Wednesday Walks

Zeus and Sammi on their walk, I intended doing the same walk twice, but with a fair bit of road walking I opted to change my mind for the second walk. Even with gloves on, my hands were freezing holding the leads, so I went up part of Mynydd Cilgwyn (Mountain) with Beti and Ross instead ...no leads needed. Well now of course I want to go all the way up again... Weather permitting, maybe tomorrow with Orin and Siska who only got to go in the fields today. 

A bit blustery, but with no one about, we enjoyed ourselves. Beti did give my a bloody scare, she went up a huge rock, much taller than this one, a gradual incline from the back, Ross followed her and dropped his kong. The boy sensibly came back the way he'd gone up, oh but not Beti who launched herself off the top!!

Meerah and I went out together, I find it so odd walking one dog, but we had a nice time. We found the lid of the shit bucket, it had flown away the other night. I took Meerah to see Twll Braich, for obvious reasons, I don't tend to go there with silly youngsters, as ever Meerah wasn't phased, far more interested in the sheep in the adjoining fields!

Orin Stud

I had another stud request for Orin a few days ago, I replied with my usual standard spiel, but surprise surprise, I've heard nothing back again. I hope my response is not offputting, I can't see why it would be to someone who is genuinely interested in the breed and the health and welfare of puppies produced, I will not slip on my ethics.

"Orin is at stud to Standard coloured, KC Registered, health tested German Shepherd bitches of suitable bloodlines who are sound in mind and body. (I will check the COI of any future puppies that could be born) Orin carries no lines to "Vegas," "Zamp" "Remo" or "Quenn" making his bloodlines a sensible alternate for the many bitches who now carry these lines. I strongly suggest bitches be progesterone tested for optimal potential for fertilization. Orin carries the long coat gene and mated to a bitch who also carry the gene may produce long as well as standard coat puppies. Orin's stud fee is £600, Cash payment is expected at the time of mating and should the female miss then a free mating is offered to any bitch that fits the criteria in the same ownership. Bitches must be hip and elbow scored and preferably DM tested. (though not essential) 

If you are interested, then please send me the female's KC Registered name and health test results 

Regards Rhian " 

Anyway, on a happier note, Nicola is already preparing for her Orin x Mattie litter, she's even applied for an Affix. Nicola has a great guide in her mother, who used to breed and show. (Though I've no idea what breed.) Her husband is also a game-keeper, so they have a lot of experience with dogs ... Oh, and they have a Dutch Shepherd - I'm jealous!!! So let's hope that whatever happens, there will be a puppy at Blanik this year!

I Feel So Guilty.

In my defence - After very little sleep the previous night, the sky was silent and I was hoping for a good night last night. Now something changed here last night, I think Meerah must be getting close to ovulation, Orin is still quite chilled, but Zeus is going into twat mode. I was in the bathroom when Zeus and Sammi went out for their last wee and I could clearly hear the side gate of the cottage being rattled. I went to open the door and Sammi was stood waiting to come in, no prizes for guessing who was trying to escape!! I got them in and went to bed, Steve went to the bathroom and Zeus rammed past him into the hall where he stayed winging until Steve came to bed and insisted he followed. Sammi was in good spirits and playing wither her soft Xmas pudding. 

We watched telly for a bit, as we do, then switched off the lights and were asleep quickly. At around 1.15am, I heard the winging start up again. Not what I needed, "Shut up and lie down Zeus!" Quickly there was silence and I was asleep. Then I started to hear it again, not sure for how long, but for enough time for me to think he'll be sleeping in the van if this carries on, and he's never done this before, but I still didn't consider that something other than a randy male was the problem. I called out again "Shut up and lie down Zeus," but almost instantly I heard the Niagara Falls and as I jumped up to put the light on, Steve mumbled "What's going on?" I shrieked, he's pissing! With the light on I realised it wasn't him at all, he was lying in his bed .. OMG poor Sammi. 

By the time I got there and got her out it was far too late, and trust me it was an enormous pee. I feel so guilty as Sammi has always been clean and for at least 2 hours she had been telling me that she needed to go out. It just never occurred to me that it was her, I just thought it was Zeus being a prat. Of course there was no reprimand, why would there be? Well except to myself and my punishment was cleaning the floor at 3.30am. 

I do wonder why it happened, she was out at 9pm and again just before 11pm. The weather wasn't bad by then, so why did she not wee then? Steve just said, well maybe it's her age? I just can't see she would forget to wee before bed? I'm wondering if seeing Zeus rattle the gate has bothered her, and she's come from the yard to stand by the door so as not to be associated with wrong doing? To be honest, as she really hasn't changed in mind or body (other than some hearing changes) I do find that more plausible. 

Whatever the cause I feel so guilty for ignoring her, in a similar situation I honestly will never presume again. Sorry Sammi. 

Wind And Beti

 Well it sure has been one of those days when you think maybe, just maybe, moving downhill to live would be better. The wind and rain has battered us. We'd heard the wind, though slept through it until we were woken before 6am with something banging on the bedroom window. We both got up and braved the storm to go out. I was out with my dry robe and wellies over my PJ's. Something had come partly off the shed roof and was battering the car and the side of the cottage, including the window. Thankfully no damage to the window, but sadly a fair few scratches on the bonnet of the car. I suppose it could have been worse! 

The cat have opted for another day of doing nothing, well who can blame them really?

Just as it had healed, Beti has been scratching the sore by her eye, taking the scab off and now a lot of hair. I really hope I haven't made matters worse by putting Sudocrem on it, but I've used it dozens of times before with positive outcomes at home and the rescue centre. The way it looks now, I really wouldn't show Beti, let's hope she leaves it alone to heal, there is a week before Manchester Ch Show. If we go to the show, I'll take Meerah with me. The boys are getting very interested in her, though she's not at the peak yet. I think it would be safer for everyone if she was not left at home in Mr S' care. After all, you get no education from the second kick of a mule do you! LOL 

Marley

 

Meerah's brother Marley over the Xmas period. He looks super.

Siska's Siblings At 5 Years Old

Elka, Callan

MalaKai and Larry

Tremadog

A lovely walk in a very busy Nursery in Tremadog. I was just a little taken aback to land straight in dog shit as I came out of the van. There really are places to clean up aren't there! Thankfully I was in my wellies and have a pair of slippers at mums! 

Well done to Beti for her exemplary behaviour and well done to Meerah who only barked at a Labrador who was staring a little too intensely at them. Neither reacted to the Springer female who growled at them, but her body signals were easy for me to read so they obviously knew she was scared. The owner was chatty and referred to the girls as GSD's going on to tell me that he hated the term "Alsatian" and that the breed had returned to his rightful name since the 70 ies. I just smiled and listened. 

I picked up my new laptop, well new to me. It's about the same age as the other one, so pre-covid and cost me £50 - all good so far and it will have to be, having bought the camera the piggy bank is empty! 

Return Of The Snow

 Well not much, but they were happy.

Yesterday's Walks

Meerah and Beti - The Nantlle Ridge in the background.

Orin and Siska with Mynydd Mawr in the background.

Llyn Cop covered in a thin layer of ice. 

Happy Birthday Lovely Liszka

Well there was lots of snow and ice 5 years ago when little "Geraldine" and her buddies made it into the world. Happy Birthday beautiful Siska and her siblings.