Oswestry Critiques

The Weekend And Today

I've made a conscious decision not to look at the memories page today; to be honest, it wasn't too hard, as I had another morning call out to Tremadog! Of course I've thought of Kaiah, it's impossible to forget when there is so much to remember. 

Having done what needed doing at Mum's I went for a 30 min walk, to get back in time to play tea lady and waitress to her guests! 

Yesterday wasn't the best of starts to the day, Owen cancelled, and I had to face a drive on my own to Junct 10 of the M6. I felt so lost and lonely and considered turning back numerous times before hitting the A55, but once on it, I told myself it was too late to change my mind. Drives to shows are usually fun, part of the excitement of the day, but yesterday I was initially stressed and tearful. The situation with Mum, Steve and the anniversary were on my mind, but I'd also had two nights of nightmares which included the green-eyed monster laughing at me and at Beti. I told Steve and he asked, 'Well, why are you dreaming about her?' Hell, I wish I knew, as I've said before, it's not choice she just breaks into my dreams! Anyway, as I said, I hit the A55, put Ed on and focus on "My Peoples," my dogs and my happy place. 

I saw the catalouge and knew Orin would not win, sometimes the reputation of a dog precedes it, and there's no getting past it. But if I were asked, 'Which one would you like to take home?' well, my answer would honestly be, my own ... enough said! Beti is not quite in coat, but I was happy with her in the class, though I have a feeling Sarah was pissed with me at the end of the class. Ah well! 

On the drive home I was in a better headspace, and with loud music and sunshine, I seemed to be home in good time. When I got home, I immediately noticed that Steve was struggling, and then came the story. Zeus had gone between his legs, and Steve had gone over. Zeus had then gone over to see what Steve was doing on the floor and headbutted him, in the process of all of this, his stick had got caught in the lead and ended up on the other side of the garden, making it initially impossible for him to get up. Ok other than stiffness and more aches than normal, no harm done! 

I know that when people bring home a dog, they don't ever think of rehoming it, but I wish they would consider the safety of the exercises they teach them. Why do so many people teach these dogs to weave through their legs? Such a stupid thing to teach a dog to do! 

A Second Day At The National

Orin and Beti both managed a second in their classes at The National. I'm hoping Beti will only get better now, and Orin, well he's never let me down has he! 

Mattie At 7 weeks

Looking fed up already Mattie? Two weeks to go! 

Sammi and Zeus

A walk in Dinas this morning, and fuel in the van at Dolydd. I filled up the van, OMG, I almost passed out! The walk was far more pleasant, thankfully, though the footpath beyond the bridge is closed up with nettles again. So disappointing. Anyway we went somewhere we probably shouldn't have been, ready with my dumb, lost blonde routine should I get caught out! 

Thoughts in Tremadog

 

Having been with Mum for an hour or so this morning, I walked the girls whilst her washing was in the machine and got back to put it on the line. Honestly, my heart breaks for her, she currently sees no point to life, the pain is so overwhelming for her. 

I enjoyed my walk. I used to walk the track in the bottom photo to School, to the primary school we turned right from the estate, and to the comprehensive, we turned left. We always walked to school ... and back again! I guess we didn't realise how easy life was then, but today, apart from family concerns, I can't help but worry about the future in the hands of Reform. All I can say is if you voted for them, I hope you have health insurance, as Farage has already said if he makes it to No. 10, then he'll scrap the  NHS, scrap the minimum wage, scrap workers' rights and the human rights bill. Yeah, it put the fear of god into me. 

Anyway, this is no place for politics; the girls loved the long grass on the walk, and, to be honest, so did I. The smells were wonderful, the colours of spring fresh and rewarding and the bird song soothing. I walked as far as the railway crossing, but after the last fiasco of getting them over the stiles, I decided to go back the way I came. 

Everyone Out

Orin and Siska 

Zeus and Sammi 

Sammi happy as Larry as off the lead for the whole walk.

Meerah, Ross, Beti

Puppies And Their Parents

Countless numbers of people have asked me if I'm hoping for a male or female pup from Mattie and Orin. I honestly don't mind, I have room in my home and heart for either, but there will be some things to consider at the time.

We often say about stud dogs, 'Oh, he produces better males than females,' or vice versa, of course! I have only ever really seen adult female puppies by Orin, so I can't really judge the quality of his male progeny. As we've said before, it takes two to tango, but it is interesting that some stud dogs do seem to produce more quality offspring of one sex. 

Coincidentally we had this conversation about Reno recently; his female progeny seem to be exceptional, yet I've not yet seen  males in the ring by him. Thankfully my hope is for a Reno x Siska daughter, someone to continue the Blanik line through the "L" and "J" litters as well as the bitch line going back from Sammi. We've heard so many times, "The strength of the sire is the power of the dam." The statement suggests that if you want to know how powerful a stud dog will be as a producer, don't just look at him—look at his mother. In breeding circles, it is believed that a prepotent stud (one who consistently stamps his look and quality on his puppies) usually comes from a very strong, high-quality mother.

"Why the "Sire's Mother" is the Key: 

The Genetic "Anchor": A stud dog might look incredible himself, but if his mother was poor quality, he is more likely to pass on "hidden" faults from her line. 

Consistency: If the stud's mother was a "powerhouse" (physically correct, healthy, and a great mover), the stud is "backed" by her strength. He is more likely to pass on his own good traits because they are deeply rooted in the strong female line behind him. 

The X Chromosome: Since a male dog (XY) gets his only X chromosome from his mother, a large portion of the "blueprint" for his daughters and his overall quality is dictated by her."

When considering a stud dog, one thing I look at is the progeny already on the ground, so to speak. In my opinion Reno is without doubt a "bitch-maker," I can only hope that coupled with my bitch line we'd get something special, but the reason I am hoping for an Orin x Mattie pup is that I really don't want to put all my eggs in one basket! 

Reno, and Orin to a degree, have proved themselves as sires, not just show dogs, there is a huge difference. It's not always the top winners that are the best "sires," as we know, and not all the top winning females produce the best litters. Often the siblings of the top winners produce better offspring. 

I love the headshot that I took of Reno at WELKS, (Above) such a beautifully correct head and melting expression. 

Thinking About Kaiah

 

This year's days turn into weeks too quickly, and as we storm into May, I dread next Monday with all of my heart. I can't help but think back to 2023, and as I walked today I saw her everywhere I went. Hiding behind the van, walking by the lake, and even lazing on the sofa, the smiles turned to tears. 

As I walked, I was deep in my thoughts. I remember that scan so well – two puppies, but was that a third? No, we couldn't find it again, I really know that was her, knowing who she became, it had to be. The two boys were born, and not long after my surprise package arrived and life was complete. 

Kaiah - Heaven sent - but heaven stole. 

Day 9 For Beti

I must have missed at least a couple of days at the beginning of this season. Orin left breakfast yesterday but ate most of it today, Zeus left today's breakfast. I appreciate she could just ovulate early, but with the amount of blood there was on the Monday, well, 2 and 2 together, and she must be further on than day 9. Even two days make a huge different. She is also already standing and has been for a couple of days!

I'm really hoping Beti doesn't bring Siska in now, this would be really early for Siska, it's only just 6 months since her last season and she usually goes about 8 months. I really would prefer her to hang fire, with Reno away next month and hopefully a Mattie pup on its way here, yeah July would be better please Siska.