It Couldn't Have Been Both.

A memory from 2019 had me in tears again, I wonder if I'll ever be able to remember without crying. Kaiah was a pleasure and a privilege, the surprise I prayed for ... heaven sent, but heaven stole ... I can only hope that she somehow tried to help me in my grief by sending me Beti. Maybe I have to try and look at it this way, if Kaiah hadn't have left me, destroying me as she did, there would never have been a Beti at Blanik, and that would have been a travesty. 

On Home Ground

 

A nice walk with Beti and Ross on Moel Tryfan today. An odd day, the sun was warm, but the breeze quite cool. A field run for the other ... but no photos. 

Meerah And Food

 I've been thinking, (be nice) about Meerah's diet. Everyone here is on an "eat it or lose it" routine, but I do allow about 30 mins for them to complete the meals. Meerah leaves her breakfast every day and has done for months, her choice! She always eats her evening meal, (which of course is slightly bigger than it would be if she ate breakfast, but giving her double simply would not be safe, i.e - risk of torsion) and to be honest she's carrying just about enough weight, though I'd like a touch more on her. 

What bothers me is the hunger puke, most days at around 4 PM she vomits froth, we all know that is "empty belly syndrome," and nothing to worry about, but I don't like that it's happening either. I was thinking this morning, well maybe I could offer her the breakfast at lunchtime? But I don't think that is the answer, what if that affected her eating her evening meal? It's important that any change I make doesn't affect that. So, and I don't believe I'm saying this, I think I'll buy a box of pouches, or something, just so she has something to eat in the morning. Honestly, I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't for the hunger puke, but as I've said before, sometimes rules have to be bent or broken!

Dog Food Time.

 The dog food supply is getting low, very low. There are two new bags in the house and one Gold in the shed. The powers that be at Wynnstay will no longer allow me (and others) to order and pay for a bulk buy and collect it myself in lots of 10. I've looked back, and I started this batch of 50 bags at the beginning of December, so it's lasted 8 months for 7 dogs. (Well, with Loki here till February) I honestly can't bring 50 bags up in one go but wondered if they would consider doing the bulk discount on 25 bags? I think my van could do that!  

I was considering having that conversation with the lads in the shop, but Gilpa who make Doctor John had a stall at Leeds and we had a chat with them. The Rep at the stall could not give me prices but suggested it would be cheaper to buy it straight from them, and they deliver in quantities of 32 or 64 ... I don't think I'd get 64 into the shed, and I don't think I could carry it from the yard to the shed either, but 32, well that is doable. Anyway, he said that I should get a call by Thursday ... if not he suggested I e.mail them. I think I'll give them till tomorrow evening, yeah I'll e.mail if I haven't heard by then. I've checked the price that I was charge by Wynnstay for the last lot, so that was £850 - £15 for the bags of Gold and £20 for the Titanium, let's see what both parities can offer me now then. 

The Others

Beti and Ross

Zeus

Sammi and Meerah

The Blanik bus isn't well, hopefully something and nothing, but it's going into the garage tomorrow morning. Here's hoping it's not another huge bill!

Out With My Lovelies

On the bottom of Mynydd Cilgwyn

Siska having a good look around - Nantlle Lake which is at the foot of the "Ridge" down below.

Orin - a little further on route

On our way home - the house and caravan can just be seen on Moel Tryfan, about level with the middle of Siska's back.

Ars*hole

This afternoon, Meerah dug a hole in the garden and carried the wet soil and grass into the house. I was not amused, but what can I say? She is such a good girl, until she's left on her own, I swear I was only in the living room for 10 mins! Steve was really not amused, his garden is important to him, but much worse happens here than that doesn't it!

Our trust was building up with Zeus again, he'd had access to the garden most of Sunday and Monday afternoon. Yesterday evening, within about 10 of me checking on him, I went to get a drink. Sammi followed me into the kitchen, Oh god where was he? I went out, no sign of him, I looked in all the crates, he sometimes sleeps in Meerah's crate, no sign, I checked the bathroom and bedroom ... Nope! By now I was starting to feel sick with worry, I came into the living room and told Steve "Zeus is not there." I could feel myself getting into a hysterical state, my inside churning over as I went out into the fields with Sammi at my side ... Hmm the bastard sheep were in the field, but just munching and shitting, so, I thought, "he's not there."  Behind me, I heard rustling in the bushes, Oh thank feck for that, he was stuck between the two layers of fencing! Steve came out, and I took 5 minutes to calm myself down before trying to get him back. We have no idea how he got there, and we had to pull some fencing down to get him out. I can only think he's chasing cats through/over somewhere .. but where? At least now we know that the fencing we did at the gable end of the cottage has kept him on the property, and that is a huge deal. Getting him to come back of course wasn't easy, he had his twat head on and it seemed to take an age with no success. In the end I suggested Steve went out through the gate and that Sammi and I went back into the house ... this time it worked, he followed us in;  

I threw a treat into the kitchen, closing the door behind him. Out of fear for "what could have been again" I was seething with him and left him in the kitchen till I had cooled down, Steve of course was disappointed in him but as ever he's making excuses, he's always "Team Zeus!" 

I try my best, honestly I do. I want them all to have the best, but Zeus is spoiling it for everyone, but more so for himself. He's always loved that garden, and having free access from that side of the cottage into the garden is ideal for him .. but if we can't keep him safe then he'll have to go into that small pen. What else can we do? I know, without doubt that he would chase and probably kill sheep, and at the moment not even our fields are a sheep free zone. I've asked for help, but even when it's promised it doesn't happen. What the hell do we do next? 

Regional, Siska And Studs

Yesterday, Beti and I had a day out, We went with Ian and Kiaan to the 2nd day of the Two Day Regional Event. Kiaan did Ian proud, gaining SG2 in the adult male class. It was odd to be at a show but not be showing, but Kiaan and Lucca have always been part of our extended family so it was lovely to watch both in the ring. It was equally fab to see Jane, though we talk about twice a week, it's still great fun to be in her company.

The chat between Ian and I in the van was of course mostly about the dogs, the breed and future plans. It's good to brainstorm and listen to other people's ideas and suggestions. It's good to know what other people think would benefit Siska/the line. Of course we all see things differently, but just looking at Siska, what needs to be better? Well let's start from the top, ear set, hers are slightly wide. She tends to drop on the wither on the move, but her overline is clean and smooth, though her croup is a tad short. Her tail is a little long, as seems to be a breed characteristic these days. Her angles front and back are balanced, though she really doesn't need more angulation or second thigh, and her feet are not her fortune! 

As regards to size (height) and the ration of height to length, I have no worries with her. The breed should always be longer in body than the height at the wither, I've always said that if a male is slightly short in body length, then it's not really and issue for Siska as those that have come before her have also had good length of body. My reason for looking for a male who is nearer middle size than top size is simply because of Meerah, I must be aware that Meerah has come from somewhere so finding a male to compliment Siska in all her attributes without too much length of foreleg is paramount. 

The dog picture here is 2 times World Sieger (2009/2010)  Remo vom Fichtenschlag SchH3, he is said by many to be the dog who has been closest to the standard. I love his outline and moderate proportions, plenty of everything, but nothing overdone. 

Over the two days at shows I've seen two of the males on my list, and I saw three Reno progeny yesterday, having seen two others at Leeds on Friday. As this is a public page, to protect myself from shit stirrers I won't name the dogs. One greeted me with a happy wagging tail and a "Hello," whilst the other greeted me was a disinterested expression. Reading his body language, in my opinion he had a tense demeanour, including a raised stiff tail. He did nothing wrong, but he reminded me of Zeus during one of our conflicts, put it this way, he did not fill me with confidence in his character, and as beautiful as he was, I have to remove him from my list. 

I loved the three younger Reno siblings from Magic, my favourite was definitely the female I saw at Leeds. I liked the young Scottish male, but felt his head was not masculine enough (Yet), and the female was a large strong female, quite typical of her mother line I guess. 

Leeds

A very long day, but lots of fun. We set off for Leeds Ch at 4.45 am and arrived home at 8pm. Three hours to get there and five and a half to get home! (With a much needed thirty minute Maccies stop on the way home)  Lots of fun with our great bunch of friends from all over the UK. Thanks to Sarah for handling the team and to our judge Pat White. Orin was 2nd in Open, and thanks to Laura Smeaton for taking him in when he was called back into the challenge. Beti was 3rd in PG and Siska 2nd in limit. Orin's daughter Mayzee, belonging to Benita was 3rd in SB, she looks great. As ever thanks to Linda and Jackie for the company and support.... and the stewards were hilarious, well one word for them anyway! Lots more to say ... laters!!!!

Three In The Trees

Sharing The Dream

A conversation with a friend left me emotional last night. We were going through shows and planning for Friday. Her female is on two tickets, and I'm hoping she'll soon get her third, she deserves it, but still, "when will it be our turn?" is in my head. I've tried so hard to get it right, with every generation you hope for success, but when I had "the best" I didn't have the money to do the shows!  The constant thought in my head these days is, "if I'm going wrong, then please can someone show me where?"

One thing that sadness me is that Steve doesn't share my dream. It must be so wonderful for couples who live the dream together. He said last night, "can you wait till I'm dead to have another litter?" Er, no, I'm kind of hoping he'll be around a few years yet ... and I'd love so much to get at least one to the top during our time together, hell I know he doesn't care, but I do, and I know he feels the disappointment, if only when he sees it in me after an unsuccessful day.

I'm so sad about the way Meerah has turned out, I mean size and not anything else. Like her parents, she's such a sweet girl, a super character, very affectionate and a stunning colour. I think it's paramount that the future stud for her mother must be a strong male with less length of foreleg, and of course a super character. We all know a dog's character can be significantly affected by genetics. While environmental factors like socialisation and training play a crucial role, a dogs genetics heavily influence his temperament. As I've said with a certain someone here, nature or nurture? Well, most likely a bit of both. Some trainers are fantastic and can get the best out of any dogs, with proper socialisation and training, a dog with a genetically unpredictable temperament can still become a well-adjusted happy dog, but that well-trained dog can still be "genetically" an arsehole, can't they?  Then surely those genetic traits have a danger of being passed on into progeny? There is no doubt, genetics influence a dog's temperament, including their level of friendliness, fearfulness, aggression, and sociability. With the information given to me about one of the dogs on my list, his genetic temperament has to be considered ... Character/Temperament must always come first! 

I've just had the sad news that my Mum's brother, Tegid has died this afternoon. Life is too short, we must live it to the full. 

Geri Halliwell - Angels in Chains

In The Field

Zeus, Meerah and Sammi having some time out, but the highlight of it was that Steve managed one full circuit of the field. Ok, it took a while, but he was so chuffed with himself. 

Double Walks

Orin and Siska in Dinas 

Beti and Ross in Carmel

Sammi Last Night

A happy Sammi on her walk today, but I've no idea what upset her last night. 

As usual, it was lights out around 11.15pm and I think we had both drifted off when I heard the rattling of a crate. I got up and went straight to let Meerah out, my only reason being that she was the only one in that room on her feet. She was soon back in and in her bed. I decided to look in at Sammi and I was glad that I did, it was obvious then that she'd been the one rattling the crate, not just rattling it she'd bent the front of it ... again! I let her out for 5 mins, then put her back to bed. Within minutes, the crate was being rattled again, I was about to get up when Steve said he'd get up. He was in a lot of pain and thought moving would help. He made himself a cuppa and took Sammi into the living room. At one point he let her out as I heard her barking, so between that, Zeus' panting and a low flying helicopter I didn't go back to sleep. About an hour later, Steve put Sammi to bed and came back to bed himself. By now it was closer to 2am than anything else. I think we slept well until about 7am when Orin started to whinge, I ignored him initially but as it continued I got up and let him out. He did a circuit of the yard, opened the door and came back in. I put him back to bed and went back to mine, but he was not for settling and we eventually got up!

As I've said, Sammi looks well, she seems to have no mobility issues, but her hearing is now compromised. She stood looking for me at the front gate the other day when I was behind her at the door. I softly called her twice, nothing, but a loud "Sammi" had her running happily towards me. We've noticed her unrest during storms this year, and she's really taken against Beti and Siska. On walks she's also been barking at people with dogs, but Meerah is barking too, I'm not sure who is influencing who as Sammi never used to do it.  Meerah is quite loud, but she's happy and funny, a shame really as she puts people off with her noise. 

Back to last night, I wonder if there was thunder in the distance, something she heard and we didn't? There has been thunder this afternoon, but she wasn't on her own, so maybe it didn't worry her? With her hearing compromised, maybe things are confusing for her? I don't know, but the front of her cage is now well and truly bent!

Lovely Morning Walk

Blocking The Gaps

Zeus and Sammi in the garden, with Archie and Choo on the table behind them. We are giving Zeus short periods of time in the garden, but if we want to relax we close the baby gate. 

Between the two of us, we managed to wedge a pallet in the gap between the wall and the gable end. (behind the compost bin) Following the end of the wall from the front of the cottage to the back, I've put the panels of puppy pen along the chain-link fencing. Logically, Zeus shouldn't be able to get out ... 2 lots of fencing and a pallet! Here's hoping!

Lon Eifion

Not my favourite part of Lon Eifion, we walked from Pantglas towards Bryncir, though it was quieter than the stretch around Dinas! We only saw one dog walker. Guess what? No lead! 

On then to Mum's, did her shopping and put up with the sarcasm, I'm glad Linda was with me to keep the conversation light. I do appreciate that the pain is making her sharper and less tolerant, but there's only so much other people can put up with isn't there! 

More Boys

I'm still looking at boys for the lady. Instead of cutting down the possibilities as I should be, I'm increasing them, with two more joining the list for further consideration. 

Darius is an import from Canada, a lovely lad who I first saw as a puppy at the Sieger of 24, he took my eye. I then saw him at a regional at the end of the year, I remember commenting that he'd be one to watch. Sadly I haven't seen him since, but I've seen videos and photos, and he looks great. To my eye his proportions are on the limit of length to height ratio, but I've never had shortness in this line and Siska herself has the length to accommodate him. Darius has not yet been proven and that would be a major factor for me to consider as I'd needed to travel over 170 miles (one way) to use him. 

Reno is a French import, a Champion male who is one of the top winning males in the country. I'm not sure how many CC's he has, but he's been the Best Male at Crufts 2 years in a row. He now has a lot of very promising progeny starting to hit the show ring and though I had my reason for not considering him sooner, I honestly am rethinking my decisions, what I think could suit Siska has now changed. Reno is 63CMS, so actually bang on the correct size for a male, though my preference would be for a male with slightly more length of foreleg, what suits Siska could be different to my preference. Louis was just under 62CMS and Nico 63.5CMS, Zeus is about that height too. Considering Meerah, maybe a dog with shorter length of foreleg could be the best call for Siska? But as we've said before we throw the best ingredients we can into the pot and hope it works. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. Genetics likes to throw a curveball into the mix to keep us guessing. 

I've watched Reno grow from a young dog in the show ring and bloom into a top quality adult, he's not perfect, find me a dog that is? But one thing that I would say about him, his character is faultless, which of course is a huge consideration as most of our litters become pets. The prices of the stud dogs I'm considering vary from £500 to £850, to be honest that is not a game changer, but sadly distance may have to be. As I've said Darius is over 170 Miles away and Benzes is in Suffolk (300+ miles). Wally is the closest near Liverpool, and Reno is a very do-able 145 miles. I wonder what thoughts I'll have about it all by next week? LOL

The male photos are of Louis and Nico, and of course it's Siska at the top. 

Afternoon Tea

Following field walks this morning, Beti and Ross had a lovely afternoon out. First a short walk with a paddle in the stream, and then birthday cake and playtime at Carrie's. They enjoyed themselves so much, as did we all.  

Unfortunately, it was my turn to have a fall, my eyesight letting me down again! (I miss judge things) So now the aches and pains that I had before are much worse, ah well as I said about Steve - Nothing broken!

A Lovely Walk

A nice, mostly relaxing walk on the Lon Goed in Chwilog. I think this must be the busiest stretch we've walked of this track. We pasted three dog walkers with 4 dogs and I swear not a lead between them. The first lady had a collie, we moved ours into the bushes for her to get passed, and yeah the girls were barking which was naughty, but she couldn't get the collie passed and had to turn round ... now if she had a lead ..... she asked if we wouldn't mind giving her some time to walk a distance ahead as the dog would be spooked with us behind, in my head I asked again, "where is your lead??" The second lady had no dog and exchanged pleasantries as she walked past. The third lady was running with 2 collies. Again, on leads we moved ours to the side, she had to half carry hers past on their harnesses ... the next walker, a man with a black Lab had full control of his dog and simply walked past .. but again no lead. As well-behaved as it was, "the what if " always comes to mind!

Linda says I have to say that Zeus was very well-behaved, not a word from him. I agree, Meerah was "loud" as is her nature and Sammi, she's always an angel! LOL 👼🙈🙉🙊