Walking And Stressing

My dogs are keeping me sane, but life right now is so stressful. My Mum has had another morphine overdose, simply because the patches have been increased to 1 x 20ies, when they were previously 2 x 10es  - so basically she put on two 20ies and ended up as high as a kite. But the current doctor is now reducing all her pain relief because "the guidelines for prescribing gabapentin and strong opioids like morphine patches for chronic non-cancer pain have shifted significantly. Recent evidence suggests there is often limited benefit for long-term pain while the risks of side effects, dependence, and overdose, especially when combined, are quite high. Most guidelines now emphasize multimodal approaches, including physical therapy, psychological support, and non-opioid medications, reserving these stronger drugs for specific cases under careful specialist monitoring." She has been told the way forward is physio, physio and more physio ... but bare in mind that so far she's done nothing, I don't consider there will be much success.

A Social worker should have turned up at 11am today - she didn't. Long stressful story short, she rang at 2pm and apologised because she "Forgot!" Forgot? Fecking hell, it would have come over better had she lied and said she'd been delayed or called to a meeting! All very odd in my opinion. 

My walk are generally really good for de-stressing and clearing my head, but after the calls and messages today, I came home with a banging headache and burst into tears as soon as I saw Steve. I'm trying my best, but I just can't be pulled into two halves! 

I watched Orin on the walk today; God, he's handsome. I know his faults, and as always, I'm happy with constructive criticism of Orin, the show dog, but my mate Orin fills my eyes with his beauty and my heart with love. 

Where we shouldn't be, but we didn't care!

Making Meerah stand in a hole, as without her coat her legs look even longer and I'm careful which photos I share of her on Facebook. After Shonagh's comments recently, I try not to put pics on that show off her supermodel legs too much! LOL. 

Thinking Ahead

With a few days of hot weather forecast for next week, I'm trying to think of places we can go for short walks. A woodland, preferably with a stream, would be best for them and me. 

This short section of the Lon Goed would be great, a sheltered place to park and leave two dogs, a canopy of trees to a stream and back again would be lovely.

Gyrn Coch - again for the same reasons, ideal.

Dorothea, no river or stream, and no "cool place" to park but a lovely canopy of thick woodland. 

Coed Elernion in Trefor, not a great parking place, so just two or three dogs on one walk, but woodland and a lovely stream to play in. 

Of course there is the nursery in Tremadog, but I don't think I'd take them that far in the heat. 

The Same Walk

I rarely do exactly the same walk three times, but with cattle on the alternate route, that's what I did today. I parked at the bottom of the donkey field, walked the footpath to the top, zigzagged on the common and then went back down the track behind the slate mound, finishing with a short road walk back to the van. Happy dogs, with a satisfaction for me that everyone had 45 - 50 mins out.

My lovelies – Orin and Siska

The loonies Ross and Beti 

We never did find a suitable word for this group of three. 

Sammi, Zeus and Meerah

Meerah starting to look pretty rough as her coat is falling out, and I'm sure she's brewing for her season as the boys are definitely starting to pick up on something, and I can't think it's Siska! 

Handling

I'm feeling a little let down, but really I shouldn't be surprised, I'm quite the nobody and have never had the strength of character to push myself forward. With Sarah prefering to take another female in limit than Beti I had to make other plans and I really thought I had it sorted! I'd gone though a list of shows and I honestly thought it was all agreed, but last night I was told that the handler I'd lined up for her could only take her in at Bath, that left me with numerous shows entered, and no handler. Again, this handler has preferd to take in another female at these shows ....  it's left me confused and emoional. Is it me or Beti or both of us that's not good enough for them? I'd love to say feck it, but I can't do it without them! 

Plans Changed

The plans in my head for the day had to change again. I was meeting Nicola in Treborth for tea and cake, but she got there early due to the phone shop being closed in Bangor. Lucky really, I had hoped to walk in Parc Menai, but this morning Steve decided he was coming with me, he wanted to go to Stermart. Great! LOL Oh hell, I didn't mind, as it's nice to do things together, but I missed out on my walks. Anyway, we had lunch out and the guys had fun in the fields! 

Shame - Now it's in my head!

 Just great lyrics - During the feud I was always team Robbie, but I have to admit, I love them both. 

Friends

Last night a friend had me in tears, before you go knocking on her door and smashing her face in, 😆let me tell you about it. We were chatting about last weekend, and why I was almost a no - show at the National. She said "On no, I would have really missed you had you not turned up, and since we are being soppy," she said " I want to thank you for your friendship and for always having my back." WOW, I  could feel myself getting emotional, but she continued, " you are such a great friend, a nice, kind person and you never judge me for all my faults and regular mistakes. " Well hell, that is how it should be between friends, isn't it? I feel blessed to have her, and many others in my life too ... sometimes I've no idea how I'd function without being able to rant to my mates. 

Recently there has been unrest between two of my friends, and though they are both still getting on at the shows, the tension is sadly obvious. I've heard both sides of the story, and they speak as they found it and as it affected them. According to Robbie and Gary there are always three versions of a story, "Yours and mine and then the truth." The truth is somewhere in between both versions, but no one is lying; they are simply relaying it as they experienced it. Anyway I've listened to both, and all I can say to them is to keep themselves safe from further hurt by building that barrier just a little bit higher. It's not worth losing the friends, but self preservation is paramount. 

Disclaimer (LOL) The recent photos taken at shows may have nothing to do with the post! 

Minffordd Mooches

Having been to Mum's for 9.30am and made sure she was Ok, I set off for a walk with Beti and Meerah. It's surprising how much time you can spend walking in an industrial estate. I suppose they enjoyed it far more than me, but there were some pretty little places; apart from the lake, there were meadows of wildflowers. 

No, Beti, you are not going in. Thank God Ross was at home!

I did see other dog walkers, but not many. One man, who I had a quick chat with was walking one of the oddest GSD's I've ever seen. The tan was so pale it was almost black and white. Bless him, he was no show dog, but as long as he was loved and happy, who cares! I also saw a man with a collie, but he turned tail and went the other way, LOL. Just as I was leaving, I saw another man with a L/C GSD. Another slightly odd-looking dog, the first had been tall and narrow, this guy was smaller and squat with a head that reminded me more of a Eurasier than a GSD. (Google it) 

Finally A Morning Of Walking

Siska and Orin

My main man didn't eat breakfast this morning. I'm not sure why, it's not like him, but he seemed fine in himself. He did bring up some yellow bile on the walk, but otherwise he's been Ok and eaten tonight. 

I fecked up last night and forgot to close Orin's crate; he was sleeping in it and I just got on with things. Around 9.30pm, there was the most aggressive two-way barking and growling. Thank god for the baby gate between the living room and middle room, otherwise we would have had a horrific brother fight! Like I say, more often than not, human error is what lets us down. 

Ross and Beti

These two are so much fun, but I forgot the kong so someone was pulling up roots and sticks. I've been gloating a lot recently that I'm really good with two retractable leads now. Well, thank god no one was watching me today as Beti and I got tangled in the gorse too many times to count, but the low point (if you like) was when the bit she got tangled in came out of the ground and came with her; it was hard enough to untangle as it was ... but Ross "helping" made it bloody impossible! 

Sammi, Zeus, Meerah 

I took these three onto the mountain; the girls ran riot, with Sammi again forgetting her age! I do feel so sorry for Zeus when the others are running, but what can I do? 

Before The Hail.

It's near as damn it midway through May, almost the end of spring. The sky looks like November, and then we got battered by hail! I know I don't like the heat, but a little bit of warmth and bright weather at this time of year is quite acceptable! 

Beti's season has been over for days. Without doubt I missed the first few days, that's not like me, but I am keeping an eye on Siska and Meerah! It's now over 6 months since Siska's last season. Reno goes to France on the 7th of June, so I'm more or less resigned to the fact that there will not be a Blanik litter this Summer. If I hadn't paid the stud fee, I may have looked elsewhere, but really Reno is still my first choice for Siska, so unless she hangs on till July to come into season, then we'll just have to wait till next year! 

Oswestry Critiques

The Weekend And Today

I've made a conscious decision not to look at the memories page today; to be honest, it wasn't too hard, as I had another morning call out to Tremadog! Of course I've thought of Kaiah, it's impossible to forget when there is so much to remember. 

Having done what needed doing at Mum's I went for a 30 min walk, to get back in time to play tea lady and waitress to her guests! 

Yesterday wasn't the best of starts to the day, Owen cancelled, and I had to face a drive on my own to Junct 10 of the M6. I felt so lost and lonely and considered turning back numerous times before hitting the A55, but once on it, I told myself it was too late to change my mind. Drives to shows are usually fun, part of the excitement of the day, but yesterday I was initially stressed and tearful. The situation with Mum, Steve and the anniversary were on my mind, but I'd also had two nights of nightmares which included the green-eyed monster laughing at me and at Beti. I told Steve and he asked, 'Well, why are you dreaming about her?' Hell, I wish I knew, as I've said before, it's not choice she just breaks into my dreams! Anyway, as I said, I hit the A55, put Ed on and focus on "My Peoples," my dogs and my happy place. 

I saw the catalouge and knew Orin would not win, sometimes the reputation of a dog precedes it, and there's no getting past it. But if I were asked, 'Which one would you like to take home?' well, my answer would honestly be, my own ... enough said! Beti is not quite in coat, but I was happy with her in the class, though I have a feeling Sarah was pissed with me at the end of the class. Ah well! 

On the drive home I was in a better headspace, and with loud music and sunshine, I seemed to be home in good time. When I got home, I immediately noticed that Steve was struggling, and then came the story. Zeus had gone between his legs, and Steve had gone over. Zeus had then gone over to see what Steve was doing on the floor and headbutted him, in the process of all of this, his stick had got caught in the lead and ended up on the other side of the garden, making it initially impossible for him to get up. Ok other than stiffness and more aches than normal, no harm done! 

I know that when people bring home a dog, they don't ever think of rehoming it, but I wish they would consider the safety of the exercises they teach them. Why do so many people teach these dogs to weave through their legs? Such a stupid thing to teach a dog to do! 

A Second Day At The National

Orin and Beti both managed a second in their classes at The National. I'm hoping Beti will only get better now, and Orin, well he's never let me down has he! 

Mattie At 7 weeks

Looking fed up already Mattie? Two weeks to go! 

Sammi and Zeus

A walk in Dinas this morning, and fuel in the van at Dolydd. I filled up the van, OMG, I almost passed out! The walk was far more pleasant, thankfully, though the footpath beyond the bridge is closed up with nettles again. So disappointing. Anyway we went somewhere we probably shouldn't have been, ready with my dumb, lost blonde routine should I get caught out! 

Thoughts in Tremadog

 

Having been with Mum for an hour or so this morning, I walked the girls whilst her washing was in the machine and got back to put it on the line. Honestly, my heart breaks for her, she currently sees no point to life, the pain is so overwhelming for her. 

I enjoyed my walk. I used to walk the track in the bottom photo to School, to the primary school we turned right from the estate, and to the comprehensive, we turned left. We always walked to school ... and back again! I guess we didn't realise how easy life was then, but today, apart from family concerns, I can't help but worry about the future in the hands of Reform. All I can say is if you voted for them, I hope you have health insurance, as Farage has already said if he makes it to No. 10, then he'll scrap the  NHS, scrap the minimum wage, scrap workers' rights and the human rights bill. Yeah, it put the fear of god into me. 

Anyway, this is no place for politics; the girls loved the long grass on the walk, and, to be honest, so did I. The smells were wonderful, the colours of spring fresh and rewarding and the bird song soothing. I walked as far as the railway crossing, but after the last fiasco of getting them over the stiles, I decided to go back the way I came. 

Everyone Out

Orin and Siska 

Zeus and Sammi 

Sammi happy as Larry as off the lead for the whole walk.

Meerah, Ross, Beti

Puppies And Their Parents

Countless numbers of people have asked me if I'm hoping for a male or female pup from Mattie and Orin. I honestly don't mind, I have room in my home and heart for either, but there will be some things to consider at the time.

We often say about stud dogs, 'Oh, he produces better males than females,' or vice versa, of course! I have only ever really seen adult female puppies by Orin, so I can't really judge the quality of his male progeny. As we've said before, it takes two to tango, but it is interesting that some stud dogs do seem to produce more quality offspring of one sex. 

Coincidentally we had this conversation about Reno recently; his female progeny seem to be exceptional, yet I've not yet seen  males in the ring by him. Thankfully my hope is for a Reno x Siska daughter, someone to continue the Blanik line through the "L" and "J" litters as well as the bitch line going back from Sammi. We've heard so many times, "The strength of the sire is the power of the dam." The statement suggests that if you want to know how powerful a stud dog will be as a producer, don't just look at him—look at his mother. In breeding circles, it is believed that a prepotent stud (one who consistently stamps his look and quality on his puppies) usually comes from a very strong, high-quality mother.

"Why the "Sire's Mother" is the Key: 

The Genetic "Anchor": A stud dog might look incredible himself, but if his mother was poor quality, he is more likely to pass on "hidden" faults from her line. 

Consistency: If the stud's mother was a "powerhouse" (physically correct, healthy, and a great mover), the stud is "backed" by her strength. He is more likely to pass on his own good traits because they are deeply rooted in the strong female line behind him. 

The X Chromosome: Since a male dog (XY) gets his only X chromosome from his mother, a large portion of the "blueprint" for his daughters and his overall quality is dictated by her."

When considering a stud dog, one thing I look at is the progeny already on the ground, so to speak. In my opinion Reno is without doubt a "bitch-maker," I can only hope that coupled with my bitch line we'd get something special, but the reason I am hoping for an Orin x Mattie pup is that I really don't want to put all my eggs in one basket! 

Reno, and Orin to a degree, have proved themselves as sires, not just show dogs, there is a huge difference. It's not always the top winners that are the best "sires," as we know, and not all the top winning females produce the best litters. Often the siblings of the top winners produce better offspring. 

I love the headshot that I took of Reno at WELKS, (Above) such a beautifully correct head and melting expression. 

Thinking About Kaiah

 

This year's days turn into weeks too quickly, and as we storm into May, I dread next Monday with all of my heart. I can't help but think back to 2023, and as I walked today I saw her everywhere I went. Hiding behind the van, walking by the lake, and even lazing on the sofa, the smiles turned to tears. 

As I walked, I was deep in my thoughts. I remember that scan so well – two puppies, but was that a third? No, we couldn't find it again, I really know that was her, knowing who she became, it had to be. The two boys were born, and not long after my surprise package arrived and life was complete. 

Kaiah - Heaven sent - but heaven stole. 

Day 9 For Beti

I must have missed at least a couple of days at the beginning of this season. Orin left breakfast yesterday but ate most of it today, Zeus left today's breakfast. I appreciate she could just ovulate early, but with the amount of blood there was on the Monday, well, 2 and 2 together, and she must be further on than day 9. Even two days make a huge different. She is also already standing and has been for a couple of days!

I'm really hoping Beti doesn't bring Siska in now, this would be really early for Siska, it's only just 6 months since her last season and she usually goes about 8 months. I really would prefer her to hang fire, with Reno away next month and hopefully a Mattie pup on its way here, yeah July would be better please Siska.