Proof He Went Out!

Nice pic of Mr Zeus - I suppose I could remove the lead, but what the hell, it doesn't detract too much, does it? 

I just love the colour of the winter heather. 

Sammi and Zeus with Mynydd Mawr behind them. 

My girls, Meerah and Beti 

 The Nantlle Ridge and Cwm Silyn with just a scattering of snow.

Ravi

If you're an Eastenders fan then you'll get it. Really gave me a chuckle ... "Ravi" is also high on my list for a name for a future male GSD. Oh, and from an older woman, thanks to the BBC for the slightly far-fetched idea that his shirt would completely open in a fight scene. I'm glad to read on Facebook that I wasn't the only one who found it a pleasing view! LOL 

Feeling Guilty

Today it was the Lovelies and the Loonies who were going off the property. I'd decided on where I was parking and walking whilst back in my bed with a cuppa at 7.30am. 

As soon as I got Orin and Siska out of the van, he gave me a sharp pull on the lead and I felt that muscle pull in my right leg, thanks Orin. The walk was lovely, everywhere was wet, the ditches and streams were full and the "niwl" made it very atmospheric and somewhat peaceful. The mist was obscuring or softening distant views, which made me focus more on immediate surroundings like the naked trees, and the wet gorse. Rather than going on the top path and walking back along the road we turned round and came back the way we went.  Reasonably confident of no sheep I let them off, Wow we enjoyed ourselves.

Back to the van to swap dogs. The peace on the outskirts of Carmel was momentarily disturbed by an excited barking Beti and the distinctive howling bark of Ross. We followed the same route, so both were off the lead more or less straight away. Again a stunning walk with the mist gradually clearing to reveal the hills, but before clearing any further it creeped back down again, it's amazing how familiar landscapes are transformed into something different in the mist isn't it. My loud loonies had a great time, running from stream to ditch and back again. Ross lost a sensible stick in the fast-moving stream, but

no need to worry, he found something which delighted him anyway. Beti and I were not as amused by the second stick, and we were pleased when it broke! Whilst the mist had cleared a little I saw a huge tabby cat ... well, probably no bigger than a Maine Coon, but apart from the sheep that was all I saw. My knee was twinging, and the muscle was tight, but with both off the lead I had no further problems, not until I put them back on the lead to get to the van. Beti is obsessed with the van and pulled like a bloody train as we made our way back, that was when I realised that I would not be able to walk another dog on the lead today!

It seemed such an easy decision, I'll take the girls to the field and leave Zeus in the cottage. Sammi "come," Zeus "wait." Good boy well done, you see he does listen ... but leaving him behind was not easy, my heart hurt for him. Sammi and Meerah ran around like loonies, and poor Zeus watched through the bedroom window. It's not humanising to realise that it was frustrating for him, and he so wanted to be out with the girls, but what could I do? Nothing, I knew that, but it didn't make me feel less guilty. I told myself that I won't be a slave to dog walking, if I can't do it, missing the odd walk on the odd day is not a disaster ... it's only when they don't get enough regular exercise for basic physical maintenance that they struggle. It's as important as ever for me to keep up Sammi, and more importantly, Ross exercise now. I'm well aware that just 20 mins in the field on the in-between days is enough to maintain the levels of fitness and not give their bodies a shock with infrequent high-level exercise. Whilst trying to do the right thing by Beti, I've done a lot of research recently about irregular exercise patterns; ligament tears, muscle strains, and tendonitis

are the big risks. Walking her everyday in a controlled manner is far more beneficial to her than anything else ... hence she walks with Meerah one day and with Ross the next, getting less "madness" in the field, though of course I hope due to maintaining her fitness levels that some nutty fun won't do any physical harm! 

Anyway, I think I'm forgiven and tomorrow is a Zeus day to go off the property, I'll take him and Sammi first to make sure they get the best walk to suit them. 

Beauty In All Seasons

Lon Eifion In The Rain

Can you see the snowdrops? 

Sammi and Zeus in the little field

What you seen ladies? There was no one about!

Beti and Meerah with some Autumn colours in Winter!

Sammi And Meerah

Sammi is still doing really well, she's having a massive moult and a bit reluctant to stay still for too long for brushing. (Where is Linda when I need her?) I am doing a bit every night, but I think the best bet, with the right wind direction, will be to get the blaster on her. I'm not sure if she's had a big moult like this in a while, but whatever, she'll enjoy the blaster! 

She does surprise me occasionally with some strange behaviour. She's been sleeping with us since the Summer and following the same routine in the morning. Sammi and Zeus go out first, then he goes back into the bedroom for breakfast, and she goes through to the kitchen for hers. All she has to do is turn immediately left after coming through the hall and straight through to the kitchen ... but this morning she had other plans. Firstly, she lunged at Beti's crate and then went past Orin, Ross and Meerah's crates and lunged at Siska, who was none too pleased! At least I've discovered the front of Siska's new crate can take some stick ... but why? She's 12, she's never been confrontational, what the hell possessed her to behave in such an uncharacteristic manner? The older ladies in my life are both becoming a little testy! 😬

Talking of testy, Meerah is a little "sharp" after her season. I guess she's hormonal and growing up. She's being a little pushy with Beti, who so far has not reacted or retaliated, I hope she doesn't as it could make life very difficult. Decisions will be made about Meerah's future mid-Spring, I'll certainly need my big girl pants on then won't I! She's now obviously too tall for Champ shows, but I may take her to the odd open show. Though she has a lovely nature, beautiful coat and colour, as a breed enthusiast I am so disappointed in how she's turned out, she seemed to have so much early potential. I don't think I've ever had a pup go "so wrong" growing up before. Oh Meerah, where did you get those legs from? 

Isla Day

I was trying to sort out some clothes for the charity shop this morning. These two using the bed as a wresting ring was not part of the plan, but they are so funny together.

This morning I attended the hospital for the nerve conduction studies test. A strange experience, he warned that it wasn't pleasant, but it wasn't too bad to be honest.  At first, the guy doing the test was a bit quiet, but I noticed he was wearing socks with dogs on them, so I commented on it. He told me that back at home in India he rescued a 4-week-old puppy, whom he named after his grandfather. The dog now lives with his parent, but when he goes home, he hears him coming on his motorbike and still gets excited. After that chat, the ice was broken, and we had a giggle about my cold hands, (I had to stand with them in a bowl of warm water for 5 mins before he could do the test) and the fact that he couldn't do the test till I relaxed .. Which, as I pointed out to him, since he mentioned it was "not a pleasant experience" it was impossible for me to relax! Anyway I should hear from the hospital within 2 - 3 weeks, if I don't he's told me to contact them. 

A Facebook memory today reminded me that it was 13 years since Sharon sent me the first photo of Isla. It had only been a month since my beautiful Riley had died following surgery to remove a lump they'd discovered in his pre-op check before neutering. Riley had FIP, which the vets had never seen presented that way before. With hindsight, we shouldn't have proceeded with the surgery, but he was only a kitten so we do what we can, don't we. 

A farmer had taken Isla to the vets to "get rid of her."  She was about 4 months old, and though I'd said I never wanted another female cat, well I just couldn't say no. She's a lovely girl, though you all know the stress and heartbreak she caused during 2020 - 2021 - a mystery of a lifetime! 

I'm so glad I went against Steve wishes and bought Isla home, and so is he, he absolutely adores his "Princess!" 

In The Fields This Morning

Reno Away?

After I got home yesterday, there were a couple of messages from people asking if I'd seen the post about Reno. Nope, I went to look. Reno is off to France for most of June. Well, you can imagine the profanities of panic "to add colour and effect to the spoken word" at the time.😮 The best bet was to message the owner, yes it was as it seemed. Reno will be going over after The British Sieger and coming back the last weekend of June ... more profanities in Pen Y Cae. Basically, if Siska comes in season anytime, say between the 14th of May and 18th of June then I'm ffwced. (Welsh profanity - easy to translate!) 

What the hell am I going to do? Well, in all honestly, if she comes in season during that time, what can I do except wait until the next season? I've already started her on the fertility plan, and having paid £750 to use Reno, I simply don't have the cash to lose by trying another stud dog. Honestly, currently my head is bloody cabbaged ... again! 

Bont Fechan With Orin And Siska

As planned, I was there to pick Mum up to take her to Pwllheli at 10am. I walked through the door to be greeted with "I was expecting you to phone to say you were not coming because it's raining." With a hint of sarcasm, I pointed out to her that it was not raining in Auntie Elsie's house!  I dropped her off at 10.30am and drove the 10 mins back to Bont Fechan. I had set my heart on going to see the Snowdrops. Anyone who knows me would know not buy me a bunch of flowers, as I dislike cut flowers, but I love wild flowers, or flowers where I believe they should be, in the garden. Anyway, I particularly love snowdrops and bluebells. 

Thankfully I was not disappointed with the display, just that in most cases I couldn't get to them due to the ditches, broken branches and mud, but I got to see them.

Love this photo, so much colour.

Both stood and looked, but they had no interest in going down. The sea was noisy and wild, and neither of these two are water babies. Ross and Beti would have loved it. 

It was then back to Pwllheli to pick mum up, though obviously, I stayed for 30 mins or so. I took Mum home had a sandwich with her and made it home for 2.30pm. Whilst at Mum's I had a call from the hospital, they have a cancellation and offered me an appointment to go for my Nerve Conduction Studies on Monday. 😮

First Critique Of 2026

For future reference, the section on the critique for the side gait of the class winner "side gait purposeful maintaining topline without extreme."

Shhh, I'm not supposed to have this yet! lol

Fed Up Of The Wind

 Is this the windiest winter for some years, or am I just becoming a wimp? Excuse the profanity, but I hate this fecking wind. (By the way, I know I swear a lot, but I don't often swear to offend, generally I swear to add humour, colour or effect to the spoken or written word.)  Honestly, two things restrict me from normal everyday life up here, the wind and the intense heat. Neither are safe to go out in, both leave me frustrated and miserable. I don't mind it being windy, I'm used to that, but there is a level where it becomes unsafe to be out, and we seem to have had much more of that this year than I recall in a long time. As I've said before, if anything were to bully me off this mountain, it would be the wind ... but where would I/we go?

Parc Menai

 

A lovely walk in Parc Menai whilst Steve was having laser treatment at the eye clinic in the hospital. Jan joined me for a walk and as the hospital said he'd be two hours we then went to Treborth for tea and cake. We had barely sat down when he rang to say he was ready! Typical. 

I used to walk here when I lived in Pontrug, but have only been back a handful of times since. Looking back, I was last there in January 2018 ... when Steve was having a pre -op for his cataract surgery! LOL 

The walk was lovely, but I've been told of another nice walk at the other side of the park, we must go. I have come home a little battered as Meerah crossed in front of me and I stumbled at the beginning of the walk, and later Beti did the same to me. How I didn't end up on my face I don't know, but maybe it would have been less painful had I done as my bad knee and hamstring took the brunt of it as I struggled to stay upright. Honestly had I been alone I may have cried! 

The girls both saw the swans, Beti showing her usual OTT excitement, leaping in the air to try and get to them, Meerah's response was also predictable, a little disinterested!  

Loki

It's 12 Months since we lost the boy. We miss him and his odd little ways so much, but thankfully, the memories now come with a smile and not a tear. 

Breed Things

I've mentioned numerous times I'm sure that I've been writing the Welsh News for the Breed Council's GSD magazine for some years. It's now been mentioned that "maybe" I could take on the South West too? Hmmm! I have enough problems getting information from people in Wales without adding another area. When I took this on, I didn't realise I'd be chasing people, naively I thought they'd be proud of their dogs achievements and throwing their news and results at me. I guess we are all different! 

I've been subscribing to the magazine since 1994, then, before social media, the monthly edition was everything. Yes, we had to wait a month, or even two for results photos and news. Can you imagine that now?  Stud dogs were advertised there, litters and show dogs promoted .. but of course there was a chain of phone calls following any show. I realise just how much times have changed, and I love the instant access to information, but it would be such a shame to lose this magazine which now only comes out three times a year. 

I've made my poster (above) but we are lucky that NWGSD are also paying for a two-page spread for their members, so Siska is going on that. (One page - below) I opted to only put one on it as normally space is tight so I thought I'd give others more space, but with so few taking up the opportunity of a free space to advertise their dogs/kennel this year I shouldn't have bothered, at least there is room for more text for those who have participated. Such a shame though, I'd jump at the chance for any free promotion for my dogs. 

In recent years the Breed Council had stopped collating information from Champ Shows to find the top winning dog, bitch, puppy, veteran, kennel etc ... but last year they did collate and publish the top winning dog and bitch, whilst people were thrilled to have it back they did ask, "well can we have it all back?" I was approached about a month ago and asked if I could collate the Best Puppy and Best Veterans .. well yeah no problem ... such a shame it wasn't happening in 2024, with her 3 BPIB awards at Champ shows there is no doubt Beti would have been in the top 5 at least! 

Linda and I will be managing the Breed Council stall for the AM shift at Crufts again this year. My only concern will be Beti ... if the stall is in the same spot as last year well that will be great, but if it's located somewhere else by the ring it could make life difficult! 

Bald Beti

I'm the first to preach that we should never show our dogs, particularly our bitches, when they are moulting. With, in most cases, drastic moults before season, they always look worse than the males. So tell me, why the hell did I show Beti so devoid of coat? I knew she wasn't looking great on the day, (Late September) but these photos have obviously made me question my judgement! My god, I should have known better than that! 

A Walk In Penygroes

Following another appointment to see the prescribing pharmacist in Penygroes I took Orin and Siska for a walk on the paths between Penygroes and Llanllyfni. My skin is really bad at the moment, and this is the third visit since Xmas and the third lot of medication. 

Anyway ... we had more of a mooch than a march, but we all enjoyed ourselves in the sunshine, and though the wind was bitter and strong, it didn't compare to how it was at home! I am so pleased that I've discovered some places to walk when the wind is like this at home, and we've had so many blustery days so far this year. I probably should have taken two lots of dogs with me, but with Steve needing to go into Caernarfon this morning I just couldn't leave the ones at home indefinitely. 

Two Thirds Of The Way Through

The first day of the shortest month of the year, and the last month of Winter. I'd like to go somewhere to see a carpet of snowdrops, maybe on Wednesday, as Steve has another hospital appointment that day. As his appointment will be 2 hrs, I hope there may be some snowdrops in Parc Menai, or that I'll find somewhere in that area to walk rather than sit in the hospital. I've also wondered if Jan, or Rosie would like to meet me in the cafe near Treborth. I'll check the timing and see how it goes. 

Photo of Siska - just because I like it! 

Ffarm Yard

I don't remember this lovely little bridge at all, but doing the circuit in those days it would have been behind me and I doubt I'd have been as interested in my surroundings as I am now! 

The last time I walked this way was probably with Blade and Pepsi. I was looking for somewhere reasonably flat and clean to walk before going to Mum's. When I lived in Tremadog, we called this walk "Rownd Ffarm Yard." (Easily worked out I'm sure.) To do the circuit, you can start or finish going through the nursery, but today I parked at the entrance of the single track road, walked to the railway line and back again. It was a lovely change and I'm sure it won't take me 30 years to go back again!!