Hairy Monster

I'm not sure if you can see him, but he's by the wall playing with his ball and refusing to come in. I was so frustrated as I wanted to give everyone time out before going shopping, but I left him there and came in. About 5 mins later I went back, and he was in the middle of the field, looking over but not coming home. Zeus is a wonderful dog, with a piss poor recall. Honestly, it's the only thing I can fault him on. I'd never let him off the lead on the beach or on the mountain, but here I guess it doesn't matter. I still attach the long line to his ball and know all I need to do is pick that up and he'll follow me to the end of the earth. Actually I can walk over to him and cuddle him now, he use to run off for fear of being grabbed. I never grab him, not ever. I get hold of the end of the long line, it's his choice to follow, he can drop the ball and go his own way anytime he wants, but he never does.

I guess you think I'm crazy, but I celebrate every wee in the yard with a "wee wee- good boy." It's like I'm still talking to a puppy in house training. It took so long for him to realise it was acceptable to pee there, not just acceptable, preferred mate! 

Group Photos

Nico and Jezi 

Sammi, Ziva, Ross, Orin, Kaiah, Kaiah 

Sammi, Loki and Ziva

He Bit Me, LOL!

 I'm so good at seeing people make mistakes with their dogs, I squirm at the stupidity of some .. shame I don't practice what I preach then eh. I now have two puncture wounds in my hand courtesy of Ross. Who's fault was it? All mine. If you go to pick up his kong you simply say "Leave it," and he does. When you don't, he doesn't, I won't forget again!

Took these three to get their photo in the spot that I forgot to take one in the other day.

Sad News

Yogi and Loki 

We've had some very upsetting news this morning. On the vets advice Loki's brother Yogi was given sleep yesterday. Unbeknown to us he had been having some problems for about a month, but he took a turn for the worst yesterday and wasn’t able to get up at all. After doing tests the vet came to the conclusion that it was neurological. It all sounds a little familiar and with some sketchy information that a sister is also suffering, and their mother as well I am a little scared for Loki's future. 

Ian is very upset, of course we understand that, but none of us have a crystal ball. He wouldn't have mated Tasha if he thought for one minute there could have been issues, and of course I would not have allowed Nico to be used. But it is important to remember that Tasha and Nico are health tested, this is not something anyone could predict ... nature can be cruel and we still don't know if there is a genetic connection. 

I've messaged Yogi's owner my heartfelt sympathy and asked that when she has time and when she's feeling up to it maybe she could give me some details of her heartbreaking experience - for me now knowledge is paramount. Yes Loki has spondylosis, we've seen the Xray, but the absence of pain has always been a little confusing, hence the likelihood of FCE. But that is not a foregone conclusion. An MRI would be needed to confirm the diagnosis, as the treatment was the same then it was felt that putting him through further upset was not necessary. 

Listed among the common neurological disorders in dogs are Vestibular disease. (This is very common in old dogs -You may recall Tali had that and recovered quickly. A dog's vestibular system helps maintain balance and coordination of head and eye movements).Spinal disease, Wobbler Syndrome, and intervertebral disc degeneration and herniation. Before coming to any further conclusions I'll talk to Yogi's owner, my vet and Gillian at Paws 4 Fitness .. maybe a few more snippets of information may help us? 

I have to be honest I don't seen any further improvement in Loki, I don't feel any of the treatment has helped him. Initially there was a quick, drastic improvement but since then nothing really. Someday's are better than other but generally his mobility is poor. Don't get me wrong he gets around Ok, goes around the fields, and even short walks through the gate, but I doubt he'll ever be the same again. On a bad day his front feet knuckle and he falls over. Generally he drags his feet, or lifts them ridiculously high, he sways as he walks and doesn't seem to know where his feet are. If he takes his time he manages quite well, but when he tries to rush he looks awful and usually falls. Sometimes he reminds me of a cat with a neurological disorder, though he doesn't have the head tilt! Straight lines are easy. but turning is impossible unless he has a large area to manoeuvre. Getting him into the van is always a two-man job, it would be impossible for one person. If we didn't live here and have the field, or somewhere with a flat large garden then I doubt he or we would manage, to be honest as it is it would be unkind to try.

Loki is 7 next week, it's no age is it? I honestly sit here and cry wondering if he'll see 8 years old. Steve had said that he thought maybe it would take till Winter for the damaged nerve to heal ...I can only hope he's right and that Loki has a good quality future ahead of him.   

Just for peace of mind if you have a Blanik puppy, Loki's bitch line is nowhere in Blanik breeding. It is mainly working line and Blanik bitches are show line bred, there are no common ancestors in Loki's bitch line and the Blanik bitch line. 

Naughty Siska

You have to laugh don't you!

 

For My Lovely Husband ..

Siska In Training

A little bit of training for Siska today. I have to admit when someone says something negative to me at the time I tend to dismiss it, but then it wheedles its way into my head and I dwell on it. The comment "Unsound" is quite hurtful, my dogs are well exercised and fit. Puppies can be loose of course, puppies can play up, pull left, right or crab and that can give an illusion of being unsound ... but adjusting the pace of movement or the position of where one stands can easily show a true picture. 

Unsound? Yeah that's hurtful! 

Little miss is not looking at her best. It's not a great age really and only to be expected. I hope in time she returns to her former glory. . 

Mind you this is Kaiah at the same age, so not a drastic difference, and look at her now!

My K Brothers

Blanik Kyriacos - Orin 

Blanik Kanani - Zeus

I admit I'm a very proud breeder. I'm nit-picking between them, but I prefer Orin's length. Zeus is not boxy, but the breed should be longer than tall by a ratio of 10 to 9 or 8 and a half, and for me Zeus is a little short. Orin also has great strength in his hindquarters. I've overstretch Zeus to try and give him more length but he  does tend to twist from the hock down in the stance. Actually he used to on a walk, but doesn't now! 

Orin is by far the bigger dog but both have amazing colour and heads ... Zeus has the better eye colour.

Lucky Lucky me! 

Celebrate Life

 It's 6 years to the day and the date  since my SAH- life changed 

- onward and upward 

Oops

 

I'm out of the habit of taking photos on the walks, but today I thought I would. On the second walk I had company and I forgot. Apologise to Ziva, Sammi and Ross. 

Driffield Day

 This time yesterday morning we were on route to Driffied show, we should have got there at 8.57am but due to someone deciding to kill themselves by jumping off a bridge onto the M62 .. well we were kind of late! I've no idea of that outcome and will refrain from giving my opinion here. My Sat Nav had no intention of taking us off the M62, but the phone had better ideas. It took us off on junction 21 and somewhere onto Halifax road, I've no idea where we went but we saw, lakes, hills, heather, moors and wonderful scenery, What felt like a life time later we got back onto the M62 at Junction 25. Well done google maps!

Now when I say I went to Driffield, remember I went to Driffield show not to Driffield! Driffield show was in Wetherby, like Manchester show and Birmingham National are at Stafford show ground. We need huge venues for these shows and I think for the benefit of travelling they do try and have them a little more central. My next show is Darlington Ch Show ... but guess what? I'm not going to Darlington! 

We had travelled from sunny Fron to misty Caernarfon and travelled through thick pockets of mist along the A55, but eventually it mainly sunny or overcast. It was a hell of a shock to get out of the van and be greeted by such a cold wind. Honestly, people were buying dog blankets and walking around wrapped up in them, thankfully I always have coats in the van.

Yesterday was a Championship show, but one that for German Shepherds where no Challenge Certificates were on offer. There are only a certain amount of sets of CC's per breed per year so some shows have to run classes without them. The classes are still Crufts qualifiers, but the wins are not as sought after as the shows with CC's. Still in it to win it and after handling Lucca for Sharon, Orin was first of my two in the ring. My handler was a young lady who is reasonably new to the breed and she did a great job steering a head strong mummy's boy to win his class. I could see her struggling at times, but hats off to her she never gave up. As she had won two classes I offered to take Orin in the challenge myself, I knew he would never win, he's too young to be considered for top honours. With no open shows this is the first time I've taken him in myself ... how odd! 

Sadly there was no break between the dog judging and the Minor Puppy Bitch class. I could tell from the moment that someone little went into the ring that she had it on her. With hindsight, I should have taken her in myself, but it was too late by the time I considered it. Though she stood well, she was a little cow for Tara on the move. I've no idea why Siska shows so well some days and other times her behaviour is awful. Well when I say awful, it's the pulling inwards and scrabbling, she not barking, howling or having a go. It's annoying as she knows  what she's supposed to be doing, she does it perfectly at Ring Craft, so why does she let herself down like this? The judge put her last and after the judging called me over and asked why I had not exhibited my puppy? I said that I had and that she was last, she said "OH she looked unsound on the back end." Well pulling sideways and scrabbling, yes she must have done .. but she isn't! I must admit I was upset, tearful really, she's a cracking little bitch and does not deserve to be at the back of the queue ... but unless we can get her to show herself off then the back is where she'll be. I know she's just a baby, but so are the others in her class. Gutted!

The journey home was better, though the M1 and M6 were busy. It would have taken us 3 hrs 15 .. but it took 30 mins to get through Caernarfon ... Anyway as we come towards "That weekend" it's my longest driving session yet, and it feels good to be able to do it!

The Ups And Downs Of Dog Shows

Baby Siska was last

Orin was first 

James Blunt - Monsters

Ok, last song of the day. This has me blubbering. I've shared it on Facebook but not many on there know what's going on ... Keep doing what your doing Dad, you'll get there. 

George Michael - Going To A Town (Live)

The first time I ever heard George sing this Rufus Wainewright classic was live in the M.E.N. I swear the hairs on my arms and the back of my neck stood up then, and it still gives me the shiver now. Rarely is a cover better than an original, for me this is. 

George Michael - This Is How (We Want You To Get High)

Sometimes I still can't get him out of my mind.

The Question Is ...

 To show or not to show?

The big man was 10 in April and hasn't been in the ring in years, actually I doubt he's been on a lead in years. The judge at Sheffield GSD club show gave him 1st at Crufts many moons ago. Things have changed, the years have caught up with all of us ... it's not an easy question, it needs thought!

So not brushed or bathed this is Nico

Apologise for scouse profanities - he was suppose to be taking a photo, 

but this will do nicely.

Watch it on a large screen if you can, sorry about his mate getting in the way!

The Last Blackpool Photos

 ...and more feedback on her behaviour outside the ring.

Blanik Liszka - 7.5 months

I honestly am over the moon with this baby girl. Shonagh and I are aware that she is too stretched in these photos, but agree that it's sometimes best to leave them as they are than fiddle for perfection, maybe at the cost of something more natural. In the ring Siska was beautifully handled by Shonagh to win MPB and BPB. Outside the ring ... she caused chaos; Gave Orin hell, almost got Sharon thrown out of the bedding stall, chewed the rope into the ring, made a hole in the grass, filled her mouth with mud before her class, flirted with Hooch, and then sat in the only seat we had to relax. What a bloody star. ⭐

So here are some other posts from Facebook - 

Sharon said - "Not taking her shopping ever again 😳 She climbed on the pile of Vetbeds on the stall, they all came tumbling down and then decided that after she'd wiped her paws on a few of the rugs that she should perhaps taste one 😮 I left the stall, without my change and mumbled, sorry, she's not my dog" 🤣🤣 

Shonagh pointed out "you forgot the pink bedding she managed to pick up from somewhere before the Best Puppy challenge." I reminded her that she was in her care at the time! 

 Lisa commented "Didn't she also try to steal the remains of my curry sauce?" Well yeah she did, but Barbara gave her Ice cream instead.

Was anyone complaining? Hell no, full of character, full of fun  

Blackpool

Another early start but with Sunday traffic we were at Blackpool in good time. The mood around the ring was light and most people were there for the fun of it. Sadly one of the black sheep of the breed had the gall to turn up and was thankfully given the cold shoulder by other exhibitors. The truth will out .. 

As I had said in an earlier post I was going with no expectations, I had overheard the judge discuss the class that Orin won at SWGSD and therefore knew Orin was not going to be his winner. With hindsight, it should have been Ross in the ring for the Blanik boys, and maybe Kaiah should have been there too. Still with entries closing weeks before shows I'd already paid my money so took my chance. Orin was predictably last, though his performance was not to blame, judges simply interpret the breed standard differently. I have to say he was a perfect gentleman, giving all exhibitors his time and patience, a very nice man. Sarah had already made the decision not to enter, so I asked Shonagh to handle for me. She was such great fun and I loved her manner with the dogs. She took Orin in and I cleared off, but having been calling him "Loki" at some point she realised she was getting it wrong ... she called out to Sharon "What is his name?" Sharon misheard and looked up his number. "No, his name?" "OH Shit" called out Sharon errr Orin ... Bless him we called him "O Shit" all day! 

Whilst males were being judged Siska spent most of the morning entertaining herself, chewing the rope, digging holes, rummaging in bags, hassling Orin, hassling Hooch ... and filling up her mouth with mud and grass. Still it was soon time for her to go in and she won the class. One obvious difference between the two of them is their "Ring Presence." Orin is there to do a job and he puts his all into it .. Siska is there for entertainment and concentrates on everything apart from the matter in hand. Hopefully in time she will take it a little more seriously. Hmm I doubt it somehow!!!!

Anyway little miss won her class and came out very pleased with herself. After standing all morning, I decided to clear the chair of its contents and have a sit down. I turned to get a drink and there she was, Siska, as large as life sitting on the chair! She is so funny, she just makes you laugh. We took photos and I fully intended getting her off the chair to sit on it myself, but when someone said, I need a chair get it off so I can sit down I decided she could stay there all day if she wanted. As I told him "No, my chair, my puppy!" I literally had to wake her up to go into the challenge! 

Anyway during the break between the class and challenge Joe who owns Fransisco came to talk to her. He said "I hear your photo is already on Facebook in this chair!" He then went on to say what a character she was and that he could see so much of her father in her. A complement of course but, but I see her mother in her! I guess we all see our own line. 

Anyway back in the ring and Siska beat the older puppy bitch for best puppy bitch, but the winning MPD puppy beat her for best puppy. The judge commented that she was beautiful in stance, but needs to focus on the move and come up on her front. A fair comment and we have observed that already. As Siska was coming out of the ring two men went straight over to Shonagh, they were concerned about her mouth ... We all looked .. OMG, no worries, it was Pink vet bed .. someone somewhere now has a hole in their vet bed! If you look closely you can see some of it on her teeth here. 

So the next show is on Thursday .. then we have a three-week break. Orin's coat is really starting to fall out. He and Ross have had a bath and a blast today. Orin has a huge coat, so we'll see how he looks show by show... I won't show him naked, but if he's like Mikey and Louis I may still get away with it. Here's hoping. 

I Found This Of Orin

I must have missed this one first time round. 

Not a bad photo really is it. I still think the photos Bethan took of him on the day are superior, but to be fair, this is quite nice. (Shame his mouth is closed)

Morning Colours

Loki on his morning walk. The heather is now at its best, the mountains are purple. 

I just love it.

Blackpool Ch. Show

Orin was third out of three so in my book last!

Though he was not to the judges taste, he still gave a great performance.

Well Done O.

Little Miss fared better, she won Minor Puppy Bitch and beat the older puppy bitch for Best Puppy Bitch, though was sadly beaten by the best puppy dog for BPIB. 

News and photos later - or tomorrow.

Another Trip Out

 I always plan ahead - she lied! 

Anyway, a trip to the vet to pick up stuff nearly always means a walk in Gyrn Goch or Bont Fechan.

Obligatory bridge photo 

I just love this place, like our own mini rain forest

And of course the obligatory gate photo.

Siska was 25.8kg so wasn't far short of my guess of 26kg last week at 7 months.

My "Big male" was 38.8kg - Orin is really coming into himself, he's so impressive. 

Morning Thoughts

"Did I Do Good?" 

Last night I was chatting with someone that I haven't seen since the beginning of the first lockdown. I think I saw her in January 2020 - wow.  Anyway she is now coming to Driffield next week. That show has drawn a larger entry than usual, proving that if you get a breed judge and not an all-rounder, "they will come!" Saying that, of course we have a breed judge at Blackpool this weekend, but I won't be surprised if we at the back end of the queue. He was unaware that I was standing close behind him at SWGSD when he was giving his opinion on the dogs and judging ... unwise really when you are judging 3 weeks later. Had I overheard that conversation at another show, before entries closed for Blackpool then I wouldn't have wasted my money .. ah well. 

Following the bitchiness online I decide not to enter Bolton GSD show. I'm kind of sad really as I have respect for the judge, but my "Crew" are not going and I really don't fancy a day in the company of the know-it-alls. Oh hell there will be great people there too, but I think from now on I'll stick to familiar ground. We branched out with the regional and it was wonderful ... there are wonderful people in dog showing, and putting it mildly, there are some that are not so nice!

Whilst chatting to my friend last night we talked about the size of bitches. She too has had larger bitches, but now has a lovely girl measuring 57cms as an adult. Spot on really. She told me not to worry about Siska's size .. OMG don't get me wrong, I'm not worried, actually I'd be bloody delighted if she stayed bang on middle size, but she is only 7 months and 57.5cms - and a bit of growing to do yet yeah! I still predict 58.5cms - but who knows really, she's been slow from the beginning, slow walking, eating, teething ... so she may end up more like her mother after all. 

Last night I messaged the judge from East Of England and thanked him for giving Orin such a lovely critique. I told him he had gone on to win his next two Junior classes and that I was over the moon with my lockdown lad. He sent me a lovely reply .. "No thank you for bringing him under me he will continue to do you proud 👍time is on your side he will only get better  ..."  How lovely. 

Another damp, drizzly day. At least the mist has cleared ... though the cattle are about hopefully we can go beyond the boundary wall, at least I can see them today!

Orin Likes Making Sure He's Very Wet!

Special Walk For Nico And Jezi

One of those little places to stop when you have to go somewhere else!

Ideal for old and young, and so pretty.

EOE Critique

Stanley’s Blanik Kyriacos. 16 mths, top size male, very good bone and substance, lovely head and eye, correct ear set, good reach of neck, well defined withers, good front, firm topline, moved soundly all round, well handled.

*****

Really pleased with that. 

News Of The Day

Today was the most disappointing day with Loki at Physio. He's always been so willing to try, but not today, he had absolutely no interest in doing any of the exercises ... and in his situation he simply can't be forced. He did lie still for the laser, but was also very fidgety during the massage. Strange as he seemed to previously enjoy it, today he basically didn't seem to want to be there. 

Loki had had a couple of good days, but we noticed this morning that he was having problems walking. When those front feet knuckle he has no chance of staying on his feet. To be honest I'm feeling very deflated today, I can't help but think that we really are not getting anywhere and I'm worried about what the future holds for him. Currently, I feel Loki is existing and that is not good enough, he needs to live and love life not just exist. I can't have him with the other dogs now, his mobility is just too poor,even if they didn't pick up and respond to a weakness they would knock him over .. it's all so sad. 

Kaiah's moods after this last season have been on another level. I've never seen her so unpredictable, and there has been constant tension between her and the older bitches. Her patience with Siska continues, though she has told her a couple of times that her behaviour is unacceptable, she's right. You sure do benefit from a pack to raise a puppy! Anyway Kaiah now has boobs .. she sure is preparing for the pups that will not come. I won't be spaying her for a while yet, decisions need making first and I want to continue to show her without damaging her coat. Sammi's coat really has been affected by the neutering, and not for the better. Not only does she now have colour fading down her spine, but her coat is also becoming wavy. It's common knowledge that coat is affected by spaying, but my other girls coats only got thicker .. not wavy! You can see the top photo was taken in 2019, a 5 and a half year old bitch with a complete black saddle from the wither down. Now 2 years later, 7 months after spaying, she has waves and that silver fading. The colour is no problem in the show ring but the waves may be! Mind you she's a veteran and will be going to enjoy herself more than anything else really. 

I'm in a predicament with the cats. I guess most people have noticed the half empty shelves in the supermarkets following Brexit. Last week I managed to get 12 tins of Whiskas in tesco, today there wasn't a single tin of cat food on the shelves. I asked and of course the reply was .. "we can't get them in." There were hardly any bottled or canned drinks .. but I can live without them, I can't manage without cat food. Of course there were pouches there, but we can't afford to feed so many cats on pouches! I came home and went onto Tesco online .. sadly it was the same there, no canned cat food. 

Luckily I have a "Zooplus" account and ordered Whiskas from there, but there was no other variety available there either. 

Luther will not be amused!

On The Walks

Yes I'm coming but I still ache and it's your bloody fault!