As a young girl I found it easier to relate to animals than people. I’ve developed some people skills since then. But if I’m honest most of the time I’m as happy or happier to be around four-legged friends.
My first dog was a Standard Schnauzer named Meg. I was ten years old when she came into my life. I was immediately an avid reader about the breed. I learned everything I could. Before we started confirmation classes I was already hand-stripping her. I befriended an excellent Standard Schnauzer breeder who mentored me, guiding me through my first litter.
Fast forward to 1999, our family visited a local dog show where we fell in love with Ch Sisterwood’s Winsome Will. We decided we had to have a Will puppy. Marla Gardner guided us to a breeder who had a male available to a show home. We named the pup, Owain. Thus, Blu Skyy Cardigans began.
Norma Chandler was instrumental in my further education about the Cardigan breed. She also connected me with Debbie Moore of Heritage Hill, from who we acquired our foundation bitch, Abbey. Abbey won back-to-back BISS at Three Trails CWC out of Veterans. Maddy and I became friends with Norma Chandler. Our first bred-by champion, Julian has his bronze GCH, and performance titles in Rally and Herding, earning his Versality Title. He’s also a wonderful therapy dog.
Currently, GCH CH Blu Skyy’s Ziggy Stardust CGC is being exhibited under expert guidance from Lisa Croft-Elliott in Europe. Before shows were shut down due to COVID, Ziggy achieved top Cardigan ranking in the UK, won reserve CC at Crufts, earned a CC, BOB, and a group 2 at the Manchester UK show. He also garnered his Portuguese Championship in Porto, group 2, and has a leg toward his Latin Championship.
I consider myself a small, hobby breeder and have whelped nine litters in my home, many with co-breeders. The most recent litter is a product of Ch Redbud Glasdawn Moon Shadow x GCH Blu Skyy’s Bella Luna. Two pups from that litter, co-owned with Marty Wilson, were both champions in their first two months of competition.
I’ve benefited from the experience and knowledge of many generous mentors. My goal is to breed Cardigans with sound temperament, type, healthy backgrounds, and work toward the AKC standard for our breed. Blu Skyy dogs become champions and grand champions, compete in agility, rally, and herding. Some are therapy dogs. All of them are beloved family members.
I have volunteered for the CWCCA, putting together the catalogue for the Nationals over several years. I also designed the National logo for Chattanooga. On occasion, I’ve helped with ads for Three Trails and participated in meet-the-breeds at Westminster and the National Dog show. I also teach a confirmation class for the Lawrence Jayhawk Kennel Club.
Outside the Cardigan world, I’m professor and past department head of a collegiate program in Design. With a designer’s eye, I’m very observant and this helps me recognize standards and excellence in the Cardigan breed. All of my work with the breed strives to advance that ideal. I have attended and exhibited at many regional and national specialties and at the AKC National Championship. I have been privileged to have judged Sweeps at the Delaware Valley Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club Specialty, as well. It is an honor to be nominated to be part of the judging team for the Megan.
Sincerely,
Nancy Wilson
