Our Highland Irish Setter History

The early spring of 1975 was an exciting season for us in the tiny hamlet of Denmark Manor, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.  Arrangements had been made to accommodate a new puppy at our home.  Crate and pad, bowls, pails, brushes, toys and food had been purchased.  In May of that year our first Irish Setter, Shannon , arrived.   He grew to enjoy his new family and they him.  He was an enthusiastic hunter, who would get excited at the sight of a shotgun in anticipation of an exhilarating day in the field looking for his favorite game.  Living up to the Irish Setter's reputation, Shannon was a rollicking, energetic aristocrat.  Shannon roamed the rolling hills with the air of a Country Gentleman.  Had he been given the opportunity in the Conformation ring, he would have readily become a Champion

In early 1985, puppy Kelly arrived to provide companionship for Shannon and his humans.  Shannon and Kelly spent countless hours playing in their fields until the day that Shannon was called to the Rainbow Bridge.  Then Kelly took over as master of the house.  Kelly found himself supervising various construction projects, climbing ladders and exploring scaffolding.  Kelly proved himself, like Shannon, to be an avid hunter of rabbits and pheasants.  In December of 1996, Kelly, too, was called to the Rainbow Bridge.

Our current population of Red Heads began with the arrival of  Simon in the spring of 1996.  Simon's parents, CH Kenobi Awsum Night Wind &  'Tramor C'untry Charm Zondrea,  were bred by Margo Boyle owner of Country Charm.  When Simon is not busy supervising the household or chasing rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks or birds, he performs in the Conformation ring.  He has accumulated a major and other championship points.   In addition, he has made the cuts repeatedly and has placed in his classes at the Irish Setter Nationals.  

Simon's friend Chantilly arrived in the spring of 1997.  Chantilly's parents,  CH Tirvelda Instant Replay & UD-CH Kenobi Chasin' The Tides, were bred by Pat and Earl Long, owners of Bretmoor Kennel and Joe and Gerry Lee of Kenobi Kennel.  Chantilly is often seen in the Conformation Ring at specialties.  A soft and gentle girl, Chantilly treated her humans with utmost consideration.  However, Chantilly soon became the "Chief Dog" of the household although she does share that title with her sister Ali.  She feels that it is her full time job to keep her younger sister Callie, brother Simon, niece Sadie and nephew Riley in line -  walking the narrow road as she sees fit.  

Callie, arrived during the 1998 Christmas Holiday Season.   Callie's parents, CH Quailfield Bus BIV Pleasure - CH Kenobi Chasin' the Magic, were bred by Claudia Aaron Sneed owner of Aralyn Kennels and Joe and Gerry Lee of Kenobi Kennel.  Callie readily adopted her humans and has appointed herself "Chief Couch Potato"..  She also enjoys an occasional appearance in the Conformation ring where she performs with self assured pride. 

Ali, our championed girl, arrived during the fall of 1999.  She came to us thoroughly accustomed to the Conformation ring having achieved her Champion title.  She also is an experienced mother, delivering her third litter in December, 2000.  She readily took her place among the girls, setting an example of the best of Irish setter qualities, both those of the Conformation and those of a calm, gentle and affectionate soul. 

Sadie our youngest girl came to us  from Ali.  Those of you visiting us frequently have watched her from birth, following her and brother Riley's adventures. She shows a lot of interest in future performances in the conformation ring.

Riley (coming to us through Ali) is our young "country gentleman" with the accent on gentle!  He definitely inherited his mother's gentle sweet disposition while showing his father's winning physique.  Riley has done very well in his first show, going second to his dad.

Zachary came to us through Simon and Ali.

As the younger girls get older, they plan to have families of their own.  Simon plans to continue to earn his keep by chasing birds, rabbits, squirrels and even aircraft from his territory.  So far, he has been very successful.  Even though many aircraft have entered his airspace, none have refused to obey his barked orders to leave.  He is enjoying his "retirement", having earned his Championship in December, 2001.

Meanwhile, if you get a chance, come watch our Irish perform at selected shows throughout the Northeastern States, and at the Irish Setter Nationals

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