Jackanory

As is the norm over the Winter I got up at 7am to let everyone out and get them fed. This morning I was greeted by the usual smell and cleaning to do in Loki's bed, it is what it is, and I get on with it, but I wasn't expecting to find so much vomit in Meerah crate. I hadn't heard a thing overnight, and no one had sounded the alarm. What frightened me was the sharp shards of plastic in the vomit ... what the bloody hell was that? I was extremely stressed and of course overthinking the situation, the damage that plastic could cause was frightening. I guess I felt better when she came flying in and ate her breakfast, but she won't be going into the front garden for a while now as we think the plastic has come from a bucket smashed in the storm. With my mind elsewhere I then gave Zeus' breakfast to Orin, yes it matters as Zeus gets a steroid in his breakfast ... feck concentrate girl! When changing Meerah's bedding I took a clean one from the middle of the pile, I should know better, of course the top half of the bedding fell on my head. I really should have got the little stepladder out! I took my cup of tea back to bed with me and tried to relax as Steve snored, oblivious to it all again!

Whilst lying in bed I decided I would somehow get 5 dogs into the van and go to Cwm Dulyn. So yeah, we did it. Doubling up Ross and Meerah seemed to be the logical option. Sammi and Zeus work, she is full of it but doesn't race around like the younger girls. Especially now with my hands as they are, I really can't hold onto him with Meerah or Beti. I watched Sammi gaiting and just couldn't believe her age, my god I told myself, she's 11. I'm sure that if anyone who didn't know her saw her, they would age her at around 7 .. she is just amazing, long may it continue. Having walked the track we crossed the bridge, Sammi went down to the stream ... OMG, Zeus went down to the stream, slipping in the mud I had no control and I skidded about 2 ft down hill before landing on my bum in the mud. Nothing hurt, and I was pretty well wrapped in the big coat, but I did get soggy knees as I tried to get back to my feet. One thing I was proud of, I didn't let go of him! LOL.  I stood at the edge of the stream as Sammi watched Zeus, I imagined her saying, "Get out of there you knob!" (or was that just me? 😁) They had a great time. 

I then took Ross with Meerah and Beti. The first issue was the bridge, having been uncomfortable crossing it the last time Meerah was worse this time. I had little time or patience as I imagined Ross getting to the stream before me and dropping his kong in the fast moving water, so I just pulled her up the three steps and then let her get on with it. The second issue was that Meerah followed Beti everywhere, up the rock was OK, as "Wait" was successful but when she found herself in the middle of the gorse, well she had a bit of a crisis and remained glued to the spot as we carried on with the walk. Stop laughing Beti. So of course to get back to the van we had to get back over the bridge so another crisis. Her front end came up one step and she then put her head under the step and screamed, I didn't get chance to deal with it, Beti came back over the bridge and told her off. Maybe not text book dog training Beti, but it worked!!! 

I enjoyed my morning walks and was looking forward to telling Steve all about it when I got back, but I knew instantly that things were not as they should be when I got home. He'd had another fall in the yard, and this time he'd fallen harder, Sadly we had to change our afternoon plans of a visit to the Garden Centre (I was going to walk for home whilst he browsed) and I walk Orin and Siska around the Cwm. 

Thankfully Steve, with Isla in tow, had taken Loki around the field before his fall. He said that Loki did seem lost but sadly there is no choice now. This morning I was concerned about his expression and demeanour, dog people will understand I'm sure, but he hasn't been too bad since. Of course no photos from the walk, so I tried to get one in the house, you have to laugh at Beti and her it's all about me attitude don't you. After so much sadness and stress this young lady really has helped get a smile back on my face.

To finish our eventful day, I hope, as Steve was going to the kitchen I asked him to let the oldies and Meerah out. He did, or I thought he did, when I went to get them back in about 20 mins later, he'd let Beti out with Sammi, proving, maybe, that the fights were hormonal. Still though she doesn't know it, Sammi is old, and I won't be taking chances!

Lovely Walks

Having moaned about the weather a couple of days ago, I feel truly blessed to have had two lovely days out with the guys. That's us all happy!

Afternoon walk with Orin and Siska, a walk I hadn't done since Linda was here with me on the last day of Autumn. It's a nice change for us all. 

Sammi and Zeus

Ross, Beti and Meerah

I spent the morning in Cwm Dulyn with these 5. It was great, especially with no one about.

The Sea Says ....

I had to pop over to the vets for Loki's pills today. I stopped off for a walk in Pontllyfni with Orin and Siska, following Afon Llyfni (River) to the sea. It was lovely, I'd not been since I had Blade, Nikki and Pepsi .. now that's a LONG time ago. Sadly the tide was in, so there was very little room to walk, but smells, sights and sounds I'm sure were as beneficial as distance. Orin was a bit of a tit, I think he forgot his manners with the excitement of a new place, well that's his excuse for forgetting the meaning of "Orin come" anyway. I hope he hasn't been talking to his brother!!! I'm really disappointed with the flexi lead, in one place I had to use it and the bloody thing broke, leaving me in quite a pickle. I only bought it in October of last year, so I have e.mailed my complaint to the manufacturer. It's supposed to hold up to 50kg, and having just been weighed at 40kg this lead should be strong enough for Orin. I must point out, this is not the cheaper version that I bought in Porthmadog, this is a genuine, slightly expensive Flexi lead. 

Orin had not been weighed in 2 years, and he weighs the same as he did then. Siska was also weighed, she's back up to 31kg after going down to 28kg when she was ill before Xmas.

"The Sea Says.." A Marc Almond song.

Dog Club

Meerah had a much better night at dog club than the previous session, I was able to take her in from the start and concentrate on her all night. She was initially a touch "loud" but soon settled and seemed to take it all in her stride. During the break she found someone not far from her own age to play with, I'm sure Ricco and Meerah will be best buddies as they will be seeing a lot of each other. 

A question from someone in a different breed, "Why is she so different to all your others?" A quick explanation on colour and genetics followed .. I hope I didn't get too carried away!!

A Few Photos

Dry and cold, yes I'm happy with that!

As Billy Connolly Said ...

"It's all a ghastly nightmare ..." I really don't like complaining about the weather, I'm mostly happy to accept seasonal weather, well apart from heat which makes me ill, but really, this is just a bit much! Wind, rain, drizzle and repeat, it's honestly starting to get me down. Wet dogs, wet bedding, wet towels. A river running through the yard and pooling at the gate as it has nowhere to go with the moat around the van also full. The cottage is turning green again and there's mud all over the doors from the Blaniks opening them every time I try to shut them out. It was dry this morning at 7.30am, the sky even looking promising, but by 9am we had been swallowed by a thick damp mist, by 10am it was raining again!

Loki seems Ok, he ate as normal this morning, but oddly Beti didn't finish hers today and Orin didn't want his treats at bedtime. Meerah is really not eating enough, but I refuse to play the game and I'll leave her to it for the time being. Beti did it too and got over it with time. 

Ross and the chuckit didn't work, but we have found a solution. A floating orange kong will stay in the van for walks and I've put the rope off the broken orange one in a black kong, well so far so good, he seems to like it. The black ones are supposed to take more abuse, they've never really been a favourite here, so we'll see how long it lasts now that he has decided he likes it! 

Rough Night

Another wild night, and I don't mean alcohol and dancing, my word it's been a lifetime since those days! Photo of me literally under the table at a George Michael party in 2008. Anyway the matter in hand, wind, rain, hail and thunder. I didn't see any lightening but I guess that was because I was under the duvet! I got up at 4am and disconnected the internet and landline, good thing really as the thunderclap at around 7am was enough to wake the dead ... well it woke up the Blaniks anyway!

Breaking the normal routine, Steve got up with me and we got everyone out and in and dry before their breakfasts. We were both a little taken aback that Loki didn't seem to want to eat, now that is concerning. He has no issues with storms or weather in general, so I've no idea what the problem was. He did gradually eat it, but anything that is not "normal" behaviour needs noting. This time last year, Loki had a pretty serious chest infection, here's hoping he's not going down with anything like that again as I don't honestly think he could survive it. Though he's OK, he's no better than that, to be honest he's quite frail. Anyway, he's seemed Ok since so let's hope it was a something and nothing. 

Loki looking well in 2023

Storm Zeus

This morning was quite fun really. We all got out, the wind was strong with the gust almost taking me off my feet, but it was dry and I was dressed for the weather. 

This afternoon the wind picked up further, it was forecast at up to 76 miles an hour here, and I think at times it probably was/is. Steve had already taken a tumble in the yard this morning, he blamed Orin for running past him too quickly, but I think the wind contributed to his fall. (Well it just can't be O's fault can it!😁) Loki fell in the hall trying to go backwards, but was up and out as soon as he could. After lunch everyone took their turn to go out for toilet breaks, and Steve decided he would deal with Zeus, but just stay in hall to wait for him to come back in, after all Zeus doesn't like wind and rain!

I was sat by the fire, laptop in hand. Orin was peaking out through the window, and Siska was quite chilled. I heard Steve voice in the distance and quickly put 2 and 2 together. Mr S hadn't check and the force of the wind had opened the gate and taken the full wheelie bin flying again ... Zeus was out! 

 Steve was already in his coat and said he'd get him in, but he could hardly stand in the yard let alone the field. Sammi and I went out, but failed to get him in, after some time I came storming in saying "he can just feck off for all I care." Leaving him out in 3 acres adjoining farm land is simply not sensible or possible. Steve went back out, bad idea, I couldn't risk that, even the rubber matting was flying about what chance did he have? I left Sammi in to keep her safe. After trying with his ball for a while, I opened the front door and gate and came into the house, he came in the garden but would not come into the house. I used Beti as a distraction and Steve had to circle round the cottage and close the gate. I then had to persuade Zeus to come in from the garden, it all took about 40 mins. We were wet, upset and battered. I said nothing to Zeus, what is the point? He's a fecking arsehole of a dog, I've never experienced anything like him, and I've owned 30 GSD's since 1991. I know I've said it before, but if he'd been my first, I'd have never had another .. rant over thank you for listening.

Training

From previous experiences I'm the first to moan about Open Reach, well not this time. 24 Hrs after we reported the fault (and the line lying in the field courtesy of storm Eowyn) they have been here and fixed it. As Victor would say, "I don't believe it" but thank you. They were here between 9 and 9.30am ... the house remained in silence, other than Orin wittering a little. Zeus was in the yard, but said nothing, he's an odd chap isn't he! 

Love this photo of Beti out this morning, not quite in a perfect stance, but enough to show me what I need to see. I'm a bit bothered about Sammi, she's looking lean, which is not normal for her. I'll increase her meals and see if she puts a bit back on, but why has she lost it in the first place? She seems fit, well and happy. Hmm ... brain going into overdrive!!!

Sharon and Ian came up this morning to try and get some photos of their boys. I took advantage of the situation and asked them if they could do a bit of training with Meerah for me ... they did and now I know what I have to deal with. I must admit I was unimpressed at her attitude and have no idea why she would be so mardy at being stood. Maybe I haven't done enough with her, I've done less than I have with the others, the only time she's been stood is for photos. I also think she needs other people standing her, it's pointless for me to do it, it needs to be people who will read the situation and be firm, but fair. I'm waiting to see if there are any photos or clips of videos, if there are I'll share them later.

The Storm

24/1/24 - Well, did the storm come? Wow did it hell eh? It hit us hard this time, harder than Darrah I think, or was it just a different wind direction? We were woken up sometime after 1am to a huge bang and the hammering of wind and rain against the bedroom window. Steve was convinced his car had been hit, but it wasn’t safe to out to check. We were both awake then for most of the night but I think I got more sleep than Steve. I got up around 7am, removed my shackles and was shocked to see that even though we’d put the full wheelie bin behind the gate, it was open with the bin on its side, thankfully the car was undamaged but that was some wind! Today we have no internet or landline; I guess I’ll be waiting for days to get back online now. With the wind decreasing I got all the dogs out, it was still pretty blustery out there but a circuit around both fields for everyone was better than nothing. I wasn’t in the mood for you know who messing about so he went out on his retractable lead, so just Meerah being a bit of a diva today then! 

Talking of Meerah, I’ve decided to stop giving her supper, well it’s less than 2 weeks till she’s 6 months and for the last week or so she’s been leaving breakfast, so she is obviously ready for two meals now. I must admit I’m surprised that she’s missing meals as she likes food, but as I’ve said before, being from a small litter, she doesn’t know what it’s like to be hungry.

Seren And Marley

It'll soon be time to see Seren - I can't wait

Marley and Meerah are so alike aren't they. 

Watching me cooking! 

Before Another Storm

Zeus and I making our way back as the heavens opened!

Meerah At Manchester

Ok, yeah, she looks fab. I'm very happy with what I see construction wise. I love her colour and coat, and her movement is coming together nicely. The negatives, there is still that tooth to come through, I'm convinced it's there, but I won't relax till it is ... and yeah of course her height. I did measure her on Sunday, she's 57cms now. I can't imagine she'll stay within the correct height for regionals, she only has 4 CMs to go, and she'll be over, (well 3 actually just the 1 CM of leeway is permissible!) She's now on a parr with Sammi I think ... well Kaiah was 57.5cms at 6 months, Beti was 56 and is now 59cms. Lets just see what she is at 6 months eh. A bit crazy that a CM or 2 can make such a difference, but as I've said before, it's the rules of the game we play!

Sammi Belle

Beti Videos

Manchester

A long day, but a super day at Manchester Ch. Show with Lynne Winfrow judging the breed. (It was 12.45pm when we got in the ring) It was great to catch up with friends, some I hadn't seen in too long. Beti - (Pinchmill Adira Of Blanik) held her own to 2nd in PGB at only 18 months old - well done Beti. Sammi (Blanik Ivana) stood alone in Veteran but at a very young 11 years old she looked great and enjoyed her day. Baby Meerah came for the day out and coped very well with it all. Orin's LSH daughters also went well, Lyra 4th in PGB and Mayzee won SBB and BSBIB. Well done to all the winners, especially Meerah's Daddy Lucca on RCC and our mate Kiaan on winning PGD. Thanks to Sarah for handling the girls for me. The day finished off with a get-together in Maccies on the way home. Thanks to everyone who shared the day with us, glad to be back, we've missed it so much.

It Could Have Gone Better

Last night's dog club didn't go to plan, the details are not important but having had to wait an hour in the van, Meerah was rushed in and was obviously unsettled. I have to confess in the circumstances I was stressed, so when she kicked off before we even got in through the door, I probably didn't handle it well. The barking continued in the hall, again maybe my stress going down the lead, but I did refuse to hand her over to someone else as I felt it was too much too soon. Meerah did eventually settle and moved happily around the room, though for love nor money I couldn't get her to stand still ... a minor detail considering everything! The long gap over Xmas really didn't help, but I'm hoping next time things will be calmer and more organised. 

The one comment I didn't need, obviously said with no malice, was, "Wow she's tall!"

From The Past Came The Future

Walking the fields today I was thinking about the future of Blanik. I've had several puppy enquiries, but there are no immediate plans for a litter. I know that Siska only reared 3 pups, but at the moment I don't envisage a second litter for her. Keeping numbers manageably sensible here is paramount, I never breed for the market, only when there is room at the inn! Of course, a lot depends on Beti and Meerah, Beti is a cracking female, and if her health tests are favourable she will probably be the dam of the "N" litter, but if they are not and Meerah's are, then the baton passes on to her. Of course, if neither have good health tests, then I'll have to back-track to Siska. In a years time, I should have a plan of action.

As I mentioned, I was considering my options whilst walking the fields, and I decided to get photos of the girls together for the blog .. Ross had other ideas, "me too," you have to laugh don't you! 

These girls both go back through the generations of Blanik to Nikki my foundation in 1993. The only difference of course is that Beti is Orin's daughter bringing in the "K" litter and missing the "J" litter and Meerah is Siska's daughter so bringing in the "J" and "L" litter and missing out the "K" litter. Sammi from the "I" litter was the dam of the "J" and "K" litter so obviously both lines go back through her to Nikki.

Nikki was a lovely girl, always with her kong in her mouth. Her father, International Champion Rosehurst Chris was a game changer for the breed. Ok maybe he would be considered a little extreme now, but without doubt he improved type in the breed. I hope you would agree by looking at these photos of Nikki, that I haven't moved that far from my roots in the breed, my goal was to improve without losing a moderate unexaggerated type of dog. 

Anyway I hope the future is in safe hands with Beti and Meerah, they are both lovely sweet girls. Chalk and cheese in many ways, but affectionate and confident. Beti is more of a live wire, whilst Meerah like her parents is pretty chilled. Onwards with hope of more success for Blanik ....

Blanik Ivana

Stunning Sammi looking fab for her 11 years 

This photo was taken 11 years today. 

Kong V Chuckit

Father Xmas bought two new orange Kongs for Ross. One was to go in the van, the other in the house, but in just a matter of weeks they are both falling apart. They really do normally last longer than this. Ross doesn't like black or red kongs, he likes the softer aqua ones and because he swims then he needs the aqua kong. I do wonder if the quality is not as good as it was? I expect to buy him one or two a year, but this is silly. I know from previous experiences that messaging kong won't get me anywhere, it's a retrieving toy, not a chewing toy. 

I'm going to try and convince Ross to use the chuckit balls again, he and Kaiah loved the original ones, but when we got the larger size for safety they were not amused! (Photo of Kaiah and Ross above.)

You want me to bring this???

Better than nothing, I guess!

Cat Treets

Steve says it was a set-up, really? I'd say Zeus was caught in the act myself! (Oh yeah, and he had two tubs of it, Jamie is not amused)

Blanik Meerah

Looking fab there baby girl, so glamorous. Some lovely comments on Facebook from people who matter! 

With her canines now pushing through, the slight misalignment in her mouth has corrected itself, so glad I was right about that. The tip of the p1 that was slow coming through is just there now, so that will be sorted in time for a show ... and as for the other side ... well I'm not sticking my head in the sand, I haven't looked since ... but I'm pretty sure I was right with what I saw!!! 

Wonderful Winter

In winter, I obsessively watch the weather forecasts and keep extras of basics in. Today amazon have failed to deliver and the coal man still hasn't made it up the hill. We have very little snow now, it's just the ice. We are not desperately short of anything, but I hate only having one bag of dog food in the shed. (Though the barrels are half full in the house.) Steve is getting ratty as he hates the snow and ice, but I love it as long as it doesn't clash with a dog show!

Carpal Tunnel

Siska and Meerah in the field today, a fresh covering of snow and thick ice made life fun for them but a little difficult for us. We got out to get to the doctors but the roads, even at that time, were pretty dodgy. Doctor google was right and I have carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands. I now need to sleep with them both in braces for 6 weeks, I can't imagine that will be fun! I have to go in for blood tests to check my thyroid levels, again and to check for rheumatoid arthritis. Coming home was fun, we'd made a conscious decision to go in the van as it's better in wintery conditions than the car ... but there was some skidding and sliding on the last hills home!