Callan

Callan having fun with his buddies at home

The boy looks great -hopefully I'll see him again next week. 

Don't Piss On My Pinks

The phone call came from Mochdre, unfortunately it was 7.15pm and I was out. Anyway, Steve was able to go through everything with them and was highly amused when she described Loki as "a lovely little sausage!" New one on me, not a description that comes to mind for a GSD.

Anyway she was pleased that he had showed very little sign of stiffness since the session and said they'll turn it up a gear next time. She agreed with Steve that the signals coming from Loki's bran to his legs are getting quite mixed - hence his odd gait! (He's still lifting his back legs unnaturally high.)

I did have a little bit of a meltdown at Ring Craft last night, the person in question I'm sure meant no harm but I've got extremely sensitive to people suggestions that Loki would have shown some kind of stiffness before that dreaded morning. Believe you me any sign of anything previously would help me now, even had he had a fall at least I could have attributed it to something. Of course the vet and now the specialist in rehab have all concluded that the spurs just got to that point and pinched the nerve - as we say the straw that broke the camel's back. Still it can be hurtful to think that people around me think I must have missed something, believe you me my whole life if focused on caring for these animals ... I miss nothing, I couldn't live with myself if I did! 

Apologise for the blog title, but Steve does amuse me ... for none gardeners like me the "Pinks" are in the pot behind Loki. 

Mr Piggin Aquaman

I really must give these names more consideration. Orin went into the lake here, and that is where he stayed, doing an impersonation of Kai - I'm not coming out!

I guess you do recall that Orin is Aquaman, thanks Steve! (Aquaman's name while he lived on land was Arthur "AC" Curry. His Atlantean name is Orin, and he is called King Orin.)

Can you see him? I was becoming annoyed! 

I must admit, it's not the first time he's refused to come out for a photo opportunity.

Llyn Cop

Official Show Pics

Finally I've been given permission to use the photos

Yes I had to pay, but they were special moments and I didn't buy a thing there all day.

Orin looking great in stance

Miss K showing them how to do it!

Cat Nav

Getting ready to leave this morning and of course I had my cat nav ready to assist.

Our Jamie is such a star!

Loki At Hydro

 

A very interesting and informative morning with Loki at the Hydro at Mochdre. Some questions answered and some have no answers, yet anyway. The staff were very thorough and very patient with Loki and gave him a thorough examination. They found some very tight muscles in his neck and back, as they massaged one of these he wagged his tail involuntarily. They will now contact our vets to ask about physio and laser treatment which may also help. They agree that the spondylosis had been there a long time but that that morning a growing spur just pinched the nerve causing him to loose mobility. Loki is still not correcting the knuckling on his front left and back right, which were the first affected.They observed that he carried his neck, head in a lower position than normal to counteract his poor balance in the hind quarters. (this was the first thing we noticed on that awful Friday morning)

 Loki was very unsure of the treatment, but as ever his character was A1 and he trusted everyone to help him. At one point he lifted all four feet off the floor and had to held in position until they drained some water and he found his legs again. Very odd to see but I guess he was ready to swim? His hydro session was very short today and they will be ringing me tomorrow to see how he is coping after using some very different muscles today. Did he like it, No, not really, but he wasn't that stressed about it either so we are going back next week.

Orin

Maybe it's the rose-tinted glasses, but I think he just gets more beautiful.

How could I not be proud of him, wow, something there makes me think of his daddy. 

Blanik And Tasella's Gazebo

Our new "show house" has arrived.

Woohooo. 

Zeus Just Gets Better

One of the observations from Zeus' previous owner was that he was wilful and independent, he was happy to do his own thing and make his own decisions. I agree, though of course this was not her reason to rehome this dog, I hope. I'm pleased to say things are starting to change. He has always been affectionate and playful in and around the house but without doubt he considers his options when he's outside.

I've mentioned before his love of the front garden, it seems to have been his favourite place since his return. Whist I clean the kitchen, bathroom, wash the feed bowls etc in the morning I leave him out there to do his own thing. I've no concerns with him with the cats now, and I doubt he'd consider the remake of The Great Escape! I used to pop out and make sure he was Ok and behaving ... now that has changed, he now pops in to check on me, and he follows me about from room to room.

Zeus is wary of passing Orin when O is in his crate, to be hones O is naughty about it. Zeus is very non-confrontational, he seems to have no malice in him. I used to have difficulty actually getting him to pass, but he has got braver and more obedient. Getting him in from the garden used to be a nightmare, now he does as he's told though sometimes the tone of voice has to change! Getting him from the yard is equally easy, but we do need the ball to get him out of the field. I still tie it to the long line and take hold of the end a few times during his time out there. The choice is still his, he can if he wants too, drop the ball and run off, so far he hasn't, and he accepts when I say it's the end of the game. This morning I decided not to take the ball in the top field, I could always go and get it if I needed it, but another gold star, I didn't! Actually I got quite emotional as he instigated play and then came to sit with me for a cuddle ... this is the first time he has done this of his own accord in the field, yeah I think he quite likes me, I was quite emotional. 

Loki's Day

In the morning a short walk beyond the boundary walls. Physically he has a long way to go so fulfilling him mentally is necessary now.

In the evening his first short walk around the field with Sammi and Ziva.

As you can see from the greeting, Sammi was over the moon to be with him, obviously there could be no fun and games but again I feel the company of his buddies may help him on the road to recovery. 

The Morning Walks

My Fransisco Kids

I love the way these two hog the bench. Orin has sat on it, and the table since he was a little chap. 

Siska won't ever be outdone!

They are both so beautiful, I'm so proud. 

Orin - August 2020 with Kaiah

And with Ross

Number Ten Let's Go

Our first walk in weeks - it was very slow and short but it must have been so stimulating for him mentally to go beyond the boundary.

Nine Out

Recently Zeus has started to pee like a big lad. Now he cocks his leg to scent as well as just to relieve himself. I'm glad really, I've never known a male hold his wee like he did. Anyway today the walk was going well, no tension, no atmosphere until Zeus cocked his leg. It was obviously to mark rather than a wee ... if you know what I mean. Nico sniffed it and came matching stiffly from behind, he literally roared out a growl as he past Zeus. Nico was holding himself with such presence that he looked larger than he ever has done, he then relaxed and carried on with the walk. Zeus seemed oblivious really, but I think Nico felt better for saying his peace and letting the young upstart know that he's still in charge. Fascinating!  

Mr Ross is feeling very important these days - I'm concerned about reintroducing Loki to be honest. I fear Ross will now take on the challenge, and Loki is far too weak to hold his position. 

Lingering here waiting for the Border Collie and their owners to get going.

Kaiah teaching Siska that boys do not pass go!

Here's Loki

Walking in the rain this morning. Happy and wobbly. 

No Loki Pic

But only because Steve walked him this evening

Jezi and Nico

The Main Man - Nico

His partner in crime said she didn't hear me say wait!!!

Sexy hairy beast - Zeus

Cool and the gang - Orin making me giggle

Who's This Then?

No it's not Siska

It's Tali!

Just A Reminder

 Who Was Isla? 

Chilli - White Collar 

Steve always called her "The Vicar!" 

And their names in print for the first time 

Loki Videos

As you can see we still have a long way to go, but he's still happy enough and getting his daily toddles around the field. I really hope for more improvement, I really hope this isn't it now!

More Show Pics

 Thanks to Julie for sending these ...

Isla

Orin

Orin

Rain Today

Not my best attempt at a group pic, sorry Orin. 

My excuse was that my phone was getting wet. Thankfully, most of the group are back together. A small spat between Ross and Kaiah on the reintroduction was soon forgotten. Now we'll have Miss hormonally moody Kaiah for about 8 weeks, the joys of females eh!

Little Miss is all soggy as she copied her mum and O in rolling over and over in wet grass! 

What's all the barking? 

Oh right!

Yesterday's News

Well I've never ached so much in my life as I did last night. I felt absolutely fine till it was time to get out of the van at home, by then my body has seized. OMG, how unfit can one get, come on girl pull your finger out, these dogs need showing!

The whole day was just wonderful, it was lovely to see our friends, and the young dogs who mostly were in unfamiliar territory took it all in their stride. Sarah cooked us breakfast and we provided lunch. With the show set up very differently we had our borrowed gazebo set up behind the vans ... now we need to get our own for future shows.

Orin looked amazing in the ring, maybe I had rose-tinted glasses on, but he looked jaw-droppingly beautiful in my eyes. He and Ian worked so wonderfully together, and I can't thank Ian enough for getting the best out of him at his first show. They looked so professional together. Isla also looked great, though lacking Orin's coat she has tones of glamour. Her behaviour was also faultless. I was extremely proud of both. 

Kaiah moved wonderfully for me, but did look a little bored in stance. The advantage of a handler, other than their fitness of course, is that the dogs are far more on their toes with a handler than an owner. Maybe next time Kaiah needs a handler too then! Well actually next time is a Champ show so Kaiah will have a handler. 

I decided to take Zeus with me yesterday. I thought it would be good for him, and for me to assess his behaviour in this kind of environment. There is only one word to describe his behaviour for the whole day .. "Perfect!" More gold stars for Zeus. haha. Seriously, I'm yet to see any nervousness, aggression or malic from this dog, for the life of me I can not find the problems! (And I've tried) 

Siska and Callan had a catch up and a play and both got to meet the wonderful Sully. Siska wasn't keen on the PMD's - "What be those huge white sheep things?" she thought. Bless her the girl did so well, taking it all in her stride. She sure has the advantage of being there at her age, saying that  I can't fault Orin, Zeus or Isla either ... they all behaved as if they had been doing it all their lives. Good K Kids - Very proud. 

Playing And Socialising

Zeus, Siska, Callan and Sully

Oh Zeus!

Siska, Isla and Zeus having a walk about the show.

All our GSD's were faultless today, happy and well-mannered

and yes Zeus - another gold star!