Away At Windsor

A super night away followed by a dog show in Windsor. I think the furthest I've driven, certainly in a very long time. I'm actually very proud of myself, and my navigator Jackie, we talked and laughed our way there. (and back to be honest!). A wonderful welcome from wonderful friends with a BBQ out in the warm evening sunshine. It was lovely to see Anne Marie and the family, and of course  Luna, Nova (Orin's daughter) and Isla. I love the Shepherds Cottage  and we were reasonably early to bed with Beti sharing with me but Meerah sensibly opting for the colder floor. I left the door open all night and the bird life in the morning was wonderful. Though I didn't see as much as I did last year as I couldn't move without getting a Beti snog. 

Judging was at 8.30am, but with only 6 miles to travel to the venue, we got there in good time. Jackie's Ricco was 2nd in Puppy dog, and a thank you to Jackie for handling a very naughty Meerah to 3rd place in Puppy B class. Meerah's behaviour was quite shocking really "Im not doing it for you" clearly written all over her face. In the photos from the show you can clearly see how out of place she looks, I'll have to seriously consider what I do next!  Sadly no yearling class for Beti, and she looked very much the baby of the class, but thanks to Arron for handling her to third in PGB. I have to say that our judge Netty Kirby had such a lovely way with the dogs, she didn't care about Meerah's strop, and it was nice to see a judge so gentle on the mouths.

We decided to stick to the motorways all the way back, but the sat nav wanted us to come off the M6 onto the M54. Initially I ignored it, but then a motorway sign came up saying there was a 30 min delay between Junction 14 and 16, so we took exit 12 off the M6. I thought that from then on I should listen to it as it obviously knew what I didn't, I was surprised it took us onto the A14 rather than the M54/A5. A road I kind of knew, we'd used it when we went to Weston Park in days gone by, and I came home that way from Bath with Darryl and Bethan. Anyway, it was a pleasant drive after the manic motorways. We were home around 6pm, with the evening to relax on the sofa with the troops. Again, thanks to all who made it possible. 

10 Years - Almost

 

Siska didn't read the sign, but when Sammi went in Oct 2015, there was no sign! 

Dorothea

Last time I was here was in the Autumn, that was with Orin and Siska too. I did a search on the blog and found that all the photos I've taken here are in the Autumn! LOL According to this blog, I was there in Oct 2015 and Nov 2015, I know why, Steve was taking me out and about to see the world whilst I was trying to get over my brain surgery!  

Exploring Today

Today we parked by the Church in Dinas, and set off on Lon Eifion towards Llanwnda. (where we parked the other day.) It was a more popular walk than I expected, dog walkers, bikes, runners, nothing was a problem until we came across two older men behaving oddly. We moved to the side to let them pass, but then realised they had stopped, I've no idea what they were doing, but they made me feel uneasy.  I exchanged pleasantries with the first man as we passed, but glanced down to see Beti pulling to the side, eyes on stalks and hackless up as she passed the second man. She even kept looking back as we walked away. I wonder why she knew that I didn't?? 

We then crossed off the cycle track onto the footpath that we walked on Saturday with Zeus, down to the gate and walked up the single track lane (Glanrhyd) back up to the van. A much shorter walk than I anticipated, but actually, ideal for Ross. Definitely one to add to the "let's go back there" list, and the possibility of taking two lots of two and parking by the bottom gate.... hmm sounds like a plan!!!

With plenty of time on our hands we swapped dogs, parked in the Cwm and walked towards the house we refer to as the "Lonely Light." Castell Caeronwy (Caeronwy Castle) is nestled at the base of Mynydd Mawr and appears in many of my photos. (though not in these today)

Meerah and Sammi 

Blame The Girls

 Zeus didn't eat at all yesterday, or this morning, and though Orin is eating he started barking at about 6am today. I guess we are going into the last few days of Meerah's season now. The awful smell which is associated with ovulation in some bitches lasted about 48 hrs and thankfully is well gone now. I can only recall Krizzie smelling like this before. Meerah, like Beti is quite the little slapper and poor Ross has been harassed for days, the boy still prefers his Kong to a bonc ...LOL 

There are some HUGE decisions to be made before the end of the year, mating Siska being the easy decision, choosing the male is currently harder. But the hardest decision of all is whether I can face having Beti spayed before the end of the year? Logically, I know it's the right thing to do, but the thought of it puts the fear of god into me! Anyway, she's only just finished her season, so I have three months to think about it! 

Yesterday

We were in Glynllifon - "The mansion is located within Plas Glynllifon Country Park which is located on the A499 between Pwllheli and Caernarfon. The park is owned by Gwynedd Council and is the perfect place to enjoy gardens, wildlife and history; it has an onsite cafe, boutique shops and play areas."

Where Are We??

Twelve Months On

A year ago Orin's daughter Mayzee looked like this. I'm sure her owner wouldn't mind me saying that she was obese, one person even asked if she was pregnant. Mayzee waddled across the ring and like us, the judge advised the owner to drastically reduce her weight. Well 12 months on and look at Mayzee, she looks like a different dog, and she flew happily around the ring. Congratulations to her owner for Mayzee's second in PGB qualifying her for next year's Crufts. Credit where it's due for taking on the advice and getting Mayzee back into a healthy weight, just her coat to come back now and she'll do some winning. 

Bitches At Blackpool

Both these photos are taken whilst other dogs in the class were being assessed, so just as the girls were hanging about, but I love both photos. Beti performed so well, the best she's done in a while, but still she was not the judges' cup of tea. I'm a bit embarrassed about bursting into tears with Sarah, I just feel like I need a break now! I do try and be positive in all aspects of life and look ahead, but knock after knock gets you, doesn't it. Just Beti being last again upset me and I couldn't hold it back, normally I'd take it on the chin, especially with quality females if the class, but currently everything in life set me off. I honestly do have faith that Beti's day will come again.

Siska really put some effort into it, she is so consistent, well done on a second our Siska. 

Hot And Smelly

Changing weather here this morning. After a sleepless night, mainly because of the heat, I was glad of the cooling temperatures today. I got up for a cuppa around 3am and the smell in the middle room was revolting. I've had bitches who smell before when they are in season, but my god Meerah smells like a fish farm. To be honest, she's not much better today, but my boys are not that interested, yet! The smell apparently is associated with ovulation, so at least we know roughly where she's at in her season now. So she would be ready for mating in a day or two!

For my own protection, I had more or less decided not to take Meerah to the show tomorrow. With everything that's going on I'm an emotional wreck, so best I leave her at home. Like I said, I was Ok with someone taking the piss the other day, but when I got home I was dwelling on it and wondering if other people were taking the piss out of her, and me for showing her? Right now I can't cope with all the negativity, so maybe her season is ideal timing.