing
Privilege).
Since that day in December, I looked to Pat for advice,
ranging from general information on the IRWS (I was a novice to
this breed) to basic grooming tips and health related issues. If I
had a question, she responded rather quickly. She even made a point
to meet my boy twice at the IRWS Nationals in 2009 and 2010.
Unfortunately, an untimely death of my boy at age 6
came too soon. Again, Pat was there to comfort me and provide me
words of wisdom.
I value her knowledge of this breed and it’s standards
as well as the support and encouragement she gave to me over the
years. I am looking forward to trying my hand once again in the obedience
ring with an Aislingcudo IRWS puppy.
Tucker's Accomplishments...
Rescue from Plainfield Animal Shelter
in Plainfield Illinois
AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification 2006
Therapy Dog International Inc Certification 2007
AKC Companion Dog Title 2007
AKC Rally Novice Title 2007
AKC Rally Advanced Title 2007
AKC Rally Excellence Title 2009
Confirmed as a cancer identifier dog (3 hits) while
performing therapy dog work at a local participating hospital in
2008.
First competitive dog in the ring first Irish Red and
White Setter National Show in 2009
First Ranking for Rally Obedience by AKC Irish Red
and White Setter Parent Club 2010
Earned first leg towards AKC Rally Advanced Excellent
title with double first place finishes at IRWS Nationals in 2010.
Earned first leg toward AKC Graduate Novice title December
2010 in addition to competing in AKC Open A (3 non-qualifying scores).
- Sandy
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Kane
In the year 2002 I picked up a
book that had just been published called The Essence of Setters
by Marsha Hall Brown. I had owned an Irish Red Setter off and
on my entire life. I was of course, also familiar with the Gordon
Setter and the English Setter, but this was the first time I had heard
of the Irish Red and White Setter.
I was immediately attracted to this breed after reading
Ms. Brown’s accounting of the dog. The problem was that I
compete in obedience (both formal and rally) and some agility and
at the time the AKC did not recognize the red and white setter which
would not allow me to compete in these venues.
When the AKC did recognize the breed I went to the first
Irish Red and White Setter national to see these beautiful
dogs compete in both obedience and the breed ring. As I was
watching the breed ring a gentleman brought a chair up next to me
and sat down. It was obvious to me that he was very
familiar with many of the red and whites in the ring and I began to
ask him questions which included “how hard is it to find
a good red and white puppy?”.
It turned out that this gentleman was Dr. Albrecht Ua
Siaghail. Albrecht was kind enough to not only answer my
questions but introduce me to his wife Pat. Her dogs were
beautiful inside and out and I really liked the relationships she had
with her puppy owners. As busy as she was she took time to talk
to me and give me her contact information.
Since then Pat has spent hours and hours of her
valuable time answering questions and then finally helping me to
find my first red and white puppy ending my 9 year quest to
have a red and white in my home.
When a breeding of her bitches in her home did not work
out Pat went to bat for me with another breeder who had a litter
of her lines and secured a puppy for me from that litter.
In addition to obedience and agility I also do therapy
dog work in a local hospital working with stroke and head/brain injury
patients. From what I have seen of this puppy he will be a
wonderful therapy dog.
He is only 4 months old at this writing but is very
sweet, outgoing, smart, and inquisitive. I could not have
ordered a more perfect puppy. I am very excited about
the potential of this puppy and am indebted to Pat for finding him
for me.
As I have gotten to know Pat over the last two years
I can honestly say that I have met few breeders with Pat’s integrity
and ethics. She is extremely knowledgeable about the breed and
has the breed’s best interest at heart. I have come to trust
her completely not only as a breeder, but as a friend and look forward
to many years of friendship and dogs with Pat.
- R.J.L. Minnesota
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Rosie's Story
Rosie - Aislingcudo Is Rosin Na Laoi-
came home with me to New Jersey in March 2001. I had been looking
at the breed for several years and had my heart set on owning one
some day. Pat and Albrecht entrusted her to me and our friend grew
over the years. Pat has been very supportive and my mentor, for which
I am ever grateful.
Rosie and I went back up to Canada to show and she
became the first American Irish Red and White Setter to become
a CKC Champion. I also finished my two Gordon Setters, who were both
AKC Champions. Rosie could spot Grandpop Albrecht sitting up in the
stands.
Rosie became the first IRWS to achieve an ARBA - American
Rare Breed Assoc. - Master Champion.
Rosie most enjoyed going to AKC Hunt Tests. She was
a natural bird finder. Quick to learn and could hold a steady point,
she finished her JH in style. Pat was always happy to hear of our
new adventures.
Rosie is a great ambassidor of the breed - walking
for years in the annual St. Patricks Day parade in Somerville NJ.
Rosie's greatest achievement were her two litters of
puppies. We met many new people who have become lifelong friends.
I can always count on Pat to answer any questions and
support us.
Pat and Albrecht have always been willing to share
their knowledge, history and stories of the Irish Red and White
Setter. I was able to meet and talk to many IRWS breeders through
the Ua Siaghails. Pat is one of the most dedicated breeders I have
had the honor to know. I thank her for her years of support and friendship.
Rosie was a dream come true.
- KP
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A Dog for All Seasons
A year after my husband and I moved to a rural setting
in southern Maine, we had to euthanize our beloved 14-year-old
English cocker. Losing him was so difficult that it was over a year
before I even contemplated getting another dog.
I was semi-retired and wanted to choose a breed that
would fit my new lifestyle—a medium-size dog, non-aggressive, not
too energetic, trainable without too much hassle, companionable but
not clingy, and with an easy-to-groom coat. I loved setters and the
English cocker breeds with their soft eyes, silky hair, and drooping
ears, but Chase had needed a lot of grooming to tame the thick “feathers”
on his belly and legs, and our new property was next to a wet woodland
and surrounded by weeds and burrs. Every run in the woods turned into
a combing, clipping nightmare. So, I was paging through one of several
books on dog breeds when all of a sudden, there was my perfect dog—a
breed I had never heard of before, the Irish Red and White Setter.
I spent some time on the Internet, reading about the
red and whites and looking for breeders. When I reached Pat and
Albrecht’s site, I instantly fell in love with their stud, Bran,
and began exchanging emails with Pat. As it turned out, no litters
by Bran were available, but Pat was expecting puppies from her new
young stud, Lonan, and promised to determine if one was suited to our
household.
So it came to pass that in December of 1999, I flew
to Ontario and the next day returned with a Sherpa pet carrier
on my lap, containing a tiny red and white puppy. She had decided
the best way to deal with the new experience was to curl up and go
to sleep. Never made a peep during the entire flight. Every now and
then I’d unzip the bag to pet her and tell her how good she was, but
she remained in her Zen state. (And to this day, Cailen, as we named
her, is a joy to travel with; lies down on her blanket on the back seat
and snoozes until I park the car.)
Pat had warned me that young red and whites were energetic,
and she was so right. While Cailen had her baby teeth, she wanted
to explore and test everything by chewing on it: the cat, her toys,
the furniture, the logs by the fireplace, the bricks in the hearth,
me!
Although quick to toilet train, she decided her poop
was good to eat. I’d never had a dog that mouthed so much and wrote
to Pat for advice. “She’s just a baby,” she wrote back. “Wait until
her adult teeth come in.” And that’s just what happened. One week the
chewing stopped just as if a switch had been thrown, and in all her twelve
years, Cailen has never chewed on anything other than her treats and her
bones again.
She was still very active, however, and to socialize
her and give myself a break, I put her in doggy daycare three times
a week. So wonderful to have her return home at the end of the day and
fall asleep after supper and a half hour of playtime. By five months,
daycare was down to twice a week, and by three years it was over. I was
told she was a delight to deal with and was often put in charge of disciplining
new puppies because she never got rough—just a hard stare and sharp back
to order them to mind their behavior.
As an adult, Cailen became just the right dog for us.
She’s enthusiastic about a run by the ocean or through the woods,
but is also perfectly happy to lounge around when we’re occupied at
home. At first we let her run in a fenced area of the backyard, but as
she matured she learned the boundaries of our property and now stays
within them, even when chasing a deer from our field! She never wanders
off. (I understand this is NOT typical of most setters.)
Her attachment to us may be partly because she was the
smallest of her litter and received special attention from Pat and
Albrecht. Whatever reason, she likes to keep us close by and even
when on a hike or run, always stays within eyesight. We do, however,
have to think of her safety whenever we let her off-leash, because she
likes to run and pays little attention to cars on the road.
Cailen has done her best to become a useful member
of our pack. Her eyes sparkle with intelligence. She’s quick to
watch our faces for cues, quick to learn commands, and seeks to
please. Since Barry and I obviously don’t hear or smell very well,
she has taken on the job of guard dog and barks (never bites or growls)
to alert us to human or animal intruders. She gets along well with other
dogs and all people. She can tell time and noses me gently if I’m late
getting her dinner. Treat time is 7 pm, and if we’re slow, Cailen first
tries staring at us, then pulls out her throw (on which we toss the treat),
hoping we’ll take the hint. She anticipates our actions by the routine
we keep and even the clothes we wear.
She may not be able to speak, but she sure tries to
communicate. We love our girl dearly and make every effort to be
as gentle and loving to her as she has always been to us.
- Meredith
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Jamie - first
Red & White Setter to earn the IRWSA Trinity Award
We were just looking for a dog to do agility with. We
thought an Irish Red and White Setter would be the perfect addition
to our canine family, which consisted of our Irish Setter Teagan.
We were taken aback when Pat offered us the pick male of Pingin and
Lonan’s last litter, with the condition that we show the dog in conformation,
to earn his Canadian and eventual AKC championships. Having never
set foot in a show ring, we agreed, with trepidation, and so the adventure
began. Pat assured us that it would be fun, that we would enjoy
it, and that she would help teach us what we needed to know. It was
not always fun, but she stuck with her part of the bargain, mentoring me,
encouraging me, laughing with, and sometimes at, me, and never doubting
that Jamie had what it took to succeed. The road to those two championships
took us from coast to coast in the U.S. and across the border, and was
paved with many new friendships and experiences and stories to tell.
Jamie took us places we had never imagined, including the Eukanuba Championships.
He put his paws in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as several
Great Lakes. And along the way, he also helped pave the way for the
IRWS in agility, rally obedience, hunt tests, and obedience as he earned
titles in each, showing those watching the beauty and versatility of the
red and white setter.
The relationship we built with Pat along the way went far
beyond what would be expected of a responsible breeder looking out for
her puppy. The mutual respect we had from the beginning grew into
a good friendship. She has always been ready with an answer to
a question, an encouraging word when I grew frustrated, a laugh, or
words of advice. Many times Pat and I had differing opinions on
aspects of Jamie’s feeding, health care, or training strategies.
And Pat will always let you know what she thinks! Protecting
and advocating for her breed and her dogs is always foremost in her priorities.
But many times she also stepped back and told me to do what I thought
was best. In addition, as she observed Jamie and me, I saw her own
training strategies evolve. The person who felt that obedience training
was at odds with successful showing in conformation was now taking her
dogs to not only obedience, but agility classes, and proudly showing me
her 4 month old puppy’s “sit”!
If you decide to get an Aislingcudo dog, you can rest assured
that you will get a dog with excellent structure, temperament, and
health. But know that you will also be getting two people along
with your dog. You will get Albrecht, whose lilting Irish voice
will regale you with tales of the history of the red and white setter
from his vast knowledge of the breed’s history. He will spoil your
dog terribly, if you let him! (I remember one dinner at Pat and Albrecht’s
house, where my well-trained obedience dog ended up in his lap at the
dinner table!) And you will get Pat, who will follow up on her pup,
and will be available to you for his lifetime, for any mentoring, support,
or information you might need, or, if you are as fortunate as we have
been, as a lifelong friend.
- Corlie
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