Sunday, November 23, 2008

A big piece of humble pie

And no it didn't taste as good as the pumpkin pie or the straw...wait that was cherry pie or or or. Let's just say that Moose is well Moose and made a few changes to the Novice B patterns this weekend.

FIrst, yes he NQ'd both days. But I will say, not with out entertaining the crowd and not with out a few great moments either.

Second, he's a flirt. Third, I think he learned his lesson and eating a 1/2 bag of training treats on Friday was not a good idea. Clear a room he can.

So Friday I get to Rus and Sherilyn's- time to squeeze puppies then off to eat our way through Sam's. Home for some tasty tacos, little bit of last minute work with Moose and a good night's sleep before the big day. Now we have early ring times and wouldn't you know it, someone is first to go in the class. RRRRR-but it's best to get it over and done with first rather then wait to see how awesome the competition is.

Good on leash heel with one no sit. Average figure 8-he was doing a little lagging and some sniffing. Again, attribute that to an upset tummy. Stand for exam--perfect score with that every time. Now comes the oh no moment-off leash heeling. Good start, good turn, slow-good, normal-okay, about turn, where in the heck is my dog???????? Yeap, as a show dog should, he stayed on the inside of the ring-duh mom?! Halt, and yes he sat. Forward-oh well, right turn, fast, well he kept up!!! Normal, about turn and wouldn't you know it-he's right where he should be. And halt--ended on a good note with the judge commenting-you know, when they do that, it means that they are smarter then the handler. Great, just what I wanted to hear.

Now to the recall. Worried about this as he's had some red head moments and thought twice about coming during training this week. On a good note, he anticipated it, took three strides before I called him and then went-Oh oh, and stopped. Waited for the call, came, sat, finish. All you can do is take a big ol' bite of humble pie, and enjoy it. He did his typical Moose down and flirted with the poodle next door, but didn't move. Good Moose.

So by now I'm thinking I'm a horrible handler, trainer and what not--needless to say, we weren't the only one with issues, so I felt slightly better. Head back to Rus and Sherilyn's and more puppy squeezing.

For the rest of the day we shopped, went back and watched Angelic do some rally and then temperment tested the pups. Had a great dinner with Angelic, her hubby, Rus, Sherilyn and Bekka. Sherilyn makes a mean lasagana-heehee and to end it with a strawberry/ rhub.... make that a mislabeled cherry pie and it was just too much fun. That's exactly the way it's supposed to be.

Up again today and I left room for more humble pie during breakfast. Once again, I had my fill. Better on leash heel, better figure 8, perfect stand, then the dreaded off leash. This time when it came time to sit, we had to scratch our collar and stop to smell the gate post. And yes, once again, he made his own pattern, but this time he wandered way away, then decided that maybe the stewards would pet him. Thought better of his visiting idea and decided to stop and watch me do the rest of the pattern. Judge said if he had come back at least part way to heel, it would have passed. I will say though, that the recall was perfect!!!

But it gets better. Next dog in, a boxer named Winston. Good all the way around until the off leash. Yeap, stopped and scratched his collar about the same place Moose did, but his handler was priceless. Realising that her dog is not at heel, turns says "oh shit" then a loud "Winston Heel". Had to say it one more time later on but we were all rolling. Everyone was giggling, his handler didn't realize what she said first and when we all commented on that, just laughed her head off. Lots of other dogs were the same way today--horrible off leash heeling, even those that qualified yesterday, nq'd today. Glad it just wasn't us!

Small steps are all I could have hoped for today and an ace on recall-I'll take it. But litte does Moose know that he too will be eating humble pie as he has just enrolled in private lessons with Kay to learn more about the fine art of offleash heeling.

Time to unpack--few Christmas presents to hide, dog food and other doggie items to put away then it's play time with the Ms.

Hugs to all and everyonce in awhile a good piece of humble pie is just what we all need.

Later gators....
C

Friday, November 21, 2008

Innocent-NOT

One more post before I load all my crap to go to Des Moines for the weekend. I swear, it's only one dog and me for an obedience trial. Where did all the stuff in that pile come from? Puppy testing stuff, shots, wormer, chair, crate, clothes, books, and other assorted stuff. I think that's the fun part and worse, taking a vehicle that is not my usual show ride.

On a good note-get to go squeeze puppies this weekend and teach Rus and Sherilyn how to temperament test. New pictures to take of the kids. And going to swing through town on the way out to look at a new show truck!! Cross your fingers and it's what I want. Good ol'Dad ;0)

To leave everyone on this cold weekend, I thought I would post a photo of the innocent three stooges here.Left front is Frank, right front is Arlo(formerly known as Trouble) and their commander Moose in back. Arlo is now living in WI and charming a whole new generation of cardigan owners. Good boy!! I think the potato chip syndrome is spreading. Frank is well, Frank. Honestly, he's turning into the spitting image of his Uncle Moose. He's prettier(don't let Moose here that) but when ever you turn around, he's there. Willing, compliant and a cuddler. I for see our next VCX cardigan in that boy. He's got so much promise that I get shivers. You don't know what you got yourself into boy.


Now wish me luck at the obedience trial, I'm anticipating Moose being in one of his showoff goofy moods and well, not really seeing a green ribbon or two coming home with us.


Hugs and keep warm!!


Later gators,
C

family

Don't you just love holidays? When I was a kid we went to a different Aunt's house for each. With two brother's, my dad's side of the family would draw straws. Aunt Marilyn's for Thanksgiving, our house for Christmas Day, Aunt Nina's for Easter. Sometimes Easter and the 4th of July would be at Grandma's-all depended.

I think I loved going to Grandma's the best-the view was perfect, how many people can you cram into a little trailer and if you got bored or hot, you could escape to the barn.

When David and I got married, we added in his parents. Boy do I know how my mother felt. After a while when the Munier events stopped happening-all the cousins, nieces, nephews and such just could not coordinate schedules, we opted to hang out at home.

I never thought I would enjoy the holiday without the chaos, but I do. So for most holidays, we camp at home. Christmas Eve is reserved for my parents at their house--where Dad is still attempting to master frying a turkey(8 years now). Thanksgiving is for staying home but seems we are the place to be now and we get visitors all day long. I enjoy not having to get dressed right away, dogs laying in the kitchen waiting for the turkey or other assorted treats. Then being lazy-watching the National Dog Show, or putting in a new video. No football here and even though we know the outcome of the dog show, we still cheer for our favorite cardigan, pemmie or griff.

So here's to family, big, small, scattered or mental. This time of year reminds us of who we are, where we came from and above all, thanking God for keeping out feet planted on Mother Earth for one more year.


Later gators...
C

Friday Foto for Skywatch


Once again, all I have to do is step out the back door. I don't think I would trade living here for anything. Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!



http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/

Later gators....

C

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

My Goofballs

As you might remember, we attended a Halloween Trail event at the local Camp Fire camp. I remember camping there once with my mom and then across the river is the YMCA camp where we always held our 4-H horse camps.

Now on the same note, you'll see how it ties in in a minute, David loves his little disposable cameras. He has one in the truck, one in the barn, one in his coat pocket. So here's what my goofballs did at camp. It was kind of that tourist trap/photo op moment in time.....





Later gators...
C

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Friday Foto for Skywatch

Not really a sky photo but love how the sun is reflecting off the creek. This was this last spring as we went down to check on the melting in the lower pasture. The creek is twice as wide and deep as normal in this shot. The goof balls were saluting the large iceberg as it went down the creek.

www.skyley.blogspot.com


Later gators....
C

Moose at his best-when is he not?

Today was a first for Moose. Though he's been doing lots and lots of K9Ambassador work, plus working with the therapy dog group and visiting nursing homes and day cares, today he was all on his own. And in his element I might add.



I worked on his vest over the week and got all the patches on. Papers filled the pockets and his ID card was attached to it's clip. Toenails done, quick bath and attempt to get rid of the loose hairs(that's a never ending issue). I pulled out the leash bag, threw some treats in. By now the boy is literally bouncing instead of walking. Tripping me up as I put his vest in the bag, grab the leash and he beats me to the door. Race to the truck, bounce, bounce, bounce-you know he should have been named Tigger not Moose.

As we drive over to the school, he sits eagerly watching out the window. Most times he curls up on the seat or in his crate, but not today, he can feel it's different. We pull into our spot, grab the bag, slip on his vest and away we go. I swear he drug me to the door!

Today we visited with Ms Chelsie and her special education dept at Indian Creek Elementary in Marion. My old school! Most of the kids that we worked with today have some significant disablility, though we did get visits during our time from others who benefit from her class room. The kids are great--the moms and dads should be very proud of them. Now, granted Moose's best trick is roll over and scratch my tummy, but he has a quiet, noninvasive personality that is easy for the kids to associate with.

We entered the room to screams. Not an ear twitch, nor a look back to me, but Moose knew his duty and marched right in. We worked on petting nicely and softly. Many of the boys are grabbers, or pound on things. Didn't phase my boy Moose. Screeching or odd noises-he just ignored. He got lots of hugs from a very cute little pixie of a girl. Gave kisses as needed to many a face and even cleaned out some ears. They got out the tunnel and Moose showed the kids how to go through it, a couple followed him through too. He got lots of belly rubs and didn't mind it a bit if the petting got hard or a pinch was given. They practiced zipping and unzipping his vest pockets and counted his stripes.

45 mins flew by so fast, but it was time for some of the kids to go to music, or to go to science class. Once I was up, leash back on Moose, well he too knew it was time to go. A wave of his tail and his jingling collar with all it's tags got a quick shake to right itself, out the door we went. He got lots of oohs and ahhhs from kids in the halls, pets by the staff and a well deserved, good boy from me. One last stop for a photo out front and we loaded in the truck to head home. Right now he's curled up on the couch snoring. Time to recharge from a hard day's work as a therapy dog.

Before our next visit, we will be learning some games that the kids can help us with-fetching, shaking hands, giving five. Going to try to ne a little more interactive with the kids, but today, just getting belly rubs, soft pets and kisses was a good way to start.

Here's another atta boy to add to his list--what can I say? He's by far the most perfect dog, even more so, the most perfect cardigan around. Well at least he is to me.

Hugs and kisses to my heart boy--Moose.

Later gators....

C

And last but now least...

The youngest daughter, Ms Meredith. Or to many Squirrel. Or her father, Muffin Top. Or her siblings, bait. Loved by one and all. Let's see, describing her, humm, she has a very evil and dark sense of humor. Wise for her years and got Daddy wrapped around her little finger. Should I say her siblings too? Again, my father just laughs, it's only fair that I get twice what I gave him over the years. And darn it, this one I can't embarass. She's too smart for that.




Later gators....

C

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Time to embarass another child






Of course this one hates to be the stand out. Intelligent, independant or some would say bullheaded. Gorgeous, petite, infectious laugh, and very kind hearted. My dad would say a spitting image of me-oh no two of us! Introducing my oldest daughter-Ell.

Oh-Ellie's the one in front - she and her friend had decided to dress like little old ladies for a Halloween part a few years ago.

Here's to Ellie Bellie! According to Meredith, the coolest sister around!
Later gators....
C

Monday, November 10, 2008

Mom's can embarass their kids if they want!


Just felt the need to embarass my baby today. Hard to believe Alec's 21 already, in college-almost done with college and damn it, left me with his dogs while he's getting his degree.
Love ya dude!
Later gators,
C


Thursday, November 6, 2008

Friday Foto for Skywatch

I hate turning back the clock in the fall, though it does make for some breathtaking shots on the way into work in the morning.



Enjoy!!



http://skyley.blogspot.com/



Later gators.....
C

Your personal DNA

This is really kind of cool--sent to me by a friend. Try it, love to see what you are like!

Later gators...

C

Http://DNA.imagini.net/friends

Youniverse Personality TestYouniverse Personality Test

All clear, sort of

I am pleased to report that the Ms has recieved a clean bill of health from the Orthopaedic Clinic at the UIHC. Dr Mendoza was happy with the healing though she has a large bump. It didn't go back together like he wanted but it's got a nice callous started and as she grows it will smooth out.

No contact sports for another 4 weeks, bummer, she's doing volleyball in PE class. And yes he considered elementary volleyball a contact sport. She's been cleared to show dogs, including lifting the boys up on the table. No more sling and just some simple exercises to help strengthen her shoulder-which has been idle for about 6 weeks now.

Can't thank the UIHC more for patching her up as well as they did. We don't have to go back for any more appointments unless something happens, which I am praying doesn't. The only visits she will make are with her boys on therapy dog visits!!

Later gators.....
C

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Thoughts for Midweek

I'm trying to think of what to post considering the events of Tuesday. I guess this will work for now.....

Did my vote count? Well yes it did. By exercising our right to vote we continue on with the right granted to us in the Constitution those many years ago------ the right to keep on complaining!!!

People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote -- a very different thing. Walter H Judd

Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule -- and both commonly succeed, and are right. H L Mencken

Every election is a sort of advance auction sale of stolen goods. H L Mencken


The way I look at it, you have no right to b****h if you didn't make a choice in the first place.


Later gators....
C

Duck's new home

Yes I know, it's a blue tarp with stuff on top, but underneath is a really nice looking floor that will soon support walls, my architectual salvage doors and windows, and be a warm spot for the ducks this winter. I can't wait to see if complete as well as the new decorative fence for the yard!!!



Later gators.....
C

Typical day

Nothing typical about our day but with 2 races left in the NASCAR season, all things stop on Sunday afternoons so that I can see my driver-Jeff Gordon, lose again. Okay, so he isn't that bad this year. Some nice finishes but yet to win one. Meredith loves Dale Jr., and thank God those two drivers are on the same team this year. It was pretty ugly last year.

Anyway, as you can see, the gang joins us for some race watching, though they don't seem as thrilled as the rest of us.

Later gators.....

C

Monday, November 3, 2008

To each his own

Chatting with a fellow dog person this weekend and the topic of families came up. As in dog families. We both commented on how interesting it is that one dog or a litter of puppies, can create for us a whole new branch on the family tree. It's not just the dogs themselves, but the people who are owned by those dogs. And then there are those people who's lives are touched by our dogs that are welcomed into that family.

Over the years, I've had the chance to meet a lot of people. Gotten a couple of my dogs from far away states and even sent a few of my puppies to far away places. I kind of liken it to the Kevin Bacon thing-six degrees of connection or seperation? One piece leads to another, that leads to another and before you know it, it's all connected. Take for example my good friend Pam. She is owned by a special brindle girl named Clover. Now Clover is a littermate to Moose, Abbey, Zino, Molly, Rosie, Wally Jr, and last but not least Beckham. I know that I have mentioned to Pam that Clover had siblings in the Cities, but they had never met each other's families, until this weekend! At a stop light( this story relayed to me by Pam), Pam stops and looks to the sidewalk to see a very handsome brindle cardigan being walked by a lovely lady. Pam rolls down the window and starts up a conversation that ended with them finding out that Beckham is Clover's sister and wow, what a chance meeting. Light turns green and off they go. Hoping now that the two of them will find each other at the obedience training center that they both use, but again, never run into each other.

As I once again return to my conversation with my fellow dog enthusiast. Dog families are so much the same as our human families. That keeping in the loop, knowing whats going on, sharing the ups, the downs, joys, sorrows. Just like a simple email from Pam saying you're never going to guess who I saw....He remarked that one thing he's done for years is a yearly newsletter for his dog family. He details what's been happening, how the dogs are doing, photos, health information updates. Now with the advent of the internet, he does it via a blog, but also a yahoo group. Great idea! I think several other cardigan people do that(me too ;0) The most important thing to him was acting as a responsible breeder and making sure that this "family" was always in the loop. He talked with them and they are always able to reach him. Keeping them informed on the health, noteworthy items and things of interest about their dog family, they in turn did the same.

I liked how he used the term responsible breeder. He not only was looking out for those puppies he helped bring into this world by breeding what he considered the best suited pair, but he also was looking out for them in the long term, just as a family would do for a sibling or relative. Within his breed, which is pretty health, there are chances of a few health related things cropping up at a later date. He always makes sure that those who have pets as well as those who have dogs from his lines, are kept up to date on the current happenings. As I always say, and he agreed, if I produce a dog, regardless of time, distance, or what ever, it's my responsiblity for it's life. That's if I whelp it or if I offer my dog for stud service. But we have both run into those with personal agendas and like he said to each his own, but he can sleep at night knowing that he's done all he can, been open, honest and forthright. What do they call that, a clean conscience? Morally sound? What ever it is, I know I can sleep at night knowing that I too have been honest and forthright with all who have trusted me by taking one of my dogs.

It's so much fun to just sit and chat with a person of like mind. Now we agree to disagree on many things, no ones perfect, I don't ever plan on being. But what we have is a love for our dogs, their families and a committment that will last a lifetime.

Later gators.....
C

November or June?

As I sit in my shorts and tshirt tonight, enjoying a cup of tea in the late evening breeze, I wonder-WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS THIS???

Holy bat caves, it was 74 degrees this weekend. Not that I will complain about this during the first week of November but I hope it keeps up like this. About 10 years ago, I remember taking Meredith out for her first horse ride, on Thanksgiving Day. Have the photos somewhere. Then there are the Halloweens where the costumes had to be designed to accomidate a snow suit underneath. What ever the good man upstairs has in mind, I will take this for as long as I can, but He better not be thinking about dumping us with crappy weather all winter long to make up for the good.

This last weekend, David and his dad, Dick, got a great start on the poultry house. I'll try to get some pictures up soon of it. Of course this crappy standard time-fall back an hour, is really screwing up work on it. The posts are in, floor complete and hoping to get the walls up this weekend. I am so sick of moving ducks back and forth to the barn. Yes that's what I have dogs for, but I also have four khaki drakes that think it's just peachy to fly rather then walk and that just creates chaos(what's new) when attempting to get something done in limited time or light.

Now, the one other thing I have to complain about it that going to work in the dark, sitting at a desk all day, then leaving to come home in the dark can be a pain. With a case of S-SAD(mild seasonal disorder), that really makes me not want to do anything but go to bed and sleep when January hits. Good thing for dogs shows! Makes one have to concentrate on getting things done so you can go play.

So, just what season is it, what month and what time of day? I haven't a clue, and honestly, I think I like it that way-heehee

Later gators....
C