No Windsor

 I love Windsor Champ Show and had Beti and Orin entered again this year. I had sorted company to travel with me and my usual lovely accommodation with friends was booked ... I even bought some naughty food to binge on my bed in the shepherds' hut. But with the forecast scaring me, by lunchtime today I'd cancelled all my plans. 

A couple of hours after giving my members ticket away, phoning Anne-Marie and having a chat with Gail, my phone rang; it was Jane ringing to see if I'd seen the announcement that Windsor Ch. Show 2026 had now been cancelled. Major disappointment for many no doubts, but respect to the society for putting dogs first and making the right decision! 

Ross May Have An UTI

A year ago, Ross had some problems having a pee, and he was treated for a UTI. At 3am this morning he woke me up. It's really not like him, but I let him straight out and when he was ages coming back in I followed him out. I knew instantly that it was the same/similar problem. I gave him plenty of time and waited for him to come in. 

This morning it was my turn to go to Mum. It was too hot to take Ross with me and leave him in the van, and there is no way Mum would cope with him around the house. I rang the vets and they kindly allowed me to pick up some antibiotics, with the hope that this is nothing more than a UTI again. Obviously if this continues beyond a couple of days, then he'll have to go in. 

Maybe it's not connected, but I really do regret neutering this boy, there's just been so much that I've never experienced with my entire lads - and this is another one of them! 

Puppy Videos

Mr Green 

Miss Pink

Mr Blue

Mr Orange

Miss Purple

Kaiah Crochet

Isn't this just beautiful? It's a crochet blanket of Kaiah. I have to say, it's one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me, and yes, there were tears. Ro, who made it, has Jethro, Kaiah's brother, and must have felt it too when we lost her. It's too big for the bedroom wall - but I have an idea....

Showing And Seasons

I've been quite confused about Meerah's season. If she started when I first saw blood, then she would be finishing today. From behaviour here, that is obviously not the case and she's now in full flow, so to speak!

The switch must have "flicked" sometime Saturday into yesterday, as though she wasn't home yesterday, Zeus didn't eat, though Orin did! I had no hassle with her at the show, though she was obviously crated and under a silver sheet for protection from the sun. Beti's crate was next to her, but even with the door open, she chose to sit in her cool tent. Bali, who was camped next to us, was also in season. 

Years ago I would never have shown a bitch in season, but most people do, and there is no rule to say you can't; if you can't beat them, then join them. Males are always shown first, and on the 4th day of a show, well, there will be smell everywhere anyway! Meerah was totally out of coat, but as I know she's not going to win then the experience for her and Owen of going into the ring is invaluable. Another reason for showing her, of course was that after the Zeus x Beti mishap, I'll never leave a bitch in season at home again!

Blackpool

Miss Meerah 

Beti 

National Critiques

Meeting The Pups

Mr Blue - beautiful Long Coat male 

Mr Orange - absolutely stunning short-coat boy, really chunky with a thick coat. One thing I find odd, and I've noticed it in previous photos too, he has less distance between his eyes. I wonder if that is a factor to consider for how his head will progress and later mature?

Mr Green - another very "coated" short coat. Smaller than Mr Orange, but currently constructionally very pleasing. 

Miss Purple – a stunning long-coat female who, much like her mum, will be a glorious colour. 

Miss Pink - well what can I say? A stunning short-coat female with slightly less coat than her short-coat siblings. Maybe her colour is also a less deep tan than her sister, but her attitude and movement continually caught my eye. Already she seems to have a very coordinated gait. 

Of course it's too early to pick a puppy, but if I had to, today – it would be her!  

A Walk With Three

A lovely walk with the two girls and Ross this morning. I know I seem to start off on this path often, but I keep finding other little circuits I can do off the main track. Again, I didn't see anyone, and we had a nice hour out. 

Getting There

 Well it arrived – after initially saying they could not deliver as we were too far, the previous owners kindly bought it here for us, and along with Frank and Linda, helped us get it into the pen. It's a cozy pet kennel, and obviously only here for emergencies in the new pen. We all agreed that this was the right spot for it, anywhere else simply made it a stepping stone for someone to get out!