Orin Edited

 I've been playing, the dog's conformation is totally unedited, I've moved the leg, moved the collar and moved the man's hand off his muzzle. Looks Ok yeah? (Bethan has now finished it off by tiding under the chin and the back of the neck where the collar tightened on the fur - she's better at it than me)

The original 

Edited

Nico Videos

 Last Tuesday less than 48 hrs before Nico died, totally oblivious of what was ahead, I struggled to try and understand the continuous shot setting on the new phone and ended up with lots of short videos instead. This is one of those videos - one that I will now treasure forever. Looking at this you can surely understand how shocked we were at the outcome 2 days later. 

Just one more ...

So so handsome

Still On About Type

Look at this photo of Derrick and Orin. Ann hadn't quite finished standing Derrick but it shows two dogs who regularly go head-to-head who are of the same type. Their length of fore leg is just greater than their depth of chest - as it should be. They are both "slightly" longer than tall, as the standard requires. The highest point of the backline is the wither, the overline then flows down through the back into the croup without any raise, bumps or dips. Neither have exaggerated hind quarters, actually neither dog is exaggerated in any way shape or form! Both boys have strong, poweful reaching movement, you are knit picking between them and both are capable of doing a days work.

Could this? 

Judging To Type

We first entered under yesterday's judge in 2017, this was how she placed PGD with Loki at the front. He went on from here to win best male and the highest accolade for a male on the day, the CC. Loki and "Armanis" the second dog are of German type, the 3rd and 4th are of  English type. On the day the judge placed all the sound correct type at the front and the English dogs at the back. Kaiah also won MPB and  best puppy was the stunning Morolwg Viviana. 

When we saw this judge was judging down in Bath we decided to go. Bath is within my limits to travel and I like the journey and the show. Ian and I talked away the 4hrs, Ok I cried a couple of times, but it was generally a lovely drive down and it was great to catch up with friends. There was only Derrick and Orin in their class, and it was Orin's day. Sarah said he was full on and on his toes, she said he'd been a right handful, but she made it looks so easy! Siska was second out of three, all three in her class were of international/German type too. 

But this is what I don't get. As I said at the previous show any dogs of "English" bloodlines ended up at the back - at this show they were at the front. Did the KC change the breed standard without telling us? I think not. How can a judge do a complete turn around from one show to another? To be honest her placing were shocking. I'm not here to slag off anyones dogs, hopefully we all love our own, I just don't understand how the same judge can change her opinion on what is correct so dramatically? I personally will not be giving her another entry ...

The Bitch CC winner in 2017

The Bitch CC winner in 2022

You can make up your own minds!

A little Bit Of Interaction

Maybe your never too old to make a new friend, but from the look Jezi is giving Loki there if he pushes his luck she'll show him what she is capable of!

Ross' Birthday

Happy 5th Birthday our Ross

Bath

Orin was up for it, on his toes and hammered it around the ring. Only him and Derrick in the class but we were proud to win.

Little Miss had her usual kind of day chilling on the chair, but hell she went well and looked a picture in stance. She was second out of three with this dark bitch behind her.

The pair of them watching Ellie and Sarah having sausage rolls. 

Though we did Ok the judging was honestly shocking, and I will never give this lady another opportunity to fail so badly - I'll write more later.  

More Changes

I always like to have a dog in the bedroom at night. Of course it was initially Blade, then whilst I lived on my own they were all there. LOL  Blade and Nikki stayed sleeping in the bedroom after Steve and I got together, and after they passed it was Dexi and Seffe. Rescue dog Finlay joined us just after they died and immediately moved into the bedroom,  though I tried Loki after Finlay died I just couldn't cope with his panting. Loki has always been a heavy breather, but Nico was not. Nico slept with us every night since Finlay died in Sept 2016. The thought of that emptiness in the bedroom was just too much, I've no idea how people can do it, be without a dog, I couldn't even sleep a single night in that room without a dog there, and the obvious choice was Zeus.

Steve agreed with my plan and I popped Zeus his vet bed and his carrot in the bedroom before going to the bathroom. I checked on him and he was standing about wondering what was happening, I carried on getting everyone else to bed and then joined Zeus and Steve in the bedroom. Now there is one rule - no going on the bed. Nico was allowed, but only till we got in it then he was off. So when I got in the bedroom and saw Zeus large as life lying on the bed I moaned at Steve, how is Zeus going to follow the rules if you are already letting him break them? To be fair contradiction can only be confusing to him. Anyway, after using the bed like a trampoline, Zeus got off. We both got into the bed and I felt two front paws coming up onto the bed - "Zeus off! - Good lad." He tried once more and also was unsure of Steve regular toilet visits, "Are we getting up now?  Shall I get my ball?" To be fair the boy did well, hopefully he'll settle into the routine. 

Jezi and Loki are doing well at spending time together, but there is absolutely no interaction between them. That's fine, I don't expect her to accept a new friend after almost 10 years of devotion to her one and only, but I really don't want her to be totally alone either. I've no idea how long we will have Jezi for, the prognosis from the vet was only a few months and I want her to be happy, relaxed and comfortable for that time. Though it will never be easy, I've had time to prepare myself for her loss, but the shock this week has shattered our world. Without her "happy pills" I think Jezi's discomfort would be increasing. Last night as she got up quickly she screamed in pain, my heart went out to her, but it was soon forgotten as she went out to shout at the cattle who have again broken our fence posts and bent the wire. I wonder if we can get electric fencing? Or would that be a problem for the cats and the fox? I'm never blessed to see the fox, but I know he/she is often about. 

I'm going to the show tomorrow, I know people will want to be nice, it would be easier for me not to talk about things ... ah well big girl pants on! 

Changes

Today lovely Yarna came to visit Orin, a sweet natured bitch, but oh my what a slapper!!! Orin was overexcited as the lady threw herself at him, but thankfully after 20 mins time out he'd composed himself  ... I hope to god that she is pregnant and that "Conbhairean Danko Of Blanik" will appear as great-grandfather on another pedigree from this extremely well-bred girl. 

Jane and I go back to training at Crewe days, she loved and admired Dexi and had thoroughly done her homework before deciding to use O. Of course she knew her line was compatible to Fransisco, and she'd been going back through my bitch line to make sure everything was as it should be. I do exactly the same when choosing a male, it's got to be right on paper as well as the construction and character of both animals. Like I say I really hope for success here, for Jane, for Orin and to keep Nico's bloodline out there in the show ring. 

Another great concern at loosing Nico was going to be Jezi. She wouldn't leave Nico alone on Wednesday night, she kept sniffing him and licking his face, I can only presume now that she knew we were loosing him before we did. Yesterday, we decided to show her Nico's body, but she took no notice and simply walked over him. I found it very odd until I considered how she'd been the day before, she knew, she understood before we did. 

Jezi is not the most sociable of creatures, she hates the other bitches, and only tolerates the males. Nico was her everything, but I really don't want Jezi to be totally alone now. She walks with Zeus, but only puts up with him because she has too, he wants to play and she really doesn't! I decided to try her with Loki, well if looks could kill, but he ignored her, then as he walked past she took one quick spiteful snap at him, he ignored her again. I followed my initial introduction with a walk, it went well, there was absolutely no interaction between them but that was better than handbags at dawn! I will continue to walk Jezi with Zeus and Loki with his pals, but maybe now Loki and Jezi can spend some of their time ignoring each other in the same room! 

Nos Da Nico

The hardest part of the loving is the letting go. We are both devastated to lose our lovely Nico today. Hardly a days ill health till Monday night and still running around the field on Tuesday. We had made the decision to take Nico back to the vets this afternoon, but he took the decision away from us and went to sleep by our bed just after 1pm. Such an amazing dog, beautiful to look at, easy to love and easy to live with, a true gentleman with a kind soul who has influence "Blanik" beyond compare. 

Some dogs are just too special for words - but I've tried Nico. 

Conbhairean Danko Of Blanik - 16/4/11 - 26/5/22 

Cwsg yn dawel cariad bach.

Nico

I'm at a loss as to what to do, We thought Nico was dying last night. He was totally comatosed and his breathing was laboured, he couldn't even lift his head off the floor. Steve and I took turns to be with him, but then about 9.30pm he lifted his head and wagged his tail. Around 10.30pm he sat up and got up and went out, when he came in he ate some white fish, and we had lots of Nico cuddles. But as soon as we went to bed he started panting and pacing, he just couldn't settle. Steve decided he'd sleep in the living room with him so I could get some sleep, but he's been unsettled all night. 

This morning Nico won't eat again, but I've given him his third lot of pills. Malan said they would take a couple of days to help, but he would not improve if it was something sinister, it's knowing how long to give isn't it, but to be honest I think he's getting worse. I'm going to see how he is at lunchtime, we really can't leave him like this, he's too precious to be allowed to suffer if there is no coming back. 

Last night I sat on the floor with his head on my lap, his eyes were open and his ears flicking, but he could not lift his head up. I told him that it was Ok to go to sleep and leave us if that was what he needed to do, but I also told him that if he wanted to fight, then I'd fight with him ....

It's so hard to believe this photo was only taken on Tuesday afternoon - just unbelievable that we are where we are today really ... 

Nico Heartbreak

 My heart is breaking, he won't eat, he won't move ... we had to practically carry him into the bedroom so the others could run riot in here. My poor, poor old boy, we love you so much.... come on, please give us just a bit more time. 

Not Great News For Nico

As you know Nico has not been well since Monday night, but did seem better yesterday. This morning as Steve got up he had to encourage Nico to follow, that's not normal, he usually barges through the door first. Though he ate his breakfast he continued pacing as he had done for periods the day before. Something was just not right and as the morning went on Nico got more lethargic and appeared to be showing signs of pain again.

I rang the vet and said I had to bring him in this morning, she said they were full but if I went there and then and was willing to wait then they could fit me in at the end of morning surgery. After a short wait we got to see Malan, she gave Nico a thorough going over but found very little immediately wrong with him. She agreed that he had lost condition and that is spine was protruding. There was some pain in his spine but nothing in his joints and no prostate problems, but like us she could see Nico was clearly unwell. She said she could hear an abnormality in his chest and gave us two options, to give him pain relief and antibiotics and see how we got on or to do blood work. We both agreed there was no point going home without knowing what we were dealing with and we opted to have the bloods done there and then. The results would take less than 30 mins and at least then we'd know where we stand.

Nico has two different types of raised white blood cells, the type that show infection and the type that show something more serious/sinister is going on, and the obvious conclusion was that that was the abnormality in his chest. Though Nico didn't have a raised temperature we have decided to give him a chance and see if antibiotics and painkillers will help, but the old boy is really not well and the prognosis is not good. Malan said he may or may not respond to the treatment but that if her diagnosis is correct then the discomfort will sadly return. I've already started Nico on his medication, 2 lots of the strongest antibiotics, with loxicom and gabpentin for pain relief. I believe that no one could or should leave a dog feeling the way Nico does today, quality of life is paramount, so lets hope for some relief and some happy times ahead for us with our wonderful Nico.  

In The Fields

After being unsettled this morning, the main man is better tonight. He was really up for playing with his Mrs in the field but we didn't stay out long. I've never seen him like he was last night before, and it was scary. I'm still not really sure where was hurting but so glad to always have loxicom on hand. 

Sammi pulling a funny face - bless her. 

The fields are full of wild flowers, from bluebells to buttercups, and the wildlife that comes with them. 

My favourite photo of the day - those dogs, the Nantlle Ridge and the buttercups.

Poor Kaiah has had a bad day, she'd vomited overnight and has continued to do so throughout the morning and into the afternoon. You wouldn't believe the amount of vet beds I've washed! She's not in the slightest bit off colour in herself and I can only think she ate something disgusting  on the mountain yesterday. I didn't feed her tonight but she can have an egg before bed. 

Everyones favourite hairy beast.

Nico Concerns

 Nico often sits in his crate for long periods of time in the evenings, his choice to do as he likes, and like most of them here he loves his own bed. Last night around 9pm I told him he needed to go out, and I was shocked to see him struggle to his feet and struggle to walk out. He had a pained expression and seem to be having difficulty with his mobility in front ... but he'd been fine earlier, and absolutely full of himself on the walk. Over the next hour he got no better and my concern increased, I decided to give him some loxicom before we went to bed. Like most of these products, loxicom should be given with food and I gave it to him in sardines, he wolfed it down but really wasn't sure about eating the bonio which in itself was concerning. Nico sleeps with us and he was very unsettled for a few hours. We both got up and let him out, but he didn't need to go. He continued to have a pained expression, and had periods of standing and panting. I think it was well after three when he settled.

This morning Nico was up and about wanting breakfast, his mobility is better, but he lacks his normal spark. At the moment he's unsettled and pacing a little, but definitely not in the pain like he was last night. I honestly don't know what's going on to be honest. I've currently closed his crate so he can't go in, but I'll have to open it in a bit for him .. maybe that's why he's pacing? 

Oh god I hate the bumpy ride of our precious family getting old ... 

Loki 9 Months To Veteran

After the first photo from 2015 came up in my memories, I was chatting today with friends about how much male GSD's change from teenager to veteran. Loki was a tall gangly 9 month old chap, the potential was there to fill in the frame, and my word he filled it beautifully. The middle photo was take in 2018 and the bottom was taken in March this year. You have to agree I hope, disability set aside, he's just got better and better, Such a shame he's not still annoying the hater by winning his veteran classes. 

Histiocytoma (Orin's Spot - Update)

As the vet predicted, Orin's histiocytomas is now shrinking fast. It is now less bulbus, and seems to be a paler pink. Hopefully in another couple of weeks it will be unnoticeable. So something else we've learned this year - and something to store for future reference. 

 "In most cases, histiocytomas in dogs require no treatment, especially if your dog does not experience discomfort. Since we expect histiocytomas to disappear in less than 3 months, growths that last longer are surgically removed and tested to confirm the tumor type."

May 7th 

May 23rd

The Pups 3.5 Weeks

The hairy boys

Mr Purple, Mr Red and Mr Yellow

Mr Orange, Mr Grey and Mr Green

Miss Rose, Miss Blue

Miss Black, Miss Pink.

I Wrote This On Friday

 I'm really sad to report that Bella is not pregnant, at the time of the mating I thought it would be highly unlikely but we always hope. Bella was mated 36 hrs after a test of 35 (Day12 when mated) - Kaiah missed to Zalu 24 hrs after a test of 28.5 (Day 20) so as I said it was highly unlikely. Her owners were devastated with Anna in tears telling me she was already picking names. I've been there, I understand, and I feel for her. 

Yarna is on day 10 and there no sign of her ovulating, she was so low they suggested re-testing in 6 days. Wow I think I agree with Jane and I'd be re-testing on Monday. We know how Kaiah stays low until close to the end of her season, then she flies up and goes over quickly leaving a very small window of opportunity for conceiving.  I had a chat with Katrina and she agrees too - re-test Monday. 

Royal Welsh Photos

Orin Looking super in the ring with Ian, he won his class and was RBOB

Siska and I doing it together - lol She stood alone in her class but went well enough to be fair!

After 2 years out of the ring, Ross still found it all BORING! 

No decent photos of him in the ring, but this is a cracker on the way home!

Blade and I used to go to a show with a collar and lead, a brush, some treats and water.

Now look at us!

Orin RBOB, Our Judge and a stunning Fransisco daughter "Guiliana" who was BOB 

Archie Stanley

Getting photos of this stunning little chap is near as damn it impossible.  If he sees me he runs to me, if I sit out he's practically on top of me, if I go round the field he's around my feet .. and when I sit down he's on my lap or right next to me. He's just so bloody handsome, and I'd like to share his good looks with the world, but it rarely is possible.

Anyway this is as good as it gets, Archie Stanley on my lap last night!  

The Phone Camera

Linda walked with me today and we both watched Jezi and agreed that she shows more discomfort going down hill and at a walk. Going down hill there is obviously more pressure on the front and she seems to now bunny hop rather than walk, to adjust her weight off the leg I suppose. Though she doesn't look it in this photo she's still happy and full of fun. 

Nice yeah.

 I can't tell you how many times Ross dropped his kong and had to go and get it before we got this picture.

One of my favourite spots for photos in recent years. The jury is out with the camera on the phone. I'm finding the colours very intense, I have adjusted them here as I consider them almost artificial in some cases.

New Phone - Great Pictures

Getting these three to look at the camera together is almost bloody impossible but at least the scenery is great. The two old buggers let me down today as they switched their hearing aids off and ran towards a large silver 4 x4 coming from the quarry. The lads laughed, but I could have killed them, I can only think they thought it was Ian. Jezi had more of a limp today, but still was full of herself. I did get quite upset as she screamed when she got up quickly before dinner. 

Love this photo of the mad lot. 

You have to laugh ... what are you saying Siska? Doesn't she look funny.

but just to show how beautiful she is, well look at this....

I've no idea what caught her eye - but hell I'm glad that it did!