Five Dogs and a Blonde

It MIGHT Be an Exciting Year

2012-01-23T08:35:00.001-08:00

Training has begun in earnest for Pinch and Moto. Our 2012 goals (not set in stone, of course, since life happens):
- Both boyz get their Started titles in Herding; and
- Moto gets his Open title in Obedience;
- Pinch gets his Novice title.

It's very difficult training two dogs with completely different temperaments. My thanks to Renee for helping me remember this. At a fun match this weekend I wanted to take too big of a proofing step with Moto which could have had disastrous results. Pinch - definately a cool thing to do, but would've destroyed Moto's confidence. It was the putting of a mesh screen behind the Broad Jump, to help the dog to not cut corners when taking the jump. Had Moto stepped on that in a new place he probably would've thought ALL Broad jumps had scary things that would come out and get him. Sheesh. Good thing I have people there to remind me I can't train all dogs the same way! But his performance was great! Now by great I don't mean OTCH-worthy, he was upbeat and happy and he tried. That's all I want from him, is to have fun in the ring and for us to be a team. We accomplished that. We'll dip our toe into Open some time this Spring and I'm looking forward to it.
Pinch tried Utility for the very first time at a fun match. I was impressed and thrilled! I have high goals for Pinch in Obedience. I still have lots and lots of work to do and I just don't ever seem to have enough time. We'll try some Wildcard classes and UKC Novice and if all goes well, maybe late Spring I'll put him into Novice. I want him to be as prepared and ready as he can be, as I hope to have a long, thrilling Obedience career with him.
Herding is, well, interesting. Moto has an innate understanding of the stock, but his performances are hit-and-miss, depending on how he's feeling that day. Some days he's very keen and others, well, let's just say if the sheep get away from him, he'd rather just call it a day. Moto was simply spectacular yesterday. He really IS ready for the Started class. It's just about building up his confidence and exposing him to different situations. He can do it, he just needs to be reminded he CAN do it, and do it very well.
Pinch has tons of "want to" but needs to be taught more of the basics as he lacks the understanding of how to work stock. I'm a green handler myself so this gets dicey. Again, thanks to my trainer Cathy who stopped us when I was confusing my poor guy and helped get us back on track. He will do it, eventually, but I'm going to need help getting him there.
Moto may be ready to try in the Spring; Pinch, probably in the Fall. Since I'm not an experienced handler in Herding and I don't feel I "get it", I just hope for that wonderful qualifying green ribbon. Anything else is icing on the cake.
If we can accomplish these things, it will be an exciting year indeed!

Not What I Wanted to Hear

2012-01-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

Blitz and I went for his annual appointment with his DM specialist. He's not had any flareups over the past year and is doing so well. I fully expected him to pronounce Blitz in remission and have a glowing report.
It was not a bad report, but it certainly wasn't what I expected. Since he is a professional and an expert in this disease, he's been carefully collecting statistics on Blitz as he is one of the worst cases he's seen.
He told me Blitz has definately declined, and that the muscle wasting has increased, especially in the facial region.
I was kind of surprised, but then he kindly took me on a tour of Blitz's body, and explained his findings to me.
I was bummed. I told him I felt Blitz was doing pretty well, and did he think Blitz would live a normal-length life. Pause. I don't LIKE pauses. He replied that because of my good care, the disease has slowed way down and because of that, I've given him LOTS of extra years. He then reminded me that he only expected Blitz to live to be 2. He is now four.
Blitz isn't dying by any means. He's not even close to it. But the reality is, he may only have a few more years.
Honestly, I shouldn't be saddened by this reality: Shiloh was in raging good health and his disease struck, quite literally, overnight. He was gone by age 10. Blitz was born with a horrific case of Dermatomyocitis (we didn't know it, and it wasn't officially diagnosed as DM until 12 weeks of age) and wasn't expected to live long at all.
So, I continue to take inspiration from Blitz: he doesn't know he has a death sentence. He continues to be the happiest dog on the planet. We all don't know when our time will come to leave this earth. So do as Blitz does: wag your tail, bark with joy, and be happy.
It's all any of us can do.

Dogs and Nicknames

2012-01-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

Does your dog have a nickname?
Mine do. I don't know if this is something everyone does, or just some of us, or just....me. I don't think it's just me. I think you do it, too.
How did your dogs GET their nicknames?
Mine came in a variety of ways.
Dusty = Dustmite. That one is really obvious.
Shiloh was Scooby, then shortened to Scoobs. I shortened it because Scooby took too long to get out of my mouth, and he was so darned fast at reacting to anything. Shiloh acted on impulse before he thought, which got him into lots of sticky situations. This led to me saying "ruh-roh!" which of course is what Scooby-Doo said. That's how he got his name.
Blitz = Beedle Deedle. I don't know.
Moto = Boo-Boo-Bear. It's because he is so cuddly.
Pinch = Dipper. That's because when he barked as a puppy, he'd snap his jaws and bark at the same time, making it a two-syllable bark. Instead of the usual-sounding "woof", it actually sounded like he was saying "Dip-per!" It's cute. It stuck.
Along with each of their nicknames comes a little sing-song that each dog has. I did an experiment recently to see if each dog understood that a particular song was for them. I sat on the couch, not making eye contact, just looking straight ahead, and softly sang one of their nickname songs. Sure enough, that individual would brighten, wag their tail, and step forward. Dusty is largely deaf now but back when he could hear his song he did this cute little back-and-forth with his head and begin prancing; so cute!
Shiloh adored his song and would try to match the pitch of my voice when I sang it to him. The two of us would "sing" it together.
Blitz wags his tail and spins.
Moto makes a very low "whuh" and rolls over on his back.
Pinch, of course, snaps his jaws at me with delight.
I don't know how the songs were born. They just sort of happened. I don't try to make a song, they just seem to come along in their own time.
It just seems to come with having a dog.

Grossout Factor

2011-12-28T09:27:00.001-08:00

WARNING! This really IS a gross post. Don't read if you are eating.
Why I am sharing this is something I haven't figured out yet; but I just feel the need so here it is:
While out for a late afternoon potty, Moto had some mild diahrrea. It was about the consistency of wet cement. Moto's poop has been the source of lots of discussion between hubby and I, simply because of the size and amount of it. Maybe that extra long back of his has made room for more intestinal tracts, but whatever it is, it's simply mind-boggling.
And so it was with this pile, quite literally the size of a mole hill.
I certainly didn't want any dog to run through THAT, so I got my trusty poop-scooper. As I've written previously my dogs celebrate the Picking Up of Poop. Pinch leapt and darted about as I rapidly walked towards the enormous pile.
I managed to scrape it into the scooper and was walking to the poop bucket to make my deposit when....bad things seem to happen in slow motion....
...Pinch went darting by, too close for comfort....
...he wasn't looking...
when WHAM! He hit the scooper, broad-side.
Again, in slow motion....
...the scooper turned sideways...
...Pinch continued to run....
...spraying the entire disgusting mess on Pinch.
We both stopped, horrified.
Well, I was horrified. I think Pinch just stopped because he hit something.
I looked at him, and he at me.
He had a thick brown smear from ear to flank, and boy did he stink.
Cleaning him up was quite a challenge as the garden hose has been disconnected because of freezing weather. I said lots of bad words. Pinch is now clean(er) but certainly won't win any Beauty Points. I don't know what it is with him and winter weather, keeping him clean under normal conditions has been challenging. Hopefully I'll find time to brush him one more time as we have class tonight and it would be embarassing to see people sniff, check their shoes, then look at Pinch and I with dismay.
There, I shared my story. I apologize if you were grossed out. But I bet if you are a dog person, you have your own gross poop story.

Merry Christmas; Now Get Back to Work.

2011-12-27T07:26:00.000-08:00

Yet another holiday has come and gone; it's an expensive week for my husband. First there's Christmas, then a few days later it's our anniversary, and a few days after that it's my birthday. How did I GET so old? I still feel like a kid so I can't complain.
I weighed myself and almost fainted. All the weight I'd worked so hard to lose is back. Dag nabbit!
Pinch is unkempt-looking and wild in his behavior. This is a dog that NEEDS a job; since I hadn't trained him in weeks he created his own job, which was relocating the firewood pile from the patio downstairs to the deck upstairs.
Well heck, I was getting bored myself.
Got my pudgy self to try my new Zumba with Wii game. It said I burned a couple hundred calories in a short time - yay!
Got Pinch out and did some pivot drills, heeling and articles. He was so excited when he saw the article bag he jumped on the couch where it was, pulled out the gloves and actually brought me his collar. It was if he was saying "hurry UP - I'm dyin' here!"
After a training session where he hasn't missed a beat all the dogs had a nice long run and are now happily snoozing throughout the house.
I need to do this, at least six days a week. It's not that hard, it's just sticking to the schedule.
And that's my New Years' resolution.

Wet Dogs

2011-12-19T18:57:00.000-08:00

It's been a very strange winter, weather-wise. We should've had our first few inches of snow on the ground, and instead it's been a cold, miserable rain.
I've been in sunny California for the past week or two and came home to temps in the 40's and 50's, and rain.
And more rain.
Oh, and mud.
Today has been extremely rainy. As my sister would say, "it's vomiting rain". Sorry if you're reading this and eating.
My five dogs have different opinions of rain. Some act like cats when it comes to water. I have some that are this way, and others that don't care if it rains, or they DO care, too much so.
It's bedtime, so all five dogs must do their evening potty. In the dark. In the pouring rain. And yes, I've spoiled them. I go outside with them as they do their evening potty. It's raining so much I've donned mud boots and a waterproof jacket. Here's how it went:

I carry Dusty out as he walks too slowly and I want to minimize his discomfort. I plunk him in the middle of the yard so he can select prime pottying spots.

Dusty: I am melting. I will just curl up in a ball here and maybe it will all go away.
Me (giving him a gentle nudge): You HAVE to potty. Otherwise you will wake me up in a few hours, you'll still get wet, and I'll have to towel and blow-dry you in the middle of the night.
Dusty trudges off in misery to do his business.

Daisy: I am a BC. I am invincible and water proof. The rain has no effect on me. I will potty proudly and in a carefree manner.

Blitz: This sucks. I will tread on this wet ground as if it were the ickiest, most disgusting thing I have ever touched. I will glare as you as I potty.

Moto: I love my Mommy so I will potty, but not before I make her feel bad for letting me get so wet. I will make sure to rub my soaking fur against her to make her feel as miserable as I do.

Pinch: WAHOO! RAIN! Look everyone, it's raining! I will snap at the rain! I will run in the rain! I will play in the rain! Mom keeps saying something to me but I can't hear her! I will run and run until I have mud balls in my fur! The secret is to ignore Mom as long as possible, as when I potty I have to come in out of this GREAT weather!

Me: *sigh*
All I can say is, I'm glad for mud rooms.

A Day in the Life of a Welcome Wagon Lady

2011-11-29T06:04:00.000-08:00

Along with my duties as a Chamber of Commerce director, I am also the town's Welcome Wagon lady. It's fun for the most part and has taught me how to turn cold calling into a successful meeting.
Back in the Good Old Days, I could call information and get new resident's phone numbers, call and make an appointment to come welcome them and give them gifts. However in these days of cell phones I must drop in on folks unexpectedly with my basket of goodies. Again, 99% of the time it is successful, and if no one is home I leave a card behind, explaining who I am, I'm not selling anything, and call me and I'll come by with gifts.
I'm in a small town, which means sometimes I drive to really, really remote areas. This weekend included one of those difficult-to-reach homes. It was a large,beautiful home and I was hoping the person would be inside so I could, along with welcoming them, glance around for decorating ideas.
A large German Shepherd appeared. This happens frequently as most homes don't have fences in this part of the country. I try to assess if the dog is friendly and whether or not it is safe to get out of my car. Not only is this dog friendly, he appears delighted to have company. So I open my door.
OH NO!! He's WAY too friendly. He leaps into my car, tail wagging frantically, covering my steering wheel and the side of my face with slobber. I quickly exit the vehicle and now he's even happier, leaping and bounding off my body, leaving scratches from his long nails as I shove him off me. I try to walk to the front door....when all of a sudden...OH NO!!! An enormous, well-fed Lab appears, equally as delighted to have company. Now I'm fending off two jumping, covering-me-with-slobber dogs. I quickly look to the house. No lights are on, no one is coming to help me. I decide to cut my losses, nix leaving a card as I'll never make it to the front door and, fending rapid-fire enormous tongued kisses head back to the car. OH NO!!! The German Shepherd is back inside my car. Noooooooo! I grab a rock from the driveway and pretend it is a ball, the funnest ball in the world and I have it. I have his attention and the Lab's attention. I throw it and say "get it!!!" and they fall for my ruse. I'm in that car in a flash and backed out so quick their heads are spinning. They are sad to see me depart and are jumping on the back of the car. Finally they see I'm not coming back and trot back to their home.
I assess the damage. I have so much slobber my clothes look like they are covered with giant snail tracks. My hands are covered with scratches. I'm no longer fit to welcome other folks as I might frighten them with my appearance.
Home I go, for a shower and change.
Just another day in the life of a Welcome Wagon lady.

Thank doG for Dogs!

2011-11-23T16:03:00.000-08:00

This is the time where we are to express our thankfulness for our great abundance, and we do so by inviting our family to gather and shower them with food. It's a wonderful tradition and one I've cherished more and more as I get older.
While I'm in a grateful mood, this year I'm more focused on being thankful for my dogs.
First and foremost, I'm thankful for Dusty. He'll turn 17 beginning of February and he's in great health. I hug him and kiss him every day as I know each day with him is a precious gift.
I desperately miss my beloved Shiloh at the Bridge, but I am thankful I shared 11 wonderful years with that dog. As one song says: "my heart beats because you showed it how."
I'm even thankful for Daisy, my husband's Border Collie. We've not gotten along well over the years but since Shiloh's passing she seems to be trying to fill that painful wound. This touches me deeply. I'm amazed by her insight and depth of emotion.
There's my little Blitz, affected by DM. I'm thankful for his daily life lessons. No matter how bad a day it is, he always makes me smile.
There's my sweet Moto. While maybe not the best student of Obedience, this dog touches me the way no other dog has. I'm so lucky to have another Heart Dog in my life.
Last but he certainly wouldn't let me say least - it's baby Pinch. At age 1 he's earned four titles already, even more accomplished than Shiloh was at his age. I'm thrilled to have an exciting show prospect, but behind all that drive is a dog of tremendous emotional range. He's the first dog I've had that can laugh loudly, squeal with delight or show genuine hurt.
My dogs - each one has brought their own story, taught me important lessons, and my life is better because they shared their life with mine.
What great creatures they are!
There definately is a reason doG is God spelled backwards, and I'm thankful for that.

Great Last Hurrah

2011-11-21T06:47:00.000-08:00

We ended our show year with a Bang, and a good one at that!
Both Pinch and Moto received the PT title (Pre-Trial) at the last herding trial of the year, and both did so with very nice runs!
Well, except for Saturday. Moto was good. Pinch was, er, well, let's just say Naughty.
Moto only needed to qualify one more time to earn his title. He was in first, and made it look easy. It was simply a beautiful run and he did a great job from start to finish. He's usually the variable when it comes to showing, so I entered the arena with Pinch with great confidence. What happened next was stunning.
I sent him to gather the sheep. Instead of that pretty going-around thingie you see in the herding movies, Pinch dove right through the middle, scattering sheep all over the ring. I commanded him to sit. He kept on running. Then he decided to pick on one particular sheep and was having a great time chasing it. This is not herding, and the judge warned me to call him off. I abandoned the rest of the group and took off after my black blur. He finally stopped, and when he looked at me I saw he had no brain. Just a silly, glassy-eyed hyper stare that he was having the time of his life and didn't care what I said.
I made him wait a bit (hoping some brains would re-enter that cavity in his head) and we tried again. We went thru the panels, and I was getting ready to pen when the judge said "um, you're not done. Remember, you need to go the OTHER way around the course, too." CRAP! I was so rattled by Pinch's errant behavior I forgot we need to do a stop and a turn and go all the way around...again. We did manage to do so, but it wasn't pretty. Not at all. Our judge was kind and since he DID do it - albeit completely lacking style of any kind - he qualified us.
So that was Saturday.
Sunday, I moved Moto up to Started. It was a big step but we'd trained the Started course just in case. But alas, Moto needs more confidence and when I saw he was really stressed and needed more help than I could give him, we called our run. I didn't want him to have a bad first experience in the "big field". I'm fine with that, we'll practice this winter and try again next year.
Good boy Moto!
My theory that Pinch was out of control because it was his first time in a strange arena with strange sheep proved correct: day #2 I had the dog I knew back. When we were at the halfway point where we needed to turn I asked the judge "shall we turn here?" to which she replied "it's lovely. Turn and go." Once out of the ring a gentleman came over and remarked that I should be thrilled to have such a dog, that he was going to have a brilliant herding career.
Bursting with pride inside, I thanked him for taking the time to come over and say such kind things.
Title total for 2011: Moto - 3 Obedience titles - BN, CD, GN. Herding - HT, PT.
Pinch - 2 Obedience titles - RN, BN. Herding - HT, PT.
Not a bad way to finish the year! Well done boys!

Time for the Annual Holiday Argument

2011-11-16T11:52:00.000-08:00

Ah yes, it's that time of year again, a time that causes strife between my husband and myself.
It's the Annual Christmas Picture.
We always send out a picture of our dogs, which to us is a very cute idea. However, we have a lot of dogs and like children, each one has their "issues".
Most difficult each year is Daisy, who firmly believes the camera is out to Steal Her Soul. To get her even remotely near a camera, she needs to have the beejesus run out of her. So, if she looks happy in the picture, it's because we ran her so much she is too tired to care.
We now have a new issue, and that is my sweet Dusty. He's turned a bit senile, and add blindness and a bit of deafness to that. Oh he's still a very happy boy. But he can no longer follow simple commands like "sit" or "stay". He can hear "cookie" but often can't tell where it's coming from - interesting the way sound waves bounce off of walls, I've discovered.
So here's how it's going to go this year: run Daisy like crazy. Erik will do this as I set up the photo shoot area.
Good, now she's exhausted. Quick! Line up the dogs.
Me to Erik: make silly noises.
Erik tries, but he's not very good at it.
This is where the arguing starts.
Me: Say "cookie"
Erik: "cookie"
Me: Say it with some EXCITEMENT, will ya??
Erik in a girly voice "Cookie! Cookie!"
Dusty will probably wander off.
Daisy will take that cue and slink off.
Me: You didn't run Daisy enough. Go run her again.
Erik grumbles.
You can get the drift of how it's going to go.
We will begin our picture-taking efforts over the next couple of days. Hopefully we will come up with something printable.
I'll put some outtakes on this blog.
Meantime, we're getting ready for a herding trial this weekend. I'm excited and hopeful, but of course it's always a crap shoot when it comes to a herding trial. So here's to dogs that listen, calm sheep and good draws!

Too much "wiggle room"

2011-11-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

Pinch is a fast worker.
This can make training really fun.
The reverse is also true.
We are taking a Beginning Utility Class and Pinch is loving every single second of his training. But in his enthusiasm and my greediness to do too much too fast, this class has exposed some training holes.
When I trained his signals, I had him stand on a small doggie cot so he would learn not to move forward. While he can work on the cot just great, turn the cot upside down or just put him on the ground and you have a dog that is all over the place.
Backchaining here we go again.
I have now made a small box that is perfectly Pinch-sized. He cannot stand and move his rear. I absolutely cannot move foward. He cannot inch up on the sit.
He's such a fast little guy and I need to get faster with my rewards and/or praise. Learning to mark the right behavior is every bit as important so he can learn what is right.
All releases are given moving backwards. Sometimes I place a treat behind him, and after he does his signals he can go back and get it. Other times I just throw a treat behind him to get. Sometimes he has to back into his signals. The message here: moving forward earns you NOTHING. Going back is goooooooooo-ooood. But I am, once again, only 3 feet away from him. But better to discover this now than have our Open title. It would be awful to have to delay a Utility debut because of a problem like this.
But we are having the time of our life. Went out this brisk morning to work signals and directed jumping and before I realized it 45 minutes had passed. It's great to have another dog like Shiloh where training is just so much fun you have to MAKE yourself stop!
So grateful for my little black flash!

This is the Face of DM

2011-11-06T17:59:00.000-08:00

This is my Blitz, now age 4. DM is short for Dermatomyocitis, aka Sheltie Skin Syndrome. It is not to be confused with mange, and it is NOT, I repeat NOT contagious. It is hereditary and unfortunately Blitz won the lottery and got one of the worst cases to be had. Along with hair loss his disease also involves the muscles and at this point in his life his rear is weak. He can still do the stairs but he has to think about it first.
I only had two weeks of his puppyhood to enjoy him before he became ill. First it was a scab on his head, then it hit hard and fast. After the skin biopsy and the firm diagnosis of DM his breeders and I were devastated. His case was so severe the specialist - who worked with Texas A&M in the beginnings of his diagnosis - only gave him two years to live. His puppyhood was a constant of visits to the dermatologist clinic, the vet, many many rounds of drugs and steroids and more drugs to counteract the effect of other drugs. There were so many pills to be taken on a daily basis half the kitchen counter was covered with them.
But you know what? Through all he had to endure, being a dog, it was he who taught me to buck up, stop crying, and enjoy life. I remember the moment well. He was still a tiny puppy - very sick - and I was carrying him with the laundry in a basket to do the wash. Tears were pouring from my eyes as I looked at my puppy covered with lesions. He licked my face and looked in me in such a way that I was thunderstruck by the wisdom shining from his eyes. We shared that look for a moment, and I haven't cried for him since.
Oh yes, my heart hurts for him. He's an amazing, brilliant, devoted and very talented dog. He could have been amonst the best of them in the Obedience ring. But he's shown me there is so much more to life than a brilliant performance in Obedience: he is a brilliant performer in LIFE. Because of his upbeat attitude he has beat the odds and is still here, two years past he was supposed to be. And even though his looks may take you back a bit, inside beats the heart of the most beautiful dog you could ever meet.
Each dog comes into our lives for a reason, and Blitz came here, I believe, to help us remember that every day is to be greeted with great joy and wonder, no matter what the cards have dealt us. Through these difficult past couple of years his lesson has helped me remain strong.
I've attached his only and only YouTube video of him doing a fun match at the age of 10 months. He was in remission and feeling and looking pretty good. I'm so glad to have this video reminder of how much he and I shared our mutual passion of Obedience, and now, our mutual passion of life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI2M7tACT90

Just Talkin' Dusty

2011-10-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't written much about Dusty or Blitz in awhile because, well, I'm not training or showing them. But they are here and they are well, so I thought I'd take time today to just write about Dusty and what he's been up to.

This picture was taken a few days ago during an Indian summer day. Dusty was feeling particularly good, and actually joined the crew for part of our daily walk around the property. He even barked and frolicked a bit and so I thought I'd take a picture to memorialize the day.

Not that he's had a bad day. Not in the least. But he IS getting older (he turns 17 February 8 2012). These days his priority is a Good Nap. Even eating has taken a back seat to the importance of a good nap.

That's a major shift in the Life of Dusty - eating was the end all and be all. And that's when I knew he really and truly is becoming an Old Dog. His diet has changed, too. My dogs are fed Raw, supplemented with a high quality no grain kibble. Except now for Dusty. First, we eliminated the raw meaty bones as it was taking him too long to eat them. I was grinding his bones for him. Ever so slowly bits of the raw diet were being dropped - eggs first (upset his tummy), then dairy. Then it was just the kibble. Then the kibble, soaked in warm water. Now it's canned dog food (same brand, so no grain and whole foods) mixed in with the kibble. He seems to really enjoy this latest combo and is eating with a gusto I haven't seen in months. So all is good in the Life of Dusty. He's very happy, gets around very well in spite of being practically blind, and eats and poops with no complications. At his age, that's quite an accomplishment.

After all my family has been through, I've learned all too well about mortality. In addition to being grateful for every day I am given, I make sure that I hug Dusty, and appreciate each day he is here. At his 16-year annual checkup the vet said he had the bloodwork of a 4-year-old. Looks like I'll get to appreciate him for a good deal longer!

Next entry will be about the Blitz-man!

Today's Herding Lesson

2011-10-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

I have Tuesdays off. It's a weird, wonderful day to have off if you need to go grocery shopping as it is never crowded. If you want to drive somewhere you have the roads pretty much to yourself too. And today, my herding instructor Cathy and my time off schedules coincided so I went for an early morning lesson today.
We are beginning to teach an outrun, lift and fetch (where the dog goes out and around the sheep - that's the outrun, the lift is where the sheep start to come to you and fetch is where you are in the lead, the sheep in the middle and the dog holding them to you).
Moto is really picking up quickly on the outrun. Today was really fun as he naturally stopped when the sheep began to turn to me. It doesn't get any better than that. We then did some walkabouts (just like it sounds, you don't want the dog pushing the sheep past you, just keeping them to you) to see if he could balance as I moved about the large pasture. He did pretty good, just has difficulty balancing on the left side for some reason. The neatest thing was the Started course was still up and he was able to do it just fine! Now, if all the stars will be in alignment wouldn't that be fun to qualify your first time in Started. With both Dusty and Shiloh that did not happen. If Moto qualifies on Saturday in PT, we will move up to Started on Sunday, so we should be prepared if the Herding gods are smiling on us.

I expected Moto to do well as he is from a long line of herding Shelties. With Pinch I expected I'll need to teach more mechanics as he's mostly from conformation dogs. He proved me wrong today: while he needs quite a bit of work on his outrun, his lift and fetch were really, really good. The biggest thing I've come to learn in this Herding Game is to keep my mouth shut, trust my dog and let THEM do the work. Magic happens when I let go of the Control Freak in me. So, I shut my mouth, stepped away from the sheep to see what Pinch would do. Wouldn't you know it, he balanced nicely and brought them to me, as nice as could be. So he too will begin his Started training in earnest, and maybe try for it in the Spring.
What a great way to start the day!

Another Great Weekend

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm still floating from a pretty good last Obedience Trial of the year for us. Moto achieved his Graduate Novice (GN) title, and Pinch got his Beginner Novice (BN) title. Moto won his class both days and no, he wasn't the only dog - there were 5 the first day and just 2 of us on Sunday. Pinch's class was more competitive with 12 dogs and he got a 3rd place Saturday and Sunday won his class.
But the ribbons weren't the best part - it was the fact that both boys ENJOYED their time in the ring and gave their very best. That's all I ever ask for! Moto is really coming along in leaps and bounds and on Sunday his score was a 195 - pretty good for him. Sunday was very trying for him as we were the last class of the day and there was lots of slamming and banging as people broke down their crates and the obedience club was ripping up mats. Moto stayed on task and even during the out of sight downs managed to hold it together. He did not lag on the figure 8 and the fast during heeling which is HUGE for him. We will make an Open debut next year, which thrills me to no end.
Pinch too is making big strides. His ability to work under pressure has increased but still needs work. On Saturday we had a male judge and he moved his feet on the Sit for Exam which cost us a point. The judge also followed him in on the recall, which caused him to accelerate too fast and his front was more of a *splat* - LOL! But that too cost us a point (I felt the judge was very generous, I would have taken 2 or 3 points for that). He is keeping his attention for the most part and he got a lot of compliments for his work. I think with continued exposure to new things and some more maturing he will be a really nice obedience dog.
Our hotel was lovely - clean and quiet, lots of lawn and good restaurants near by. Since I wasn't travelling with any friends the boys and I enjoyed lots of down time together cuddling on the king sized bed. During the night I realized I had become the middle of a doggie sandwich with one dog on each side of me, in the "otter" position. Too cute!
Next up: a Sylvia Bishop seminar and a herding trial, where will try to finish Moto's PT and Pinch will make his PT debut. Then, it's off for the holidaze. Where did the year go?

Obedience is HARD WORK!

2011-10-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

We have our last Obedience trial of the year coming up, and I hope to finish Moto's Graduate Novice (GN) title, and Pinch's Beginner Novice (BN) title. These are, I hope, precursers of the "real" classes we hope to enter next year. Since Laurie's visit I've been much more committed to training, and it seems the more I train, the more holes I expose in my training.
I do understand to have a Champion title at ANY level takes tons of work, commitment of time, and training. I do believe (and this is just my opinion of course), that the OTCH (Obedience Trial Champion) title is one of the hardest to attain, simply for the fact you need to train EVERY day, and the level of perfection requires great technical, non-natural behavior on the dog's part. Unlike most other venues, you cannot talk to your dog, you cannot touch your dog until the exercises are over.
I've realized I've been too chatty in my training and am now easing it out as I want my boys to be as prepared as possible for the ring environment where Mommy is silent with her praise and they still need to do what is asked of them.
And - in addition to training, there needs to be proofing. Proofing is where you set up a situation where your dog needs to make a choice to do what you've asked or do something else, which would not be what was asked. For example: I took Pinch and Moto to work with me today, so they could get used to new sights and sounds outside their home environment. For Pinch's proofing I wanted to heel him up and down in front of my work and I wanted attention. Another big hole in my training was exposed as something as simple as a leaf blowing by could make him look away. My bad, I should have been doing this on a regular basis ages ago. Bad trainer!
Moto really doesn't need training, he needs lots and lots of exposure to help him build his confidence. This is going to take a really long time. Quite honestly, I think he'll never be a confident boy, but will be able to work through his worries to get the job done.
I'm sure we will qualify and I think both of them should do reasonably well. I'm excited as this is my first dog show road trip, complete with a hotel stay, in a very long time.
But, we certainly have our work cut out for us during the winter break.

Moments of Glory

2011-10-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

Feeling much better - finally! With it being Monday, I went back to my winter routine of getting up at 5:00 a.m., doing chores until the sun comes up, then train dogs. With our trial just a few weeks away and losing a week of training, we're focusing on what we need to have success at the BN and GN level. Pinch needs a LOT of heeling work. I'm switching out between a flat and a pinch collar for precision. No, I don't "correct" him on a pinch collar. It just instantly lets him know when he's out of position. And he's at that teen-ager stage and learning about boundaries and having to do what's asked of him. He's both spicy and soft at the same time but bounces back quickly after a correction.
I trained Pinch first and Moto had to watch. He actually seems to care about having to wait. When we did heeling, I had a few 'wow" moments - a first. Sometimes in the ring with his sire Shiloh I could "feel" the judge. I've heard other exhibitors say the same thing. I remember once heeling with Shiloh, I could feel the judge and she was really liking our performance. Sure enough, we had a nice score that day. I had a few of those moments with Moto this morning. It's a lovely thing. It's as if we are one and moving together with perfect syncronicity. Yes, it was our back yard, but tomorrow we'll take it to a new area and see if we can reproduce it yet again.
If that happens, I'll be really happy for both he and I.

The Joy of Herding

2011-09-29T05:31:00.000-07:00

I'm still recovering from a nasty case of the flu. Today I'll return to work but I still need to go slowly. Hubby returned yesterday and is definately getting back to normal. It's been great to rehash the weekend's events over and over in my mind, as it was an entirely pleasant weekend, darned near perfect even. Trials in any venue very rarely have this good of a conclusion so I'm going to milk it for all it's worth. I haven't done any herding trials since 2005 and I'd forgotten how wonderful it can be. It's darned near as addicting - in a different way - as Obedience. While Obedience is a showcase of what you've taught your dog, herding is in a way the complete opposite - it's what your dog has taught YOU. When you enter the herding arena all bets are off and you need to trust your dog to do what it's been bred to do. For me the control freak it's always been a real struggle. However when we have good results in herding it's because I've let go of my agenda, made decisions on the fly, and let my dog be in control of the situation with me adding some guidence regarding where we should be on the course.
Moto with his new obedience training agenda (working for his meals) and my letting him control the sheep has let him blossom. That PT run, with absolutely no training with panels and penning, was just beautiful. We went around that course in three minutes and received lots of compliments about what a nice dog he was. One person said they even thought he should be a B course dog! (B course is a smaller version of what a course is at Border Collie trials - no arena, just wide open area.) I'm excited an anxious to get him in to the Started class next year.
Pinch lacks the innate talent of rating stock but what he lacks in instinct he more than makes up with in confidence and "want to". He's learning to listen to me (that "steady" command has been our saving grace with flighty stock) and I was impressed with that he did this weekend, too. We had a ewe that escaped once and I told him to leave it and we'd herd the remaining four. Pinch kept looking back and finally took off and rounded her up and brought her back. When she tried to break again with no word from me he quickly went over and with a quick nip encouraged her to stay with her flock.
So for both of the boys we had one of those great herding moments where we are working quietly together and the stock is moving in a calm and orderly fashion. It was so neat to see each of them exercise their completely different talents yet both achieve great results.
The best part? When I called them to come to me, their sweet brown eyes shining with pride, knowing it was a Job Well Done.
To quote from the movie "Babe": That'll do, Pig. That'll do.

More Ribbons for the Boyz

2011-09-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

We had another GREAT weekend! The weather was absolutely perfect - lows in the 50's and highs in the low 70's. The sheep were a lot lighter than normal but hey, they had a bunch of strange dogs herding them so you can't blame 'em. The Q rate for our class was really low (the Herding Test class) - 10 entries and only three Q's, and two of them were Pinch and Moto! Neither run was pretty but I think the fact they had stops and were able to keep the sheep from escaping let our judge qualify us. Moto titled on Saturday so I moved him up to the PT class (Pretrial Test). The PT class went first on Sunday and instead of 3 head they changed it to five head per run and this upped the Q level significantly. Yesterday NO ONE from the PT class qualified; on Sunday we had three, and Moto was one of them! His Sunday run was particularly nice and stock were under control the entire time. I was absolutely thrilled with him. Pinch needed one more qualfier to title and he too was not as silly and went right to work. He still needs a bit more instruction/maturity so our run wasn't as smooth as Moto's but he did hold the stock together for the most part (had one ewe that kept trying to escape). So now it's on to the PT level for Mr. Pinch and Moto will finish his PT title hopefully at the November trial.

Unfortunately for me I now have my husband's case of the flu. Both he and I are home from work today, sick as dogs, too sick to help each other and doing the minimum chores possible. Right now he's on the couch watching an old movie and I think I'll retire to bed and play a game of Angry Birds.

The dogs are confused with all this lying around but for the most part are just being lazy with us.

Onward and upward, with a cup of tea in hand, I shall retire now. So nice to have a happy weekend to reflect on!

Sometimes It's Just Not Fair

2011-09-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

This is not one of my upbeat posts. It's just been a real sad beginning of the day. First, I learned my friend's husband passed away suddenly. They've been married over 35 years, have three wonderful children (all grown now). I worked with her for many years back in California. We shared the same office suite. When you face someone for 8+ hours a day, you get to know them pretty well, and I know she loved her husband and her family with all her heart and they were the centers of her life. I just wish I was independently wealthy and could hop plane to be there for her, but a phone call, email, and other remote forms of contact will have to do. Life is just too short - hug your loved ones and appreciate them.
Blitz's DM is back with a vengeance. Yeah, it is not a surprise, but for some reason it hit me particularly hard this time. Guess because he was doing unusually well. I hadn't begun training him so there was nothing unusual/stressful to bring it back. This time it's hitting his muscles - his rear and his jaw. He's eating slower and with more difficulty and today he fell down the stairs. He's such a bright, happy little guy and after startling after the fall (and me trying to act like it was nothing) just stood right back up, wagged his tail as if to say "now THAT was silly of me!" I'm sure it's his upbeat attitude that has kept him going this long.
As I've often said Blitz could have been a great Obedience dog, as his temperament, work ethic and love of play could have taken him very far. Life didn't deal him a fair deck of cards but he doesn't know that and thinks being alive every day is the best present ever!
All our dogs come into our lives for a reason. Even on this sad day, Blitz has shown me that as long as we're here we should smile, play, love and make the best of it because really, each day we are here IS the best present ever.
Good boy, Blitz.

Last Practice

2011-09-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

The herding trial is next weekend. It's at my trainer's facility, so you'd think I'd be feeling confident, right? WRONG! Granted, it may be our best chance for a Q because we know the facility and the stock, and hopefully the stock will remember us. However I've come to discover weather has to do a lot with it, the particular grouping of sheep has a lot to do with it, and the dog and human's state of mind have a lot to do with it. Throw all those factors into a ring and that's a lot to deal with for the maximum ten minutes we're allowed to qualify. Add to that I haven't trained in years, haven't trialed since 2005 and hoo boy it could be a wild ride.
Last week's practice was so bad a friend and I told each other we might as well just take our entry fees and have a bonfire and would have the same result. But yesterday's practice was pretty darned good. If only our trainer would put a special marking on those sheep and make sure I got those when it was my dogs' turns, I think I'd feel pretty cocky about right now.
The weather next weekend looks to be great. There's going to be a lot of hard work next weekend (I'm helping out when I'm not showing) but there should be some good times to be had as well. I always enjoy watching the advanced dogs work. It's always thrilling to see a beautiful run. Maybe someday, one or both of my boys will join those ranks.
But until next weekend, we wait, think about what we've learned, and hope for the best.
EEK!

Gosh, We Have a Show Schedule!

2011-09-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

Pinch and Moto are entered in the Open class at our club's obedience fun match tomorrow. Pinch really isn't ready for Open work so we'll do heeling on leash, a straight recall, and recalls over the broad and high jumps. No dumbbell as we are still resolving his chomping issue. Good progress is being made and I need to not be greedy.
I'm curious to see if Moto's working for meals will translate into his Open work. To simulate what we are doing, I'll put treats in a bowl, show it to him, and we'll go into the ring. Cross your fingers.
He's also failing his drop on recall. He is such an interesting dog. He was doing it just fine when it was ALWAYS a drop on recall. I know I'd mentioned this earlier. But silly me, I forgot that, and had him do some straight recalls the other day. Now he's completely confused. So we are doing lots of drop on recalls and it seems his confidence is restored. So funny the way their minds work!
For Pinch tomorrow's goal is more of a getting him exposed to different situations and adding a bit more pressure. The "pressure" for tomorrow is I'll ask the judge to be one of those close-following judges, and ask him to be able to pay attention and keep working. Could very likely happen some day in the ring.
Next weekend is our herding trial. I hope Moto can complete his HT and of course I'd also like Pinch to title that weekend too, but that means he'd have to qualify twice. It COULD happen but I'm not holding my breath. No matter what, it will be wonderful to be back at herding trials again, it's been several years since I've competed in this venue. I do hope Moto really takes hold and can advance in this area, he's capable of brilliant work when he puts his mind to it.
After that it's a Springfield Obedience trial to finish Moto's Graduate Novice title and Pinch's Beginner Novice title, then a 1-day seminar with the great Sylvia Bishop, and last but certainly not least, a pre-Thanksgiving herding trial down south. I haven't entered this many shows since I campaigned my Shiloh and it feels great to kind of be back in the swing of showing regularly again. Hooray!

Visits are like Christmas

2011-09-15T08:28:00.001-07:00

My friend Laurie just left after a wonderful week-long visit. Saying good-bye to my dear friend until next year always brings a bit of sadness and reflection. It DOES seem a lot like Christmas as in first there's the anticipation of the event, the event itself with much enjoyment, and the letdown once the event is over with. So here I am in Letdown Phase. But as always, it was a good visit.
She is an accomplished Obedience trainer and is willing to share what she's learned with me which I greatly appreciate. And being a good friend, she is honest with me which is the most valuable thing a friend can be.
The first hole exposed in my training was with Pinch. She asked if I'd ever done much work with him away from me (like go-outs). Well yeah a little but I'd pretty much back shelved it for quite awhile. So we tried and quickly discovered Pinch does not understand what a correction means. As was much discussed in Melinda's blog, so much negative connotation is attached to that word. When I say "correction" the dog is not punished and no one is angry. The dog is made to understand that it wasn't right and needs to find another solution. Pinch - with the mildest light scruff - completely freaked out, so much so he couldn't focus enough to find a solution (i.e. The Right Way). This is basic foundation stuff and I'm so glad this was discovered before we entered the Real Obedience ring. The wheels would have fallen off big-time once we got out of Novice.We are backchaining on lots of stuff while moving forward in other areas. He will start the Beginning Utility class at Renee's to help build his self confidence and get him used to working away from me. Heeling needs to almost go back to square one. That, and I need to make more effort to expose him to different sights and sounds. Pinch will come to work with me one day a week to help with this.
Moto was the biggest and most wonderful surprise of all. Laurie has seen his sloppy obedience work and came up with the idea of having him work for ALL his meals. The turnaround was amazing. I have an up and happy dog that is putting great effort into his work. It's translating to other areas of his life also: he was pushy in herding - a first - and is beginning to stand up for himself in the still evolving new pack order. We hope to slowly translate this over into ring work. If so, there most likely still will not be an OTCH in progress, but I will have a dog that enjoys being with me in the ring, where I am the cookie, and that is the most important thing of all. If I have that, and a dog who gives me effort, then it's been a good day at the show.
Then of course there was all the fun we had. So many restaurants, so little time! And we got caught up in the feather craze, thanks to Steve Tyler (of American Idol fame). We each got one, then it turned into several. I feel like quite the fashionista now.
Between rounds of eating there was shopping, seeing "The Help" (which I highly recommend) and of course training.
But now it's back to the Real World of two jobs, volunteering, and, upon putting a pair of jeans which were shockingly tight, a diet. It was SO worth it.

Great Weekend Report!

2011-08-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to write that our weekend goals were achieved! Hooray! And we had some blue ribbons to boot - icing on the cake!
Moto was up and happy in Graduate Novice, which was my goal. He was a bit distracted at times but overall I was completely thrilled with his performance. The only thing holding us back from Open is that dratted awful lag on the fast, which has haunted us from day one. I need to get creative on this one now and I am not very creative. I almost sense it's a stubbornness issue with him. We'll begin working on it and see if I can get to the root of the problem. But everything else was just great and I couldn't be happier!
Pinch got his Rally Novice Title! He would've gotten a 100 both days except for me, his silly handler, denied him his blue ribbons. Saturday, I simply got lost and had to redo a sign. Still got 2nd place. Today, literally running into the ring after showing Moto cost us big-time. No time to walk the course and rushing in, I saw the "halt" but not the "down". We were to walk around our dog, and I did it with him in a sit. A big fat 10-point hit got us out of the ribbons. That was his only deduction, dangit. But the good thing is Pinch is really showing nicely and has no stress at all in the ring. If anything, he is too overzealous, which is a problem I will take.
Lastly, in typical form, Shiloh made his presence clearly known. On Saturday first place for Grad Novice was a beautiful set of bowls. They are the same pattern as the HIT dipping bowl set Shiloh won five years ago from this same show site. Today was the kicker, though. All Grad Novice qualifiers got a stuffed animal. By the time our class was done the only thing left were Teddy Bears - the exact same kind Shiloh won many years ago and was with him when he passed.
Even though it was for Moto, Shiloh's son, I just couldn't bring myself to see any other dog with his beloved Teddy bear. We gratefully received a beautiful tote bag and towel as first prize, and that was plenty good for us.
It was a wonderful weekend and a good time was had by me and the boys. And I took great comfort in knowing my beautiful Shiloh was smiling down from the Bridge on us.

Teamwork

2011-08-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

We're just a few days away from our show now. Training has been done as if we were in the actual ring, including warm-ups and then "showing". It seems Moto is extremely literal (just like me) and is more confident when he knows EXACTLY what is going to happen in the ring. The only occasional variance that I do is weird heelwork "doodling" (I like my dogs to pay attention and think about maintaining position).
One thing of note with Moto - since we're doing Graduate Novice, he does a Drop On Recall. In all my other dogs and in all the classes I've taken, this exercise has been trained with either a straight recall or adding in the occasional drop. The purpose of this is to keep the dog coming in rapidly and not anticipating the down. But in Moto's case, alternating it makes him confused. So, every single recall has had a drop command. This makes him happy, which makes ME happy. Every dog is so different!
Overall I'm pretty happy with Moto's heeling. We're lucky to have a fun match the day before we go in the ring. We'll see if it translates over to the show site. If it does, I will be extremely happy.
Pinch is a very enthusiastic worker. He is an absolute blast to train and show. But his immaturity still shows so it will be at least another year before I bring him out. I'd so rather have this problem - too much happiness - than a dog who does not like to work. So, this weekend it's Rally and then we'll do Beginner Novice and after that the Wild Card classes until I feel he can handle being in the ring without any silliness. It's hard not to giggle when he's clicking his jaws and grinning while performing his exercises.
Most exciting of note is both dogs appear to realize we are a team. Moto is actually putting forth effort and Pinch is working on his accuracy. It's a wonderful thing.
I hope Shiloh will make his presence known from the Bridge. He so loved to show. I can only wait and hope for a visit, which cannot come soon enough.

Maybe?

2011-08-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

Pinch, Moto and I are training for the upcoming obedience trial next weekend. I'm glad it's not regular classes as we haven't trained much. Between the heat and losing Shiloh it's been hard to get my training mojo back but we are working on it. Moto will be in Graduate Novice. I have absolutely no expectation for Moto, it will be used as a benchmark to see if we move forward into Open or just hang up our Obedience hat (at least for awhile) and try herding and possibly agility.
I DO have expectations for Pinch but I'll have to take the fall if we don't do well due to our lack of training. I just want an up, happy dog to finish his Rally Novice title.
But here's where things take an interesting twist: I received a premium for another local show in October. They are only doing regular Obedience classes and Rally. There is absolutely no way Moto will be ready for Open by then. I HATE to miss showing at a local show!
Blitz is still on a tear in terms of his health. He attended a rally fun day and had no side effects from that. I'm thinking having him thoroughly checked by our vet and if she deems him healthy, we will enter one day of Novice with Blitz. I know he would love it. It would be wonderful to have him back in the ring with me. I looked at some of his pictures and it appears in addition to the regrowth of hair on his legs, some is coming back on his face also. It's a wonderful kind of crazy.
So that is what I am toying with. Let's see what the future brings!

,,,and a New Pack Emerges

2011-08-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

Cesar Millan is someone I've faithfully watched since his show came on the air years ago. He frequently deals with grieving dog owners whose dogs have become aggressive or soffered some sort of dysfunction after the loss of one of their pack.
It's been quite interesting watching my pack make adjustments. Shiloh liked to keep things stirred up and was the leader when it came to sounding the alarm or initiating play.
The biggest change has been in Moto. He's not so soft and sweet any longer. He's standing up for himself and actually vying for the role as top dog. At this writing it could be between he and Blitz. The fact that it's either of them is simply amazing.
We went to our Obedience class on Wednesday. Pinch was his zippy, fun self as always but Moto drew a lot of comments, such as "wow he is really UP today!" or "what a gorgeous performance!" He forged on his heeling and, for the very first time, needed absolutely no cheerleading.
Thursday it was herding. Pinch is pulling some teen-ager stunts "if I can't run and bust sheep, I'll just sit here thank you" which is typical, but once again, Moto did some lovely work. When I put him up to work Pinch, he barked angrily and was clearly jealous. Again, another first. In the past he was content to just rest and let everyone else do something.
Blitz is still doing great and I think I'll start him up training again. If that goes well, we'll try fun matches. If THAT goes well, we'll try entering the Beginner Novice class next year. Who knew?
Pinch and Moto are entered in our local show in a few weeks, Pinch to finish his Rally Novice title and we will try Moto in Graduate Novice. My goal with Moto in this non-regular class is to see if he is any perkier doing something other than heeling, but that being said, he turned in some pretty nice heeling at obedience class Wednesday.
Dogs just continue to amaze me with all they are capable of. Moto, Shiloh's legacy, seems to be stepping into his very large shoes. He doesn't need to and I didn't expect him to, but there he is doing it. Meanwhile everyone is still sorting the New World Order. In spite of my loss, there seems to be some exciting new adventures to look forward to with my boys.

Aftermath

2011-08-10T05:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a very long time since I lost a dog. My childhood dog, Sunny, passed when I was 26. I am now 55. And this was the first time I had to make a decision about WHEN it was time. Anyone who has walked down this path knows it is one of the hardest things we can ever do.
It's been a full day without my Shiloh now. I tear up just writing that. But, on reflecting on his 11 short years here, I realize Shiloh was gone long before his actual passing. First it was the deafness. Then the Myasthenia Gravis. Then Cushing's Disease. Then the awful tumors. His life and his ability to enjoy it was slowly being stolen from him.
He was so very strong and brave and he fought so hard. I was always told I'd know when it was Time and yes, he did tell me. He'd struggled to get up the deck stairs and couldn't do it. I helped him up and he sank to the ground and looked up at me. He needed my help, and I needed to be strong. Finally that Monday morning it was enough.
Coming back home that early evening, I went into the basement to let the dogs out. They all were taken aback by my energy and wide-eyed and quietly, they all backed away from the gate to be let out. Typically when I come down to let them out they rush the gate, barking and tails wagging. Not this time. To my amazement, Daisy was clearly stricken by my grief. She was the first one who came forward and simply laid her head in my lap. I was deeply moved by her act of compassion. The other dogs gave me my space for awhile and I let them sort out the new emotions and energy running through our home.
This morning I learned a lot from watching the pack: they were RELIEVED. I didn't realize how much stress Shiloh's illness had been placed squarely on their shoulders. The little things they used to do are coming back: Pinch loves to roll on his back and watch me prepare the morning meals; the younger dogs running and playing in the yard. All of this had been quietly evaporating away as I attended to Shiloh's many afflictions.
But today was a good day. Tears will come frequently as I deal with my loss but dogs are so in the moment. I love sitting down and having all of them cover me with kisses. Moto is a rubber stamp, albeit much larger, version of Shiloh. It is wonderful to have his legacy right here. And in all the sadness there is a small miracle - Blitz appears to be in remission. It could be temporary but he is gaining weight, his coat has some luster to it and there is some regrowth of hair on his legs. Dusty seems to have had a full recovery from the blood clot on his spine and also is doing very well for a 16.5 year old Sheltie. There is so much here to enjoy.
I hope the passage of time will fade the memories of his long illness and be replaced by all the adventures and special times we had together. When I remember my Dad I don't remember the cancer any longer and I hope the same will be said of Shiloh.
He was just too special to be remembered any other way.

Farewell Shiloh

2011-08-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Shiloh's last day here on Earth. In the early morning hours I was emailing my friend Kathy, sharing with her that the tide had turned and that I felt Shiloh was just living for me. When I got off the computer I saw Shiloh had chewed on the tumor growing between his toes and it was open and bloody. Now, in addition to losing control of his rear he was limping. Reduced to tears I called my vet and she agreed it was Time. We made an end-of-day appointment.
The remainder of his time at home revolved just around he and I and Dusty, his very best friend. We did a little Obedience, played with his Teddy bear and just hung out together. When it was time to go we took one last walk around our property.
My hubby took time off work and met us so he could say good-bye to Shiloh. My vet and the animal clinic was just wonderful and Shiloh's transition to the Bridge was peaceful. His ashes will come home to me in a few days.
I could write about his achievements but they already are well-documented. I'd rather write about what he meant to me.
Along with being a wonderful, beloved pet, he was also my partner and teammate. All those who compete in any venue understand that special bond that develops as you train and show together. Shiloh could ready\ my body language perfectly and I learned to read every flick of his ear or twitch of his whiskers to understand how best to perform. Obedience, as Melinda has said, is like dressage with a dog. In our best moments Shiloh and I were a beautiful team.
He was a workaholic. I had to use a timer during our training sessions as we'd have so much fun training it could go on for several hours if I wasn't careful. In spite of how well we did in Obedience, Shiloh loved Agility best. After our OTCH and competition at the NOI I promised him since he'd done so much for me we would spend the remainder of his career competing in Agility. He would have had a MACH if I could only remember the courses.
Shiloh taught me not to be so serious about competition. Along with exciting, spectacular wins Shiloh could NQ in amazing and sometimes embarassing ways. No matter the win or an NQ, he always gave me his very best. My favorite NQ memory is when we were at the NOI. All the "top dogs" had failed an exercise and Shiloh was turning in some pretty good performances. We were in the running for the finals. You compete in six rings on day #1, the scores are tallied and the top 32 go on to compete the next day in the finals. Ring 1-4 had gone really well for us. We were now in ring #5. All was going just fine until the Drop on Recall. The judge signaled for me to call my dog. I did, and in ran Shiloh, nice and straight. Then the judge gave the down signal. I gave him the Down command. Instead of a Down, Shiloh gave me a play bow. There he was, butt in the air, tail wagging, me looking at him and the judge kindly waiting to see if he would lower his silly rear end. Nope, not gonna happen. Our shot at the finals was over, but how could you get mad at that?
In agility Shiloh was known as the "butt biter". As he zoomed around the course he'd get more and more excited. I learned to run full out at the finish line as the applause would send him over the edge and he'd nip my rear. No contact is allowed in the ring so I needed to cross the finish line before, um "contact" was made with my behind.
Shiloh had the heart of a lion and an ego of a rock star. He showed me that dreams really can come true and gave so much of himself. He was the true essence of all the platitudes written about the heart of a dog. I still cannot believe that I will no longer hold him, see his expressive brown eyes or hear his silly talking noises. Time just went by too fast. I take great comfort in his beautiful son Moto. His name will live on forever in the AKC records for all his obedience achievements. But most importantly, I had 11 wonderful years with a silly, funny, headstrong, frustrating, amazing and wonderful dog. He is the true meaning of the saying, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

Hang Time

2011-07-21T10:45:00.001-07:00

I've been sleep-deprived and very stressed these past couple of days for obvious reasons. Training has pretty much been nonexistent. Moto doesn't mind but Pinch was getting depressed.
Anyway, what took its place was kind of nice: hangin' with the boyz just doing nothing. It's SO therapeutic.
And as the heat of summer is in full swing it's given birth to a new routine:
We go outside once the sun has set and it's cool enough for a short run. For whatever reason my dogs REALLY celebrate the Picking Up The Poop ritual. They see the poop scooper coming out and you think it was the funnest toy they'd ever seen.
As I walk back and forth on our 1/2 fenced acre, Moto likes to play Raging Bull and the scooper is the cape. I flip it up at the last moment and he thinks that is just so cool.
Pinch likes the flipping up part and loves to leap at it. All dogs know they must NOT put their teeth on the scooper or the shovel part - any knocking over of my hard-won "prize" of poop does not make for a happy Mom.
Blitz doesn't quite get it, but it looks like fun, so he runs circles around everyone, barking as he goes.
Shiloh likes to stand on the deck and get a birds-eye view of all the action and he too barks his approval.
Daisy really REALLY wants to bite the scooper and knows she can't, so she will grab a toy in her mouth and "herd" me as I scoop.
Dusty thinks Pinch's jumping is silly so he follows Pinch around and barks at him.
With the heat being what it is currently, that's about all the exercise they get as I really fear heat stroke. They do get a fair workout with this.
Afterward they take turns in the doggie pool. Daisy and Pinch love the water and sometimes lay in the pool side by side, other times they take turns. Those two had to learn that peeing in the pool is bad manners.
The other dogs just like to drink from it.
I just sit on the steps and watch the sun go down, listen to the birds and panting dogs. I love watching them do their dog stuff after they cool down. Some come to sit with me. Others go off exploring. Sometimes they form their own play groups, with rotating participants. It's very clear this is their favorite part of the day as when the sun goes down they start pestering me to go outside and pick up the poop.
Who would've thought such a yucky job would be such a fun routine?

Dusty is Walking!

2011-07-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

What a surprise, 2:00 a.m. this morning, just like the Phoenix, Dusty arose from the bed, walked over to me, and began his traditional face bath. Dusty just doesn't give a few kisses. This is serious business with him and he even bears down when licking. And he makes sure every square inch of your face has been thoroughly washed. Thus his nickname "The Kissing Bandit".
I couldn't have been awakened for a happier reason.
He IS sixteen years old so we're not talking about lively stepping here, but he's getting around again just fine. It's as if nothing ever happened.
Because my mood was much lighter this morning the boys returned to being their obnoxious selves - Pinch and Moto richocheting through the house playing, with Blitz and Daisy being the Fun Police. Shiloh as always is in his own little world.
The vet said it would go away in a few days but I didn't expect such a sudden return to his normal old self.
Whatever it is, it's great.
Today is a good day!

Dogs are Amazing

2011-07-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

As expected Shiloh's appointment wasn't a happy one. Because of the Prednisone he is developing Cushing's disease and a very large, fast-growing tumor is growing inside his abdominal wall. This is why his rear leg is moving so oddly, on top of the muscle wasting. My vet feels he doesn't have much time, and said like Hospice all we can really do at this point is make him as comfortable as possible. I am to bring him in when the drugs aren't helping any more.
Got home to let the dogs out, and Dusty couldn't get up. His rear legs kept buckling under him. He can walk on the grass for a few steps but smooth surfaces no longer support his rear. My vet (bless her heart) said it sounds like a mini-embolism that lodged along his spine. It should go away in a few days. If not, I need to bring Dusty back in.
But here is where I am just stunned by my dogs' behavior - do dogs have empathy? From what I saw last night I certainly think so.
Dusty was frightened and upset because his legs weren't working. All night he struggled to get up. I'd help him, he'd go a few steps and back down he would go. I gave him some tramadol and eventually some doggie morphine to help settle him. It seems no matter what I did I could not comfort him. That's where Shiloh came in. Those two have been best friends since the day Shiloh came to live with us. Shiloh simply came over and lay down next to Dusty. That worked and the two slept side by side.
Just as I was dozing off I heard a bark from upstairs (I was downstairs in the living room with Dusty and Shiloh). It was Moto, pawing at the crate door. Thinking he had to pottie - as this was highly unusual behavior for him - I let him out and whisked him in to the back yard. Moto did not go pottie. He just stood by me and leaned into me, looking up ito my face. We went back inside and I lay down on the couch. Moto pressed his body close to the couch and lay down right by me. I was absolutely stunned by these acts of compassion, to each other and for me.
Even though we have difficult days ahead I'm comforted by how my dogs care for each other and for me. Dog shows and training aside, it's moments like these that remind me why we have these wonderful creatures as companions. I continue to learn more from them than I ever could teach.

The Appointment

2011-07-18T05:29:00.000-07:00

Today I made an appointment to take Shiloh to the vet. I'm really nervous about it. I decided to write about it as I'm at such a loss as what the right thing is to do. Maybe you're going through the same thing, or maybe you've been there and can share your experience. I need help, and it's time to get my vet's opinion as well.
Shiloh's body overall is experiencing muscle wasting. His rear is weakening and he has difficulty on smooth flooring now. Along with Dusty, Shiloh needs help up the wooden steps. He's losing bowel control and I've discovered a lump on his neck. I don't know if it is a swollen lymph node but it's where a lymph node should be. The tumor on his front foot continues to grow. He walks with a slipping rear and a sore front foot. He cannot run. He has anxiety attacks.
But on the up side, he is still hungrily eating his food and has bright moments. He still adores his teddy bear and is always delighted when I bring it out. He makes eye contact with me and wags his tail.
It's just hard seeing my dog who was always so in the moment, so filled with gusto and energy, has been reduced to this. Everyone has told me he'll let me know when it's time. I'm not getting that, but I'm also not getting that he wants to continue. It seems he's just.....existing.
So today we will see the vet. I think the Prednisone is causing the muscle wasting. Maybe there's a different strength or something different we can try. If not, I need her opinion as to what she would do.
It sort of reminds me of my dad when he had cancer. The deterioration was so slow. We didn't want to remember the dad who had cancer as it slowly stole him away from us. And so it is with Shiloh - I don't want to remember what we are going through now. My heart breaks for him every day.
Please say a prayer for Shiloh and I. I just want to do the right thing.

Still Processing

2011-07-15T17:47:00.001-07:00

My sister is more like a twin than a baby sister. I think it is because we are only 15 months apart. We fought like crazy growing up, but that changed when we became teen-agers. Since that time in our lives, we've been extremely close - best friends, inseparable. We talk every single day via email.
With all the sadness lately I noticed another sidebar of our closeness: I can "feel" her, all these miles away. It's enabled me to call her when I know she needs me, and I could fly there at her darkest hour.
The sadness was overwhelming yesterday and is literally crushing me today. I'm a poor record-keeper when it comes to landmark events, but she shared over our email conversations that this is the weekend of their 34th anniversary.
Well no wonder the sadness.
She is off with friends to Pismo beach, God bless them. She does everything right to deal with her grief.
I awoke to the haunting images of Barry's final days and realize that I'm still processing this, too.
The car accident has been dealt with emotionally, and I *think* I've dealt with losing my beloved uncle.
But losing Barry hasn't been fully processed.
It's interesting the way the mind turns things over, like holding a trinket in your hand, turning it over and over, observing every tiny detail with your fingers and your mind until your hand and mind know every single thing about it. Then, and only then, can it be put down.
So it is with Barry's passing.
Maybe it's because I was so busy protecting and helping my sister. But it seems that now I need to deal with my own loss...my brother-in-law of 33 years.
She will be here in a few weeks. I cannot wait. My daughter will join us too. We need to be together.
It will be good to hear for myself, with no agenda or time constraints, how she is doing. And hear how she is processing her loss.
Meantime, prayer and meditation will help me when the night falls.
That is the only way to help me move through this, until she gets here.

Pack Management

2011-07-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

Our six-pack is undergoing a transition.
When Pinch arrived, everything was pretty much normal, or as normal as having a dog with Dermatomyocitis and another with Myasthenia Gravis can be.
In other words, no one was critically ill or dying.
While no one is dying, things are changing.
Shiloh is weakening.
Dusty, while very healthy for a 16-year-old, is becoming more frail.
Daisy has been diagnosed with arthritis in her hips.
So the older half of the six pack is frail and needing lots of help and attention.
Amazingly Blitz seems to be enjoying a nice remission from his DM. He's gained weight and is fur has a nice feel to it. While he's always been a happy guy he literally sparkles lately.
Moto is still intact. Shiloh is still intact. Pinch is intact as we await growing him out to see if he'll be eligible for the conformation ring. That's a lot of testosterone.
Pinch is acting like a hormonal teen-ager which means "practicing" on Daisy, which is not appreciated. He's also testing his pack status and trying to move up the ranks.
Moto is coming into his own and is beginning to assert himself too. Daisy used to regularly dominate him and he now flashes his teeth at her to stop it.
Add that to the fact that Dusty, Shiloh and Daisy are becoming more and more frail, we have a powder keg of a situation, as it seems the dogs are vying for a new pack order.
Thank Goodness for early Pack Management on my part. Dogs are fed in the order they arrived here and that never ever changes. They can eat in the same room without any fights breaking out. But now I feel I'm walking a delicate line between letting them work things out and stopping what just isn't right. Example: when I open a door, all dogs must wait until Dusty walks out. This is to avoid him knocking him over. Allowing Moto to stand up for himself is a good thing, but Shiloh pushes that boundary by continuing to try to dominate him and being unable to defend himself.
Plus he still suffers those odd anxiety attacks. When this occurs I need to get him away from the other dogs as they will attack him. Shiloh can never ever be loose with the other dogs without me in the immediate vicinity now because of this.
Dusty is still the Grand Old Dog and I don't know how he does it, but all dogs still continue to treat him with great respect. But he also needs a lot of supervision now as recently he tried to go up the stairs, couldn't support himself and I found him struggling between two steps, trying to get upright. He's a smart guy and usually barks when he wants up or down steps, but I think some times he feels pretty good and thinks he'll just try those steps on his own once and awhile.
So, between keeping Shiloh safe and keeping Dusty from injuring himself, baby gates once again abound in our house.
On a training note it is imperative that the younger dogs respond immediately to my first command, "come" and "sit" must be absolutely and immediately obeyed. It comes in real handy when Shiloh has an attack and the pack is swirling around him. A quick SIT keeps Shiloh out of danger and allows me to get in there quickly to remove him. Speaking of something being amiss in my relationship with Moto, it is he of all the dogs who will challenge this and needs a correction. This lets me know I was correct that I was too soft on him initially and that his respect of me is not where it should be. Dang it anyway, I wish I'd been wrong, but we're working on that now.
I've always known that Come, Sit and Down were the most important things I could teach, and with our new situation it sure has been a good validation.

A Big Dog Transition

2011-07-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

If you don't own dogs, you won't get why this is such a big deal.
If you DO have dogs, you know this is HUGE:

I can put the wastebasket on the floor.

What freedom!
Since I've had such bad luck health-wise with my dogs, we've pretty much had a parade of puppies for several years. First Blitz, then Moto and then Pinch.

Little by little the puppy proofing has gone away as each dog has become a young adult. But never, ever in all these years has the wastebasket ever been able to leave its spot on top of the toilet tank. That is, until today. Everyone seems unimpressed with the change, which of course is a good thing. We are now a "regular' dog house. Hooray!
The weather continues to be uncooperative for training outdoors. It's either ridiculously hot, ridiculously windy or a combination of both. I'd like to get moving on the broad jump with Pinch. We are at the point where I still stand beyond the broad jump, but I can now face sideways, the picture he'll get with the finished product. It's time to start working that turn but alas, the nasty weather. Ditto directed jumping. He's getting it - going over the jump with the raised hand - but I need to start moving back toward the center. On the good side, we're working lots of fronts and finishes and I must say so myself they look lovely. Enthusiasm on recalls causes a crooked front which is a great problem to have.
I'm not going to give up on Moto. One one of the obedience e-groups I belong to there has been heated discussion about recalls and relationships. While the problem of the recall is not ours, I do believe I can, painfully, admit the heeling and work ethic problem is a large part due to our relationship. Yeah, it really hurts to say that. While it's not fair to expect Moto to be dazzling in the ring, I know he IS capable of turning in an accurate performance. Not high-scoring mind you, but accurate and well done. Now that the emotional part of our miserable CD title journey is past, I feel I can begin working with him again.
First, I needed to examine our relationship. I realize that while he loves me, we are lacking in the respect category. He is not as soft as originally thought. While he's not tough as nail as his sire, he can take a collar pop and reacts to that better than a physical correction with my hands. That's a first for me - all my other dogs will do anything to avoid a physical correction. With Moto it's the other way around. And with good results. Actually surprisingly good results.
The other transition that I overlooked was making me the cookie over food and toy rewards. This one needs a tremendous amount of work. I never realized how sadly lacking I was in this area with him.
So we've done a lot of backchaining, in almost all aspects of obedience. There's some good solid foundation work that doesn't need revisiting but there's a lot of it that does, most importantly heeling.
New goals have been made: most of my training will be devoted to Pinch. He wants and loves to do this sport, and it's only fair to let him do what he loves best. I have very high Obedience expectations for Pinch. At least for now. What he's showing me is very exciting.
Moto's obedience goals are to eventually get him to Utility. Depending on how that goes will tell me if we go further or retire with just a CDX or UD.
Moto will get most of the herding time. He's not a passioniate herding dog like his dad. But he approaches the stock with a calm demeanor and does some amazing work when he is up to it. I'm not sure how far he will go but if he applies himself, I am hopeful we can get past the Started level with him. I'd really like that. And I hope he will like it, too.
Pinch's herding career is simple: an HT and a PT. He has lots of "want to" but very little natural stock sense. It can be trained into him, but going further will take good handling on my part. I suck as a handler. But we'll give it the old college try and see how far we go.
Hopefully some time I can put both in agility. Moto liked his agility classes. I think it would be a great confidence-builder for him. But alas it's a time and money thing.
But I digress.
It's great to enjoy the small things, like the graduation of a waste basket to the floor.

There's a Snake in My Basement!

2011-07-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

Ah, the joys of summer. I'm not one who enjoys summer; winter is my "thing" but this winter was particularly cold and brutal. I find myself enjoying the heat, particularly because when I'm tired of it (and it doesn't take long) I can go into a lovely air-conditioned house. The dogs feel the same way.
During one hot summer day I returned home, went into the basement (where the dogs stay while I'm at work) and opened the sliding glass door to let the dogs out.
It was then I got the surprise of my life.
Apparently a black snake had been enjoying the heat of the cement patio, right next to the door. When the dogs ran out they ran over the snake. This awakened him (do snakes sleep? Anyway, he was still and suddenly he was moving). Mr. Black Snake, startled, quickly slithered into the basement.
I don't like snakes, even "nice" ones like black snakes. So I did what any red-blooded snake fearer would do: I screamed.
Pinch came back in to see what the excitement was about. He saw the slithery creature and went to investigate. I screamed again. Pinch was completely unphased by this and continued to try to sniff and paw at Mr. Snake.
This is where my Momma Bear instincts kicked in: yes I KNOW black snakes aren't poinsonous, but they will bite if they feel cornered. I ran over, picked up Pinch but the scruff and literally pitched him outside and closed the sliding glass door.
Uh-oh.
Now it's just me and the snake. Alone. Together.
Thinking fast, I decided that screaming yet again would help things.
I think Mr. Black Snake was screaming, too, because his little head moved around and he found a good hiding place: the folded up A-Frame leaning against the wall. He wanted as much to do with me as I did with him.
I was NOT going to open that thing up and try to coax him back outside. Since screaming wasn't really helpful I did the next best thing: call my husband who was still at work. He wouldn't be home for another hour. Hopefully the snake would stay put until he made it home.
He didn't.
Erik moved the furniture, upended every possible piece of equipment, went through my piles of PVC pipes and dog equipment, but no snake.
Since it was such a surprise opening a door and having a snake slithering in, I'm not very jumpy when I'm in the basement.
I open the washing machine and expect a snake.
I grab a pile of dog jumps and expect a snake.
It's not really very fun to go in the basement.
Erik got some snake traps, but so for Mr. Black Snake has proved elusive.
Could he have found a way out?
I don't know how he could have done it, but for the sake of both of us, I hope he did so.

It's About Time

2011-06-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been filled with technical mishaps. I've learned some lessons the hard way.
Chatting with a friend on Facebook, my screen suddenly froze. Unable to get things moving again, I shut down the computer and restarted. Instead of the usual pictures and welcome greeting, I got "disk read error". Eek. Off to the computer specialist, who pronounced my hard drive dead. So dead he couldn't retrieve any data.
No problem, or so I thought.
I'd faithfully backed up all my work files. All of THAT stuff was completely fine. What didn't even occur to me to back up were all my pictures. Lost are all of Pinch and Moto's puppy pictures. I am sick at heart about this. Those you can never retrieve. I do have SOME pictures, thankfully posted here on the blog and on Facebook. But everything else is gone. So, hopefully you'll read this and have the forethought to back up the little things in your computer.
Speaking of lessons learned, I also learned something important with all the tornadoes we've had this Spring. In addition to putting a bucket and toilet paper in the bomb shelter, important documents and pictures are now safeguarded. All irreplaceable should disaster strike.
But I digress. Back to the dead computer. Hubby let me have free access to his, but he has this weird ergonomic keyboard that has humps to rest your palms on and angled so as to help relieve carpal tunnel. I cannot type on that thing. The computer guy gave me a hard drive so I'd have basic computer capabilities back at home. I can do stuff like blog online just fine, but anything fancy like picture editing or even looking at pictures is a test of patience. But hey it's free so I won't complain.
Then I realized I hadn't been getting many phone calls. Turns out the battery in my cell phone died. Once THAT was fixed, I was embarassed to find out I'd missed quite a few phone calls, some of them of relative importance. Again, Eek.
We cannot afford a new computer. I'd love a fancy new phone, too, but that is out of our reach financially also. So I'm saving up like crazy. First, a new computer, probably a laptop. Then a phone.
Some good news too: my daughter doesn't need heart surgery! Should be dancing and jumping about with joy but relief and finally giving in to exhaustion is what happened. I'm still needing sleep but it's getting better.
With the advent of "getting back to Normal", I didn't realize how much of my life had been put on hold. It's been that way for almost 2 years. First the car accident kept me from making plans. Then Barry's illness. Then Kim's dangerous pregnancy and Ella's precarious health. Then, my daughter's health. Our family didn't dare plan anything as we may need to race to be at my sister's, or my daughter's side at any given moment.
But now we are blessed with normal. Didn't realize how precious a gift Normal is. So the first plans in many years are being drawn up: my daughter and sister will come here to visit. Laurie my friend can come to visit. I can plan to go see my family for a happy reason. What a luxury!
Everything seems heightened, too. I feel so alive and experience giddy joy in every weather moment - awe at the wind, feeling the humidity, listening to the spring sounds of chirping frogs and the beauty of fireflies. I seem to notice the veins in the leaves and color contrasts in clouds.
Although it's been a really rough couple of years we've received yet another gift: realizing an ordinary day is the most wonderful day of your life.

Obedience Could Be A PBS Documentary

2011-06-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a four-day Obedience Camp with Pinch and Moto. As always it was perfectly wonderful, filled with lectures, discussions, and floor time to try out what we had just learned. All of us attendees listened with interest as Gary and Kathy spoke and the questions were frequent and lively.
There's been lots of discussion about the sport of Obedience dying but it sure wasn't apparent for those of us in the room those four days.
While it's been discussed ad nauseum on many lists about the hows and why's of bringing the sport back into the public eye to generate interest, we have to be honest here:

Obedience, to a non-obedience enthusiast, is boring to watch. Other doggie venues such as Agility and Flyball are thrilling to watch, and easy to understand. Obedience is highly technical and the fine points are simply lost to the public eye.

But wait! There are so many reality shows out there. As we were at camp, I began mentally putting together a mini-documentary about Obedience. The room was full of good character studies: there was a Novice A person with their first dog; another very accomplished OTCH handler with what is considered an Unlikely Breed to do well in Obedience; another who had not only switched to a new, bigger and entirely different breed; a newbie who had a talented dog and big dreams; and of course our wonderful teachers Gary and Kathy. Wouldn't it be fun to follow these people from this point forward - say the Novice A person's journey to their first time into the ring, and the others on their journey?

What makes Obedience so special? Here's why it is for me: virtually nothing the dog does in the ring comes by naturally to them. The level of technical effort involved in getting high scores requires a tremendous time commitment for the trainer and great effort from the dog. Which is why many of us are blubbering idiots when we do well. You cannot talk to your dog of bring treats into the ring. While performing you cannot even touch your dog. So why does the dog do it? Because of the bond you have established with them. Any dog with a title behind it has hundreds of hours of training, exciting highs, and some tears and dark moments too.

It is interesting to note in one of our groups discussions that the vast majority of us are quite detail-oriented. So much so that we keep spreadsheets on our dog's progress. So, are Obedience people the "nerds" of the dog world? Mind you, I think nerds are cool people and let's face it, nerds are pretty darned successful in the business sector.

So perhaps if we made it personal like a documentary and followed some dog-human teams in a cross-section of the country and various levels of proficiency, it might generate some interest to the public out there.

Whether it does or not, I sure had fun putting it together in my nighttime thoughts.

Rough Midwest Weather

2011-05-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

All of us living in Tornado Alley have been on edge since the horror of the Joplin, MO tornado. My area has been in the "sweet spot" (no bad weather)during recent tornadic outbreaks, that is, until a Facebook friend commented he wonder when it would be our turn. Once it was out there, our turn came.
I was working at my office which has a lovely view of the two busiest streets in my town (yes, it's a very small town and there's no traffic light but it has the most activity). Something just didn't feel right and I surfed over to the local TV station's website. In blaring red letters it said "tornado warning in Kansas City NOW". I ran outside to look at the sky and the streets almost immediately filled with kids from the local daycare being shepherded across the street to the city hall basement. Darrell from the hair salon two doors down said we needed to take cover there. I told him I had dogs to care for and was going to make a run for home.
Broke all speed limits getting home. Since the weather has been foreboding since the previous night I already had an emergency plan ready to implement. Collars and leashes on dogs, cell phone, purse and camera and into the bomb shelter we all went with the TV.
I watched the splashes of red, purple, and yellow inch their way north, and then the weatherman said for us to take cover, our town was going to take a direct hit. I grabbed all six leashes and hunkered down. As the wind, thunder, lightening and driving rain hit I realized dogs are kind of like small kids - each one had their own agenda.
Dusty: This cement slab sucks. Please let me go so I can find a place to nap.
Shiloh: Doom Is Imminent. I will cower beside you.
Daisy: Doom Is Imminent. I will cower beside you. Shiloh, do NOT let even a toenail or a single hair touch me or you're gonna get it.
Blitz: You all are SO annoying. What's the problem anyway? And where are the toys?
Moto: Mom is looking worried. I'll sit here and look worried too.
Pinch: My collar is on! My leash is on! We're gonna train! Why aren't we training? When is the training gonna start?
In a few minutes the storm subsided. I heard we had a tornado touch down in our area. Once the All Clear was sounded it was time to find out if everyone was OK.
Fortunately for us there was little damage. We'd lost some trees earlier but came through this intact.
We are lucky for now but the tornado season isn't over. Like an earthquake it's all about being in the right place at the right time. So for now, we breathe a sigh of relief and get to go about our lives.
And after this big scare, I've added some very important items to the bomb shelter:
a bucket and a roll of toilet paper.

New Title and Life Lessons

2011-05-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

Moto got his CD this weekend, but it's hardly a cause for celebration: we received the three lowest consecutive scores I have ever had in my entire obedience career. The first two legs I could've lived with - significant deductions because of a lag on both fasts - but it was his third leg that was the absolute worst. Moto just didn't care to try.
No matter what I do with my dogs, no matter the outcome, I always want them to just TRY.
Our Novice run on Sunday was so bad I was actually hoping we'd NQ somewhere along the way as I didn't want to receive the score.
But qualify we did, and here we are with his CD and I'm left with a lot to think about.
It's rarely fair to blame the dog, and such is the case here. It's always been my opinion that the way the dogs ARE in the ring is a reflection of your relationship at home. Please understand: this does NOT mean the perfect-scoring dogs have a perfect relationship, that is a skilled trainer. What I mean is the dog's demeanor and attitude inside the ring. If there are any holes in your relationship, it will present itself in the ring.
Since Moto lazily followed me around the ring during heeling and didn't bother to sit or finish on the recall, his message to me was loud and clear: I'm Not With You.
OUCH.
I need to re-evaluate my training program with him. Moto is a well-trained dog and when he wants to, can display a high level of accuracy. While it won't be fair to ask him to attain an OTCH or a 200, it IS fair to ask for effort and a decent score.
So where did it all go so terribly wrong?
At this point in my ruminations, I think the broken link is where I fade food and toys in my training to where I become the "cookie" for the dog. With Dusty, Shiloh and Blitz this was no problem whatsoever, but with Moto - who is a much lower drive dog - I am once again guilty of going to far, too fast. I am not a very good "cookie" for Moto, and he doesn't care to please me. And it hurts. A LOT.
Another Life Lesson presented itself: after our awful performance I wanted to crawl into a hole somewhere and be miserable.
This is where being a Good Sport came into play: keeping emotions in check and cheering on your classmates. I neede to put our bad moment away for awhile. There was one of my training classmates that attained a CDX after many struggles, a fellow Novice competitor that did very well and got High In Trial to name a few. It was nice to forget my troubles for awhile and I was genuinely happy for others who attained their goals.
It's easy to be a Good Sport when you've won your class. It's more challenging when you're at your lowest, but it's a good lesson to learn.
As with all competitive venues, it's always what you learn and apply to real life that are most valuable. And I did grow this weekend, but they were Growing Pains.

What To Do About Shiloh

2011-05-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a bit over one year since Shiloh was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis. Lots of ups and downs, and sadly, the downs have greatly outweighed the bright spots. In all my research, in all my vet's research, I cannot find a dog that has as many problems as Shiloh. It's probably because Shiloh has so many other things going on.
Way before the disease took hold, he was going deaf. He is now completely deaf; only vibrations bring a response. He has an interdigital cyst on his front paw that cannot be removed because of his disease. It bothers him a great deal. It doesn't hurt, but it is causing the toes to separate to accommodate the growth. I have to be vigilant and keep bitter lemon on his paw or a doggie bootie. He tries to chew off the growth. This just breaks my heart.
Then there are the anxiety attacks. Again, I can't find another dog that has a similar problem along with this disease. When they hit no drugs can calm him down and he cannot be crated. He just has to work through it.
My vet and I are in touch regularly - heck, I have SIX dogs, and two with freaky rare diseases. Lucky me. She asked how Shiloh was doing and in "normal" terms, he is doing just fine. He's able to eat and drink as he used to, he's able to elminate like a normal dog.
But he's not normal.
This was the #3 obedience sheltie in 2006, a Eukanuba National Obedience Invitational competitor. He ran World Team times in agility, was brilliant on sheep, and had a "just do it" attitude. All that has been taken away from him because of his health.
As we struggled to find a diagnosis during the onset of Myasthenia gravis, his rear end was beginning to fail. After the tests proved it was indeed MG and drug therapies began, his ability to swallow returned and most of the control of his rear end came back, but not completely. His left rear leg does what I call "the funky chicken" when he tries to run. Between the cyst on his front paw and his non-functioning rear leg, his favorite thing to do - run - is gone.
All my retired dogs still have jobs to do that help them feel important: Dusty's is to walk with me to the mailbox daily, Blitz's assignment is to help me with the laundry (with some obedience thrown in while folding clothes). Interestingly enough, Shiloh, who used to deplore snuggling of any kind, demands that he be the new Bed Dog. He does this as if his life depended on it, and will not leave me under any circumstances until I arise in the morning.
We have some private ball games as he still adores a good game of ball. I occasionally still let him have his beloved Teddy Bear - which I used to only bring out on dog show weekends - and his eyes always sparkle when the magical bear appears. He loves to talk to it and bite it so that it will squeak. He can do this for hours or until I take it away.
I don't know what to do. If I were Shiloh, would I want to continue like this? Is he living, or is he just existing? As mentioned there are occasional happy moments, but overall the sparkle has gone out of his eyes. My heart breaks for him on a daily basis.
While he's fully functioning in biological terms, I cannot tell of this is what he wants to continue doing.
Even though Blitz's condition is also deteriorating, it's clear he still wants to keep going. He's a happy dog and still living his life to the very fullest. Dusty at his advanced age is also a very happy boy. It's Shiloh. I just don't know what to do, or what is right for him.
His prescription for mestinon - the drug that keeps him alive - needs to be renewed in a few weeks. At that time, the vet will go over Shiloh thoroughly to evaluate his health and overall condition. I have asked her to give me her honest opinion on what she thinks will be the right thing to do.
In the mean time, I ask Shiloh to tell me, to show me.
If anyone out there has been through a similar experience, please share your insights.
I'm at a complete loss. And keep us in your thoughts. Thanks.

Short Herding Movie

2011-05-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

Here's a very short movie of Pinch getting a herding lesson. He's handled by our instructor Cathy, as I'm pretty clueless how to start an eager young dog. She's trying to teach him to go around, rather than split the stock, and how to move them. What's fun about this movie is how fearless he is when a lamb strays. When it wants to fight he keeps backing it into a corner. Of course he still needs to learn how to handle such a situation but I'm proud of the fact he is so brave.
Like Obedience, herding with Pinch and Moto requires two completely different handling styles: for Moto, he has tons of instinct and not very much "want to", and with Pinch he has tons of "want to" but requires more instruction on how to herd.
Watching them both coming along in stock handling has been so rewarding, and we plan to try our hand at trialing again in the Fall.

Meanwhile the countdown begins for the Sheltie Specialty. Unless something freaky happens, Pinch should be just fine in Rally Novice. Moto should qualify in his Novice debut, but I'm wondering if I'll ever know which dog I'll be bringing into the ring. He surprised me at our lesson last night in a good way: thunderstorms rolled in with lightning, thunder, hail and wind. It was coming to a very loud peak during group stays. Many dogs broke as it was raining so hard you couldn't hear a thing other than the roar of thunderclaps and the pounding of the rain. Moto's ears were back and I could tell he was toying with leaving, too, but he held both his sit and his down. I was beyond happy to see this. The building we will be showing in will be off by itself, no air conditioning, and open on one side. So, if the weather is bad it will mimick the situation we were just in.
I just hope we can enjoy the day and our times together in the ring.
I'm getting nervous!

Summer Training

2011-05-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yes I said Summer. After weeks upon weeks of cold and rain all of a sudden we left spring behind and plunged straight into summer. The heat will break records today with highs in the 90's. It's 10:00 a.m. as I write this and already 81 degrees. Summer.
Thus I resumed my summer schedule which is the flipside of my winter schedule: I get all the outdoor stuff done first, then follow with indoor chores. My favorite outdoor activity is training Pinch and Moto, and we had a blast this morning.
I decided to heavily backchain Moto's scentwork and started Pinch on his. The two work so differently and each present their own challenge.
With Moto I realized I went too far, too fast. He's an insecure boy and needs to thoroughly understand each exercise before I make it more challenging for him. We went all the way back to using just two articles and the payback has been very gratifying. We are now up to five articles and he is doing his exercise beautifully. He goes out confidently to the scent pile and works his way through it. He is correct 100% of the time and comes trotting back with the right article, clearly pleased with himself. I am too extremely pleased.
Pinch has been trained on scentwork since he was a baby, by placing a treat under a folder. A bunch of folders raised like tents, with just one containing a treat, this little guy would tear through it at lightening speed and you could hear his nose working. The transition to articles has been quite, um, different. He is SO thrilled to see TWO articles and wants them both and tries to bring both back. There was no scentwork involved, only "oh boy! TWO toys to bring to mommy!" I had to think of a way of slowing him down.
He is a slow eater, so I put a small glob of squeeze cheese on the right article. He will sniff at it, gently lick while I give soft praise. But then problem #2 arose: once the cheese was gone we went quickly back to "that was yummy! Now I need to get these two toys back to Mommy!" So we went back to being on leash for now so I could have a bit more control. Once the cheese is licked off I say "find it", and I give a quick pop and back up quickly. This helps keep him to the task at hand. It's worked like a charm. We have graduated to three articles and a Flexi leash. He's a little lightning bolt and has kept me thinking out of the box.
We're now less than two weeks away from our Sheltie specialty. We work one day at home and one day someplace new. Moto still experiences anxiety when we go to a new place but so far he's stayed on course with being able to work. This is huge progress for him.
Pinch is also staying better focused and his attention is coming along nicely. He will be in Rally Novice.
I don't expect either to set the obedience world on fire. My goals is for Moto to qualify and try hard, and for Pinch I still just want him to learn the ring is a fun place to be. Not lofty goals but I feel reasonable ones and a great starting point.

A Visit From a Friend

2011-05-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

It's a cold rainy day in the Midwest today - so much for Spring. We are still experiencing mornings in the 30's.
On this dark and dreary day a friend whom I've not seen for several months stopped in. She was very frail-looking, and tired.
She had lost her husband last month, to cancer.
I'd known he had cancer, I'd heard he was not doing well, but he stopped in about 6 months ago and, to my untrained eyes, looked just fine.
Apparently not.
She said his passing was quick and peaceful - less than 24 hours in hospice care. He'd gotten a cold, which quickly turned to a viral infection. One day he simply went to sleep and never woke up.
But he wasn't old. Neither is my friend. I shared with her the story of my sister and Barry.
We talked a bit about the struggles of cancer and its emotional tolls. I could tell it was very difficult for her, and she changed the subject. She didn't want to lose emotional control.
She's selling her house here in town and moving to another state to live with her family. She brought by some odds and ends from her home she knew I'd enjoy - some whole bean coffee, some of her plants I always admired, a beautiful tea cup I always commented on. It had to be hard, giving away parts of her life she and her husband shared. I told her so, to which she replied she wanted someone to have them that would enjoy them. For me, they will be something I remember him by and I am grateful for that.
As she prepared to leave I asked if this was the last time I would see her. She said probably so, but we will be in touch via email. I sure hope so.
We exchanged hugs and I felt how terribly thin she was. I wished her well on her new life.
Her eyes filled with tears, and she quickly stepped out into the rain.
It's a cold and rainy day in the Midwest today.

Nationals Over, now onto the Specialty

2011-04-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

We are in training mode now as our Sheltie Specialty is less than one month away. I've taken the plunge of entering Moto in Novice, as the location of our Specialty (and subsequent all-breed trial) is in the same place as our club's obedience trial last month. He'll be almost 3 by then, he's trained through Utility, it's time. I *think* I'm beginning to understand him. I'm a slow learner that way. Even though he is a low energy dog, because of his lack of self-confidence he needs to be trained every day, right up to show time and have a fairly thorough warm-up before entering the ring. This helps him.
While Pinch needs 1 more leg in Beginner Novice, it's too big of a jump for him, so we will do Rally. He still needs verbal help in the ring. I discovered a HUGE training hole with him - he doesn't understand heel position. EEK! I discovered that when doing an impromptu heeling session with him, no collar, no leash. That's a big one. So, our training will be some major backchaining and piecemeal work. As always it's my fault, I get greedy and go too far too fast. The nice thing about Rally is that it's about performing the exercise (which he can totally do), not the accuracy of it. Some judges may knock you here and there, but largely they do not.
While it's a big undertaking I am enjoying training two young dogs. Pinch becomes enraged that when it's Moto's turn to train and makes himself known. Early in the game Moto used to lay quietly and watch, but as of late you can see he is uncomfortable with Pinch getting his turn at training. I sense Moto is understanding that training is a priviledge, something he "gets" to do. That is cool!
Can't say I'm excited about Moto's Novice debut, I'm more curious. I think in time he will be a consistent performer. He's way closer to that than say a year ago as he's made huge strides in being able to work in what he sees as scary situations. So..here we go!
We'll do our homework between now and then, and have lots of fun in the meantime!

We Did It!

2011-04-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

We are back from a whirlwind weekend at the Sheltie Nationals - whew, fast times and livin' large! The Purina Event Center is nothing short of amazing. I'll gladly enter any obedience, herding or agility trial there. I've never seen anything like it and we're lucky to have something so impressive just a few hours' drive from home.
As you know we just entering the herding portion of all the events offered, at the Herding Test (HT) level. This is just a pass or fail, no placements. What the judge wants to see is controlled movement of the stock back and forth between two cones (about 40 feet if I remember right), need to do that 3 times, then a stop and a recall.
Sounds easy right? NOT!
These sheep were extremely flighty and, in my opinion, a bit too advanced for the level of class they were in. If a dog moved slowly and stayed back off of them, all went fine. But these are green dogs and green handlers so the Q rate was extremely low.
When Mr. Pinch went in I told the judge he had just turned 1 year old and was "very zippy". When she told me to send him to the sheep he did so at lightening-bolt speed which of course did not go well. The judge said "you are right, he is VERY zippy!". We tried to do a stop and walk up, Pinch stopped just fine but walk....well, let's just say he's too young, too green and plain just too excited to walk. He did move the stock and we almost had it but his placement and speed worked against us, and the judge said "he's given you his very best today, he's just too inexperienced. It's been a positive experience for him so let's just call him off." Even with an NQ I was very pleased. All I ever want from my dogs is to try, and try Pinch did, with everything he had. Good boy!
I was very worried about Moto. The two qualifiers who had made it had worked the stock along the fence. Moto does not like to work on the fence. And to make matters worse, there was tarp along one entire side, with kicking sheep and stock handlers on the other. Very worrisome noises. I knew Moto had a calmer, slower working style but being on that tarp fence might make him unable to do it.
In we went, and with the judge's help with the best place to send Moto, off we went. Since Moto doesn't run full-out and has a calm demeanor the sheep did run but had some sense about them. To the tarp wall we went. It was in the direction Moto does not like (the "go bye" or left side). A double negative whammy, but you know what? It wasn't pretty, and there was a lot of burling (where the dog turns in the opposite direction) but he stuck to the task at hand. The sheep recognized his lack of self-confidence and tried to stand him off in a corner. But thanks to some work at trainer Cathy's place, Moto was familiar with how to handle that. I patted my leg and bless his heart he went calmly between the fence and the sheep and moved them off the corner. Back and forth we went, and the judge said "you've made it! All you need to do now is stop and call him off."
I did, and Moto came to me with a grin and a wag of his tail. I gave him the biggest hug ever.
What he did was huge for him: overcoming his fear of difficult situations, he did his job. He believed in himself and he trusted me.
I've loved him always, but it's moments like these that move me to tears.
I'm so impressed with my big guy, and we have one of those "forever moments" to cherish.
You can see from the picture he is VERY proud of himself - as he should be!
And I am, too.

Spring Cleaning

2011-04-14T08:31:00.001-07:00

There's something about going to your breed's Nationals that bring out the Spring Cleaning in us. It makes sense that our dogs must be bathed and groomed to perfection, but for some of us more OCD types, that carries into everything else that the dog is involved in. The car must be cleaned inside and out. Crates and bedding washed. Everything must be shiny. It's a wonderful thing.
We are leaving tomorrow for our National. All the herding lessons are done with for now, the car is gassed up, the shopping done, and yesterday's weather was perfect for my Spring Cleaning marathon. It began with bathing the dogs.
I didn't plan it very well, silly me. I just got the doggie shampoo, some towels and OOF! lifted 50-lb Moto into the tub. Everything went just fine until his bath was over. OOF! lifted him out and was going to let him outside until I realized my mistake: we have that beautiful back yard, nice and grassy. If you've ever bathed a dog you realize once you put it in the yard, it promptly will run around like crazy and then roll and scratch in the grass and undo everything you've just done. I refuse to take a green Sheltie to the Nationals, so I realized I needed to put wet dogs on the deck, but I hadn't put up the barrier to keep them from exiting the deck to the grass below. I had to leave a wet squirrley Sheltie running wild in the house while I quickly ran to the basement, grabbed the barrier, ran thru the house and onto the deck and put it up. By the time this was done a large portion of the house was wet with Moto bathwater. Sigh.
Pinch was next, and now that everything was in place, went as planned.
Feeling smug as while I was bathing dogs, I'd put all their bedding in the washer. I love multi-tasking. Next the crates they travel in needed to be washed. Thinking I'd keep the wet dogs company on the deck, I lugged the crates out there with a bucket of water, soap and yet more towels. This was a bad plan. The reason is because as I was undoing the bolts that hold the crate together, in my clumsiness I dropped one. It fell between the slats onto the grass below. Again, sigh. Over the barrier, down the stairs and onto the grass to look for the tiny bolt. The heavens were smiling on me as I quickly found it. It occurred to me that I might want to put these errant bolts into a bowl. This too was a bad plan. You see, even though Pinch is one year old now, there's still some puppy in him. He thought that bowl looked awfully fun and had fun shiny things in it and he should paw at said bowl. Everything spilled, and a few bolts escaped onto the lawn below...again. Repeat previous step. Lesson learned: put bowl in lap and quickly move to railing once bolts are removed.
I expected Moto's crate to be dirty because he is like his dad, who just seemed to attract dirt but HEAVENS! I couldn't believe how dirty his crate was. All they do is LIE in there - how could it get so bad? I soaped and scrubbed and soon his crate looked brand new. I was pleased. I assumed Pinch's crate would be easier to clean because it was a newer crate, he was a breed dog and didn't love dirt like Moto but HOLY CRAP! This dog is a freak. It was in worse shape than Moto's! With elbow grease his crate too returned to its original state of cleanliness.
As the sun went down I had nice shiny dogs with beautifully trimmed feet and very clean ears. Crates were re-assembled and fluffy sweet-smelling bedding was returned to their interior. My Dog Show car was pristine. Ah, the satisfaction of it all.
Then I saw the huge pile of things I planned to try to fit into the car.
I'll think about that tomorrow.

My Obedience Rant

2011-04-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

This rant has been bubbling up in me for awhile now, and a post from one of the obedience e-groups I belong to just kind of pushed me over the edge. So, I'm gonna rant for a bit, but please take into mind you may not agree with me, it's just my opinion based on my own personal experiences.
There's been considerable discussion on the death of the sport of obedience. I won't go into all that here, there's some great ideas going on out there and that's not the main thrust of my rant. It was one tiny little comment tucked away in one sentence, but I hear it a LOT:
- the OTCH system is unfair. You cannot beat the OTCH dogs.
I myself have been guilty of saying this. But you know what? You limit yourself by saying you can't do something.
Here's my OTCH experience: when I debuted Shiloh he got a 199 his very first time in the Obedience ring. That started me thinking about an OTCH. I worked his front and finishes - the bread and butter of high scores - all the way through his Open A and Utility A career. He tied several times for High In Trial in his Open career with some 198's. We didn't have high scores in utility A, but we zipped through it in 5 tries and began a serious pursuit of the OTCH.
What I learned:
While we have some extremely talented trainers out there who quickly OTCH their dogs in a few weeks' time, this is NOT the norm. Getting an OTCH is really hard. That is what makes it so special.
We didn't place at all when we graduted into the highly competitive B classes. Then, we began getting into the lower placements. Then, for what seemed like an eternity, we got lots and lots of 2nd places. If you are in pursuit of an OTCH this is not good. You need at least 3 First Places - 2 from an All Breed trial and one can be from a specialty. It was frustrating. I started complaining about how it always seemed, no matter where I went, that there was always at least one "super" obedience person there to get all the first placements.
Here's when the tide turned and I learned what it takes to get an OTCH:
- you must believe in yourself and your dog
- you must be persistent and never give up
And the biggie:
- YOU MUST UP YOUR GAME.
For Shiloh and I this trilogy of truths came together all at once. I brought my "A" game into the ring every time. Shiloh picked up on that energy and he did, too. To my utter shock and amazement those first began coming.
The highlight of my OTCH journey was when I decided to roll the dice and enter the huge St. Louis show. No more traveling to small shows looking for firsts. We were going to test our skills against the best in the area. My dear friend Kathy and her husband Gary were there. These two almost always came away with winning all the B classes. But never mind that, Shiloh and I brought the best we had. After our Utility performance I was sweating from the effort, but it was a thrilling run. Kathy came to me and said "that was lovely". I could see in her eyes that it was a competitive run. I stood next to her as awards came out. The judge started with fourth place, then third. I sighed. Gary and Kathy hadn't been called yet so I figured it was those two. Kathy heard me sigh and said with a smile and a wink "the Cheese stands alone." Second place was called and it was Kathy. I looked at Gary, wide-eyed. He mouthed "first is you". And....it was! It was a huge 30-point class. We had another nice run in Open, and got 2nd place, just 1/2 point behind Kathy. I tallied up my lovely chunk of points and it was now 99. One more point and we would finish!
The OTCH came the following weekend at the Sheltie Specialty, winning the Utility class, getting High in Trial and High Combined.
But my biggest thrill was actually being a player with the very best, and EARNING (oh yes I earned it!) an outright win in an outstanding class of dogs.
All that being said, you CAN do it. It takes a lot of work. It isn't easy. It's been said earning an OTCH is one of the most difficult things you can do with your dog. Maybe that's one reason the sport is dying, as (again this is just my opinion) there are other champion titles to garner that are easier to attain.
But - if the OTCH is one of your dreams - it CAN be done, and you don't need to be a famous trainer to do it. Don't limit yourself by saying you can't do it. Dream big, and Big Dreams will come true! They did for me.

Sheltie Nationals Next Week!

2011-04-07T10:38:00.001-07:00

Moto, Pinch and I depart next Friday for St. Louis for the Sheltie Nationals. I'm looking forward to it and I'm not looking forward to it.
The Looking Forward To It part includes sharing a hotel room with a sheltie club member. Her dog and my two get along famously. She loves obedience so we'll have fun discussing the sport and of course all things Sheltie. It'll be fun seeing Sheltie friends from near and far and of course....the shopping.
The Not Looking Forward To It is for the first time ever I'm not entered competitively in anything. Ever since I had Dusty I was able to enter the Best All-Around Sheltie and dream of the elusive Silver Bowl in some venue. This year, the timing just isn't right and what with our major budget down-size, I just can't hang out and enter and/or do all I wish we could do.
But so be it, we get to go and I should stop grousing about that.
Pinch and Moto are both entered in the Herding event, at the Herding Test level. Again another first: it's quite possible neither one of them will pass, each for a very different reason. With Dusty and Shiloh, there was no question they would pass their Herding Tests. Moto continues to confound me. This dog is absolutely brilliant on sheep. If he just believed in himself, it's possible he could go all the way to being a nationally-ranked herding dog. When he's confident, the sheep sense him and he has power from a great distance. Yet he doesn't scare them, he's able to move them with great ease. But we have days when he a) just doesn't feel like applying himself; or b) something is scaring him (could be a horse in the next pasture, a tarp flapping loudly, you name it); and the sheep sense this and just stand there and laugh at him. He is coming more into his own and the bad scenario is melting away, but heck this is a strange place, strange sheep so it can go either way.
Mr. Pinch on the other hand has TONS of confidence....BUT...no stock sense. In time he can probably do some of the lower-level herding but it's going to take time and training. He's also a bit of a bully. He likes to peel one sheep out of the flock, pin it against the fence and hold it there. No matter if it stomps its feet or charges at him, he'll bite it on the nose and put it back in the corner. Mr. Pinch, that is NOT herding, thank you. So, IF the sheep are nice "school sheep" and will stay grouped, we may qualify if Pinch doesn't manage to find the weak link in the flock to bully.
All the while, it will be fun to explore the show site, see some really talented dogs and watch some dreams come true. Always fun to discuss, meet and greet people with the same passion for Shelties that I have.
So I pose the question again: What is going to happen?

Am I Tool Old to Have a Crush?

2011-03-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

I'm 55 years old and I have a crush. On a musician, no less! My husband knows about it and is not jealous. He just thinks I'm weird (which is nothing new, really).
Not since my teen-age years has this happened. When I first heard his song "Go Do" on the radio I had to look up the play list and find the name of the song and who made it. I was impressed. Then "Animal Arithmetic" came out and I knew I HAD to have the CD.
Hubby gave me the disc "Go" for a Christmas present. I listened to it right away and I have never stopped listening to it. I listen to it almost every day. His name is Jonsi, from Iceland, formerly from the ethereal band Sigur Ross. I can't get enough. I joined the Jonsi forum, where folks discuss his music and everything Jonsi. I became a member of his fan site. I "liked" him on FaceBook. I research him on YouTube. Yes, I've become obsessed.
We have a lot in common, Jonsi and I. He is a vegan. OK I'm not any more, but I get it. He loves chocolate. He makes his own vegan chocolate and sells it. I'd love to buy it, but sadly it cannot endure the overseas shipment and still remain fresh.
And that MUSIC. Never in my life have I heard anything more perfect. Never have I heard more joy, and in ballads never more heartfelt. I'm sickened that I learned of him a few months too late as he made his US tour and I missed it. There will be no world tour in 2011. I'm so obsessed by his music that attending a Jonsi concert has made my "bucket list" of things to do before I die, along with walking along the Great Wall of China and floating down the Amazon River. That's how much I love it.
It seems others are as fanatical as I am. Granted, his music is not for everyone. He's featured only on Indie music stations. However, you can hear his music in some commercials now, and in the movie Where the Wild Things are and on the upcoming foreign film Trumped. He's gaining recognition and I'm glad.
He's not a handsome guy, is blind in one eye, but what springs from his soul onto sheets of music is nothing short of captivating.
Here's a video of Animal Arithmetic - watch and see if you love him as much as I do.

Here's What Happened

2011-03-27T16:44:00.001-07:00

As it is with all dog shows (in my case anyway), it was filled with highs and lows. Both boys were entered in Beginner Novice, which is a hybrid between Rally and Novice obedience. It's a great class and a perfect venue to show a green dog. Even this class filled and it was a very competitive class. On Saturday I got what I wanted with Pinch - he had attitude, no fear and a great time. Everything else needs work. A lot. But that will come in time. I was really thrilled with the pizzazz he put into his debut and how we train at home he brought into the ring. No "my dog works a 200 in the back yard" with him! Moto turned in a so-so performance and neither dog was in the ribbons at either show on Saturday. It was interesting to note that Moto did show a lot more confidence at the second show, however.
On Sunday it was just too much for Pinch. He was acting goofy before we got in to the ring so I knew things were going to be bad. Unfortunately our judge was the follow-closely-and-talk-loudly kind of judge and Pinch didn't want any part of it. Once we finished the heeling pattern I asked to be excused. My reason for entering Pinch was for him to learn the ring was FUN and this was not fun. I was disappointed but I knew entering him was premature, and he'll have plenty of time to shine in the future.
Warming up Moto - who was last dog in the ring - I was mentally pleading with him to PLEASE qualify and do good. It would be so nice to end the weekend on a good note! Into the ring we went and I felt it was a pretty nice run. However, I felt that yesterday in the 2nd show and we didn't place so I figured it would be the same again. Plus, the dogs that had been placing all weekend were in a runoff.....again. *sigh* I was still happy, though, as this was Moto's best performance all weekend. When they announced first place it was our number! Shocked, we stepped up to get our blue ribbon. Then the score: 198.5! The highest out of that class all weekend! I was just thrilled.
So our weekend ended nicely.
Moto CAN pull it out of a hat sometimes.
I'm already devising a training plan for Pinch to better prepare him for the ring. This will not be a bomb-proof dog and I need to prepare him as best I can so he can shine, too.
We are all very, very tired.
It's only 7:00, snow is coming in, so I think the pups and I are going to call it a weekend.

So, What's Gonna Happen?

2011-03-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the Greater Kansas City Dog Training Club's Obedience trial in Gardner, KS. I'm impressed with the numbers - all the classes filled except Utility A and Open A - wow! A lot of the nonregular classes filled too. We came to the fun match tonight to set up crates and help run the rings and discovered lots of people are here for the first time - the Battigs, for instance. There is lots of talent here this weekend and while I'm slated to steward (when I'm not showing) in another building, I hope to sneak in and watch some great Obedience work this weekend. What fun!
Moto, Pinch and I have worked very hard. I'm really impressed with Moto and if he can just hold on to his self-confidence, I think he will turn in a medium-high performance in the Beginner Novice class. He is turning into my "steady Eddy" dog, someone I can always count on when other dogs falter. But we will see.
It's my belief I've entered Pinch way before his time. This is a dog who can be extremely flashy and high-drive. He's still too young, too green, and I haven't had enough opportunities to really proof him for the situation we will be in this weekend. It won't go badly in the negative terms, but he won't be competitive. His attitude is: "Cool! Look at all this fun stuff going on! Oh yeah, I need to look at you don't I? OK! Hey! Look over there...." and so on.
So here's my "goal" for this weekend:
I really, really hope Moto will do well. Well is defined by his being confident and enjoying his time in the ring. I sense he is finally maturing and coming into his own and while he'll never be a flashy dog, he is capable of being a consistent dog and doing some pretty nice work.
I would have loved to "wow" the judge with Pinch but it's just not going to happen. Not yet. So I hope he will try his best and that we have FUN in the ring. If he's just too silly I will pull him for the weekend as I don't want him learning any bad habits. I expect the occasional head drop, some crooked sits and his front not to be perfect, but as long as he is enjoying himself, then I'll keep him in.
Our Beginner Novice ring is in a separate building away from all the noise and excitement of all the rally and regular classes which is a perfect situation for green dogs. A good way to have a start, I say.
So, what's gonna happen?

Cutting the Cable

2011-03-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

We are getting our financial life back on track after hubby's 14 month unemployment stint. He has a job now - a good one - but it's not near what he used to make. See, his former employer tempted him to move here by letting him not only keep, but make a bit more, of his California salary in the Midwest. This allowed us to buy our beautiful home on 5 rolling acres and me to leave the daily grind and find my part-time job. I was able to spend the income from my job solely on the dogs and doggie activities. It was a good run, but as it's been said, All good things must come to an end. Fortunately for us he was given a retirement package, which we lived off of as he searched for new work.
It took some time, but he's back and working again, and very happy at his new place of employment. But now we needed to have The Talk. One couples (at least the ones I know) don't really like to have - the Financial Talk. We went through our bills. We arrived at how much I needed to contribute towards our keeping us afloat. Ouch, that hurt. Gone are agility lessons, tracking lessons, obedience survived as did herding. Those days of campaigning anywhere I can are gone. But I digress.
Even with all that, we still needed a bit more trimming of the fat. But where was the fat? Oooooh, it's there. Our satellite service. Access to hundreds of channels. Do we like it? Heck yeah! Do we NEED it? *sigh*. No.
I must say I admire Erik's sacrifice. This man is a confirmed TV fanatic, and a lover of the Fox News network. This was a biggie for him. But he made the phone call, and BAM! It's gone.
We are down to only one working TV, and just the regular channels. I thought life would be miserable but you know what? I love it. The house is quieter. I didn't realize how much time we spent apart in the house, as I'd escape to other parts of the house to get away from the blaring TV. We discuss and arrive at compromises on what to watch, and we watch TV together. And really, there's nothing we HAVE to watch, so when there's spare time, it's spent doing other things. There's that reading thing. Or that listening to music thing. Or - imagine this - just talking! I didn't realize the full intrusion of TV into our lives and the impact it's made on our lifestyle. I'm really glad we've scaled way back.
We're doing just fine, thank you, going back to The Simple Life.

Remembering My Dad

2011-03-07T20:49:00.000-08:00

My dad was born March 8, 1930. He would have been 81 this year. However, we are coming up on nearly 40 years since he passed from brain cancer. I think this birthday is particularly poignant as Barry is gone as well, far too young, also from cancer.
My best memories of my dad was his voice. Andrea Boccelli brings me to tears as his voice is similar to my dad's. And his whistling! It was absolutely beautiful, perfect and melodious. My dad would sing to us while we were in the bathtub. The gift he gave me was my love of music, and to hear as much of it as I could. My sister inherited his beautiful voice.
I remember the day I had the premonition. We were at the annual parade in Santa Rosa. My dad put his hand on my shoulder, and it went through me like an electric shock. I knew we were going to lose him soon, and it would be on Christmas day. I began to cry. When asked the reason for the tears I kept my fears to myself and said they were tears of happiness.
The cancer struck when we were in high school. He was given only six months to live, but he fought bravely for two years. My time in high school was a blur as our family struggled with him to battle this disease. I remember telling my mother of my premonition years ago, and how I was afraid. She said she was afraid, too.
My father died in my mother's and my arms one dark and cold Christmas morning in 1975. It was that day I truly learned of life beyond this one: as he passed, there was a gathering of light within his body. It was like a huge bright ball of energy and moved rapidly from his chest to his face, which glowed for a moment. Then, upward, in a puff of smoke.
My mother's first words after he passed were: That was beautiful.
Then, the drive back home: everywhere cars darted about on the rain slick streets, filled with presents and smiling faces. I looked at my mother's face, and she was in shock.
I liken the loss of a loved one like losing an arm: you can and do manage to go on, but you'll never be the same without it. And so it was with this first and profound loss in my young life.
My mother remarried a precious, wonderful man whom I love as a father. What makes him even more special is he made her happy again. And, with time, we were able to put up a Christmas tree. There are still times Christmas music will bring a lump in my throat. There are also times I'm angry for all the life passages he wasn't here to witness: my wedding, my daughter's birth. The unfairness of it all has never left me.
I always wonder what life would had been like had my dad been able to finish his life here on Earth - how many more people would have have touched, what other contributions would he have made. He was a brilliant man and was beloved by many people. And now my sister's children will be left with these same unanswered questions. Those who have lost loved ones well before their time ponder these same questions I am sure. But at least we have our memories, and unlike my Dad's physical presence, they cannot be taken away.
I am blessed and grateful for the short time I had my Dad. I just wish there had been more.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered

2011-02-24T17:56:00.000-08:00

I took the plunge, filled out the forms and mailed them. It's official - Moto and Pinch are entered in our club's upcoming Obedience trial. Both will try out the Beginner Novice class. Each has a separate goal.

I have a new theory in training Moto. Instead of worrying about overworking him, he gets trained every day. Since he lacks self-confidence, what I'm doing now is one day we work on stuff at home, in the safety of the yard or inside the house. He has absolutely no problems doing anything at home. The next day I take him some place new with mild distractions. We do the same exercises. It seems to be helping. I'm anxious to see if this new training method will give him the confidence he needs in the show ring. We'll see.

For Pinch, it's a pretty big step and possibly premature. But it's local and it's "just" Beginner Novice. I'm not in it to win it, I just want to see how he handles performing at shows. He goes with Moto and I when we go someplace new. He's so different! With Moto we need to walk around, look at things, take in the area before we begin working. All my Shelties have needed at least a little bit of this. Not Mr. Pinch. He gets out, looks around and seems to say "COOL! We ARE going to do stuff here, aren't we?" He's still very green and needs to be reminded of his Attention job. Completely fearless, his pitfalls will be in the other direction - geting overexcited.

It will be fun and challenging handling two completely different dogs in the same class. Ultimately, I want them to have a good ring experience. Moto's made huge strides in herding and I'm hoping for the same in Obedience. Interesting to note he's MUCH happier working every day.

Live and learn!

Lessons from an Old Dog

2011-02-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

Dusty turns 16 today! It's a day of celebration as he is enjoying great health. As with all my furkids I learn as much from them as I do teaching them. Dusty is the trailblazer in teaching me life lessons.
He is my first Old Dog. Sunny also survived to 16 but he lived with my mom. This is the first time I am experiencing having an old dog. When the quality of life is as good as his, it's a rich, wonderful experience.
Dusty and I are growing old together. I got him just before my 40th birthday. I'm now able to get the Senior Citizen discount at Denny's. So I can understand and sympathize with the eyesight not being so good and some arthritic pain.
I'm also learning patience: he takes longer than the others to eat. Friends have told me their old dogs do the same thing. They are interested in their food, they just can't wolf it down like in their younger days.
And perhaps because his vision is failing him, he likes to be near me at all times. When we're separated by a floor level, he'll bark for me to come get him. He can still go up and down the stairs but it's a struggle. I carry him now. I don't have the guns of Michelle Obama but they're pretty darned toned because of this!
Compassion is another lesson. He frequently can't make it all night without having to go potty. Being the good boy that he is, he still awakens me to let me know he needs to go outside. Standing in the snow when it's -9 at 1:00 a.m. is not wonderful, but it's a small tradeoff to have him here with me.
The other dogs are learning better manners. When I open the door for the pack to go in/out, I say "FIRST is Dusty". They all back up and Dusty can proudly go through the door first without being knocked aside. He likes this.
I can see myself in him, should I be able to grow old. I make compensations for his increasing frailty, occasional mental lapses and deteriorating eyesight. It will happen to all of us when we grow old. One of my cousins named him "Dusty the Nobleman". It's very appropriate. If I can age with the grace and dignity of my old dog I will have been a worthy student.

Grabbing Moments

2011-02-07T06:45:00.000-08:00

With all the recent life changes and foul weather, structured Obedience training has fallen by the wayside. It's too cold/snowdrifty (hey I LIKE my new word!) to train outside. Lots of time is also spent on the phone with my daughter, as well as processing the eventual surgery she needs. Then of course there's that silly job thingie (and I have two jobs), doctor appointments, meetings, and all the regular things that take up a regular life.
So finding time to train is difficult. I'm becoming a Master of Opportunity. For instance, I'm going into the basement to do laundry. Pinch is at the top of the stairs watching. Perfect time to do Utility signals. It's at a distance, he can't travel. Or Pinch and Moto are sitting together in the living room. Cool! A sit and down contest ensues, the fastest one gets a cookie.
It's supposed to warm up into the 40's this weekend - a heat wave! At least the snow will melt. Then we can go outside and do heeling and attention exercises outside the confines of our home.
I love winter, but I can't wait to train outside!

More Bumps Ahead

2011-02-04T06:13:00.000-08:00

My daughter posted this on Facebook yesterday:
Looks like surgery is in my near future. My cardiologist is trying to make a case to get me in on a clinical trial to do a clip..which is much less invasive and recovery is much swifter...but only lasts up to 36 mos. But they need to address some other issues first. Prayers for swift answers.
Yes, heart surgery.
My beautiful young daughter needs heart surgery.
She has Mytral valve prolapse with regurgitation, an unfortunately very rare condition in someone as young as she. 1/4 of the blood being pumped is leaking out of the valve and not going where it's supposed to go. This condition was discovered as the doctors were looking for other things.
In speaking with several people the Mytral Valve Prolapse is fairly common and is most often discovered as hers was - looking for something else. Most people don't need surgery, but unfortunately with all the other complicating factors my daughter does.
In the meantime, to receive the clinical trial she has to go through some rigorous tests and check points before a case can be made for this surgery. Her cardiologist said it could take up to 3 months. Hence the prayers for swift answers. If she doesn't get the clinical trial, she will have the standard open-heart surgery where the valve is replaced. All fairly routine by doctor's standards but terrifying if it happens to be YOU.
So once again, life is sort of in the On Hold phase. Plans can be made, but I'm aware of the fact I may need to jump on a plane to be with my daughter once we get answers. Once again, all I want is for her to be OK. Nothing else matters. I want her to be able to go back and live a full, normal HEALTHY life. Why does this simple request seem to be so hard? I find myself being jealous of people talking about their children and their daily goings-on. I so wish I could be in the same position. It is true - when you have your health, you have everything. Please, if your life is just plain old normal, fall on your knees and give thanks to God.
For me, I am shaken to my core. I will take a deep breath and go about my daily tasks as we await the outcome of these tests and what is to be done next. I am anxious to some day plan a trip to California for a happy reason. I want to smile and laugh and not have to worry. I will look on the positive side that this all will come to be, and soon.
That's all I can do, for now.
And if you're reading this, please send positive thoughts and prayers for a return to normal for my daughter.

It's Adrenal Insufficiency

2011-01-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

That is what my daughter said in her phone call to me last night. Finally, an answer to a very long and scary journey. I haven't shared it until now as she was being tested for many other entirely terrifying diseases, particularly the one with the "C" word.
After what our family has been through this was beyond scary. I don't think I drew a full breath for several weeks until it was ruled out. What remaining color I had on my head turned completely white. Thank goodness for Lady Clairol.
She's been plagued by hives and an array of other things for most of her life. But after the birth of baby Ella she never gained weight back. I went into panic mode when she said she weighed in at 103. She's 5'8". Even for little ME that is under weight.
Doctors dismissed her with "it's stress" until one finally took one look at her and realized the urgency of the situation. Made some smart pre-diagnoses and ordering of more specific tests.
Now it won't be an easy journey as she begins a round of medicines and therapies to see which mix will help her. But, we get to have a NORMAL life, and things are going to proceed as they should. My daughter gets her life back and gets to continue to be a busy wife and mom of five (count 'em!) kids.
We both were practically doing a happy dance during the phone call.
And now, relief and rest.
2011 is starting off with a NORMAL bang.
As it should be.

First Attempt at Movie Making

2011-01-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to make this video for a long time. It's always been Blitz's "fight song" and every time I hear it I think of him. ("Lost!" by ColdPlay). The video is very crude and watermarked as I didn't purchase the software - just wanted to try it out and see if it worked for me. So I apologize that it's not very fancy. It's a collection of my favorite pictures and his only wonderful video, taken at a Springfield fun match. It shows happier times when he had hair and felt great the majority of the time. I made this for me but I wanted to share with you as well, so you could see how he loved to work and how he once was a beautiful dog. So glad we live in a time when we can capture these special moments. I'll have this always to remember my special boy.

It Is What It Is

2011-01-22T12:59:00.000-08:00

Even thought a new year brings lots of goals and new beginnings, some things just get carried over from the previous year. My life lesson, dog-wise it seems, is to just accept the cards I've been dealt. Shiloh and Blitz's illnesses, and my struggles with Moto just keep on keepin' on. My two sick 'uns are really forcing me into the Quality of Life question. Bad days are overtaking good for both of them, although Shiloh is in the lead. I do fear I'll be taking him to the vet very soon to have this discussion. It's just been hard.
As for my beloved Moto, training goes up and down. He has really, really good days followed by several weeks of - it's not fair to say bad - but rather "I just don't care to do this" days. We are currently in that mode. When he's like this, there really isn't anything to do to get him out of it. With Obedience, he does do it, but he's not having fun. There's no stress, he just doesn't LIKE it. Ditto herding. He'll follow along politely behind the sheep but again he's just doing it to be a Good Boy. And he IS a good boy. A really good boy! As you can see from the picture he is wonderful with Pinch, and is equally as sweet with my old boy Dusty. Being a Therapy Dog truly is his calling and where his passion lies. So that's what I need to accept: I'm not going to have a dog that is going to set the performance world on fire. I have a dog that is going to be my Best Friend, the one I can count on to always be by my side when times are tough. The one to be gentle and sweet and play with my grandkids, whom I can take anywhere and he will be good and kind to all dogs and puppies.
As it was with Blitz, it's a death of sorts because I have to let go of dreams and plans. It's not an easy transition. But loving them for who they are and accepting the gifts they give me does eventually make it easier on all of us.
I still plan on bring Moto out in the spring in Novice. But I no longer have expectations. Of course I want him to qualify but it wouldn't be fair to either of us for me to expect more than a green ribbon.
When I hug him and look into his sweet happy face I know I've made the right choice. It is, what it is.

Reflections on a Year

2010-12-30T08:16:00.001-08:00

It's that time when most bloggers review what's happend in the past year. I really don't want to do that, for as we leave behind 2010 I leave behind two beloved family members. Our family's pain is well-documented and I don't want to go over it yet again.
Instead, I'm looking at the good stuff that happened, and in spite of our losses there were some bright spots.
I feel I'm truly "back into myself" in terms of healing from the car accident. I'm frequently asked "are you all better now?" and there is no such thing after such a bad accident. Scars are left both physically and emotionally. But my body works great and aside from some scar tissue limiting mobility in my left arm and the occasional ache or pain, I'm pretty much good to go. Mentally it's been a long journey. I knew I wasn't myself for the longest time. I'd just act like myself and hope no one noticed. Turns out lots of people did but were too kind to say anything. A brain injury is a funny thing and it took an awful long time to bounce back from that. In the past few months I do feel comfortable in my own skin again and can look forward to parties and crowded events without panicking. I never thought I'd be so glad to be "just me"!
My dear friend Laurie paid us a visit and I got to meet her newest addition to her family, Sassy. It seems each visit gets more and more fun and we just had the best time! Friendships are such treasures and I'm lucky to count Laurie as one very special friend.
Erik got a job. It's been over a year. Yes, it's not what he used to make but the drive is reasonable and it looks like a great company. He's fitting right in and very happy at his new place of business. We will have to revisit our budget which I'm not looking forward to, but no more fear or losing our home or other scary things that come with a negative cash flow.
I started my new business as the town's Welcome Wagon lady. I love it! It's my own hours and largely driven by how hard I choose to work at it. This job will help plug the hole left by my husband's cash reduction. Truly, I was blessed to have this opportunity and will be forever thankful to Barb for her help and mentoring me along this path.
Two of my grandkids came for a visit and the timing couldn't have been better. They came shortly after the passing of Barry and Uncle Bill. They gave us a gift that is priceless: happiness.
Speaking of grandkids, we had a miracle that baby Ella came into this world safe and sound. Both my daughter and Ella could have been lost in this high-risk pregnancy and delivery. When a doctor calls it a miracle, you know you are far more than lucky. I'm nothing short of grateful to God for my daughter and Ella being completely fine in the face of such long odds.
In spite of serious health issues, we still have all six dogs. I cherish each and every day with all of them and enjoy the fact our house is chaotic with so many furry friends running around.
And the reason it's six dogs now is the addition of Pinch. It was amazing how quickly he fit in. There was no ripple effect, no jealousy. Every dog gladly accepted Pinch into the fold.
Holding Moto back from the show ring was the best thing I could've done. He's now exhibitng enjoyment in his training and at sho n go's. I'm getting comments that people didn't think he was capable of doing what they are seeing in him performance-wise. Working on our bond and building drive has paid off big-time. Maybe, just maybe, we'll enter a show in the Spring.
In summary I've realized if you get the priviledge of living a long time you don't go through life without some scars. In so many of my Welcome Wagon visits I hear stories of terrible loss and tragedy. Yet these people still smile at me as they begin a new life in a new town. Inspired by so many of these stories, I too put on a smile as we begin a new year.
We're all still here, so we might as well dance.

Do You Have A Favorite Dog?

2010-12-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

I get asked this question fairly often, and it seems most other multi-dog households get asked this question too. I remember asking my mother the same question, only it was did she have a favorite child (I was hoping she'd say it was me). But my mom, ever so wise and I believe honestly, answered the question with "I love you both the same."
I only have one child so she is easily my favorite. But when it comes to that question with my dogs, I don't answer the question the way my mother did, as I do not love them all the same: I love them all, but in so many different ways. Each personality is so distinct there simply is no way I could love them all the same.
Take Dusty for instance. He's my first Sheltie, my first performance dog. I believe the soul of my childhood dog occasionally pays visit upon him. Dusty has helped shape the person I am today, and he's the one who started me on this crazy, dog-filled journey. He's my Heart Dog, the one who cuddled with me in bed when I was single, has seen my daughter grow up and me become a grandmother. At almost sixteen years he still rules the pack as a benevolent dictator. Dusty's soul shines through his eyes and I know now that I was the luckiest person in the world to have him as a Novice A dog. Because of this he holds a special place in my heart.
Now Shiloh....oh, Shiloh. He's the polar opposite of Dusty. Shiloh loves himself first and foremost, and his ego surpasses the size of any room he enters. Strong-willed and spirited, Shiloh has more of a Border Collie work ethic, which means his reward is letting him work. Shiloh loved Agility best and should have had a MACH, if not a world team representative, except for the fact that I just can't seem to remember the agility course. Because he loves me he did Obedience and handed me a life-long dream of attaining the OTCH. Not only that, he was the #3 Sheltie in 2006 and we got invited to compete at the Eukanuba Obedience Invitational in Long Beach, CA that year. Because of this he holds a special place in my heart.
Blitz's illness was discovered when I only had him for two weeks. I could have returned him but I decided that even though he would never be able to show to his full potential, I would keep him. I've never regretted that decision. He'll be four years old this coming February, two years longer than they said he would survive. The disease is beginning to take its toll and I believe his story will be coming to a close soon. What amazes me is that in spite of this awful disease and all its afflictions, his zest for life has never waned. In fact he seems to be more joyful than ever as his body wastes away. Blitz has taught me to find joy in this remarkable gift of life we've been handed. He greets every new day as a thrilling adventure; how could I not do the same? Because of this he holds a special place in my heart.
Shiloh was bred to a lovely working bitch and my pick was Moto. I knew he'd be over size but not to the proportions he is today: 50 lbs and 20 inches at the shoulder! But I actually enjoy having a larger dog. People take his bark seriously and I feel safe when I walk with him at night. He's been a bit of a training challenge as, unlike his dad, Moto will work but it's just because he's a good boy. Work of any sort - obedience, tracking, herding, agility - are OK but he is happiest just giving and receiving love. And that is where he excels. I scoff at anyone who says dogs do not have empathy. I saw it first-hand when I returned home from the hospital to recover from my car accident. I saw it again as he took puppy Pinch under his wing, teaching him Boy Dog stuff and gently playing with him. I am in awe of Moto and he will take on the role of Heart Dog when Dusty goes to the Bridge. Because of that he holds a special place in my heart.
Enter baby Pinch. He's still a blank slate. I'm thrilled with his training and he has the drive and focus of Shiloh. His ego is almost as big as well. I'm thrilled with his temperament in that when the house is quiet, he is quiet, but if I want to train he's up and ready to go! We have so much fun together and I have high hopes for an exciting obedience career with him. Plus, he has this adorable way of jumping into my arms and delivering a quick round of kisses. Because of that he holds a special place in my heart.
John Edward, a psychic who "talks to those who have crossed over" once was able to feel the energy of a former dog-owning relative. John told the grieving family that it was her beloved dogs to greeted her first, and whose barking she followed to get to the Other Side. Along with my other loved ones who I miss now, I know it will be a joyous reunion to see them again and be joined with all my beloved pets. That, for me, will be Heaven.

Winter Training

2010-12-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

What an exciting weekend it was for Obedience enthusiasts - the NOI, or AKC/Eukanuba National Obedience Invitational was this past weekend. I wasn't able to go, but am forever grateful to friend Laurie for calling me when she was able to with updates. It got more and more exciting as friend Kathy was 1st seed to go into the Finals on Sunday. Then, she kept advancing....to the final two...I was sooo nervous waiting for that last phone call. When the phone rang I was sooo hoping for good news and yes! It was to be: Kathy had won. THANK YOU Laurie for letting me know, and huge congrats to Kathy and Buoy on an amazing accomplishment.
It's cold outside, Christmas parties and events abound, so it makes for challenging training opportunities. We've done lots of indoors training but the "big stuff" (jumping, go-outs) need to be done outside. This takes time, which of late I haven't had a whole lot of. Things are settling down and today I'm hoping to do some outdoor training this afternoon.
Sweet Moto is stressing, really stressing, over the scent discrimination. We need to work hard on this and make it fun. You can see the relief on his face when he finds the correct article. He's learning to use his nose finally. Once he gets it, like everything else, he will be rock solid. Overall his work ethic is improving nicely - is it the thyroid pills or is he maturing, or is it a combination of both? Either way he may be ready for his Novice debut this Spring!
Now that we are moving on to more advanced work with Pinch, he's developing his own set of problems to solve. He LOVES to work, but is extremely impatient. I THOUGHT I was a fast trainer but this little guy has proved me so very wrong. I am way behind the eight ball with Pinch. Latest is the dumbbell retrieve. Again, kudos to Laurie for helping him get a nice start. I'm trying to move this along to be an actual retrieve now. Pinch has a nasty habit of putting his paw up when I have my hands out to take the dumbbell back. I have to give him information fast (uh-uh), when paw is lowered (goooooood) and take the dumbbell out. But sometimes I am too slow. We have to work on the Hold and keeping that paw down before we can move forward, or I'll have a mess of other problems to deal with.
I hope one, or both these boys will make it to the NOI some day. Shiloh and I had a blast when we went. Meantime, it's time to break out the heavy winter coat, gloves and hat to train outside today - brrrrr!

It's That Time Of Year Again....

2010-11-24T11:03:00.001-08:00

Yes, for the annual Christmas Photo. Or should I say Annual Christmas Argument? Trying to get three, then, four, and now SIX dogs to sit still long enough to snap a picture and have them looking in the same direction is always challenging. When we have a puppy like this year it is always particularly challenging. Hubby is always there to help but it always turns into a quibble. The Annual Disagreement usually goes something like this:
Me: I'll get the dogs ready and tell you when to take the picture.
Hubby: Fine.
Me: (setting up each dog, pulling cowering Daisy repeatedly back, grabbing an escaping dog) There! OK! They're all looking at you! Take the Picture!
Hubby: no sound
Me: TAKE THE PICTURE! NOW!
Hubby: (fumble) wha?
Me: NOW!!!
Dusty lays down, Daisy slinks off, Shiloh grumbles because Moto is touching him.
*Click* goes the camera.
Me: (sighs loudly)
Hubby: You said to take it....
You get the picture, pun intended. I'll post some out takes as we undertake this year's portrait.
Meantime, Happy Thanksgiving!

A Veteran's Day Story

2010-11-10T17:38:00.001-08:00

I believe people come into our lives for a reason, and so it was with Bob. He was to be one of my bosses at my job in Sunnyvale CA. I didn't like him. At all. No way. He was aloof and cocky. And kind of weird.
I complained often about him to our director Al, but he said to just hang in there, Bob brought special knowledge and talent in to our group.
Those were the days of Desert Storm. Some of our people were overseas to help with the operation over there. When the war was over and our employees came home and a return to work date set, we tied a giant yellow ribbon around the building and a big welcome back party was planned. As I was leaving to attend the celebration, Bob was hanging back. When I asked if he was coming, he said no. I asked why and his eyes teared up. He said "I'm glad for them but I just can't. I was never welcomed back when I came home from Viet Nam."
My heart absolutely shattered into a thousand pieces. I was guilty. I'd been one of those war protestors in my very early teen-age years. Here I was, seeing a direct result of what we had done.
After that I made a point of getting to know Bob. Turns out his plane had been shot down over enemy territory. With no one to save him and nothing but his smarts, a little luck and a lot of grit he made it back to safety. This was a man who almost gave his life for his country and no one had even thanked him. As we continued to work together he became one of my favorite people.
Time passed, our company was sold and most of us lost our jobs. I married and moved to Missouri, but I still kept in touch with Bob occasionally by email.
One Veterans day I received one of those chain emails, but this one was a bit different. It talked about our brave soldiers and the sacrifices they had made. The email concluded by saying "send this on to one of our hero Veterans if you know one."
This was my chance to right my wrong. I forwarded it on to Bob, and started the email by letting him know that he was MY hero, and I meant every single word of it.
Bob wrote back, saying "Siouxsan, THANK YOU. This means more to me than you will ever know."
I was so glad to maybe give him some relief from long-held pain.
After that I lost contact with Bob. I hear he's doing well in his new job, that his wife and daughters are also doing just fine. It's really not necessary to keep in touch with Bob any longer, for I believe the purpose of our friendship had come full circle.
Thank you, Bob, for your brave service to our country. And to all the vets who have served or are serving now....THANK YOU. I learned to say this because of one very special person, for which I will be forever grateful.

Backchaining

2010-11-08T06:50:00.000-08:00

The weather has been fabulous out here. 60's and 70's in Midwest November is just plain freaky, but I'm delighted for it. I would have been absolutely insane if I didn't do some outdoor training, the stuff that requires setting up jumps and large amounts of area to work in. Pinch and Moto both did go-outs (Pinch is learning Renee's method, Moto is learning my method, which isn't great but seems to work for him). Lots and lots of fun. Directed jumping for both dogs was a blast. Moto loves directed jumping. Pinch still has 4" jumps pushed together, run to the raised hand. I just wish I was independently wealthy and didn't have to work for a living. This is a dog the LOVES to jump and will be a fabulous agility dog. Sadly, we may never find the time.
Then scent discrimination. Pinch is learning a la Renee method, Moto was started on my earlier trainer's method. Here's where the backchaining comes in: Pinch still searches for the cookie under the folder. He roars through almost 20 folders with eagerness and confidence. Poor Moto seemed just confused with his article work. Even with just 4 articles out, I could tell he just hasn't learn the lesson he needs to use his nose. This is a dog that lacks self-confidence anyway, and a dog not confident in article work does not a Utility Dog make.
So, I decided to go alll the way back to what Pinch was doing. Poor Moto lacked so much confidence he panicked right away when the cookie wasn't immediately found. Once he did, and tons of praise given, he got the idea there's no pressure, it's a game and should be fun. We are going to need to do the folder method until I see he thinks it's fun. What I believe I'll do once he realizes to use his nose, keep working when it isn't found right away, I'll put the scented article under a folder and see what happens. I'm hoping for a happy confident transition.
Meantime, I *think* the thyroid pills may be kicking in: he did some of the most amazing herding work EVER yesterday. It has the WOW factor. Gosh, if he became a herding dog I would be over the moon thrilled. He has a way with stock I've never seen in a Sheltie. Only once before have I seen this - with an HC Terv named Cali. I had the pleasure of working with Cali many, many years ago, using her to do some pen work. I literally fell over in awe working this dog: I could FEEL her communicating to the sheep! She worked calmly and smoothly and I believe it was the energy she was putting out that kept the sheep calm and cooperative. While Moto wasn't communicating to the sheep, he had a calm manner that put the stock at ease. This dog could do great things - if he'll continue to work at it!

Getting Back My Mojo

2010-11-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

It seems quite a few of us trainers have lost our mojo. There's been various reasons. The end result is we all have dogs with gaping holes in our training. Of course I'm one of the guiltiest, most mojo-losing in my group of friends.
Enter friend Laurie. She did very well at the Aussie nationals, with lots of HIT awards. I hope to upload a picture in a few days. When she unpacked her booty of gorgeous rosettes and various prizes I must say, I was a bit covetous. See I've dreamed of owning JUST ONE rosette like the ones she was displaying. Big, fat, with nice long streamers. And then there was the embroidered cloth crate, the chair, the medals...the prizes went on and on. We had fun decorating our fence and taking pictures of her dogs with all the prizes.
I know I've been pretty remiss in my training with Pinch and Moto. Unfortunately Moto had some sort of stomach bug so we weren't able to work with him. But Laurie quickly found lots of holes and impending bad habits that would have hampered Pinch's success in the long run. Bless her heart, she worked with me extensively, sometimes holding my shoulders straight, other times gently scolding, but in the end I believe I "got it". We've already revisited several of our new tools to make sure it is finally embedded in my head.
THANK YOU LAURIE! Plus, we had such fun doing various doggie activities: went to my obedience class at Renee's, herding, and the dogs joined us for my town's downtown trick or treat. The time went too fast and the house is awful quiet this morning without my pal and her wonderful pooches.
Now for some exciting Moto news: when I took him to the vet because of his tummy troubles I asked for blood work to test his thyroid. Lo and behold, it's low normal. He's now on meds to help raise it to a higher level. It's exciting because I want to see how it affects his personality and willingness to work. He's been making good strides and this may give him the final boost.
So now it's up to me to keep the momentum going. C'mon Mojo, let's get going!

Lots to Look Forward To!

2010-10-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

The weather's been great here, almost like SoCal weather and the dogs and I have been soaking it up. With lots of doggie activities coming up it's helped keep my mind off sad things and focusing into the future and exciting things.
First up: an obedience fun match on Sunday. Moto is entered in both Utility and Open. This will be his first time EVER in a Utility fun match. He's been doing fantastic in our back yard; it will be interesting to see how he does somewhere other than the safety of his yard. We'll backchain quite a bit there as the goal here is confidence-building. But I have to say he finally seems to be "getting it" in terms of his obedience work. We may not do Open, depending upon how he does in Utility. If he does really really well and tries super-hard, we may just call it a day and go home. We'll see.
Pinch continues to challenge me in heeling. The little bugger is just SO excited to work and wants to do things really really fast and heeling is WALKING dag nab it and he has to be beside me instead of walking sideways. Wow. I know it will be spectacular once he gets it, but I still struggle with the "get it" part.
Next my friend Laurie from CA arrives some time next week. Lots of doggie activities planned: bringing her to Renee's Open class, taking her out to my herding instructor to instinct test her dogs, coming with me to Pinch's puppy class and renting rings and training together. I can't wait. She's as obsessed as I am with the sport and it's wonderful to talk endlessly about all the minute technical stuff we find so fascinating.
And again, the weather is supposed to be great while she is here, so a good time should be had by all!

Finding My Feet

2010-10-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

Since I last wrote I've been trying to get back to my normal schedule. I've learned that being happy takes some effort but it is paying off: if you act happy (please note I'm not saying Pretend - big difference)happiness does come to you. Hubby is calmer and most notable is Moto's countenance. He's brighter when training with me and all the creatures, both two and four-legged are much happier. Happiness begets happiness so we are on an upward trend.
This weekend is a fun match and I've got Moto entered in Utility for the very first time. We haven't trained much in utility so it will be a way scaled back version but he is really enjoying his utility work. If this trend continues I may try to debut him in Novice spring of next year. Still not expecting much in Novice, not in Open either, I'm just waiting to get him into Utility to see what he is capable of.
Pinch continues learning at warp speed. Heeling is something he still doesn't have much of a concept about. Of all the dogs I've trained he's the one giving me the most problem when it comes to how to teach heeling - can't seem to find which way clicks with him. I'll continue to experiment with various strategies to see which method conveys what I want. For now it's quite clear he hasn't a clue what I'm asking of him.
Day by day I'm getting control back into my life - the house is clean again, the dog's grooming schedule is getting back on track (though they badly need a bath) and I'm keeping up with the paperwork from my business and volunteer organizations.
It's nighttime when it's the hardest. Waking up 3:00 a.m. and images still haunt me. The one that elicits the most emotion is when I saw my sister for the first time when I arrived in CA prior to Barry's passing. I was prepared for Barry's condition and how he would look but seeing my sister - her eyes swollen from crying and grief in every fibre of her being that tore me to pieces. But she's doing everything right to help herself get on with life and I'm so very proud of her. Because she is going on and doing such a good job of it, I'm able to as well.
And the weather is gorgeous. It's hard to be sad when the skies are beautiful and the dogs beckon you to come outside for a good came of ball.

It's Still A Fight

2010-10-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

Returning to a new normal takes a lot of effort, I'm discovering. My husband said this morning he hasn't seen me smile or laugh since the grandkids left. Wow, not good. He's really good at letting me know when I'm off the mark in our relationship, and my sadness has been wearing on him. He said I'm always saying how tired I am, too. I guess I better listen to myself. Depression does make for lack of sleep and heck yes I AM tired. But seriously, I need to make life a little easier for my hubby, who has been kind and supportive through all our recent upheavals. So I need to exercise patience and tolerance, try to smile more, hug more, and appreciate what I have. I'm richly blessed and even though it's been a rough patch, I really and truly have a LOT to be thankful for.
Had a wonderful doggie weekend which is always a nice diversion. An obedience and conformation fun match on Saturday. I was thrilled with Moto in Open and Novice. We're still far from show-ready but he's making huge strides in his attitude. Most impressive were the Novice stays. He was scared of the stewards in the next ring who were ripping duct tape off the floor, lifting and re-arranging mats. He started to get up from the down and run to me, and all I said was a low-voiced "ah-ah" and he laid back down and held his stay. GOOD BOY!
Pinch made his debut in conformation and he too had a wonderful attitude, no fear and lots of enthusiasm. It was a great day.
So I've been re-thinking how I train Moto. It seems he's a dog that does best with not training every day, which is hard for me to let go of. Also just quick short sessions when we are working a difficult issue. He needs to go with me to lots of places in a non-training situation to work on his self confidence. I think these recent tragedies have profoundly affected him and he'll bounce back once I do. So again, between my husband and Moto the Therapy Dog, I need to make an effort to be happy.
It's a Tuesday, so I don't need to go in to my Chamber job today. I still have my Welcome Wagon business to do, but I plan to spend my remaining spare time grooming dogs, training Pinch & Moto and then off to Pinch's Novice class this evening. All good things.
Dig deep, take a deep breath, and smile. It's going to be a beautiful day.

Out of Sadness, Moments of Joy

2010-10-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

There's a big difference between Happiness and Joy. Happiness is still fleeting, but in my family's time of sorrow I've discovered many moments of Joy.
One memory I'll cherish forever - believe it or not - was several hours after Barry's passing. The funeral home had taken Barry's body away and Hospice had come and packed up the bed and medical supplies. Family and friends had come and departed, each into their own homes to deal with their grief. Janice and I were alone. She asked, "What do we do now?" to which I replied, "we eat ice cream." Chocaholism runs rampant in my family and my sister had some ice cream, I'm unsure of the brand or name, but it was extremely chocolate-y. We put on the movie "The Blind Side", put the tub of chocolate between us and our heads together, and quietly consumed it while watching the movie. It was a moment of such comfort and closeness it will burn in my memory forever.
With the passing of my uncle, I've rediscovered how precious my cousins are to me. We've always loved each other but we get busy with our jobs and kids and contact isn't as frequent as it should be. That's changed now. As children we always had Family Sunday dinners together so my cousins are more like brothers and sisters than cousins. Cousin Mike unearthed priceless photos while putting together Uncle Bill's memorial poster of us all growing up together. We'll be keeping much closer touch with each other from this point on.
All these events have made us realize how short and fragile our lives can be. I feel blessed to have a sister and I'm so glad we have each other during these difficult times. The same can be said for my cousins.
As Cat Stevens sang years ago, "we're only dancing on this Earth for a short while."
Might as well make it a good dance.

What Grandkids Can Do

2010-09-30T05:37:00.000-07:00

The two "in between" grandkids - Dylan and Jenna - were supposed to come for a week-long visit two weeks ago. That schedule had to be changed as Barry's condition rapidly deteriorated, my uncle passed unexpectedly and the destruction of my aunt's neighborhood in San Bruno.
Once things settled a bit my daughter tweaked the schedule and I was able to have them this past weekend. They arrived last Friday and it was great to see them. Erik arrived home from work early and we took the kids to Sonic for dinner - a treat for them as they don't have a Sonic in their area.
The kids asked if they could eat their meal inside the camper shell of the truck. We gladly complied and had a mini-tailgate in the back of the truck, munching our food and looking out onto Kearney's busiest intersection.
It was a Friday night in a small town. A truck arrived at the watermelon stand, and they were readying the produce for the next day. Kids were horsing around at the U-wash car wash, squirting each other with the hoses. You could hear the band playing and the roar of the crowd at the high school's first football game of the season.
Then I realized I was feeling something I hadn't felt in quite awhile: I was happy.
Thanks to the grandkids, I do believe the healing process is beginning.

Back To It

2010-09-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

One week ago today I was catching a very late flight back to Kansas City. The previous Saturday was the memorial service for Barry. I cannot believe so many things happened that last week.
Last Monday I resolved to get "back to normal" and got up at 4:30 a.m., ran a few miles on the treadmill, trained dogs and did all my morning chores. Went to work, came home and collapsed from exhaustion.
It's not physical exhaustion, it's emotional.
And I've discovered there are many levels of grief. At this writing, it's the Dull Ache part of it, where your heart is badly bruised and just wants to rest and heal.
Each day of last week I'd get up resolved to go back to normal, and each day I just couldn't. Fortunately sleep has come easily and I've slept long and deeply. I just seem to need a lot more. When will I feel rested?
Yesterday was the first day I felt normal so did normal Saturday stuff as well as my Welcome Wagon job. I resolved to do home stuff Saturday and devote Sunday to training and grooming the poor dogs, it's been awhile. Then ugly black clouds loomed on the horizon and I headed home early. We got the dogs and ourselves fed and cleaned up before the "fun" started...intense lightning, rain, and at one point the weather radio said to "prepare immediately for golf-ball sized hail, damaging winds in excess of 60 mph and deadly lightning. Take cover in the lowest level of your home and stay away from windows." Luckily for us that nasty storm petered out before reaching our fair town but the weather radio went off quite regularly all night. So, it's Sunday and I'm exhausted. It looks like another pajama day. I'm very fortunate to be able to have pajama days.
Pinch is signed up for the Beginning Obedience class at Renee's and it begins 10/28. Neither Pinch nor Moto has been formally trained for weeks now. I simply don't have the Heart to train. It's that Dull Ache thing getting in the way. Oh, I've done a bit here and there - tricks, the Sit and Down Game, things like that. I've decided to pull Moto from his Open class Wednesday nights and will bring him to Pinch's class. My game plan is to swap out the two dogs and do a lot of backchaining with Moto. He has more issues than I realized and if I ever want to show him, we need to go back to those building blocks to find the weak link. I have a feeling I got greedy and went too far, too fast.
Meantime my family is still trying to wrap its collective arms around all that has happened: so much in too short a time. We put one foot ahead of the other and surround each other with lots of love. Moto is truly in his element as Therapy Dog during this time: I don't know if my scent changes or how he knows, but when The Sadness envelopes me like a dark fog, he quietly makes his way over and leans against me - there if I need to hug him and bury my head in his fur.
So I am grateful that I CAN eventually get back to normal, and that I have my wonderful husband and six loving dogs to help me on my path.

A Few Words About Barry

2010-09-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

He was so much more than my brother-in-law. Here's a snapshot of his life, taken from the memorial program:
BARRY PATRICK JOHNSON
October 1, 1956-September 2, 2010
Barry Patrick Johnson was born on October 1, 1956 in Prince George County, VA to Pat and Wayne Johnson. Big sister Gail was anxiously awaiting her new little brother. Barry was premature and was not given much chance to live. In fact, the doctors told his parents to start making funeral arrangements for their little boy. But Barry was a fighter and ne got stronger and stronger, and because his mom asked so many intelligent questions, they thought she was a nurse and let her take him home earlier than they normally would. She was under instructions to feed him every two hours, and sometimes it took him an hour and a half to eat, but his parents were determined and soon Barry began to thrive. However, Barry was then diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and the doctors told his parents he would most likely spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Pat and Wayne sought out other opinions and found a doctor who fit little Barry with a leg brace. He struggled with it, hated it, but learned to deal with it and rode a tricycle faster with his one leg than the other kids did with two. He was determined to fit in. Pretty soon, the leg brace came off and Barry walked with a bit of a limp, but that was all.
Barry grew up in the Los Angeles area where Wayne was an engineer for TRW. But soon Wayne had a calling to go into the ministry and that led him and his family to the seminary in San Rafael, California, and then to Palm Desert for his first ministerial position.
Barry graduated from Indio High School in 1974. He went off to UC Davis for his first year of college but he was much more interested in fixing his Volkswagen than studying. Wayne asked Barry to go on a church mission trip to the Hoopa Indian Reservation in the summer of 1975. It was there Barry met his future wife, Jan Howard, whose friend had asked her to come with her on the church mission trip. It was NOT love at first sight! In fact, Jan dated Barry's cousin Dane first. But when Dane had to go back to Los Angeles to go to school, that's when Barry swooped in. He gave Jan a hug after he dropped Dane off at the airport and that hug was the turning point. From then on, Barry and Jan were inseparable and after one year of being together they were engaged.
They were married July 16, 1977 at Church of the Roses, Santa Rosa, with Wayne officiating and Reverend Lester Muhly from St. Mark Lutheran Church officiating as well. The marriage brought Barry and Jan three beautiful little girls, Julie in 1980, Amy in 1984 and Laura in 1986. Barry worked at a number of jobs, including selling cars at Zumwalt Magrini Chrysler Plymouth for years and was blessed to be working with his best buddy from college, Skip. But Barry had always dreamed of owning his own shop and started M.E.M. Auto repair in 1994 (which stood for Mobile Equipped Mechanical since he would come to your place to repair your car. However, they privately called it "Making Ends Meet"). Barry was finally able to open a permanent shop called The Car Doctor which was a dream come true for him. He was able to establish a Christian place of business and treat people the way he wanted them to be treated - with dignity and respect.
Barry struggled with alcohol for years, but finally realized his marriage and family were more important than drinking. He got sober and stayed sober and helped a great many others along that path. He was a well-respected leader in AA.
Barry also had a great love for kids. Barry and Jan started teaching Jr. High Bible class at St. Mark in the early 90's. It was a great source of joy for Barry to teach kids about the Bible and about God's love. Any child who has been to his Jr. High class will remember "the money talk" where he would take out a fistful of bills from his pocket and tell the kids if any one could guess how much money he had in his hand they could keep it. The purpose of the talk was to teach the kids that this was God's money - not his - and if God decided one of the kids needed it more than he, it was theirs as long as they used it for a Godly purpose. Once, just once, a girl won the money and Barry gave that money away joyfully. He also loved taking the Jr. High kids on their annual snow trip in February. He didn't enjoy the cold, but he loved the Bible study at night and talking with the kids.
Barry and Jan enjoyed a truly wonderful marriage. Not perfect, never perfect, but a God-centered marriage that brought them through many trials. At one difficult point, Jan asked Barry why he stayed with her, and he answered simply "because I promised." And he stayed true to that promise, as did Jan. They enjoyed traveling together, eating out, hanging out with friends and just being in each other's company. They were truly each other's best friend.
Now Barry is in his Heavenly mansion with all the hosts of Heaven. He will be dearly missed on this earth for his love, his sense of humor, his love of Jeff Gordon and NASCAR, his generosity with his time and money, his willingness to drop anything to help a friend, and his sweet, gentle ways. May God bless him in his new Heavenly home.

Leaving Uplifted

2010-09-13T04:49:00.000-07:00

This was the weekend I've dreaded since my brother-in-law, Barry, had announced that he had Stage 4 melanoma. At age 53 we had the committal ceremony graveside and the following day, his memorial.
My sister had an extremely difficult morning, not wanting to get up and begin the day. And yet, there were some amazing twists and turns to be had.
I received a phone call from Janet, my cousin by marriage. We'd just lost my uncle the previous weekend, and now she had more awful news: her mother lives in the San Bruno neighborhood where the gas explosion had happened. She'd escaped with her life thank God, and they were making their way back to Janet's childhood home to see if there was anything left. Depending on what they found, they may or may not be attending Barry's memorial.
It was a beautiful day in California and the committal ceremony was fine. My sister's grandson Aiden crawled onto her lap and hugged her. She rocked him as he wrapped his arms around her neck. How touching it was to see Barry's legacy - his beautiful grand-children - providing comfort to Janice.
On our way to the reception some good news and a miracle: While the entire row of homes were burned to the ground, Marilyn's home was the first one on the street that was completely standing. They would come to the memorial.
Saturday, the church was packed. It was standing room only as Barry's father, sister and one daughter spoke of their remembrances of Barry. Most touching was an "adopted son" named Ryan whom Barry had taken under his wing and mentored as a young teenager into manhood. He closed his talk by saying Barry lived his life paying it forward, and we should all do the same as a tribute to him. The music and songs were simply amazing, sung by a full choir and many musical instruments.
Then, one of those moments that when it occurs, you know it's something you'll remember the rest of your life: pastor was closing the service. My sister approached the pulpit and said she'd like to speak for a few minutes. She turned and faced the hundreds packed into the church. First, she said she wanted to look out on all who came and thank them for all they had done for her and Barry. Then, she lifted her hands into the air and began singing a song of praise.
My sister has a beautiful voice. Years ago she'd been asked to sing backup for Melissa Manchester. It's a soprano voice, clear and her pitch is always perfect.
She sang the first few lines alone as we sat mesmerized. Then a few voices added theirs to hers. Soon the entire congregation joined in. My sister stood there, arms raised and eyes closed, her voice strong and true. When it was over, Janice said "you know you're in a Lutheran church when you hear 4-part harmony!" to which everyone clapped and cheered.
Everyone went to the reception with a smile on their face.
I am in such awe of my sister.
In spite of her terrible loss, she did what Ryan had requested of us by paying it forward. She gave us joy in the face of incredible sadness. Instead of taking home images of tears and people breaking down, I will forever remember my sister at the pulpit, arms uplifted, leading us all in song.
Sister, you are a miracle. What you did is the most amazing and inspiring thing I've yet to witness.

Damnit

2010-09-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

My sister couldn't have said it better.
Life took a sad an unexpected twist since my last post. Shortly after finishing that blog entry I received the call to fly to California as quickly as possible. While frantically looking for flights, I received another phone call - this time from my cousin - to say my uncle had suffered a massive stroke and it didn't look good.
My desperation to reach California ASAP was agonizing. I finally made it there last Wednesday morning. Barry was indeed at the close of his life. I volunteered to stand the night vigil to allow my sister some sleep. Barry made it through the night but by morning had ceased recognizing people and moving around. I walked to my mother's house (she lives just down the street from my sister) for a quick nap and a bite of food. That afternoon my cell phone rang. It was my sister who said I better come fast. Tearing out of the house at full speed I ran down the street and realized I should have kept up my exercising as my feet weren't carrying me as fast as I'd like. Al, my step-father drove up alongside me and we tore the rest of the way to my sister's house. Barry's parents, sister, children and my sister were there as he took his final breaths. It was over and it was peaceful.
My sister checked for a pulse and said he was gone. Then, the rise of emotion: she yelled out "DAMNIT!" and collapsed.
The rest of the time was a blur of hospice, paperwork, final details being carried out and grief.
I found out hospice had been called for my uncle. Unbelievably, my sister wanted to make the drive with me to San Jose to say our good-byes. Sadly he passed Saturday morning. We were to see him that afternoon. We still made the drive, this time to console and grieve with my aunt, my cousins, neices and nephews.
It's been a rough week. I'm home for a few days to tend to work and home details and will go back to CA for services and memorials. My wonderful husband and dogs have been a great source of comfort. Truly, Therapy Dog is Moto's calling. Never have I seen a dog who knows just how to "be": he's not too clingy or too withdrawn. He's just perfect. And that big fuzzy body is so huggable.
In spite of these losses that have rocked our family, I know that this fragile life is indeed a blessed one.

Sister: A Most Precious Word

2010-08-29T18:12:00.001-07:00

Sadly it seems like Barry's battle with cancer is coming to a close. I've spoken to my sister a few times, and while it's not "time" yet, I believe I need to go and be with my sister.
I've been witness to her life for all her 53 years. We know each other inside and out, flowers and warts. The beauty of this is we can just be who we are and no need for brave faces.
My sister's house is full of Barry's relatives right now but the house will be empty in a day or two. That is when I think I should go.
It will be a short visit - for now - but we can sit together and cry together and care for Barry together. She doesn't need to be strong for me and I don't need to be strong for her. We'll just be together, and that will be salve for both our souls.
For in light of this sad tragedy, I realize in spite of it all, I am richly blessed. I have my sister. She is more precious to me than most anything on this earth. And she needs me.
It will be sad, yes. But we will have each other. And for that, I am very, very thankful.
I love you, my sister. See you soon.

Kate Bush Says It Best

2010-08-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

From My Sister's Blog

2010-08-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

Too beautifully written. I'll cheapen it if I add anything. Please read and pray for my sister and Barry.

Between sleep and awake

There's a great line in the movie "Hook" that Tinkerbell says to Peter Pan after he goes back to his home from Neverland. She says to him, "You know that place between sleep and awake? Thats where I'll always be. Thats where I'll always love you." I say this because in that brief, split second between sleep and awake each morning, my life is normal. In that split second, Barry will be getting up to give our dog his dog cookie in the morning, make coffee and bring it to me in bed. Reality is, the alarm goes off and I look at my shell of a husband who has had a bad night of nausea, vomiting and pain and I drag myself out of bed due to lack to sleep to do all of the aforementioned tasks while the tears run down my face. In that split second, my husband will tease me in the morning and kiss me good bye as he leaves in his big Ford F-150 that has a bumper sticker on the back that says "I love my wife." His arms will be strong and tan, and there will be mechanics grease under his nails. His voice will be strong as he will ask whats for dinner tonight and he will consume whatever I put in front of him with gusto. Reality is, the shop must be sold or let go because he hasn't worked since the middle of January. His voice is weak and his nails are white as snow, as is his face. He will not consume anything with gusto anymore as eating is a huge chore and nothing, nothing tastes good. In that moment between sleep and awake, we are planning vacations, and dinner out with friends and what fun things to do with the grandkids this weekend. Reality is, we cannot plan anything anymore. It is a day by day, moment by moment kind of thing. I'm gonna say this very cliche phrase, but its so true: Cancer sucks. Its horrible to watch the one you love suffer and try so hard and valiantly battle on and there hardly anything you can do for them besides hold their hand, their head and their heart. The tears flow frequently now as the cancer has spread to the brain, and we cannot start the clinical trial because of that. The disappointment and fear were tangible when the doctor told us at UCSF. We cried, we hugged each other.....we drove home as the numbness spread. Barry started talking about getting his affairs in order now. We start radiation today. Short of a miracle, things are looking very bleak. But we still hope, we still love and if love could cure him, he would have been healed a million times over by now with the outpouring we have received. We appreciate all those who have encouraged us, and never mind those who have come over and given us "premonitions" about what is going to happen. We place our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ. God is bigger than cancer. There are still miracles to be had. And God loves Barry even more than we do and maybe He can't wait to take him to Himself. And if that happens sooner rather than later, I will let go with dignity, trust and more love than you can even begin to imagine. Because he will still live in that place between sleep and awake. ....and in my heart forever.

Don't Fence Me In

2010-08-23T06:14:00.001-07:00

Crating all six dogs was quite the experience last night. Let it be said I am completely exhausted. Here's how it went:
9:30 - dogs pottied, given Bedtime Cookies in their crates.
9:31 - Moto starts whimpering
9:32 - Shiloh starts whimpering
10:00 - Moto and Shiloh go outside to potty again. Shiloh marks, Moto just stands there wagging his tail at me. Back to crates. Everyone finally settles down.
10:30 - Erik comes to bed, walks into Daisy's crate - BANG! Swearing, both hubby and myself.
10:31 - Moto starts whimpering
10:32 - Moto goes back outside. This time he pees a river. Back to crate. Moto settles down.
11:00 - Hear a loud funny electronic noise. It's my cell phone, alerting me battery is low. Back up, find cell phone, find charger, plug in. Back to bed.
12:30 - Erik has rolled over several times and we are literally face to face. I like my husband next to me but he's snoring so vigorously it's blowing my hair back. I wake him up and tell him to move. It takes awhile, but eventually I go back to sleep.
2:46 - Shiloh is going crazy in his crate. He's frantically trying to move his bedding into a bunch, and is banging his paws against the crate door. Back up, I let Shiloh out. He's meandering and sniffing a lot. I leave him to his own devices and decide I might as well set up the coffee for the morning. Shiloh comes back up. We go back to bed.
Remainder of night: Shiloh is pacing, circling and restless. I am now desperate for sleep and just open the crate door. I decide it's worth it to get some shut-eye if it means cleaning poop in the morning. Once out, Shiloh immediately falls asleep.
4:45 a.m. - alarm goes off. The house is poop free.
And here we are! I hope tonight goes a bit better.

Mystery Poop and More Changes

2010-08-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

Having six dogs is a LOT of dogs, especially when they are not "outdoor dogs" (a term I never heard of until I moved to the Midwest) and spend 80% of their time inside with us. No, they aren't Great Danes so they don't take up a lot of space. But there's a lot of hair, you have to watch where you're walking - particularly if you're up in the middle of the night - and the occasional Mystery Poop.
That's what my husband calls it.
We get up in the morning and the house doesn't smell so fresh. Someone didn't bother to wake us when nature called, and left a deposit somewhere in the house. But like outdoors, I can pretty much tell who the culprit is by its location.
Dining room - Shiloh
Base of the stairs - Daisy
These are the biggest offenders. Blitz and Moto do a good job of trying to wake up someone if they have the Urge.
Lately we've gotten gift packages as often as twice a week. With both of us working pretty much full time now, cleaning up takes precious time we could use for getting ready for work.
This gorgeous Sunday morning found us discussing the Mystery Poop problem, as there was a pretty impressive package at the base of the stairs.
Since Dusty and Pinch are crated now, hubby suggested we crate ALL the dogs at night. Not a bad idea. But here's the catch: we have six dogs. Where are all the crates going to be? We do not live in a large house with nice big rooms. So the Crate Discussion began. I hauled up crates and arranged them a certain way, only to come back and find hubby had arranged them another way. There were a few tense exchanges and more re-arrangement. Finally, the compromise: I agreed to give up a piece of furniture in the bedroom to allow for more crates. One more arrangement. While our bedroom looks more like a Doggie Ritz Carlton, it works.
Now that the crate problem has been solved, I realized all the crates need Coop Cups in them. Can't have a thirsty dog in the middle of the night. Plastic vs. metal - again, hubby and I discussed the virtues of which to purchase. I vastly prefer metal. While it's a bit more expensive I think the water tastes better and they are easier to clean and maintain. Hubby volunteered to go to PetSmart to purchase more. We'll see who comes out the winner here.
Tonight will be the first night in my dog-owning history where all dogs are crated. None on the bed, no dogs strewn on furniture and in hallways. There will be no mystery poop in the morning. I wonder how they will like this new arrangement.
Dusty is actually doing much better sleeping in the crate. Erik and I are sleeping better. We'll see if the other four like this change as much as we do.

Life On Hold

2010-08-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

Just heard from my mother that my brother-in-law Barry will not be receiving the clinical trial. The reason given is that the cancer is in his brain and pretty much everywhere else. It's spread too much for the treatment.
My sister then called and she said they will do some radiation for the cancer in his brain, some chemo and "some compassionate drug treatments", whatever the heck that means.
Aside from the wide range of emotions my family is going through, it feels to me like life is now on hold.
I've made plans to see people, attend meetings, volunteer at various events, have the grand-kids visit and entered dog shows all the way through spring of 2011. But all will be brushed aside if and when my sister calls and says she needs me.
I can't make Barry better, but I can help make my sister better, or at least offer her my shoulder or clean her house or just be there.
It's horrible being far away, and I await the call to say "come".
I dread it and welcome it at the same time.
And we wait. Try to be hopeful. Hug and pray.

The "Short Bus" Kids

2010-08-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

A dog friend and I laugh lovingly about our "short bus" dogs. It's not meant in any derogatory fashion. We just happen to have dogs with various challenges. She has one dog with a soft spot on its head. It's very active, and she's fashioned a helmet for him. She has another one with a deformed rear leg.
I have Dusty, 15+ years, a tad senile with poor vision; Shiloh with his enlarged esophagus, weakening rear muscles and deaf; Blitz who looks moth-eaten from his disease.
It's nice to have a friend like her as we can commiserate about the joys and sorrows of having dogs with above average needs.
Today was an absolutely spectacular day weather-wise. Interestingly enough I felt awful. The aches and pains from the car accident had taken a terrible hold in my legs and I spent a great part of the day just laying on the couch with the heating pad. Later as the sun was setting the pain wasn't as bad and I wanted to take a walk around our acreage with the dogs. It's no longer safe to take all six out as Shiloh can't hear - if he takes off I could lose him forever. Dusty tends to just wander off and I simply can't keep my eyes on wandering dogs. So I elected to take the four that had working senses and let Dusty and Shiloh remain in the fenced yard. Daisy, Blitz, Moto and Pinch had a wonderful romp as we went around the property line. But coming back, I saw Dusty where I'd left him....sitting at the gate waiting for us. I put the four dogs back and took Dusty out. Just Dusty and I walked along the fenced area. He was delighted and I made much of him. He was smiling broadly as I put him back with the others. Now it was Shiloh's turn. I kept myself on the outside as we walked along the fenced area so he couldn't run off. Then we had one of those moments that makes it wonderful to have a dog. It was as if he was remembering us heeling together in the obedience ring and he came beside me. We heeled together around the fenced area. When released he wanted to play. I ran ahead of him and saw him chasing me. Seeing his fur flying and his eyes bright as he ran to me warmed my heart. When he came to me I held him for a long time and we sat together as the time just stopped for awhile.
The cicadas were singing and the sky was turning red, so time to come inside.
It was just another summer night, but one I'll treasure for years to come.

A Sad Transition

2010-08-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

It's just part of life, but as I've said before, I don't have to like it. Dusty has slept in my arms every night for 15+ years now, but that time has to come to an end. He's fallen off the bed. The first time, was because he was along the edge of the bed. From that point forward Erik and I always made sure he was in between us. That is no longer working either. Senility is kicking in with a vengeance and he wanders aimlessly over our bodies and falls. So his time being the World's Best Bed Dog is over. I've brought up our biggest crate (can hold a German Shepherd) and put in the deepest, softest, fluffiest bedding possible for his old bones. Tonight will be the first night he's not cuddling with me, and I will miss that special part of my life with him forever.
In my story published in "Tails From Beyond" (www.tailsfrombeyond.com) I tell of the special dream I had of my childhood pet Sunny, only to awaken and find puppy Dusty cuddled where Sunny always slept. He's remained there all this time until tonight.
He's slipping away from me, it's just a part of life but I don't have to like it.
I hope he rest comfortably in his new abode.

I Gotta Take a New Picture

2010-08-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

This blog has been here for close to 2 years now and I just looked at the profile picture. Well yes there's five dogs and the blonde, but really and truly it's now SIX dogs. I can still say Five Dogs as the Border Collie is my husband's dog. Since I'm now writing for Front and Finish as a correspondent, they ordered up a picture to go along with the column. Hubby and I traipsed out into the miserable humidity with all six dogs. It was not a pretty photo session. I was sweating and hot, the dogs were panting, and Daisy the BC has always thought that cameras steal your soul and was cowering. To get her to pose successfully you need to run her until she's too tired to care. But in this heat she would've stroked out. So, we eliminated her from the photo session after several tries and tried just the five Shelties. Now Dusty was too tired to sit. We had him lay down and the others sitting behind him. Pinch began to squirm. Sweat was now dripping down my back and my hair began to explode in weird frizzy tendrils. Hubby was getting cranky from my continuous "helpful hints" (Take the picture NOW, make interesting noises, their ears are all up HURRY!) At the end we had a lot of pictures of Daisy running out of the photograph, me yelling and Pinch at various odd angles. Suffice it to say it was not a successful photo session.
I finally eliminated all dogs but the young'uns to send something off to Front and Finish.
Next week it's to cool down, so we may try again. You'll know becuase there will be a new profile pic. Please congratulate us if this happens as you know it's not easy getting six dogs to look in one direction and be correctly posed along with their owner at the same time.
God bless all those kiddie and animal photographers out there.

Hope Springs Eternal

2010-08-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough patch these past few weeks but for now things are looking up: my brother-in-law is eligible for a clinical trial close to home. We are now just waiting for them to tell him when he can start. Hurry up and wait, it's driving us all crazy and Barry is not getting any better while we wait. At least we have some hope and I'm grateful for that.
My husband got a job. It's a temp-to-hire one, but it's 12 weeks of no cash hemmorage so again, I'm grateful for that. It will be even better if after 12 weeks they decide to keep him.
The arrival of Pinch has changed things up considerably obedience-wise. Honestly speaking, it's a lot less pressure on Moto. I enjoy being competitive in the ring and while Moto *may* be competitive, it's more likely than not he'll be a dog who earns his titles with a happy smile and a green ribbon. Now that I have two dogs to train I'm OK with that.
We're off to another trial this weekend with Moto in Wildcard Novice. This setting will be a bit more challenging as it will be on soccer turf. They say it's "air conditioned but not refrigerated". Hmmmm. I plan on packing our battery fans. This could mean things will be a bit toasty. Depending on how he does I may debut him in Novice in the fall. He's qualified every single time in the non-regular classes so it may be time to get him out there.
Pinch will be coming along to get him used to the show ring environment. While he takes his surroundings in he reacts unlike any of my other dogs: say it's a big noisy fan along the wall. Most of mine will first shy away from it. Pinch runs towards it as if to say "Neat! What is that fun thing?" This pup thrives on change and new surroundings. This is both a good and bad thing. I'm pushed more than ever to keep thinking of new things to do with him, and how to present regular stuff in a new way to him. It's hard work but in the very best way.
So....hope springs eternal this weekend. First goal is for Moto to qualify. Ultimate goal is to have a good time and a nice effort. Best part of a road trip is snuggling with the dogs on the bed after the show. Moto's big fluffy body next to mine is a bit of Nirvana. Pinch cuddles briefly but likes to explore. We'll see if he's a good "bed dog" as he grows up!

Dog Days of Summer

2010-07-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a long, hot, humid summer. In the 9 years we've lived here, this is definately the most miserable. We brought out the doggie pool for the pups to enjoy. Most of my Shelties are allergic to water, with the exception of Shiloh. He enjoys laying in it after a good game of ball and Daisy, being a BC, will lay in it all day if we let her. All enjoy a nice big cool drink from it. We introduced Pinch to water in the hopes he'd join Shiloh in liking it. He more than likes it, he loves the pool, the hose, and water more than any dog I've ever had. A dangerous new "trick" he's learning is taking the hose (while it's running) and running around with it, spraying all who get in his path. Clearly he loves the pandemonium of screaming and running.
All I can say is: Be careful what you wish for, 'cause you just might get it all.

Sometimes It's Just Hard

2010-07-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

I apologize in advance as this is not going to be the happiest post. The header pretty much says it all. I find it harder and harder to put on a brave face, go out into my life and do normal life things while my brother-in-law Barry continues to decline. The emails from my sister are breaking my heart. I'm over 1,000 miles away and feeling helpless. Of course she can call any time and I've told her when she needs me I'll come...but still there is really nothing I can do to ease her pain or take Barry's cancer away. There is another clinical trial he is eligible for, but there are no spots available. Janice is frantically searching everywhere in the US to no avail. Meantime Barry continues to decline. He's only 54. It's not fair.
It's a sad, frightening time for my family. We have circled the wagons and surrounded them with love and support. Their church is bringing them meals and lending a hand with the household duties.
My stomach is in a continual knot and I have a permanent lump in my throat from holding back a good cry. I pray with every breath. All we can do is wait and hope that somehow this will all turn around and there will come a time we can look back on this and say "wow, that was a bad time. But we're all better now!" I am looking forward to sitting on the porch with my sister and saying that.
Until then, my family is in constant touch with each other, holding hands virtually, and walking through this long dark tunnel together looking for the light.
It's getting late and I must get ready for work. It's time to put that face back on. But sometimes it's just hard.

Conformation Boy

2010-07-20T05:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of Pinch at 12 weeks. This photo was taken by Gary Platt, a talented dog trainer & photographer, while we were at the St. Louis shows. He's changed a bit since then but it's such a lovely photo I had to share. Pinch continues to stay in size and develop a lovely structure and expression. His temperament is allowing him to make huge progress in his learning. At each puppy conformation class he improves by leaps and bounds. Whether or not he is competitive at six months, we are thinking of entering him in a local show Just For Fun to make his first ring experience an exciting and positive thing. Of his three littermates he will be the first to show as he will be able to handle it and enjoy strutting his stuff. He can come to a stop/stack and bait beautifully, great on the table and not a problem at all with the judge going over him and looking in his mouth. He's not rattled at all in the group go-around and gaits very very nicely. I'm just thrilled with him.
I would be delighted if he can get some points for a VC/VCX and would be over the moon if he could get a CH. Time of course will tell.
Of course he is loving his puppy obedience lessons. At class last week we learned how to back up through panels and are continuing that. It's a nice tool to have in your box and I've found it to be quite handy with Moto.
Speaking of Mr. Moto he is really enjoying his utility work. I'm glad. The way things are looking now, we'll probably have a lackluster Novice career, an OK Open showing, and I think he will really shine in Utility. Still needs lots of self-confidence in scent work so I'm just making it fun and ensure he thoroughly understands the exercise.
All five dogs have been bathed and groomed and look so lovely and smell great. Coat-blowing is in full bloom and the amount of hair everywhere is boggling.

A Northlight Family Reunion

2010-07-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

Pictured are: Belle, Elizabeth, Dan, Collin (in his arms), 3 other Northlight pups, and Moto on the far right.
Dan came up from Alabama to pick up his newest Northlight pup from Elizabeth yesterday, so we all got together to play with puppies, catch up and show off Belle and Moto to Dan. It's been six years since I last saw him and boy a lot has happened since then. We both got a little older and we both collected some more dogs. Elizabeth and her family were the hostesses with the mostesses and laid out a table of food, drink and dessert that completely busted my diet. I ate with a gusto I haven't in years and we had sooo much fun watching the puppies, swapping dog stories and enjoying the day.
Moto was very reserved and didn't really warm up to anyone but then again he's just not an outgoing dog. He did enjoy himself and as always was extremely sweet and gentle with the puppies.
It's always so great to see old friends. I look forward to hearing wonderful reports from Dan's newest rising star Collin.

Life's Twists and Turns

2010-07-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

This blog was created to track my training with Moto, but boy has a lot changed since he came into my life:
I had the car accident
My husband lost his job
My brother-in-law got cancer
and all the other Life Stuff that comes with all those really BIG changes. So, I find it hard staying on-track and just blogging about what Moto and I are doing. This entry will not be about dogs.
My brother-in-law's cancer has spread. He's had radiation treatment and was accepted into a clinical trial, both to no avail. My sister sounded amazingly good on the phone as she told me the awful news last night. I even spoke with Barry and he sounded even better. I don't know how they do it. Maybe because next is a clinical trial that specifically targets his particular type of cancer. This is the one we are all hanging our hopes onto.
Please if you feel so inclined pray for Barry. We all know how powerful prayer and positive thinking is, and we need every prayer and every good thought.
Standing in my shoes, I feel like I've been reborn as my life was almost taken away over a year ago and handed back to me. As I feel the humid summer days I rejoice that I "get" to feel the dampness on my skin and hear the crickets chirping. I'm sure on Barry's side he's doing the same thing, but for the reason that his time may be coming to a close. Of course we all never know when our time will come; but cancer is such an awful disease. I cannot imagine the emotional stress, let alone the stress of chemo, radiation and all the other drugs put into your body.
Life is always so full of surprises. Our family just hopes we get some good surprises soon.

He's a Pwah-di-jee!

2010-07-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

I find myself talking baby talk to my puppy. The above is my latest statement to him after our fun training session this morning. Pinch really is getting the deeper concepts of our training games. This morning's big breakthrough was the "find it" game. This consists of manila folders set up randomly (thanks Renee!) with a treat underneath one of them. I'd been doing this already using tiny tupperware bowls but I think the folders are much cooler as it better hides the treat. We did the game in a new area (inside the basement) and I had about 10 folders up. Bless the little guy, he put his nose down and sniffed and sniffed until he found his treat. The biggest thrill was when a folder was knocked over. Unfortunately it was the one that had the treat, which was now underneath. Pinch realized this and used his problem-solving skills: he used his paws to move the folder, then stuck his head the rest of the way under and got the treat. GOOD BOY!
I've changed up the way I train Moto in the hopes of getting more out of him in the ring. It's exhausting but it's doing quick dynamic exercises in rapid succession. We're constantly in motion and maybe there's treats and maybe not until we're all done. A toy may be hidden under my arm and suddenly appear. Even setting up is fun (I hope) quick and dynamic, incorporating Rally moves as we go from one station to the next. We both have our tongues hanging out after these sessions. Everything is coming along but the danged broad jump exercise. I cannot figure out why sometimes he'll do the exercise beautifully, walk over the jump, or run around it. It's totally random. I thought if we did the BJ every day we'd get over this quirk but it's still there. Doesn't matter if it's at home or somewhere else, I still get this random behavior. Everything else is coming along nicely, thank you.
Today is my day off and it's a gorgeous summer day. I may make it a true summer day by bathing some Shelties. Nothing is more fun than five wet Shelties careening around the back yard. Yes, I'm being sarcastic! But it's high time they had a bath and Pinch needs to get used to it if he's going to be a conformation boy. Plus I could use the exercise.

Pinch Makes Progress

2010-07-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Having a puppy is sooooo much fun. Don't know why, but I'm enjoying Pinch's puppyhood and savoring every moment. Didn't get to enjoy Blitz's as he was ill, and Moto's puppyhood got pushed aside because of the car accident.
This pup loves to learn and I'm looking forward to our second puppy class this Wednesday. Tonight is his second conformation class. At this point he still is of conformation quality. Sheltie pups change so much it's almost impossible to tell for several months if they will make it into the conformation ring. To me he's the most beautiful puppy and a judge would be a fool to give a blue ribbon to anyone other than him, but I'm prejudiced.
He has no problem running 'round the conformation ring with other dogs, can stack and stand and pose very nicely. No problem on the table and loves the judge's going over.
My next hope is that he has herding instincg. He didn't show much interest his first exposure but heck I'd only had him 24 hours at that point. We were going to see sheep yesterday but a silly thunderstorm got in the way. Maybe next weekend.
Meantime I've been working on heeling with Moto. He's going to need a lot more work in this department. I found an interesting trial in August that we'll try our hand at Novice again in one of those nonregular classes. Once again I'll assess how he's coming along before entering him in "real" classes.
The weather has been so bad this year - bitter cold and lots of snow and spring/summer has been hot, extremely humid with lots of rain. This makes training outdoors difficult.
Puppy training is easy as Pinch doesn't neeed a lot of room....yet. But keeping Mr. Moto tuned up has been challenging.

I Was In A Car Accident...

2010-07-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

...and it was really scary.
So interesting that those words popped into my head last night as I drove home from puppy class. It was dark and I was very proud of myself, driving on the highway at night. Then that statement popped into my head. I know what's happening, it's time for me to say it to someone, somewhere so that I can let it all go. Just like you say I'm An Alcoholic at an AA meeting.
My left side has been giving me terrible pain and I was losing mobility in my left arm, so went to Marla, the talented massage therapist to get that worked on. She does cranial sacral work and some kind of a muscle release that works very well with me. As she held my left arm (it just moves on its own as it needs to move) I felt tremendous energy racing through my body. I told her about the saying that popped into my head last night. She encouraged me to say it. I felt my body yelling at me to quit hanging onto the terror of that night. It was practically screaming for me to say it. So I did, out loud, to Marla.
I was in a car accident.
And it was really scary.
Then the rivers were released. Not crying really, just tears of relief and release. Marla said as I was speaking she felt shocks like lightning bolts coming from my body.
Fascinating.
Even more fascinating, while I still have scar tissue that is inhibiting full mobility, the pain is gone. So is the big goose egg of pain in my left hip.
After the session, I sat down with Dr. Julie (chiropractor) and we laughed at silly stuff like I haven't laughed in a long time.
I think it's over. Or, at least the worst of it is over. All I feel is huge relief and boy am I tired. Time to play with puppy one more time, watch the fireflies, potty dogs and look forward to a beautiful night's sleep.
Soooo grateful for the talent here in this town.

Puppy Class, Part I

2010-07-01T11:00:00.001-07:00

Pinch got to go to his first puppy class last night. What an absolute blast. A Golden puppy about the same age as Pinch was the other student. There's nothing like a puppy and a nice blank slate. I always vow not to make the same mistakes, and I typically don't - I make a slew of new ones, sheesh. Right now Pinch has the capability of being that OTCH/200 I've always dreamed of, and I sure hope not to screw it up. I've already got some valuable pointers of things I need to improve on and new training ideas. What's so great at this point is everything is FUN and EXCITING and the time just flies by. We'll have a good time incorporating these new methods into our training routine.
Moto did well at class last night also. I've decided not to give him any room for error when it comes to heeling and he is tied to me as we heel. This worked well at class and I need to do this in strange places. Even though we had near-perfect ring conditions for our Wildcard runs, Moto was distracted at times and other times simply chose not to care which led to wide turns and extremely bad (by bad I mean 1 or more feet away from me) sits. I don't want him to EVER get away with that again, so for now, that option is removed by tying him to me.
Once home - at it was late for me (late is 10:00 at night) when I got a phone call from my cousin. We chatted for a bit and she came up with an interesting insight as I talked about Moto: she said for the first time since she's known me, it seems that Moto is a pet first, and an obedience dog second. All my other dogs have been the reverse. Huh. You know, I think she is right. While I'm not pleased with that priority, I think that is what is best for Moto. I'll train him and we'll work hard. OTCH is still a goal but the reality is, it just may not happen with him. I'm OK with that. Moto has a very important "job" at our house. He acts like the mama dog to Pinch and is always by my side when the chips are down. There's nothing better than hugging that big furry body and receiving those long-tomgued kisses as comfort. We have 2 sick dogs and one very elderly dog and it can be tough sometimes. I am very grateful to have a dog like Moto in my life right now.

Old timey dog show

2010-06-28T04:52:00.000-07:00

On several obedience discussion groups it was brought up that the upcoming obedience trial in St. Louis was akin to the dog shows of yore due to the huge entries. I've not been in the sport long enough to regail such memories, however it was a treat to see the enormous classes and watch some really amazing teams. I do not envy the judges their long days and how to score such talent.
Moto and I were unspectacular this weekend. I let him down in Rally - one a handling error that cost us 10 points on Saturday, and another a handling error from the judges perspective which cost us another 10 points. In Wildcard it was Mr. Moto who was unspectacular, lagging quite a bit and not paying attention. In general, he hasn't learned that we are a team the whole time we are in the ring. I was grateful for the learning opportunity and looks like we'll be doing Rally until I see improvement. I was hoping to have him ready for the Sheltie Nationals next year but now I'm unsure about that. This handler gets too greedy and Moto really needs lots of time to mature. Heck, he may be FOUR before he's ready for the ring. The good thing, though, was he is not stressing and Kathy said his tail wagged the entire time in the ring. That's good!
Pinch, on the other hand, had a fantastic weekend. I was so glad I brought him. He was held by many, walked by a few, met tons of dogs and in general was a great little traveler. I was worried about him squealing in his crate and he uttered nary a peep all weekend. He peed and pooped in new places and was thrilled by all the new sights and sounds. Kathy says I'm right on track with my training so I'm very happy about that.
The two-room suite at the hotel was awesome. I felt like a princess. The pups had ample room to have many good games of chase. I was particularly grateful for this opportunity with a pup as he really needed the room to run after being cooped up all day at the dog show.
While I would have loved some ribbons, I went for the learning experience and learning I got. I give our weekend an A.

Off to the shows!

2010-06-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

Bags are packed, crates loaded. Bringing a puppy to a dog show is like bringing a baby: there's chew toys, lots of extra crates and lots of interesting new toys that he won't see until Moto and I enter the ring. Hopefully this will keep him quiet while we're in there. I bought a fancy new soft crate for Pinch, the kind with shades that can be rolled down so he can't see out (again, hoping this will help keep him quiet while Moto and I are competing).
I'm nervous as this is my first on the road dog show in years. We are just in Wildcard Novice but it's our first step towards "real" competition. I'm also nervous about driving in St. Louis rush hour which is never pleasant, but everything is especially scary since the car accident.
On the plus side I am SO excited about the entries! The B classes are huge with 40+ dogs in each class. I can't wait to see who shows up, and am looking forward to seeing many great dog/handler teams.
Then there's our hotel. When I booked it I'd asked for a first floor room. When I re-confirmed I was not on the first floor. Dog show people like first floors because it's hard to schlep all our stuff and dogs up and down stairs and elevators and avoid it at all cost. When I asked why, the clerk said I had such a low rate there simply weren't any rooms at my rate on the first floor. When I said I would be flexible about the room (hey it's just me and my dogs, I don't care if there is just 1 bed or multiple bed) he said he wanted me to be happy and booked me a 2-room suite! Complete with coffee maker, fridge and micro. Life is good!
I'm clueless how Moto will do. These will be near perfect ring conditions so it will be a good test to see where he is at. I'm also looking forward to exposing Pinch to show conditions and traveling with these two. Moto and Pinch are best friends and should enjoy being on the road together. It's reminiscent of the Dusty and Shiloh days. Only thing different here is Dusty has always loved to snuggle and demanded Shiloh the puppy be in his crate with him. I'd purchased a large crate and the two used to cuddle together at the shows. I think Moto would be the same way but his sheer size would demand too large (translation: expensive) a crate to accomodate the two.
I hope to have a glowing report after the weekend. My goal with Moto is that he remains focused and gives a good effort in his Wildcard runs. We also have Rally Novice to do in case he needs reminders of what his job is. My goal with Pinch is that he enjoys travelling.
Off we go - ROAD TRIP!

Puppy Training

2010-06-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

I am SO enjoying having a baby dog in the house right now. He brings happiness into the household with his puppy antics. He loves learning and literally begs to work. I'm looking forward to a private lesson this weekend with Kathy and Gary to see if I'm on track with him and of course get their training tips and advice.
One new thing I've been doing with him is the precursor to scent work, and also helps (in my opinion) grow his problem-solving skills and puppy IQ. Besides that, it's a blast to do. I have a series of tiny tupperware bowls. First he learned that one bowl has a treat in it. Then I'd add two bowls, one of which had the treat. We've gone up to 4 and he has to look for it. I saw an article from Connie Cleveland in the current issue of Front and Finish and it looks like I can evolve this game into the article search when he gets older. I haven't read it thoroughly yet but it looks like a fun way to teach article work to a young dog. It's so much fun to see the pleased body language Pinch gives me when he finds the treat. He just thinks it's the funnest game ever.
Moto is coming along in his heeling work. I'm anxious to see what he will do in St. Louis. We haven't trained as hard as I'd like due to bad weather and Shiloh's health. On our side is the fact that Moto doesn't do well with lots of training anyway. I still believe his big huggable self is in my life not to be the OTCH I hope he might eventually be, but to do the therapy work which seems to be an innate part of his personality. I find when the chips are down that hugging him is the best comfort I can get.