Wanda Walker - The greatest Manchester Breeder in history - We miss her!

Ch. Saint Lazar's Diamonds R Forever, came out of retirement, and after having a great litter of pups, and was promptly awarded Best of Variety over "professionally" shown dogs in Perry, GA 5/12/12. She did this whlie in full "heat" and having been bred twice. My great friend, Gene Caron, shown above, who also provided the excellent photo montage, showed her for me in the Toy Group competition where she showed perfectly. GOD continues to bless Saint Lazar with the finest Toy Manchesters on planet Earth, and I give HIM my profound thanks.

At 71.5 years of age, I don't get overjoyed at the prospect of dragging 12 crates out to the kennel, vacuuming and mopping 12 runs, and then sanitizing and pressure washing the crates. But unlike my supper which used to magically appear each evening when Wanda was still alive, the kennel does not magically get cleaned. I just thank the LORD that I still have the health and stamina to get this task done every 3 weeks or so.

My very close friends, Debbie & Gene Caron came for a visit today, 4/21, and lunch. Gene is the genius that puts the beautiful graphics and montages together that are frequently displayed here. Naturally he had to get his hand on Sorry Dog's pups. Little Sugar Ray is the guy on the left. I have never had a more pleasant litter in the over 200 or so that Wanda & I have produced.

It greatly saddens me to report that I learned this morning, May 17th, that little Sugar Ray had a congenital defect of the esophagus that necessitated him being eased into the hands of his loving creator. I have been raising pups since 1952, hundreds of pups and litters, but this is the first time I have experienced a problem of this type. I am deeply in debt to my friend, Delores Dalton, shown above feeding SR, for the care and love she gave this little fellow, and for caring for his brothers too. GOD BLESS you Delores!

Regular visitors over the years know that I have called Raisin, "Sorry Dog" half the time. She was my house dog for well over two years, and I love her dearly. She has stole Delores heart, and I am going to let her stay with Delores for a bit once she weans her pups. Not permanently, but just an extended visit. Delores reports she is once again house trained, and had not one problem. She is content to be away from her boys for a while, so she winds up cuddled up to Delores on the living room sofa where I got this great shot of her. She is in super good health and condition, and I expect she will have one more litter. I need a baby Sorry Dog.

GOD has continued to bless Saint Lazar more than I could ever ask or think. Part of the blessing is great friends that I have mentioned here before, Delores Dalton, Debbie Sharp (who goes way back), Sonja Long, Margie & Ron Ferguson, Pat Hall, Gene & Debbie Caron, and others. It has worked out that Delores can take a co-ownership in Zinfandel, and he could not reside in better hands or environment. I am looking forward to expanding the Saint Lazar breeding program a bit so that I can take care of the many, many inquiries that God just keep pouring out. Stay tuned folks, I think it's going to be fun. You can see above that Zin doesn't care one whit for Delores. Raisin is immune to it all, and poor old Dizzy says "when will these stinkin TMT's stop showing up?".

CH. Saint Lazar's Rubellite, "Rubel", is a very special girl to me. She had just turned six months old when Wanda went home to be with the LORD. Our Granddaughter, Samantha, had her in her arms the whole time at the funeral home during the viewing for Wanda. I just can't say enough good about her. She may not be the flashiest dog we have had, but there have been none smarter or sweeter. Plus, she perfectly meets the written Manchester Terrier Breed Standard. Except at the beginning, our good friend, Sonja Long has presented Rubel in the show ring way better than I ever could. They are truly a "pair", and I appreciate you so much Sonja. Thank you LORD for her outstanding win in Perry, GA April 13, 2012. (Oh yes Margie, she is a "Jade" dog!) Thanks Gene Caron for the photo!

The beautiful girl pictured above is Poricia's Time Out By Saint Lazar, "Eletta". She was bred by, and is co-owned by Pat Hall and Charles Walker, and her Dam it the only Manchester in history, Toy or Standard, to win a Best in Show as a puppy, BISS CH. Saint Lazar's Topaz. Her sire is Pat Hall's Ch. Poricia's Straight to the Top, "Carson". Personally I think she is a better dog than her record setting Dam, and I am looking forward to see what more she can do. Also I believe when the time comes, Pat and I can produce killer pups from the fine, fine, little gal. Thanks a million Pat!

Three of Raisin's four boys, shown above in my friend Delores Dalton's arms, are big boys. Noticed their classic Saint Lazar color and markings, plus those totally correct "dark" eyes. Then there is "Sugar Ray" who is less than half the size of his 3 brothers. That's his rear end on the left. See him being fed below.

Well she did it again. Raisin's pups were not due until Friday, 3/30, yet here they are early Saturday, 3/24. There are 4 boys. They are fairly even in size, and seem to be doing fine. The above photo was taken in very, very low light with my new Canon 5D MK3, full sensor camera which just arrived yesterday. The ISO used was 25,600 and the technology is just unbelievable. I am going to have fun with these pups and the new camera, lens, and Canon's latest strobe. Thank you LORD for your continuing blessings! (Mea Culpa - I thought one of the pups was a girl as I took them out of Raisin's crate to bring them in the house. The light was poor, or I don't know the difference, or I am too old, take your choice.)

Raisin's milk is like fertilizer, these little guy have almost doubled their size in just five days. She has settled down nicely, and doesn't fret so when I put her out to do her "business". She is eating great, and I am giving her just a small amount of calcium supplement. She has plenty of milk, and everytime I walk by, somebody is latched on. (3-29-12)(Canon 5D MK3 available light image)

Not too long ago, I had decided to retire from TMT breeding and to place my guys and gals in good retirement homes. However, a very dear friend, Carol Vinci RN, pictured above with me on the Royal Caribbean vessel, Freedom of the Seas in January, prevailed upon me to reconsider. Well obviously I did, and I am so glad I listened to her. She is a fine gal, she has to be to put up with me, just as Wanda used to do, and I hope our relationship continues to grow and last. Like everything in life, it is in the LORD'S capable hands. Thank you Carol!

We have had no Spring in Georgia. In the Atlanta environs, we went straight from winter to summer. Everything is starting to, or is in bloom, and if we get a late frost, I don't want to think about the damage. The grass is greening up nicely, as you can see above, and sitting in the yard with the new Canon EOS 5D MK3 digital camera was great fun this afternoon. The dogs put on such a show for me that even with the allure of new photo equipment, they almost had my undivided attention, almost. I did get some nice photos, above is Aden on the left watching old Chase about to take the wild game from his Son, Zinfandel. But Zin is too quick and he retained his kill. I never take these magnificent boys for granted, THANK YOU LORD!

Well they are not called "Bitches" for no reason. Ch. Saint Lazar's Diamonds R Forever, marched over and took the prey. Notice the teeth. The males only rule at the food bowl and when gals are in heat.

Our long time visitors will remember Lance, who probably produced more Toy Manchester Champions than any other dog. He has been in a wonderful retirement home, but he had an opportunity to visit his old home at Saint Lazar recently. He will soon be 12 years of age, and he has the look and movement of a much younger dog. He still has the superb "Ace" coat, his markings remain excellent, and he only has a few gray hairs. What a pleasure it was to see this most excellent boy again! (Photo 2/8/12)

Wanda (prior to her passing) and I have always spoken and written clearly about our faith and trust in God and his Son, especially when it came to the outstanding success of the Saint Lazar breeding program.  And yet as I reflect on the past eighteen months or so, and the many challenges that were faced, I have come to a desire to apologize for some of my words and actions that were not becoming of a Christian.  At this time, as the fog over the loss of my beautiful and loving wife has lifted somewhat, the awareness of my reactions to the unkind and unnecessary remarks and actions of others, has become clearer to me.  Those reactions I manifested now deeply distress me in my daily walk with God.  I am very sorry for the words I spoke and wrote in the "heat of the moment", and the days that followed.  Please, if I have offended you, accept my sincere apology, and let us move forward in life with respect for one another.  My forgiveness for any unkindness which I received, is offered, with no exception, to any that may have participated.  With God's grace and strength, let us now breed, show, and enjoy our Manchester Terriers without rancor and animosity. Charlie Walker

Just a very short time ago I had decided to hang it up and close the Saint Lazar Kennel. However, at the urging of a very special friend, Carol Vinci, and other close friends who have been so supportive in recent months, Debbie Sharp, Sonja Long, Delores Dalton, Gene & Debbie Caron, Margie & Ron Ferguson, and a host of others, I decided to stick it out, and go back in the show ring. So here I am above with Saint Lazar's Aden, a magnificent boy, at a show in Atlanta on Saturday, February 4th. I had a great time, and most of the above were there. Carol chose my shirt and tie, for which I received several compliments. Gene Caron took this photo as I was clowning around with him, and it is certainly not indictive of the fun I had.

I had thought that I was through enjoying dog shows several years ago, but I am finding a renewed interest. GOD has not removed HIS hand from the Saint Lazar breeding program, and the above dogs are a fine example. Charlie is on the left with Aden, Margie Ferguson is in the middle with Saint Lazar's Ruby Tuesday, and Sonja Long is on the right with Ch. Saint Lazar's Errol Flynn, who only needs one point to achieve his Grand Champion title. I have bred three of our finest gals the past few days, and there is one more who will be bred in the next few days. So, GOD willing, I will be able to start serving my waiting list somewhere around June. I am confident that these will be some of the finest Saint Lazar has ever produced.

This seems to be the week for head shots. I have a new Canon telephoto lens, an EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II, which is a superb lens. I have not spent much time with the dogs lately and I am trying to make up for that during this almost 70 degree February 2nd day. They just want to lie around and soak up some rays, hence the "head shots". But suffice to say, Zin is one of the best we have produced. I am pretty high on Aden, but as an objective breeder, I have to say Zin probably is the best we have. Now that I have decided to get back in the show ring in response to my many friends encouraging me, I will be showing Zin in the near future. He is in "training", and I am very pleased with his progress. Thank you LORD for continuing to bless Saint Lazar.

This beautiful girl has always been a favorite of mine. Her Dam is CH. Saint Lazar's Serena, Brood Bitch of the Year, and her Sire is CH. Saint Lazar's Alexanderite MCOM, two of the best we have ever produced. I will be showing her son Aden in 3 upcoming shows, and I am expecting her to be back in heat anytime now. She is a delight to have around, and she minds impeccably. Photo 2-1-12

I and my family were astounded upon seeing the above drawing on Christmas Day rendered by my Great Grandson, Evan Ferguson, age ten. His mom, my Granddaughter, Krista Rogers Ferguson, had it on her cell phone, and of course I asked her to email me a copy. Even now as I post this, I have tears of appreciation for this fine young man and his mom and dad, Andy Ferguson, and his two brothers, Aaron and Emmett. GOD is so good, and I have told Krista that I will help as necessary to encourage and nourish this wonderful gift GOD has given Evan.

LILY is a Brandy/Zander girl born 5/22/11. I have decided to keep her in the breeding program due her superb genes, particularly on her Sire's side. She has Zander's great temperament, dense coat, absolutely excellent markings, and the almost exclusive to Saint Lazar, correct dark eyes. I love her small ears which are set perfectly. Ultimately she will be bred to Zinfandel, a genetic pairing that is as good as it gets in TMT's, and cannot be equaled on this Planet. THANK YOU LORD! (A great GENE CARON graphic design)

I sent "Lana" to Megan & Zachary Tobias in Monterey, CA yesterday, 9/29, and she is pictured above in Zach's arms. He had TMT's as a boy in Michigan, and I am delighted to provide this nifty little gal to this fine young Couple. Here is Megan's email to me below.

Charlie,
Oh my goodness she is perfect! She is so beyond what we could have imagined! Her look & personality are sooo awesome!
She loves the sea lions, we live right near the ocean so we can hear them barking when the fishing boats come in in the morning.
We cannot thank you enough! She is such a little joy!
Sorry the photos are kind fuzzy, they are just with my phone. Zach wants to do a photo of him in his Air Force blues with her, we'll be sure to send you a copy.
Thank you again! God bless you, because you have truly blessed us! Megan & Zachary

One of the cutest and most intelligent little gals that we have had in a while was available to a good companion home, but she sold less than 6 hours after I posted her availability here. During Wanda's last days, I bred a couple of gals that I would have normally skipped until their next heat. The reason was that I knew I would need to stay very busy to help me through my grief for her. This strategy worked well, and I continue to THANK GOD for his healing hand, and all those beautiful pups. SEE FERGIE, NOW KNOWN AS EMMA, BELOW.

Several weeks ago, Tammy Denny from Lake Oswego, Oregon, flew in to Atlanta and I delivered Emma/Fergie into her hands. Tammy reports that she and her husband are in love with this delightful little girl. And is so often the case, Emma could not be with a better family. The Denny's have Kahli (L) and Kona (R) the two Huskies shown above flanking Emma. Mr. Denny competes in sleding competition with those two beauties. Tammy didn't say, but I expect he uses Emma to "spur" them on.See below.

Tammy reports that the dogs all get along just fine in spite of the fact that it appears above that Emma is about to consume Kahli. THANK YOU TAMMY FOR THESE EXCELLENT PHOTOS! THANK YOU LORD FOR THE DENNY FAMILY.

Over the years we have sent several Saint Lazar TMT's to the great State of Vermont, so we are well known there. The 3 pups on the right are going to three related families who are familiar with our quality. The boy on the right is an Opal/Derby pup, and the one eating the dead Parrot and her sister next to her are Brandy/Zander pups, some of the prettiest we have produced. The Brandy girl with the ribbon is staying here. Thank you LORD for all the repeat buyers you have sent us these past forty plus years, and for these beautiful pups that keep Saint Lazar the #1 TMT Breeder on Planet Earth.

I sent my friends, Dawn & Tim Lombard, the Opal/Derby boy pictured above a few weeks ago. He has not yet frozen to death or been eaten by Polar Bears, and looks great. He is a fine looking boy, and is more like his sire in appearance, which is great. He was born 5/22 and Dawn says he currently is slightly over 7 lbs., so he is not going to be a "big" boy, but just right in my opinion. Dawn & Tim are some of that awesome group of friends around the world who prayerfully supported Wanda and I during those very tough times leading up to Wanda's passing. I love you guys! See Tanner's brother, who went to Vermont, on the right in photo above this one.

CH. SAINT LAZAR'S INDIANA JONES MCOM ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA

For several years Saint Lazar has had a fine friendship with Paige Saunders of Yurrugar kennel fame in Australia. Paige has had stupendous success intergrating our J.R. Ewing, Renee, and now Indy into her ETT breeding program. Paige recently swept the competition in the "Royal" series of shows with her combo ETT/Saint Lazar dogs. The competition is mortified, and she is receiving the abuse that Saint Lazar has enjoyed for well over 20 years. I congratulated her because that means she has arrived at #1 on the Australian continent. Here is what Paige said in a recent email, "We have been to visit Indy today and to say we are thrilled is an understatement. He is glorious. Temperament that can't be beat. I really look forward to the future. Fingers crossed for some nice babies in early 2012. " I might mention that no one was more supportive than Paige during Wanda's illness. GOD BLESS YOU PAIGE. (Photo courtesy of Paige Saunders)

SAINT LAZAR'S SUGAR ON THE WAY TO A ROUND WITH LAVERNE

A couple of weeks ago, I sent my friend, LaVerne Thompson of Grand Bay, AL, the fine little Opal/Derby pup pictured above. LaVerne named her Sugar, and as one can see, she has a pretty rough life. She gets in 9 holes in the morning, and then she has a nap, then eats, then loafs, you get the picture. LaVerne is a gal for all seasons. I have a photo of her operating a John Deere 450 front end loader in her front yard. In case you don't know, the 450 is a BIG bulldozer. LaVerne is a Pilot like myself, except she is Airbatic proficient, which lay people call "Acrobatic". Me, I fly aircraft strictly straight and level, but I have photos of LaVerne streaming smoke in all sorts of positions. As best I can tell, Sugar has stole her heart, and that of the rest of the family. THANK YOU LAVERNE FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP AND SUCH A FINE HOME FOR SUGAR!

JUNGLE JANE LOOKING FOR A VINE TO SWING FROM

This little Amethyst/Chase girl just would not quit climbing up the door onto the top of the crate. When she wanted down, she just dove off. I was afraid she was going to break a leg so I removed the crate and put a soft bed in with her and Dudley Niles Dalton (see below) and her other big brother. Of course they immediately starting tearing into the bed. But that's okay, it probably only cost $20.

ANOTHER SAINT LAZAR GRAND CHAMPION

New Grand Champion Saint Lazar's More Than Words - "Webster" was beautifully presented by friend, Dena Calivas on 7/30 and he achieved his AKC Grand Championship. Just one more in the over 300 Saint Lazar Champions world wide. Webster was bred by Wanda & Charles Walker, and is Co-Owned by Lani Miner and Charles Walker. He is the littermate of our Ch. Saint Lazar's Garnet. Thank you Dena, and Gene Caron for providing this excellent photograph.

SIESTA TIME AT SAINT LAZAR

"Stand up and do what? I ain't posing for no stinkin camera in this heat, go away!"

BEAUTIFUL AMETHYST - CHASE PUPS

Amethyst presented me with 2 boys and 2 girls during the early hours of 7/18. Chase is the sire, and the genetics of this litter cannot be touched by any breeder on Planet Earth. HIs Sire, Ch. Saint Lazar's Klay SDY SMSDY HOF AOM, has never been equaled in the history of Manchesters, no one is even remotely close even after spending tens of thousands of dollars. Klay dominated by being a "Stud Dog of the Year", the Sire of multiple Stud Dogs of the year, a Hall of Fame member, and an Award of Merit winner. Amethyst is out of similar genetics, and is a "Jade" dog, the highest honor Saint Lazar can give her. Thank you again LORD!

KIDS AND BRANDY-ZANDER PUPS 7-2-11

Kelly Pokusa, the Receptionist at my Vet's Clinic, is a good friend, and she brought her daughter, Abby, and her Son, Steven, over today for a puppy pig out. The minute I opened the gate, the Brandy pups swarmed out to attack them. You can see Steven is real worried. Steven and Abby were just great with these pups.

Abby and Steven played like this with all four litters. We got Opal's pups out next, and they had a great time. But the best was from the Garnet pups who are old enough to zoom up and down the kennel. Then we went outside and Steven and Abby played a bit with Rubel, and the Diamond/Zorro boy and girl. A good day was had by all, and these fine kids are welcome back any time. You done good Kelly!

SAINT LAZAR CHAMPION #308 - CHAMPION SAINT LAZAR'S RAISINETTE

Champion Saint Lazar's Raisinette, AKA "Sorry Dog" - I love her dearly, and she is our 308th Champion, way, way more than than anyone near. It has been a long time coming, because we kept interjecting young dogs in the show ring and poor "Sorry Dog" got short shrift. But now thanks to Sonja Long taking her to the Biloxi, MS shows, Raisin won the single point she needed for her Championship this morning, 6/2/11. She is one more in the record breaking lineup of Champions GOD has blessed Saint Lazar with over the past forty years. Thanks to Karen McRaney for calling me with the good news. THANK YOU LORD FOR THIS SWEET GAL!

THE #1 TOY MANCHESTER IN THE USA AND HER MOTHER

If there is anyone who likes to show dogs more than our good friend, Madonna Lee (L), I don't who it would be. Madonna is holding her Grand Champion Saint Lazar's Amazin Raisin (Macy) the #1 TMT in the USA at the time of this photo, and I am (Charlie Walker) holding her mother, CH Saint Lazar's Raisinette. Raisin has produced some outstanding pups, and she recently became our 308th Champion. (would you have been able to tell them apart if I had not identified them?) Photo by Gene Caron.

ZANDER GETTING SOME QUALITY TIME WITH DEB

Debbie has always had an eye for quality, and Zander is the beneficiary in the photo. By the time Deb had been here a couple of hours, she pretty much had everyone in the kennel down pat as to who is who. I remember well her first visit back in 1995, by the time she left for home, she knew everyone, and that included several Welsh Terriers. She loves the Toy Manchester breed every bit as much as anyone at Saint Lazar

WANDA'S LAST EXIHIBITION- FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2011

Wanda has had a hard time the past few days, so I was surprised when she said she would go with me on the 90 mile drive to the Perry GA shows. I had Raisin and a 6 mo old pup entered. Our good friend Sonja Simmons Long showed the pup, and Wanda showed Raisin in the Open Class in what was Wanda's last time in a show ring. Wanda went to be with the LORD, May 5th, 2011 as a result of pancreatic cancer.

RUBEL EYEING BUTTERFLYS ON AZELEAS

Rubel and Star are both bug catchers. I guess they need the protein, Pro Plan Select Puppy Food must not be satisfying them. Above Rubel is watching the Azeleas which are covered up with butterflys and bees. This little beauty is not even 6 months old yet! (4-13-11)

WANDA WALKER "LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD"
THE FIRST & ONLY TO EVER BE GIVEN

Some months ago, a few good breeder, exhibitor, Judge, and Handler friends learned Wanda was very seriously ill. At that time the extent of the problem had yet to be learned. So unknown by Wanda until Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010, some of these friends wanted to recognize Wanda's outstanding lifetime record with Manchester Terriers. The above MAGNIFICENT AWARD PLAQUE designed and rendered in hammered bronze by Beverly Capstick is the result. SEE THE FULL COVERAGE ON THE LIFETIME AWARD PAGE CLICK HERE

SEE YOU TUBE VIDEO OF TOPAZ AT THE "NATIONAL DOG SHOW" CLICK HERE

A ONCE IN A LIFETIME SAINT LAZAR LINEUP

This awesome photo was taken by Toby Jones, our friend from Charlotte, NC, with Charlie's Canon 7D. From left to right, BISS Grand Champion Saint Lazar's Topaz who went BOV at the Atlanta Classic on Thursday, 10/22 with super Handler Roxanne Sutton presenting her. Next Madonna Lee presenting Grand Champion Saint Lazar's Amazin Raisin (Macy), Charlie presenting Winner's Dog, new Champion Saint Lazar's Morganite, and Wanda with new Champion Saint Lazar's Sahara, who as Winner's Bitch moments later won Best of Variety over 7 Specials. There was nothing in Lincoln NE, other than Neelix, that could even approach this superb quality lineup. GOD in HIS INFINITE GOODNESS could not have given Saint Lazar a better day. Later in the day Wanda learned Striker was Stud Dog of the Year for his record breaking 3rd time, and then she received the never before awarded "LIFETIME BREEDER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD" from our breeder, exhibitor, Judge, and Professional Handler friends (yes we do have a few Professional Handler friends). TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

A RECORD SHATTERING 3RD STUD DOG OF THE YEAR AWARD - THANK YOU LORD!

CH SAINT LAZAR STRIKES BACK HOF MSDY MCOM ROM - "STRIKER" - A boy who is so well tempered that you hardly know he is around. Yet this outstanding boy, unique to the Manchester Terrier Breed, is a Hall of Fame member, a Multiple Stud Dog of the Year, 3 TIMES, which means he has produced Champion after Champion from his harem, a Multiple Certificate of Merit Winner for the production of Champions, and a Record of Merit winner. He has produced so many fine pups, I can't name them all, but he is the Sire of the only Puppy, Toy or Standard, to ever win a Best in Show, BISS GRAND CHAMPION SAINT LAZAR'S TOPAZ.(A Gene Caron Montage)

MAGNIFICENT SAINT LAZAR STANDARDS FROM THE PAST

The magnificent pair of Hall of Fame and Register of Merit Standard Manchesters above are Ch. Saint Lazar's Patton HOF ROM (L) and his littermate, BISNS Ch. Saint Lazar's Paula HOF ROM. This photo is from October 1985. Wanda took Paula to the AMTC National Specialty in Reno, NV in 1986 where Paula beat every Toy & Standard Manchester entered. Wanda flew from Reno to St. Louis where she met me (Charlie) and proceeded to win the Purina Invitational, the very first of the now common "invitationals". So here we are 24 years later still turning out No. 1 Standard Manchesters. GOD certainly has a sense of humor, and we thank HIM for it. Remember what I said about Standards Margie!

WANDA AND PAULA AND PATTON 1985

What a beautiful "threesome", Wanda Walker, the Top Manchester Terrier Breeder on Planet Earth, and her two beauties from October, 1985, Patton (L) and Paula, Standard Manchesters.

SAINT LAZAR - AN AKC REGISTERED KENNEL NAME

It is hard to believe, but there are many unscrupulous characters who use legitimate kennel names for their randomly bred dogs. We know of several instances, so we have registered Saint Lazar with the American Kennel Club to prevent this from happening to the foremost breeder of Toy Manchester Terriers on Planet Earth. The Trustee's of Saint Lazar, LLC, will continue to renew this protection well into the future.