Siska (Geraldine)

Larry (Little Wren)

I couldn't pick just one of him - great photos

Not so little now eh! 

Almost A Birthday

Tomorrow the L litter will be 12 months old. Mostly Siska has been a darling, but currently she's a shitty teenager. She's confident, cocky and full of self-importance. Personality wise she's not really who I thought she would be, that is not a complaint, it's an observation. Siska is almost a replica of her mother at the same age .. a bloody handful. Oh, don't get me wrong, she's adorable, she loves people and is a pleasure to take anywhere, she's good off the lead and generally well-behaved at home, but within the pack she has visions of great self-promotion. I think in a home with one male or as a single pet she may well be as close to perfect a pet as you could get. I do worry that she and her mum may well end up butting heads - they really are so alike. Only Orin really has put Siska in her place, she pushes her luck with everyone, but when O retaliated she was quite shocked. I'm glad she has respect for at least one of the other dogs! 

I'm hopeful that I'll get photos of all the "L litter" to share over the next few days. It makes my day to see them and hear about how they are doing. Then in turn I'm  able to share them with other people who are interested in the Blanik adventures. 

Ross is still being a bit of a knob with Siska after her season, I've tried to explain to him that it's all over, but he doesn't seem to believe me! Orin is so pleased to be back within the pack, he's been tormenting his mum and winding Kaiah up no end, and of course demanding his cuddles and hugs. He's such a big softie, but I'm sure he'd be first in the queue to look after me if needs be. 

Whilst Siska was at the peak of her season we needed to move her away from Loki so that he didn't get stressed, not a problem during the day, but we had to adjust things at night. We ended up putting Siska in Jezi's crate and taking Jezi to the bedroom overnight. I thought Jezi would be thrilled, but she's not best pleased really. Steve and I are happy for her to continue sleeping with us and Nico .. but I'm really not sure if it's what she wants, I think she prefers her crate. I told you she was a strange one! 

Long Time No Speak

Yesterday I had a lovely message from a lady I've not seen or spoken to in years. My memory of Lorraine was that faded that I had to check her Facebook page to remember exactly what she looked liked. Well it had been a while. We first met when she judged locally and gave Mikey BOB. She absolutely loved him and we made contact through Facebook and kept in touch for a while after that. She told me then that GSD were her first love and she despaired at the path some were following, so she'd been delighted with her entry at North Wales and Mikey was picked as best of the bunch on the day.

As we chatted I thought, well if she liked Mikey then she'd love Orin. No disrespect to Mikey, he was super, but Orin is an improvement in type. I decided to send her the recent photo of Orin in stance - she then replied with a full, constructive and detailed critique. 

"Medium size, fantastic colours, wonderful front, with forechest, neck correctly set on. From the pictureI wouldn't want him any 'heavier' in head I think this just right at the moment. Hocks strong Yaaay, and bend of stifle balances front. From the photo I would perhaps like a little more 'crvature' at the croup. But I have often found that once they start to move this corrects itself. He's a very nice boy Rhian. Congratulations."

I can't disagree with any of that, his croup is slightly flat, but it's not really something that has every concerned me. He is balanced and beautiful. His head is masculine and strong, yes ideal as it is, any more strength would give him that coarseness that I dislike in the Chinese bred males. (They almost look like a mastiff) At the age he is now though it is what it is ... perfect, in my eye, let's not go there.. haha 

I then decided to sent her a headshot and this was the reply .... 

"masculine, flat planes, very much 'all of a piece' I shouldn't think at his age that it will get any heavier. He's got a lovely keen expression. Wow his colours are so good. "

I then considered my options and thought sod it I'll send her the Siska pic, not the one where she is pushing forward the one where her topline is a little more relaxed. I expected her to be polite and say that she liked her, but prefered Orin. "That picture of her is going into my file so I don't have to keep looking for it. Well for what it's worth, and assuming she moves as well as she looks like she should I would predict CC's for her. But we shall see. She is so very much my cup of tea. She absolutely not overdone in any way. Oh my goodness but she is gorgeous. Congratulations on another super girl."

Well I wasn't expecting that. She asked about the parents and I sent her photos of Kaiah, Sammi and Fransisco, explaining that I had mated mother and daughter to the same sire. 

"Your boy has taken after Dad a bit more and wow I can see where the colour comes from. For me, Dad is a bit too chunky through the chest  but his forehand and neck set on are really, really good and both son and daughter have that.." When I explained that Sisco was 9 in my photos she said, "Ah Ok understandable then."  

She went on to say "You chose dad so well. I truly love the type on your bitches. What Dad has done is not messed with your type but, if I may say, has improved further your forehands and slightly shortened them up. That puppy is just as good as you could have hoped for, and the dog is really not far behind. I really think you are doing a great job Rhian. And please keep me in the loop with their careers."

Well that left me buzzing, sometimes it really is nice to catch up isn't it! 

Feline Family

Still Separate Rooms

According to my calculations, today is day 23 since Siska started bleeding heavily, therefore she should have finished her season at least a couple of days ago. Though it's been quiet here for days, the boys still hadn't eaten yesterday morning. This morning I tried Ross with Siska, sadly it was still a no-go! At least it's been dry, so Orin and Ross were able to spend the morning in the kennels. I've really missed my routine walks and I hope I can get started on them again soon. 

I've Been Playing

Steve asked, "Why, what's it for?"

Well not for anything really, just because I can! 

Siska Photos

Getting a special photo is a pleasing achievement - getting four well it's almost unheard of. I would have been thrilled to have had just one of these, with so much choice, honestly I just couldn't make a decision. I know it's nit-picking but publishing the best photos on social media is paramount, you wouldn't believe how venomous it can get .. well I guess you could. Anyway, I got it down to no 2 and no 4 but then I passed on the buck to Joe. I love both photos so much but it seems this is "the one!"

No 4 it is then! 

Orin In Training

I love it when he changes gear - keep up Ian!!!!

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda