How Did We Get There???

Linda and I parked in Llanwnda and walked off along Lon Eifion towards Caernarfon ... but no sooner had we set off than we saw a track which took us off to the left, well we had to try it. After a pretty rural walk we came out onto a single track road .. and it left me totally confused. I had to look at the map when I got home and I realised I was on Glanrhyd road, which is the road that runs behind the church in Dinas and comes out near Glynllifon. (opposite Lon Cefn Glyn) Well yeah, if we can find somewhere better to park then we could do a circuit ... one for the next couple of weeks then!  

One Step Forward

 A quick chat with the owner of Orin's future wife and it seems she doesn't want to breed till next year. That is ideal for me, so let's hope we can go ahead with a Siska litter later this year, or early next year ... I wish I could find confirmation that one of the front-runners has sired a litter before coming to the UK, but with that county's privacy policies, that doesn't seem possible! The other male has already got puppies on the ground in the UK.

Interestingly, my front-runners are very closely related, Wally mothers is the litter sister to Benzes' father! 

Royal Cheshire

Beti looking about right for her age I think, she was second in the class. The judge commented that she needs more body and coat. Yes I agree on coat, but it's coming back, her body will come with time, she's not two yet so we have time on our hands.

Meerah was second of two, Some nice comments from the judge, followed with, "but she's just too big!" Hell I know, and I'm so disappointed, but nothing I can do is there. Some humour about her size on the day left spinning round and round in my head in the evening and overnight. I hope people aren't laughing at her, or me for showing her ... I guess Meerah will have to stay home after this month. 

Lyra, Orin's L/C daughter looking lovely and flowing around the ring with her amazing gait.

Lon Eifion

Another convenient walk on route to Tremadog. Lon Eifion is the cycle track that runs from Caernarfon to Bryncir. I stopped in Bryncir, where there is a small car park, and walked towards Pantglas. Not a long walk as time was tight, but being out there in the countryside helps me headspace so much.

Mum was the worst I've ever seen her today, my concern deepens for her future. Apart from her awful mobility, she seemed quite confused and forgetful, I've come home feeling quite concerned about the current situation, and as I said, the future. 

Capel Engedi

 

I just couldn't believe it when I came across an old Chapel on the Lon Goed ... Of course when I came home I had to find out what I could ...  

"The chapel on Lon Goed is likely referring to Capel Engedi, which is situated off the historic Y Lôn Goed (Lon Goed) in the rural area near Chwilog, Gwynedd. It is described as being in an idyllic rural location with far-reaching countryside views. The chapel has planning permission for conversion into two holiday lets. Lon Goed itself is a lane lined with trees, famous for its beauty and celebrated in Welsh poetry, particularly by R. Williams Parry. The lane runs for about five miles, connecting Afon Wen to Hendre Cennin."

Lon Goed Again.

It looks like Ross has nothing more serious than a UTI. His prostate is normal, his temperature was normal and there were no crystals in his urine. Only blood/protein was detected, so antibiotics have been prescribed. Though he doesn't look overweight to me, he was 41.5kg so a smirk from Beth about that!

Today we joined the Lon Goed on the old Chwilog to Llanystumdwy road, so not at the bottom which is at Afon Wen ... I would have had to cross the main road to go down so I went uphill instead. I went further than I've been before, maybe a little too far for Ross to be honest, as he was lame on the way back. Memories came flooding back of doing this walk with an elderly Tali, Sammi and a puppy Ross .. and then that photo of Kaiah hiding behind a huge rock came to mind, some sweet memories, but some tears. I remembered so clearly the nightmare of Ross' limp back in 2017, as ever I was so negative about it. I remember pleading to a god I don't believe in to let him have  good quality of life, to make it so we could manage his pain in his youth, and seek more help for him in later life. Well now it is "later life" and the boy was lame again today ... but he's lived life to the full and with some extra TLC now he's an older chap, lets hope he continues to do so! 

Pinchmill Adira Of Blanik

Beautiful Beti, wet, unbrushed, in season and just coming back into coat. Now coming close to her second birthday, such a special girl, the light on the darkest of days. Thanks, Ian and Jackie for this photo of my whirlwind!

More About Heads

A perfect example of overdone, and if you think we don't have heads like this in the UK, well sorry but sadly we do! If we keep breeding from animals with huge block heads then I fear this will become  "acceptably the norm!" 

I listened to the critiques from the Sieger as the judge commented about one of his top winning males as being "on the limits of proportions, " he suggested caution was necessary, but still said he was a beautiful dog and put him first. Years ago I commented that a male I bred "Arko" was bordering on being coarse, but my god he was not like this! Whilst I also dislike snippy heads, a GSD should not look like a collie, I really think this is an ugly trait that is creeping into our breed. 

The head of a dog is the first thing we see when assessing them, if we carry on like this we will lose the breed characteristics of what is "A German Shepherd Dog," as guardians of the fabulous breed, surely we can not let this happen! 

Seasons and UTI

Beti is now on the last week of her season, Zeus is still going demented, but I'm still able to take him out with Meerah at the moment. Just the field for everyone today but these three may have to miss their walk tomorrow as I think I'll have to take Ross to the vets. I hope it's nothing more serious than a UTI! 

Hairy Ross

For a dog who had no coat as a youngster, this boy hasn't half made up for it. Though he doesn't have a lot of length to his coat, it's just so thick, and looks lovely, till it starts to come out! We've been brushing him endlessly and when I put the blaster on him last week I thought I'd got it all out ... nope he looks exactly the same again now!

There's been a lot of hanky-panky going on between Ross and Beti, I'm sure he almost "got there" yesterday. Beti is such a little tart, if he's not taking any notice of her she's practically on his head. Ah well safe sex for Beti! LOL 

Zeus has left breakfast for days and is really wound up, Orin hasn't skipped a meal and is easier to deal with. It's funny I've found the stud dogs are easier to manage when a bitch is in season than the other lads. Nico, Dexi and now Orin were much more in control of their urges ... though of course they are the ones that I need to be the most careful with, human error could be a disaster when they know exactly what to do! 

Beti And Ross In Carmel

A walk in Carmel for Ross and Beti, now everyone has done part of this walk, Orin and Siska have yet to get to the stream. I found my way back along the other side of the field, it was great to do a circuit, but even in wellies I was wet from my knees up when I got home. I guess all the tall wet grass and reeds got the better of me. But who cares, we had a nice time. Where can we go next then? There must be so many similar walks that we can do ... it's just finding them.

Next

Beneze - another stunning head - Wow I have a lot to think about.

(If a photo of him in stance is posted I will add it later)

Vesco has already been posted numerous times on this blog, a lighter eye and less mask but still a very pleasing unexaggerated head. 

George, again a lighter eye, but correct ears set and an unexaggerated head. 

I really don't like the overdone heads which are creeping into the breed, this should be a breed of moderation and have no Mastiff or Akita characteristics. Foreheads should only be slightly domed, but not furrowed, the head should not have a pronounced stop, and the skin should not be loose, lips should be tight-fitting. Heads should very much be in proportion to the body. A dark mask is personal preference, and I have always preferred it, but it's not a game changer in the right dog. If we continue to breed for "overdone" regardless of personal taste, then surely we lose the breed characteristics of what is A German Shepherd Dog. 

So This Is Wally

A head to die for, masculine and dark. The perfect ears set and the darkest of eyes. Beautiful parallel planes, a moderate stop, and tight-fitting lips - just wow!

The judges critique from "The British Sieger" - "Masculine Dog with a very good and well formed head. Very good position of the ears. Normal wither, straight back, croup could be a little bit longer. Good angulations in the front, very good angulations in the rear without any exaggeration. Front lines are good and from the rear the hocks are firm."

In Golan Today

With my regular trips to Tremadog to help mum continuing, for my sanity I also try and do that one special walk, so today we did it on route. On my way, I dropped off some supplies for Lucca and Ania and decided to walk in that area. Sadly the walk by the river was very overgrow, and the only other route that I knew took me across farmland, yes you've guessed it, cattle stop play and I went back the way I came! Never mind, a short walk but new smells, sights and sounds! 

Mum was no better, her negativity bringing me down instantly. I try and cheer up the situation, I swear I try my best, but I found myself in tears on the way home again. Thank God for my lovelies and the rest of the Blanik gang!

Junior

With lots of things going round and round in my head, the difficulties with Mum, Steve's very gradual improvement, stud dogs, my dream of a van I can't afford, my hands, my sight, and the endless list of negativity, I'm basically an emotional wreck. But last night's dream was very unexpected. I was sat on the floor among building materials and tarpaulin, when the fabric started to move, I remember thinking, well which cat is this now? I remember expecting it to be Jamie, OMG it was Junior, crystal clear and looking so well. He stayed for a few minutes in my dream, it was so vivid that this morning it felt like I had actually seen him, touched him and talked to him ... I saw his long sleek body, and looked into his eyes. Yes I saw Junior and I'm so glad it happened, it actually did mean a lot to me. 

Stud Dogs

I told Steve last night that I had spent the evening looking at stud dogs, though he won't be amused he'll understand my plans, and I've no intention of hiding anything from him. 

I have to tell stud dog owners that Siska is due in season in the Autumn, I honestly can't predict her, she gone 6 months and as long as 9 months between seasons ... and that last season in March was really all over the place. Anyway, she could be in season from mid-September onwards and when she comes in could affect plans from the time of mating to the dog I use. I do not want puppies ready to be sold here in December or early January, which should not be the case really, but if she did come in early then I'll have to skip the season, so really the later into Autumn she goes the better. 

There are a few dogs on the table, for simplicity, maybe I'll refer to them by their pet/register names without including the affix. So Benzes is in Suffolk, where Zalu was. (Ross' breeders.) He looks amazing and I think if he was nearer I wouldn't consider looking elsewhere, but can I get to Suffolk and stay the night in say, early November? The weather and the health of my mother, and Steve need to be considered as well as my confidence to do that alone. Luckily, I wouldn't have to make the commitment until Siska comes in season. Anyway I'm so glad that've looked further because, then there's Wally, the Irish dog, his breeding is as outstanding as Benzes, and he's now based near Knowsley. He's not an experienced stud dog having only had one litter in Ireland before coming over, but Siska is easy to mate and maybe he'll be more experienced by then. One of my bessies knows the owner and has met the dog outside of the show scene, she says he's a cracking character. George is the stunning sable that was my back -up plan last time. Beautiful, correct size dog, but I have doubts, and if you know me, you know what they are! One other dog that should not be dismissed is the stunning Vesco, I love Kiaan, Yokko and Jodie, all sired by him and carrying Fransisco ...  but I guess my previous experience of taking Siska to him makes me very wary of a repeat performance. 

Lots to think about, and I don't want two young puppies here at the same time, so I would have to see when/if the owners of Orin prospective wife have plans. I don't mind pups 6 months or so apart, but I don't think I'd want two baby pups together.  Then of course there is my hand surgery .. I don't know when that will be, could be 3 months, could be 3 years!!!

Cwm Dulyn

It's so nice to be able to take these three together, a few tangles with Zeus' retractable lead, but mainly the girls cope well. Zeus is that happy to be going out with them that he completely ignored his nemesis, Orin, in the pen as he went out to the van. 

Sammi had me with my heart in my mouth, she ran up the slope of the big rock, but considered jumping off from the top to come down. Thankfully, a sharp "Wait" stopped her in her tracks, I swear that girl doesn't know how old she is! 

Meerah was far more confident on the bridge than last time. She hesitated momentarily, but soon followed Granny Sammi and Uncle Zeus over the bridge, on the way back she went straight over with Sammi. 

Posted on Facebook

Séamus, a GSD exhibitor from Ireland (Well I guess you worked that out) posted this photo from Three Counties Show ground on Facebook... having never met her before, he thought Siska was fantastic and was highly amused to see her chilling on MY new chair! Mind you she wasn't the only one who thought she had the right to sit on it ... was she Beti! 

Day 9???

According to my calculations, Beti is only on day 9 of her season, but my boys are already getting wound up. So either I missed a fair few days, which is highly unlikely, she ovulates really early, or it's a combination of both? Maybe I missed a day or two, which would still only bring her to day 11, that is still early, but anything is possible! 

Zeus has left his breakfast, Orin hasn't, but he's loud. Ross, though neutered, is still quite interested, though the fact she keeps sticking her fanny in his face may well be encouraging him to do the deed! 

On a good note, it looks like she can do all the shows as she'll be cooling down by Cheshire and Blackpool. We'll see the nearer the time what happens to Meerah as her season will be an unknown quantity.  

Out And About

With Ross and Beti today.

Help

 

It takes bravery to ask for help, I'm glad that Steve agreed to let me get in touch with the gardener. Our lovely secret garden is looking all the better for it, and I can come in through the front without getting wet from overgrown plants. 

So Guess Who's Come In Season

Baby Meerah ...

So that'll be the fun walks over in a week or so for her. At least we'll get hers and Beti's season over together. 

Alltwen With The Lovelies

A lovely walk along the track at the base of Alltwen mountain (Penmorfa to Tremadog). The cottage hospital of the same name which nestles on the outskirts of Tremadog has changed that section of the walk from how I remember of it from my childhood, but walking here still bring back memories of Nain (grandmother) and her dogs. 

Three Counties

My morning drive to Malven went well, with only a few showers, google maps found a new route for the last 6 miles, well that was interesting when I was on my own!

I caught up with friends straight away, Sarah and family immediately giving me the support I needed.

Meerah was last and looked totally out of place, she looked huge among puppy bitches of her own age. Beti was also last of 3, still out of coat, but I have faith that Beti will come back into coat and do me proud again someday soon. Siska was 2nd and gave one of her best performances yet, the judge gave a super verbal critique but surprised us all by not calling her back to challenge for the RCC and giving it to the puppy over a lovely open class winner. My opinion on that, however lovely the puppy, is well documented! 

Some tears on the way home, but I had 150 miles to talk to myself and get my head in order. I was not upset because I thought Meerah should have won, or even been placed higher. I've been playing this game long enough to see what is in the ring with me and realise, well today, mine is just not good enough, and she's not. I'm honestly devastated, what we hope to do is improve through the generations, but here I feel I've taken 2 steps back with Meerah. You know Orin is an improvement on Sammi, and Beti is an improvement on him, but Meerah is not as correct as either of her parents. We throw the best ingredients we can into the cooking pot, but sometimes the results are not what we hoped for are they.  I'm not one of those people who can pass her on and start again, but numbers here need to be considered. My plan now is to show Meerah at the three shows she's entered her at, then, for the time being anyway, I won't be wasting any more money on her. Siska looks fabulous, Beti will soon be back in top form ... so I'll show both of them. Yeah, that is the plan, subject to change on a judge that may not be suitable for one or another of course! 

Sadly not many photos from the show, I gave the camera to a friend and forgot to tell her to zoom. I've cropped the photos, but they are blurred if I try to use them any larger than this. 

So now it's back to the drawing board for Blanik and my first choice of a stud dog for Siska has already been dismissed thanks to valuable information provided by 2 breeders who have already used him .... I have time to look and learn and once again try my best to get it right! 

Meerah And Her Mates