Cwm Dulyn

The Others Out This Afternoon

 

Vets To Cwm Dulyn

Mixed feelings after Loki visit to the vets today. Malan the vet agreed that he is loosing condition/weight. He only missed one meal when he was poorly last week, but he's been sick yesterday morning and overnight. He has lost over 2kg in the last month. Loki is on three meals a day and of course an array of treats during the day. He gets more to eat than Ross, and possibly more than Orin too. But from bloods taken last week we know that his organs are Ok and that the only thing that was noticeable was the increase in white blood cells, giving the diagnosis of an infection. Malan could also see the distension that I've been going on about for some weeks, she said we could scan and see if there was a problem with the liver, but as she pointed out the blood results don't imply that there is ... I guess we plod on. Anyway a lovely walk and a paddle with his mates on the way home made his day! 

Memories Of Tali And Lux

I wrote in 2018 "The hardest part of loving is the letting go. Goodnight, be at peace my lovely Tali .. Blanik Frankie. 7.1.05 - 29.1.18. Thank you for keeping me on my toes for all these years .. you sure were a class act." Today we remember with a smile not a tear .. and the words "Feck off" always come to mind. She was determined, strong-willed and mostly plain damn awkward, but we loved her for it.

On this day in 2009 we also lost little Lux. The then named Lucky, came to live with me in March 1992. Her elderly owner was going into a retirement home and couldn't take the nervous skitty young cat with her. I was living in a flat with Blade and Pepsi and had been looking for a house cat to complete my family. I really didn't like her name, but she responded to it so I left it, gradually over the next year or so changing it to Lux. Little Lux was with me for a very long time, she became a very sweet adult and was so pretty. With her tortie smudges and patches, she really looked like someone had just thrown paint at a white cat. Bless her. 

Today's News Report

Today it was field exercise only, Steve let Zeus out whilst I stupidly put washing on the line, yes it blew away! Anyway the long line got caught on the car wheel and rather than wait to be untangled his lordship pulled and pulled until the line snapped in two places. Great, dog lose with ball on about a foot of line! There is no point calling him, I know better than to waste my time and energy. I walked the field keeping an eye on him until I saw him drop the ball and run along the edge of the field up onto the boncan. Now there was a dilemma, follow him in case there was a white duck up there (if you know, you know!) or go and grab the ball? I opted for the latter. Luckily, I got the ball and tied it to the longer bit of line before he came crashing down the field to get it. I considered not letting go, but decided giving him 5 more mins was wise, after all I was now back with the advantage! 

What can I say, these two were as good as ever. She maybe constructionally better, and I adore her, but he still takes my breath away. They are a beautiful pair, the mix of Fransisco, my bitch line and Nico really has given me something special. Here's hoping for the next generation this year. 

Now there was a little trouble here. Sammi being pushed to her limits, between the brown clown and the puppy she gets no peace, though as I've said before, it's mostly her own fault. Things got OTT with her and Beti and when she told Beti off, Beti decided she was not having it. Well I was this close and joined in to back up Sammi, I grabbed Beti and tipped her over onto the ground. She was instantly subservient, the pack had spoken. I held her there and growled "Ahhhh" at her before letting her go ... lesson learned ... for today! All we ask is a few manners around older pack members.

Loki back out with the troops today - happy boy. 

Some Special Toys

The photo of Blade with his cone predates Pen Y Cae and was taken outside the house of misery, so between Nov 92 and June 95, when we moved here. That was one of many that he stole, but for fear of getting in trouble I did make him put the yellow one with "Police" on it back where he got it!

A very old Nikki with her treasure cheap version of a kong, she didn't know or care did she, it went everywhere

Krizzie loved the big tennis balls, but Jay destroyed them so it put an end to that!

Kai loved toys, anything but here has the purple toy, we used to call them the purple banana, I've no idea why that started! They were a big favourite with Tali, Louis and as you can see Nico too. Sadly, I can no longer seem to get them, they were by planet dog and took some stick. 

Asha adored her pink ball, but Mikey stole it and lost it, again from planet dog but at Crufts,  we never saw another one like it. 

Ziva with one of the first gundog dummies, though I do vaguely remember a white one before it. If it was here in Dexi days then he probably ate it!

Nico with two new purple bananas. 

Loki with his kong gundog dummy, and of course our Ross with his now famous orange kong! 

Not all the dogs have liked toys, Orin is not fussed and neither is Siska. Jezi and Kiri had no interest at all in toys, though Kiri made herself ill eating plastic and ended up have major surgery at an old age ... as you do! 

Of course Zeus loves his ball ... but we'll talk about that in the next post.

Natural Instincts

I'm trying to get Beti to focus on a toy on the walk. She and Sammi are too silly together and I'm scared the games could lead to trouble, they are getting more out of hand as Beti gets older. Beti likes to carry and hold things, so I'm hopeful in time that it may work. Blade and Nikki always carried toys, Blade loved plastic boxes and bottles as well as traffic cones, and Nikki always had a kong on a rope. (though in those days I couldn't afford the actual kong, and she had cheap alternatives!) Mikey likes to carry a toy, but kept leaving it, I think he and Ziva were the first to get a gundog dummy. Ziva and Sammi used to share until Loki spoiled that and would take it off them. Even when I got him one he took theirs, until they picked his up, then he'd want that one back .. and so on. It was easier with Ross and Loki, Ross is so focused on his kong and has no interest in Loki's gundog dummy, and Loki only wants the expensive kong make of gundog dummy! This one I've got for Beti was about half the price, but it feels sturdy and is bright yellow. I tried a little play with her out in the field yesterday, but due to Sammi's interference, it was only mildly successful. 

After all the dogs have been out for a wee in the morning, everyone has breakfast, apart from Beti. Beti won't eat breakfast until all the jobs have been done, she is fascinated with cleaning poo, filling buckets (Water and coal) and follows me about with great enthusiasm, generally making it all very difficult to be honest. She jumps up my back, grabs at my sleeves, goes off with the bucket, takes the hosepipe out of the bucket, and if you think there's a chance of using the yard brush, then think again! I've tried shouting and screaming, it gets me nowhere, though to be honest I don't want to crush her enthusiasm for life, I just need a few manners. Anyway this morning I gave her the dummy, every time she dropped it, I picked it up and carried it allowing her to have it back after a short tugging battle, even Loki considered taking it ... whilst it was mostly successful, it was nowhere near as fascinating as a hosepipe and bucket .. but it did stop her grabbing at my sleeves and coat. The toy has now been put away and may come out again when we go out, or I may just try and get her to focus on it in the mornings for a while. 

Ross has amazing natural tracking instincts, with a command of "Wait" I often throw Loki's toy to get them all to look in a photo. He can't wait if I use his kong, it's too much for him. Yesterday without Loki there I decided to throw my keys, photo taken, but where are they keys? I watched Ross search and point at them, as he does with Loki's toy or anything else that I throw. 

Sammi and Orin are air scenters (is there such a word, well there should be one!)  ... and Beti does the same. Trust me if Sammi is air scenting there is something there, you may not see it yet ... but it's there! Orin does it in the ring, I have to be careful where I stand or he'll no doubt be sniffing me out! 

Anyway, we'll give this toy a go with Beti .. I do think she has it in her to enjoy carrying a toy, if it works I may even manage to walk her with Siska, but that is being a little optimistic at the moment!

Breezy On The Walks

Beautiful day

Such a shame he's on that lead isn't it.

Madness with these three. I watch too much, I still think there is an issue with Beti's front movement, it's more obvious coming down hill.

We went awol today, Orin going a little too far in front at times, but he always stops when called.

A mooch to the end of the track with my lovely Loki

Manchester Critiques

I'm really pleased with those, the spelling mistake is not mine, I did copy and paste, but I have to confess I didn't see it till Mr S pointed it out!

Pinchmill Girls

Beti and Polly at 6.5 months. These sisters look great and as I've said before I really would have been happy with either. Polly reminds me more of Nico, whilst Beti is more like her dad. I have no photos of their mother at the same age to compare too. 

As Fergal Sharkey Sang

"You Little Thief!"  I just just listened to it for the first time in years, Wow, I'd forgotten the lyrics were so angry so bitter ... great song though, and I guess it'll now be stuck in my head for the rest of the day. 

Loki Today

 The boy is quiet and calm this morning. The vet suggested rest for a couple of days ... who is going to tell him he's not walking?

Loki's behaviour at the surgery yesterday was impeccable. I guess his trust in us shone through. Apart from the examination, he didn't move as he had blood taken from his neck and was lifted onto an X-ray table and turned to lie on his side ... with that "Down-Wait" command understood he stayed where he was for the x-ray. After that unsure start what a cracking boy he grew up to be, yes he's aloof with strangers, but that nervous puppy is confident and calm adult to be proud of. 

I walked everyone then let Loki come round the top field just the once with us, I think he was happy with it, though he did go and stand by the gate to go to the bottom field. Sorry Loki, not today, but hopefully by the weekend eh! 

Upper-Respiratory Infection

A quick cup of tea to calm me down before I get the troops out. Yesterday morning Loki wasn't well, by late afternoon his breathing was getting noisier and noisier. His temp shot up to 40 and we were getting more and more concerned. After paracetamol and washing his ears, face and feet in cool water his temp was down to 39.2 by bedtime. 

Ken the vet was very concerned by his breathing and felt he was quite poorly. He needed chest and heart x-rays but was too poorly for anaesthetic. I stayed with him "Down ... Wait" really proved it's worth. His heart looked better than it sounded and his chest was clear ... bloods also came back far better than expected with all his organs ok. So Loki has an upper-respiratory infection, he's had an injection and antibiotics tablets ... hell I never expected he'd be coming home today!

What's Going On Loki?

The boy isn't well today. A week till his injection is due but I'm not sure it's related. Whilst he's calm and quiet he seems Ok, but as soon as he starts to walk about his breathing is very loud, like he's run a marathon. He didn't eat this morning, again a concern, is that to do with pain in his neck/spine or anything else? I'm not sure! If he is still like this tomorrow then we'll have to go to the vets.  

A Few Snaps

 

Walking The Day After Isha

Crufts And Glasses

With a long walk from the car park to the halls at Crufts it's never wise to take too many dogs, so even with 5 qualified, I'll be taking two. Last night I bit the bullet and entered Beti and Siska, hoping Siska will be hanging onto some coat by then! The judge has judged Siska and Orin in 2021 and her preference was for Siska, so we'll see if she still thinks highly of her! Beti of course has to go because ... well because she just has to!! Of course I'll be pig sick that I don't have my main man with me but hopefully there will be plenty of other shows.

I now have my glasses to wear about the house and for driving etc, yes they are great ... but they are not reading glasses and when I put my readers on my sight goes nuts. I guess I'll have to ask now for reading glasses with these prisms in to level out my sight for that too! They joys!

It's Wild Out There

and with worse to come I got the guys out this morning.

By now it's quite scary and hard to believe it's going to be worse again overnight.

Let's hope everything is where it should be by morning!

Manchester News

 It started with snow, not a lot of snow but a fresh coating each morning followed by some freezing rain and some ice! Now everyone knows even at this age I love snow, and when this howling gale is the alternative, well what is there to moan about? I guess the fact I can get stuck on the mountain when there is a life-changing event going on elsewhere is my only quibble ... haha!!! So common sense hat on and we travelled to Swinton the evening before the show, but even then Ian's van was unable to come up the track and we had to carry the stuff down and walk the troops, of course they were delighted .... holibobs.

When we arrived Beti started to bark, and bark, and bark and she continued to bark until we had managed to get the stuff and her out of the van. She ran into the house and saw Linda, then she started to bounce around like and idiot, no nervousness, just excitement. Kiaan then came in with Ian and was equally happy to be on his holibobs! A crate was set up for Kiaan in Ian's bedroom and a crate was set up for Beti in the kitchen with Orin and Siska, who are now experienced holibobers, spending their night between the kitchen and the living room where I slept on the sofa. By the way ... Siska snores!!! Huge thanks to Frank and Linda for having Ian, Myself and four dogs in their home overnight, it would have been so difficult without you.

Friday morning with everyone up and about we didn't have to rush off like we would at home. Linda made butties with help from Orin and Siska, Ian loaded the van and I supervised! lol We hit the road about 7.20am and had a reasonably uneventful journey to the frozen show ground. The stuff was unloaded and the dogs made their way in 2 at a time. Everyone was excellent, Beti was really happy and excited, Kiaan relaxed and calm. The adults take it all in their stride and there wasn't a cross word from anyone, all day! 

Kiaan was in first and gave a super performance in the ring, who could ask more of a puppy eh? Callan and Kai were in PGD and I kind of expected them to be first and second. Kai was first ... with Callan third. A disappointing result for Callan really. It was a similar fate for Orin, whilst I'm not expecting my dogs to always win I kind of have an idea of where they should be, I expected him to be in the top three, he was fourth. Hmm .. I wonder why? One comment from me here was that all three in front of Orin towered over him, and he is 66cms .. so Orin is oversize, I wonder how tall the others are?

It was then time for the girls to go in, with the judge being rough on the mouth Sarah beat him to it and showed him Beti's teeth herself .. it went well, she stood beautifully and moved well. My initial thought had been, please let her be settled, now the thought changed to, please let her not be last! She wasn't, and I was over the moon, as much by her performance as her prize card .. well done Beti. 

Siska was 2nd in limit, limit is the closest class to Open, which is the top class. 10 years ago getting a second in limit would have been a dream, but these days, with this show team, we hope for greater things, especially when Siska puts on such a performance. So is it wrong that I'm disappointed with a second in limit at a championship show? Maybe I should be more grateful? I hope I see my dogs without rose-tinted glasses, shall we say I felt her main competition in this class was behind her, not in front her. Still we pay our money and take the chance ... over the years I have exhibited under this judge three times before ... and yes with my girls I would again, but not with Orin. Some judges are not worth a second go, some are, and on results of previous judging appointments this man is without doubt someone I would support again. 

Blanik Clan At Manchester

Siska was 2nd in Limit Bitch

Baby Beti - 2nd in MPB (Qualifying for Crufts)

Orin a disappointing 4th in limit

Callan again a disappointing 3rd in PG

I have a lot to say ... maybe tonight or tomorrow 

Sunrise In The Snow

We are so blessed!

Beti And Orin

Though I could have chosen a better photo of Beti to compare to Orin at the same age, I find this one so funny and I need a caption to put it on facebook. Anyway, again obvious differences, she has almost perfect ear set, his is a tad wide, though now his head has strengthened they look better ... and of course her eyes are darker, actually darker than they look here. Anyway the colouring on both, at this age is almost identical, and the coats too are very similar. 

Lovely colour, plenty of coat and feathering -  even a wave on the croup!!!

Obviously I'm pleased with her, but I have concerns about how she'll be with a handler and about her forehand, so we'll take it one show at a time!