Caeathro Walk

Another place on our doorstep that we haven't walked; well, in my case I forgot about it. In all fairness, I moved from Pontrug in 1995 and I haven't walked here since. It has changed so much, become far more accessible and obviously used a lot more. The wildlife on and around the lake was wonderful to see, I wish I'd taken my camera. 

The last time I walked here was around 1994 with Blade and a young Nikki. 

Changes

What a difference a year makes - well 10 months anyway, and like a fine wine, we'll hope the best is yet to come. 

Blanik Meerah

Love this edited photo of Meerah - just the handler removed! 

After arriving at the show today, Owen and Meerah went off in one direction, and Orin and I went in the other. We had decided that she would stay away from me till after the judging, and it worked. A surprising result under this judge, but Meerah certainly drew the attention of the judges outside the ring. Little did I know that Ian B, whom Owen didn't know, had already been over to him saying she was just stunning and that he could take her home. After the judging he came over again, heading straight for Owen to give him advice on handling, he again praised Meerah to the hilt. He didn't realise she was mine, but of course I had to stick my beak in. I asked him, "Do you know who her father is?" He said, "I don't care who her father is, she is stunning." So I said "Oh you will care," I told him, "Blaven Vom Wanakon," he replied "OMG, the L/C I gave him his second CC - well there you go!"  

That wasn't the end of it, someone else on the day was surprisingly full of encouragement and praise for my "Mwnci" and said he couldn't get over the difference in her. He complimented her natural stance and free-flowing movement. He suggested I get her out at Generals but keep her away from breed champs where she will be penalised for size. I had already decided on that, but it was good to hear his opinion, and apparently he has a female who is a tad taller! 

After arriving home I was still buzzing till Steve announced - "the youngest member of the house is in trouble." Beti? What had my Beti done? Well in his wisdom, he left her and Ross in the middle room, so she shredded the carpet, as you do! Nice looking vet bed over it, sorted! 

As I sat for the evening the messages began, one person from Ierland, I think I've met once, messaged and asked if Meerah had any brothers at stud? I said no, but pointed him towards Lucca. He said of Meerah, "I do not wish to offend especially in the current climate when people are criticising without correct understanding, but she is really what I’m trying to find in the breed, I just feel dogs like her are trickier to find."  He then asked about "Meerah's mum," I sent him the photo, "OMG has she any brothers at stud?" I said no, but sent him a photo of Callan. He said "I love your bitches I think they are the type that would unite everybody and squash this anti breeding nonsense going on!" As we continued to chat I sent him the photo of Beti from Crufts, he replied "Absolutely love that, that’s the topline the standard talks about, and she has enough angulation front and rear to power around effortlessly." That she does!!!

A short break and then there was another "Hello" on the phone,

"Meerah looks wonderful 😊 So pleased for you. It was worth keeping her out of the ring until she matured. I think you will have a lot of fun with her this year. Xx" 

Honestly, on top of the comments at club, the comments on her photos these have made my day. Fair enough; yesterday judge saw something that wasn't for her, but I accept that and I am so glad I took her out of the ring ... it seems the indefinite period was a year or two shorter than I expected!!!!

Oswestry

Not the best photo of Orin, but the best there was. We had hoped on getting a chance for a photo shoot after the judging, but it pissed it down!

Siska

The moment you realise you and your mate have the same coat - 

and a memory makes you giggle

The concentration on his face!

*****

A super day with great friends at Oswestry - Judge Amy Clinton. Huge congratulations to Jackie and Ruma on BOB and BPIB. Orin was first in open and RBOB. Thanks to Jackie and Owen for handling Orin for me. Highlight of the day, and I must admit I was overwhelmed, was the encouragement and positive comments about Meerah who was beautifully handled by Owen. It was Meerah first time in the ring since last Summer and she was 2nd in PG. I think putting her back in the cupboard and giving her time to mature a tad was the right thing to do. She was a star. Siska didn't compete but went for the day out! 

They Call It Sunshine

Lucca And His Daughters

A night of cake and celebration at club last night. How proud is Meerah that daddy Lucca is now a champion? Many more may come, but he is the first long coat male to get his title in the UK. Well, to be honest, she didn't give a shit, but we are all delighted. 

How beautiful does Seren look? Shame she is not all in the photo, but as Jen said, she had to snap the photo when she could, or Seren would have been gone! 

Walks On Home Ground

In Season

Mattie is now in season, this mating is going to be so bloody important to me. I always want it to work for people who bring females to my stud dogs, I almost feel a responsibility when we don't get a mating or they don't conceive. I think Nico had more misses than Orin, but as we've said before, it's not dogs who miss, it's females who miss to a fertile dog. (Only one bitch has not been pregnant when mated to Orin) This mating though, well there is a lot at stake for all. Mattie is having her first progesterone test on Friday, here's hoping for success and beautiful, healthy babies. 

Not So Prefect Beti

Now as you know, like her father the sun shines out of her bottom, but believe me little miss is not perfect.

The breakfast challenge is annoying. I get up at 7am everyday, let them all out and give them all their breakfasts. The Winter routine is that I go back to bed with a cuppa and, as instructed, a hot water bottle to "cook" my knee and hamstring for 20 mins each. I usually scrawl through Facebook, and I have been know to snooze till 9 ish. When I get up, the dogs are good to go again, after all they've had that necessary rest after eating. But of course, that is not true of Beti, she doesn't choose to eat until I re-appear, and that completely throws the morning routine out of synch. 

Even more annoying is the noise in the van; the continuous high-pitched barking of excitement is absolutely doing my head in. It's grating. It's honestly getting worse, and I don't know what to do about it. By the time I got to Penygroes today, I think my blood pressure was through the roof, honestly I could have cried when I got out of the van ... and yeah it is only her! Ok when we set off Siska and Sammi can say a few words, and of course when we arrive and park up, others are vocal too, but Beti is non-stop in recent times, and I'm just not coping. I've got so desperate that I have ordered a vibrating collar - I just had to try something or I'm not going to be able to carry on as I am and I'm really enjoying the exploring.

Walking In The Rain