Kaiah

 Last night I was chatting to Ian in messenger, we were chatting about Kiaan and comparing photos of him from Manchester Champ Show over the years. When Ian's reply made no sense I looked back at my post, OMG I'd typed Kaiah instead of Kiaan. I explain myself, but a little further on Ian type Kaiah and I thought his comment was irrelevant to the chat, but then he said .. I meant to say Siska! How odd eh, maybe last night Miss K wanted to make sure she was not forgotten, maybe she wanted us to know she was still the star of the show! 

Loki, Ross and Kaiah always out in front!

Siska And Seasons

 I have a lot to say about Manchester Champ Show, and I will write a post, but one thing has come to mind that I need to write about. At the show I was sat chatting to a lady who had a lovely Reno son, and I told her what had happened with Siska, so she told me her story .... She blood tested a female and the test showed she would be ready for mating within 2 days. She took her over to German for the mating, but the bitch was totally unreceptive and they didn't get a mating, they came home and tested the bitch .. her season had finished! Anyway, the following season was normal, they cut their losses and didn't go back to German, they mated her to Reno and had the litter. 

The chat has made me think of Siska and her long and very odd season, maybe she did something similar? There is no doubt she was less receptive to Reno than she was to Vesco and Lucca, and there is no doubt that within 2 days of the mating the boys here had switched off. So she wasn't ready on Thursday, and from the reading shouldn't have been on Friday ... or early Saturday, but hell we'll never know now will we, it's just the chat has given me hope that next time things may go to plan! 

Manchester Champ Show

Well, that was just the boost I needed - Beautiful Beti was 2nd out of 11 in PGB. She gave a faultless performance and even if I say so myself, looked fabulous. 

Now Siska on the other hand, well she stood well at the beginning of the class, moved well and then decided she'd had enough ... refusing point-blank to stand again, probably loosing her self a place. Naughty Siska was 3rd out of 4 in her first open class! 

A Nice Bit Of Sun

Sammi and Zeus out in Dinas

Changes For Beti

 In my process of trying to find the correct supplements for Siska I came across some information that may help Beti. From what I've read, giving the Riaflex Omega-3 to Beti's will do more for her "soundness" than almost anything else.( maximum anti-inflammatory power) Beti doesn't just have "wear and tear"; she has a piece of bone that isn't quite attached. This creates a very specific type of stress in the elbow, so I'm looking to give her anything and everything that will help her in the future. 

Raflex Omega-3 Ordered! 

Then I came across something called- 4CYTE (Epiitalis Forte): Many vets and specialist orthopaedic surgeons (especially in the UK and Australia) now recommend 4CYTE with Epiitalis. This is a "Repair Stimulator." It tells cells to be active and grow new cartilage. 

4CYTE with Epiitalis Ordered. 

Beti was already on Collagen, but apparently not the best one as it was not UC-11. Standard collagen is broken down by the stomach as protein. Undenatured collagen (UC-II) works differently: it "trains" the immune system (via the gut) to stop attacking the joint's own cartilage. Clinical studies have shown UC-II can be more effective than Glucosamine/Chondroitin for improving mobility in arthritic dogs, this is her "Immune Shield." It stops her body from attacking the joint when that loose bone piece causes irritation. 

Systemavit (UC-II Collagen): Ordered

So I considered stopping the Glucosamine & Chondroitin, and I asked for help  ... 

These are her "Raw Materials." Think of them as the "bricks and mortar." If the 4CYTE is the "builder" telling the body to repair, the Glucosamine/Chondroitin provides the actual physical materials the builder needs to do the job. Riaflex Omega 3: This is the "Fire Extinguisher." It keeps the daily inflammation from the loose bone from turning into chronic pain. Systemavit Chew (the UC-II "shield" works best when given consistently). The "Teamwork" Effect (Synergy) Clinical research shows that these ingredients work better when they are combined because they attack the problem from different angles. This is called a Multimodal Approach. The Building Blocks (Glucosamine/Chondroitin): These provide the "bricks and mortar" for the cartilage. When Beti’s elbow has a structural issue like UAP, her joint is constantly "using up" these materials to try and stay lubricated. The Repair Signal (4CYTE): 4CYTE is the "Foreman" on the construction site. It doesn't provide the bricks, but it tells the body's cells to start building. Without the Glucosamine "bricks," the 4CYTE Foreman has nothing to work with. The Immune Shield (Systemavit / UC-II): This stops the body from "knocking down" the work the 4CYTE is doing. It prevents the immune system from causing further inflammation. Why this is vital for a UAP Elbow Because Beti has a piece of bone that didn't fully fuse (UAP), her joint is under mechanical stress. This isn't just "old age" wear; it's a physical instability. More Raw Materials: She needs a higher-than-average supply of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to keep the joint fluid thick and the cartilage "bouncy." Maximized Protection: Studies have shown that combining UC-II Collagen (in the Systemavit) with Glucosamine/Chondroitin leads to a much higher reduction in stiffness than using either one alone. Your Daily "Beti Blueprint" Since you have all these products, here is the most effective way to give them: Morning Meal: * Riaflex Omega-3 Oil (for maximum anti-inflammatory power). Systemavit Chew (the UC-II "shield" works best when given consistently). 

Evening Meal: 4CYTE Gel (the "repair" happens while she rests). Your existing Glucosamine/Chondroitin tablets (to provide the building materials for that overnight repair).

Weight is everything: For an elbow case like Beti’s, being "lean" isn't enough; she should be "ribby" (a Body Condition Score of 4/9). Every extra 500g of weight is magnified by 4x across those front elbows when she walks. Remember the "No-Ball" Rule:" Since she is sound now, the temptation is to let her chase balls. Please don't. The "braking" action of chasing a ball or jumping down from a car puts immense shear force on that partially fused bone. Stick to long, steady walks and swimming/hydrotherapy."

Well I guess every day is a school day, but bloody hell my cogs haven't had to work so hard in years! 

Planning Ahead

After doing some research I have a summary of a "Fertility Plan" for Siska: 

Now - Early March I am considering changing her diet to Arden Grange Performance but I have already ordered the slightly expensive Riaflex Omega 3. To try and help Siska "catch" and support a litter, I need an Omega-3 that is high in DHA and EPA. While Salmon Oil is popular, it is said that a high-strength Fish Body Oil (sourced from sardines and anchovies) is actually the secret weapon for breeders because it is often more concentrated than standard Salmon Oil. For fertility, Riaflex Omega 3 (Liquid) has been recommended as it is one of the best for high concentration. Apparently it is a favourite among professional breeders because it is exceptionally strong and very clean. 

In early April I'll start "Folate Loading" by adding 400mcg Folic Acid daily. Starting one month before her earliest expected season ensures her body has "saturated" its folate levels by the time she ovulate. Since Siska's cycles are unpredictable and can vary between 6 and 8 months, the best strategy is to prepare for the earliest possible date (the 6-month mark.).  Research (including studies by Royal Canin and specialist vets like Dr. Marty Greer) shows that for maximal effect on egg health and preventing defects, folic acid should be in the system well before the heat begins. Folic acid is water-soluble. If she doesn't come into heat until July (the 8-month mark), any excess she doesn't use will simply be flushed out in her urine. It is very safe to continue daily until she eventually comes into season. 

Day 1 of her season I'll start fertility boost and add Wheatgerm Oil (and double it on mating day) It is packed with Vitamin E (the "fertility vitamin"). It protects the eggs and supports the uterine lining for implantation.. 

Three Weeks Post-Mating Whelping, I'll stop the Wheatgerm and start Raspberry leaf as a whelping aid. It tones the uterine muscles to make the actual birth (contractions) easier and more efficient.

So that is the plan of action! Photo of Siska asleep in a cat bed on top of her crate, just because it's amusing! 

A Little Disappointed In Myself

 I'd planned it, I knew where I was parking and I thought I remembered where the path was ... I was going up Mynydd Cigwyn ...but hell I didn't get very far. That hamstring muscle that has been quite for a few weeks started pulling as soon as I hit the steep incline. I had to turn back, I have to get Mum to the doctors tomorrow, and I've a drive to Stafford on Sunday, I just can't aggravate that now! I was disappointed, but I did find another route to walk, one that I hadn't done in years, so at least we had a good time. After coming home I've considered that I tried to go up the incline in a different place to where I used to go, but since last years fire it's hard to find the tracks. Maybe I'll try again! 

If you are using a decent size screen, or you can open it up and zoom, 

can you see our house?

After about an hour out with my lovelies, in this weather, I just had to take the girls out. Views towards Caernarfon behind them in the first photo. 

Wednesday Walks

Zeus and Sammi on their walk, I intended doing the same walk twice, but with a fair bit of road walking I opted to change my mind for the second walk. Even with gloves on, my hands were freezing holding the leads, so I went up part of Mynydd Cilgwyn (Mountain) with Beti and Ross instead ...no leads needed. Well now of course I want to go all the way up again... Weather permitting, maybe tomorrow with Orin and Siska who only got to go in the fields today. 

A bit blustery, but with no one about, we enjoyed ourselves. Beti did give my a bloody scare, she went up a huge rock, much taller than this one, a gradual incline from the back, Ross followed her and dropped his kong. The boy sensibly came back the way he'd gone up, oh but not Beti who launched herself off the top!!

Meerah and I went out together, I find it so odd walking one dog, but we had a nice time. We found the lid of the shit bucket, it had flown away the other night. I took Meerah to see Twll Braich, for obvious reasons, I don't tend to go there with silly youngsters, as ever Meerah wasn't phased, far more interested in the sheep in the adjoining fields!

Orin Stud

I had another stud request for Orin a few days ago, I replied with my usual standard spiel, but surprise surprise, I've heard nothing back again. I hope my response is not offputting, I can't see why it would be to someone who is genuinely interested in the breed and the health and welfare of puppies produced, I will not slip on my ethics.

"Orin is at stud to Standard coloured, KC Registered, health tested German Shepherd bitches of suitable bloodlines who are sound in mind and body. (I will check the COI of any future puppies that could be born) Orin carries no lines to "Vegas," "Zamp" "Remo" or "Quenn" making his bloodlines a sensible alternate for the many bitches who now carry these lines. I strongly suggest bitches be progesterone tested for optimal potential for fertilization. Orin carries the long coat gene and mated to a bitch who also carry the gene may produce long as well as standard coat puppies. Orin's stud fee is £600, Cash payment is expected at the time of mating and should the female miss then a free mating is offered to any bitch that fits the criteria in the same ownership. Bitches must be hip and elbow scored and preferably DM tested. (though not essential) 

If you are interested, then please send me the female's KC Registered name and health test results 

Regards Rhian " 

Anyway, on a happier note, Nicola is already preparing for her Orin x Mattie litter, she's even applied for an Affix. Nicola has a great guide in her mother, who used to breed and show. (Though I've no idea what breed.) Her husband is also a game-keeper, so they have a lot of experience with dogs ... Oh, and they have a Dutch Shepherd - I'm jealous!!! So let's hope that whatever happens, there will be a puppy at Blanik this year!

I Feel So Guilty.

In my defence - After very little sleep the previous night, the sky was silent and I was hoping for a good night last night. Now something changed here last night, I think Meerah must be getting close to ovulation, Orin is still quite chilled, but Zeus is going into twat mode. I was in the bathroom when Zeus and Sammi went out for their last wee and I could clearly hear the side gate of the cottage being rattled. I went to open the door and Sammi was stood waiting to come in, no prizes for guessing who was trying to escape!! I got them in and went to bed, Steve went to the bathroom and Zeus rammed past him into the hall where he stayed winging until Steve came to bed and insisted he followed. Sammi was in good spirits and playing wither her soft Xmas pudding. 

We watched telly for a bit, as we do, then switched off the lights and were asleep quickly. At around 1.15am, I heard the winging start up again. Not what I needed, "Shut up and lie down Zeus!" Quickly there was silence and I was asleep. Then I started to hear it again, not sure for how long, but for enough time for me to think he'll be sleeping in the van if this carries on, and he's never done this before, but I still didn't consider that something other than a randy male was the problem. I called out again "Shut up and lie down Zeus," but almost instantly I heard the Niagara Falls and as I jumped up to put the light on, Steve mumbled "What's going on?" I shrieked, he's pissing! With the light on I realised it wasn't him at all, he was lying in his bed .. OMG poor Sammi. 

By the time I got there and got her out it was far too late, and trust me it was an enormous pee. I feel so guilty as Sammi has always been clean and for at least 2 hours she had been telling me that she needed to go out. It just never occurred to me that it was her, I just thought it was Zeus being a prat. Of course there was no reprimand, why would there be? Well except to myself and my punishment was cleaning the floor at 3.30am. 

I do wonder why it happened, she was out at 9pm and again just before 11pm. The weather wasn't bad by then, so why did she not wee then? Steve just said, well maybe it's her age? I just can't see she would forget to wee before bed? I'm wondering if seeing Zeus rattle the gate has bothered her, and she's come from the yard to stand by the door so as not to be associated with wrong doing? To be honest, as she really hasn't changed in mind or body (other than some hearing changes) I do find that more plausible. 

Whatever the cause I feel so guilty for ignoring her, in a similar situation I honestly will never presume again. Sorry Sammi. 

Wind And Beti

 Well it sure has been one of those days when you think maybe, just maybe, moving downhill to live would be better. The wind and rain has battered us. We'd heard the wind, though slept through it until we were woken before 6am with something banging on the bedroom window. We both got up and braved the storm to go out. I was out with my dry robe and wellies over my PJ's. Something had come partly off the shed roof and was battering the car and the side of the cottage, including the window. Thankfully no damage to the window, but sadly a fair few scratches on the bonnet of the car. I suppose it could have been worse! 

The cat have opted for another day of doing nothing, well who can blame them really?

Just as it had healed, Beti has been scratching the sore by her eye, taking the scab off and now a lot of hair. I really hope I haven't made matters worse by putting Sudocrem on it, but I've used it dozens of times before with positive outcomes at home and the rescue centre. The way it looks now, I really wouldn't show Beti, let's hope she leaves it alone to heal, there is a week before Manchester Ch Show. If we go to the show, I'll take Meerah with me. The boys are getting very interested in her, though she's not at the peak yet. I think it would be safer for everyone if she was not left at home in Mr S' care. After all, you get no education from the second kick of a mule do you! LOL 

Marley

 

Meerah's brother Marley over the Xmas period. He looks super.

Siska's Siblings At 5 Years Old

Elka, Callan

MalaKai and Larry

Tremadog

A lovely walk in a very busy Nursery in Tremadog. I was just a little taken aback to land straight in dog shit as I came out of the van. There really are places to clean up aren't there! Thankfully I was in my wellies and have a pair of slippers at mums! 

Well done to Beti for her exemplary behaviour and well done to Meerah who only barked at a Labrador who was staring a little too intensely at them. Neither reacted to the Springer female who growled at them, but her body signals were easy for me to read so they obviously knew she was scared. The owner was chatty and referred to the girls as GSD's going on to tell me that he hated the term "Alsatian" and that the breed had returned to his rightful name since the 70 ies. I just smiled and listened. 

I picked up my new laptop, well new to me. It's about the same age as the other one, so pre-covid and cost me £50 - all good so far and it will have to be, having bought the camera the piggy bank is empty! 

Return Of The Snow

 Well not much, but they were happy.

Yesterday's Walks

Meerah and Beti - The Nantlle Ridge in the background.

Orin and Siska with Mynydd Mawr in the background.

Llyn Cop covered in a thin layer of ice. 

Happy Birthday Lovely Liszka

Well there was lots of snow and ice 5 years ago when little "Geraldine" and her buddies made it into the world. Happy Birthday beautiful Siska and her siblings.

The Laptop Is Dead

RIP Asus laptop, you have been murdered in plain sight by the order of Archie Stanley. 

Good thing I love you little chap.  

Currently "running on" the old HP laptop which is still on Windows 7, so bare with me! 

Sadness In My Heart

I know, I should be in bed, but I've been and got up again. Tonight, sadness and self-pity has hit me again. I really thought I was over it, hell I braved it so well over the New Year "celebrations" and the snow also distracted me perfectly. "Are you Ok Rhian? " Yes I'm fine I said, I've re-set my plans I'm fine. I honestly thought I was, but it's taken one thing, one thing to open the wounds that were obviously not healed, and I can't sleep for crying.

So many litter announcements, so many puppies, some with litter after litter, and success after success. I'm not trying to be jealous, I promise I'm not, but I am just devastated that the dream has been snatched away from me again. This was the perfect time, after so much sadness, I needed it so much.

I had so many high hopes for Beti, she truly is beautiful, but I know the limitations ahead for her and me. Nature can be so damned cruel. Then there is Meerah, again my dreams have been shattered, why do I continually get it so wrong? Or maybe I should re-phrase it, why does it continually go wrong for me? I do my homework, I try my best ... and still at best, we wear the bridesmaids dress. 

I honestly have no inclination to go to the show I've entered. The thought of getting up, going it alone on the drive to a cold hall to end up an "also ran" behind the faces on the end of the leads suddenly doesn't appeal to me. The only thing that does appeal is seeing the wonderful friends, from all over the country, that I've been blessed to meet along my dog world journey. 

Poor Steve doesn't know what to say to comfort me, but honestly there is nothing that can be said. Platitudes, however well-meant, are currently pointless.

I apologise for the self-pity, but coming here helps me .... Siska's next season seems such a long time to wait, let's hope I can keep it together and look favourably to the future ....

Some Thoughts

The volume is increasing in the mornings again, it's only 9 days since I noticed Meerah was bleeding, but Orin has been unsettled from about 5am the last two morning. He's not at a stage of going off his food or anything, but I'll have to watch him, and his knob head brother now! 

I'm still considering trying chemical castration with Zeus. The effects of the implant last about 6 months, which should give us time to see if it helps, or makes matters worse. The benefit being, that if it makes matters worse the effects wear off, if I go ahead and neuter him and have regrets, then it's too late to go back.

I'm not quite sure what's going on with the cats. Perry has always been a dirty bugger for spraying in the house. Yesterday I could smell cat pee in the middle room and I stripped all the cat bedding but as the house warmed the smell increased. Anyway, I eventually found the source, some bugger had peed in Orin's bed. I was none too pleased, but kind of think it wasn't Perry. To be honest, though I have no proof, I wondered if it was Jamie. Maybe the old guy simply found it too cold to go out? Well, he'd be forgiven! 

Ed Sheeran - A Little More (Official Music Video)

I just had to share it, the video is a continuation of the "Lego House" video. It's a very angry song, but in typical Ed style he's bought the humour in through the video. There must be someone in everyone's life that they can attribute this song to - bet you know who it is in my life! 

Over The Moon With The Camera

All these photos have been taken using various degree's of zoom, so there is no way I would have got them using the phone. The phone takes stunning photos, but so many opportunities are missed without the ability to zoom.