It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again

        
Due to lack of energy and lack of time I could not get to blogging ywsterday.  Although we got home by Midnight and I was in bed and asleep by 1:00AM, I woke up absolutely exhausted. An extra half hour of sleep didn’t help much, and I just barely made it to work on time.  We left the show site in Gray Summit, MO (home of Purina Farms and the wonderful Purina Event Center) right on schedule, made only three very short stops along the way, but arrived home later than expected because the weather was not what we expected – but probably should have!  Déjà vu all over again . . .

Each year we enter the St. Louis Specialty weekend with our fingers crossed, knowing that the weather could make our trip difficult or impossible.  The trip down on Thursday was perfect, despite all the rain and snow the previous two days and the roads were dry and clear.  The weather forecast sounded fine for the trip home, although we did not check the Iowa forecast before we left Missouri – we had to get home no matter what the forecast. We’d had a wonderful weekend – easy trip down, terrific motel, lots of success with the Dals, and such fun with friends.  A perfect trip.  Well, not quite.

Soon after we crossed the border into Iowa there were isolated patches of snow on the roadsides, and the amount of snow and the difficulty in driving increased as we went along.  When we were just south of  Mount Pleasant  we had several inches of heavy slush on the road, limited visibility, no plows and we started seeing cars in the ditch – actually, they were mostly mini vans, like I drive.  Ugh.  We kept hoping that we’d drive out of the snow, but that was not to be, and the number of vehicles in the ditches continued to increase.  There must have been a short period of freezing rain that caught the motorists by surprise since most of the cars in the ditches had some snow on them and we did not actually see anyone slide off the road ahead of us.  I’ve driven these conditions many times and my only real concern is that one of the idiots who insists on driving too fast for the conditions is going to slam into my vehicle.   I cringed every time someone passed and threw up road spray, hit their brakes ahead of me, or came up behind me too fast, but we endured.  It takes a lot longer to get home driving 35 mph, but we finally drove out of the snow and made it home unscathed, just late, and with very stiff hands and shoulders.  I’ve come back from Chicago and Milwaukee many times on bad roads, and driven to Kansas City in 0 visibility, but don’t ever recall seeing so many vehicles in the ditches.

We’ve done really well in St. Louis the past 3 years, and wondered if our luck might run out this year, but that was not the case.  Our three dogs won nothing major at the first Specialty, but Argus’s son Porter was Winners Dog for 4 points to finish his championship.  The winners were reasonable choices, some rather “common” but not bad dogs by any means.  (“Common” dogs are those without glaring faults, but often without any particular virtues either, generally plain or rather ordinary dogs that the judge feels safe in using.)  I WAS amazed at how many very large dogs were entered and how nasty so many of the tails were.  I sincerely hope the breed is not heading in that direction again.  The Best of Breed dog was a handsome youngster just beginning his Specials career, just the right size, beautifully spotted, and with a great attitude.  That works.  Argus showed very well, but did not come out on top.

Sweepstakes judging (a non-regular class for pups from 6-18 months) was done between the two Specialties, and both Meribel & Eddie won their classes, with Eddie ending up Best In Sweeps.  Good boy Eddie!  Things were looking up.

Meribel showed wonderfully well, especially for her first show weekend, and surprised us all by going Winner Bitch for a 5-point major – wow!  Figured that killed my chances of winning with Argus too, but he showed perfectly and really enjoyed being back in the ring.  The judge pulled 4 of the male Champions including Argus, and several of the Champion bitches and worked us a bit more.  Argus never let me down, stood and moved well, and wagged his tail constantly.  Finally the judge pulled Argus up front, pulled Meribel in behind him (she went Best of Winners), a bitch Special behind her (she went Best Of Opposite) and then the other Specials who made the "cut" and would be awarded Selects and Awards of Merit.  He then pointed to Argus for Best of Breed – good dog, Argie boy!   For the 4^th year in a row he won one of the Specialty Bests, and one year he won BOTH Specialties.

Pictures tomorrow.

Puppies And Packing

Which One Is Mine? The Bennett/Crystal Litter at 5 weeks 

Can't wait to see these beautiful babies next week.  When I sold Ch. "Bennett" (Argus/Boji) I retained two stud services, and we used one of them on Crystal (Major/Leica - Leica is a sister to Penny's dam Nikon).  I get a stud fee pup from the litter, and it looks as if I will have trouble picking just one.  Should I take Black (who is actually liver-spotted and looks a lot like Argus did) or should I take one of the girls?  Sure are pretty pups!  Hope to get to Chicago next week to see them.

No Blog tomorrow, as I'll be in St. Louis for the Specialties.  Mother Nature seems to have cooperated and the roads should be OK.  Jess and Meribel will be arriving mid-morning, and we'll pick up Eddie from Lisen along the way.  Argus SO exited!  He knows a bath and packing means a dog show and he has not been to one since October.  He LOVES traveling and dog shows.  Still a few chores to get done around here and packing to finish.  Ron just left for the Laundromat to wash my favorite jeans - can't wait 'til the new washer arrives next Tuesday.  Am NOT looking forward to filling the gas tank this morning.  Way too expensive!

St. Louis has been a good show weekend for us, but this year I will settle for just having a good time.  I really need a vacation, and any wins will just be a bonus.

Manners Please

So glad to have my Letty girl back upstairs.  Really missed her silly antics, though I did not miss her racing through the door, running across the sofa, and leaping on and off the chair when she is excited.  Puppies!  She's actually been a very easy puppy to raise - not the easiest to housetrain, but we got the job done, and everything else came easy.  She's a very good housedog with excellent manners, not destructive at all (except to her toys), perfect in a crate, not a whiner, waits at the door to be let out, doesn't jump on the patio door or over the dog gate, and never steals.   (I HATE Counter Surfing".)  She's very responsive to verbal commands, and like her father Argus, she can read my mind.  At least it seems like she can although I suppose she is picking up visual cues like he does.  Now that she's done with her season it's time to go back to training class. 

Letty is not ready to show yet, and with her sister Weather doing so well in the ring (7 points and a major already), plus Meribel and Amery coming along, and Sparkle who will need to be shown too, there's no hurry to get Letty in the ring.  It's a luxury to have a number of beautiful bitches to pick from.  I want to show Letty in Bred By Exhibitor Class and hate to see pups shown in that class before they are ready, so we'll take our time.    My goal would be to start her in June, but we'll see how she matures.

Argus went to his first class at our new training school and I was most pleased.  The class was exactly what I had hoped for - a small class in a large ring with lots of individualized work.  All positive training with the liberal use of treats, which is appreciated by most Dals!  I learned to reward correct sits rather than correcting crooked ones, something Argus appreciated.  He was pretty distracted last night, but it was his first class in a month and in a totally new environment.  So much to see and hear (they do a lot of clicker work and he kept listening to the clicks!) and he was convinced that he knew (or wanted to know) the handsome Whippet boy in our class.  There was also a red merle Chihuahua named "Paisley".  Argus did his typical Recall, super fast with a terrific front, and was perfect on his Stays.  We need to concentrate on faster straighter Sits, and attention.  It was an very enjoyable class that incorporated lots of praise, treats, and a generous dose of humor, and we both learned a lot.  Most of my training has been done with traditional methods and I find it fascinating how many different ways there are to teach the same exercise.  AND it was nice not to have to smuggle in treats and keep them hidden.

To Honor The Passing Of A Real Fire Dog

Check out this video - An Incredible Tribute To A Real Fire Dog

Things are back to normal in Paisleyland.  Well, not normal normal, but pretty normal for us!   Lucy has gone back to Canada, hopefully pregnant (pups due late April), so no extra dogs here right now.   Letty had her bath, came back upstairs, and Argus agreed that she was indeed out of season.  So much fun to have Letty back as a regular member of the family.  Now, to get her signed up for a training class.

Promises to be a busy week.  Need to get my car in to have the headlights checked out as I have high beams and parking lights, but no regular lights.  It happened on my way home from Nebraska, when I suddenly had no driving lights.  Came home on high beams, praying that I did not blind anyone.

A new washer to pay for too.  Found the one I wanted at Sears, took a day to think it over, and will sign the papers today.  A top loader this time, without an agitator.  A top rated Whirlpool which had better live up to it's billing.  We'll be glad to have a washer again - trips to the Laundromat are NOT fun, and we were amazed at how expensive it is.

Argus begins his new obedience class tonight after missing last week because of all the "girl distractions".  We're both looking forward to this - he says he's bored.  I'm looking forward to learning some new training methods, as I was not happy with the other class we were in.  I can read Argus very well and I could see that he was stressed at times.  I want to train in a more "positive" environment.  Argus is my buddy, and I owe him that.

Need to squeeze in a haircut too, if Denise as any openings.  Why does hair go from "just fine" to "too long and shapeless", seemingly overnight?

AND, I am supposed to be getting ready to leave for St. Louis on Thursday.  First dog shows we've entered since last fall, over $400.00 worth of entries for Argus, Eddie & Meribel.  All winter Jess and I have joked that we'd finally get snow the week we wanted to leave for St. Louis - and that appears to be exactly what will happen.  How many times have I driven to and from shows in heavy snows?  (Many)  How many shows have I missed because the roads were bad?  (Not too many, but St. Louis seems to fall on a snowy weekend.)  We've managed to get there 3 years in a row, after missing several years because of weather.  Fingers crossed as it's been a lucky show for us - BoW with Argus daughters 3 years in a row (Pauli, Penny & Lucy), and 4 out of 6 Specialty Best of Breed wins with Argus himself.  Judges look good for Eddie, and Meribel will be making her debut to get some ring experience before DCA.  She's very "together" for her age, so it's a good time for her to start.

I already have cramps in my fingers from keeping them crossed!

And Away We Go

Girls are loaded, car is packed, reservation made.  I think I have everything, but am so out of practice packing!  It seems to strange to leave my best buddy Argus behind.  He always goes along with me.  Almost always.  Not this time.  Traveling with two girls in season would be more than he could manage.
Took Lucy in for a Progesterone test this AM and the results tell us today through Saturday should be perfect for breeding.  We won't do through Saturday though, as these are young healthy dogs and all it takes is one good breeding at the correct time.  We'll do two, to cover our bases.  Too much time and money invested already to cut corners.

Possible blizzard in the forecast for next Sunday/Monday.  Guess we are due.  Just so the roads are fine by the following weekend when we go to St. Louis.  Suggested that Lucy's family come to retrieve her on Saturday, so they don't risk encountering the predicted bad weather.  She's a good dog, but two girls in season is a lot of hassle, and Letty will be going out soon.  Argus and I are BOTH looking forward to things getting back to normal (well, sort of normal) around here.

Hope the rest of the day goes better, as the diagnosis on the washer is BROKEN.  We'd hoped it was just a pump, but it's bearings too.  Repairman said this often happens in the first 3 - 5 years of this particular machine, so I was lucky to get 10 years with no repairs.  Guess I will be washer shopping next week, and will buy a top loader this time, not another front loader.

Moving Right Along

Progesterone test for Lucy yesterday was 5.0, which means she probably ovulated.  Because the eggs have to mature for 2 - 3 days before they can be fertilized, we will probably head to Nebraska on Wednesday, but we'll do one more Progesterone test first to be sure things are progressing normally.  We are so fortunate to have a clinic with same day test results, rather than having to ship the sample and wait for the results.  Makes things a lot easier.

Argus has been doing well, but lost it yesterday.  Two seductive ladies in the basement was a bit more than he can stand and he's looking pretty frazzled, but still behaving well.

It was fortunate that he still had it together on Saturday evening, as Jess & I took Watson and Argus to the Fire Foundation Gala.  Carol and a friend joined us with Nena and Tate, and the dogs functioned as Greeters.  What fun.  We watched serious looking, beautifully dressed people come up the elevator and break into big grins when they saw the Dalmatians sitting there wagging their tails.  The dogs all behaved perfectly, dispensed many kisses and got sooo much attention.  Many couples asked to have their pictures taken with the dogs, as in the picture above.  We warned everyone that the dogs were shedding (but of course!) but that did not deter them, and many gala guests went home with dog hair souvenirs.  Good job, Dalmatians!  Great PR for our breed!

Because Dals still get a bad rap over the fallout from over-popularity in the 80s and90s (bad dogs, bad homes) we love having the opportunity to show the public what terrific dogs Dalmatians really are.

If You Are/Will Be Thinking Of Buying A Puppy

Puppy Buyer Ettiquette

You Get What You Pay For

From Forbes -

Why A Well Bred Dog Will Actually Be Less Expensive

Puppy Planning

Things are going pretty well here, despite having two girls in season at the same time.  Am guessing Letty would have been breedable yesterday, as Argus kept trying to lead me to the basement so we could go down and "visit" her.  Letty and her big sister Lucy are getting along well in the basement, and they are out with me when I am doing fish chores.  Otherwise they are crated, but go out to the dog yard every couple of hours.   Argus stays upstairs and goes for walks 5 times a day which he enjoys, 4 short walks so he can empty his bladder and his normal long walk in the evening.  It's important that male Dals not be forced to hold their urine for too long as that is one of the things that can cause urate bladder stones.  (We've always been very conscious of that and have never owned a stone former.)

Lucy had her brucellosis test and her first progesterone test yesterday.  Everyone who saw Lucy gushed that she was the most beautiful Dal they had ever seen.  She really is pretty, and just as sweet as she is lovely.  Also a very good guest.  Progesterone levels still quite low so we don't have to go in again until Monday.  Because we hope to do a natural breeding, weather permitting, we don't need to be quite as precise on timing as we would for a chilled semen breeding, and or especially for a frozen semen breeding, but the tests will allow us to identify the optimum days for breeding.   I talked to Indie's owner John last night, just to be sure they had access to a reproductive vet if we HAD to do a chilled semen breeding.  Although the Weather Channel is just predicting rain and warm temperatures, the local weather folks are talking about the possibility of significant amounts of snow.  If the roads are bad we'll have to do a chilled semen breeding instead of a natural one.

Time to get back to the people on my Possible Puppy Home List!

Breed Bashing

Westminster is history, but the commentary is ongoing, and much of it is quite offensive.  Each of the Group winners was a lovely dog and they ALL showed well in the final line up.  The Dobe and her breeder-owner-handler put on a fabulous show and were very popular amongst the watchers, the German Shepherd folks are fanatic about their breed, the Irish Setter was lovely and showy, and Ian the Dal did us proud.   They all looked great, but the Peke won, and did everything right.   His win was no surprise.  It's much easier to appreciate showmanship is large flashy breeds, but the Peke was just as showy (for a Peke) as the others, and top judges have agreed that he is an outstanding dog.  Please, no more Peke Bashing.

Hopefully we all survive the next couple of weeks!  Yesterday I picked up Lucy and she moved into my basement.  Letty moved down to join her since she is very close to being breedable.  Lucy isn't there yet as she came in a few days after Letty did, but of course the other dogs are aware of her presence.  Poor Argus is showing the stress of having two in season bitches in the house, and Letty is not impressed with being shut in the basement.  Wish I had a larger house or could afford to board someone out!  If Meribel was not in season too, I'd ask Jess to take Argus for the next ten days, but things are no better there!  Normally I hand walk the girls in season rather than letting them use the dog yard, but with two girls to deal with it's easier to let them out in the yard and hand walk Argus.  He likes that part of the situation.  Lucy will need to visit Indie in Nebraska some time next week - so of course there is snow in the forecast. Knew that would happen!  Fingers crossed.

Sparkle went to her new home yesterday on approval.  Hope this works out.  Seems like a perfect place for her.  Her new owner is in to structure, which is precisely what smart, pushy Sparkle needs.

Dalmatians Rule!

How cool was that?  Ian the Dalmatian winning the Group at Westminster.  We had assumed we would be cheering for our favorite Standard Poodle last night, but the Poodle who was one of the favorites to go Best In Show lost the breed to a Poodle who didn't even place in the Group. What a shame.  I personally didn't think there was any comparison between the two Poodles, but that's dog shows.  But back to Ian, a very silly, super happy kind of Dalmatian, handled by a professional who knows how to get the best out of a dog.  Ian just sparkled out there.  As a longtime Dal breeder I was VERY proud of him.  Dogs like Ian, with exceptionally nice personalities, are great PR for the breed.  The Wire Doxie Hound Group winner was a gem as well, radiating the same extra good attitude.   Love that in a dog.

Argus and I will be cheering Ian on tonight.  Argus remembers Ian as the dog who edged him out for Best of Breed at Westminister last year, but he's a good sport about that.  Ian has gone on to have an excellent career with some very nice wins.  Good Luck tonite, Ian & Michael (handler) & Barbara (owner) & Connie (breeder/co-owner)!

Too Much A Happenin'

Whew, hope I survive the week!  Heading off in a few minute to visit Mary-with-the-magic-hands as we are doing another chilled semen contribution for Story.  The Friday shipment, used Saturday, was probably just a bit early according to Saturday's progesterone test so they are doing a second breeding.  A lot of money already invested in this litter-to-be!

Then off to work, but in the evening I'll pick up a Pizza and head over to Mom's to watch Westminster.  No cable or satellite TV here, and this is the only time I really need it.  The second night of Westminster on Tuesday.  When I get back from Mom's have have two dogs to walk and fish to tend - and it was just two years ago tomorrow that I slipped on the ice at 11:15 PM and broke my ankle . . .

Wednesday I drive to Duluth to meet Patti and pick up Lucy & Sparkle, then probably drive to Elk River to drop of Sparkle in her new home.  Lucy and Letty will move to the basement and poor Argus will go crazy.  On Thursday Lucy will go in for her first progesterone test and a brucellosis test. 

Busy, busy, busy.

Actually watched and enjoyed part of the Grammy last night, especially the Beach Boys!

Good information

Taking Precautions

Letty got to try out her new "seasonal duds" last night and didn't mind them at all.  Not exactly sexy, being made of blue denim with a flannel lining, but she's quite proud of them.  Am surprised they fit so well.  Have to admit that I have never used them on girls in season before, but that was before I had dogs all over the furniture (thanks to Ron) and this cuts down the mess quite a bit.  Decided to run Letty and Argus separately, even though this is so early in her season.  She's really flirty with both boys, and Argus is more than willing to accommodate.  I don't want to move her to the basement until next week, so this is safer.  Being father and daughter would NOT prevent an accidental breeding - dogs don't have any qualms about things like that.  Most girls in season are not ready to be bred until at least day 10 or 11, but I can just see Argus catching Letty by surprise before she could protest.  In 40+ years of Dal ownership we have never had an accidental litter - and I don't want to start now!

Too Much Happening Here

Omigosh, too much happening around here right now!  So glad there is not a dog show mixed in too, just need to remember to send in Argus & Eddie's entries for St. Louis.  Better put that at the top of my list, but I can't do it until tomorrow when I get paid.

Last year at this time we were crossing our fingers and praying that the weather would be warm enough for Argus to fly with us to NYC for the Westminster Dog Show (it was and he did).  This year I'll be watching it on TV, along with millions of others, many of them not "dog people", just dog lovers who enjoy watching the show every year.  Westminster is now sponsored by Purina/Pro Plan rather than Pedigree, so the ads will hopefully be geared more towards purebreds and responsible breeders rather than the "rescue a mutt from a shelter" mentality.

My Westminster Tradition is to spend the two evenings at my mother's since I don't have cable or satellite.   I provide dinner one night (usually Davani's pizza) and she supplies it for the second night - this year it will include a homemade pie from her freezer.  Not sure mom will stay awake for the show each night, but she does enjoy the tradition.  I'll be rooting for "London", the Standard Poodle who won Eukanuba, but really like the Affenpinscher "Banana Joe" too.

With Weather & Letty already in season, Jess's Meribel came in too - seems early for all three girls so it must be the weird rather.  The timing is good though as it will not screw screw them up for the spring specialties.   I was bumming that everyone was in season except for Lucy, who we want to breed . . .  And then I got an email from Patti to advise me that Lucy had just come in too!   Argh.  So next week I will drive up to Duluth to meet Patti who will drive down from Thunder Bay, and Lucy will stay with me until she is ready to be bred.  We'll get her brucellosis test done, and a couple of progesterones too, so we will know where in her cycle she is, then she and I will head off to Lincoln where we will meet up with John and "Indie", Lucy's husband-to-be.  Lucy and I will stay for a few days to get the job accomplished, then I'll bring her home and she'll go back to Patti and hopefully have puppies in 9 weeks.   Both dogs have all their health testing complete, and we've just been waiting for her to come in season.

Of course this also means I have to retrieve Sparkle, either when I pick Lucy up or when I return her.  Chalase has been waiting for Sparkle and will be very pleased.  I'm leaving it to Ann (her breeder) and Chalase (her new owner) to work out the details.  I'll show Sparkle eventually, but she won't live here.  Hopefully living with Lucy will bring Sparkle in season too as we will not take any girls in season to DCA.  Too much hassle!

In addition to this, we are going to provide dogs for the St. Paul Fire Foundations upcoming Gala at the Xcel Center.  Fortunately Stephanie & Carol can bring Nena & Tate.  Jess is not available to help, so I need to find one more person with a very stable dog.  I had intended to bring Argus, but we'll see how he is functioning about then, with all the girls in season!  Oh yeah, he's doing a chilled semen donation on Friday, as Story is almost ready to be bred too.  Just as well she is NOT flying up here for a live breeding!  Not sure I could manage 3 girls at the same time.  Not sure Argus would survive.  Know Ron wouldn't!

Puppies anticipated the end of April, ready for new homes in June!

Rescue!

Last week I got an email from a local Dal friend to tell me that she heard via another friend of a 10 year old Dal boy who was soon to become homeless, along with his 3 year old Shih Tzu companion.  Their owners were unemployed, had lost their house and would be moving to Chicago to live in a relative's home but could not take the dogs.  This is a common problem right now, people who are forced to give up their homes and leave their pets behind.

Although I have always been involved in rescue, I am not of the "rescue them all" mentality.  Many dogs become homeless because of health, temperament or training issues that make them poor candidates for new homes.  I also get very tired of the idea that everyone should rescue a homeless dog, especially a mixed breed, instead of purchasing a purebred puppy.  Not everyone is prepared to or can afford to take on someone else's problems.  Not all homeless dogs are adoptable.  And many people prefer to purchase a purebred puppy and should not be made to feel guilty for that.

We've had little success in finding homes for dogs over the age of 5 or 6 too, even though older dogs can make outstanding companions.  People don't want to acquire a dog with the idea that they will have it for fewer years, so didn't hold much hope of being able to help with this one.

I posted this story to my Facebook page and was delighted when my friend Kim responded that they needed a new dog, having recently lost their older dog.  They had never owned a Dal, but were acquainted with mine, and would be interested in considering this one.  Another friend responded that she would be willing to foster both dogs for awhile.  I was a little nervous about the whole thing as there are some less-than-sweet elderly Dals, who are poor candidates for adoption by anyone.

I called the dog's owners and made arrangement to visit on Saturday.  Kim & Rin & I met there and visited the dogs.  I arrived first, and when I went in Dal Max covered me with kisses.  Well, that answered the questions about his temperament!  Max was a handsome, beautifully marked, black spotted, ear patched boy, obviously from good bloodlines, but bred by a teenaged girl from South Dakota who has gone on with her life.  No breeder to take responsibility for him.  He was grossly overweight (his owner referred to it as his "winter weight") because he was on self-feeding (as opposed to "portion control" which works best on Dalmatians).  Other than that he looked very nice and was obviously much loved.

To be continued . . .
Note: In answer to a question posted on my blog, Letty and Weather are Arboks.  Mariah is an Argus daughter but is older than they are.

Monday Too Soon

A most satisfactory weekend, lots accomplished although even more remains undone.  I'll just add them to the list of chores for this week.  Or next.  Guess it's better to think of lists as guidelines rather than requirements.

Argie's kids had a good weekend, with son Porter going WD both days in St. Joe, MO, puppy Weather going BoW at the Sunday show for her first major (at 6 months) and Pauli winning the breed both days, along with a  Group 2.  AND little Mariah who you may remember from this blog won again and picked up two more points.  Kay is so pleased with her - it was a perfect placement.

On Saturday I met my friends Kim & Rin and we went to check out a soon-to-be-homeless 10 year old Dal boy.  He's a charming dog, and quite handsome although very overweight.  Absolutely lovely personality.  His owners are unemployed, losing their home and will be moving to Chicago where they will not be able to keep their dogs. Kim and Rin are currently dogless and have offered Max home.   So pleased they came forward.  Max does not have a breeder to take responsibility for his welfare, but I heard about his situation, posted his story to Facebook and Kim volunteered.  Another friend volunteered to foster Max's housemate Princess, but she's already been promised.

Took Argus and Letty down to Hidden Falls Park for a run yesterday.  Argus really wanted to swim, but I discouraged it. When I took Letty down she wanted to race along the ice on the river bank and was in danger of falling in, so she got her walk in the woods. 

Drat, out of time.  Best not to start the week by being late for work.

Super Bowl Sunday

Please Keep Your Cats At Home

This is my neighbor's cat, sitting on top of the privacy fence watching my bird feeder.  He's thinking about hopping down off the fence and stalking birds.  We haven't seen him in the yard as much recently, hopefully because the neighbor is keeping him indoors, or only letting him out in their yard with supervision.  I've warned them that if the dogs catch him in the yard, I am not responsible for what happens to him.  Ron has already rescued him from the dogs, hurting his knee in the process.  Josie ended up with a slash on her nose and the cat lost some hair in the process.

This is Josie watching the cat.  She's quite sure that one of these days she will catch him in the yard.  He's no different than a rabbit or squirrel to her.  A small furry critter that she would like to catch.  Many breeds have strong prey drive, and even though they may live peacefully with cats, any strange cat hunting in their yard is fair game.  There are no dogs running loose in the neighborhood, but for some reason cat owners seem to think they are exempt from the law.   I've noticed fewer roaming cats for the past few months, so perhaps the coyotes are moving in and picking them off. We had what appeared to be a sizeable free-roaming cat population here.  Go Coyotes!

A Bit Of Variety

This promises to be a very busy day, but at least I'll only be working half a day.  Well actually I'll be "working" all day, but only in the office for half the day.  The rest of it does not seem like work!  And it will be a nice change of pace, with a variety of projects.

First chore of the day was to use the cheek swab kits on Coral & Argus, to be sure they are free of Degenerative Myelopathy.  The diagnosis based on the DNA results will be clear, carrier or affected.  I expect them to be clear, but I do think that it's important the breeders take advantage of all new health testing to be sure they are aware of any issues.  The test kits are very simple and easy to use, and the dogs merely thought I had gone crazy when I rubbed the swab on the insides of their cheeks for 10 seconds!

When Argus went outside I took along a container and did a first catch urine sample.  So much easier to do with boys than girls.  Tough to slide a pie pan under a girl, but boys don't seem to mind a hand and a cup between them and the object they are peeing on, in this case the back fence.  Argus gets blood work done at least once a year as it can show many potential health issues while they are still manageable, but he had that done in December.  Things like kidney and liver issues will result in elevated results.  The urinalysis will look for crystals, signs of infection and test the specific gravity for any indication of kidney issues.  We no longer do yearly vaccinations, but the dogs all get to the vet at least once a year for blood work, particularly since three of them are seniors.

After I drop off the urine sample, Argus and I head off to Inver Grove Height Animal Hospital for a semen freeze - in case we want Argus Pupcycles long after he is no longer at stud!  Because we will also be doing a chilled semen breeding next week, it's a chance to be sure he still has an abundance of healthy sperm.  Argus likes to visit Mary-with-the-magic-fingers and knows what he is there for.

After I drop Argus off at home I'll head to the office, but before doing that I'll move the cooler and sodas into the back of the van and pick up some ice so they'll be cold for the fish club meeting tonight. 

Gone To The Dogs or Something's Fishy.  Always.

Gone To The Dogs

Gonna be a crazy animal-oriented week here!  Argus and I went to obedience at the regular place last night and will be tested (for class placement) tonight at the school I want to attend.  Am not happy with the out-dated training methods and the one-size-fits-all mentality at our current school, and I want to do more positive training.  Argus could probably qualify for the competition class, but I want to do one of the earlier classes where we work more on basics.  Be interesting to see how this goes.

Have a Thursday appointment to do a semen freeze, banking a bit more of Argus's assets.  So wish I had done this with Rob years ago.  I'd love to have another Rob litter . . .   I want enough from Argus to do about a dozen litters.  It may never get used, but if I don't do this now I am sure I'll regret it.  No need for any more than that, but I do think he's a good enough stud dog to possibly be of some value in the future.

We'll be visiting Mary-with-the-magic fingers again later in the week as Argus has a wife-to-be this week too.   Seems as if no one ships bitches anymore, as the airlines have made it so darned expensive.  This will be another collect and ship.  It's a lot easier to drive him to the Repro Vets than it is to entertain a visiting lady for a week, but I kinda miss getting to know them.  This girl has a lot of Paisley in her pedigree, including several shots of Rob and Morris too.  Of course she has all her health testing and her CHIC number too.  I'm opting for a puppy rather than a stud fee.

On Thursday night we have a fish club meeting, and in my new position as hospitality chair I have to pack up a cooler full of soda and a box of assorted snacks.  We'll go heavy on the diet soda and I need to find some healthier snacks to add to our assortment.  Many of our club members could do a better job of eating healthy so I'll probably have to grit my teeth as people who shouldn't, will be buying the high calorie treats.   Feel as if I am selling out!  Repeat as often as necessary, "I am NOT their mother.  I am NOT their mother."

Of Course They Are Lapdogs

I've been going through old pictures recently, since I want to post them to Facebook for the new feature called Timeline.  Ron took this picture of Ch. "Morris" CD sitting on my lap, perhaps 15 years ago.  Mo was breeder-owner-handled by us to a wonderful show record, one that still stands, and one that Argus was not able to beat.  Mo loved to sit on my lap, but always managed to dig an elbow into my chest.

Mo was a very mild-mannered easy going dog, a good show dog and trustworthy companion.  He lived to be 14 1/2 and is from the wonderful combination of Ch. "Rob" CD and Ch. "Eloise".  His pedigree combines all the best Paisley dogs of the past.  His 14 year old Granddaughter Coral still shares my home.

Spent a very fishy weekend, doing the fish club auction on Saturday, and redoing several large tanks on Sunday, but I also squeezed in a visit to the Dog Park with Argus, a long off leash run for Letty as well as a pet store visit, and dinner with my mother.

An early morning call from Meg to let me know the Bennett/Crystal pups are looking good at one week of age.  Three boys, two of them liver, three girls including one liver.  The black boy got off to a slow start, but is holding his own.

Raw Feeding CAN Be Easy

As I was fixing breakfast for the dogs this morning, it occurred to me why I didn't start raw feeding sooner.  I "dabbled" in it long before I actually switched all the dogs.  It was because the only list that I could find (was it called Wellpet?) was so militant about what should and should not be fed to dogs. As I started reading and researching, and after I finally got through Billinghurst's "Give Your Dog A Bone" - good information, but oh so badly edited and poorly organized - I got brave enough to try it.  I was fortunate to also find several good mentors - it really helps to have a mentor when you switch to raw.   Hard to believe it was so long ago!

My personal feeling is that dogs were not really carnivores, but are actually opportunist scavengers - they ate what was available at the time. They could catch and kill small animals, and perhaps bring down larger ones if they ran in a pack, but they also ate what they could find.   Dead things most likely, the leftovers from someone elses kills, eggs if they happened upon them, over-ripe seasonal fruits perhaps, and maybe even succulent greens. Living in the wild was tough, and fresh meat was not always available, even to the largest & strongest & fastest predators.

I've always tried to remember Billinghurst's advice - to feed a variety of fresh healthy foods, and balance over time. Feeding dogs is not rocket science any more than feeding children is. Let's observe our dogs carefully, see what works best for each of them, and be relaxed about this.

The breakfast shown above is ground turkey, cooked vegetables, some canned green tripe and a raw egg.  The salmon oil doesn't show.  The veggies change from day to day, tripe is fed only occasionally but the meal might include a big spoonful of canned duck or mackerel  instead.  Eggs are fed most morning.  The evening meal with be chicken necks or back, turkey necks, occasionally some other bony meaty piece.

Something To Keep In Mind

Words to live by -

Auction On Saturday

Funny how determined everyone is to participate.  I'm trying to collect food survey responses via regular email, and everyone is determined to post them to my Facebook page and elsewhere.  Certainly no lack of responses!  May move the survey to Facebook & this blog next week, but really the Dal Lists cover most of  the people I am actually hoping to survey.  The results will be quite different than the last two surveys, although Pro Plan continues to lead the parade.  And I still have one person feeding Purina Dog Chow. . .

Tomorrow I'll spend much of my day at the  Fish Club Auction.  It will run from 10:00 'til 5:00 or 6:00 and there will be hundreds of bags of fish and plants to be auctioned off, plus hundreds of hard goods too - tanks, lights, stands, filters, gravel, rocks, plastic plants, driftwood, books.    I'll be taking three bags of fish, but that's about all I have to sell right now.   Am selling off the adult Haps that I've already spawned, plus young X. alverezi (wild swords) and extra L. tridens.   That will free up the 20L so I can move in some other fish who are currently in smaller tanks.  Seems as if I am always playing Musical Tanks.

The fish are a very relaxing hobby in the winter.  After a tough day at the office, I love to walk the dogs first, then spend the rest of the evening in the fishroom which is warm and bright.  The sound of pumps and filters is relaxing, and while I do water changes and clean filters I often stop just to watch the fish.   Several tanks have new babies now, and that's always entertaining.  I can add a couple more species right, then I'm maxed out.  I even have a couple of large tanks that I've never filled - but have more than enough tanks to keep me busy.