Lunch Out

A lovely "light lunch" at The Newborough with my favourite person.  I've no idea what they would consider a big meal if this is a light lunch! We both bought some of it home for supper, and with it being such a big meal, there was no room for a sweet! Damn!  

We also popped to Home Bargains and got some puppy pads ready for putting in Zavi's crate. I have set the crate up in the dog's bedroom, ready for him. It's big enough to take a Beti-sized female, so it will do him for 3 - 4 months I guess. After that I'm going to have to do a rethink; with anything bigger where it is, Meerah's crate won't open, and we still hope for a puppy Kez next year!  

Dad

It's been four years - in memory of my father, please do me the honour and listen! 

This Is Reacher

 

Well now the news is out - Reacher is going to live with our friends Ro and Mark. Ro is the lady who did the crochet of Kaiah. They have Jethro from my J litter and Lyra, an Orin daughter. (They also had TJ from the H litter, and Ro's parents had Heidi from the B litter.) Let's look forward to three siblings in the ring next year. 

Call Him Tommy!

After struggling to sleep again last night I was really pleased to feel the breeze this morning, though I didn't expect the van to rock in the strong wind from Penygroes to Bryncir. After that it was better but still blustery in Tremadog. 

Mum was having breakfast and seemed in a decent mood, though she'd been looking everywhere for her black sandals. Well, she gave them to me during the last hot spell, and I was wearing them, she has no memory of that ... but I think it was whilst she was swigging the morphine! 😯

I showed Mum the photos of the puppies; she loved them but hated the name and had no apprehension in telling me. "Zavi? What an odd name; I don't like it. I thought you may have called him Tommy!" As Steve said yesterday, no one else has to like it, as long as I do, then feck em, and I love it and it's meaning. 

Ravi became Zavi

Steve said, "Well, name him what you like, you shouldn't let other people's opinions influence your choices, your puppy, your choice!" But having thought of Mr Orange as Zavi rather than Ravi (OMG he's back in Enders! 😍) all week I decided to check the meaning of Zavi. Read on, it kind of seals the deal, doesn't it? 

The meaning of the name Zavi varies depending on its cultural origin. It is a rare, multi-cultural name used for both boys and girls. Hebrew Origin: Derived from the name Zev or Ze'ev, it means "wolf," a symbol of strength and leadership. It is also interpreted as a diminutive of Xavier or a name meaning "God is my strength". Arabic Origin: Often translated as "shining bright" or "beautiful". Hindi Origin: Means "graceful".

The name Zaavi (often spelt Za'avi or Zavi) comes from the Hebrew word for wolf, Ze'ev (זְאֵב). When you add the suffix to the end, it literally translates to "my wolf" or "wolfish." It's essentially an affectionate, punchy variation of the traditional name Zev (which also means wolf).

My only problem is the sound Zavi- Sammi - but I'll have to live with it! 😁😁

The Plan Came Together.

You may recall that last Sunday I mentioned a plan. Well don't you just love it when a plan comes together ... When you just can't decide you have to learn to share! Meet Zavi (Orange) and Kate (Pink). Zavi will be coming to Fron to live with his daddy O and Kate (Pink) will be staying with Mummy Mattie. For showing purposes, Nicola and I will co-own them and, with luck and good fortune, campaign both of them.

Too Hot

The heat is just too much for me and the dogs, and last night Zeus gave me a bit of a scare. It was around midnight, and Steve was already asleep. I was struggling and fed up and thinking of going to get the fan when Zeus started panting and pacing. I told him to lie down, but he didn't! He was obviously uncomfortable. I got up and let him out, and then after 10 mins out we tried to settle, but he was the same again. An unwanted thought popped into my mind, Blade had a torsion in heat like this, well yes, twice in July heat a year apart. Oh shit, I checked on Zeus again, but I think he was just hot and fed up. After a while he opened the bedroom door and went to lie on the cold bathroom floor. He did come back sometime later but maybe it did him good to find a cooler place, I should have joined him.

I was very sad to read of another GSD in our showing community who'd had a torsion, or as he said, bloat! I know I'm probably being pernickety, but I wish people would be aware of the difference. Bloat is far less serious than torsion, though bloat can lead to torsion. Torsion is an emergency situation which causes death within a couple of hours. This dog had a torsion, but his owner's quick action saved his life!

Maybe I'm getting like my mother; little things irritate me. The question, "who is your dog out of?" Well for instance, Orin is out of Sammi, end of conversation. "Who is your dog by?" Orin is by Fransisco; end of conversation. A pup cannot be "out of" his father it's physically impossible, but if you want to know the parents, how about asking, "who are his parent?" Or "What is his breeding?" Equally, when writing about "Blanik Kyriacos", it is "Fransisco x Ivana," not "Ivana x Fransico." If you are going to do it, well do it right eh! (And let's not get me started on German Shepard! 😡)

A couple more photos from Nicola last night. Miss Pink has her ears up, but Mr Orange still looks like this. I know it's early days to be getting my knickers in a knot, but as I know there are soft ear issues carrying from Mattie's paternal side, it's already playing on my mind! I'm hoping that the strong ears from Fransisco breeding will override the weakness from elsewhere! Of course light eyes could be an issue, but that is not a deal breaker, and with Mattie's dark eyes I can only hope for something acceptably in between. Actually that is something I've become very aware of lately, for show purposes, doubling up on light eyes is a no-no, Sky has light eyes and the majority of her pups to Orin have very light eyes! 

I can't wait to go and see the pups again tomorrow; a decision will hopefully have been made by this time tomorrow!

Eric The Scruff!

Another reply about the cat amused me. 

"We named him Eric Scruff when he used to come to us, we fed him for 3 years. We tried to trap when we moved home but had no luck. He's extremely feral; he made his way up from Nantlle about 4/5 years ago." Well I'm afraid I'll now be calling him "Eric Scruff" too, far more apt than Hazel cat! 

Last night he and Choo had words, to be honest, I think Choo was the aggressor; he certainly chased Eric under the shed. I had hoped Choo was sticking up for himself with Luther, but nope the black cat was not about, and Eric was seen making his escape later on. 

Morning Exercise

With the heat set to rise, I got up early to feed the gang so that I could get them out into the fields. No more than 15 - 20 mins per group but at least they all go to stretch those muscles. Everyone has been happy to chill indoors, apart from Beti who is constantly being called back in from sunbathing! 

I forgot to mention yesterday that we saw a weasel; well, I presume that that is what it was and not a stoat. He was ever so lovely and spent a lot of time mooching about right in front of us. I just wish I'd taken my camera! 

Before It Got Too Hot

We managed to get two walks done this morning, but then it got too hot. Looking at the forecast, I fear they may be our last walks for a fair few days. 

Puppy Names

Miss Pink and Mr Orange still looking very impressive. If she came here, she would be called Kez, but if she doesn't then I will have the name for future use! Mr Orange, on the other hand is causing more of a problem. Steve doesn't like Ravi, I tried to compromise with Zavi, but he's not keen on that either. All I can say is, he'll have to come up with something better then! 

Girls In Tremadog

I love this photo of Beti and Meerah in Tremadog today. It's nearly always best when something other than the treat bag catches their eye! 

Beti is going through her odd after-season behaviour ... she doesn't want breakfast any day, but she's too scared to leave it, so she hides it under her blanket. She uses her nose to push the blanket over it. It is a tad annoying, as I'm constantly washing beds! 

This morning I took Beti in to see Mum. Mum adores her, and the feeling is quite mutual. I did get Mum to stand behind the perching stool for safety, and Beti managed to get to her and give her several big kisses. Meerah also said hello, but the greeting was far less enthusiastic. 

We then had a lovely walk in the woods, it was very busy there, but they were both faultless in their behaviour.

Pups

Well, there is a possibility of a plan, a very exciting plan ... but I'm too scared to share the news, as there is a lot that could go wrong yet! By this time next week we'll know exactly where we stand!

Orange And Pink

The two top photos are of Mr Orange and Miss Pink in stance and with her sister Miss Purple in the bottom pic. A visit yesterday really didn't make the decision any easier. Is this the best Orin litter to date? Quite possible, as I don't see a "plain" puppy there and there have been some in other litters. 

I left, telling Nicola that I will confirm next week between Mr Orange and Miss Pink. 

Mr Orange is an impressive chunk and I'm quite smitten.  A.C messaged me last night and said he was a quality puppy and for him he stood out. Anyway I told him it was between Orange and Pink and I asked if I could send him pics and videos next week - he said, "Absolutely!" 

Then today someone else sent a PM saying Orange had nice head, front, topline, short hocks, nice tail length and that look-at-me attitude in the videos. 

Miss Pink is without doubt neck and neck with him. I love her tidy, unexaggerated proportions and her cute, cheeky expression. She's very feminine and a stunning colour, but currently has less coat. She has a typical "Fransisco" expression, and the high-set small ears are also very typical of him. But what I like most about her is her sassy carisma. There really is something about her that makes you keep looking!

A decision needs to be made, I know it's mine, and only mine to make, but input from people who know also does help! 

Lovely Morning Walks

A super walk with these three, again, only seeing the lady with the horse that's the same colour as Isla! 

These three couldn't stop looking at the divers. I hope they are careful; people have died in there. 

Donkeys – woohoo. All four were there, but the property is still for sale. We talked to the owner, who said that they are now moving back to Yorkshire to be nearer family. That's the two of them, four donkeys and three sheep. He told us all the donkeys are rescues: 2 male, 2 females. I'll miss them so much when they are gone, but this will always be the "Donkey Field Walk"!   

Happy Birthday Beti

Without question, I've loved every single Blanik dog (bred or adopted), but some stars shine just a tiny bit brighter than others. Happy 3rd birthday to the very special Beti at Blanik. (Pinchmill Adira of Blanik)Thank you for being the bright spark, the bundle of happiness and joy that three years ago I so badly needed. 

Zoe was mated to Orin just a few days before we lost Kaiah, my life was totally shattered, and I couldn't see a way forward. Zeeta then lost her singleton pup and I knew two of Zoe's girls were booked. But through the kindness of friends and the breeder, I was blessed to have Beti. As I've said before, I now look at this from a different prospective, I now consider that I've been lucky to have both these extraordinary females in my life, but the grief still remains. I cry more for Kaiah's cruel loss than any other ... I don't think I'll ever forget the pain of her loss. 

But today is Beti's birthday, a day to celebrate this special young lady. Beti, you are amazing; thank you for being you and for continuing to be by my side, my special, sweet, exuberant little friend. 

Penblwydd Hapus Beti Bwt!

The Walk And The Field

Ross, Beti and Meerah on a walk 

Orin and Siska had time in the field

and so did Sammi and Zeus

Siska Season

Due to Orin's behaviour over the last few days I've been keeping an eye on Siska. Of course I was well aware that Meerah had only just finished her season and that that could be confusing the boy, but this evening I checked again - yep the boy is right! 

I messaged Mike to tell him that Siska was in season but that due to circumstances at home at the moment it was not the right time to mate Siska. Mike replied and informed me that Reno was not coming home this early anyway, so really it's worked out better for both of us. I guess it'll be February/March now by the time Siska comes back in season - that will give baby Kez/Ravi plenty of time to grow up! 

Jamie's Day Out

A visit to the "Doggy Doctor" for Jamie today, and then he went to visit Mum. Some widespread arthritis, (joints and spine) but for a "Geriatric overweight cat" (Vet Beth's words, not mine!), he's in pretty good order. Thankfully, the noisy breathing is in his throat, and his chest is clear. He tried to bite Beth a couple of times, and paws and claws came out at times as he felt she was taking liberties! LOL

We discussed loxicom, but at Jamie's age there are risks of long-term use without checking his kidney function. To do that they would need to take blood, and Jamie was not having that. Beth said she could do it under sedation, but she believed that as he's not ill, the risks are too high. She's given me a small bottle of loxicom for him, she said, 'Trying it for a few days wouldn't do any harm, and we could at least see if there were any benefits for him.' 

Anyway, Jamie, who has never been in anyone else's house, was very happy to go and visit Mum, and after a good look around he relaxed and settled on the sofa. Now we are home; Jamie has had his dinner and is now chilling after a very busy day! 

When I Said Short Walks

I was out for about two hours ... that would usually mean 2 walks; today it was three.

Siska watching the bus coming into the village.

Orin watching - er just watching! 

A great wait and a nice pic of Sammi and her Knobhead son. (Yes we love him) 

"You Can't Park There!" How strange, say Ross and Beti - Meerah said "nothing!"

A Little Time

Not long walks for anyone, but happy I got them all off the property. I do worry when we miss more than a couple of days walking, it's really not good to have lots of lazy days then madness. Ok, last week it couldn't be helped; it was just too hot, but this week there is no excuse. There are mental and physical risks from inappropriate exercise, and though I worry more about the oldies who need it to keep their joints mobile, it does apply to all.  

When a dog is relatively quiet for days, their muscles lose tone, their tendons and ligaments tighten, and their cardiovascular fitness drops. Suddenly asking an unconditioned body to do a workout is a recipe for disaster, with risks of paw injuries, muscle strains and sores and, more worryingly Cruciate Ligament tears.  

Dogs don't just exercise to burn physical calories; they do it for mental stimulation. Going days with minimal activity and scent-work (sniffing) can lead to pent-up energy and anxiety. Then of course there's the weight problem. Consistent daily movement keeps a dog’s metabolism steady. When exercise is erratic, it is much harder to maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts even more stress on unconditioned joints when they do go for a run, creating a vicious cycle.  So I believe a better approach is to follow "Consistency Over Intensity" and stick to the "20-Minute Rule." Even a brisk 20-minute walk, or in my case somedays, walking around the fields, keeps joints lubricated, muscles active, and provides crucial mental decompression for the gang. The last thing I want is for too many of  my lazy days now to catch up with them later, well actually much earlier than later and more severely than it would be for a dog with a steady, daily routine. I do worry more if Sammi and Ross miss too many walks, I'll never forget Ken the vet telling me how important it was that Loki continue his daily walks, and Jill Hubbard said with Finlay, walk him as far as you think you should, then a little bit more. Of course, at the end of the day, it does me as much good as it does them, but I'm not obsessive about it, somedays the odd walk has to be missed. Sadly, sometimes life gets in the way of dog walking! 

That Cat

Hi Rhian This cat turned up around 3/4 years ago, i feed it a couple of times a day, can just about get close enough to give a quick rub on the head.. i have tried asking villagers who owns it but no joy.. Ali 

*****

I think it’s a he also ( i call him Hazel cat )! He sleeps in my house some nights/day and around with my cats it seems 24/7, i have 4 and only 1 the bengal is male and they are only now just about tolerating each other 😵‍💫 I am happy to feed/keep a look out.. 

We are just down the road from you..

If an owner comes forward that would be good but if not i am happy to let him be, he seems in good health.. We are were the yellow vw van is parked.. ( we have just sold it actually)

I'm so pleased he has a warm place to live and sleep in the winter, but he's welcome to visit us anytime he likes! 

Morning Guys

 

Ideal Walking Weather

Ross and Sammi

Meerah and Beti

Zeus

Planting Trees

I'd promised to help Steve plant some of our young trees today. Honestly, I just wanted to walk, but after he gave me so much of his  time with the pen, well I had to return the favour, and I did take Beti and Ross with me.

After planting the first tree Steve realised he couldn't get up off the ground, so as I was the "gofer", up I went to get his gardening stool. Paul and Jo were ready to leave, and as Paul is a little scared of the dogs, I had to put them in whilst they made their escape. So yeah, it took me just 5 mins longer to get back down the field. As I headed down, I just couldn't believe what I saw; Steve was trying to pull himself up with the wall. Now any idiot could see that it would not end well ... I guess it could have been worse; I was thankful that only a dozen or so of the stones fell and that nothing fell on him. Yes, I did swear!!!

Ross is not the best to have with you when you are gardening, but I did manage to keep his head out of the blows of the pickaxe, (it's a stoney field) though he did stamp a New Zealand holly. 

It's been odd to have a week-end at home, though Mum did make a sarcastic remark tonight about the fact that she won't be seeing me till Tuesday, but she will see me on Thursday ... and Saturday! Anyway her brother went today and I think I've put my foot in it on the group chat. He reported in that all had gone mostly OK, but that he'd thrown the eggs out from the fridge, they were a few days over their date ...My brother thanked him and said he'd done the same last time he was up. Well, I'm afraid I got in one. Eggs are not sold with a "Use By" date they are sold with "sell by" or "best before"; they are totally different things. I never check dates on eggs here, and I worked for 10 years as a "breakfast chef", and I've never come across a raw egg that's gone off! After feeling a little outnumbered, I reminded them of my qualifications and posted this ..."Eggs typically last for 3 to 5 weeks past the pack date when properly refrigerated. The date printed on the carton is usually a "best before" or "sell by" indicator for freshness, not a hard safety expiration. Anyway, a slightly sharp reply left me feeling I'd overstepped the mark, but to be fair, in this case, Mum is right!

The pups are 5 weeks old today, 3 weeks to go ... Ravi or Kez? Kez or Ravi? I really don't know, but ideas keep popping into my head and I go from 'a bitch would be best for the future' to 'a dog would fit in better.' Bitches can be such arseholes; if they decide, 'I don't like this puppy,' then experience tells me they never will. Poor Kiri was never accepted by the other girls, and though Beti was, I would never be able to mix her with Sammi or Siska now! Anyway as Linda would say "not long now!" LOL