Journey to Westminster!

We proudly share, the Best of Opposite Sex, 2024 Westminster winner and the Best of Breed winner of the 2023 ESAA National Specialty & 2024 Maturity Winner under breeder judges- bred by, owned and loved by none other than our club members, Lynda Chase & David Otlewski.

Meet, "ELLIE" - NBOB, GCH Pine Hollow’s Eleanor Gee I Think Your Swell JH CGC VES 1

Sire - GCHS CH Festivity BJ's Tornado Warning RA JHA CGC

(Bred by our club's Kristen Apocaca & B.J. Parsons, DVM, Owner)

Dam - GCH Pine Hollow's Something to Talk About JH

(Bred and Owned by our club's Lynda Chase & David Otlewski)

I was intrigued to learn Ellie's story after seeing her ESAA win last October and hearing the good news of her invitation and success at Westminster, 2024. I also had the pleasure of seeing her enjoy a field workout at our Club's Fun Day this past March. I called Lynda and asked her to share Ellie's story and her journey to Westminster. . .

Lynda shares she had her first setter with her son Andrew, prior to meeting Dave. After they met, she quickly introduced him to the breed. 30 years later, they have five generations of breeding, showing and enjoying field work under their belts. ALL of the setters they have raised together have been bred-by-exhibitor shown to their Championship and Grand Championships and also have hunt titles.Ellie was the last puppy born to "Gabby" and "Twister." She has had an impressive career in just three short years. Lynda had entered Ellie in her first show at just six months, along with her Mom Gabby. That show was actually the ESAA Regional Specialty held by Michigamme ES Club Specialty in Michigan where Ellie was awarded Reserve Winners Bitch while her mom Gabby was awarded Best of Opposite Sex. A few months later, at just 10 months old, Ellie won back to back five point majors in Orlando completing her Championship at the ESAA Regional Specialty. Lynda remembers exiting the ring after Ellie's championship win and saying to B.J., "Oh no, now what do I do, she is already finished!" B.J. responded, "you are NOT actually complaining now are you?" or something to that effect! Because Ellie finished so young, she then showed sparingly as a special. It was only a few months later that she earned her Grand Championship.Lynda was approached after the Westminster show by someone who asked, "Yes, but can she HUNT?" She recalls being thrilled when Ellie as a puppy sleeping on her lap would get excited just listening to the birds. The answer is YES, Ellie also loves the field. Lynda describes her as a "little stinker at times," but says she goes CRAZY whenever she sees a show lead or her orange hunt collar. She loves to do both.

Lynda and Dave's goals for Ellie include completing her Canadian Championship (she is half way there) and earning more hunt titles. They will be in Canada next month competing, so we wish them well and hope for updates on their return!!ATTA Girl Ellie! Congratulations Lynda and Dave! ~