THE BERGER PICARDS OF SILVER GLEN RANCH

In 2000, after unsuccessful attempts to locate a Picard puppy in the United States, we went to France and acquired a male and female. Aided by Gary Andrews, fluently bilingual in English and French, who lives in France, we saw several litters and ultimately brought home a male and a female.

The male, officially named Ravaillac de Stephieci, but called and responds to Peavey, came from the kennel of Mme Louisette Beauvisage of Conti in northern France. Peavey is by Ouzo de Stephieci out of Louna de Stephieci by Chaffy des Mazellieres. Peavey is a gentle spirit, more retiring toward people than our three females, but loveable and appreciative. He loves running, riding in the front seat of the truck, chasing animals and is loyal to the family.

The female, Rafale de Blanche Laine, came from the kennel of Michele Valette of Nozay, located just to the south of Paris. Rafale is by Laiko Du Domaine de Brenarde star of the movie “Because of Winn-Dixie,” out of Noisette du Domaine d’Utopie by Jeff de Stephieci. She is the ideal companion and pet: loving, loyal, attentive, playful, fun, carefree, beautiful and well mannered. Refale is good company and moves Peavey out of the way for the prime part of the front seat of the truck. There is little one could ask for in a dog that Rafale doesn’t have or give.

Unfortunately, she cannot easily conceive or deliver puppies, so in January of 2004, two more females were imported from France. We were not without anxious moments since both contracted parvovirus shortly after their arrival, and they needed lots of attention and care. They have recovered and have now grown into fine young ladies.

Freya (officially named Ultra) was given the name after the Norse goddess of love and beauty and it fits her to a T. She is sweet, yet impish, a real charmer at all times. She likes to bark at the Kansas animals, particularly those at nighttime, but she is a friend to all. Freya comes from the kennel of Michelle Diard near La Plaine de Mer toward the east of France. She is by Rackham de tour Phillipe out of Ruse de Mont Herbet, and sports several champions in her linage. She will be bred some time after the first of the year in 2005, and we hope that her puppies are as soft and gentle as she is.

Urricane, as her name implies, is a whirlwind. She is constantly moving, playing, chasing and following. She can be a bit of a devil, and like the three other Picards, she absolutely loves water sports, including swimming, floating, standing in the creek and water fetching. She is by Sherlock Holmes de Montribois out of Sissi de la Mare aux Chouans by Viking du Caillou, and comes from the kennel of Marie-Helene Charreyre located at Autry-Issards. She was bred in October and whelped 3 puppies December 10, 2004.