Kitties thought our first CSA box was delicious
Tasty
Mama deer and her fawn hanging out in the field - the dogs could care less. Today, they are a good bunch.
I brought Haku, Eva and London to practice a little with today. London and Haku have been on agility break since their last trial back in March, so if I ever do enter any trials with them in June, I figured we should practice (and, no, Bright is still not in heat yet - piff). I also had grand ambitions for Eva, in that we were going to try running a course at the arena. Well, parts of it.
The point being, the only dog I've really run in months is Bright - who is the world's easiest, most honest (and, let's face it, not very fast) dog. Then I tried to run Haku - OMG, SO FRICKEN WIDE. I just get to stand there waiting for him to come into me, running him is a lot of standing still shouting, "Come, COME HERE - HAKU COME!" And then with London I just have to stay ahead of him and try to never rear cross things. Then, just for fun, I attempted to run Bindi - oh, what a train wreck - she is one fast girl! Yeah, it was the sort of day that makes me wonder how I ever get through any course with any dog. Good lord.
Anyway, Haku looked okay, and he was happy to play - so we will enter some trials and have a good time. And London looked great, actually, and also ridiculously happy. And I ran Eva at 16 inches. Before classes we just looked at breaking the whole jumpers course down and looking at every ... single ... jump. Got her mat out for the tire, and got right on her case at any launching. And there was launching, but she also seemed to adjust fairly quickly to putting in the extra strides. She still jumps early, obviously, but there was nothing unsafe or nail biting. I was pleasantly surprised when we could do the course without too much drama (but with lots of me screaming, "EASY!" This was with minimal motion from me though. Still, it's a start, and not a total disaster - I'll take it.
No real news with Neko, started the antibiotics yesterday, and he did throw up yesterday for the first time since Friday (that I know about). He's on my lap now, purring and being adorable.
And in case you're wondering, Fizban the Fabulous comes home this weekend! Let the Feliway drugging begin!
I brought Haku, Eva and London to practice a little with today. London and Haku have been on agility break since their last trial back in March, so if I ever do enter any trials with them in June, I figured we should practice (and, no, Bright is still not in heat yet - piff). I also had grand ambitions for Eva, in that we were going to try running a course at the arena. Well, parts of it.
The point being, the only dog I've really run in months is Bright - who is the world's easiest, most honest (and, let's face it, not very fast) dog. Then I tried to run Haku - OMG, SO FRICKEN WIDE. I just get to stand there waiting for him to come into me, running him is a lot of standing still shouting, "Come, COME HERE - HAKU COME!" And then with London I just have to stay ahead of him and try to never rear cross things. Then, just for fun, I attempted to run Bindi - oh, what a train wreck - she is one fast girl! Yeah, it was the sort of day that makes me wonder how I ever get through any course with any dog. Good lord.
Anyway, Haku looked okay, and he was happy to play - so we will enter some trials and have a good time. And London looked great, actually, and also ridiculously happy. And I ran Eva at 16 inches. Before classes we just looked at breaking the whole jumpers course down and looking at every ... single ... jump. Got her mat out for the tire, and got right on her case at any launching. And there was launching, but she also seemed to adjust fairly quickly to putting in the extra strides. She still jumps early, obviously, but there was nothing unsafe or nail biting. I was pleasantly surprised when we could do the course without too much drama (but with lots of me screaming, "EASY!" This was with minimal motion from me though. Still, it's a start, and not a total disaster - I'll take it.
No real news with Neko, started the antibiotics yesterday, and he did throw up yesterday for the first time since Friday (that I know about). He's on my lap now, purring and being adorable.
And in case you're wondering, Fizban the Fabulous comes home this weekend! Let the Feliway drugging begin!
Dogs were sort of driving me nuts today, they all seemed determined to kill themselves, each other and me just by being completely oblivious and annoying. Tomorrow they get separated into groups, troublemakers.
It's like a word problem: "There are seven dogs, Poco, Fenwick, Brisbee, London, Haku, Eva and Bright. Haku can't be with Fenwick, and Bright can't be with Haku, Eva or Poco. Poco must be with Fenwick. Separate all dogs into two groups." Gah. Of course, most of the time they're fine as a group, but not when they're being stupid. It was in the air today. And I need more crates for downstairs, so it makes musical dogs a bit easier. I only have one big crate down there, and that's for London because he eats the house if he gets left behind.
Seven dogs, whose idea was this again? Some days (most days, really) they are all super good and easy, and there are days like today, when I'm ready to send them all to live with the circus. Dorks.
Then I had tried Eva's first variable distance jump work this week, and it was a total and complete disaster of crashed jumps and ridiculously bad jumping. And I just about threw in the towel, to spend this much time working on jumping and have her look that bad and dangerous ... ugh. But I gave it another try today, and she actually did much better. It is funny to watch the video and see how happy I get that my dog now stutters going over jumps coming out of tunnels. But I'll take stuttering over launching and landing on the bar any day. So, 18 steps back, one step forward. I still don't think it's really going to make a big difference in the end, but we'll keep at it.
Meanwhile, Brightypants was a star today, we did a little dogwalk session where she was 100% fantastic. I didn't video so I don't know what sort of striding she had, but her hits were beautiful, including some soft turns and a push. I was just trying to wear her out with the thought she'd be less obnoxious and stop being a mega-bitch, so nice to see she also had some great dogwalks in the process.
Then she figured out duration with the hug, so she is now officially the best hugger in the household in record time. I knew it would be an easy one for her. I think Bright needs more tricks, now that she's older she's much more into working with food.
It's like a word problem: "There are seven dogs, Poco, Fenwick, Brisbee, London, Haku, Eva and Bright. Haku can't be with Fenwick, and Bright can't be with Haku, Eva or Poco. Poco must be with Fenwick. Separate all dogs into two groups." Gah. Of course, most of the time they're fine as a group, but not when they're being stupid. It was in the air today. And I need more crates for downstairs, so it makes musical dogs a bit easier. I only have one big crate down there, and that's for London because he eats the house if he gets left behind.
Seven dogs, whose idea was this again? Some days (most days, really) they are all super good and easy, and there are days like today, when I'm ready to send them all to live with the circus. Dorks.
Then I had tried Eva's first variable distance jump work this week, and it was a total and complete disaster of crashed jumps and ridiculously bad jumping. And I just about threw in the towel, to spend this much time working on jumping and have her look that bad and dangerous ... ugh. But I gave it another try today, and she actually did much better. It is funny to watch the video and see how happy I get that my dog now stutters going over jumps coming out of tunnels. But I'll take stuttering over launching and landing on the bar any day. So, 18 steps back, one step forward. I still don't think it's really going to make a big difference in the end, but we'll keep at it.
Meanwhile, Brightypants was a star today, we did a little dogwalk session where she was 100% fantastic. I didn't video so I don't know what sort of striding she had, but her hits were beautiful, including some soft turns and a push. I was just trying to wear her out with the thought she'd be less obnoxious and stop being a mega-bitch, so nice to see she also had some great dogwalks in the process.
Then she figured out duration with the hug, so she is now officially the best hugger in the household in record time. I knew it would be an easy one for her. I think Bright needs more tricks, now that she's older she's much more into working with food.
Finally heard about Neko's bloodwork, which for the most part looks pretty darn nice for his age. So nothing glaringly obvious, but has one of white cell counts is somewhat elevated - and something else which I don't remember. But basically could indicate a low grade infection, IBD or cancer. Obviously I'm routing for infection, so we're starting with antibiotics and see if it magically cures the vomiting. Otherwise it's ultrasound time for Neko, which I don't think he would enjoy.
Neko has had some wicked health issues in his life and he's quite a little scrapper, I'm hoping he'll continue to amaze us with his tenacity for years to come.
Of course, first we have to get the antibiotics - it would be so much easier if I had a vet close to me that I liked. Piff.
In other news, ANY TIME NOW, BRIGHT. Let's get this party started so I can plan something next month.
Though in typical Bright fashion she's been multitasking our latest training venture. I feel she really should learn to hug toys, as she's a natural, so we've been working with introducing pole hugging. She's finally decided the pole PROBABLY won't kill her, so we've made some progress. But she offers hugging and then targets her back hip to the pole too, which is really cute. Bright has always been a good multitasker.
Neko has had some wicked health issues in his life and he's quite a little scrapper, I'm hoping he'll continue to amaze us with his tenacity for years to come.
Of course, first we have to get the antibiotics - it would be so much easier if I had a vet close to me that I liked. Piff.
In other news, ANY TIME NOW, BRIGHT. Let's get this party started so I can plan something next month.
Though in typical Bright fashion she's been multitasking our latest training venture. I feel she really should learn to hug toys, as she's a natural, so we've been working with introducing pole hugging. She's finally decided the pole PROBABLY won't kill her, so we've made some progress. But she offers hugging and then targets her back hip to the pole too, which is really cute. Bright has always been a good multitasker.
Yet another use for the new smartphone, taking silent clandestine pictures of London sleeping - never before seen footage right here. He sleeps on his back at night, it's super cute. London and Bright demand to sleep in crates at night, they will bug you until you open the doors if they are closed. I have no idea where this came from, certainly not something any of the other dogs would do voluntarily.
Been waiting to hear about Neko's blood test results this morning, but no news so far. I have not had a very productive morning. Neko has been well cuddled though.
So remember when I said that Neko had mellowed and wasn't scaring the crap out of people at the vet anymore? Well, I lied. Neko was not long at the vet until I was called back to come get his evil little ass before he killed someone. Neko was MAD. It takes a while for Neko to get mad, but once he does - look out. I hadn't seen Angry Neko for years, he can be ... ferocious. However, he did actually let me get him out of his kennel at the vet and into his carrier without too much fuss. I think he feels he has made his point. He's like 89 in cat years, he says he doesn't need to put up with this shit any more. I will do my best to hopefully keep him from having to go back. Though he did throw up at the vet too. :-(
So, yeah, no urine sample from Neko. Unless you count how he passive-aggressively peed all over his carrier again on the way home just for spite. "You want urine? There you go, HAVE SOME URINE." Today was a day of driving back and forth. And getting up 3:30am to drive to the airport too, I've seen WAY too much of Portland Friday traffic today.
The good news is that once Neko got home, he was perfectly fine. Back in the day we used to have issues with the cats when I brought Neko back from the vet and he smelled weird or pissed off or whatever. But the kittens were just like, "I smell like flowers - tra-la-la" and didn't notice he was gone or back. And Neko is on my lap, purring and happy as can be. I just want to keep him that way, the vomiting really is concerning.
We'll see what the bloodwork says tomorrow ....
So, yeah, no urine sample from Neko. Unless you count how he passive-aggressively peed all over his carrier again on the way home just for spite. "You want urine? There you go, HAVE SOME URINE." Today was a day of driving back and forth. And getting up 3:30am to drive to the airport too, I've seen WAY too much of Portland Friday traffic today.
The good news is that once Neko got home, he was perfectly fine. Back in the day we used to have issues with the cats when I brought Neko back from the vet and he smelled weird or pissed off or whatever. But the kittens were just like, "I smell like flowers - tra-la-la" and didn't notice he was gone or back. And Neko is on my lap, purring and happy as can be. I just want to keep him that way, the vomiting really is concerning.
We'll see what the bloodwork says tomorrow ....
Not Neko's idea of a good time today. He gets carsick and our vet is like an hour away. Today he only peed in his kennel on the way there, normally he throws up and poos himself. Unfortunately, because he peed himself today, he's still there at the vet, so he can fill his bladder again to get a urine sample. He just can't win.
I was really hoping for a nice, easy thyroid issue - but there are no signs of that, unfortunately. Thyroid glands are normal sized and his heart rate is slow. Damn. So no signs of anything obvious, which can be taken in a positive way, I suppose. Nothing on physical exam other than he's old, muscle wasting, arthritis, cloudy eyes - but that's not news. He's in good shape for his age, anyway. So we go for bloodwork and urinalysis and see what we get. There are not many 'good' options, but maybe they'll find nothing. Which we can pretend is a good thing.
Hate to leave him there, he is pretty awesome at making himself at home though. Took him out of his carrier in the exam room and he just hung out on my lap, purring away, happy as can be. My black cats have been so relaxed in new situations, I hope Fizban follows that trend. Neko is a "Caution" cat though, he's happy and relaxed and into it ... until he's not. Neko decided he had had enough when she kept searching in his gut though - and when Neko is done, he's done. Still, he's mellowed quite a bit these days, he did not put the fear of god into anyone today, just growled menacingly.
He only weighs 11lbs these days, we have such little cats!
Send good thoughts to Neko that they find something easily treatable and nothing serious - Neko is too awesome to be sick:
Too sexy for this picture
I was really hoping for a nice, easy thyroid issue - but there are no signs of that, unfortunately. Thyroid glands are normal sized and his heart rate is slow. Damn. So no signs of anything obvious, which can be taken in a positive way, I suppose. Nothing on physical exam other than he's old, muscle wasting, arthritis, cloudy eyes - but that's not news. He's in good shape for his age, anyway. So we go for bloodwork and urinalysis and see what we get. There are not many 'good' options, but maybe they'll find nothing. Which we can pretend is a good thing.
Hate to leave him there, he is pretty awesome at making himself at home though. Took him out of his carrier in the exam room and he just hung out on my lap, purring away, happy as can be. My black cats have been so relaxed in new situations, I hope Fizban follows that trend. Neko is a "Caution" cat though, he's happy and relaxed and into it ... until he's not. Neko decided he had had enough when she kept searching in his gut though - and when Neko is done, he's done. Still, he's mellowed quite a bit these days, he did not put the fear of god into anyone today, just growled menacingly.
He only weighs 11lbs these days, we have such little cats!
Send good thoughts to Neko that they find something easily treatable and nothing serious - Neko is too awesome to be sick:
Too sexy for this picture
And sometimes some things do.
One thing that has never changed is Fenwick's amazing ability to throw endless tantrums when he's not where the people are. And I do mean endless. When we got him he was about 5-6 months old, and I wondered what I had done. He NEVER STOPPED SCREAMING unless he was right next you. You'd think he'd get tired or take a break after a few hours - but no. So when people say that if you just ignore a dog when they're barking/throwing a fit and only let them out when they're quiet they'll LEARN - I just laugh. Fenwick is almost 13 years old, and while I still refuse to let him out when he's throwing a tizzy, it has not impacted the behavior one bit.
So every night I feed the dogs downstairs, and as many have special eating needs, such as me not watching them eat, I leave them down there while they finish. And every night after Fenwick is done eating his food in his crate, he starts barking and carrying on continuously. And he will continue to do it for hours. Every night. The other dogs ignore him and I ignore him - I refuse to give in to terrorism and go let him out until he's quiet. Which makes no difference to him, he's going to throw his temper tantrum.
Sometimes things do change, and I find it pretty surprising that Bright now has her own toy. Bright was a dedicated dog stalker from a very young age, so it was big deal as she got older that she started going after the toy instead of just chasing the dogs that were playing with the toy. And then as she matured she started GETTING the toy - and promptly showing it off to the other dogs so they could see how awesome she was. However, for the most part Eva always gets the toy, and the other dogs just can't argue with that - no one likes to get run over by a cinder block. And Bright would just hang off of Eva's toy in her mouth - which was good enough for a while. The big change lately is that Eva will have 'The Toy' (whatever toy everyone finds most valuable that particular day) and all the dogs will focused on The Toy ... except Bright.
Bright will now bring me a different toy so she can actually play fetch one on one. So I throw Eva's toy and all the dogs go off with her, but Bright ignores them and brings me her toy to throw. Which is only impressive if you've seen what Bright used to be like, where there was not a thought in her head beyond herding the other dogs when they were out together. Her new behavior has nothing to do with me, it wasn't anything I was trying to encourage. When we're just hanging out in the yard together it's their recreation time, if she wants to stalk dogs, she's free to do so, if she wants me to throw her toy instead, I'm game for that - it's totally her choice. Who would have guessed Lil Miss Stalker would just want to play her own game that didn't even involve the other dogs?
Much more mature these days, the Brightness. Though kind of bitchy at the moment, still not technically in heat yet, but she was growling and making ugly faces at Fenwick AND Eva. Which is really not cool, and I warned her that Bad Dogs that cause fights get kicked out, but I'm assuming it's hormone related. Though, weirdly, Fenwick listened to her (she was guarding my lunch). Eva didn't notice, which is the issue, if Bright tries that crap with Eva I don't think Eva will notice ... until she does, and it will not be pretty. So, yeah, we'll see what this round of hormones does for Brightypants.
Here is a prime example of what happens in all my photos - you get one dog looking cute and posing - and there is ALWAYS someone's butt right behind their head. ALWAYS.
One thing that has never changed is Fenwick's amazing ability to throw endless tantrums when he's not where the people are. And I do mean endless. When we got him he was about 5-6 months old, and I wondered what I had done. He NEVER STOPPED SCREAMING unless he was right next you. You'd think he'd get tired or take a break after a few hours - but no. So when people say that if you just ignore a dog when they're barking/throwing a fit and only let them out when they're quiet they'll LEARN - I just laugh. Fenwick is almost 13 years old, and while I still refuse to let him out when he's throwing a tizzy, it has not impacted the behavior one bit.
So every night I feed the dogs downstairs, and as many have special eating needs, such as me not watching them eat, I leave them down there while they finish. And every night after Fenwick is done eating his food in his crate, he starts barking and carrying on continuously. And he will continue to do it for hours. Every night. The other dogs ignore him and I ignore him - I refuse to give in to terrorism and go let him out until he's quiet. Which makes no difference to him, he's going to throw his temper tantrum.
Sometimes things do change, and I find it pretty surprising that Bright now has her own toy. Bright was a dedicated dog stalker from a very young age, so it was big deal as she got older that she started going after the toy instead of just chasing the dogs that were playing with the toy. And then as she matured she started GETTING the toy - and promptly showing it off to the other dogs so they could see how awesome she was. However, for the most part Eva always gets the toy, and the other dogs just can't argue with that - no one likes to get run over by a cinder block. And Bright would just hang off of Eva's toy in her mouth - which was good enough for a while. The big change lately is that Eva will have 'The Toy' (whatever toy everyone finds most valuable that particular day) and all the dogs will focused on The Toy ... except Bright.
Bright will now bring me a different toy so she can actually play fetch one on one. So I throw Eva's toy and all the dogs go off with her, but Bright ignores them and brings me her toy to throw. Which is only impressive if you've seen what Bright used to be like, where there was not a thought in her head beyond herding the other dogs when they were out together. Her new behavior has nothing to do with me, it wasn't anything I was trying to encourage. When we're just hanging out in the yard together it's their recreation time, if she wants to stalk dogs, she's free to do so, if she wants me to throw her toy instead, I'm game for that - it's totally her choice. Who would have guessed Lil Miss Stalker would just want to play her own game that didn't even involve the other dogs?
Much more mature these days, the Brightness. Though kind of bitchy at the moment, still not technically in heat yet, but she was growling and making ugly faces at Fenwick AND Eva. Which is really not cool, and I warned her that Bad Dogs that cause fights get kicked out, but I'm assuming it's hormone related. Though, weirdly, Fenwick listened to her (she was guarding my lunch). Eva didn't notice, which is the issue, if Bright tries that crap with Eva I don't think Eva will notice ... until she does, and it will not be pretty. So, yeah, we'll see what this round of hormones does for Brightypants.
Here is a prime example of what happens in all my photos - you get one dog looking cute and posing - and there is ALWAYS someone's butt right behind their head. ALWAYS.
Had a wonderful dream about my brother last night, I hadn't seen him for a while. In fact, it took me a while to realize it was him. And then I was all gushing how much I missed him and he was so annoyed, he hates that kind of thing. And we hung out for a while in the old comfortable way. As always, we knew it wasn't for long, but it was so good to be with him again.
I miss him so much, his 39th birthday is coming up in June.
Bret and his pumpkin, 2004
Bret and a young dorky London (as opposed to the old dorky London)
I miss him so much, his 39th birthday is coming up in June.
Bret and his pumpkin, 2004
Bret and a young dorky London (as opposed to the old dorky London)
Remember when I said that there were no signs that Bright is coming into season? Well, I'm a liar. Or rather, what was not there last week most definitely is this week. So getting ready to come into heat anyway, which is about 6 months since her last season. Damn, I wanted one of those 'once every 9 months' girls. She did not dump all her hair this time, she has quite luxurious pants and her tail is fluffier than it ever has been. And if she would just now hurry up and get things moving, it's not bad timing. Assuming she starts sometime this week, that means she should be (theoretically) finishing up the beginning of June. In which case I can actually plan things! Like a later trial in June, rather than the earlier, so she can go too. Also means she won't be having any puppies for at least another year, no winter puppies around here, so maybe summer 2014 (you know, theoretically).
That's okay, we'll have little Fizban to entertain us! He should be coming home not this weekend, but the next. Apparently his leg is healing great, and it is actually difficult to tell he was injured. I wasn't sure how severe the leg injury was going to be in the long run, so that's great to hear. Hopefully he can be a normal happy kitten. Very much looking forward to that.
In the meantime, Neko goes into the vet this week. I'm unable to ignore his frequent small vomitings, they've been increasing in number lately. He's been happy, active, eating and acting perfectly normal otherwise, so I didn't want to make too much of it. I just don't want to get sad news, I'm hoping for maybe thyroid or something easily treatable. It's always scary business to bring your elderly animals to the vet - the chances of getting bad news are way too high (Neko is at least 17+ years old).
Just another beautiful Spring day, this unrelenting cheery sunshine is creeping me out. I gave the smartphone camera a whirl while out playing with the dogs, but, shockingly, I remain unmoved by instagram.
That's okay, we'll have little Fizban to entertain us! He should be coming home not this weekend, but the next. Apparently his leg is healing great, and it is actually difficult to tell he was injured. I wasn't sure how severe the leg injury was going to be in the long run, so that's great to hear. Hopefully he can be a normal happy kitten. Very much looking forward to that.
In the meantime, Neko goes into the vet this week. I'm unable to ignore his frequent small vomitings, they've been increasing in number lately. He's been happy, active, eating and acting perfectly normal otherwise, so I didn't want to make too much of it. I just don't want to get sad news, I'm hoping for maybe thyroid or something easily treatable. It's always scary business to bring your elderly animals to the vet - the chances of getting bad news are way too high (Neko is at least 17+ years old).
Just another beautiful Spring day, this unrelenting cheery sunshine is creeping me out. I gave the smartphone camera a whirl while out playing with the dogs, but, shockingly, I remain unmoved by instagram.
There are a lot of agility events coming up, trying to decide what I want to do. I'm definitely going to both the Desiree and Tori seminars, and those are good to go whether Bright comes into season or not (still no signs of that). Then Barb is bringing out Lori Michaels, who I have always thought might be fun to work with. And that was when she just ran shelties, so that's saying something. But three seminars in a month? And that's not even taking into account the trials I could go to - and end of July is the hottest time of the year.
The boys would like to trial some, as they've been off for a while. There are so few USDAA shows I sort of feel like I SHOULD take Bright to the one in June. Or I suppose I could just skip the tediously slow process of getting her out of the lower levels and, well, not do it. I mean, why bother for the amount of USDAA we have in our area? With the ridiculous three judge rule it takes literally years just to get enough legs under different judges to move up. 2-3 local trials a year, really. Maybe 4 or 5 trials if I count going to Elma (and that's assuming there is not a local trial I would to instead since it's closer).
I think picking two events a month is a good choice, as that's about the amount of agility I'm good for. Which knocks out USDAA as the boys want to go play and USDAA is a Bright-only affair. And I think we'll skip the Lori Michaels seminar, take the boys to the trial instead in July. Which rolls nicely into our agility break after the seminar, I won't be teaching and dogs will be on break as well until September. That wasn't so hard to decide after all.
JUNE
8-9: AKC Ridgefield
29-30: Tori seminar
JULY
6-7: AKC Ridgefield
13-14: Desiree seminar
AUGUST
BREAK
There, that looks nice and tidy, with time to go the beach and avoid the sun. And, no, Eva is not in the trial equation this summer. I went back through my journal from last year recently, it was amusing to see me saying the same things about Eva's jumping when we were trying everything under the sun to see if it helped. "Oh look, she's better - look what she can do!" "Oh wait, never mind " And that's pretty much how it's been from day one with Eva and jumping. Sometimes, in some situations, she can do okay and I think something has changed, but especially in any sort of new environment, it's right back to scary jumping.
Which isn't say we're going to stop what we're doing with her jumping retrain, which is interesting and gives us something to do, but I seriously doubt her jumping will ever improve to the point I'll actually feel comfortable running her in trial environment. And i'm okay with that. That shipped sailed long ago, I would be pretty shocked if anything changed with Eva at this point. That said, I have taught her to stutter, which is the only way she knows how to add a stride not to launch in a situation where the spacing requires her to. We've been working with 18 feet recently ... it isn't pretty.
Meanwhile, Dio has been acting remarkably almost like a real cat more and more recently. He's been affectionate, playful and almost ... aware of his surroundings. This morning he was all about running around the house full speed and launching onto the bed slamming into me. This was novel, and not something he's ever done before. Yet he kept doing it. And right now he's partying hard running around the house. Maybe he's moved from weed to cocaine.
No word yet on little Fizban's arrival, but maybe Dio is already feeling the pressure of not being the 'baby' anymore. My Feliway diffusers arrived today, so maybe that will put him back into a coma.
I was happy to see my Puppy Radar functioning well, all of the Yankee puppies were fabulous, but Ghost has been my favorite just from the pictures and videos as she grew. In person, she was definitely the one that I would have taken, for no particular reason other than she just felt 'right' for me (this is not a slight against the other puppies, Ghost wasn't BETTER, just the one that seemed to resonate the most with me). And cuteness could not have been a factor, since they were all ADORABLE, and super fun too. Now I kind of want to try it with another litter, see how accurate my Puppy Radar really is.
The boys would like to trial some, as they've been off for a while. There are so few USDAA shows I sort of feel like I SHOULD take Bright to the one in June. Or I suppose I could just skip the tediously slow process of getting her out of the lower levels and, well, not do it. I mean, why bother for the amount of USDAA we have in our area? With the ridiculous three judge rule it takes literally years just to get enough legs under different judges to move up. 2-3 local trials a year, really. Maybe 4 or 5 trials if I count going to Elma (and that's assuming there is not a local trial I would to instead since it's closer).
I think picking two events a month is a good choice, as that's about the amount of agility I'm good for. Which knocks out USDAA as the boys want to go play and USDAA is a Bright-only affair. And I think we'll skip the Lori Michaels seminar, take the boys to the trial instead in July. Which rolls nicely into our agility break after the seminar, I won't be teaching and dogs will be on break as well until September. That wasn't so hard to decide after all.
JUNE
8-9: AKC Ridgefield
29-30: Tori seminar
JULY
6-7: AKC Ridgefield
13-14: Desiree seminar
AUGUST
BREAK
There, that looks nice and tidy, with time to go the beach and avoid the sun. And, no, Eva is not in the trial equation this summer. I went back through my journal from last year recently, it was amusing to see me saying the same things about Eva's jumping when we were trying everything under the sun to see if it helped. "Oh look, she's better - look what she can do!" "Oh wait, never mind " And that's pretty much how it's been from day one with Eva and jumping. Sometimes, in some situations, she can do okay and I think something has changed, but especially in any sort of new environment, it's right back to scary jumping.
Which isn't say we're going to stop what we're doing with her jumping retrain, which is interesting and gives us something to do, but I seriously doubt her jumping will ever improve to the point I'll actually feel comfortable running her in trial environment. And i'm okay with that. That shipped sailed long ago, I would be pretty shocked if anything changed with Eva at this point. That said, I have taught her to stutter, which is the only way she knows how to add a stride not to launch in a situation where the spacing requires her to. We've been working with 18 feet recently ... it isn't pretty.
Meanwhile, Dio has been acting remarkably almost like a real cat more and more recently. He's been affectionate, playful and almost ... aware of his surroundings. This morning he was all about running around the house full speed and launching onto the bed slamming into me. This was novel, and not something he's ever done before. Yet he kept doing it. And right now he's partying hard running around the house. Maybe he's moved from weed to cocaine.
No word yet on little Fizban's arrival, but maybe Dio is already feeling the pressure of not being the 'baby' anymore. My Feliway diffusers arrived today, so maybe that will put him back into a coma.
I was happy to see my Puppy Radar functioning well, all of the Yankee puppies were fabulous, but Ghost has been my favorite just from the pictures and videos as she grew. In person, she was definitely the one that I would have taken, for no particular reason other than she just felt 'right' for me (this is not a slight against the other puppies, Ghost wasn't BETTER, just the one that seemed to resonate the most with me). And cuteness could not have been a factor, since they were all ADORABLE, and super fun too. Now I kind of want to try it with another litter, see how accurate my Puppy Radar really is.
This was the most agility that Bright has ever done over a weekend, something like 10 runs in all. She's like the little energizer bunny though, she never seemed to get tired or burnt out. In fact, she came home and all she wanted to do was wrestle with the other dogs, she had energy to burn. Admittedly, it's not like she's burning rubber out there on course, but I feel most of it is just mentally draining more than anything. So apparently Bright holds up pretty darn well.
A great experience for the Brightness, she definitely enjoyed the border collie atmosphere, and it was fun to run on courses where there was not a single pinwheel. Novel. I wouldn't say the courses were super challenging, but at least they had a different feel to them.
Bright decided to have all her weird weave issues in steeplechase and grand prix, pretty runs otherwise - both with popped poles. Go figure. Ironically, I deliberately chose to do all sorts of weaving in snooker, just to test her out, and she did mostly okay with that - but obviously still needs work. Really though, nothing that I wouldn't expect with a baby dog. Sometimes she's just so easy that it's a bit shocking when suddenly she's not totally consistent and easy in every way.
Mostly just a whole lot of good from Brightypants. She managed to hit every contact, not terribly fast, but more confident than she's been, I was happy to see her trying so very hard and having a good time. She is just such a good girl, I love her happy wiggle - very fun to spend the weekend with just her. I can't tell you how relaxing it is to run her, and how nice it is not to have to worry about her jumping.
Grand prix (just pretend she actually finished that least weavepole):
And I finally got to meet Naomi's puppies! It was a little family reunion:
Yeah, family shots ... were so not happening
The super model of the family, Gypsy
Belly rubs
Ghost and Peach
Looking for someone to bite
Fierce!
So fluffy!
Still fierce!
Nothing cuter than an aussie puppy
Attack!
Charge!
Many more puppy photos ...
A great experience for the Brightness, she definitely enjoyed the border collie atmosphere, and it was fun to run on courses where there was not a single pinwheel. Novel. I wouldn't say the courses were super challenging, but at least they had a different feel to them.
Bright decided to have all her weird weave issues in steeplechase and grand prix, pretty runs otherwise - both with popped poles. Go figure. Ironically, I deliberately chose to do all sorts of weaving in snooker, just to test her out, and she did mostly okay with that - but obviously still needs work. Really though, nothing that I wouldn't expect with a baby dog. Sometimes she's just so easy that it's a bit shocking when suddenly she's not totally consistent and easy in every way.
Mostly just a whole lot of good from Brightypants. She managed to hit every contact, not terribly fast, but more confident than she's been, I was happy to see her trying so very hard and having a good time. She is just such a good girl, I love her happy wiggle - very fun to spend the weekend with just her. I can't tell you how relaxing it is to run her, and how nice it is not to have to worry about her jumping.
Grand prix (just pretend she actually finished that least weavepole):
And I finally got to meet Naomi's puppies! It was a little family reunion:
Yeah, family shots ... were so not happening
The super model of the family, Gypsy
Belly rubs
Ghost and Peach
Looking for someone to bite
Fierce!
So fluffy!
Still fierce!
Nothing cuter than an aussie puppy
Attack!
Charge!
Many more puppy photos ...
Master challenge standard - it amuses me greatly that we get through everything else ... except the easiest jump on the course (though why she didn't call that a refusal, I don't know):
Watch the Brightness go off course! She's growing up!
Watch the Brightness go off course! She's growing up!
Bright had the good fortune of getting a CMJ at her first trial, so that was nice to check that off the list. 19.25 inches with minimal drama, we went with the just toss her up and stack her in a no-nonsense way.
As expected, Bright thought USDAA was awesome. All border collies, all the time - she was in heaven. Fun little trial, things moved along quickly even with just the one ring. It was mostly experienced people and experienced dogs, which is always more fun to watch as well. We do have some fun dogs in the NW, that's for sure.
Happy Bright showed up for every run, cautious but having a good time. Super easy to run, though I was very proud of her for having an off course in jumpers. Technically I COULD have actually called her, I certainly would have with the boys, but I just assumed she would pull in rather than push out. Shows what I know. The only other issue we had was a weave malfunction in steeplechase - she is such a good girl. She even won team standard, which amused me greatly (mostly by default, but, hey).
We also ran our first Master Challenge course, which I enjoyed. Fun to have a dog I can actually do that sort of thing with, Bright is so easy to run. She didn't seem upset without any of our other dogs there, though she was very happy to see when she arrived that Tammy and Rosie were at the trial as well, she loves them so. She also enjoyed hanging out in the kiddie pools, which was good, as it was way hotter than it was supposed to be. 85 degrees is just wrong, but Bright didn't seem to have an issue, she's a trooper.
So a good experience for the Brightness, I'm very proud of her.
As expected, Bright thought USDAA was awesome. All border collies, all the time - she was in heaven. Fun little trial, things moved along quickly even with just the one ring. It was mostly experienced people and experienced dogs, which is always more fun to watch as well. We do have some fun dogs in the NW, that's for sure.
Happy Bright showed up for every run, cautious but having a good time. Super easy to run, though I was very proud of her for having an off course in jumpers. Technically I COULD have actually called her, I certainly would have with the boys, but I just assumed she would pull in rather than push out. Shows what I know. The only other issue we had was a weave malfunction in steeplechase - she is such a good girl. She even won team standard, which amused me greatly (mostly by default, but, hey).
We also ran our first Master Challenge course, which I enjoyed. Fun to have a dog I can actually do that sort of thing with, Bright is so easy to run. She didn't seem upset without any of our other dogs there, though she was very happy to see when she arrived that Tammy and Rosie were at the trial as well, she loves them so. She also enjoyed hanging out in the kiddie pools, which was good, as it was way hotter than it was supposed to be. 85 degrees is just wrong, but Bright didn't seem to have an issue, she's a trooper.
So a good experience for the Brightness, I'm very proud of her.
It is amusing to read the heated debates on the AKC agility advisory committee suggestions. Just goes to show we definitely have a wide variety of agility enthusiasts out there. I think, in the end, AKC will bow to the lowest common denominator, as they are an organization supporting the purebred dog, and most of those dogs are pretty non-functional at this point. Really, their biggest draw is the breed people, for the titles and the invitational. AKC is based on consistency, and the majority will want the rules and regulations that best allow them to be as consistent as possible. Which means minimal challenge and minimal speed. Which is a pity, as that's just not very exciting - to watch, or to do.
I sent in some suggestions to the AKC advisory committee (the link is here, if you haven't done so):
1. Remove the table as an obstacle in Masters (outdated with electronic timing, takes up too much time on course and changing in between heights)
2. Excellent "C" class with more challenging courses (optional and not required for MACH)
3. YPS requirement for qualifying runs for nationals
4. Bitches in season allowed to compete
5. FAST reduced to a one level course (like T2B)
I think the possibility of allowing bitches in heat to compete has brought the most debate. I can see why, I never really knew much about it until a few years ago. There is a lot of wild information about there about how dogs will become CRAZY INSANE around bitches in heat. Because there is so much emphasis in the US about spaying and neutering, I think people got a little ... over enthusiastic about what happens if you leave your dog intact. I do know I've had zero issues from letting dogs in heat run in classes, even with intact boys. I certainly never had any issues with Haku, with other dogs in heat, or when Eva or Bright were in heat. Heck, I brought Bright with me to trials and had them in the car together when she was in heat without an issue.
And I think that's a big thing that many people don't realize - dogs in heat are allowed to COME to trials, just not compete. They're there all the time. Certainly when we have agility shows in conjunction with breed shows there are even more. But bitches in heat are at trials every weekend - in the building. Crated with the other dogs. This is nothing new. Even more, I was surprised to learn that you can't even really tell when a bitch is 'done' either. You just have to GUESS, and some girls are not only not done in three weeks, but can ovulate at three weeks (or later!). And fluffy dogs, you may not even know if that's not something you're looking for on a frequent basis. Bright isn't even that fluffy and it's no quick task to check her out. So not only are bitches in heat already allowed and at trials, I'm sure they're run all the time when people don't realize they're in our not out of heat. The point being, it already happens, this is not going to cause mass anarchy because this is nothing dogs don't already deal with every weekend. It's just not this HUGE GIGANTIC DEAL that some people seem to be building it into.
Anyway, there are other things I could put in about. Not having one piece jumps would be one I will probably do. But chances are, not much is going to change in the direction i would like to see. And that's okay, I've accepted that US agility is, well, US agility. Where somehow dogs off leash at an agility trial is something to be alarmed about. Sigh.
That said, it was funny to see the running order for this weekend. USDAA team trial with master challenge classes, it's pretty much only experienced handlers with experienced dogs. Poor Bright, she's like the only baby dog there. I'm excited for the weekend, I think Bright will enjoy it, and hopefully it won't be too hot. Weird just to bringing one dog though.
My dad had a few more stents put into his heart and is hopefully finally going home today!
I sent in some suggestions to the AKC advisory committee (the link is here, if you haven't done so):
1. Remove the table as an obstacle in Masters (outdated with electronic timing, takes up too much time on course and changing in between heights)
2. Excellent "C" class with more challenging courses (optional and not required for MACH)
3. YPS requirement for qualifying runs for nationals
4. Bitches in season allowed to compete
5. FAST reduced to a one level course (like T2B)
I think the possibility of allowing bitches in heat to compete has brought the most debate. I can see why, I never really knew much about it until a few years ago. There is a lot of wild information about there about how dogs will become CRAZY INSANE around bitches in heat. Because there is so much emphasis in the US about spaying and neutering, I think people got a little ... over enthusiastic about what happens if you leave your dog intact. I do know I've had zero issues from letting dogs in heat run in classes, even with intact boys. I certainly never had any issues with Haku, with other dogs in heat, or when Eva or Bright were in heat. Heck, I brought Bright with me to trials and had them in the car together when she was in heat without an issue.
And I think that's a big thing that many people don't realize - dogs in heat are allowed to COME to trials, just not compete. They're there all the time. Certainly when we have agility shows in conjunction with breed shows there are even more. But bitches in heat are at trials every weekend - in the building. Crated with the other dogs. This is nothing new. Even more, I was surprised to learn that you can't even really tell when a bitch is 'done' either. You just have to GUESS, and some girls are not only not done in three weeks, but can ovulate at three weeks (or later!). And fluffy dogs, you may not even know if that's not something you're looking for on a frequent basis. Bright isn't even that fluffy and it's no quick task to check her out. So not only are bitches in heat already allowed and at trials, I'm sure they're run all the time when people don't realize they're in our not out of heat. The point being, it already happens, this is not going to cause mass anarchy because this is nothing dogs don't already deal with every weekend. It's just not this HUGE GIGANTIC DEAL that some people seem to be building it into.
Anyway, there are other things I could put in about. Not having one piece jumps would be one I will probably do. But chances are, not much is going to change in the direction i would like to see. And that's okay, I've accepted that US agility is, well, US agility. Where somehow dogs off leash at an agility trial is something to be alarmed about. Sigh.
That said, it was funny to see the running order for this weekend. USDAA team trial with master challenge classes, it's pretty much only experienced handlers with experienced dogs. Poor Bright, she's like the only baby dog there. I'm excited for the weekend, I think Bright will enjoy it, and hopefully it won't be too hot. Weird just to bringing one dog though.
My dad had a few more stents put into his heart and is hopefully finally going home today!
No matter how thin you slice it, it's still a cell phone camera.
I'm sending this from my new smartphone. Sometimes I feel really old - we won't talk about how long this took me to set up. I'll admit it's pretty cool though.
And look, I can just wake up and start taking bad instagram photos of my cats! The world needs more of this sort of thing I'm sure.
Hm, well you'll just have to imagine the bad photo (insert poor quality cell phone pic here)
Posted via LiveJournal app for Android.
Thanks for all the good thoughts for my dad, it sounds like he's doing really well and will hopefully be home tomorrow. And maybe won't attempt any major projects in the heat after just getting over pneumonia this time. Sometimes it's best to take it easy. ;-)
Back at home, Fenwick has figured out how to raid the henhouse. He's just the right size to fit in there, and when I holler at him he trots out just as happy as can be, egg in mouth. Love that dog.
Eva (aka, the OTHER naughty dog) really has gotten so bad at waiting around the house. She bursts through doors, car crates, and won't even stay while I'm getting dinner ready - so then I kick her out and she has to wait until everyone else has eaten. But she still does it. So naughty. She lost her chance to go play in the field at the arena today, as she refused to stay in her crate FOUR TIMES. I can see once, maybe twice, and maybe I would have still let her go at three times - but four? Really? One angry stafford was left behind. She has no trouble waiting in agility whatsoever. Can't explain that one. And she jumps 22 inches with lovely form, including doubles. When in doubt, just go take a random jump is Eva's motto.
Bright's last practice before her USDAA debut - I wish it could have been a better one. Could not do an aframe/tunnel discrimination to save our lives today. Dogwalk was high with little separation - some missed aframes. Um. Well, okay then. Feeling SO ready for the trial.
Only goal this weekend is to have fun, I'm hoping she'll like the border collie charged atmosphere, but I imagine she'll be cautious, but happy - much like at the fun match. Seems weird to only be taking just Bright though. No signs of her going into heat at this point, it is now 6 months. I've been putting off entering anything in June, but I guess it's about time to go ahead see what happens. Would be nice if she waited until July when our planned agility break is anyway.
Meanwhile, little Fizban has had a tough start to life, here he is hanging out in his crate where he continues to recover:
Really, that's a kitten. The bonus cat through the window is cute though.
No firm dates as to when he's coming home yet, very excited!
Pap power
Athletic Bindi
Snuggly Bosley
CAUTION: CRAZY PAPILLON
Back at home, Fenwick has figured out how to raid the henhouse. He's just the right size to fit in there, and when I holler at him he trots out just as happy as can be, egg in mouth. Love that dog.
Eva (aka, the OTHER naughty dog) really has gotten so bad at waiting around the house. She bursts through doors, car crates, and won't even stay while I'm getting dinner ready - so then I kick her out and she has to wait until everyone else has eaten. But she still does it. So naughty. She lost her chance to go play in the field at the arena today, as she refused to stay in her crate FOUR TIMES. I can see once, maybe twice, and maybe I would have still let her go at three times - but four? Really? One angry stafford was left behind. She has no trouble waiting in agility whatsoever. Can't explain that one. And she jumps 22 inches with lovely form, including doubles. When in doubt, just go take a random jump is Eva's motto.
Bright's last practice before her USDAA debut - I wish it could have been a better one. Could not do an aframe/tunnel discrimination to save our lives today. Dogwalk was high with little separation - some missed aframes. Um. Well, okay then. Feeling SO ready for the trial.
Only goal this weekend is to have fun, I'm hoping she'll like the border collie charged atmosphere, but I imagine she'll be cautious, but happy - much like at the fun match. Seems weird to only be taking just Bright though. No signs of her going into heat at this point, it is now 6 months. I've been putting off entering anything in June, but I guess it's about time to go ahead see what happens. Would be nice if she waited until July when our planned agility break is anyway.
Meanwhile, little Fizban has had a tough start to life, here he is hanging out in his crate where he continues to recover:
Really, that's a kitten. The bonus cat through the window is cute though.
No firm dates as to when he's coming home yet, very excited!
Pap power
Athletic Bindi
Snuggly Bosley
CAUTION: CRAZY PAPILLON
I feel so incredibly lucky sometimes, and today was one of those days. I love Oregon, I love my house, I absolutely love our yard. The dogs are so happy at our place these days, and today I think we all were very much appreciating the beautiful place that we live.
I am also lucky that my father has has had so many heart attacks that he's quite familiar with the symptoms by now and knows when he needs to go in. He's at the hospital tonight, hopefully being well taken care of. I'm optimistic that he'll get to go home tomorrow. Between this and the pneumonia it's not been a good month for him, but in the big picture, I'm lucky he's doing okay despite it all.
So send some good thoughts to my dad if you can, he should be out enjoying this beautiful spring.
And for a bit of a puppy chaser, there are some puppies being born tonight (theoretically). Kind of a Haku/Fred mix, which is quite the combo:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/contact-po
I am also lucky that my father has has had so many heart attacks that he's quite familiar with the symptoms by now and knows when he needs to go in. He's at the hospital tonight, hopefully being well taken care of. I'm optimistic that he'll get to go home tomorrow. Between this and the pneumonia it's not been a good month for him, but in the big picture, I'm lucky he's doing okay despite it all.
So send some good thoughts to my dad if you can, he should be out enjoying this beautiful spring.
And for a bit of a puppy chaser, there are some puppies being born tonight (theoretically). Kind of a Haku/Fred mix, which is quite the combo:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/contact-po
