In Loving Memory
Dedicated to all the dogs I've lost. I will never forget them for what they taught me, and the years of love and companionship.
CH. Tonka-ki Princess Ferrari
My first show dog, Prini and I learned together. I'm forever thankful to my parents for their research into the Border Terrier, their assistance in selecting her, and especially for allowing me to train and learn with her. Prini was with me from grade school through college, and will live forever in my heart.
Feb. 20, 1989 - April , 2005
CH. Ruya Dustdevil Mercedes' Sun, SC, ASFA FCH
My first Ridgeback, Dusty was always my special boy and hiking companion. The longest living out of a litter of 13, he helped me raise many of my dogs! I will never forget his patience, loyalty, and companionship. I'm eternally thankful to my parents for allowing me to keep this special boy.
(Shown winning the Veteran Dog class at the World Congress in 2004).
June 2, 1993 - July 22, 2007
Intl/Am CH. Ruya Desert Range Rover
From my first litter, Ranger was not only my first bred-by Champion, but also my first group placer. He helped me realize the importance of teaching the dogs to enjoy showing. Ranger was also my little celebrity, appearing in commercials for a pizza chain and car care company.
Dec. 26, 1992 - Sept. 28, 2008
CH. Ruya Desert BlueRose Ferrari
Rosie was not only from my first litter, she was my oldest living dog at 16 yrs 8 months. She was a great little show dog, and a wonderful and loving friend. A constant companion to her littermate, Ranger, the two combined were known as "RailRoad" (R & R) and appeared in commercials together as twins.
Dec. 26, 1992 - Aug. 25, 2009
Sandhill Ruya Daytona Sport
Daytona (aka "Hopper") was Kevins first Ridgeback. We fell in love with his calm, loyal personality when we were evaluating his litter and were lucky enough to take him home. Daytona loved to go places, especially camping and hiking. He was such a clown too and saved the lives of several dogs by donating blood. His death was unexpected and has left a huge hole in all of our hearts.
May 15, 2001 - July 9, 2011
Int'l BIS Int'l/Am CH Ruya's Chevelle Super Sport, CGC
I was drawn to Chevy when he was two weeks old, and although not looking for a dog, unable to resist him. Chevy was not only the first dog I raised in my own home, but the first dog my husband and I raised together; in fact, we bought our house so we could get him! I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to own this wonderful boy. He was not only a multiple group winning/placing dog in the show ring, Chevy truly embodied the Ridgeback standard. He had the most wonderful temperament and personality, and was a once in a lifetime dog. I miss him so much and will always be thankful to have shared my life with him.
Sept. 11, 2000 - Aug. 29, 2011
Int'l CH Sandhill Ruya Chevelle Malibu, CGC
Malibu was my first Chevy daughter (named "Chevelle Malibu" since Chevy was named for my grandfather's 1970 Chevelle Malibu.) Mali was retired after earning all of her AKC Championship points except for her majors. She and Chevy were my first brace, earning multiple Best Brace in Shows (including at the World Congress!) She truly was a mama's girl, but we were both devastated by her unexpected death and miss her every day.
Oct. 19, 2002-Dec. 13, 2011
GCH CH Mazel Tov's Mirror Image of Ruya
Image was always a mama's girl, but also independent and a little stubborn. She loved all dogs, but especially puppies and smaller dogs. Even as an old gal she had incredible tolerance and patience with puppies, and wanted nothing more than to help raise her grandpups! Her passing has widened the hole in our hearts.
Oct. 30, 2007 - June 3, 2018
Intl CH, GCH CH Ruya Liberty's Right To Bear Arms
Freedom was a mama's boy, and one of the sweetest, most tolerant dogs I've known. He was from the first litter I whelped in my own home as an adult. He loved to go anywhere with me. I think his favorite outside of shows, was going to visit our friends up North-he always loved hanging out and sunbathing in the cool mountain air. He also spent time as the "clinic dog" when I did relief up north. I was lucky enough to get him back into the ring as a veteran and he earned his Grand Championship at 10 years old! He was so laid back and sweet, and we are heartbroken that he is gone.
March 1, 2009 - April 10, 2020
Moogley
Moogley was a Dusty daughter that was on her way back to her breeder in March 2007, (we were going to keep her for the weekend.) Moogs instantly bonded to Kevin and we decided to adopt her. She was a great addition to our household, and it was especially wonderful to have three generations in the house. Moogs was a sweet old girl and we are thankful to have had the time with her that we did.
Nov. 11, 1997 - Dec. 17, 2011
Pumamere Ruya Millennia Legacy, JC
Lena was one of the sweetest, most easy going Ridgebacks I've had the honor of knowing. She loved to lure course, but otherwise generally preferred to stay home on the couch. She spent some time in Oregon with me when I was in school, and enjoyed getting to go to the beach and explore the mountains. Best friends with her litter sister Liberty, we're all still grieving her passing.
Nov. 22, 2005 - Sept. 5, 2018
IntlCH Ruya She's Like the Wind, SC, RI, RATO, CGCU, CGCA, TDHN, TKN
Her litter call name was "B", which after taking her to her first lure course at 6 months where she was able to run a short/straight line, turned into "Breeze". Our original intention was to find her a conformation forever home, but she fit in so well and stole our hearts. She definitely took to being a daddy's girl, and found her forever home without ever leaving! Breeze obtained her Canine Good Citizen title at 11 months old, and went on to earn her Advanced Canine Good Citizen and Urban Canine Good Citizen titles. She also earned her Rally Novice, Rally Intermediate, Trick Dog Novice, Senior Courser, and International Championship titles. She was the 31st Ridgeback ever to earn the Barn Hunt Novice title, and 12th Ridgeback ever to earn the Barn Hunt Open title. She was a big presence and the sweetest girl!
June 11, 2011 - April 28, 2023
CH. Bramblewood's Corsica Isula
I met Xuxa when she was 7 months old when her co-owner, Robin Castillo, hired me to handle her. I instantly fell in love with her - she had distinct goofy "valley girl", and haughty "show girl" personalities. She was a top 25 Ibizan Hound in 2003, and top 5 from 2004-2008. She came to live with Kevin and I in December 2005, and we were blessed to have her until we lost her to cancer in 2014. She always loved to scour the backyard for gophers and bunnies, and stretch out over the bed or couch whenever she could. She was a very special girl that we were lucky to own.
March 3, 2003 - June 26, 2014
Int'l/Am CH Pumamere Ruya It's All About Me, CGC, RATN
Libby was so much love and personality in a 24" package. She truly lived up to her registered name until the day she died. Libby loved everyone that visited our house, and didn't carry the "aloof gene" most RIdgebacks do. My snuggle bug nearly every night for her entire life, my bed feels so empty now that she's gone.
Nov. 22, 2005 - Dec. 26, 2018
IntlCH, FC Ruya How Do You Like Me Now, RI, MC, CGCA, CGCU, TDHN, RATO, TKA, ATT, ACT1
Legend was independent, versatile, sassy, fun loving and the absolute best Mama Roo! She received the AKC STAR puppy award at 9 months old, and went on to obtain her "Canine Good Citizen" certification at 11 months. She loved to jump and be challenged mentally. She dabbled in conformation, earning her international championship and multiple points towards her AKC championship, but she preferred performance events like rally, lure coursing, and barn hunt. She also volunteered as a therapy dog for several years at a local retirement home. She earned 17 titles, but there were still things I wanted to do with her. She did find a love of conformation as a veteran and periodically came out to play. Just a month before we said our final goodbye, she won the Veteran Hound Group and stole so many peoples hearts. Her loss has left a huge hole in our hearts.
June 11, 2012 - March 7, 2024