Zeus Is Still Here

Well what a day! After laughing it off I was then in tears and need to share, so my first port of call was my puppy buyers. I had a home lined up for Zeus through a GSD friend. I saw photos of the garden, the house and chatted at length to him. He had lost his 9 year old boy a short while back and everything seemed ideal for Zeus, no cats, no sheep and an experienced, sensible man. He was coming for him tomorrow, I was giving him one of our cages and everything was ready apart the contract. I was asking no money for him, but a donation from both of us to GSD Welfare was agreed upon. Zeus is not a puppy, but I still need to protect him and hope that the owners honour the contract. 

Anyway that's where it all fell flat on its feet. They felt my contract was unreasonable and that the dog would never be truly theirs. What? Does it say that?

"This is to confirm that _ _ _ has today been transferred to my/our ownership. It is agreed that in the event of me/us being unable to keep the dog/bitch for whatever reasons, then the original breeder, shall be given first option to repossess the dog/bitch without liability for any monies to be returned to me/us. It is understood that the original Breeder is then at liberty to make any arrangements that are considered necessary for the future of the dog and that should he/she be sold to a third party, any monies received by the original breeder less any charges for veterinary treatment, boarding fees and/or keep will then be returned to me/us. I/we confirm that I have read and had a full explanation of all the detail and meaning of this contract prior to purchase and fully understand its purpose and reason. I/we agree to abide by the terms in this contract and provide the dog with a happy loving home and to take full responsibility for the welfare of the dog. I/we also confirm that I/we are purchasing this dog for myself/ourselves and not as agents for a third party. I/we will be in breach of contract should this dog be given or sold to any third party without the consent of the Breeder, which may result in legal proceedings against me/us."

This is my standard puppy contract, and it's purpose is to protect the buyer, myself and more importantly the dogs. (The warranty and disclaimer is set out by Jusice For Dogs)  I don't know what you would find unreasonable in it? The dog does change ownership but it gives everyone security that should it go wrong then the dog NEVER ends up in rescue, he comes back here. I breed them, I bring them into the world and I could not live with myself if I didn't take responsibility for them for the rest of their lives. My priority is my dogs. Thank god that my puppy owners honour the contract to protect the dogs, whether legally binding or not. Anyway there we go, so Zeus is still looking for a home,(with a donation to GSD welfare only) Show homes have already been offered, probably with lots of money involved ... but he is my priority and I have turned them down. He is a wonderful dog, we've seen no wrong in him here, he's a loveable clown and he deserves a sofa not a kennel. 

Sunshine Then Hail

Sunshine and black cloud only leads to one thing

Yes hail! 

Well I have been moaning about how cold it is! 

My welcome home

Cats

                   

              

Isla is still eating very very well. I guess when you've been without it makes you thankful and you'll end up even eating tesco's own make! haha 

She always seems to be here now, not always indoors but around the place.

Today Luther had to make the trip to Freshfields for his Microchip. Serves him right for going AWOL last week! I do feel better now that they are all done, not that a chip would have got Isla home .. but, well you never know when they could help!

Pay up or the black chap gets it! 

Cwm Dulyn And Parc Eryri

Orin, Loki, Kaiah and Ross

                       

Siska and Nico in the beautiful Parc Eryri in Caernarfon

A Possible Home

 Last night I had a long chat with someone who is interested in Zeus. I've never met Mark but we have been Facebook friends for years. He has just lost a 9 year old Tirgram Robbi son. (Robbi is Ziva and Jezi's father) He lives with his partner and 19 year old son in the Manchester area and someone is home all day give or take shopping etc. We left the conversation with me suggesting he and his family think about it overnight, and if they are interested in him then they should first make a no obligation (on either side) trip to meet him.

I can't explain how I'm feeling, a bit sick to be honest. After just a short time my heart really doesn't want to let this dog go. I absolutely adore him, he's such a character, and he's done no wrong here. But as we've said before, he needs, he deserves more. I want him to have the best life and that is not here. I also need to consider my cats, he has met a few at close range and been pretty good, but he also has tried to chase a few of the flightier ones. Yes I'm sure if needs must I could sort that out. Livestock is also a problem here, would I ever be able to relax with him around sheep? I doubt it and that would mean lead walks when everyone else runs free. 

I guess if Mark and his family are interested and it's the right home for him, well I guess we give it a go. Of course it would be on the understanding that he comes back if it doesn't work. I guess if that did happen then we'd have to make it work for him here. Now I'll sit and wait and see what news comes with the day ... 

See What I Mean?

I really do believe it has been my own doing. Not that I have fussed over it now for years, but I guess I pandered to Ross for too long when he was a pup!

Food

Last night Ian and I were talking about how differently the dogs eat. Generally the "Blanik" gang are greedy, but my mouth from the south is much less so. He'd sooner have his kong than his dinner. All of these eat in their crates, their meals are prepared, put the crates for them and they all go to their own spot to eat. There is no pressure on anyone and no one is allowed to steal. Generally all meals are finished quickly, but Ross often leaves breakfast. The "eat it or lose it" rule still applies here and what's left after 10 mins is taken away! Of course I make exceptions when someone is off colour or after their seasons, not that Kaiah has ever gone off her food after a season.

At night they get a biscuit and a carrot at bedtime, Ross loves his carrot but as you can see is often less impressed with the bonio! On occasions it's still there in the morning and some lucky thief gets extras! I'm used to Ross and his odd ways with food but if anyone else leaves anything then I'm concerned. 

Nico has always been greedy, I've discovered to my cost how greedy over the years. Destroyed clothes because there was a crumb in the pockets, stole goods and shredded Xmas presents .. bless him. Asha's daughters are equally greedy, just like their mother was. It's quite hard to keep weight off them to be honest but with their advancing years it's never been more important that they should not get too heavy. Ziva is as fit as a flea but Jezi is starting to show some early stiffness and as she is a little tubby I guess the first thing to do is get her weight down a kg or two, if that doesn't help then I'll get her something natural/herbal products to try and help. 

Siska seems to be following along with family traditions and is yet to leave a crumb! (Remember this photo?) I'm really pleased with her eating, there is not a lot more frustrating than a fussy puppy. You want them to get all the nutrients they need, you need them to eat and you end up adding things to get them to eat. But seriously never has a healthy puppy starved itself, in these situations we really should look at what we are doing and take a step back I think. It usually human error with puppies that make fussy adults. Yes, I confess I did it, I play the game with Louis, and with Ross but to a lesser degree. Anyway Siska looks great and eats her puppy food with nothing other than a daily spoon full of yogurt added ... and the odd sardine! Of course I give her treats, but we all deserve those don't we! 

Is That Rain?

After shopping, it had to be a run in the fields today.

Not sunny, not warm but dry and comfortable to walk.

And then the rain came! We got absolutely soaked. 

I'm not complaining just observing, after all it has been so dry that the earth is cracked and dusty.

We've also been celebrating that Zeus is now cocking his leg, maybe he did before, maybe he didn't? Anyway he wasn't doing it here till last night and this morning. Hopefully he'll pee more often now, he only pees about 3 times in a 24 hr period, never known that with a male before.

Not only did it rain but Orin and Kaiah rolled around over and over in the wet grass. Kaiah is out of coat so it made little difference to her, but Orin and his huge coat were bloody soaked! By the time we got back it was dry, but Steve already had the blaster out! I quickly put Orin on the lead before he could do a runner into the house, and you know what? He did OK, not loving it like the others but he coped quite well. Siska was less keen but had to tolerate it for a few mins. Sammi as ever was a pain in the bum .. my turn, my turn ... haha 

Soggy Orin

Little Miss

 An unofficial weigh in today and little miss was 13.6kg, please with that, ever chance of being over 15 kg by 4 months. Photo taken of her chilling in the yard yesterday after training. Shame about the "cysgod" as a line over her face, but there you go I have "Removed Shadow" as best as I can. She so pretty and that new coat is now starting to come through.

Everyone Walking

A trip in the van to Llyn Cop for Siska

I don't think she's a water baby

Shock and horror at seeing Ross jump in and swimming 

Thank God For Photoshop

I was chatting to a friend who said one thing she likes about my photos was that I always considered the background before taking the photo. Well yeah I do - normally, but some major cock -ups here. Have a closer look at these before they were photoshopped. Post sticking out of dogs heads, vehicles and even the purple shit shovel coming out of Orin's mouth. 

I've been getting a bit of stick about Zeus. So many people saying I should keep him and show him, but we've made up or minds that he deserves more than cage to kennel to cage with a few walks and a cuddle in between. He's a great dog, not perfect but find me one that is. Even Mr Amazing lost control of his mouth in excitement. Zeus does mouth and that needs stamping on, he especially seems to get OTT with Steve, I guess I'm quicker to react and because of Steve's poor mobility it's easier for Zeus to take advantage of the situation. Anyway I have contacted Debbie at Welfare and she is keep an eye open for a home for him, I'm quite scared of advertising him and getting it wrong for him. I'm not expecting money for him, but however we find him a home a decent donation to welfare will be requested. 

Siska In Training And The Sisco/Sammi Sons

Little miss strutting her stuff with Jackie.

Today there could only be 6 of us, next week hopefully it's a full house

Orin

Zeus

Training Is Going Well

Go Orin Go

Adults Walking

When Siska Met Linda

I think they got on well!!!

Puppy In Training

 

Little lady having a go - a few skips and hops but she'll get there 

Same Spot For Photos

Orin Back In Training

Looking great here - a little stretched as it suits him. 

Yeah I like that. 

His movement up and down was accurate, purposeful and straight.

Going round was controlled but with a great stride.

Well done Mr O! 

Mr T and Mrs S on the other hand totally lacked stamina.

I guess if anything can get us fit again it's the prospect of shows!

More Cat Hassle

With everything that's been going on I'm not sure if I've mentioned that we are having trouble with another cat. I think it was on my birthday that we heard noises in the middle room at around 7 am, it had happened a few nights previously at around 5 am. Then I got up and saw the black and white cat leaving over the wall towards twll braich, some of my own cats were in a state of shock in the middle room but Archie was asleep in the living room. On the second occasion Archie was nowhere to be seen and I looked frantically for him, I can't deny I was getting myself into a state by about 8.30am, but then I finally found him hiding in the tunnel bed. He stayed there all day, even missing meals. Since then Archie has really become very nervous, he's so jumpy and noise sensitive, actually it's upsetting to see.

Last night as we giggled our way through Gogglebox the noise happened again, this time Luther came flying in as if the devil himself was chasing him. He ran over the fishtank and hid behind the curtains, thankfully Archie was already on my lap! I went out to see what was going on, yes the cat was there again, but so was Jamie and Choo, Jamie sitting as relaxed as ever. The first time I saw this cat Jamie was sitting out in its company too. So why is it not threatening to Jamie and Choo? Do they know him? Is it just one of the regulars on his rounds? If he is then why are the youngsters so scared of him? Archie may well have been scared of Isla at first, but not to this extent. 

I know there is nothing I can do, Luther will get over it. He's still young but he's a big capable chap. I do hope Archie gets his confidence bach though, he's such a darling and still a baby. Maybe good old uncle Junior will have to take up black and white cat bashing instead of picking on Choo eh! 

Perry Watching The Sunset

Shows - Woohooo

Well I can't deny it, I'm excited. Cheshire show is going ahead. Ok it won't be as it was but still it's something to look forward to. From what I gather it will be a dog show only on the days that we are there and rules will be pretty different to what we are use to. Only exhibitors and their dogs will gain entry, so no spectators. No problem, it'll be embarrassing enough for us lot without spectators, a stone heavier and fitness out of the window.. OMG ... Kaiah will have to drag me round the ring!  

Baby Siska will be too young to strut her stuff but I will enter her NFC for the experience - It'll be Orin's first show - bloody hell, 15 months going to his first show, we need ring craft ASAP! 

Chipping!

Today the staff from Freshfields came up to microchip the cats for me. Of course we didn't have a full house, the black tw .... er the black git went AWOL. I was disappointed really as I wanted the girls to see how stunning he was. 

Perry lost the plot and returned to his feral roots, but we managed to get him done with only Vanessa bleeding to death .. lol. Choo wasn't impressed either, but the other three were pretty relaxed about it. Thankfully Archie was done at the vets when he was neutered. 

Luther will now need a trip down to Freshfields for his chip, I bet that won't go down well! 

Cofi Land

Siska overwhelmed by the busy buzzing high street!

Honestly it was dead, I really was expecting more people about.

A catch-up with friends for us and a bit of fun with Callan before a walk about the Cat's Protection League shop for Siska. We then made our way to get Dad from the hospital. 

I was shocked to see him, hopefully he can recover.

Lovely Day Out

Bore Da O Blanik

Hopefully you know who is who

Ziva makes me laugh with her I don't want to sit here with these ears!