Oswestry Critiques

The Weekend And Today

I've made a conscious decision not to look at the memories page today; to be honest, it wasn't too hard, as I had another morning call out to Tremadog! Of course I've thought of Kaiah, it's impossible to forget when there is so much to remember. 

Having done what needed doing at Mum's I went for a 30 min walk, to get back in time to play tea lady and waitress to her guests! 

Yesterday wasn't the best of starts to the day, Owen cancelled, and I had to face a drive on my own to Junct 10 of the M6. I felt so lost and lonely and considered turning back numerous times before hitting the A55, but once on it, I told myself it was too late to change my mind. Drives to shows are usually fun, part of the excitement of the day, but yesterday I was initially stressed and tearful. The situation with Mum, Steve and the anniversary were on my mind, but I'd also had two nights of nightmares which included the green-eyed monster laughing at me and at Beti. I told Steve and he asked, 'Well, why are you dreaming about her?' Hell, I wish I knew, as I've said before, it's not choice she just breaks into my dreams! Anyway, as I said, I hit the A55, put Ed on and focus on "My Peoples," my dogs and my happy place. 

I saw the catalouge and knew Orin would not win, sometimes the reputation of a dog precedes it, and there's no getting past it. But if I were asked, 'Which one would you like to take home?' well, my answer would honestly be, my own ... enough said! Beti is not quite in coat, but I was happy with her in the class, though I have a feeling Sarah was pissed with me at the end of the class. Ah well! 

On the drive home I was in a better headspace, and with loud music and sunshine, I seemed to be home in good time. When I got home, I immediately noticed that Steve was struggling, and then came the story. Zeus had gone between his legs, and Steve had gone over. Zeus had then gone over to see what Steve was doing on the floor and headbutted him, in the process of all of this, his stick had got caught in the lead and ended up on the other side of the garden, making it initially impossible for him to get up. Ok other than stiffness and more aches than normal, no harm done! 

I know that when people bring home a dog, they don't ever think of rehoming it, but I wish they would consider the safety of the exercises they teach them. Why do so many people teach these dogs to weave through their legs? Such a stupid thing to teach a dog to do! 

A Second Day At The National

Orin and Beti both managed a second in their classes at The National. I'm hoping Beti will only get better now, and Orin, well he's never let me down has he! 

Mattie At 7 weeks

Looking fed up already Mattie? Two weeks to go! 

Sammi and Zeus

A walk in Dinas this morning, and fuel in the van at Dolydd. I filled up the van, OMG, I almost passed out! The walk was far more pleasant, thankfully, though the footpath beyond the bridge is closed up with nettles again. So disappointing. Anyway we went somewhere we probably shouldn't have been, ready with my dumb, lost blonde routine should I get caught out! 

Thoughts in Tremadog

 

Having been with Mum for an hour or so this morning, I walked the girls whilst her washing was in the machine and got back to put it on the line. Honestly, my heart breaks for her, she currently sees no point to life, the pain is so overwhelming for her. 

I enjoyed my walk. I used to walk the track in the bottom photo to School, to the primary school we turned right from the estate, and to the comprehensive, we turned left. We always walked to school ... and back again! I guess we didn't realise how easy life was then, but today, apart from family concerns, I can't help but worry about the future in the hands of Reform. All I can say is if you voted for them, I hope you have health insurance, as Farage has already said if he makes it to No. 10, then he'll scrap the  NHS, scrap the minimum wage, scrap workers' rights and the human rights bill. Yeah, it put the fear of god into me. 

Anyway, this is no place for politics; the girls loved the long grass on the walk, and, to be honest, so did I. The smells were wonderful, the colours of spring fresh and rewarding and the bird song soothing. I walked as far as the railway crossing, but after the last fiasco of getting them over the stiles, I decided to go back the way I came. 

Everyone Out

Orin and Siska 

Zeus and Sammi 

Sammi happy as Larry as off the lead for the whole walk.

Meerah, Ross, Beti

Puppies And Their Parents

Countless numbers of people have asked me if I'm hoping for a male or female pup from Mattie and Orin. I honestly don't mind, I have room in my home and heart for either, but there will be some things to consider at the time.

We often say about stud dogs, 'Oh, he produces better males than females,' or vice versa, of course! I have only ever really seen adult female puppies by Orin, so I can't really judge the quality of his male progeny. As we've said before, it takes two to tango, but it is interesting that some stud dogs do seem to produce more quality offspring of one sex. 

Coincidentally we had this conversation about Reno recently; his female progeny seem to be exceptional, yet I've not yet seen  males in the ring by him. Thankfully my hope is for a Reno x Siska daughter, someone to continue the Blanik line through the "L" and "J" litters as well as the bitch line going back from Sammi. We've heard so many times, "The strength of the sire is the power of the dam." The statement suggests that if you want to know how powerful a stud dog will be as a producer, don't just look at him—look at his mother. In breeding circles, it is believed that a prepotent stud (one who consistently stamps his look and quality on his puppies) usually comes from a very strong, high-quality mother.

"Why the "Sire's Mother" is the Key: 

The Genetic "Anchor": A stud dog might look incredible himself, but if his mother was poor quality, he is more likely to pass on "hidden" faults from her line. 

Consistency: If the stud's mother was a "powerhouse" (physically correct, healthy, and a great mover), the stud is "backed" by her strength. He is more likely to pass on his own good traits because they are deeply rooted in the strong female line behind him. 

The X Chromosome: Since a male dog (XY) gets his only X chromosome from his mother, a large portion of the "blueprint" for his daughters and his overall quality is dictated by her."

When considering a stud dog, one thing I look at is the progeny already on the ground, so to speak. In my opinion Reno is without doubt a "bitch-maker," I can only hope that coupled with my bitch line we'd get something special, but the reason I am hoping for an Orin x Mattie pup is that I really don't want to put all my eggs in one basket! 

Reno, and Orin to a degree, have proved themselves as sires, not just show dogs, there is a huge difference. It's not always the top winners that are the best "sires," as we know, and not all the top winning females produce the best litters. Often the siblings of the top winners produce better offspring. 

I love the headshot that I took of Reno at WELKS, (Above) such a beautifully correct head and melting expression. 

Thinking About Kaiah

 

This year's days turn into weeks too quickly, and as we storm into May, I dread next Monday with all of my heart. I can't help but think back to 2023, and as I walked today I saw her everywhere I went. Hiding behind the van, walking by the lake, and even lazing on the sofa, the smiles turned to tears. 

As I walked, I was deep in my thoughts. I remember that scan so well – two puppies, but was that a third? No, we couldn't find it again, I really know that was her, knowing who she became, it had to be. The two boys were born, and not long after my surprise package arrived and life was complete. 

Kaiah - Heaven sent - but heaven stole. 

Day 9 For Beti

I must have missed at least a couple of days at the beginning of this season. Orin left breakfast yesterday but ate most of it today, Zeus left today's breakfast. I appreciate she could just ovulate early, but with the amount of blood there was on the Monday, well, 2 and 2 together, and she must be further on than day 9. Even two days make a huge different. She is also already standing and has been for a couple of days!

I'm really hoping Beti doesn't bring Siska in now, this would be really early for Siska, it's only just 6 months since her last season and she usually goes about 8 months. I really would prefer her to hang fire, with Reno away next month and hopefully a Mattie pup on its way here, yeah July would be better please Siska. 

Cat In The Sun

No morning sunshine today, but yesterday the cats were all out in the sun. I missed Luther lying full stretch out on the bench; he heard me coming and got up. Jimmy Choo was sat on the pig, and Archie, as ever, was running around and climbing trees! At the time I took these, no doubt, Perry was still eating, Isla was around, and Jamie would have been on the bench in the yard. I'll try and get photos of them all next time.

Bank Holiday Monday

Meerah, Sammi and Zeus stayed at home but had plently of time out this afternoon. After a walk around the fields I tied Zeus to the fence and left the girls to supervise as we continued to clear stuff into the skip. With just a little bit more work, we could reopen the far pen for use with the dogs, unless, of course Steve has other plans for it.  

A circuit on the lovely Fron to Rhosgadfan track for Beti and Ross, not quite a circle, more of a P shape because the cattle were back, still I love it there,  I just can't get over how beautiful it is. 

Same walk, but I started off in the opposite direction with Orin and Siska, but I couldn't go further than the house where the lurcher lives, as that's where the cattle were. Hopefully sometime soon I can put the whole walk together, but I do think it may be just a little too far for Sammi. 

The weather caught me out again today, breezy and bright turned to too bloody hot for a while! 

On Alltwen

With someone marching along quickly behind me along the track to Alltwen, I decided to go left up the steep track towards Tyn Rallt to give him time to pass and me time to mooch. God, I must have been a child when I last went up there. It's as steep as I remember, but of course then I didn't admire the beauty.

It honestly became too steep, and as no one knew where I was I thought I was better going back onto the lower path.

Beti and Meerah on the track,

My lovely girls in my favourite flowers.

The Beti Post

I think I must have missed the early days of this season, though it's not madness here; Beti is already trying to dig Zeus out of the bedroom. Orin left a little of his breakfast this morning, but he's quite chilled in here now. Steve has already told me that if I go off the property, Beti goes with me, I agree, we don't want a repeat performance of last year, do we! I have a show next Sunday and though it may be stressful for Orin to be in the van with Beti, it will be safer than leaving her at home with Zeus! 

I wonder if Beti ovulates early in her season, she's already standing for a disinterested Ross, or maybe she's just a randy female? The latter wouldn't surprise me. 

Fields for everyone this morning, then I'll take the girls for a walk on Alltwen before going to see Mum. 

Don't Slag Off My Friends

A phone call this morning left me seething. What the feck is wrong with people? Are they turning into 60+-year-old schoolyard bullies? My god, let's see you do a better job. What pleasure can you possibly get from putting other people down? You must think yourself pretty damn perfect; hell, if you want my opinion, I think not. You show your ignorance, lack of knowledge and understanding of the breed in your posts. What right have you to belittle another who is passionate and dedicated to the GSD? 

I remember so well trying to be so kind, helpful and welcoming, allowing you to join our lovely group, now I wonder why I fucking bothered. Anyway, it doesn't take long for the facts to get out, let the people see who you are for themselves. 

How to make yourself unpopular, part one, people don't forget ... before it's too late and you become unwelcome around the ring, look in the mirror Mrs and if you can't say something nice, then it's best you say nothing at all. 

On The Walks

I thought Sammi was a little slow today, hopefully I'm just overthinking as we did get caught out as the sun suddenly woke up. One of our routes from this walk is now a no go as the cattle are in a field that the footpath crosses. There are plenty of other choices, so I shouldn't moan, but the sheep on the path instead of in the fields are annoying. 

These two as usual were a lot of fun, I guess they have the same energy and off the lead together have the best time. We found another short circuit which will now come in so handy as I won't cross the field with the cattle, this track also brings me out on the road above Capel Y Bryn. 

I just couldn't sit at home this afternoon, and I went back to one of my new favourite walks between Fron and Rhosgadfan with Orin and Siska. Jane rang and I sat on the rough grass in the sunshine chatting to her for a while, I just can't get over how quiet this track is, but as always, I'm happy not to see anyone except the sheep! 

Morning And Afternoon Walks

Blanik Kyriacos

It's funny how you go through photos, dismiss something, then go back a few days later and really like it. The reason I discounted it was because Orin's mouth is closed, and it's not the done thing to use a photo of a GSD with its mouth closed. Despite that, as a snap from a show, I really like this of my main man!

Just thought I'd share this too.

No Sunshine

The sunshine was gone this morning, but so was that bloody wind; to be honest, I'll take that. We had a couple of heavy showers, but I had dry, pleasant walks. The sky was amazing with layers of cloud, yeah a lovely walk with my lovelies, Orin and Siska. 

I put Orin and Siska in the van and looked towards Mynydd Mawr, OMG, look at the sky. I had to take the photo, after all I know how quickly the sky changes! 

Another lovely walk with Meerah and Beti, though one thing concerned me. Meerah got her back right tangled in the lead, and as I tried to sort it, she grumbled. Hmm. Mixed feeling from me. I appreciate a dog telling me, "I'm not happy with that," or "it hurts," but my instinct is always to say "don't you talk to me like that!" Of course, regardless of the grumble, I had to untangle her, and we carried on with the walk, but I thought a lot about it ... if my manoeuvring her to untangle her caused hip pain, then I'll have to make sure I'm careful not to hurt her; on the other hand, I've not seen any stiffness in her since she was about 6, maybe 8 months. Of course, as ever, I can't unsee what I saw then, and until she's X-rayed later this year, I simply don't have the answers. Meerah will be having one more season and probably be scored in the Autumn, if her hips are as I envisage, then they can spay her whilst she is already "out" having her hips X-rayed. For the current time Beti will remain entire, and I feel another post coming on! 

New Puppy Names

 
Now I can't help but get a little excited about the upcoming litter, but as I know things can go wrong, I'm trying to keep myself grounded. Yesterday I had another puppy enquiry and passed it onto Nicola. This time they did ring, and it sounds promising. 

I have already almost made up my mind about a male name, I still really like Ravi and to date I've not found anything better. I'm finding chosing a female name more difficult; front runners are Xanti, Kez, Riva, Vika and Juni. To avoid confusion when possible, it may be better to avoid anything ending in an I or A sound, that leaves me Kez, but you know I really like it! 

Maturing Meerah

Both photos of Meerah taken last June/July before I took her out of the ring. A truly huge puppy. Of course she will always be too tall, or as was said in the WPBW critique "above top size," but as she fills in that frame, continues to mature and hopefully gets more coat I'm confident she can only look better. A puppy should never be the finished article, but I do think Meerah will take longer than some to get there. It's OK Mwnci we can wait! 

The most recent photos, her coat just starting to tuft, care will have to be taken when considering showing her out of coat I think, it may not be a great idea! 

WELKS - Finally!

2nd, Orin (3rd) and 4th in OD

 Our journey to Malvern was not the best. I set off from home at 4am, with an arrival time of 7.35am. giving me loads of time to get the trolleys and dogs to the ring in time for 9am judging. Owen was 10 mins late for the meet up at Maentwrog; well, 7.45am arrival, no problem. The A470 is among the most scenic of routes, and even at that early hour it was stunning. As usual the Sat Nav wanted me to go through Welshpool. As ever, I said, "No." The route through Newtown may be 5 miles longer, but it's a lot more straightforward. We were about 15 miles south of the Welshpool roundabout when with no warning we came to a full stop, "Police" - Road Closed. Shit, where did we go now, Google maps gave no ideas other than to head for Builth past Llyn Clywedog, and I knew that would bring us down much further south than I needed, so I opted to go the 15 miles back to the Welshpool roundabout. Our arrival time suddenly became 8.25am - and yeah it was that time when we arrived. With hindsight, maybe I should have continued past Llyn Clywedog down to Rhayader, that would have made the journey a total of 163 miles, (4hrs and 12 mins) so just 13 miles more than our original route, but at the time, and with no help from Google Maps, I made an executive decision!!!! I must admit I did giggle at one point when Owen said,"Rhian, I think we are going a little too fast!" 

Meerah when she was still 3rd

The judging of Veteran dog and MPD had finished by the time we set up, but there was still enough time to get Orin organised. I was happy with his third, he simply was not going to be any higher in the class and apart from the air scenting, he did great. 

To be honest, seeing Meerah pulled out third was a shock to me, I was really chuffed, for me and for her handler and number 1 fan, Owen. He is new and inexperienced, but he has the potential to be a fantastic handler. Sadly Meerah lost one place on the last lap, I guess she paced at the wrong time, maybe an experienced handler would have noticed, maybe the judge could have pointed it out to the handler, but it's not her place to do so. Anyway to be honest, it didn't matter that much, Owen and Meerah did a great job and I was thrilled.

Miss Beti

I thought back to the last time Meerah was exhibited at Malvern and, travelling alone that day, how I cried most of the way home. I recall how she looked that day; she was like a giraffe in the ring with other nice females of the same age. I was honestly embarrassed and regretting my decision to put her in the ring for scrutiny; I envisaged people taking the piss out of me for showing her and out of her for how she looked. But now a year on, she really does look so much better, and with luck and good fortune, she'll look even better again in another 12 months time. She has plenty of scope for maturity, and I do believe taking her out of the ring for those 8 months was the right thing to do.

Baby Beti was out in her PJ's, lol bless her. She was second to large LSH in full bloom. She went well and I do hope that on another day, the class could have been hers. Though I would have thrown my toys out of the pram should either of the other two entries have been in front of her. 

Judging was finished in our breed by lunchtime, but we chilled and chatted before leaving for home. What makes me travel so far to watch GSD go round a ring? Well, the love of the dogs, the breed and the love of like-minded people. These be my peoples! 😉

The journey home didn't go to plan either. Sat Nav said turn left out of the field, I said NO! I don't want to go home via the M5/M6/M56, it's 50 miles more one way, and I've sat too many times in crawling traffic on those motorways. I set off right, went up the hill and turned left for Hereford to get onto the A49 - within 10 mins "Road Closed."  As Victor would say "I don't believe it!"  I've no idea where we went then, but we crossed the M50 😲. I was totally at a loss and Owen was snoring. Eventually I got onto the A49, put Ed on for company and made my way back home. Despite the road closures, it was a lovely day, and I saw some "extra" beautiful countryside.