Not Eating

I forgot to mention and need to make a note of it for future reference, Meerah is hardly eating at all now. She'll eat the sachet in the morning, but not any kibble, and the last two nights she's left her meal. She'll eat any treats and is full of fun and silliness. Let's hope it doesn't last too long ... Beti was over it in a few days so lets hope this one is the same! OMG look at the size of her!!!!

Nico

Another chat about length of foreleg and the correct proportions of the overall height of the dogs got me looking for a photo of Nico in his prime. (When measuring the overall height of the dog, consider that the length of leg should be greater than the depth of chest, so the depth of chest is 45-48% of the overall height. So the chest should ideally be relatively deep, with the bottom of the brisket (the front part of the chest) reaching at least to the level of the elbow. The length of the Skirt may make a dog to be deeper than they are!)

I miss this boy so much, where would we be now without him?  

A baby Sammi with his daddy Nico.

I Wanted To Buy A Pig

 Last week I saw a large garden ornament in the shape of a pig in Bryncir garden centre. His front foot was broken and there were cracks on his back. I asked how much he was? She said, he'd been there a long time, he's £40. I asked if, due to his poor condition, they'd take £20? Apparently the boss was away and that was not her call. I wasn't paying £40 for him!

This morning I walked with Beti and Meerah to the village past Twll Braich, (The quarry hole) then across the road and cross-country to Carmel where Steve was going to pick us up. As ever he hadn't listened and was down by the donkey field, I saw him go past as I walked the narrow track behind the slate mound, and then of course he wasn't answering his phone! Some things never change. Eventually I got hold of him and he came back to pick us up.

I then drove us to the garden centre where he picked up plants from the cheap section, he'll soon have them back to life. Of course, the pig was still there and I asked the question again ... she talked to the boss .. £40. No sorry I'm not paying £40 for a broken pig, but she said "that less than half his original price." Yeah, but still too much for me. I'm kind of sad because I had a place for him, but £40 - well sadly just too much.  

Waiting for Steve!

Out With My Lovelies

I parked in the Cwm and hoped not to be seen, the last time I had Ross and Beti, so I was "heard,"  these two are quieter, but, I was seen. The door opened the gate opened, and she walked straight over her hands out to greet the dogs. I let Siska go over ... but was more wary of Orin as he's not careful of his strength, but she wasn't having it, she had to stroke Orin too. You can see she's nervous of them, which isn't great, but likes them, and she ask, "Are these related to the one who went into my house?" Yes they are related to Louis, who went into her house!!!! Long story. There was some sad news, Pat who lived in "The Lonely Light" had died, back with her husband now, yes a lump in my throat. Orin and Siska were restlessly waiting for their walk, I made my apology and got away. 

On the track we met a family walking a black dog, it really kicked off. They apologised and said he didnt like"Alsatians" as he was bitten as a pup. These two didn't say a word, but I did, well three words "German Shepherd Dogs!" I told them not to worry about the barking, we've all been there!! The track takes you down through fields with sheep who are obviously cared for, so both were on leads, he wouldn't go, but I have no doubts she would. 

It took so long to get this photo, Orin just refusing to put his ears up. I sat on the floor throwing things in the air, rattling a tic-tac box and pretending to get the treats out of the bag .. but no ... "She's watching sheep, and you'll shout, so I'm not doing it!"

 It was worth it in the end! 

Individuals And Nicknames

I know I've talked about the nicknames with previous generations, and this post may well double up on some of them, but it's nice to talk about individuals and not packs or couples sometimes, because within this family of dogs they are individuals. 

Orin - O, Mr O or Daddy O - though doubled up with Siska they are "My Lovelies!"  Orin is a powerful male who sometimes uses his bulk and strength to get his own way. Being in charge of him mentally is a must, physically there is no doubt he could over power me, but to be fair he doesn't try. Generally he's an easy dog, obedient and affectionate with us, though he's aloof and dismissive of strangers. (But not as bad as Loki was) He's good around other dogs and even when dogs have had a go at him at shows, he tends to dismiss them, though if anything made contact then I think he would defend himself. He hates Zeus and tolerates Ross, though he's very patient with Siska who likes to push his buttons, he occasionally will lose it and put her in her place. 

Siska - Sisks or Siska-Liszka - A typically female, mostly very easy but can be strong-willed and determined. Very self-confident and relaxed, sometimes lazy, and like Orin she is very dismissive of other dogs at shows, to be honest she too shows very little interest in people she doesn't know. She doesn't like being brushed, dried or blasted, but of course she puts up with it as we've always done it. I don't think I've ever seen her aggressive, though she did bully Sammi. Worst thing about her, she takes delight in bed shredding! 

Sammi - Sammi Belle, Angel and was previously Naughty Angel. Quite a headstrong puppy, but she was extremely friendly and self confident from the beginning. She can be more dog reactive at the shows, "Are you looking at me?" LOL. Generally a happy girl who is an absolute pleasure, where ever I am, Sammi wants to be. I love them all, but Sammi is one of those "special ones."

Zeus - Well, where do I start? - Knob head, Arsehole, Twat, Hairy, Blew (Hair in Welsh) and Steve calls him curly wee. Now before I say any more, please always remember, despite the bad days, I love this dog. Zeus is probably too bright for his own good. Yes he pushes my buttons, but mostly I'm sad for his sake, he's the one who misses out, he's the one always on the lead, though the retractable lead is a godsend for him. There is a lot of good in this dog, but I can't deny that he can be difficult, the main issues are his lack of recall and his unpredictable nature when you need to brush him or do something with him/to him that he objects too, and that can be as simple as drying him. I hate the fact he chases the cats, and he would kill sheep, but I honestly would have no concerns walking him around a show or down the high street - left alone in those circumstance he's fine. 

Meerah - Legs or Mwnci - Welsh for Monkey. The story so far is that Meerah is a very sweet-natured girl, affectionate, happy and obedient. In the room with us, you couldn't get a better behaved pup, left to her own devices, well she likes to steal things and shred things. She's pretty loud, which can be off putting to strangers, but she really is a sweetheart. 

Beti - Beti Bwt, Beti Boncers - Black Beti bam-ba-lam. I never call her Beti Boo, but other do and she tells me she doesn't mind. What can I say about Beti? Well I think she's amazing; she's happy, bubbly, full on, friendly, sweet, obedient and affectionate. WOW, any negatives? Well yeah full on isn't always fun, especially when she's leaping into the air and I'm trying to walk in a straight line. She can and does take offence if anything looks at her the wrong way at shows, and by now she doesn't like Sammi or Siska. Beti is very bright, and I often think she, and Ross are wasted as a pet/show dogs.

Ross - well you know he has nicknames, but not ones we use to call him.  Brown clown, mouth of the south, loud and annoying, (Which was actually originally said spitefully by the green-eyed monster, but we have found it funny.) I used to call him Mr P (Poldark) - but I haven't done for years. I guess he's the masculine version of Beti, but much much louder! Ross is never happier than when he's helping (!!) Steve do jobs. Despite being a prat of a puppy, probably one of the worst behaved I've had, he grew into a wonderful adult, yeah our Ross is a lovely, lovely boy. 

Aren't I lucky! 

Two Walks Off The Property

Type

I often witter about "type" or as I've been corrected, the appropriate word is "style." 

(I was told - 'Type' defines a breed, and 'style' conveys judges, breeders and owners 'preferences, understanding and interpretation' of the breed standard) Having used the word "Type" for 34 years it's hard to change, but this is what I mean. (I pinched the chart off Facebook) For some reason what we call "English Type" is not there, but its closest counterpart is the "American show-line." Blanik is totally based on West German Show-line, though through his mother, Loki had some working line in his pedigree. The colours of the dogs of course vary to include all breed standard colours, but we rarely find the dark and grey sables in any of the show line dogs. 

There is no doubt show line dogs did become exaggerated, but now most responsible breeder are working hard to reduce over exaggeration of angulation in the front and rear, and to produce dogs with strong but unexaggerated backlines. 

Walk Two - Orin And Siska

 After yesterday, Linda booked "an easy walk." With cattle up by Llyn Cop I suggested we drive to Glanrhyd road in Dinas and let them have a run on the footpath, then walk the single track road as we have previously done. Yes, a nice easy walk ... but what we didn't bargain on was the clouds breaking and the hot sun, so after they had a run I suggested we try plan B! 

Back on the leads for both and a short walk along the road before going over the stile, across the fields and into the copse. Well no one fell, lost anything or got stung, though Siska did get knotted! LOL. I showed Linda the little bridge, but beyond it, it was still too overgrown to go further ... shame, but I'm sure it'll be doable in Autumn, I really do want to see where the path leads. No doubt it'll be a major disappointment now. 

We stayed under the canopy of trees for a while and my lovelies both found their way into the shallow river. Though we didn't walk that far, we all enjoyed mooching in a different place and of course keeping cool at the same time. 

I've been trying hair straighteners recently - but my hair is still doing its own thing! No idea what these two are looking at, but I love the photo. 

Walk One

We set off along "Lon Eifion" from Groeslon towards Penygroes. We passed bikers, walkers and dogs, other than one swear word aimed at a black Lab from Sammi it went well. 2 Terriers thought they'd take Sammi and Zeus on, but not a word from these two. An apology from the owner and some embarrassed comments from her friend, but we all laughed it off. At least no one said "Oh the Alsatians will eat you!" One of my pet hates for more than one reason. We saw a lady running towards us and put the dogs aside, she asked from a distance if it was OK to carry on running, and then as she got closer asked if she should walk or stop. I assured her it was all good, and she carried on, but how nice of her ... maybe she was just nervous of them, but still, no one has asked before and some of the cyclists were as rude as ever!

Zeus pulled off the track and to a side gate ... it was open so we went in, we were all over the moon to find this meadow, such a beautiful spot ... and I never knew it was there! 

One last photo on the way out - isn't our Sammi stunning!

Tegid

Yesterday was such a hard day. It was my Uncle Tegid funeral. He was 78 years old but had struggled with Parkinson's disease for about 15 years. Tegid had been a teacher, then changed careers and became a Vicar. It was no surprise therefore that the service in the Church lasted a painful 1hr and 15 mins. The service was held totally through the medium of Welsh, as it should be, but I did feel sorry for my English cousins who had to "winging it" for all that time. To be honest I made the decision not to take my reading glasses, so I was partly winging it too! As I'm an agnostic I found most of the service painful and unnecessary, but the eulogy was lovely, on saying that the Church was Tegid's life, so I didn't begrudge spending that time in his honour. The Church was packed and speakers had been set up outside for the many people who didn't have a seat. He was without doubt a popular man.

Following the church service, there was a family only service at the crematorium. A photo video was played to the music of Abba, that had us all in tears ... my father, my grandparents and my mother's siblings all bought back to life on a big screen, yeah that was beautiful but hard. When we came out, I was surrounded by family, some, like Tegid's grandchildren, I didn't even know, but even with lot of people that I'm close to, I felt so emotionally alone. Through no fault of his own, the person I need most in the world at that time, my husband, my everything, was not there. Wow, a roller coaster of emotions and unbelievable feeling of loneliness even though I was surrounded by people.

We then all went back to the Royal Victoria in Llanberis and it was so lovely to catch up with family members from all over the UK who had travelled up to remember our "Uncle Tegid." It was particularly special for me to see 2 of the 4 Ipswich brothers again, Uncle Merfyn's sons, though I love them all, Ian and David have always been special to me. I tell them both they are my favourite cousin ... but hell I couldn't choose if I had too! LOL It would be great to see them all again soon, but hopefully in sweeter circumstances! 

Now promise me, if I kick the bucket soon, take me to the Crem, burn me, do the photo video thing to George music, have the tea and cake .. but no chapel, no church, no religion! 

One Of Those Days

 Maybe we should have stayed at home, but all in all, I'm glad we didn't. Not a walk we'll forget in a hurry, but maybe not necessarily for the right reasons. Joining bits of the Carmel route together we managed to form another circuit which included lead walking, free running and a little road walking, yeah I liked that circuit too, maybe if we try it again it may be more successful. 

I opted for a mix and match combination of dogs today, taking Meerah with Ross and Beti instead of with Sammi and Zeus. Initially, I regretted my decision, as Meerah was more "loud and annoying" than her brown counterpart, but she did settle and was well behaved.

As soon as we got off the road and onto the footpath, we let Ross off the lead. I jumped as I heard a vehicle reversing behind us, but Ross was still on the path and the postie was reversing up on the track behind us. In my confusion, I went into the nettles .. well not a great start. Then the girls got tangled, very tangled and it took some effort to untangle them. Within minutes we saw someone coming towards us on the footpath, first time ever I think, but we moved to the side and exchanged pleasantries with the walker. 

The next huge knot happened at the kissing gate. I think Meerah went round Beti, that took some sorting, but Ross and Linda left me to it! We then went across the fields and to the next gate, we saw the boys, but OMG a Spaniel came flying up towards the fence, thank god for the fence! My last three "run-ins" have been with Spaniels, this one was a Springer! The owner soon followed on a quad bike, a really pleasant guy who introduced himself, his dog and his alpaca. How predictable that I only remember the dog was called Meg and the alpaca are Darwin, Duncan and Dave. (Now I know) As we chatted we suddenly realised Ross had gone under the wire and was in the field. I called out "He's really nice, honestly,"  to which the man replied "I wish she was!" There was no hassle and Ross came out the way he went in. Silly old sod! 

We continued with our walk, the track now narrow and overgrown. I could hear Linda wittering behind me, she couldn't unlock Meerah's lead and Beti and Ross were going further ahead. The next thing I saw Meerah and her lead fly past me, I looked back and Linda was in a heap on the floor. I turned back, but Linda managed to get to her feet by herself and swears it wasn't all Meerah's fault, it was a combination of uneven path, a locked lead and Meerah trying to get to Beti. Thankfully, there was no harm done, and we were soon off the narrow track and onto a single track road ... but no Linda, you can't have a dog! lol

With the stunning view, I decided to get one more photo ... but there was no chance of getting the troops to look my way .. "We can hear chickens," and someone talking to her chickens, ah well still a nice photo. We carried on down towards the road, but it was recycling day and Beti and I went opposite sides of a trolley .. OMG the thing went flying, Beti went flying, and I got pulled like I didn't need to today. Thankfully, Beti is confident and didn't hold a grudge against "Willy Wheel's brother." (Don't ask!) We replaced everything and got back onto the road. A few cars went by, good training for Meerah as she doesn't like them much, but she did well. We were almost back at the van when Linda announced, "I've lost my bag and phone!" Now I could never say anything, because if anyone has lost anything it's usually me! We got to the van, just one more slight hiccup as Meerah got her lead trapped around the wheels of the van ... but we soon jumped in and drove back up the single track lane to find the bag and phone in the reeds where the last photo was taken!

I got home ready to tell Steve all about it, but as soon as I got in he said "I fucked -up, I let Zeus into the yard with Orin in the pen." Some rather unpleasant words exchanged between the brothers, but thank god for the screen which had kept the hairy twat away from my pride and joy, or as Steve said, "thank god for the screen it kept my lovely boy away from your knob head dog!" LOL. We love them both, honest ... but obviously I'm team Orin, and he's team Zeus!!!! 

Miss Mwnci

"So" Said my friend, "How tall is Meerah now?"  Hand on heart, I didn't measure her at 12 months, by then I'd give up on the idea of her being a show dog anyway! But the seed was planted and I measured her today. 63 cms, no less but maybe on the wrong ground a tiny bit more. So yeah, as we said before, she is the same size as a correct adult male. Sad isn't it, so much can be hidden or missed, but size, well with others standing next to her, (as Beti is here) any judge worth his salt is not going to miss it! I still haven't completely given up on showing her, she's a very pleasing picture, maybe some day she'll fill the frame and look more the part. 

A People Post

 Following my hospital appointment yesterday, Steve and I had a meal out. Five months on, it's so nice that things are returning to near normal. For me and my hands it's a waiting game, but for Steve, he has now been referred to a different team to help him with his balance and prescribed medication for "Periodic Limb Movement Disorder" which keeps him awake at night. 

Today will be a long, hard day. My uncle's funeral is at 2pm, a Church Service followed by a short service at the Crematorium and then a tea in Llanberis. 

Siska's Coat - Part 2

It's been over a month since Siska started chucking her coat, but she still looks pretty decent, I think the bath a week ago helped. She rarely has huge moults, so I'm not sure how much more is to come out. Her coat looks a slightly dirty colour and there are a few tufts, but with a little touch up I could certainly take her to a show tomorrow. (if there was one!) I still have no idea when she will come in season, but according to my records it's 6 months on the 2nd of September since her last season. I know that season was long and drawn out and ovulation wasn't until close to the end of the month, but I still need to be on my guard from the beginning of the month. Orin should give me a couple of weeks notice. 

I thought I'd get a photo of Siska today to stick on this blog post ... but of course "Here's Orin!" 

Ticks

Last night I got 7 ticks off Luther, yes SEVEN. They were all small, just starting to fill, and were all around his neck and head. No, I won't use chemicals, I pull them off and kill them. I've not found any on the other cats, but I did get one on Beti's face last week. Where had you been sleeping yesterday my lovely Luther?

Naming No Names

Sometimes "someone" enters your life and changes your life for the better. They are there when you need them, always. These individuals make you smile or laugh every day, they give you great comfort and stay by your side whatever the situation. 

Then sometimes there are those who are sent to try us! They lead you down a bumpy path that is frustrating and difficult. They feed you with negativity and make you doubt yourself and your decisions. They make life hard, pushing their luck until you feel you can't take any more ... then they settle and lead you into a false sense of security, you truly believe you've cracked it ...  you relax too soon, and bingo, their true colours shine again! Are they worth it? Well, Steve says yes! 

Sammi

Mum asked for a photo of Sammi's rosette, well, what is the point of a photo without the lady herself?

Sammi was simply the best Xmas present ever, and the litter in the nest over Xmas 2013 made it one of the best Xmases. I clicked with her far too early and pleaded with the tiny puppy, "Please let it be you that stays?" (Something I did a second time with her son, Orin) I'm not stupid, I know the years are catching up on us ... Sammi has got older but not aged ... if that makes sense??? She has no mobility issues, no obvious stiffness, just some hearing changes and maybe a hint of blue in what was once a clear eye. 

Sarah didn't want me to retire Sammi, she said again at WKC that she was too good to retire. Yes she has a point, but I saw much younger bitches in "older" condition at Crufts, you see that is the thing ... I want Sammi remember as the one who was still as fit as a flea in her last veteran class. I don't want people to ever have the opportunity to say "Aww she should be at home on the sofa," as I have done many a time with many a veteran. Sammi lead the unbeaten bitches around the ring in NWGSD ... she was not holding anyone up, she still looked amazing! 

Photo of a very young Sammi with Sarah at WKC in Builth in 2014.

WKC and NWGSD

Yesterday was just a great day all round. WKC in the morning and NWGSD in the afternoon at our favourite venue. A beautiful scenic drive from North Wales, views beyond compare, to Builth Wells.  I have such a great bunch of friends, and I think we laughed all day. Orin was only shown at WKC and was third behind the CC and RCC winners. Sammi stood alone in her Veteran b*tch class at both shows, but still managed to show the world how it's done. Siska was only shown at WKC and was 2nd in limit, whilst Beti was 3rd in PGB at both shows. Thanks to everyone for their lovely comments about Beti and Sammi, it means the world. A group get together for chips in Rhayader on the way home and another beautiful drive home, though the sun was blinding at times. Just a great day with great people, great dogs in a great venue. 

She Wears It Well

Thanks to everyone who made a lovely day into a memorable day. WKC was being judged in the morning and NWGSD in the afternoon. I was overwhelmed at NWGSD with a presentation for Sammi Belle (Blanik Ivana ShCM) as she retired and bowed out of the show ring. My lovely angel will be 12 at Xmas and while she's still on form it's time to stand down. Sadly, she stood alone in her veteran bitch classes, but thanks to everyone who handled her today, and of course a special thank you to my lovely friend Sarah who has handled her from puppy to veteran. Today certainly proved what I already know, I have a wonderful bunch of people around me, from the bottom of my heart, 

I thank you all.

Sad News

 Heartbreaking news today, Noya the Malinois has died. Noya was on a camping holiday with her family in Builth, I'd seen photos of her only a couple of days ago. Though I'm a GSD enthusiast to the core, there are some dogs in some breeds that steal our hearts ... for me, Noya was one of them. 

Noya's achievements are not mine to report, but she and her progeny have changed the breed in this country for the better. 

I guess Noya wormed her way into my heart when she took Loki under her wing. Those of you that have been following this blog for years may recall that Loki was genetically a nervous puppy. Noya, along with Sammi, Asha and Mikey helped to make him who he was. Though he was always edgy and on the alert, Loki did develop into a happy, acceptable member of society who loved his life. He had his quirks but I'm convinced the strength of these females, and his attachment to Mikey helped make him who he was. 

Nos da Noya bach, my heart goes out to your family. 

Today

Thankfully, my eye test went well. Both my eyes are individually healthy, just still totally out of sync with each other, but no worse. Keep wearing the glasses then eh! 

Just when I'd finished hoovering, Ross and Meerah decided to bring their gardening indoors, I think they were fuchsias! 

Beti was not involved, but any chance of getting in on a photo and she's there. She's not had a great day. She's constantly looking for a dark corner and obviously feeling quite "off!" Note to self ... don't fuss over her, keep it all normal. Hormones are so unkind aren't they.

Orin and Siska quite surprised to see Darla and her new companion Wispa. Aren't they lovely.

The Escape Artist

 My posh name is "Kanani" it means  "The beautiful one," and that I know I am! (but my friends call my Zeus.) I'm here to confess ... it's 7 days since I last escaped, they think they have won and blocked me in, how stupid are they both? I watched Mrs S on her hands and knees under bushes and behind big plant pots, I giggled cos couldn't get out again, and she says I have a fat arse!! 
I'll lead them into a false sense of security for a few more days, wait until the Lawton spy is not in the caravan and then I'll be off on another adventure ... Mummy Sammi won't come with me cos she loves Mrs S, but maybe baby Meerah will if no one is looking ... she's fun! Shhhh don't tell the Stanleys!!!! 

Phantom

Beti has left half of both her meals today. She's going into dark corners in the garden and digging up vet beds and throws. I knew what was going on, but checked the calendar anyway, yes, bang on time for a phantom pregnancy. She doesn't have any abdominal enlargement, but does have boobs .. bless her. She doesn't seem moody but has been a little quite around the house for the last few weeks. 

I now have to seriously consider what happens next, the phantom pregnancies will get worse, but I cried in the field today just thinking about taking her to be spayed. I tried to comfort myself that lightening doesn't strike twice and all that, but the fear will be and is overwhelming. If I'm going to do it, it has to be soon, well before mid-October anyway!