STOP PRESS …. CHANDI WON ALL THREE FREESTYLE AND HTM FINALS AT CRUFTS 2009 … THE ONLY DOG TO HAVE EVER ACHIEVED THIS … THREE COMPETITIONS … THREE DAYS … PLUS TWO DEMOS …. EXHAUSTING, BUT INCREDIBLE …WAY TO GO CHANI!
Bluecroft My Blue Heaven, is the registered name of my incredible Working Sheepdog (Border Collie), Chandi. I rescued Chandi from the dog pound when she was just 4 months old. I had always been fascinated with the blue merle colouring and thought one day that I might find ‘my’ blue merle. That day came, quite by accident, on November 11, 1998. Chandi had just been brought in to be rehomed at the very time that I was visiting the pound searching for a dog. From the moment I first met her, I have been totally enchanted by her beauty, intelligence and grace. We are the centre of each other’s universe, and the love we have for each other is the most precious thing in the world to me, and I cherish every minute we have together.
Two souls, one life.
Tina and Chandi - The Amazing Dancing Dog. 
I loved Chandi and your dance video. It was an emotional event for me. We lost our beloved Buddy five years ago and it reminded me of our close bond with him and how much we miss him and loved him. He was a wonderful companion and friend.
You give me great pleasure every time I watch your performance. Your relationship with Chandi is uniquely special.
Thank you!
Simply brilliant ! You and Chandi are as one when you perform. Beautiful to watch.
Dear Tina:
A friend forwarded to me today the YouTube link for your heelwork routine with Chandi. I have seen a lot of canine freestyle and heelwork videos, but this was the absolute best. I tried to watch it again tonight, but it is suddenly no longer available on YouTube — all in 6 hours! (The link on your website comes up with the same result on YouTube — “no longer available.” Do you know anything about this, or of any other way to view the video? By the way, I had two Australian Shepherds that lived to over 16 years old, and were the loves of my life. Thanks in advance for your help. Steve
I, also, have felt that bond with an animal, actually every animal I have ever owned. They are my childlren and my heart almost breaks when I lose one of them. I am on dial-up so I was unable to view your video, but I know, without a doubt that Chandi means as much to as my furbabies do to me. I would love to have you visit my blog, it’s only about 4 days old, at http://www.deonia-cooklikegrandma.blogspot.com
Good luck in your future endevors with Chandi, I know she won’t let you down. Yours and His, Deonia
What a beautiful performance !!!!!! I have been doing animal rescue for years and have many rescued pets……I was so glad to hear you adopted her from a shelter……I pray that this too will help many other animals in need from shelters all over the world……None of my dogs will ever dance like Chandi but they do have one thing in common and that is the love and bond we share…….
Way to go Chandi and team……amazing
Sincerely,
JP and My Gang
The admiration you and Chandi have for one another is lovely. My only worry about Chandi is if her neck gets tired from looking up all the time! I love Aussies and Borders – and I’m so glad to see one who is really cared for. They are so smart, and need so many opportunities to serve. I see dogs who were given to kids “because they’re high energy, just like my kids,” – and then rescued after a few months because playing with the kids isn’t enough – they need love & structure. Chandi and you are such a great example of the mutual respect we can experience when we really consider our animals…. Thank you! Lee (& Spirit – he’s a std. poodle – therapy dog)
Hi Lee,
Thank you for your kind comments! As for Chandi’s neck getting tired, think of it this way: she is free to change her position at any time. There is nothing holding her or forcing her to hold the position that she does. Besides, the welfare and health of my dog is of paramount concern to me and if I thought we were doing something that was detrimental to her health, I would stop immediately. The majority of her life is spent just hanging out with me/going for long walks, not working and training, so I am thinking that the short amount of time she spends holding such a position isn’t going to do her any harm.
Tina and Chandi.
Dear Tina and Chandi,
Your performance together is truly spectacular. When I am feeling blue I just love to call it to my computer screen…and in just moments, my mood has changed from gray to a sunlight yellow. The devotion between you and your dog takes my breath away…..just wonderful.
Norma J. Holt
CCLAYTOR@CO.MONTEZUM.CO.US
I WOULD LIKE THE LINK TO THE VIDEO. A FRIEND SENT IT WON’T DOWNLOAD AT THE SITE I WAS AT.
Tina,
Your bond with Chandi is truly inspiring. I have a great passion for Freestyle Dressage riding, and after recently losing my mare to a very tragic accident I thought I would never be able to face the music again; but you have given me hope. Watching you two together is truly spectacular, and makes me want to have that again.
Thank you, and the best of luck to you both in the future.
Sally Maitland
Tina and Chandi,
There are NO words to describe the beautiful relationship the two of you have! Actions speak louder then words and you my dear Tina and Chandi certainly proved it, big time!! I was truly touched by the bond the two of you share. Awesome..thanks for sharing this wonderful video.
Beautiful and very peaceful and inspiring to watch. How intelligent both dog and person can read each other and perform together. Thanks for sharing this with me and making a rather dark day seem much brighter. God watch over the two of you as you all dance through life together. Doris
I am still crying. A friend sent me the link on Utube and when I saw it was over 4 minutes long I wasn’t going to watch it. Thank you. What a beautiful dance. I only wish my dog Scruffy was here to watch it with me. I don’t want this did to me but it moved me in a very strange way.
THAT WAS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE MOST SOUL FILLING THING I HAVE EVER WATCHED. MY HEART SWELLED & MY EYES FILLED WITH TEARS. BRAVO CHANDI & TINA. THE WORLD SHOULD FEEL THAT PEACE YOU TWO BRING TO STAGE & SCREEN. I OWN AN AUSTRAILIAN SHEPARD, MOSTLY WHITE WITH BLU MERLE SPOTS. HIS NAME IS TA-TANTA, IT’S “KIOWA” FOR WHITE BEAR. HE IS A SOCCER PLAYER FROM WORD GO. HE’S MY LOVE. THANKS FOR SHARING CHANDI’S LOVE FOR YOU! SARAH IN U.S.A.
Pingback: A Dance For Tina And Chandi « Mcnorman’s Weblog
Beautiful! Your Chandi is a wonderful dog. I have three rescue special-needs Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They are bred for one purpose only – to adore their humans. And mine are VERY good at that! “Two souls, one life” perfectly expresses the love my furkids and I have for one another.
For those of you having trouble getting this video, try a cut and paste of this:
http://breathingeasy.wordpress.com/2008/03/15/dog-dance/
I just showed this video to my teenage daughters. We have been ‘dog people’ our entire lives, but have never seen anything so poetic that demonstrates the love between animal and owner. I have had enough pets to know that as much as I love and have loved all of our dogs, some relationships stand out among others as special. Thank you for sharing this special relationship.
I really enjoyed your dance with Chandi. I could feel the love that you have for each other. I lost my beloved friend , CJ on Jan. 2, 2003. After my husband died it was CJ who helped me get through the long, sad days, nights and months and I could not have made it without his caring love. I still miss him and think of him everyday. What a wonderful bond you have with a pet. They are just like a family member. I will miss him always.
God bless you and Chandi.
Tina;
Really amazing, I totally understand the “Two Souls One Life” We have a 4 year old Cairn Terrier, Mr. Wilson that we were fortunate to be given by a friend who couldn’t take care of him any more. He came into our lives last October and has been a blessing to our family, not with out a few problems, first a bladder stone to be removed and just last Tuesday Cruciate Ligament Repair a few nylon implants and grooving the knee cap. He is so good not much with tricks, but he makes that up with the Love he has to offer. Faithful always.
Again thank you for the wonderful performance
Richard.
Tina,
like others I too cried while watching this video. It made me think of my “babies” that I lost whom I loved so very very much. My dearest LOOLOO . She was a Chihuahua. She was bought from a pound at just 8 weeks old. She lived for 19 years. Then there was FRECKLES. She was given to us when she was just 6 weeks old. She lived for 17 years. Oh how I still miss them.
My husband and I bought Sadie from a Rescue . She’s part Jack Russel and Pit bull. She’s a sweetie and very smart.
I love your Chandi and enjoyed this video very much.
God bless you and Chandi.
love peace blessings,
Pat
2 words –
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
Pingback: Dog Dance « Breathing Easy
I received an email from a friend with a video of you and Chandi. Not only were the both of you amazing, but the music so haunting. I literally had tears in my eyes as I watched. Chandi….tail always wagging, looking lovingly at her master.
That kind of bond, only a “dog lover” will ever know.
With love and hugs from the USA,
Janice
Chandi is amazingly agile for a 10 year old! I’m amazed at her being able to stand on her back legs and dance — even with the additional bracing against your back. Congratulations and may your excellent luck with her great condition continue for many years!
Chandi is the most beautiful dog I’ve ever known. She’s so lovely, and friendly. It was awesome when she greeted me on friday 🙂
You two have the most amazing bond with eachother! It’s so wonderful to see how much she adores you and how much trust there is.
Awesome website btw 😀
Jools
X
How lovely! I share your love of and symbiosis with companion animals. I have 3 cats, 2 of them rescues, and grew up with wonderful dogs. Cats, too, will do amazing things to communicate with their person. Thanks for sharing this graceful statement of devotion with everyone.
Carolyn, Another Lover of Animals
I cannot say it often enough…your dance is exquisitely performed and heartwarming. Everytime I lose a pet, I think of your Chandi.
I FEEL THE ONE WORD I WOULD USE IS ‘GODLY’. THE FIRST TIME I SAW ‘DOG DRESSAGE’ WITH CHANDI AND HIS MASTER I CRIED. THE LOVE BETWEEN THE TWO IS OVERWHELMING! I HAVE A SUGGESTION…BONNIE HUNT HAS A TALK SHOW THAT’S GOING 90 TO NOTHING ON FOX T.V. SHE’S CRAZY FOR ANIMALS AND WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU ON HER SHOW’ I JUST KNOW IT!!!!! HER E-MAIL IS BONNIE HUNT.COM. THIS WOULD BE WONDERFUL FOR ALL THOSE WHO AREN’T COMPUTER SAVVY. GOD HAS DEFINATELY WITNESSED THROUGH TWO OF HIS CHILDREN. CHANDI IS HUMAN ISN’T HE???? MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU. ADMIRABLY’ A FAN.
Hi Tina,
I love your performances. Im from Hungary and here every dog dancers guy love your perform when you dressage with your dog. Its absolutly fantastic and we couldnt imagine how can we teach our dogs to dressage. I loved to contact you for exmpl on e-mail.
I love your work,
pls contact me if its ok (kornis.kriszti@freemail.hu)
hi tina + chandi
best wishes for crufts 2009 enjoy every moment
As the poet said, “Words cannot describe. So beautiful.”
Hi Tina,
Hope we find you all well?
All new equipment and software, so we’ve lost your email.
That’s not the only thing we’ve lost, today we had to take Wellie to the vets and he fell asleep in our arms at midday.
Lots of love Dave & Deb
I just watched the two of you perform. It was absolutely the most fabualous thing I have seen. I just got a border collie/australian shepard mix… and at 6 weeks old she is already showing her intelligence and loyalty… I can’t believe it… and watching her, I have never seen such agility in a young pup before… I am looking forward to working with her, and if she can accomplish just a fraction of what Chandi did, I will be totally thrilled with the breed. Good Job!
Hi Tina!
Chandi is the best freestyle dog in the World! I love your style and musics! When I first saw one of your videos I couldn’t said anything. I see a lot of routine in my life, but I couldn’t imagined the dog and the owner who can do this! You really love each other, and if somebody asks me this is the most beautiful thing in the Universe. 🙂 I be in ‘love’ with my dog partner too. So I’m very happy when I can see a video of you! They are gorgeous, really. Feasible I will write an email to you. I have got some question, and lot of neverending and pathetic stories of my dogs and the problems with they. Please help me if you can/want! So can i write an email to you, please? Congratulations, go along in this way!
With adoration:Bella Birinyi from Hungary.
Hi Tina and Chandi,”the lovely and amazing dancing dog” thanks to Brit Got Talent,i’ve found you and started digging about you and Chandi.What a relationship!! i was amazed ..two souls ..one life..these words really value your relationship between you and Chandi.When I first saw you guys,my tears came out without notice..haha..i was so happy to see such a wonderful act,I wish you both great success..Now you also have fans in Mauritius.Thumbs up !!!!!!!!!!l
hi Tina, we have tried in vain to find your email add, our computer has a virus and all the info is still on it and unable to get hold of yet, hoping it will be sorted though. We wanted to say “welldone”….we voted for you tonight and are so proud.
We know how much chandi means to you and we are beside you both all the way “go show the world your special relationship & enjoy it” 🙂
love and hugs Jan, Aaron and our dancing paws…xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hey guys, just wanted to wish you luck for the final tonight. Every one of the performances you have given has got me smiling non-stop! In the Semi-final I voted for the first time ever on Britains Got Talent…For yourself and Chandi! I am really looking forward to your performance tonight, hopefully the one which gets you that place on the Royal Variety stage. I have so much admiration for yourself and the work you have done to train Chandi as I have a Collie myself and they can be very free minded. Just want to wish you the best of luck for tonight, you can count on my vote!!!
Chandi is an amazing dog, she was so good to watch! I hope she has good life for the future as she’s getting older, I know you’ll look after her. Give Chandi my love!! ♥
Chandi is awesome!
you both won in our hearts!!!!!!!!!!!!
so proud of you both……we could burst with the love we feel when we see you both perform….xxxxxxxxxxxx
chandi: my role model 4 evz xxx
Hi lovely girls,
We have a 4 year old collie called Shadow(the wonderdog). We’ve only had him for 5 months, and he was an unwalked, neurotic scaredycat. His fear and aggression has gone. He’s still pants at coming on the lead at the end of a walk tho’, and I feel like I’m failing him, as a pocketful of frankfurters, fish fingers, and sweeties are ignored! He is so utterly lovely that the vet reckons he’ll make a good ‘petting dog’. I’d love to do this for him, my kids, and the people he may bring pleasure to…….but I need to feel confident about his basic behaviour first……any tips? (I’m buying your DVD BTW)