Number 4 of All Breeds Number 1 Working Dog The Newfoundland

AM. CAN CH. SUMMERFORD'S EVER VIGILANT

"IRA" Bred, owned and handled by Christina Koffman-Heard Co-owned by Lynne Anderson and Rosemary Young By Am. Ch. Onyxbay's Winter Warlock out of Am. Can. Ch. Ashlin's Encore At Summerford 2008 Best of Breed wins: 78 Group Firsts: 44      Best in Shows:  14 Dogs Defeated: 7,109

The town of Summerford, Newfoundland, lies on that island's central coast in secluded Notre Dame Bay. It's a prosperous community populated with honest citizens with a high work ethic and fierce personal pride - the same of which can also be said of Summerford kennels and the Newfoundland dogs bred there. For many years Christina Koffman-Heard and husband Brad have put in their time by participating in draft exercises, therapy programs and advanced water exercises, carefully retaining the features and attributes for which this Canadian national icon is recognized. Dogs bearing their kennel prefix have repeatedly proven that no challenge is too daunting, but is is in the conformation ring where they truly stand apart. All dogs are handled by Christina, often bred and owned by her as well. The consistent style and type etched into these bear-like animals have drawn accolades from such publications as Canadian Dog Digest, where Ira was voted "Dog of the Year" by readers and fans. Yet it's not always the largest BIS ribbon or highest points tally that bring the widest smiles; in Ira's case, it was taking Best of Winners at the 2008 U.S. National from the Bred-by class.  Tough competition, to be sure - but nothing the Newfs of Summerford can't handle.

126  Dogs in Review - August 2009