3 Months

Zavi is 3 months old today, he's quite the chunk at 14.7 kg, a kg and a half heavier than Orin was at the same age but only about a cm taller at 44 cm at withers. Orin really put bulk on after 3 months, it will be interesting to see where they compare at 4 and 5 months.  

Everyone On The Mountain

Our Show Day

A very early start to Builth for the second day of Wales' biggest all-breed Champ Show. We are lucky to have a friend on the committee who sneaks us in to a great parking spot as close as is possible to the breed ring.

I took Zavi with me; the experience of being in that kind of environment was invaluable. I took him in with Beti, her confidence could only be beneficial to him. The little boy did so well and coped with everything that was thrown at him during the day. He loved seeing Paul and Nicola, his breeders; it just shows how much they gave that litter that he still loves to see them. 

I had to giggle when someone who I expected to know better asked me, "Is that Ro's pup?" I said no, this is mine, his brother. Her reply, "Well these long coats all look the same to me!"  Well!!!!

Orin was the first of my clan to go in in the morning and afternoon. Two shows, two judges, two different opinions. Orin was last in the morning, the judge saying his eyes were distracting and that he lacked the attributes of the first two. Yeah I was a little deflated but more encouraged in the afternoon by his second place. I love this dog so much, but I've played this game long enough to get it! 

Meeah was a handful, as usual! She stood alone in her class in the morning and was last of three in the second show. Though I heard her described as a beautiful colour "for a sable", I latched on to more of the negatives really. He said her front was too straight and that she rolls over her back on the move. He went on to say that she has far too much length to her second thigh and rear pastern. Again, I see it, but some encouraging words would have helped - all dogs have some attributes, don't they?

My beautiful Beti is not looking her best, but she's managed to pull it out of the bag and won her class under both judges. The judge doing the verbal critiques was very complimentary, and I tried my best to remember his words. "The standout winner of the class. Beautiful head and expression, firm back and correct hind angulation. The front is a little straight, a very exuberant female, maybe a little too exuberant. One to watch for the future." (He didn't mention her tatty coat, thankfully!)  Well yeah, that made up for his lack of positivity about Orin and Meerah. 

Having left home at 5am we got home just after 9pm, a long day but a fun day with my lovely dogs and a great bunch of friends. We have so much fun and I love driving my new van, though the pleasure of the drive on the way home was reduced dramatically by the blindingly low sun!

Mummy Mattie

Out of coat but looking pretty impressive considering she has just had a litter. 

WKC And NWGSD

A super day at WKC and NWGSD shows. Thanks to everyone who made it a fun day. Beti was first in PGB at both shows, and thanks to Steve Cox for his lovely words about her. Orin was 2nd and 3rd in open (out of three!!) and Meerah stood alone in WKC and was last in NWGSD. The drive down was stunning, the drive home a bit of a nightmare with the low sun. Baby Zavi had a great time, thanks to all the babysitters and the people who took 5 minutes of their time to cuddle him or talk to him, that meant a lot to me. He was proud to see his Mummy Mattie was 3rd in mixed L/C class in WKC and second in the L/C female class in NWGSD.

Dinas Walks

We haven't been on this walk in a while, but with the cattle gone it's an ideal walk for a change of scenery.

Someone little came too and had a walk with Granny Sammi. 

It's a super place for 7 out of the 8 to have time off lead. Little legs trying to keep up with his grandmother. 

As you do!!!

Aren't We Lucky!

A stunning walk with Orin and Siska in ideal weather above Rhosgadfan. A few puddles after last night's rain, but generally everywhere is still very dry.

Zavi Back In The Caravan

Baby Dog has been with his favourite uncle and auntie whilst I've been at Mum's the last two mornings. I gather he was full of fun and naughtyness, as usual. 

We've been so glad of some rain, but I think it'll be a long while before I don't have to keep getting bottled water for everyday living.

Decal

I've been waiting for this van for about 6 weeks. In that time I made a decal design to go on the sides. These are silhouettes of Orin, Siska and Beti. Sadly now with the necessary extra costs on the van I'll have to wait for "decoration", maybe after Xmas! (This is my own work and not A.I!)

Last Night

Zavi visiting the happy campers on their last night. The ladies and Sully are off to Builth tomorrow where they will be spending the rest of their holiday. See you Saturday, guys.