14/4/91 - 35 Years Ago

Thirty-five years ago, I had just returned from a BIPDT course on the Friday—which also happened to be my birthday. As excited as I was, I could hardly wait for Sunday the 14th: the day I was finally picking up baby Blade.

My original dream was a long-coated male GSD, but Marilyn convinced me to go with a short-coat so that I could show him. And show him I did! Blade came from the Laecor kennel and was an Alshvar Schults grandson. I fell in love immediately, and that dog became the start of the path I have walked ever since.

He opened up a world for me that I still love today. While some friends have come and gone over the years, most of us are still walking this path together.

Blade was truly special. He won countless BOBs and numerous BIS's at open shows, qualified for Crufts, (a big deal for me a the time) and won in both Pre-Beginner and Beginner Obedience. He even won his class at the North v South GSD two-day show. We tried a bit of "man-work," as we called it  then, and he even appeared in several Welsh TV programmes.

Blade was amazing. He wasn’t faultless or perfect, but he was perfect for me. Many have followed in his footsteps, but as my first GSD—and through my affix—he continues to walk this bumpy path exactly where he always was: right by my side.

More Photos From Today

Day After Drontal

 Three breakfast not finished – but worming is a needs must. 

Walks for everyone today - hope I'm forgiven! 

Beti and Ross back on the track betweem Fron and Rhosgadfan, one thing to bear in mind: the bloody cows were on the common land adjoining it today. I was a little unnerved in places, but they did keep their distance.

I also took Orin and Siska that way too, I love to see them seemingly admiring the views. I guess the scents and sounds mean more to them than the sights. Anyway, we explored further. - Wow there is so much more to explore and see over there. 

Two walks for Meerah closer to home, one with Sammi and one with Zeus. I'm still hoping that she can eventually spend more time with Zeus, but he just gets so OTT about her, even after a walk.

On Our Doorstep.

Yesterday's new walk was just great, but today's, well, that was something more special. Yesterday we walked from the top of the Carmel to Rhosgadfan road, not far from Capel Y Bryn, downhill towards the top of Rhostryfan. Today we walked from the entrance to the quarry and came out by the cemetery at the top of Rhosgadfan. I just can't believe that I've lived here all this time and didn't know about this track. Well, I did know about it, I recall Tish posted photos from her walk on it the once, but I've never considered walking along it before. 

I loaded 4 into the van, it was breezy, but sunny. I went back in to get my coat and put my wellies on, went out, the sky was black and it was snowing. Oh hell it was too late to change my mind. It was less than a 5 minute drive and by the time I was getting the dogs out of the van the sky had clearerd and the sun was shining again. 

For the first walk I followed the track, to the cemetary and back, but I could clearly see lots of paths off the main track, and I went off a slightly different way with Meerah and Zeus. I'll be going back there as soon as I can to see how many circuits we can find. With it all being minutes away, I think I may drive up to the cemetery and see which paths go from there too. 

Our Lovely New Walk

Some Friends

 "I'm just saying it's funny how things have changed," wittered Steve. "You just no longer seem to be the priority, and it hurts me when you prioritise them over yourself, but they can't do the same for you."

Well in a way he's right, and yeah it does hurt when you have always considered yourself to be close, to be a team, you've put them first, sometimes to your detriment, but maybe now this has given me the opportunity to open another door, to have a different team? I won't now feel I'm breaking the loyalty; I can, after the next couple of shows, ask elsewhere! 

For better or worse, some friendships change, it is what it is and we can't do a thing about it. I haven't lost the friendship, but sadly it does seem to have changed. 

Back On Home Ground

Orin And Siska

Sammi and Ross

A New Walk With Beti And Meerah

I'd clocked the sign a while back, but to be honest, I'd forgotten about it, but lying in bed last night planning my day, I remembered and decided I'd give it a go. Parking was Ok, and I followed the track over common land till I came to a gate and then another. There were signs for "Cae Haidd Bach", but nothing to show where the footpath went. At the second gate a car came towards me, a man came out, and so I asked him, in Welsh, if I was on the right track for the footpath. He apologised and said he was on holiday, I repeated my question in English, but obviously he didn't know! I carried on to the gable end of a house, where I saw the homeowner in the garden .. I called to her and asked if I was on the right track for the footpath. No I wasn't; she was very pleasant, and pointed me in the right direction. After a short chat with her and her English Setter I headed back to the footpath. Just one sign there would have been a big help. 

After crossing a couple of fields, and going through another couple of gates I found myself heading towards another property! Again, I saw someone outside and asked if I was in the right place. Yes, I was, but after spending about 15 mins talking, I opted to head back the way I came. I now know the route and where it comes out in Rhosgadfan - so a bit further and no talking on another day!

Heading back - they were such good girls.

As I got my keys out to get back in the van, another bit of the dog walking back fell off. I have plenty of bags but this is the only one that's big enough for leads, phone, camera, keys, treats and everything else that I throw in there. I have a lot of nice bags, but these flexi leads take a lot of space. 

This afternoon Steve and I went to Go-Outdoors to try and find a bag, nothing except backpacks. We went on to charity shops in Caernarfon, nothing. Steve got irritable with me because "I'm fussy" apparently. Hell no, what is the point of buying something that's not suitable? I know what I need when I'm walking, and a bag on my back is simply not practical. So internet shopping it was again, I've ordered something which arrives tomorrow; let's hope I got it right!  

Meerah At Club

Owen and Meerah chilling at club - they are both learning together. 

Last night they both did a great job. 

It's been a changeover in the doggy bedroom today. Meerah has outgrown the bitch-size crate, and now she's had to have a boy bed! lol  I've had to move the crates around too, let's hope we can all remember who sleeps where now! 

Such A Privledge

Kaiah, Siska, Orin

I was chatting with a friend about the dogs earlier this week, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about our conversation. Losing Kaiah was one of the most devastating experiences of my life; it broke me. Next month marks three years since she was so cruelly taken from us. She was such a special bitch—a surprise package and the only female in Sammi’s litter of three back in 2016. Kaiah was everything I had ever hoped for, and more.

A few weeks after the loss I was blessed to be able to bring Beti into our lives. Beautiful, bubbly Beti. The truth of the matter is, had we not lost Kaiah, then Beti would not be here now. So while there will always be sadness, and yeah, bitterness at being deprived of more time with Kaiah, I have to be grateful that I've had the pleasure and privilege of both of these extraordinary females in my life.