Sunday, December 29, 2019

PLACING DOGS IS HARD

Making the right decisions for a dog that needs a new home is really difficult. You want what is best for the dog but also for the dogs that may already be in the home. So many dynamics to think of. Sometimes if  the dog in the home has been your only one for some time and has become possessive of you it may be hard to bring in another dog that is not a very young pup. The new dog needs are great for the first month or so and you want to have harmony in the  home. So I believe that when you have a dog that has been your only companion and is very bonded with you it may be easier to bring in a young puppy. All dogs are different and I want to make the transition easy for my dog who is going to a new home. Every one needs to be happy including current dogs. My Finn has been looking for a home for awhile and it has been a very hard decision. I have found a very Sheltie savvy home and they do not have any other dogs. Finn will get all the attention and time and that will make his settling in much easier. I am sad to see Finn go but I am happy with the home. He will get so much more than what I give him. Being so hard to let go it feels good when you can give them more in the new home than what they get from me. Finn did get too tall to be shown or bred. But he will have a wonderful life. As time goes on I may let one or two more go who would really benefit from a new home.
The only way I can truly be fair to my dogs is to have less and that is not an easy task. It is going to be so very hard to not keep a pup this time. Especially if I have one like Finn that is smaller.
I am going to try very hard to get great homes for my pups and not keep one. 
I hope to get back into classes this spring and you can't take them all to class. So choices have to be made. Who would benefit the most from the class and is it one who has the potential to go on and possibly compete. So my New Years resolution is to get busy and work with Walter. I believe he needs the most and has already had quite a lot of training and with more could possibly compete. So time will tell with him.He really does not like living in a pack. I know he would be better with one or two dogs. But first things first, the training and living in the house as a full time house dog. I think that he would love that. 
As you can see it is so good that I have the dogs. Much to think about and much to do with them. I would be lost with out them. As soon as Walters focus is no longer on the girls we will get started with his training. I will keep a journal so I know what he does well and what he needs for more work. I hope that the attention will help him to be happier living with the others.
A busy New Year coming up. I also plan to sit down and finish my book, if I put my mind to it I can have it ready for editing by the end of January. It is way overdue.
I think that I will give Brooke a good brushing while watching the football game. 
Happy New Year to all!
WALTER

Thursday, December 26, 2019

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Hope you all had a very happy Christmas. I often stay up until midnight to hear the animals talk but did not make it this year, guess it is just too late for me now.
When I was about 13 years old my Dad raised Collies and we had sheep and a couple of horses and I always went out to the barn Christmas eve to listen to the animals. I have always believed that the animals do talk, we just have to listen.
My Shelties had a good Christmas, a little meat in their food which they loved and a new big box of biscuits. The fur in the house has not been too bad as I have groomed all but two of my seniors. I plan to do that today. It really has been an odd year for blowing of coats, they blew coat in August/September and now again in December, just very strange. 
Many decisions to make for the New Year. A new home for Finn when I find the perfect place.
And maybe a home for Walter, he would be happier not living with a pack. He just wants to be with people and be in the house all the time. So will see what comes about. I co-own him with my granddaughter so much of the decision involves her.
The girls have been bred and I am hopeful for puppies late February. I really enjoy pups, even though a lot of work, I love having them. I am proud of the pups that I have, they are healthy in mind and body and it is awesome to see them turn into such beautiful adults.To see them become loving family companions!
Today I am taking a break, just spending time with the dogs. I am ready for a do nothing day.
Christmas is very different since my husband passed, I doubt it will ever be the same again.
So many new ways to adjust to. Thankfully my Shelties are still here for me and they don't change. They are wonderful companions and friends.
Hope the new year is good to all of you. 
I wish you all Happiness, Health and Prosperity in 2020.
All for now.



Wednesday, December 18, 2019

FINN

Finn is getting so pretty, he went through a stage between four and six months and everything looked out of proportion. Now the pieces are all coming together. I measured him today and he is 16 and 1/4 inches about 3/4 of an inch over for his age. If he stops growing then as an adult his shoulders could settle back a little and he might be in size but still 16 inches. It is really hard to make any decisions now. If at 8 months he has grown more and is 16 and 1/2 inches he would not settle back to 16 inches once done growing. Such a hard decision when you love a dog. All my young dogs have to be dogs that can produce or be show size. If he stops growing right now he may be ok but not growing after seven months is not very likely. Guess I just have to hang in there for one more month. 
Everyone says keep him anyway. I don't have to show him but I would want to breed him and for all my years of breeding Shelties I have always bred to the AKC Standard, also the standard of the American Shetland Sheepdog Association. I guess many who are not breeders don't understand that to improve the breed and keep the breed what it should be you really should not use an oversize dog. This is what happened in the early years of the breed, once you bring in large dogs they are there to haunt you forever. Size is back there and can still come through using in size dogs.Often in litters there are  one or two oversize pups and from parents that are in size. 
I have five seniors who are pets and they are wonderful and do not carry their weight except for being loving companions and that is really what it is all about. 
I don't want to give up breeding yet, it is part of my life. Maybe in a couple more years I will rethink breeding and just do training for fun and not worry about anyone carrying their weight.
It is expensive having 10 dogs so a litter now and then is a big help with the expenses. Can you imagine going through 50 pounds of dog food or more a month. Then there is all the genetic testing and that gets very expensive. I do it all but gradually one dog at a time. Then all the veterinary expense and there are times something major hits that you really were not ready for.
I want to breed quality, healthy pets as  companions for families.  So this is a hobby that I love dearly but it takes a lot of thought and commitment to care for the Shelties.
So back to Finn, if I keep him regardless of his size he will be dog number 10 and the youngest of my pack. I do have to split my time among all of them, that is only fair. When they are all in the house at the same time it can be chaotic, but they do settle down and it becomes a peaceable kingdom. They can be so good, most of the time, heaven help me if someone knocks on the door. Before Len passed I had him to bounce things off of and he was just as involved with the dogs as I am, so I had a variety of thoughts and ideas. I guess that is why it is so hard for me to make decisions now, it is just me. 



                                                                         FINN

Saturday, December 14, 2019

WHAT PUPPIES FIND!

I should not be amazed by what puppies get into but this was a new one for me. I am sitting at the computer and here this clinking noise, I definitely had to check that out. At first I could not find it , and then another clink. There is Dede the 6 month old visiting pup playing with the metal ring on the hearth. She was having a blast making the ring clink. She was fascinated with it. I don't know if she took it off the heat valve or if one of the others got it off and she grabbed it. But they were all trying to take it from her. What fun they were having and I was going to spoil it all, if I could get my hand down into the mass of all the open mouths. I finally outsmarted all of them. I have steam heat and the valves have these metal rings around the base, they are split in two pieces and it never crossed my mind that this could become a play toy. I am willing to bet the 6 month old took it off. Although the adults sometimes amaze me at what they do, as if they are still young pups. 
Dede the six month old pup is Finns sister that I am keeping for a friend. Actually they are 7 months now, time really flies. Two litter mates are a challenge, thankfully I house trained Finn early and he learned the stairs really quickly. 
I love these dogs and enjoy them so much but I think it is time to not grow out any more pups, a tremendous amount of work, but also so much joy!
I may put a few things out for Christmas this year, the first year since Len's passing that I feel a little like doing something for Christmas. I would love to get a group photo with red bows on everyone but that will never work. Maybe I will just do it with the seniors, that would work.

Monday, December 2, 2019

GUESS WINTER HAD TO COME

This morning when I let the dogs out Deedee the pup did not want to step in the snow and Finn her brother was ready to jump and catch snow flakes. He had a blast. The other dogs have all seen snow before. Brooke will be 10 soon and still does not like to get her feet wet or into the snow. I have to gently push her out. I have decided to find Finn a nice home. He is already 16 inches and at 6 months that is too tall to show or to breed eventually. I am looking for a good home and would like a performance home or one where he would get a little training. He is a really sweet pup and very smart. If I am patient the right home will come along for him. It is disappointing and hard to let go but will be the best for him. I usually just keep Shelties that I can show and breed. Unfortunately the Sheltie standard is 13 to 16" and any size over 16 or under 13 is a disqualification for show and breeding. That makes it hard as some really beautiful dogs are over 16 inches. And I get attached so it is important to get a really loving and safe home.
It is quite cold today but the snow has let up for now. Really hoping that it does not start up again. I am just not ready to get the snow blower out, although it is all ready to go. Hopefully it will warm up some and the snow will melt. 
Thankfully the dogs don't really  mind the snow and they do like to play in it. I need to make sure that all their feet are trimmed so they don't get little ice balls between their toes. When the feathering on their feet gets too long the snow and ice really stick. I call the long hair their snowshoes. 
I am going to make a schedule for training and try to work two of the young dogs every other day and then the other two on the off days. Maybe that way I can get everyone doing the basics. I would love to have them all sit and wear a red ribbon and have their picture taken for Christmas. So sit and stay will be my priority to start with. They will need a really good stay for the pictures. I don't have much time before Christmas. 
This is a hard time of year for me as I really miss Len and he so loved Christmas.I should try to get back into Christmas for his sake. 
Maybe this will be the year.
Pictured below is Finn. He is an awesome pup and very smart. I would love someone interested in training to get him. They would have so much fun.



Saturday, November 23, 2019

ADDING TO THE PACK

Even for a temporary visit adding to the pack can be challenging. I have taken on two Shelties to help my friend through the winter. The whole routine is disrupted, the new dogs need to forget their old routine and become part of the pack. The puppy does not understand which door to come into and to stay in while the others are coming in. She runs in and then runs back out.I get a treat and go get her which can be a chase, but now as I approach her she sits and I praise her for the sit and pick her up. By this time the others are all in and making their way upstairs. Thankfully Finn has learned the stairs as for now I need to carry the puppy up. She needs to be more settled in before I try to show her how to do the stairs. They can be scary and that she does not need. I am thrilled that she is sitting as I approach her as she will learn the sit quickly. Being Finns sister I expect her to be as smart as he is. He picked up basic training so easily. I love working with hm. Now that Sammy is back I will continue with his house training and hopefully he will make the connection. He is a good boy and wants to please so I am hoping that this time it will be easier for him.In the morning I take my dogs out as I usually do and then Walter on a leash as he gets over aroused with all the commotion of the dogs going out. Once Walter is out I go pick up the pup Deedee and let Sammy out of his crate and they are the last two to go out. Letting everyone out all at once is too chaotic. My seniors have the small dog yard at the side of the house now so they do not have to go downstairs, this is really helpful. Walter and Sammy have accepted each other well for two teenage boys.The one who is really in charge in the house is Keeper and he does not hesitate to let the others know that what they are doing is not acceptable. They all respect Keeper and will back off when he gives a warning. I think by a week the new dogs will be well integrated and will have learned their place in the pack.  I brushed Bling yesterday and took out enough hair to make another dog. They don't usually shed this much twice in one season but it has been a strange weather year and they are all shedding again. Glory is completely brushed and bathed and her coat looks wonderful. 
The inner clocks are going off so I need to get dinner ready, it is a bout 2 minutes before 4 and they know it.
I call them my mob!

Friday, November 22, 2019

TIME SURE GETS AWAY

Went to visit my friend Kathleen, Illusion Farm Shelties, I brought home Sammy and Deedee for the winter. She has a lot of Shelties and needed to take a couple less.Two are going to another friend and Sammy and Deedee will be here. I don't really need two more dogs but I wanted to help. Sammy seems very happy to be back here. Deedee is Finns sister and I will do some training with her. Just some basics,while I continue to work with Finn. I plan to join Susan Garrett's on line training program again this winter. It is a very motivating program. It will keep me on track with the young dogs.
Almost dinner time and every one is sleeping and being good. As soon as I say the dinner word they will be up and raring to go.
The rain is finally leaving and I see some sun, now that it is ready to set. Hopefully my dog yard will dry out tomorrow. The dogs don't seem to mind the wet and rain but I don't like for them to get very wet.I am so looking forward to some warm days, at least a few before winter really hits. Can't believe how the dogs are shedding again. Brushed  out Bling completely today and got a shopping bag full of hair. It is so late in the year for this.
Well I do need to get feeding, they are now getting antsy. 
All for now!
Deedee

Thursday, November 14, 2019

BEAUTIFUL BISCUITS

I know this is kind of crazy to write about but I have been on a search for dog biscuits, that are healthy, no additives of any kind and grain free. I think that I have tried every kind of biscuit that there is for dogs. Of course the dogs have tried them and they love them all. Well I wanted something not too big,  no preservatives and healthy ingredients and preserved naturally.
Well I have finally found them, they are called Wag More,Bark Less. They are grain free, have pea flour, canola oil, flax seed, peanut butter and apple. The dogs went crazy over them. They are not too big and not small, some are star shaped with happy faces and others are round with dogs sleeping under a cloud. They look like homemade cookies. It makes me happy to find something that the dogs really love. Funny how little things can mean so much.
Sammy is coming back to visit for the winter months. I am looking forward to seeing him again and maybe I will be able to house train this time. Also Finn's sister is coming to visit too. I will be doing some training with her. I am doing this to help out my friend, Kathleen. Just don't want to get too attached to them. I know that I will. Sammy and Walter will have to readjust to each other and hopefully they will get along well. 
Well it is time to feed dinner and the dogs clocks are going off. They always know when it is dinner time, more so than breakfast time. Breakfast can fluctuate about half an hour or so.
But if dinner is late they sure let me know. Hopefully warm enough tomorrow to walk.
All for now.

HAPPY WINTER

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

NOT READY FOR THIS

I know that everyone is feeling the cold and the wind that makes it even worse. My gates were frozen this morning and had to take a shovel to loosen them. The water bucket was solid ice.
The young ones are out for a few minutes this morning, they seem to handle the cold fine. They run and play which keeps them warm but I feel cold just watching them outside so they will be in soon. Enough time to take care of business and then will be in. They are still blowing coat and it does not seem to matter. I am going to do more brushing this morning, trimming nails and feet so that when we get real snow, the ice and snow will not accumulate between their toes. When the hair gets too long on their feet I call them snowshoes as they really pick up the snow. I guess that this unexpected winter will be with us for awhile. I miss walking on the trail with Rose and Finn. Finn needs the training and Rosie needs the exercise to drop a few pounds.
Maybe by the end of the week the temps will moderate and I can get out there.
I need to get moving now with Walters on line trick class. He does the hi five beautifully and he loves to do it. I think next I will try teaching him to sit pretty and then the touch command. 
I think too that I will work with Finn also. He is so smart and loves to learn. He has just managed going down the stairs and he is so proud of himself. He has been coming up for some time but going down is scary and took him awhile. Now I don't have to carry anyone down and that makes life much easier. Thankfully the sun is out and sure hope that it warms up some.
You would think that with all the brushing I do I would get caught up, but it just keeps coming. It would be nice to have a whole house vacuum that would just suck up all the dust bunnies, which really are sheltie bunnies!!
Out to get the young ones, they will be full of it this morning for sure, but thankfully I have Keeper and he is my discipline helper. Such an awesome boy.He keeps the young ones right in line. Hope you all keep warm and don't leave the dogs out too long.
This is Girly and she is in charge of all the Shelties, they really respect her.


Thursday, November 7, 2019

Blowing Coat and It Is Winter!!!

This morning it was 28 degrees and just plain cold. And I still have dogs blowing coat. It has been a strange year for coats, seems like they have been blowing since August. I needed a jacket and gloves to clean the dog yard this morning and boy it was cold. The dogs love it, they run and chase and play, they had a blast. Next spring I am going to enlarge the dog yard so they can run full tilt. It is so much fun watching when they get the zoomies. Last night they were in and out of the dog houses and over the dog houses. I will do some more brushing today to get rid of any loose coat. Then hopefully they will start growing their winter coats. Normally when Shelties are in full coat, under and outer coat they are quite warm and can handle most any weather. Finn has lost all his puppy coat and is pretty naked, it will be awhile before he has any coat to warm him up. He doesn't seem to mind at all, just as full of it as all of them. I think this cold makes them feel good and they just get real frisky. 
I visited my friend Kathleen yesterday to help her with some on line record keeping. She will be going to Florida the end of the month and now Sammy and possibly Woody who is a son of my Walter will be spending the winter with me.Only four months so will not be hard to have two more for those four months. Woody is just a little older than Finn so they should have a great time together.
Walter is going in for his OFA hip x-ray next week and fingers crossed that they are good. His father has excellent hips so hoping for good or better. This is part of the testing we do with our breeding dogs, so that we can guarantee healthy pups. Two of the most important tests are  the eye certification and hip x-ray. Another test that is good for all dogs to have is the MDR1 which is a medical drug resistance test. If it is normal then your dog will likely be able to tolerate most drugs without problems. If it is not normal then there could be medications that you would need to be careful using with your dog. This is an important test for any dog.
Need to get busy since I took yesterday off. Thankfully I am ready for winter except for lots of coats to brush. 


SNOW BEFORE YOU KNOW IT

Monday, November 4, 2019

LEASH WALKING

When I went to visit my friend on Friday I took Finn with me. The little stinker would not walk from the car to the house, not far at all. He sat and would not move. Well we have a vet appointment tomorrow and I know he is able to walk from the car to the door. So today we took a nice long walk on the trail. A few little pieces of chopped up roast beef made all the difference in the world. He was not good on staying on my left side but that will come in time. Every so often I would call him front and have  him sit. He did quite well with that. We did meet some people on the trail and he was a little unsure and then decided that they were fine and even wanted to jump on them, he knows the word off and came right off. He was behaving so well. We walked for a good half hour and I really enjoyed the progress he was making. I plan to get him out every day that we have good weather. This little guy is so tuned in to me and has so much potential. I have to find a class this spring for basic obedience and eventually a beginner agility class. I think that he would love it.
Rosie is usually my walking partner and she was pretty upset that I did not take her this time. I had to be sure that Finn walked well enough before I take two of them. Rosie loves to walk with me and gets pretty bent out of shape when I leave her. Tomorrow if the weather is good I will try taking both of them. I am so excited with Finn's attitude and I am really looking forward to training him. He has that spark in his eye and can be very intense. I plan to start him on tricks along with Walter. Pups grow up so fast, you don't want to waste any time and put training off, I am so glad that I started him at 8 weeks and worked him through 16 weeks. That is the time that their little brains are like sponges and they don't forget.
Now to continue on and bring him to his full potential, it is going to be a really fun journey.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

CONFUSION

This time of year, actually now and in the spring my Shelties time clocks do not work  like ours do. They are set on one time and that never changes. So at 4:30 this morning they were ready to get up. No wonder I have been so tired today. I gave them their breakfast about 7:30 this morning and of course that was not on schedule. Their inner clocks are pretty amazing. They know when it is time to go out, time to eat and time to go to bed. So for the next week or so everything will be off schedule by about an hour. It takes that much time for them to get back on schedule and it does for me also. I do wish that we could leave the time alone. 
I am hoping to have puppies early winter but my girls are all very late coming in season and I wonder what is going on. Winter is a good time for pups as they will be ready to go come spring. 
I can't say that I am really ready for another winter but everything is done that needs to be. I even had to run my generator on Friday so I know that it is in good working order. 
I really miss going to training classes and I have looked everywhere for day time classes and there is nothing in the area. Guess I will wait for spring when the days a longer and go to an evening class. I have signed up for an on line trick class for Walter and that should be fun. He loves to do a high five so I am sure he will enjoy learning other tricks and he can then be tested and earn his Novice trick title. I had Finn well trained to walk on the leash and now at 5 and 1/2 months he has decided that he does not want to walk. He sits right down and is as stubborn as a donkey, even for treats. Guess I did not do a good job when I trained him as a pup, but he loved it then. I think that I will start tricks with him too, something that will be fun and get him excited about training again. He is still on the large side but a beautiful boy. I am hoping that he will slow down soon or settle back or both. 
SAMMY

We may have a visitor for the four months that my friend Kathleen is in Florida. Sammy used to live here with us but had difficulties house training, I am hoping he will remember the training that we did and have an easier time locating the door. I have missed him as he was a love and still is. I am actually hoping that he does come to visit. 
I am going to take the time this winter and put my book together. I am looking forward to that and to having it published. I think that you will love some of my short stories.
With so much company this past month it is a little hard to get used to being  alone again, but I am getting into it and I am not really alone, Keeper and Brooke are next to me all the time.
Once again I hope to not let the blog go for so long. Hopefully I will have more motivation as I get back to not having company. 
And I know that my granddaughter will remind me.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

GETTING MY ROUTINE BACK

I have had so much to do to get ready for my sister and brother in law from California, that I put the blog aside.  Just before they arrived my boy Max, 13 and 1/2 years old had kidney failure and I lost him. He had been my husbands best friend and slept by his hospital bed every night that my husband was fighting his cancer. Max seemed to know and he needed to be in the same room.I was not ready for this loss but I had to put my feelings aside and get ready for my sister's visit. I enjoyed the visit and it was so nice to have others in the house to talk to and get help with so many chores that I have in October to get ready for winter. My brother in law checked out my vehicle and we had some work done on it and that gave me great peace of mind.  Now they are back in California and I am getting ready for another visit from my sister who lives in S.Carolina. My dogs will be able to have their normal  routine as my sister is flying in and not bringing her dog. My sister from California drove their motor home across country and brought their two German Shepherds.My Shelties were not too sure about the Shepherds. Rosie did not get too close, she kept telling me that they were too big and she would roll her eyes. She was too funny.Keeper took it all in stride and often would stay out of the living room, plus two large Shepherds took up most of the floor space.
Grooming is an on going chore and I hope to get everyone into the tub before winter really sets in. My dogs have all been to training classes and have seen many breeds but they have not been in their home and their living room. Rosie has very expressive eyes and she kept looking at me like "ok when do I get my home back?"
Hopefully I will be more faithful to my blog. I do enjoy the writing. Max is the Sheltie on the front page of the blog. He is so missed but I know that he is in heaven with his best friend.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

SOMETIMES THINGS DO GET A LITTLE DISGUSTING

Two mornings ago I took the dogs out to go potty and get ready to come up for our usual coffee routine. I went back down to get them and they all came running in. Walter was trying to get something away from Glory, I got a hold of her and saw two feet hanging out of her mouth and she was chewing. I made Walter get away and tried to open her mouth, I could not even begin to get her to let go. It was a huge frog that she apparently caught and boy it was hers and she was eating as fast as she could. I made her go outside, I could not get it away from her so I made her go outside so at least I did not have to watch her eat it. This morning when getting the young ones out of their crates, Glory ran to the door and did not make it, she pooped the biggest pile I have ever seen for a dog. I guess the frog did this to her. I am just thankful she did not do this in her crate and was able to wait until she was out of it. She ate her breakfast well so I guess that all is back to normal. I have never had a dog catch something that big and I have always been able to open their mouth and get it out. Something new always with dogs. I believe if I am in dogs longer than 40 years many more new things will pop up.
On a positive note Bonnie's head is perfect, she can look straight ahead, to the right and the left and she can stand and look at me head on. I am thrilled. 
So thankful that it was not something serious like we originally thought. 
One of Topaz's pups came to stay for a week. So things have been busy, she is a go go girl and loves to keep playing. She takes a nap in her crate mid afternoon and she is really ready for a rest. She and Finn had a blast, but even Finn needed a break so I put him in for a nap also.
She is going home today and I know that Finn will miss her but it will be nice to have just one puppy here. Too bad I could not capture some of their energy. 
I plan to show Walter this fall, I worked on his coat all evening and it is looking lovely, now if I can get a few pounds off of him we will be all set to go. I need to get back to our morning walks. He loves going walking and it is good for me also.
My little side yard is finished and now Max who will soon be 14 and Brooke almost 10 no longer have to down the steep flight of steps to the basement to go out. It is a nice little yard and just a couple of steps to a nice grassy area.Perfect for the older dogs. Max has trouble seeing the basement steps and Brooke just is afraid and hates to go down. Now their routine has to change as they will have to get used to eating in the kitchen. 
Need to get some housework done, so all for now. 
Have a wonderful weekend with your fur kids.

GLORY AND WALTER
 


Thursday, August 29, 2019

GOOD NEWS

Bonnie has been to the Chiropractor twice and has also had acupuncture and she is much better. She can now look straight on and to the right easily. We have one more session in another week and then she will be done. I have a neck exercise that I do with her every day and it too has helped her to improve. You would never know that she had a head tilt. It is totally gone.
The vet believes there was a trauma and it affected her right shoulder and neck so tilting her head to the left was alleviating the pain on the right. I am thrilled, she can continue with her training and some day have a litter. It pays to seek alternative treatments when an answer cannot be found.
Little Finn is growing like a weed. He is the newest member of the family. He has a fabulous pedigree. If he should go oversize I won't be able to use him for breeding. Right now he is tracking oversize on the charts, I am worried that he may have to have a pet home. But if that happens I will find him a wonderful home where he can do some training. He is fifteen weeks and already knows sit, lie down, here, lets go and of course go potty. He is doing very well with potty training. He is getting used to wearing a collar and formal leash training is next. I have hopes to take him as far as he can go in obedience, time will tell. He is a lovely tri color with the most intelligent eyes.I know that I probably should not have taken on a new pup but he is a gorgeous pup and his grandfather is a very well known show dog, here and internationally.
Sometimes you just can't resist. Raising a pup is a lot of work, especially house training and I know that if Finn makes size or not I will not be growing out another pup. I am ready for all my dogs to be mature adults that are good company and easy to live with. 
My Keeper who will be 10 on his next birthday has decided that he really is my keeper. If one of the dogs, especially young ones, jump on me or get too energetic around me Keeper will curl a lip and tell them to stop. They definitely respect  him. He has been with me about a year and this is a new job for him. I think he has really bonded with me and of course I have with him also. He absolutely loves being a house dog, hates going outside but does when asked to go.
He had been a kennel dog and was getting too old to continue with that life style so he came to live with me and be a full time house dog and he just loves it. He is so sweet and you will find him where ever I am. The senior Shelties are so sweet and such great company.
I need to vacuum the dog room today so best get moving. 
All for now!



FINN


Sunday, August 18, 2019

BONNIE NEWS

Coffee time almost over this morning, dogs are being good. So a few minutes to write before they decide that it is time for breakfast. I don't dare say that word or they will all be up and telling me that it is time. No way would they even think about missing a meal.
Bonnie's appointment at the Chiropractor went very well. It turns out that her right shoulder and right side of her neck are tight and probably due to an injury. They do play rough and as a young pup I do remember Topaz knocking her over in the kitchen. She seemed fine at the time though she did cry out. The vet did some manipulations and then acupuncture. It was really amazing to see Bonnie with all the little needles and totally relaxed. They stayed in about four or five minutes. I also have an exercise for her neck. It is really amazing that she looks much better, her head is barely tilting. We go back next week for another session and I hope that will be it for her. The neck exercise seems to be working. I have never taken a dog for acupuncture before but it is amazing how it works. It corrects what is not working and slows down what is going to fast. She compensated by tilting her head left and the vet said now it is partially a learned behavior. The right side has weakened and we are working to make it stronger.
I am so thankful that Bonnie's problem is not something so serious as a central nervous system disease.  Sometimes it does pay to look into alternative methods. Dogs are so stoic and often do not show any signs of pain when it may be there. I have found that Shelties are very stoic and handle things so well. So get to know your dogs really well, know the expression in their eyes. Their eyes can tell you so much. It is easy to really get to know your dog and will help you to determine if they hurt or not. 
I am so pleased that Bonnie will be well, although she acts perfectly normal and happy.
They are being so good this morning and have not asked for breakfast yet. So all for now, as I really to need to feed them and get this day going.
BONNIE

Monday, August 12, 2019

WRITERS BLOCK OR WHAT

It seems that I am having a little trouble deciding on what to write. Sometimes the words just flow. I have been worried about my knee but finally had the Orthopedic appointment today. I could have a torn meniscus or just muscle sprain. We decided to just go with the shot for now and if it is muscle or a little arthritis it should be a huge help. I would have to have an MRI to see if the meniscus is torn. I have a bunch of exercises to do at home. This is such a relief. If I had to have surgery it would take a lot of planning because I would be on crutches for a week and that will not work with the dogs. I could just see them trying to attack the crutches. I can't even poop scoop without some of them attacking the scooper. It is the movement of the tool and their herding instinct. 
Sammy is very happy with Kathleen and there is no more competition between the boys. Which makes for a little more peace in the house. Topaz is doing well with her class. She seems to enjoy the training. She loves learning. She is an easy girl to work with. For quite awhile she has not wanted to go into her crate at night. Now she listens and goes right in for me, of course there is a cookie involved, but there was a cookie before.She loves the attention. 
The weather this weekend was perfect and I spent a lot of time playing with the dogs. Some of them will chase a ball as long as you want to throw it. Walter is one of those, it is such good exercise for him. Topaz will go for the ball but once she has it she wants to peel the cover off of it. She has had destroyed so many tennis balls. I guess for her birthday in November I will buy her a bag of tennis balls and try to keep them intact.
Bonnie goes to the Chiropractor on Thursday and I am hopeful for good results. Her head tilt definitely has improved some. It will be interesting to see what an adjustment might do for her.
I would love to be able to see her train for herding, her instinct is so strong. If the winters were not so harsh here I would get some sheep but I really don't want to go out in sub zero temperatures, to feed and water sheep. I did that years ago and I loved having them. Just don't want the work now. It is so neat to train a dog that truly has the instinct to herd. Maybe I will find her a class. All for now!
BONNIE

Sunday, August 4, 2019

A HARD DECISION

I have not written in a few days as I had some serious thinking to do.I have had Sammy here for a little more than six months and I could not get him house trained. He and Walter would come in and it seemed like a male competition. Walter has always been the number one boy and was having a hard time dealing with another intact boy.When Sammy first came we had a few scuffles, nothing serious but they did not like each other. After a couple of months this died down and they got along, or so I thought. Sammy had not been trained as a pup and that makes a big difference. I have been raising Shelties for 40 years and I was beating myself up as I thought with all the years with the dogs I certainly could house train one 20 month old boy. I did not need the stress and Walter was starting to mark and he definitely knows better, he had been house trained since he was a baby. I was so torn. Many times I decided to take him back to his breeder and then would change my mind and try again. I was getting frustrated. And I was concerned about Walter regressing with the male competition. So a week ago I made the decision to take him back. My friend was very gracious and wanted to take him back. He will be used for breeding and maybe he will be shown. He was happy to see Kathleen and that really made me feel good. He will be well cared for and used for breeding.Now Walter and I can relax. Walter has not marked once since Sammy left. I was so pleased, he had not forgotten his early training.When I am more relaxed the dogs sense it and they are more relaxed too. It broke my heart to take him back, but seeing how Walter is behaving and with my frustration gone it was the right thing to do. I will see Sammy from time to time when I visit my friend. There are times when no matter what you try things just don't work and it is best for the dog to make changes where he will be happier. Every time a dog leaves a piece of my heart goes with him or her.I don't let my dogs go lightly, but when a new person or home will give them better than I can then it is only fair for the dog to be happy.
I believe things are under control now and every one is happy and doing well.
Topaz did really well with her first obedience class, she is so smart and very tuned in. I really enjoy working with her. Maybe some day she will get to an obedience trial.
SAMMY
 


Saturday, July 27, 2019

THINKING ABOUT BONNIE

Bonnie is doing well and her head tilt has improved quite a lot. We are still going to the Chiropractor because I now believe she had an injury when younger. She and Topaz play hard and I remember the time I heard Bonnie cry and Topaz had pushed her against a kitchen cabinet. My vet has said that if it was something serious she would not be getting better and she is. The head tilt is almost not noticeable. Most would not pick up on it. I may try to find her a nice home where she will get more one on one. She is a smart girl, I started her training at 8 weeks and she remembers it well. She knows sit and down and walks well on a leash. She is house trained and crate trained. Of course if she went to a new home she would need house training to develop a new routine. I would like her to be with someone who was home most of the time.
I don't think she would be happy hanging out in the house or crate all day while someone worked full time. She is super smart and trained so fast. She is still puppy at 13 months. I believe she has so much potential. I am not sure that I want to breed her and I want the best for her. Time will tell and if the perfect place comes along for her then I would consider doing what is best for her. I love all my dogs and it is hard to think of letting them go but sometimes they need more than I can give, especially with so many Shelties. I have placed a few Shelties over the years and it was not easy but I knew what I was doing was best for the dog. If they can get better than what I do for them then it is right.
Sometimes it is more loving to give them something better than what I give them. I know them well and I know their needs. We will see what time brings.
Topaz is enrolled in basic obedience and she is super smart too and I am looking forward to training her. I would love to get back into Therapy work. Hopefully I can work towards that.
I have had four Shelties that were awesome Therapy dogs. It is very rewarding for the people we visit and also for me. I love to share my dogs.
I take life one day at a time and believe that what is meant to be will happen.
The hair is flowing around here, so today I will completely groom two more, maybe three if I get the ambition. Everyone is shedding, even Bonnie but she does not have undercoat, but is shedding some of her coat. She never had undercoat but maybe it will come with age.
All for now! Rosie is telling me that it is time for breakfast so I better get moving.

BONNIE AND TOPAZ

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

DOGS AND RAIN!!

Another day of rain, and wet, muddy and smelly dogs. You think the rain would bother them but not so. The seniors definitely don't like to go out in the rain, I have to give them a gentle push, heaven forbid that they get their feet wet. Especially Brooke, she just does not want wet feet. The young dogs don't care which is great, they will run right out in the rain and want to play chase. They don't care if they get soaked. They just shake it off and go on playing chase, and catch me if you can. The Shelties and dogs in general are amazing as they accept whatever is given to them and especially the weather. Although Bling who is 9 years old becomes very upset with heavy rain and thunder. With thunder she will find a place to hide and bark at the thunder. I think she thinks that she can chase it away. One night we had storms and she barked the whole night. Thankfully the others did not join her. If they had there would have been no sleep that night. I did a complete grooming on Brooke and Keeper yesterday and thankfully they go out and do what they need to and come right back in. They don't get muddy and their coats just fluff up a bit with the rain. I am glad that I started with the seniors yesterday and not the younger dogs as they get muddy and very wet. I took out tons of hair yesterday as this is the shedding time of year, now through September, and once the undercoat is gone they look so pretty. Will do two more seniors this week, Max who is 13 and he hates brushing. But that is only because of his age and it hurts his skin, so I do small portions at a time and it takes several days to get him groomed out. I started on Glory the other evening and sat on my grooming box rather than put her on the table which I usually do. She was in seventh heaven. She put her head on my knee and just soaked it all in. Glory would be a wonderful Therapy dog for someone. I co-own her with a friend and she is here to have a litter and then I may find her a home where she will blossom with not living with a pack. But this will take a lot of thought as it is pretty easy to get attached to her. The home will need to be perfect, she is so sweet and loving, I can see her visiting the elderly and giving much joy. Having a therapy dog  is a wonderful experience for all. The elderly love to see the dogs, have a time to pet and talk to them. Many have memories of dogs in their past. It is so rewarding to share your dog and bring joy.
I have digressed from the rain topic. I am hopeful this will be the last day of rain for awhile. I want to get everyone groomed and it would be so nice if they could stay clean. I have small stone in my dog yard but the dirt is beginning to come through. I have purchased a few pieces of kennel deck which helps a lot. They are over the area by the gate which used to get very muddy and now they keep clean. They like the decking and often lay on it and not on the stone, it is much more comfortable. Actually they prefer to be in the house. They are good for the most part, although if Topaz can steal any kind of paper she will. Then we have a great game of catch me if you can. She loves the little yellow notepads, she will rip pages off before I can catch her. Then Bonnie sees what fun she is having grabs a sheet of paper and proceeds to shred it, what fun!! Someday I hope to get back into therapy, maybe Topaz. We start her obedience class tomorrow and if she does well we will go on with the training and get her Canine Good Citizen title so that she can become certified for therapy.
For now all is peaceful. Maybe I will be lucky and have a few moments of peace before breakfast. 


Morning coffee with the kids!!

Saturday, July 20, 2019

LONGER THAN I LIKE

Twelve days since I have written about Bonnie. Her head may be a little straighter but still tilting. I have decided to take her to a veterinary chiropractor. In trying to cover all bases it is possible she hurt herself and maybe has a pinched nerve. An adjustment might help that and she would be able to straighten her head. It is worth a try and would be wonderful if this is the problem. I am hopeful.
The dogs don't like this weather anymore than I do. They just lay around and some of them love the basement floor, it is quite cool.
I had another one of Topaz's puppies visit this week. It is so nice to see how the pups are developing. Topaz and Zuzu her daughter seemed to know each other. When Coco visited a few weeks ago she and Topaz also seemed to know each other. It is fun to see them interact with each other. 
This is a really good day to brush dogs in front of the air conditioner. With this heat and humidity their coats are just falling out in big tufts. It is not too difficult to brush when the hair is dropping on its own. 
Topaz is a very independent girl and will often ignore me especially if there is some paper she can steal. That is her favorite thing to do, she just loves paper of any kind and will play keep away as I really don't want her eating it. That is her next favorite thing to do. I have to make sure that nothing important is within her reach. She loves to steal any thing that she can reach.  So Topaz and I are going to a beginner obedience class. A few manners will be good for her. Lately she has been ignoring my come command, I go get her and tell her come but next time she ignores me again. She is having fun, thinks this is a game. She will get down on her front paws, butt in the air and tail wagging, she is challenging me, "come get me if you can." If I grab a cookie she will come to me but I don't want to reinforce her bad behavior. She is so funny and I try not to laugh, she gets this look on her face that says " I dare you" and she really does. I now put her on a leash when she comes out of her kennel in the morning so she has no choice but to do what I ask and she is fine with that. I think that she will train beautifully and we will have fun. I can picture her as a very well trained dog.

Topaz and Bonnie!


Monday, July 8, 2019

BONNIE NEWS

A beautifully cool morning this morning. Should be a nice day without the humidity and heat. The kind of summer that I love. Bonnie is doing well, we don't have answers for her head tilt. We had thought maybe a tick disease as those diseases attack the central nervous system. All her blood work came back normal, no tick disease, thyroid normal and all other blood work normal. She is on Doxycycline so that if there is some infection this will clear it. At times her head tilt looks a little better but it always goes back to the tilting left. I thought about an MRI which would show any tumors and maybe swelling in the brain, I have decided against it as I would not put Bonnie through the surgery for a brain tumor. Operating on the brain can be so risky. Once she has finished the month of Doxycycline she will go on Methadexazone in case there is any swelling and hopefully it would help that. Then another thought I had was that she could have had a toxic reaction to the heart worm meds. I always used to use Interceptor until they stopped making it, there was no Ivermectin in it. I switched to Generic Heartguard as there was no choice, but it has Ivermectin in it and that could be a possibility. I have read about Ivermectin toxicity and the damage from that is not reversible. My plan for Bonnie is to just keep her comfortable and happy. And she is a very happy girl and seems to have no pain. There is the possibility that she played too rough and hurt herself, but my vet said she would get better from an injury. 
I am sitting here writing and I feel this cold nose poking at my leg, of course it is Keeper wanting some attention. He is the sweetest boy ever.
With this heat everyone is dropping coat and I have hair everywhere. I am brushing as fast as I can and it is pretty easy as the hair is just dropping out. Soon everyone will be naked and much easier to keep, sometimes I think a smooth coated Sheltie would be wonderful.
Well that is my news for today, enjoy this beautiful cool air. 
A friend of mine has a 10 week old bi black female available, she is so cute and has a wonderful personality. At 10 weeks she really needs her own home. If anyone is interested give Harriet a call at 603-539-1603. Her picture is below.


Saturday, June 29, 2019

WORRIED ABOUT BONNIE

Bonnie just had her first birthday and is a little terror but very smart and can be sweet if she wants to. The past few weeks she has started tilting her head to the left and can't seem to bring it straight on. At first I thought she was just cocking her head and being cute like pups do. Now it seems to be more than that. We are going to the vet on Monday for a good physical and blood work. There is vestibular disease but she is too young for that, it is something that can be common in old dogs, a head tilt with circling and confusion. Bonnie does not have any of those symptoms. She is just as feisty as ever and every thing else is normal.  I will be glad to have her checked out and see what we can do for her. 
Took a ride up to Illusion farm yesterday to visit my friend Kathleen and see her beautiful pups.She has some outstanding pups and your heart just melts. I am hoping that one day I will have some pups that look like hers. 
For now I am happy that my young ones are growing up. A break from the puppy stage will be really good. I love my seniors and I have five of them and they are so good and so easy. Although it is a little sad to see them getting old. They are such good company, they have their favorite places to sleep and spend much of the day sleeping. But when Fed ex or UPS comes they are right up and letting me know. Then I see these beautiful pups and would love one but know that what I have now is easy and pups grow up before you know it. Having been a breeder for 40 years and showing dogs almost as long, it is something hard to give up, it is in your blood and you never lose the urge to produce beautiful pups.
On that note I have bred Bling to my Walter who is producing stunning pups and maybe something will come from that, but at the least I will have beautiful, quality pets that will make families very happy and that gives me much satisfaction. Quality, healthy pets for families is even more important than the next show dog.
I will post more on Bonnie once we know what is going on with her.
The fourth of July is coming up this week. Please be careful with your dogs, don't let them out during the fireworks. All dogs should be chipped so if they get lost it will help to bring them home. But the best thing is to be extremely careful during this holiday!
BONNIE


Monday, June 24, 2019

A LONG TIME

Guess it has been awhile since I sat down to write. Time just seems to go so fast. The past couple of weeks have been hard and there is no explanation other than I am getting close to the second anniversary of my husbands passing. It has been weighing on my mind, all that has gone by and when my mind gets like this  it is hard to put thoughts on paper.
Been spending more time with the dogs, the evenings have been nice and cool and perfect for playing ball with them They all love the chase. Sammy is an awesome retriever. Walter is a close second, and Bonnie often comes up with the ball and brings it right back. When Topaz gets the ball I have to immediately grab it from her as all she wants to do is to take the covering off the ball. We could sit out there for hours but after about an hour everyone is slowing down, the exercise has worn them out. So now when they all come in they should be good and go lie down. But it does not take long for them to be ready to go again. The old saying a tired dog is a good dog and that is so true.
One of my pups came to visit on Saturday and it was so nice to see her. She looks wonderful, and is learning some basic obedience. They are doing an awesome job with her. I did glue her ears for them as they were looking like a German Shepherd. When the pups are teething their ears can go all over the place and it is a good time to set them so eventually they tip properly.
It is so nice to see a sheltie with pretty tipped ears. They add so much to their expression.
The ticks here have been miserable, it is like they are just waiting for you to come out and they attack. I have to spray the dogs about every other day to keep them tick free. I am going to try a new natural spray called Wondercide, supposed to work really well and I can use it on my clothes too. 
Many chores waiting for me today so that is all for now and once again I will try to not let so much time go by.

My friend Harriet has this lovely sable male pup available, he is 13 weeks and so sweet. You can reach her at 603-539-1603
                                                                 


Tuesday, June 11, 2019

ROSIE aka ROSEBUD

Yesterday I had Rosie spayed and she had a dental at the same time.She could not have breakfast or her morning cookie, she was not happy. No one got their morning cookie as I could not leave her out, so everybody was not especially happy.
Rosie is one of those special Shelties that loves everyone. She was happy to go for a ride, not knowing what was going on and she was happy to see everyone at the vets. She did not seem to mind that I left. 
I picked her up late in the afternoon and she was not so happy but managed a small tail wag for me. Once home she was very quiet and seemed depressed, she just wanted to sleep which was the best thing for her. Last night was the first time in Rosie's life that she refused to eat. So not Rosie. Later that evening she did eat a little and I was able to get her medication into her. She likes to sleep downstairs where it is much cooler. I carried her down, she is a smart girl, I knew she would not try to run upstairs and she did not. She hurt and seemed to understand she had to be quiet. This morning she greeted me at the stairs with a couple of tail wags, and she was not going to miss another morning cookie, I knew then that she would be fine  in a few days. Right now she is sleeping next to me while I write. This is the best thing for her and for healing. 
I am so glad that I decided to do the spay now, she will be 8 years old in October, we share the same birthday. I asked the vet about the condition of her uterus and it was filled with fluid. She could easily have developed an infection. I had hoped for a Rosie daughter, but just not to be. 
I am thankful for Rosie and hopefully now we will have many years together. She is my best friend. I often call her Rosebud, her nickname. Len started calling her that when she was a baby. She responds to both names.
I love all my Shelties, but Rosie is my heart dog, we have all had one of those who are just extra special.


The best mom Sheltie there ever was!!She just loves babies and when the pups are about 4 to 5 weeks she will play with them and take care of them even if they are not hers. 
 

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

CRAZINESS OR WHAT!

This morning at 5 am the shelties all started barking and it went on for a good 15 minutes, I don't know what all the ruckus was about. I finally got up to check and absolutely nothing was going on. So went ahead and took them out and left them for at least 20 minutes. Got the coffee going, a little early for me. Once the coffee was ready brought them up for our coffee hour. Put the two boys out and left them for half an hour, then brought them up to join us. They were so wound up and I don't know why, maybe because Bling is in season and I need to keep her separated. But their sense of smell is so good, that it did not matter where Bling was, they knew.
Sammy has turned into a real love, stays right by me or wants to be in my lap. He also loves the ball, always in his mouth. I need to refresh the toy box, after awhile the toys get destroyed and are no longer safe for them to use.
The pups are finally all in their new homes and all are doing well. I am so pleased with the homes that they have. I hope to get photos as they develop, I love to see how my babies turn out. Maybe pups late fall, but that is a long way off. Walter has been producing beautifully and would like to have some of his pups here. Maybe fall.
Looks like a good day for working outside, more hay to rake and dump and I need to put up the sun screen over the dog yard. I get a lot of sun out there in the summer, wish I got it in the winter but not enough to do any good. They need the sun screen, almost completely covers the dog yard, there is a small section where they can lay in the sun if they feel like it and sunbathing is something that they enjoy. Just imagine if I could put all the shelties to work, things would get done so quickly! Well I need to get moving and take advantage of this good weather. I sure miss my babies, but I know each one is getting what they need and more than I could give them as they grow up.
I NEED A COOKIE, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, June 2, 2019

THE EMPTY NEST

This morning was a little quieter than usual. My last puppy Coco went to her new home yesterday. I had kept her for four extra weeks as the family had travel plans before they bought the puppy. It is a wonderful home so I did not mind. Though I did not realize how attached I would become with Coco. She was bonded with me too.The people who have her are very excited and she is their first puppy. I have helped them as much as possible and when they have questions they contact me and we work it out. In a week or so Coco will be bonding with them and I will feel good with taking the puppy pen down and putting it away. When the pups normally go to homes at eight weeks, you have been so busy taking care of them and not bonding closely with anyone pup. But when one stays longer it is much harder to let go. I guess this is why I usually keep a puppy. The puppy that definitely was a show prospect was going to be a big girl and probably too large for show, so the decision was made to not keep a pup from this breeding. I will breed Topaz again when she is a little older and will hope for a quality tri color female. I need to be very selective as it is easy to get too many dogs.
Rosie has missed for the third time so she is scheduled for a spay and a dental at the same time.
I did not get a daughter from her, and I did learn with a little older dog there may not be another chance.I truly believe that things happen the way they are supposed to. 
I think the time has come to get my computer room in order, it was my husbands office but I need to pack up his things and turn it into my room. Very hard to do but it is time.
I have missed attending dog class these past two years and think it is time I take either Topaz or Bonnie to learn some basic obedience. I loved going to class and it definitely motivates you to work with the dogs. 
Keeping involved with the dogs is the best thing for me. Losing your spouse of 52 years makes it very hard to start a new life and to keep the old going. I need to continue to live like my shelties do, one day at a time. Someday I may have a new normal. The hardest thing is to make the decisions on the dogs myself, we always did that together. Len had a good eye for a quality dog and he loved to show them.Again I am thankful for the dogs, they keep me going. Caring for pups makes the time fly by. On a more positive note I have met many wonderful people who have my dogs and many good friends have come from being involved with the dogs.
Kaley, a very well trained girl!!

Monday, May 27, 2019

COCO OR IS IT KOKO

Yesterday Minnie went to her new home. It is a great home and I know she will have a good life. I sure do miss her. She is one smart little girl. She and Coco had really bonded with each other and did everything together. Coco seems to be a little lost, she will be going to her new home this coming Saturday. I have been giving her a lot of free time in the kitchen with the dogs and took her out to the agility area to play. She is having a good time and I am doing a little training with her. I don't keep her out in the grass too long as the ticks this year are pretty active. She loves playing with Bonnie who is 11 months and and who is very good with her. Bonnie is still very puppy and enjoys Coco.
I had Coco out with me yesterday while I was loading the dishwasher and she decided that she wanted to help. She jumped up on the door of the dishwasher and was very interested in everything going into it. Too cute to not get a photos.
Sheltie pups are so agile and jumping up on the dishwasher door is very easy for them.
I let her help for a few minutes and then took her off. She sure knows how to entertain herself.
A quiet memorial day here, many memories of my husband Len, who passed due to brain cancer almost two years ago. I don't know where the time has gone, it still seems like yesterday. Len was a veteran and served in the US Marine Corp. He loved the dogs and often showed them. He was very competitive and loved the showing. Make the most of each day, as you never know what tomorrow will bring. My Shelties were my life savers, they gave me purpose each day and fill many hours for me. I can still show my Shelties but it is not as much fun doing it alone. Not sure that I will continue with the conformation showing. I have Walter who has turned out to be a lovely boy and deserves to be shown. Walter is special as he has Lens middle name and was born just a few days after Len passed.  Maybe as time goes on my thoughts will change. For now I am very thankful for my dogs. I try to live like they do, one day at a time!