Zejak Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Kennel Club Accredited Breeder

2010 Testimonials...
 

      Below are a selection of letters and e-mails we have received from our satisfied owners over the last few months...

Dear Jackie,

We got "Mozi" from you in December 2008. She's one of Zulu's. It didn't take long for her to become the jewel in family's crown. She's the most sweet-natured, cuddly and wamr-hearted dog I've ever owned, happiest when all "her pack" is around her. Here, she's patiently tolerating our youngest hanging off her neck, probably for the 12th time that day.

It's amazing how a dog can change the family dynamics in a positive way. Her looks are the talk of our park. If I had a penny for every time someone said "what a beautiful dog"...

She does really want a brother though, which is why I always follow your new litters page!

With 4 kids in the house, I was at first slightly apprehensive about bringing the famed "African lion dog" into the house. I cannot stress how misplaced my worries were. The perfect pet, except she NEVER fetched sticks back!

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Dear Jackie,

Our boy "Zejak Zifa" (Loki to his friends) is coming up 3y/o in April, I can't believe it! As you can see from the photo's he grew VERY big, as you had said he would. He has the most stunning head, people are always stopping me to ask about him. He is just the most lovely boy, so very clever and extremely obedient (when he feels like it!).

 I read somewhere that Ridgebacks tend to see "commands as suggestions", and I think this sums up Loki brilliantly! He's far more intelligent than a Labrador or the like, but with that intelligence comes the ability to think for himself! We couldn't wish for a more gentle dog, he now has a little sister (tiny Jack Russell) who he plays with endlessly, but so very gently. He also plays with one of our maine coons! He has so much personality, he'll move his bed to where he wants it (generally in front of the Aga, he used to bring it in the sitting room in the evening until we bought him another bed to go in front of the fire - he simply won't sleep on the carpet!!). He also likes to sit with his slaves (He's not really allowed on the sofa -so to compromise he plops his bum down next to us - keeping his front feet on the floor!). He is well capable of opening the cupboard to help himself to whatever he might fancy (muesli being a particular favourite), and should anyone leave cheese or steak out on the side, it most certainly won't be there for long! He loves coming eventing with me, and I never have to bother to lock the lorry as no-one would get anywhere near it if I haven't introduced Loki to them in an official manner!

 Anyway, it suffices to say he is a very happy lad, and much adored, not only by us but also the rest of our menagerie! I've attached a few snaps from the recent snow.

January 2010

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Dear Jackie,

 Our wonderful Ridgeback sadly had to be put to sleep yesterday following a long and very happy life. We purchased him from you in the Autumn of 1998 and we sought you out because of your claim to breed for temperament.

 Having been a dog owner all my life, I can say with out any doubt that our Zimba was the most beautifully natured dog I have ever owned. He was always calm, devoted and highly intuitive. He was always able to tune in to your state of mind and was the best friend of everyone in the family. We all miss him terribly as he was the heart of our family but feel very lucky to have had him in our lives. Your claim to breed for temperament is without question, so thank you for giving us a truly special dog to love and care for. We still have Chloe, our Ridgeback Rescue dog who is full of character and keeps us smiling during these sad times.

 For your information, he was sired by Chomananga Hafifi n'dugu (which I am told means something about chasing a stick - which of course they never do!) and this mother was Zejak Riziki.

 When we have grieved for our Zimba, I hope that I can persuade my husband to seek you out again, so that we can have another adventure with these amazing dogs. If you are planning to breed puppies again in the new year, perhaps you would be kind enough to get back to me?

 So thank you for all the work that you do with this breed and I hope that we will meet again in the fullness of time.

 Kind regards,

 Varina Emblen, Jan 2010

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Hi Jackie,

Hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year.

Just wanted to let you know that we've received the kennel club documentation that you posted.

As promised, I've also attached some photos of Blaze for you.

He's such a funny little thing. He is really affectionate and wants to be involved in everything that we do - which can be a little dangerous if you're up a ladder and decides to join you. We've learned from experience on that one.

He's used to the cats now (although they are firmly resisting all his attempts to play with them), and is really social and polite with other dogs. Training has been quite challenging as he's quite wilful, but he'll do anything for a bit of chopped up chicken or sausage. He walks to heel off leash beautifully, will 'sit' and 'down', and also does a high five. As you advised, it takes a firm hand and lots of patience - which is sorely tested at times.

He's really good in his crate and travels well in the car. House training is proving a little more difficult. He cries to be let out for a poo, but will simply sit by the door silently if he wants a wee, which invariably ends up with him weeing on the carpet - our fault for not keeping an eye on him and remembering to let him out every 30 minutes. We're hoping that he'll learn a way of attracting our attention when he wants a wee, particularly as we have a big house and often can't see him sat by the door.

All in all a lovely little dog and lots of fun. He's eager to take part in anything we do, whether it be a cross-country trek or a visit to the beach. Thank you so much for allowing us to bring him home. We love him to bits!

 Mr & Mrs. Jackson, Wiltshire - Jan 2010

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Hi Jackie,

 I hope this finds you and your family and Ridgebacks well. I haven't been in contact for many years but I felt compelled to let you know that yesterday Ruby passed away.

 She came to us from you in 2001 from a litter born 18/10/01 and since then we have had two children. I just wanted to let you know that she was the most wonderful hound, full of love and funny quirks and was a credit you and to the late Merlin and Red. In time I would very much like to have another Ridgeback and hope we can come and see you when we feel ready.

Mr. Church, Hampshire - August 2009

** Update - January 2010 - Mr. Church collected his new puppy from us this month **
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Dear Jackie,

My lovely puppy I got from you, from Zulu and Jali's litter last 4th of July, has grown into the most beautiful girl and the best running buddy I have ever had. She has been a complete joy and the best decision I may have ever made. We are having a great time and she is a brilliant city girl in London and the star of every park around. Amazing with other dogs! Our three hours in Richmond Park every Friday is her favourite of course, and she loves to swim!

Thank you very much for my lovely Breeze.

The picture is of her in February 2009.

Many many thanks,

Raina Chamberlain, London - March 2009

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Hi Jackie,

 I hope you and the pack are keeping well!

 Our Lovely boy Zee (Zejak Burhani - D.O.B. 2/12/07) is keeping healthy and bouncy. He still attends his training class every Wednesday and is doing so well. The trainers have nothing but complements for him and are surprised at how good he is for a 1 year old...apart from a couple of areas....;-)

 Every time he does his retrieve a dumbbell exercise, the whole class will erupt in laughter as he bounds down the hall like a springbok pouncing on his dumbbell, tossing it in the air! People regularly have to duck!! He also manages to break the tunnel every time he runs through it, that's the problem, he RUNS, like a bull in a china shop... So funny! It brings him so much enjoyment.

 If we've popped out for as little as an hour, upon our return, he will put the closest thing to hand in his mouth and proceed to do the whole body wiggle waggle for at least 10 minutes! You'd think he'd been alone for a week!! I swear he bends so much, his bum touches his nose!

 He has such a well rounded personality and has never shown an ounce of aggression towards another dog, even when set upon by a grouchy old retriever, his first reaction was to hide behind dad and then to go back over to see if it had changed his mind and now wanted to play!

 Saying that, we were approached by a slightly worse for wear swaying homeless person on the local high street, Zee instantly realised there was something up, grew about 10 inches in height and told the drunk in no certain terms to halt right there and don't come any closer to Mum and Dad! The drunk duly obliged and went on his way. Zee instantly then went back to wagging away.

 Our cats have finally accepted Zee, probably because he has realised that they don't taste very nice to lick. The youngest kitten Penelope will get into bed with Zee when he's asleep, she realises he's too clumsy to cuddle up to when he's awake though, she's not that brave! Strangely they both enjoy watching The Dog Whisperer together! It must be Caesars’ calming influence.

 Zee has been relatively illness free in his life, the odd upset tummy that is usually due to him drinking from anything but his water bowl, the stinkier the better is his motto! Strange boy!

 We noticed that Zee's parents Zulu & Zvara are due a litter in the spring. We've been thinking of getting him a sister for some time now. As he will be just shy of 18 months in May, we'd absolutely love to get a bitch from this litter.

 I really do hope we could be considered for another Zejak baby.

 Thanks again Jackie,

 Luke, Cat & Zee - 2009

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Hi Jackie,

Just thought I’d send you some recent (last week!) pictures of Tango....on the beach in sunny Bermuda! This week winter has arrived and it is currently blowing a gale!

Tango continues to delight us all. Tango and I are re-doing the Intermediate Obedience course (missed a few classes during the last course due to travel commitments) with him and we are also working towards doing some therapy work with old folks and kids. I take Tango to pick up my son at school from time to time, and he is so good with the kids. Last Thursday we did some training at an old folks home. He loved saying hello to the residents! I know because of his size, some folks are a little nervous of him at first, but soon realise what a softie he is. Stay tuned for updates!

Hope all else is well with you and yours.

Warm regards and woofs,

Alison and Tango - Bermuda - 2009

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Jackie,

 Just to let you know that Amo is 2 today and that he’s extremely well and thriving. He is a wonderful dog – lovely temperament and perfect conformation.

I phoned you at the beginning of the year to enquire about puppies, but eventually decided that for one reason and another that I didn’t want to wait until your next litter was ready. It was probably a mistake, although the puppy I eventually got has a lovely personality. However, the conformation isn’t great. Anyway, if and when you decide that you are going to stop breeding, could you please let me know? I think your line of breeding is excellent and one day I would like another one…and I don’t want to find that I have left it too late and you have stopped doing it!

 Hope all is going well with you. I keep a look out for you in the Driving pages of Horse & Hound and I hope things are good in that area. I have (yet another!) new hunter to replace an old one who is about to retire and so I’m looking forward to the coming season.

 Kind regards,

Peg & Amo - 2009

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Hi Jackie,

Sorry for not getting in touch sooner, hard to believe its fourteen months since we collected our wonderful ridgeback from you!

It's also hard to believe that small bundle of paws and fur you gave us has grown into the strong, proud, large, faithful companion sitting a few feet from me now. His growth was quite amazing and still draws comments from our dog walking friends.

Thank you also for the excellent advice and puppy pack you supplied us with, it proved very helpful. I must confess, we were not prepared for the amount of attention that Chester draws. I used to take him to Tesco's for socialisation, noisy environment, etc, but several times had a queue forming of people who wanted to stroke him and it was causing an obstruction! I have also had cars stopping in the street and strangers coming over with tales of ridgebacks they had or knew and commenting on his looks and condition.

He gets loads of exercise and we try not to give him "human" food. He is very muscular and lean. I remember thinking how fit Zulu and Chobe were when we came to see you and that's what we are aiming for. The vet says he's in excellent condition and health.

We are quite strict with him and strive to be more "dog handlers" than "dog lovers" although it is hard because of Chesters' wonderful nature. He challenges us every day in small ways just to make sure we are still in charge, which we are!

Well, that's all for now and we promise to keep in touch.

Best regards,

Andy, Sue and Chester - 2009

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Dear Auntie Jackie,

 Can you believe it I am 5 on Thursday (19th Feb 2009). So excited, can't wait to see what pressies I am going to get. It wont be a bed though as I have found they are not quite to my liking these days. I suppose you have to grow out of chewing things to bits at some time.......

Well the snow was fab I loved it. Played for hours rolling around, it felt soooooooo good. Archie acted like a snow plough and tried to eat his way through it...and they say Vizslas are brighter than us. I don't think so. I am still having a ball with my life in Winchester, I get two hour long walks a day and if I am really lucky I get three (which I can live without between you and I but hey you have to show willing right?). I have a new bestest friend called Morty who is a ridgeback too. At the moment he is more interested in Archie, but I have found a good shoulder barge puts him back on track to play with me.

 I hope you are all well. The new puppies look lovely. But I do point out to Mum that I am a sponge when it comes to love and cuddles, so there is NO ROOM in this house for a cute thing - that is my job !!!!!

 Ruby and Bron - February 2009

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Hi Jackie,

 Hope you are well.

 I have attached a couple of pictures of Dash taken on holiday in Northumbria at the end of January. He is now nearly 10 months old and in the words of Mick's Dad 'he is turning into a fine dog'!

 We are really pleased with him, he is a lovely dog, very friendly and loves playing with other dogs. Dash has never chewed anything in the house, he comes back to a whistle (well most of the time anyway) and is an easy dog to have. He is much admired by other people who always comment on his good looks and lovely colour. We now know lots of people on our walk and it often takes me 2 hours to get round a 30 min walk! We know all the dog's names but not the owner's names!

 Dash goes out with a dog walker on the 3 days that I work and we think that this has really helped as part of his socialisation - meeting lots of different dogs, people and situations from an early age.

 As well as playing, Dash's other favourite pass time is sleeping - he is either on the sofa or in front of the fire!

 The only thing he isn't keen on is getting wet - he is a bit of a wuss in the rain so we got him a jacket!

 Good luck with your next litter - we will check your website for new puppy pics!

 Take care

 Mick, Debbie and Dash Plowman - February 2009

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