Frozen Semen

I want to express my appreciation for Kokopelli’s recent blog post, “Frozen Semen Breeding – Life Suspended.” The insights Dr. Christensen shared in the article were truly thought-provoking and have deepened my gratitude for his expertise in this field.

A year ago, I had the privilege of raising four Navy puppies, made possible through the use of frozen semen delivered via TCI. Dr. Christensen’s guidance on utilizing all the semen delivered that day, despite suboptimal numbers, proved to be invaluable. Looking back, I am convinced that had I not followed his advice, there may have been only three puppies instead of four. This realization emphasizes the profound impact of Dr. Christensen’s expertise in ensuring the existence of my cherished Harper. While all my puppies hold a special place in my heart, Harper, as the sixth generation of Manchester Terriers resulting from extensive pedigree research, stock evaluation, and dedicated efforts, is truly exceptional. Her dam, Navy, pushes an impressive track record as a two-time National Breed winner, Group winner, and Top-Ten achiever, while her sire’s accomplishments are equally noteworthy. Without Kokopelli’s guidance, Harper would not have come into existence.

I am thrilled to share that earlier this year, Harper achieved her AKC Championship by securing a 5-point entry all three days at an event in Turlock, CA. Her promising potential fills me with hope that she will one day continue her legacy through her own offspring, possibly with the assistance of the special dogs Kokopelli has stored for me.

I cannot thank Dr. Christensen and the Kokopelli team enough for enabling the existence of Harper and her siblings. Their commitment to serving, preserving, supporting, and educating through their practice is deeply appreciated. Thank you, Kokopelli, for everything you do.

When we brought GCh Ch Legend’s Surprise Party at Rosemont, “Dany” in for her mid-term ultrasound, I felt confident she was pregnant given her behavioral changes and physical differences, yet until I could see those little blobs on the screen I didn’t want to get too excited; didn’t want to jinx it!

When Dr. Shelby said “there’s one!” I felt my emotions rise, then “two”, a bit further there were three and four. By that time, tears were flowing over my face and I was speechless. Martin (my husband) became emotional. The attending vet student, the vet tech, and an assistant were all congratulating us. We just looked at each other and felt such a sense of accomplishment over the past 20 years, knowing this could be the most significant breeding which we have planned for four years and perhaps our last litter with our most highly awarded Rosemont Foundation sire, GCh Ch PaRay’s Power and Privilege “Dominick”.

Over these ten years, we have appreciated Dr. Christensen’s educational background and reproductive expertise. We have come to trust him completely. And our recommendations have brought others to him with different breeds that feel the same way.  Now with this litter, Kokopelli created a real miracle for Dany using 14-year-old Dominick’s frozen sperm via TCI.

Martin and I thank Dr. Christensen and his team so much for all that they have done for our breeding program, which has become internationally successful. Over the years, Kokopelli-assisted pregnancies and whelping have produced such beautiful Bichons. Most have become AKC Champions, and many AKC Grand Champions, before going on to become Best in Show winners or #1 Bichons in multiple countries: Argentina, Finland, Hong Kong, China, France, and England. Many have wonderful jobs as Certified Pediatric Therapy dogs at UCLA Children’s Hospital and a Children’s Psychiatric Clinic in New York. Others have earned Agility ranks and Obedience Certificates. Many others are living their best lives in beautiful areas all over the world and the USA as loving companions with their families. Kokopelli’s guidance in breeding, whelping, and through educational seminars has helped us leave a lasting Legacy of Rosemont Bichons for generations to come. For that, we will be forever grateful.

Pictured here are Elyse & Marcel, two Long Coat Chihuahuas waiting for their turn for the first time in the Beginner Puppy Class on 3/14/24. After many years of careful planning and research for the blending of two lines which consists of top dogs in the country, they are the result of a TCI using frozen semen. We have high hopes for the future of these pups as it is rare to have the entire litter (two is average for Chihuahuas) of this quality having reached both their POA’s (AKC’s Puppy of Achievement) and Marcel, a 3-point major, from the Bred By class before the age of 7 months old. Thanks to Dr. Christensen and his team at Kokopelli Veterinary Center, they will make an excellent foundation to my breeding program.