Vesco

Doing something to keep me distracted and focused, 

"probably" my choice of stud dog for Siska - yes, another Italian! 

Fits

Following another day and night of diarrhoea, I was at the vets this morning picking up pills for Orin and Zeus. I had put them both on pro kolin but during a phone consultation the vet reminded me that it was a bank holiday weekend and suggested I collected the antibiotics to have here as a precaution. To be honest I don't think this was connected to the "bug" just maybe too much turkey stew! 

From the vets we went on to Mums for an hour or two then returned home. I let Loki out but I could hear Ziva winging. I knew straight away that something was wrong. Her bedding was untidy and she was wobbly. She didn't go straight out but followed me from room to room. She bumped into things, was panting, pacing and disorientated, these are signs that I now recognise, without doubt she'd had a fit shortly before we got home. Kaiah and Siska were suspicious of her behaviour, and now I remember clearly that Kaiah had picked up on what I can only think is abnormal brain activity on Thursday afternoon. Whilst Ziva was sleeping, Kaiah had got up and started staring intensely at her. I told her to lie down, but she went round the back of the chairs and stared at her from a different angle. Ziva didn't even wake up, but Kaiah was very edgy and her expression was intense. I must now keep an eye on Kaiah, she may well be the key to us knowing that a fit is brewing. 

I must admit I had a cry, seeing Ziva disoriented, panting and pacing like this is so upsetting. There is no doubt that she can't see properly, but I think it took over 24 hrs for her sight to return to normal last time. It's hard to know what to do to help her, do I let her pace or do I crate her to see if she'll relax? What is the right thing to do? The last couple of times I've left her to it and she's eventually stopped and fallen into a deep sleep. Maybe she needs to pace, it seems to be what her body is telling her to do anyway. 

Ziva's last fit was on the 14th of November and it was the 25th of September before that, so that's close on 7 weeks between the fits, since we have to we can live with that and hopefully Ziva can cope with that and recover well again now.  

*Ziva had a second fit about 3.15pm. It was milder than her pervious fits - I hope it's over now. 

End Of This Year

Around this time, I'd be starting to write a blog post to reminisce over the year that was. I've decided not to do it this year. Of course there have been high points, great days, but mostly it's been a year of disappointments, sadness and loss. So putting my positive boots on, they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger - so next year theoretically I'm going to be at my strongest ever.

There are still situations of great concern in my life, Steve continued weight loss worries me but not him, and predictably he won't even discuss it. I guess every day with Ziva is now a bonus. The not knowing is always harder than dealing with the facts, but to get those facts would mean putting her through an ordeal, and even with the facts for us the outcome would be the same for her. 

So next year I hope to have the "M" litter - Miss Otis, Major Tom and their siblings. Next year I hope a judge sees what I see and doesn't say - "2nd but on a different day could be the winner," I hope that day comes next year for Orin, he truly deserves some recognition. He has been beaten by some very good good over the last year, there I have no complaints, but he's also been blatantly robbed too! 

So no, there will be no end of year post tomorrow, only the hope that it will get better.

Weigh In And Boy Bits

I had to pop to the vets this morning and I decided to take Orin with me to weigh him. He was 40kg, so static really from his last weigh in. I'm pleased with that, ideal weight for my boy. Maybe I'll take Zeus next time I have to go, he was just under 36kg the last time, so I guess that will be his adult weight now. Today, I've done something that I never anticipated I would do - I've booked Ross in to be neutered. With Kaiah in season there is current tension between the two younger lads. Orin is very much a macho male, but Ross is now being a little pushy himself. Ross will never be used at stud and he'll never be shown again, so hopefully nothing to lose in reducing the testosterone in this house! 

Boxing Day Walks

Left the lights on the van in case I forgot where I parked it. Seriously, isn't that amazing!

First day back on the mountain since the day before LKA. Everyone had a great time and no doubt were pleased to get some normality.

OMG I lost my bloody phone. I think I've lost this phone more times in the 8 months I've had it than all the others put together. I think it likes to jump out of my pocket, roll in the grass and hide. I was back at the van when I realised, luckily I saw John who rang it for me ... Siska and Zeus got to go all the way back to this rock - and that was where it was waiting for me. I haven't told Steve! 

With the van parked in the same position I walked off .. I saw two people marching up towards us from the direction of Plas Braich, I knew who they were, he always walks about 10 feet in front of her! I called ... "Come on kids." The girls came but Orin was having a poo, I continued to walk away ... the people were getting closer to Orin and I was going further "Orin .. come on." He was still having a poo .. now this must have been the longest poo in history, they were now so close to him that I called, "Please give him some space?" They ignored me .. "come on O!" Eventually, he charged towards me ... and just as I realised they were about to cross onto the same path as me O decided he needed to pee - and this was no male scent, this was the bloody Niagara Falls .. I'm sure he did it on purpose!  Anyway, with George and Mildred now going up hill I opted for a quiet life and went downhill towards the boat quarry, tunnel and aunties cottage. Actually it was great so thanks G&M for making me chose an alternate. 

Happy Xmas

Well I don't know who sent me this pressie, but my it entertained me this morning. 

Did you hear/see the storm last night? I got up and switched the router off just after we went to bed. The atmosphere was that intense that it interfered with the TV in the bedroom. Having never been a Jimmy Carr fan I can't help but love "I literally Just Told You," and we were watching that. To be honest you can't help but worry about what you forget when watching it though! Anyway I'm reliably informed the storm was in full glory in the early hours, I didn't hear it though! 

After cooking my Turkey last night I boiled the giblets with veg for the troops for their Xmas breakfast. This morning I just warmed it up to soak the kibble. It went down so well with so much meat and veg, I guess it had a lovely taste to it, though I'll take their word for it that it was a treat. Poor Zeus is still struggling to get his belly back to normal so he had to settle for fish. 

Yesterday was hard, so hard. They say the silly things set you off don't they, well it did. I was cleaning the kitchen yesterday morning and Archie came walking over the mopped floor, I told him to bugger off, he ignored me so I picked him up and found myself telling him about Junior and the "Big Chicken" obsession. I burst into tears and that was it for the morning, so much loss and pain, so much hurt, so many missed "Family" members, I exploded with grief and for the life of me I could stop the tears. Unable to get it together I was so worried about how I'd be in Mum's company, I wrote my blog and that helped, as it does, Steve found anything and everything to try and talk about during the drive there, though my brother has told me she was not happy that we had arrived late at 12.20pm. I'll bite my tongue again as she did say 12 - 12.30pm. It's amazing how, when others are more important, you can get it together though and keep it together until you can release it again. This morning I've felt better, I suppose yesterday was a necessity which has helped a little. When emotion is contained we can only take so much until it explodes .. 

The dogs have had some lovely gifts though Ross' chosen toy had to be confiscated due to excess noise - how odd!!! Loud and annoying without a squeaky toy, imagine what he is with one! What a face, doesn't he make you smile? Steve and I have had lovely gifts too, though there was complete panic when I found one gift was a snow globe, so imagine my sheer terror at dropping it and breaking it before I could get it to safety. I'd been reading all week about dogs dying from ingesting the liquid from snow globes and I drop it in a room with 6 dogs and probably 4 cats - yeah panic. I threw all the dogs out and scrubbed the carpets and hearth before changing my socks and slippers ... I swear, beautiful as they are, I never want one of those things in the house again! 

So like most of you it's now a lazy afternoon watching TV, drinking wine and eating chocolate. Happy Xmas all.

George Michael - December Song 2009

25 June 1963 - 25 December 2016

Happy Xmas Your Arse!

As we approach this so-called magical day I find myself falling apart. If only we could skip on a week, well maybe it could be easier! I'm going through the motions and keeping up traditions but I really don't want to play the game this year. It's been the hardest, cruellest year with so many loved ones coming into it who are not here now to wish it a less than fond farewell. 

 Friends have proved invaluable, the one who rings to put the GSD world to rights (Or gossip as Steve says) the ones who message, chat and listen, and the special ones who have put up with my uncharacteristic (I hope) mood swings and emotions .. and of course the ones who simply check in a couple of times a week with an "are you Ok Rhi?" Thanks K, S, L, I, B, T, J, C, D, G, A. 

With my big bro Alun, wife Lynda and other close family we try and support my Mother, but my biggest crutch through it all is my lovely husband Steve, who even on the hardest days for himself manages to keep me sane, he and my houseful of "family" are everything. (When they are not vomiting!) 

 Nico and Jezi gone less than a month apart, My lovely father struggling and losing the fight, Steve going through cancer treatment for exactly the condition that stole my father from us, little Junior lost and Ziva diagnose with a brain tumour. To top it all three special Blanik bred, much loved pets, TJ, Lexi and Barney also stolen from their loving owners. So to quote Tristan Farnon from last night ... ... "Happy Bloody Christmas," let's hope next year will be kinder to all.

No Stud!

At the beginning of October I had a stud enquiry for Orin, I answered with the same spiel. "He is available at stud to health tested, kc registered bitches of standard colour." I asked for the bitches registered name and saw she was a very well-bred female of very similar lines to Cookie and Pepsi's bitch lines. I told the owner that I had no problem with him using Orin at stud and to come back to me when she was health tested and a year older. (She was 12.5 months) He seemed happy with that.

Last night he messaged me, the bitch was now in season and though he hadn't health tested her he wanted to proceed with the mating and do A.I. WHAT?  "No, not without hip and elbow scores and at 15 months she's far too young. GSD should not be bred from until they are 2 + years old and it is not ethical to breed without health testing. Should you decide to breed when she is hip and elbow scored and over 2 years then please get back in touch. You may find Tracy and Eric have endorsed your pedigree until hips/elbow scores are done anyway."  He replied to simply say her pedigree was not endorsed, which means of course he can do what the feck he likes!!! I tried once more by telling him mating her now would be like a 10-year-old girl getting pregnant - no reply! I guess this young bitch will be mated to the dog down the road, neither will be health tested, and puppies will be born and sold with no back up or support. So if he's going to do it anyway why not just let him use Orin? After all, after I robbed him for fencing cash it would be much needed money in Orin's piggy bank! No, no way, I have my reputation and Orin's to protect, it is totally against my principles, my dogs, my rules ... so it's not going to happen. 

Another thing that I don't understand, but didn't get as far as asking was why A.I? And who was going to do that for him? If he does prove me wrong and come here in 12 months time then it won't be A.I. My dog is capable of doing his job and messing with nature when you don't have to is not high on my list! 

Happy 9th Birthday

Yes she's bloody 9, how unbelievable is that? Her daughter Kaiah has more grey than her! 

Nine years since the perfect birth, the perfect Xmas, but as I say every year, Sammi isn't really nine till tomorrow. Sammi was the last puppy born in a litter of 6 and she exploded into the world at 12.25am on Xmas Eve. Her brother born minutes earlier was still getting himself together when Sammi made her appearance. When puppies are born over two days I always give the birthday as the day when the largest number were born - in this litter of 6 it was 4 on the 23rd, 2 on the 24th.

Happy Birthday to Sammi Belle and all her Xmas siblings, Luna (Jingle), Bonnie (Holly), Stella (Ivy) Caleb (Nick) and birthday memories of dear Barney (Noel) who we lost this year. 

Blanik Kyriacos

I've opened a Facebook page for Orin, this is his cover photo.

Messed about a bit more with the photos too. 

Pepsi Poster

Still In The Field

I'd hoped to go onto the mountain today, but damn, Zeus still has diarrhoea ... bless him he was hungry so against my better judgment I gave him some fish and yogurt. So another unexpected trip to Tesco this afternoon .. great! Kaiah left breakfast, but she seems OK! Everyone else is OK now, hopefully Kaiah will eat tonight as she did expect paying for photos! 

Fun Boy Three - The Lunatics Have Taken Over The Asylum

RIP Terry Hall - Along with George Michael's "Through" this song for me became the anthem of my place of work back in 2014

Such a shame that I walked out before common sense prevailed.

I guess my favourite Fun Boy Three song was Tunnel Of Love and of course The Special's Ghost Town. 

Water

Woohooo WATER Woohooo. 

Seven dogs eating - Zeus to go .... With a bit of luck we'll be out of quarantine and back on the mountain before Xmas. As this doggy belly bug was really contagious, I've kept away from everyone with dogs, I've stayed off the mountain but now I'm really hoping we are close to the end. As soon as Zeus is back to normal then we get on with everyday life. 

Pepsi Is Pregnant

I'm over the moon to confirm that Pepsi is pregnant. A small litter with 4 being seen on the scan, but Ann Marie is happy with that after Pepsi's previous litter of 9. Puppies will be due on or around the 15th of January. 

I know I'm repeating myself but the size of the litter is nothing to do with the male, it's down to how many eggs the bitch has to fertilize when the sperm gets there. The sex of the puppies is more to do with the male, but that can also be influence by the timing of the mating, the pH level in the bitch’s vagina makes the optimal environment for survival of either sex, acidic environment will produce bitches while an alkaline environment will produce males. Breed early for bitches. 

Dear Prudence

"Good Morning, I hope you have received your Xmas gift by now as I posted it 11 days ago? I'm sure you realise I send it because I care. I hope it gives you just a few minutes joy each year and that you do realise people are thinking about you. Anyway I'm hoping it has arrived safely?

Since LKA life has been pretty hard. The dogs have been poorly, some of them were a worry .. the constant vomit and diarrhoea and the fact they were lethargic was concerning at times. Anyway, I'm really disappointed that you haven't once messaged to ask how they are, or how I am? I also notice you haven't commented on any of my cat and dog photos for ages, as is your right, but I thought you may have commented on the 10 year anniversary of us loosing Louis as you did on Martin Sibson's post and many others. I've come to the conclusion that you don't seem to want me in your life, well that's fine, I've not got the emotional strength to deal with it. Look after yourself and your lovely dog."

So do I send it? Now please don't think I'm just being childish. Those of you who know will understand that this person drops me and picks me up again over and over. She seems to push the people who care for her the most away from her, and that is the problem, I do care. I'm not the only one being messed about and ignored in times of need, the death of a mutual friends elderly dog was complete ignored, as was the birth and the first 8 weeks of the K litters life. It's all or nothing from her and I've had enough of years of a one-sided unpredictable friendship. I don't give up on people easily, it really it's not just about the lack of comments and the lack of support now ... it's everything that's come before it! 

Zeus has had me up twice overnight, he now has diarrhoea and has vomited this morning. He ate a mouth full or two of food for the first time last night, and is now suffering the consequence. Ross is still not eating very much either. They were the last two to get symptoms, so I guess they need a couple more days to get over it.  I really am hoping that Loki is getting away with it. I wonder if he's had it before? 

Kaiah and Siska are on normal food now, with Orin, Sammi and Ziva on half pasta and fish and half dog food, Ross ate a piece of fish, but nothing else!

I've kept off the mountain since this began, I don't want to be responsible for more poorly dogs, but Siska is driving me insane! Please let it soon be over! 

The Felines

Jamie, Jimmy Choo, Archie

Perry, Luther, Isla

Canine Coronavirus??

Well what a week! Since the bloodbath at LKA it hasn't really got better! All the Blanik's apart from Loki have been ill, some more so than others. The hard knock younger females seem to have shaken it off easily, but Orin, Zeus and Ziva have struggled. Having no water to wash bedding has hindered, but I could at least bag it up for later, the biggest problem was cleaning up the diarrhoea in the frozen yard and trying to wash Ziva today. It really has been a nightmare. 

Anyway, I'd like to thank everyone who cared enough to PM, phoned, text and commented to ask how we were all doing, or to ask if they could help. It truly has been appreciated, when the chips are down we really do see people's true colours don't we! 

During one such phone call, Katrina suggested the dogs had Canine Coronavirus, (nothing to do with Covid) well that made sense. I remember a previous gang getting it I think most of them were ill then too. "Canine coronavirus disease, known as CCoV, is a highly infectious intestinal infection in dogs, especially puppies. Canine coronavirus is usually short-lived but may cause considerable abdominal discomfort for a few days in infected dogs. Most cases of canine coronavirus are contracted by oral contact with infected fecal matter. (Orin was like a hoover walking from the car park to the show) A dog may also become infected by eating from contaminated food bowls or by direct contact with an infected dog. The incubation period from ingestion to clinical signs is one to four days. (Show was Saturday -Orin became off colourSunday night) Unsanitary conditions favor transmission (well there was sod all I could do)  When a dog has canine enteric coronavirus (CECoV), the virus travels to the intestinal cells and replicates quickly, destroying those cells in the process. Young, immunocompromised, or stressed dogs (such as those in dogs shows or shelters) may have more severe symptoms. Those symptoms may include: Diarrhoea (sometimes bloody) Vomiting, Decreased appetite, Painful abdomen, Lethargy, Dehydration, Fever, Seizures in severe cases."

Well it all makes sense doesn't it! 

Kids In The Snow

Vomit Club Update

I think things are on the up, no one has been sick for 24hrs, though Orin and Sammi still have diarrhoea. Ross has decided he's not eating today, is he ill or is Ross just having a not eating day as he sometimes does? I'm not sure to be honest, whatever the reason the brown clown says stick your breakfast where the sun don't shine! Siska and Kaiah are over it, not that Siska was flat or off her food with it, she just vomited everywhere. Ziva and Zeus are still  flat, and Loki doesn't know what all the fuss is about. We still have no water coming into the house but thankfully the outside tap is still running. The yard is an inch thick with ice, not great for trying to clean up! If I disappear till January, please don't come looking for me! 

Blanik Excentrik

The Dreaded 15th Of December ... Today is still one of the hardest days of the year for me. Louis was special, my dream dog. Everything I like about a GSD all wrapped up in one precious little package. A kind happy dog who lived a fun filled life. Louis loved everyone, and his dog; but I was privileged, for his entire life he gave me his all and Louis loved me the most! Still miss you so much my precious boy, my dog in a life time, my Mr Amazing. 21/07/03 - 15/12/12

In honour of Louis and to try and brighten day, I always put the Xmas tree up on the 15th - best get cracking.

George Michael - Amazing HD (Live)

If you knew Louis then do me the honour of listening to this today, 

If you loved Louis then do me the honour of listening to this today.

If you never had the pleasure of knowing or loving Louis then do me the honour of listening to this today, and if you can, imagine he and I dancing and singing our way through the song in the kitchen. Please today listen to Louis' song, 10 years since we lost you, 10 years on this is still Louis song, 10 years on will still remember our Mr Amazing 

Tell me, I guess that cupid was in disguise 

That day you walked in and changed my life

I think it's amazing 

The way that love can set you free 

So now I walk in the midday sun 

I never thought that my saviour would come 

I think it's amazing 

I think you're amazing

The Vomit Club.

Happy days - Only Ross is not a member now. Kaiah, Siska and Orin are better and have had small breakfasts, a mixture of dog food and the white fish and sweet potato soup I made them yesterday. Sammi and Zeus are not eating, though Sammi hasn't been sick since yesterday evening, Zeus has just brought up bile. Ziva's been sick but I gave her a small breakfast to get her pills in her, I hope they get into her system before she vomits again. Loki only bought up bile too, but to top it all the water has frozen. I have 4 sick covered vet beds that I can't wash this morning and frozen vomit in the yard. The vet beds will have to just sit in bin bags and Steve's idea of covering the sick in the yard with ashes from the fire seems to have worked. Steve has managed to get the outside tap running so the pipes are obviously frozen between the field and the house, so at least we have running water. We'll need to fill everything we can during daylight now as the tap will freeze again this evening. 

It's funny how differently these dogs are affected with a "bug." It had knocked poor Orin for six, sickness and diarrhoea. Siska vomited a lot, but really hasn't been ill at all, Kaiah vomited a lot and went off her food, neither had diarrhoea. Sammi vomited about 5 times yesterday, she hasn't since but is not eating today. I'm not 100% sure if Zeus and Loki are heading for it as both only brought up bile, but Zeus didn't eat and he is flat. Loki seems quite normal really, well as normal as he is.😜

Please join us again tomorrow for more updates from the Vomit club! 

Sammi Now Too

Sammi has now joined the vomit club ... 

I feel I've done nothing but clean up sick since Monday morning, and to add insult to injury, Kaiah has come in season! 

Paracetamol

Whilst chatting to the vet at LKA he said that if Siska showed signs of pain that I could give her a paracetamol. He worked out the dose for her weight (28kg) and said she could have three quarters of a tablet ever 12 hours if need be. . Loki at almost 40kg was given 1 tablet every 12 hours last week after his slip in the yard. Paracetamol can be dangerous to dogs if given in the wrong dose so this is worth knowing and remembering.

(You can see the blood on her leg on this photo)

Sickie Kids

Orin is still off colour, he hasn't been sick in over 24 hrs but still has diarrhoea. Siska started vomiting yesterday afternoon and Kaiah last night. Kaiah and Orin haven't eaten, Siska ate a small amount, which was all I offered her! 

I'm going to try and get out of here this morning, I need pills for Ziva and shopping. I suggested Steve stays home in case what goes down hill doesn't come back up, and he could never walk it ... wish me luck! 

Orin's Not Well.

My beautiful boy is really not well today. He refused his bedtime carrot last night, which immediately set off alarms. He has been sick overnight, refused breakfast and has since had diarrhoea. I took him to the field and found him quite flat. I guess there is a risk he's picked something up at the show, I'll give it 24 hrs and see how he is.

LKA Critiques

Well someone is on the ball, I must say his opening statement is more informative than his critiques, but good on him for it. 

 GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG LKA Judge: Mr S Hall (STKCA) As with all breeds I judge I try to give a preamble which I think is important to any breed from a judge not connected to the breed as sometimes I can see the things you miss and by the same way I can miss things you see within your breed. Having to step into the breech at the last minute I was pleasantly surprised at quite a few things, firstly this year I have judged quite a few breeds and been totally disappointed at the sheer lack of quality to the point of depression, however, today I was surprised at some of the quality I found which made a refreshing change to finish the year on a good note, the main thing was the GSD enthusiasts, I found them supportive of each other, polite, enthusiastic, well behaved and the breed with the most camaraderie and sportsmanship you will ever see at a dog show, never once did I see or hear any double handling, I think this breed deserves better and they should be treated equal with others breeds. 

I thought heads were varied at times, my question are you loosing the classic heads? Rears as always need watching particularly in youngsters, but my main concert is fronts, in many they need a slightly broader forechest to spread those front legs.

1st: 3275 SWTAN, Mrs Bethan & HUGHES, Mr Darryl Blanik Lancelot. A very nice adolescent dog that had quality, loved his body proportions, firm rear movement, however he needs to develop more in front and hopefully time is on his side. 

2nd: 3272 STANLEY, Mrs Rhian Blanik Kyriacos. Unfortunate to meet winner on the day particularly on gaiting, like most things about him he could have won the class on another day. 

1st: 3271 STANLEY, Mrs Rhian Blanik Liszka. Good type bitch pleasing head piece, not much to dislike, I thought she was a good type, touch long in loin and could have been a shade shorter. Well handled.

As you see he hasn't said much, I've said before that I agree that Siska is a touch long, but I prefer that to shortness any day. The breed should be longer than tall and a short dog looses that wonderful majestic movement. 

Orin's critique made me cry, since Crufts I feel he's always been the bloody bridesmaid, as I said to Steve last night, why is it never our day to get to the top?  Orin moves fantastically as well as the first dog any day, but with a slipper floor Sarah just had to hold him back. In my opinion, and the opinion of many on the day the dog should not have been in front but the judge said to Sarah that Orin was a stronger dog and he preferred the other as he was less strong - hmm!!!!  

It's the year finished, mostly 2022 has not been as successful for Orin as 2021, but Siska has had a great year. Onwards now eh ... 

Siska's Year In The Ring

Manchester - 1st Junior 

Crufts - 3rd Junior 

Sheffield - Not Placed 

WELKS - 1st Junior 

National - Not Place

Bath - 2nd Junior

Royal Welsh - 1st Junior

Three Counties 2nd Junior and called in to Challenge for RCC

VOC - 1st Grad and BOB

Blackpool - 1st Junior, Best Junior and group 3 

Leeds - 2nd PGB (No yearling) 

WKC - 1st Graduate (No yearling)

NWGSD - Ist Graduate(No yearling - third in challenge) 

Darlington 2nd in PGB (No yearling)

LKA - 1st Yearling. 

No, I'm not making one for Orin, it was frustratingly hard work!

We Love Snow

LKA Day

Well that was a day and a half. A 6am walk through the snow to the village where Ian was picking me up. A reasonable journey, but salt and sun causing more problems than snow, I think! When we arrived at the show we were shocked to discover the bloodbath. Thanks to everyone who helped with Siska, you are an amazing bunch and I was touched with the kindness and concern. As we couldn't stop the bleeding I did take her to visit the show vet who said the cut was superficial and deemed her fit to show! I can only think she sliced her leg on a slate on the walk down this morning and it was too dark for us to notice at the time. 

Well done to the North Wales team who made it to LKA today, Jackie's Kai was third in puppy dog at his first Champ show, Bethan and Darryl's Callan and Siska stood alone but looked lovely in their Yearling classes, Orin was 2nd in PGD, Debbie's Khaos was 3rd in limit and Ian's Bella won veteran and best veteran in breed. 

Lovely day, great friends, super handler, the best dog.

Callan

Orin

Siska

Bella

All In

Guess who hadn't noticed I was eating lunch? Yep Jimmy Choo slept through! 

With the hope that we'll get out, Ian has been to pick up the bags and trolley for tomorrow. If needs must now with only the food bag to carry, Orin and I can walk to the village. If Ian manages to get here, I'll take Siska too, but she does look a little tatty as she is chucking her coat.

When Siska finally gave Orin a chance to say hello, he was very pleased to see Ian too. 

Thanks Zeus

 Someone has really got it on him today. Not only did he get hold of some Xmas presents and shred one, but he also refused to come in out of the field. He would have needed to stand on his back legs and lean forward to get the pressies down, but he succeeded. So one more pressie to buy for Auntie Elsie! 

Steve offered to take him for his morning run in the field, he usually comes in saying how wonderful he's been, not today... today I had to go and get him in myself. I succeeded quite easily, but only by pretending I was going to take a photo ... little T**t. 

Just a few bits of shredded paper by his feet! 

Tears And Tantrums

After being reminded last night how much the green-eyed monster hated me I found myself struggling with my thoughts. Try as I do to move on, when I'm reminded, the thought that someone genuinely hates me and blames me for their own mistake does still hurt. Apparently someone else had had to be corrected on the same old story that she'd repeated to them, this sleeping dog will never be left to lie! I had noticed her lack of compassion over the loss of Junior, but have also been told that will be her taking pleasure in digging the knife in further. Moving on ...

This morning found my mother in a very sharp mood. My brother had suggested organising Sunday lunch out for the five of us before Xmas. As she doesn't want a "Xmas get together" I thought it was a great idea, but her response was not as I imagined. I feel some days we can't do right for wrong, especially my brother who seems to get the brunt of it. Having already seen the weather forecast for Saturday, well I'm not afraid to admit that I cried after coming off the phone and I haven't really stopped since. Mum is entitled to be sharp and bitter, but we have all experienced great loss this year. I guess I'm lucky to have Steve and my dogs to turn to. 

So the forecast is snow from midnight on Friday through to Saturday afternoon. This morning it was heavy snow that was forecast, now it does seem to be showers. Derek forecast a "sprinkling" of snow in 2017 and we know how that ended up. I guess I am feeling a little sorry for myself, but after one of the worst years of my adult life I really could do with a day out at the LKA on Saturday. If I'm to continue holding it together, then I need just a bit of escapism ...  This is the third year when I've experienced multiple deaths, with 2007 and 2012 also being beyond heartbreaking. 

Loki is better today, and was able to come on the walk. He is still knuckling the front right a little so we didn't go far. I still don't think it's anything to do with his condition, just that slip in the yard and hopefully a pulled muscle or something. I tried to get a photo of Ross as he was watching Sammi, but Loki photobombed ... it has made the photo, love it. The top photo of Siska, Orin and Kaiah was also a favourite today.

Just A Few Flakes