Manchester Champ show

Nico in the ring yesterday

I spend the week wondering whether we'd get to Manchester Ch or not. The forecast here had been 95% risk of snow from about 3am through to this morning. But on Friday the risk was reduced drastically and I filled up the van with diesel, printed my passes and got my food cooked for the GSD exhibitors food table.
At 6am yesterday morning with no sign of snow or Ice I was off and arrived at the frozen venue in Stafford before 8.30am. (Yes Manchester Ch show is in Stafford!!!) The cold air hit us hard as we got out of the van, still it was bright and crisp outside and warm inside!
I was very surprised that Nico's breeder was at the show, it was the first time she had seen him since I picked him up from her in September 2012. When she did come and speak to him she was very complementary and said he had matured into a super adult. Did he recognise her? Hell I'm not sure, I can't see he greeter her with more exuberance than anyone else. I guess he was more pleased to see Debbie, Gail and Linda. To be honest I think he was more interested in bitches than people anyway!

Sammi looking great

Both Nico and Sammi gave their best in the ring, but neither were to the judges preference. Sammi for the first time in her show career went unplaced in a class of 15 and Nico was 4th out of 4. Like most people there I found the whole day's judging very strange and hard to follow, especially the larger bitch classes. Still another day another dog show and I guess it does us all good to loose sometimes, it definitely keeps us from getting complacent, it keeps us grounded!

More Sad News

RIP Dear Klaus

 21/7/03 - 13/1/15
Roaming Rover Of Blanik x Blanik Deeanna 

Today I received a card from Malcolm and Diane to inform me that they has lost Klaus on the 13th of January. I just can't believe it, two gone from the same litter within two days. I don't have many photos of Klaus as his owners do not have internet access, but I do have this one taken at Xmas a few years ago. 

Diane is devastated and tells me that Klaus was her best friend, her shadow. My heart goes out to them as a family. I know 11 and a half is a good age for a GSD but it's little comfort when you've lost your best friend.

Max and Klaus came into the world together ..

I hope they are now reacquainted at the bridge 

Run free together my "Blanik E" boys.

Louis and Nat are there waiting to show you the way. 

You Have Been Loved 

Sad News

RIP Dear Max

 21/7/03 - 15/1/15

Roaming Rover Of Blanik x Blanik Deeanna (Jay x Krizzie)

Given Sleep To Prevent Any Suffering

Our "Celyn Pen Melyn" stood out in the litter. 7 puppies were black and a deep red tan with strong black masks, and then there was Celyn ... he looked like he's sneaked in from another litter. He was a handsome blondie boy with little mask, and what a cracking character. Show dogs and long coats aside he was the first picked and reserved, I remember so clearly Rowena's words ... "I don't really want one with a dark head!" I knew then which puppy she'd pick! 

Max has had a fantastic life with wonderful people, I could never have asked for more. Thinking about you all today .... Sleep tight Max, sleep tight our baby Celyn Pen Melyn! 

Back In The Park

A Lovely Place For Young And Old 

Click to enlarge 

No Ball Games!!!

Sammi puts an end to the little ball game! Ah well! 

Yesterday it was the little ball game

Today .....  OMG

Look at these 

Louis and Loki asleep! 

Feels like someone is messing with my head! 

12 Months To The Day

 Baby Belle to Sammi Belle

She just get's more beautiful and more loving.

Honestly sometimes I look at her and she takes my breath away.

She's just so, so pretty and 

She's simply adorable

A Four Post Day

But how could I not put this on? 

Loki's Brothers

Mr Green, Mr Red and Mr Brown

Or as they are now known Yogi, Will and Duke

all at the same dog training class in Llandudno Junction. 

I couldn't leave him out could I?

Had To Share

I just couldn't believe the game that Loki was playing tonight, I could have turned the clock back and been watching Louis. I must admit it was pretty heart wrenching but also comforting. Loki is not related to Louis in anyway ... but the little ball game lives on! He even pushed it with his nose towards me like Louis did ... 

Blanik Idriz

Beautiful Caleb 

Conbhairean Danko Of Blanik x Blanik Hippy

Got His Seat!

We had a lovely evening at the ring craft class in Porthmadog last night. Loki had a great time with Noya, Charley and Caio. I equally enjoyed the company of their owners Tish, Madeleine,Wendy and our instructor Arwyn. Thanks to Wendy for this photo of Loki making sure he got a seat!!!! lol
Loki stood and went well and it was great to hear the positive comments. Funny how people in other breeds notice his feet. I'll be honest he has the best feet of any any GSD I've ever had, though Sammi and Ziva have good feet, his are excellent.
Apparently his movement is still very eye catching, he certainly was a very good mover, but in my eye he's gone off at the moment. No I'm not slagging him off, merely making an observation on this stage of his growth! I know he'll change many more times and hopefully he'll come together again by the time he's old enough for the show ring!
Loki coped well with the young and exuberant Great Dane Charley, bless her she really did her best to make friends, but I guess Noya the Malinois is still his best mate.
Hopefully we can make it down to our local club on Thursday ... and maybe go back to this club next Monday. With the coughing and then Xmas he has missed out a little but from what I can see there will be no stopping him now!