Out Of And By

Mrs S is off on a rant again. I just feel if you're going to do it, you do it right. For example, Blanik Kyriacos is by Fransisco Di Casa Gregori out of Blanik Ivana .. right?  So when advertising a litter or promoting a dog the sire is listed first. Well yeah always, or that's how it should be. Also if you ask me who is Kyriacos' by? Then he's by Fransisco, if you ask me who he's out of? Then the answer is Ivana - he can't be out of Fransisco, his sire or by Ivana his dam, can he? Maybe I'm being pedantic? Maybe I'm spending too much time on social media? Hell if people are not sure then maybe they should just ask "what's the breeding?" LOL 

The Race

To avoid the "Easter Race" we turned back and took the van down to the bottom of Mynydd Cilgwyn. For a sunny Easter weekend it was pleasantly quiet. The guys loved it so much, even Loki legged it to the lake.

Seeing all those people running took my thoughts back to Asha, sweet confident, obedient Asha and her moment of madness as she followed the runners away from us. It was when I had Sammi and Loki as youngsters .. they listened, she didn't. Maybe she thought there were butties and cakes at the end of the race!

Avoiding Moel Tryfan I took Orin and Siska past the donkey field and did some road work, not my favourite kind of walk, but it was a change. There are two places on the walk where they can safely be off the lead .. or so I thought. Both here doing a super recall .. did they see the lamb who somehow pushed onto the track? Maybe O did, but she didn't ... and breath! Never ever become complacent, it's the nature of the beast. 

Because he's on the lead Zeus went onto Moel Tryfan as the runners were heading back. He did really well, though was uncomfortable with people running up behind him. He did nothing wrong, but stopped and waited for them to pass, until he saw Ian .. then he ate chicken! 

Today's Outings

Gold Stars

After my rant yesterday about people having control of their dogs I was so pleased to be able to award some of the Blanik gang gold stars today. As I returned towards the van on my first walk Beti took herself off away from the pack, I could see there was nothing ahead and let her run ... but as she went further than usual I felt uneasy and called her back, "Beti come." Little Miss B came legging it back and I wanted to praise her with the enthusiasm she deserved, so I quickly shoved Sammi into the van. Sammi has read a different training manual to me and when Beti has had a similar "run-around" in the past, Sammi has floored her when she got back. Hmm, maybe we've been doing it wrong all these years, lol. Anyway, Beti thundered it straight back and leaped into the van without stopping, I said "Good girl Beti, great job," and Sammi said "You go that far again you little shit and I'll bite you!" Funny how the angel forgets she was once referred to as "The naughty Angel!"

Though the sun was shining, it was breezy and bitterly cold, and I hadn't seen a soul. Again I was returning towards the van when Orin stopped and looked my way. Wow, he's so handsome, get a picture, oh god he's still standing there he takes my breath away ... get closer to get another picture. Then the penny dropped .. he's not looking at me, what is he looking at? I looked behind me,  Ahhh two people with two dogs heading my way. "Orin come," lead on, good boy, "Siska come," lead on, good girl. The people waved an acknowledgment, I waved back, and then I stood a while trying to figure out what one of the dogs was. I got to the van, put my two in and called out .. "Excuse me, is it a Dutch?"  "No she replied a BSD Malinois." I though, Na, so I questioned "Working line?" She replied no, crossed with a GSD .. "Ah, makes sense, beautiful dog,"  and he was, though to be honest by then he was off his cake, and I was glad mine had stayed away! 

Zeus and I got a soaking on the last walk. I kind of hoped Steve would have taken Orin and Siska and the washing in, but he hadn't noticed! On the walk I left the headcollar in my pocket and walked Zeus on a pulling collar today, actually it went well, but we didn't see anyone or any sheep. I may try it again tomorrow and hope I don't regret it. 

From Sunshine To Gales

Loki, Ross, Beti and Sammi

Orin and Siska - sometimes an unposed snap is the best.

Zeus

A Loki Rant

When you are sitting at the vets with an old dog by your side, wouldn't you think that people would be a little more considerate than to allow their Cockers to jump in his face? Of course Loki did nothing wrong except sit up to get away from them, and I got daggers as I pushed one away from his face. Think people think.

I was already a stress head when I got there. I got up to snow and couldn't get out for Loki's morning appointment. Beth was not available this afternoon, but Ken was there, so I said yes to that time. 

With a free morning, I enjoyed taking everyone out in the snow, it was the most accumulation that we've had in years but with Spring sunshine it was melting in front of my eyes. On the group of four walk I realised something was wrong with Loki and I came back home to get Loki into the warm. He was swollen like a barrel and shaking ... as soon as I got in, I gave him his "bloat" tablets. He ate some biscuits which was a relief and I rubbed his belly, honest to god it was rock hard. Steve and I recall that this has happened more than once before to him in snow.  I think he eats so much of it that it upsets his system. Eating small amounts of snow can cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs, whilst in some dogs they can suffer from something more serious called snow gastritis. Logically, eating the snow lowered his core body temperature, making it more difficult for him to stay warm and causing him to shiver/shake.  Keeping a close eye on him, we were able to relax within an hour or so.

By the time we were going to the vets it was pouring down with rain, all the snow had gone and it was just horrible out there. Between getting the dogs into the van and opening and closing the top gate I was soaked .. and no, I didn't have the right clothes. The journey took forever with all the bank holiday traffic heading the same way, and the weather was just as vile there. 

Loki had a pee on the way into the vets and we both sat soggily waiting to be seen. I just can't get over the rudeness of people and their inability to control their dogs in these situations. Ok they may have only been bringing their dogs in for their unnecessary boosters but some animals sitting in that room are old or infirm and deserve respect. My dog deserves respect, he does not deserve to have three stupid Cockers leaping into his face ... and as ever the owners are to blame. Loki did nothing wrong, but he had to sit up twice from the down to get away from them, that is not comfortable for him. Yes I'm really annoyed, I was seething, My old dog deserves respect as does everyone's dog, whether they be old, ill, or just plain grumpy ... give them space and keep your fecking Cockers in their own space. 

Ken thought Loki looked well, but I guess the last time he saw him he was really poorly with that chest infection. He assured me that the snow had caused the bloating this morning and that he was over it now, though his bladder was very full. His weight is back up to 40kg, though his responses in his hind quarters are pretty shit, to be fair I think Ken said sluggish. Loki had his librela injection, I've decided to carry on with them. I understand that they may not be recommended for Loki's issues, but it's working. Along with the paracetamol and steroid it's giving him the quality of life he deserves and his day by day well-being is far more important than worrying about the  "what ifs?" of the future. 

Oh I just remembered ... The lump on Loki's leg is nothing but bone ... Ken said he had one himself, I declined the offer of a look! 

I Wasn't Expecting That

8am snow - wow so much of it, but it was already melting fast. 

By mid-morning it was all disappearing but we all got to go out in a bit of covering. 

Training Club

Last night it was celebration night at Dog Club. We had lessons and a lovely evening with cake and alcohol-free bubbles. For a small club we made our mark at Crufts and on last years overall results. So put aside the wonderful class placings and wins, the BOB Manchester Terrier is owned by a club member, the BOB Malinois was bred by a club member and the BOS Malinois was bed and owned by a club member. Beti was BPBIB on the day, the top winning Groenendael puppy of 2023 is owned by a member, and the top brood of all the pastoral breeds is owned by a member - therefore yes, plenty to celebrate.

Taken from one of the group pics, this made me smile. 

Little Beti loves me!

Wither Height

 

From being a titch Siska has dropped on her wither. The wither is above the shoulder blades and should be the highest point of the back in stance and movement. In stance Siskas wither height is acceptable, but as she moves she drops on her forehand - and as we see she always has done. As I've said before as an adult in stance Siska is pretty close to picture perfect, but on the move this does detract. As with everything, some judges will penalise it more than others, some will consider that it's not worth a worry, others will really dislike it. What doesn't help is that Siska hasn't always got that look at me show presence, that often helps them up a place or two. I will not be retiring her, she's far too good to stay at home, but I will now be considering which judges are right for her. The plan at the moment is that Siska will not be going to Bolton or Sheffield, but I have entered her at the other shows in Spring and early Summer. Hopefully she'll come in season early to mid-Summer and the hopefully we can have out "M" babies. 

Size Matters

Poor Loki has lost muscle and bulk and really does seem to have shrunk! In comparison, Ross now looks like a tank! Though he's not fat, he probably is carrying a little too much weight and he's well muscled. Anyway the chat lead me to measure him, something I hadn't done in years .. 69cms, No! Try again 69 cms again. I changed rooms, maybe the floor is not level -70 cms OMG it's getting worse. I measured Loki 66.5cms, yes less than he was due to loss of muscle. I moved the stick as it was onto Ross' wither, it looked like it was about an inch off the floor. OMG Ross! Well who cares?, he's no longer a show dog, just a big loveable brown clown. I stood both boys next to each other and the difference in bulk and size was easy to see, Loki still has the better reach of neck, but you can see due to his condition that he's also sinking on his backend.

Whilst I had the stick out I measured Beti too, 60cms. As I've said with the uneven floor and a homemade measuring stick I could be a CM out, but no more really. (I thought I'll try outside in daylight) So maybe Ross is 68cms,but no less. If I am going to do the odd regional as well as KC shows with Beti then she needs to stop now really. I'm sure she will, there is never much skeletal growth after 9 months, and bones start to fuse at 11 months, it's muscle and maturity that often give the impression of further growth. 

Beti has better wither height than Siska, Siska has a tendency to drop her wither on the move, she always has done and with her lack of effort at times it can ruin what is otherwise a pleasing picture. In stance Siska is pretty picture-perfect but Orin out classes her on the move. It's hard to tell how Beti will be, but at the moment she has more about her than Siska, I mean more ring presence, which always helps. 

Orin was measured at a regional and by Joe, he was 66 cms. He is not classed as oversize, just top size. Zeus is easily the smallest male here, I mean in height, he has plenty of bulk and the coat gives a greater impression of size. He's just under 64 cms and usually about 4kg less than Orin, though Orin's is more trim now, he had put on too much weight. 

Anyway things to do ... but I think I will look back at the other girls photos at 9 months later today .. and no doubt I'll be sharing them. 

Sunset

Our cottage in last night sunset, lovely. Pinched from Facebook, taken by our neighbour and not an angle I'd see it from before. The sky was amazing last night and it's obvious how much further the sun is going now before setting. As forecast, this morning is wet, windy and bloody Wintery! 

Crufts Critique

Couldn't ask for more, could I??

Fun With Kiaan

Beti had a play date with Kiaan today. They had a wonderful time. 

Sunshine And Breeze

Zeus

The Mud Pack  

Siska And Orin

Everyone seems back to normal today. all meals eaten and there's a normal enthusiasm for life. I must admit I find it odd that both the younger girls were off colour, the same symptoms, the same day, just a bit late to think that they carried anything home from Crufts.

Boys Will Be Boys

Yesterdays lunch out with friends to celebrate Gail's birthday was a treat. After the last couple of visits I think Bryncir garden centre may become a regular now. Of course the conversation was mainly about dogs and cats, though one of the four of us really dislikes cats. As sensible adults (sometimes) we agree to disagree, we can't and should not expect others to always agree with us, everyone has an opinion and is entitled to it and everyone should try and compose themselves with dignity and decorum. The words "emotionally immature" were used kindly, I have another word for such behaviour! 

Bull Terrier man was discussed and now maybe I have to consider that he's not an arrogant twit but a very naive individual. I think now he's been made a lot more aware, and I hope he takes the information that he's been given and uses it to advantage to keep his dogs safe. Now he's one that over the years has pushed my buttons, I can't deny I've screamed at him like a fish wife on so many occasions, particularly when Jezi was alive. Hopefully he won't take risks with his current dogs, in the present climate it really would be putting their lives in danger.

The conversation moved to Zeus, and though there was no criticism of why he walks alone on a retractable lead with head collar the question was asked. Well to be honest the answers are simple, keeping myself and my dog safe are paramount, nothing else matters. I read online that a rescue society oppose to using head collars, they say that because dogs dislike them that you are setting yourself and your dog up to fail before you've even gone out. Well you know, let's think of it this way, without this head collar Zeus would have to walk to heel on a short lead, he simply would get no freedom. I have tried to teach him a recall, but to no avail. I doubt he would "run away" from me/us, but if he saw sheep or another dog then he'd be off .. also he doesn't always agree when the game is over and choses not to come in. Imagine that on the mountain. Nature or nurture? Like I've said before, I don't know, but his siblings all have a better standard of obedience and I didn't see anything to concern me in the 8-week-old puppy.  From choice, I wouldn't have him on a head collar, from choice I wouldn't be using a flexi lead, from choice he'd be running free with Siska and Beti, but when circumstance change we have to adapt and change our mindset to suit. Flexi lead and head collar it is for Zeus then. 

I've had numerous male dogs here that were not bred here, Jay was 9 months when I got him, Kai and Finlay were over 3 years and Nico 17 months. Simba was bred here and returned at 3.5 years old. I've not failed with any to have them off the lead on the mountain, hell Nico was off the lead within two days, he obviously wasn't going anywhere and with Louis as a mentor he was immediately on the right track. None of these lads had had it easy, with Nico coming from a home that I would consider abusive.  

If you think Ross is loud then you never had the pleasure of meeting Kai, and Jay wasn't much better to be honest. Kai was hugely imposing, full of self-confidence .. but so loud! Jay was the class clown, we called him Captain Chaos, a bit of a marmite dog, but I loved him. He was Louis' dad, so as much as he was a handful, he gave me the most precious gift. Kai was Asha and Mikey's father, one of those dogs that you remember the first time you saw him in a show ring, a dog you could never forget. To be fair Finlay was easy, why he was left in the pound I'll never know. Yeah he was a bit of a dumb blonde and until he was an old dog we had a very strong bond. What went wrong? I don't know! Simba was from my "A" litter, brother of Seffe and Dexi .. a bit of a hard knock, but he'd had rough and with love, patience and understanding we found the real him ... We could do anything with him, he had total respect for me and Steve and Simba stayed with us for the rest of his life. 

Anyway, I've digressed into my memories, simply I mean I've managed to get dogs with a past to respect me enough to be loose on the mountain, and I had confident in them to listen. I won't be letting Zeus off the lead, I know full well who he is, and I love him enough to not risk it. He is who he is, a bit of a knob, but he's our knob and keeping him safe is as important as keeping him happy.

Nico, Simba

Kai, Finlay, Jay

Polly And Ruby

Polly and Ruby are now in season. They came in within days of each other. I've not heard from Emma about Abbie, but Nova, Luna's daughter is also in season. No signs of anything on Beti yet and no increased interest in her from the boys ... but it could be any day or months away. I've looked long and hard at this photo of Polly in stance - she's so lovely and I would have been delighted with her had I chosen her, but I have no regrets for the choice I made back in August of last year. 

Bwlch Derwin With Orin And Siska

I love this walk, such a beautiful place. In all the years that I've been walking here, I've probably seen a handful of people, and I've been coming here since I had Blade, Nikki and Co. But as ever I'm on my guard and ready to put them on the lead should I see anyone. 

Another first for me today - I saw a snake. My only previous memories of snakes take me back to my childhood in Penmorfa where my grandparents lived. I did a google photo search and it says "Common European viper." well it was either a dead one or it was fast asleep! I would have loved to hang about to see but I didn't want Orin or Siska coming back to see what I was looking at.

Because I didn't know I googled further - "Viper is the name of the family and adder is the genus. So all adders are part of the viper family but cobras, mambas, kraits, coral snakes, and sea snakes are also included in the viper family (Viperinae). So all adders are vipers, but vipers are not necessarily adders

Walks At Home

I felt Beti and Siska were a little off colour today, neither ate last night nor this morning and whilst whirlwind Beti seemed fine on the walk, Siska seemed a little flat. I took Beti's temperature and it was normal but she has been quite this afternoon. 

K Litter Kids

Jazz, Loki B, Ginger

Fly, Merlin, Isla 

Heart breaking News

 

After recovering from stomach cancer 2 and a half years ago my lovely friend Mark has been delivered a huge blow with the return of cancer in his organs. His wife has just informed me that Mark's Cancer has spread to his pancreas, liver, bowel and small intestine, it's inoperable so they will probably only offer him chemo to prolong his life.  

Mark loved helping me handle the dogs and often beat me with one of my own. Here he had BOB with a young Kaiah under breed specialist Tony Wade. 

There simply are no words ...

Happy Birthday

Happy 4th Birthday to the Blanik "K" litter. My beautiful boys Orin and Zeus, I never expected to have the two of you here and though sometimes it's challenging, I honestly am glad to be sharing a life with both of you. ❤ ❤

Lovely Morning Walks

Lovely walks, only my pride damaged when I landed on my butt in the mud. 

A bit of a panic with Mr Bull Terrier, but actually we talked as he was seeking help on getting his XL to wear a muzzle. So far he's failed, and been reported for walking him locally "un-muzzled." Kind of felt sorry for him, he loves his dogs. Another person who insisted on throwing the kong for Ross! It can get frustrating as Ross doesn't know where to stop. Anyway I hope he gets the help he needs and that he doesn't chose again to walk into a pack of 4 GSD's who've just come out of the van!