Bye Then

 

Walk Number Three

Having walked this lovely track and been back to the derelict cottage of Gerlan again, I was putting Zeus in the van when a gentleman and a Chocolate Lab came along the track. We exchanged pleasantries and I asked him if he knew how I could get back from Gerlan without turning back the way I came. He smiled and said "Well if you've been to Gerlan you've been on my land." I apologised and said that I just didn't know where the footpath went from there. He said it was no problem and explained where the footpath went from there, basically the owners of the Llamas have blocked off the gateway, so now once you've crossed the little bridge there is nowhere to go. Well to be honest I'm happy to turn back and retrace my steps from there anyway. I asked the man about another track I'd seen and he told me where I'd end up, it looks a little steep, but I'll try it ... he then pointed out another walk which I've never done. I think Zeus and I will try that one next!!!

Walking The Dogs

Most days I'm more than happy to walk alone, well I'm never alone, but you know what I mean. I'm never one who likes to plan ahead, I don't get up and think I'll walk at this time and go here, I like to go with the flow, everything is subject to change. Often when I'm out with Orin and Siska I like to go further and chop and change direction. But some days I really would like someone to talk to, today was one of those days, so I was lucky on my last walk to pick myself up a man with a chocolate Labrador. LOL 

Ok it was a luck shot and posted in humour, but considering the recent upset it's actually a great photo to make a point. I've spent some sleepless hours worrying about the problem that really isn't mine but as I said before, stud dog owner or breeder .. there is always responsibility, or there should be anyway! Though of course to find out that at 6 months old a puppy has never been allowed to run free, well that kind of throws blame elsewhere, how is a contained puppy expected to develop normally? It just isn't is it! 

Beti has being going out and about since she's been here, running free firstly in the garden, then in the field before carefully joining some adults on daily walks. Whereas I adhere to 5 minutes of exercise per month of life that doesn't mean that normal life and playtime should be restricted, just supervised! 

Can I Help?

Last night a post I'd missed on a group from early November was brought to my attention. The post is about Beti's brother and his hindquarters. Having given the owner my thoughts on what was going on via the breeder at the time, I was partly disappointed that the owner had not had faith in our advice. Still having weeded through the usual anti-showline crap comments, I was glad that plenty of knowledgeable people had given the same information as we (Myself and the breeder) had. Whilst health testing our dogs, every effort is made to eliminate hereditary conditions, and then with careful selection every effort is made to avoid exaggeration, but it's not a science and mother nature often throws a spanner in the works, as it has here. My opinion was the dog had too much length in second thigh and rear pasterns, he is overregulated and this was nothing to do with hips. With normal moderate exercise and development he should improve, but he may end up cow hocked. My suggestion was that she gave him a couple of months to develop further and then get back in touch.  

As we heard nothing more we presumed all was Ok, but a month later the owner contacted the breeder again. Due to her health problems, she was taking the puppy back to the breeder. As a responsible breeder the door was open for the pup to go "home," I offered that after he'd had time to catch his breath I could help with rehoming ... later in the day the owner changed her mind and said she was keeping the puppy! She has been given 100% support from this responsible breeder, and as the owner of the stud dog I too feel a responsibility for any litters who come into the world. I try my best to support the owners of the females who come to my males, and if in future I can be there to help the owners of the puppies ... then I will be. Please remember if I can help you, I will  .. DM or phone me. 

No Orin Alarm

This morning I got up to a messy Loki bed, lots of poo. I didn't initially understand why Orin didn't let me know, he always barks when Loki gets agitated to go out at night ... maybe he hadn't reset his batteries after the storm and power cut, lol. Seriously, I was wondering if Loki had been oblivious to it like he was on Xmas day, therefore Orin would not have had a reason to bark. Poor Loki, I never say a word, I know it can't be helped.

The storm was short-lived but powerful last night. Even Jamie opened an eye at one clap of thunder. To be fair none of the animals care much, though I could see Perry was edgy. I'm not scared of it, but having lost so many routers I do worry about my internet and that the first thing to go off ... thankfully we got it in time, not sure my neighbours have though. There's nothing more grumpy in this house than Mrs S with no internet! 

Was That Gerrit?

After being battered by one of 2023 worst winds on the mountain we were so glad of lull to get out, even if we were loosing daylight. Look at the sunsetting behind the mountains. 

No chance of a cuppa and chocolate today guys. 

I just couldn't face the possibility of catch me if you can, so I decided to do a short walk instead, that way we both enjoyed it.

Of Course some of the family members just decided to sleep the day away!

The Facebook Post

Thanks for the messages and calls to ask about Loki. On the morning of the 23rd he didn't eat. Loki always eats! His temperature was Ok, but he was holding him self stiffly and was obviously in pain. After a walk he was better and ate 2 meals during the day. On Xmas Eve morning he didn't eat again and was obviously in a lot of pain, his back was arched, and he was knuckling on front and back left. He was tripping and lopsided. He was obviously not going to be able to do the group walk, but Sammi was quite happy to do a short extra walk with him later, which again helped. I boiled up the turkey giblets with some veg and added that to a meal for him deciding to give him 10mg instead of 5mg of preds and a paracetamol, in my mind his immediate comfort was better than any long term side effects. He spent most of the day in his crate and seemed distressed to move about. I let him be where he wanted to be, but even getting him out to have a wee was difficult. Xmas day morning I was dreading what I was going to get up too, but as I opened the outside door he got straight out of his crate and went out. He was far more mobile and not as hunched. Other than one "accident" in the house that he seemed to be totally unaware of, he has continued to improve. Ive been giving him 10mg of steroid daily instead 5mg every other-day and 1 paracetamol every 12 hrs, and he's back to where he was before the 22nd of Dec. I've spoken to a vet this morning, and he says I can carry on with this until he is due to be seen on the 2nd of January. We can then discuss whether we continue with the librela or/and use something else like gabapentin.

Loki

I'm pleased to report that Loki is doing much better today. He is still on 10mg of Steroid a day and a paracetamol every 12 hrs. I'm really not sure if it's worth giving him another librela injection, but of course I'll bow to greater knowledge if the vets feel we should continue. I appreciate long term use of high dose steroids can damage organs but I feel that short term quality of life is paramount. 

Boxing Day

If in future, I'm asked what I recall of Boxing Day 2023 then I'll probably say that a very special moment was sitting on my bum in the wet grass drinking tea and eating a Toblerone in the company of Orin and eventually Siska. It was calm and bright, and since I was wearing oilskin trousers, well it didn't matter did it. I thought that Orin and Siska would run around the field doing what they do, but instead he came to sit with me, his head on my shoulder - though he sabotaged my only effort at a selfie of us together by trying to pinch my chocolate I've still included the photo. I found myself telling him how special he is, how he like his mother came to me at a time when I needed something, and both stole my heart from the nest. I told him to look at the view and to be so thankfully of what we have and what we share, but unimpressed, he stuck his nose in my tea instead.

From the bottom of the field Siska arrived and she too sat next to me, I had one at each shoulder. I told her how wonderful she is too, and that she is beautiful and glamorous beyond compare, but of course my thoughts then instantly went to her mother, and I cried for the beauty that I've been cheated of. Please don't tell me I need to move on, I can't .. Well, I have as regards that I don't feel sick to the pit of my stomach with grief now, I don't cry numerous times a day anymore, but will I ever be able to think of Kaiah without this ache in my heart? Will I ever just remember the good times? I don't know! 

 

Xmas Day

Loki could hardly move last night, he was arching his spine and tucked up underneath. His was tripping over his feet and I could hardly get him to walk, he just wanted to be in his crate. He was obviously in a lot of pain and I couldn't leave him as he was. I decided to give him an extra steroid and a paracetamol. I really didn't know what I'd be getting up to, but he was better his morning and I decided to do the same and gave him the pills, it's still nowhere near the dose he was on 2 years ago. He was much straighter and came for a little walk this morning, but this afternoon he followed me into the kitchen and did a huge poo as he was walking around. He seemed oblivious to it, and obviously I didn't say a word to him ... I've mentioned he's lost muscle, I'm wondering if he's losing some control too? Sorry not Xmas day chat really but had to tell someone and this is always a good place to say it as it is. I think we plod on through tomorrow, but ring the vets on the 27th - whatever day that is! 

Nadolig Llawen

Xmas Eve Walks

It was obvious by the time I got to the top gate that Loki wasn't well enough to come with us. I bought him back and took the group without him, still "keep him walking, keep him moving" rang through my head and at the end of the walks, Sammi and I went down the track with him. Loki took his toy, but he was walking really slowly ... like an old ... whilst I'm grateful for the extra time we've had, I fear what is ahead now.

No Breakfast Again

Loki hasn't eaten again this morning and his bedtime carrot was still in his bed this morning. Loki is first out with Beti in the morning, and I noticed straight away that he was subdued again today. 

Loki ate his dinner and supper last night, dinner had gravy and veg mixed in, supper didn't. He was good on the walk ... but for Loki to leave a dry crust would be a concern, to leave his breakfast and his carrot is obviously a worry. I've had to put his breakfast away safely as his morning medication is in it, I think I'll try him with it again at lunchtime. If this continues into next week then I'm taking him to the vets .. I so wish Beth was back! 

Everyone Out

Oops the camera on the phone got knocked onto portrait .. luckily everyone is clear. Nice yeah!

Loki was fine on the walk, though we didn't attempt the van. Let's see if he eats tonight eh!

Happy 10th Birthday Sammi Belle

Loki Left Breakfast

Alarm bells ringing this morning, Loki hasn't eaten, through everything, Loki always eats! His temperature is Ok, but I still maintain that he is an odd shape. Should I ring the vets and say my dog has left one meal? They'll think I'm nuts, Siska has too ... but she often does ...Loki ALWAYS eats! 

I wasn't Rude!

A nice walk with Zeus around and about, I had to change my route as there were some people playing football on the mountain, I guess that's a first!  

We were walking where we shouldn't be today, Ross behaving impeccably as Miss bossy boots had him under the thumb! As we came back onto the track two collies came racing towards us, I tried to change direction but as they belted towards us it was too late. An owner eventually came to light, I thought she was calling her dogs but as we got nearer I heard she was calling Good Morning in Welsh. Well there wasn't a fight and it could have been a disaster, but it wasn't. She told me that Donald and Betsi love to run over to everyone they see, I just couldn't be bothered to explain to her that that really wasn't a great idea! She was a very pleasant woman and liked "Alsatians,"  no I didn't go there either. We finished the walk together and were almost home before I felt the words bubbling inside, "I told you not to throw the fecking kong for him didn't I!" I bit my lip and said goodbye without a cross word. See I wasn't rude, LOL.

Three Generations At Cwm Dulyn

With the last Xmas present delivered I had time for a walk in Cwm Dulyn this morning. For convenience, I juggled the dogs from their usually walking partnerships. Orin, Sammi and Beti had a great time in Cwm Dulyn, though Orin didn't like it when Sammi told Beti off, no idea why! I have to say it once more, I still don't think Beti is quite right on her front so imagine my panic as she followed her father onto the big rock ... thankfully unlike him she went down the way she went up!

When I got home at 11.30am I was shocked to see the log delivery due between 12 -1pm had arrived ... and the other dogs were still out. Yep MR S had tried too hard and fallen over, I plead with him to leave things alone, I guess it's not in his nature is it!

I Guess I Was Rude!

This morning I got up to a local stud enquiry for Orin, "I said yes he was available to health tested females." She replied asking if his back was straight or sloped? I always tell my friends that when a post irritates you or you haven't understood it to take 10 mins then answer ... I didn't! 

"That depends how you stand him as spines bend. I'll send you some photos so you can decide for yourself."

She replied "yes it definitely looks sloped," and made several references to it in the photos I sent.

So yeah, I was rude and following this reply she told me so, "I have had this breed for over 30 years and this bent/sloped spine is just crap. He has hips of 2/2, clear elbows, is haemophilia A, DM and PD clear - yet you haven't asked, all you are concerned about is whether he has a slope in his back or not. Good luck finding a square dog." Having being told I was rude I replied again "look back, you didn't ask about the health tests? Hips, elbows and DM tests are paramount when considering breeding - sorry I ranted!" Actually, I wasn't sorry, but I decided to leave it there!!!!! 

What is it with people, why do they think a dog needs to look like a box to be health? Yes I was rude and I kind of regret it as I hope it's not in my nature, but this breed and the health tests are a passion of mine. Usually I try to educate as I had done by sending a photo in stance and naturally, but in three replies all she said was that his back looked sloped, sometimes people just don't want to learn do they.  

Winter Solstice 2023

 

Pinchmill Sisters

Beautiful Zoe with her daughter - Abbie who stayed at home

                                       

Ruby the long coat and Polly who lives with Katrina

.. and of course the star of our show Miss Beti - ear set aside, she and Abbie now look very similar, though Abbie looks quite big next to her mother there.

Wet Black Cat

Luther had a plan which involved a paw and Xmas tree decorations. Thankfully I caught him took him to the office and explained ho him why it was not happening!

Pinchmill Adira Of Blanik

Just love this photo of Beti - I'm really pleased with my choice of puppy from the litter, crossing everything for a successful future in the show ring!

Llanfair Talhaiarn

 After visiting the puppies, Ian and I went for a walk near the river Elwy which runs close to the village. It was just wonderful, and we got some fantastic photos in a beautiful place. It was the right time of year for a visit, I can imagine it's hectic there in Summer months. 

We Went Puppy Visiting

                                        

Beautiful puppies, well done Sky and her human team - the two at the bottom, Bertie and Hairy Hettie are still for sale, but I doubt it would be a crisis if one or both didn't sell. Martin was very honest when he said he really didn't want to sell the male, and Claire is smitten with the female! What will be .....