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!