Belated Birthday Greetings!

Just a quick belated "Happy Birthday" to all Kayla's pups! I see Harley and Ava fairly frequently, and try to keep up with the news on all the others. Satchmo lives close to Emily, who has Ava, so his life adventures are reported regularly. Oden is doing beautifully on the show circuit in Canada and is making a splash in the western USA now. Everyone else sends an occasional "up-date" and all seem to be settled and happy. So
"Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday all you darlings
Happy Birthday to you!
With love from
Grandma Pam

We're Off to see the Wizard!

Rosa and "Maddy" take a last romp.




Well, yesterday, Mallyree Madigan Princess Kate, (Call name Maddy) or the Princess, as we have been calling her, left with her new people, to explore new lands and become part of a wonderful family, consisting of an elder statesman, Zeke the Poodle, and a young 1 year old cat, not to mention her new parents, Ellie and Betsy.
Ashley and I did cry after the car pulled out of the driveway, but we also were very happy for her as she will have an exciting, fun filled life. What's not to love living at the top of a mountain, with 100+ acres of forest to explore? Rosa checked out the house and yard, and not finding her pup, went back outside to play with Topper and Ranger and chew on a nice juicy bone....no tears there!




The Princess is ready for her new family.


On Thursday, the Princess and I headed to Amhurst, NH to visit Amie L and her IWS, English Cocker and Beagle, along with two cats. What a fun time. The Princess played with Cory the Beagle, and explored a new yard and sniffed the two cats, but didn't really try to play with them. Amie kept the two other dogs away from the Princess, as they might be a little too much for her first visit. The Princess then went to the chiropractic vet, Dr. Ham, for exam and alignment, which corrected her gait-no surprises there! I've seen what the alignment can do to correct many problems. Friday we headed to the vet, Dr. Furness, for exam, health certificate and her first shots. Both vets were really taken with her and pronounced her "Beautiful"!
Our memories of her are a wagging tail, a "happy" mouth, and an inquisitive, adventuresome spirit.
Betsy took many pictures when they picked Maddy up yesterday. I didn't as I was too busy going over schedules, suggestions, feeding etc. Soooo, I will post some pictures as soon as Betsy sends them to me.
It's been an adventure, now to get back to a more "normal" life - and yes, I'm using that term loosely! LOL!
Pam

Last Dance

Ashley and the Princess




This is a sad, but full week, as the Princess will be leaving for her new forever home this Saturday. She is playful, happy, energetic and a love. I will miss her terribly and I believe her mom, Rosa will too, along with my grand daughter, Ashley, who has been constantly around the Princess since birth. We will both send something of ours with her when she leaves, along with her bedding, dishes, favorite toys and of course some of the food she has been eating. I am still trying to "set a schedule" up with this "child", as she doesn't seem to get the idea of order. I know that she won't starve, but she occasionally will "skip" a meal, and just drink some goat's milk. I actually have two grand daughters that had that same attitude about food, and they are healthy and happy!



Rachel and the Princess play




Just relaxing



I have enjoyed watching her develop and am seeing the lovely dark almond shape eyes that are desired, along with that wonderful tight crisp curl to the coat and the great dark color. If she continues along this path, I may have to ask to show her next fall!

I'll post some pictures of her outside, digging holes and chasing "air" at the end of this week and then her "good bye" pictures the next week.
Pam

Got Milk?!

Just a quick lick more - thanks!



Well, as is inevitable with a small litter (of 1), Rosa's milk is starting to dry up. So at 4 weeks, the Princess is being offered some goat's milk, baby rice cereal, and honey. She doesn't like to lap from the dish unless it's held up to her, or if it's offered on a spoon (not silver yet!-lol). She is still valiantly latching on to her mom and getting every last bit of "mother's milk" that she can, but she does like the taste of the cereal mix. She is pretty sure that water is for peasants!





Good to the very last drop!


This week the x-pen will go up and the other dogs will be slowly introduced to her majesty under very tight security I might ad...both boys have shown an interest in her, but Rosa doesn't want them around yet, so we'll see how it goes. Ranger has always been very sweet with his pups, allowing them to hang on his ears, bite his legs and tail, and just generally lets them be with him. Topper is too young and would be a bit rough for her at first, but she will probably be able to chase him around in a month.




Up and About

As you can see not only is the Princess growing, but she is up and around on her own. She is very adventuresome, and "plays" with her toy animals. I have tested her with them by holding the small bear and having it's head up at her head and making it squeak. At this stance by the "bear", the Princess growls and stands her ground. When I make the "bear" play bow, she wags her tail and dances around happily...at that time I make the "bear" tussle with her and she has a ball. She is also playing with her mom. She and Rosa mouth and wrestle with each other. Rosa seems to like this feisty babe more and more.



Gotcha!

Well I'll let you know how all goes this next week. My grand daughter, Ashley, and I are going to a dog show this coming weekend, so her mom and sister will be babysitting Rosa and The Princess. It will be interesting to say the least!
Pam

Up and At 'em

Some lunch, a nap, now this is the life!


Kate is 3 1/2 weeks old and her eyes are open. She hears me come into the room and is starting to "bark" - well it's her version of a bark. She is also starting to stand and walk. She totters a bit, but has been able to put at least 4 good steps together before sitting or "flopping down". She is nursing well, has been gaining weight - not quite as dramatically as she did in the beginning - and seems very healthy.




No flash please, it hurts my eyes.


Rosa is nursing her, but the times in between are lengthening. Next week is when I'll introduce some goats milk and baby cereal. The pictures from that should be a hoot!
My granddaughter, Ashley, continues to be a big help. She gets down with Kate and "plays" with her. I was able to go to the Irish Water Spaniel National Specialty this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday, because Ashley was able to spend many hours here at the house with Kate.
I'll be making some visits to the local goat farm next week and will try to get some pictures of the goats lining up to be milked. They are a riot! They all seem to know their place and no one "cuts" the line!
Pam

The Eyes Have It!

Where is everyone?

Kate has opened her eyes. I'm not sure what she is seeing or what she is thinking but she is starting to explore her surroundings with more energy! She continues to thrive and is a cuddly puppy. It's so strange raising just one pup. Usually the litter "feeds" off of one another, learning and testing, moving and exploring along side a brother or sister. I've taken to snuggling down with Kate, talking to her, moving her onto new textures, helping her nose around her surroundings. She is very use to being handled and relaxes in your arms when she is full. If she is hungry, she will try to nurse on any body part she can find.




Kate has captured Ellie's Heart!



Her "new family" came for a visit this past Saturday. She happily "showed off, bobbing her head around, tottering across the mat, and snuggling down with them. She is really "laid back" and seems to feel entitled to every wonderful thing that comes her way--A true Princess!
Next adventure will be trying some Goats milk next week...I'll keep you posted on that one!

Weight Watchers is next!

Rosa and Kate with the crew.


Well, we've had our 10 day check-up yesterday (Monday 5/9/11). Both Rosa and Kate are healthy and happy. Rosa has lost 2 lbs and she had her stitches out. Incision line was clean, dry, intact and well healed..with no help from me! Kate was weighed also and low and behold, she topped the scales at 2 lbs 15 oz. That exactly 2 lbs more than she was 24 hours after birth. I'm going to go on line and sign her up for Weight Watchers-LOL! Actually, Dr. Fisher said that she is "big boned", healthy as could be and moving and "talking" as she should at 10 days. We brought in some Greek Cookies for the Doc and his staff as a thank you. They made me promise that I'd bring Kate in when she is 7-8 weeks old.
Rosa is doing better at letting Kate get some sleep. Rosa's coat is as shiny and thick as always..usually the mom's loose their coats, so I'm just waiting to see if having the one "child" will be less of a strain.












Princess Kate with William, Harry and Mr. Green.
Hopefully you can see Kate's growth in the pictures. I've tried to put her next to Prince William for the contrast. Rosa has added another "member" to her litter. I've just named it "Mr.Green" as it's a green ball that squeaks. Alice, Kayla, Maddy and Harley sent Kate a playmate, the small yellow teddy bear, who is now dubbed "Prince Harry". Rosa had just figured out that he squeaks too, and has moved him a few times already!
I'm still sleeping (and I use that term loosely) in the room with Rosa and Kate. Some how I think they are sleeping better than I am. I seem to be consuming more and more coffee, and not feeling the "kick" as much. Well this too shall pass!

Introducing.......

Prince William




You've met Princess Catherine, otherwise know as Kate, so I thought it only proper that I introduce you to her "significant other".....Prince William.
As you can see, he's been by Kate's side since day one. Kate is growing in leaps and bounds and seems to change with each day. I can't believe that she is 6 days old!










Kate's Ever Present Protector! She weighs 21 ozs and is holding her head up and moving around the crate without problems. Rosa is able to take breaks from her without any fussing (on either dogs part). Rosa has not yet indicated whether or not Ranger (daddy to both--oh no that sounds like "I'm My Own Grandpa"- a great and funny Country Western Song!)
I'll keep you posted on the progress of all.
Pam

What a Difference a Day Makes!

Kate with her heated Bear and ticking clock in purple sock!


I want you all to know that as an experienced Emergency Nurse, one of my strengths is that I can look at a situation, pick up on the visual and subjective clues, understand the problem and move forward within seconds. So, what's that got to do with Mallyree Kennels you might ask? Well obviously not much- lol. Ch. Mallyree Rosa A'Mhara just had a "baby girl"!! And I didn't even know she was pregnant!
Let's back up a bit--to February 28, 2011. Ch. Mallyree Range O're the Land, aka Ranger, worked at and pulled out a section of fencing separating Rosa (in heat) from her buddies, Ranger and Topper. I heard some commotion, and suspecting mischief, I immediately raced downstairs out into the kennel area and found Ranger and Rosa grinning like idiots, wagging tails and standing side by side. I pulled Ranger out of there, re-placed the fencing and felt very sure I had gotten there "Just In Time!!" The very next day, Ranger tried to get into Rosa again, but this time he caught the corner of his right eye on the fence and ripped open a 6+ inch laceration from that eye to the beginning of his topknot! He was in surgery for 40 mins so the Vet could sew the area back together-- 8 stitches "inside" - dissoluble and 12 stitches outside, that would have to be removed in 10 days! Just another story for Ranger's life experiences book!




Kate is very relaxed now!



Fast forward to April 23rd, a week ago this past Saturday. It suddenly dawned on this "experienced" emergency nurse, that my Rosa was ravenous!!! She was eating anything she could get to and trying to finish the boys dinners. Then I noticed that her back tits were enlarging ---HARK! AN EPIPHANY! Could it be? Could she be pregnant--NO NO--probably just false labor, after all nothing happened right?! Well after chatting with the vet on that Monday, I decided to have an xray done Tues, April 26th. Sure enough, plain as day, you could clearly see 1 puppy. Denial stuck around for a second or two, then reality struck and areas were cleaned thoroughly, whelping box brought down and cleaned, then the back quest bedroom rearranged. Meanwhile, Rosa was given the usual pregnancy vitamins, and extra meals. I consulted with my "OB/GYN" vet who is 1+ hours away in Claremont, NH and he looked at the film. His concern was that with her first "litter" and the fact that it was a singleton litter, not to mention that the puppy's head was big and it probably weighted around a pound, she might not be able to deliver it easily. Sooooo, Friday (after watching Kate and William get married-didn't stay for the service) I brought her to the vet for an exam. He confirmed that he felt it would be a hard delivery for her and with only one pup, she might not be inclined to push and we might lose the pup. So he did a C-section and we now have a beautiful baby girl! She weighed in at 14.5 oz. Her call name is Kate. Ashley, my granddaughter, has been a great help, making the trek to Claremont with me, making sure the pup was warm during the ride and that Rosa wasn't unduly stressed.




Ashley with puppy Kate.


Kate and Rosa had a rocky start, learning about motherhood and nursing, producing milk and the need for sleep and quiet, but as of today, Monday, they are doing beautifully!
Just to put the finishing touch on this long story, "Rev. Ellie", the wonderful Episcopalian priest who led our Celebration of Life for my mom, had called mid February to let me know that her Irish Water Spaniel Branden had passed over the Rainbow Bridge. She and her partner Betsy have said for a while now that they wanted to get another IWS as their boy Bailey had died and they only had Branden and Zeke the poodle, they needed another dog. She asked if there were any litters planned. I responded that I was hoping to breed Rosa in late August. She was thrilled and put in her bid for one pup! I emailed her immediately after the xray to let her know that Rosa would be having a (one) pup and would she and Betsy be interested? Their immediate response was YES, YES!!!
So here are the pictures of Kate. Our plans have changed re: Rosa's next litter. Life is truly very good, snow is melting (can still see some on the mountains and along ski slopes), plants are blooming and my good friend, Sylvia and her friend, Beryl, will be coming from England for a 2 week visit!
I'll post more pictures of Kate as she grows. As of Saturday she weighed 15 oz, so we are on the right path!
Pam

Spring Has Sprung!

Topper is our real swimmer!





Rosa just likes the "wet look"!



Well, we are starting to see signs of spring. Birds, snowdrop flowers, melting snow drifts,ticks and wet dogs!
It's been a long year, but I can feel the energy flowing back into my life. Bless the dogs' hearts, they have been very patient with me. They have tried to remember what we learned in class, just in case I decided to continue doing rally and agility. They get up every morning with a smile on their collective faces, and they love me dearly even when I don't feel lovable. For that alone, I truly feel blessed! My husband, Mike, along with Alice, Jane and Emily (two legged friends)have also smiled, called and encouraged me, I am doubly blessed. And then add in the 6 kids and 15 grandchildren and I realize that I am one of the very lucky people on this earth!
Alice, Harley's mom, and I are flying out to California to the Irish Water Spaniel Specialty in mid May. We have a new "Mallyree Kennel" look for the catalog this year, and I felt that it was important that Mallyree Kennels (at least the people) be present.
Topper and Rosa have been competing right along, and Rosa has a Best of Opposite, and Best of Breed under her belt. She and I are looking at the "men" out there for a breeding in late August....we'll keep you posted.
Just had to post some wet dog pictures. Hopefully I'll be adding to the blog on a regular basis from now on.
Pam

Happy Birthday!!

What a Wonderful Family!





Aaaahhhh aren't they beautiful!






Look at those little feet!






Watch out world- this is the start of something big!








Happy Birthday to all "our" pups! Here's hoping that there is an extra bone today, maybe an extra walk and everyone you meet gives you a kiss!
And like any proud grandparent--we are going to show everyone your Baby Pictures. We are thinking of you today and so proud of all of you!
With Love
Grandma Pam

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Odin loves the water!







Hey, this is really great fun!







This is my cool look!







Odin and his friend Grady try to get into the agility tunnel.






The Mallyree crew would like to send you this traditional Irish blessing:

May St. Patrick guard you wherever you go,
and guide you in whatever you do--
and may his loving protection be a blessing to you always.

I have been blessed this past year. I have begun new friendships and strengthened old ones. I have had quality time with my family. I experienced Kayla's pups being born, watched and helped them develop into wonderful, healthy youngsters and moved them on to loving homes. I will toast you all with a large glass of Bailey's (on the rocks) tomorrow, and hope you will all enjoy the day!

The reports from Satchmo's family are that he continues to do well. We'll give you more news and more details in another blog entry, but for now--Thanks for your good wishes and concerns. Gillis's family reports he is healthy, active and happy. Sophie's family reports similar good times (Sophie had her first real "trim"- I'll post her pictures soon). Bloopis in CA is a happy, healthy boy, keeping his family out and about for walks and fun times. Harley is a star in the classes he attends. Alice and I are in a handling class together, our goal being to show our young men, and Harley is very flashy! Topper on the other hand is a handful, head strong, but loves me dearly and is shaping up nicely (you should see my muscles-lol). Ava, and Marlie are beautiful young ladies and full of fun and energy. Odin's story is told below, and as I mentioned before, everyone of these "kids" are well loved!

I wanted to post the following letter from Sylvia Miller, from Sydney Canada, who has Topper's brother, Odin. The pictures posted are of him and I'm sure you can tell, he is enjoying life to the fullest.

"Thought you might like to see some new pictures of Odin. He is beautiful, everyone loves him, his temperament is good, he is very friendly and still getting along with my old dog Grady. He is still going to obedience class and still visiting Roy in the nursing Home.
The picture of the 2 butts are of Grady and Odin trying to both get in the tunnel.
I hope things have settled a bit for you and that you are looking after yourself!

Love Sylvia & Odin 'Dogg'

PS that little monkey-when he doesn't come to me when he is called, I just call 'Dog Dog' and he comes flying, he will never loose that name, I still love it!"

(editor's note--Sylvia couldn't decide on a name for Odin at first. I had gotten him a collar that had DOG, DOG written around it--so she called him DogDog for a while)

I'll close with the more traditional blessing:

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Pam

You Can't Keep A Good Dog Down

What the "In Crowd" is wearing this year!






They tell me this color brings out the sparkle in my eyes!




I promised to keep you up to date on Satchmo's progress. Here is the latest from Marcia and Al.

Satchmo's dressing was changed today -again. It's been 2 days since the last time and it's leaking less every time. So, the punctures are clean & healing. The Dr. said a pup can heal in 4-6 weeks, - Satchmo will be x-rayed for the breaks in about 5 weeks.
His attacker is to be inspected tomorrow. I have high hopes and assume he is healthy. He has been put on the dangerous dog list. The owner & dog are being watched for further infractions, by the dog officer. It seems that they have to be found disobeying the rules set up for them. - the dog needs to be leashed & muzzled.- If he is not, the dog officer says she will remove him.
There is also a yearly penalty upon registering him. When we get more information we'll let you know.
Marcia and Al also sent the pictures I've posted.
We all want to thank everyone for their concern, thoughts, helpful suggestions and warm fuzzy hugs! This hit our "family" hard, but true to form Mallyree All That Jazz is showing the heart and hardiness he has inherited!
Pam

Satchmo's Story

Satchmo (left) with his brother Topper






A young Satchmo just relaxing!



Some of you have heard this story, others have not so bare with me and I'll try to give you an account of an attack on "our" Satchmo.

About 10 days ago, Satchmo was out on a walk with Al (his dad). They weren't too far from home. They were approached by a loose bull terrier, who, without any warning, no growl, no posture, launched himself at Satchmo and proceeded to try to rip him apart. That dog attacked Satchmo and hung on. Al kicked and pulled and punched that dog, but as all of us know, they are in for the kill once they bite down. (One trainer I talked to said that one of the only ways to get them off was to break their jaw!)Al was alone, but a man was walking on the street a short distance away and came to help. They wrapped the lead around the bull terrier's neck and choked him and beat him. Finally he let go and Al was able to get Satchmo away from there and to some help. Al did report that Satchmo was able to defend himself fairly well at first, but the bull terrier continued to try to find an opening so he could bring Satchmo down, and he finally took hold of Satchmo's leg. They ended up at Angel Memorial Hospital. Those of us in the NE know that it is a top vet hospital! (one of Satchmo's brothers is owned by a vet who trained there) They found a fractured leg, with puncture wounds in the bone, torn/shredded flesh and tendons etc. They operated on Satchmo and repaired what they could, while leaving some wounds open for drainage. Al and Marcia have been taking Satchmo for daily dressing changes and by all reports, Satchmo is doing very well. They took great care of Satchmo and Al and Marcia are the best "doggy nurses" around!!!
I know we all just shudder at this, but I will say that with all that has happened to Satchmo, Al reports that he is his usual happy, energetic self and has the staff at Angel Memorial Hospital charmed!
I'll post some follow-ups as Satchmo heals. I know that all are pulling for his full recovery! You can email Satchmo c/o his dad, Al, at bigal200@gmail.com
Pam

That Rainbow Bridge

Marion Hopkins and CH Mr Muldoon






Marion and two of her beloved IWS






Marion Hopkins age 88



Sad news this time. Marion Hopkins, the Alpha of the Mallyree Kennels family, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She died Wednesday, January 27Th. She was able to maintain her home, living independently until Tuesday, January 26Th, with her wonderful Irish Water Spaniel, Emma, and her princess Maine Coon Cat, Miss P. Mallyree Kennels will go on, but it will never be the same.
Plans for a celebration of her life are in the works for late spring or early summer - a true dog and family friendly party in her honor. We will keep you in the loop as far as plans go. Marion will be buried next to her husband and her mother in St. Ann's Episcopal Church's cemetery in Sayville, New York.

Harley the Ham

Harley and His Ribbons




I just had to post this picture. Harley is so pleased with himself! So are we. He did a bang up job at the show, tail wagging, paying attention and sending a happy face out to all he could see. The first ribbon (left to right) is for graduation from Puppy Training, the 2 blue ribbons are for the Fist Place he got Saturday and Sunday, the purple and white are for Reserve Winner on those days and the last is for achieving his "Canine Good Citizen". I can tell you that that in itself is quite an achievement for a 6 month old Irish Water Spaniel!
Harley is in a Rally Obedience Class now and doing very well. He and Alice make a great "couple". His brother, Topper, on the other hand has decided to play the devil child. He is into everything! He recently "opened" a backpack that I carry with dog essentials in it for trips, chewed up two leads, pried open a jar of kibble and pulled everything out including my camera (I had wondered where I left it) and got the batteries out! Of course I panicked until I could find both batteries, which I finally did, but I will tell you I was ready for a trip to the emergency vet hospital for "battery extraction". Of course Topper spent the whole time happily racing around the cellar area helping me look. And as usual I was too relieved to do anything but hug him. He does have a sweet, happy nature, I just wish he had a little less Imp in him.
Will post pictures as I get them.
Talk to you soon.
Pam

Show Stoppers!

Satchmo is such a good boy!





Satchmo looks really good!





Harley is up on the table for a trim!






Topper waits his turn.



Well, we did it!! We made it through the weekend dog shows without a major hitch. Everyone got their first ribbon. Ava, the beautiful female owned by Emily Pikul and Greg Siner,(she was living in New Jersey -now lives in Mass) was only entered in Friday's Dog Show. She won her first blue ribbon on Friday. Emily was helping handle Satchmo on Saturday and Sunday, so she decided not to enter Ava in those shows. Satchmo (Mallyree All That Jazz) won his first blue ribbon for Puppy Dog 6-9 months Class, Harley (Mallyree Here Comes The Son) won his first blue ribbon for Novice Owner Handler Class, and Topper (Mallyree Top O The Mornin') won his first blue ribbon for Bred by Exhibitor Class. (Just need to mention that they were the only ones in their respective classes, we planned it that way so that they would each have at least two times in the ring to be seen and get the experience of being handled and shown. The Judges got a better look at each this way)
Satchmo was the big winner both days! He beat his brothers winning the Blue Ribbon for Winners Dog (meaning that he beat the other male non-champion dogs.)
I brought my camera, with great intentions of getting wonderful shots of us all--not happening! I was too busy and totally forgot, but thanks to Al and Marcia Newstadt, Satchmo's parents, we are able to post the pictures above!
The weekend was exciting and exhausting and strangely enough we are all looking forward to doing this again...Harley and Topper are now working harder in hopes of "beating" their brother Satchmo and having Ava join them in the next show!
I'll keep you posted!
Pam

Breed Shows This Weekend

Sophie and her friend Mollie love this weather!










It's just Snow!







Everyone please send Positive Vibes our way this weekend, as Alice and Harley, Satchmo and Al (Emily will be handling) and Topper with me on the other end of the leash, head into the breed ring in Fitchburg MA! Alice, Harley, Topper and I have been to classes, just not sure if we have all learned the same thing!(lol).Hope to put up some pictures next week.
Meanwhile here are some wonderful pictures of Sophie, in Maine. She is a beauty and her Mom and Dad (Paul and Rebecca Tracy) have decided to name her “Mallyree Breacadh Ar Katadin” which is Gaelic for Morning on Katahdin. I have posted her pictures in the snow. She loves to play with her friend Mollie….it took 20 minutes in the shower to get the snow out of her fur.
Well I'll close for now. I'll be sure to give you a vivid description of our show experiences.
Talk to you next week.
Pam

Catching Up

Oh What Fun







Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!<




Not your average IWS!






Do I have to come in?



This is the note I received from Yvonne with news about Gillis in the beginning of December when the snow finally came.

Well, Gillis experienced his first snow storm last night and today. He was so funny last night--trying to eat the snow flakes and jumping in the air to catch them. This morning he went wild tunneling through the snow, sticking his face into it, too, and racing around and through the drifts. We only had about 6-8 inches but he had a blast. He also got snow caked in his fur so that he looked like a horse with white fetlocks. Of course he had to shake it off and then run around the house until he lost most of the snowballs that had clumped on his legs so I now have a VERY clean kitchen and the rugs got a shampoo. The hard part was when this wet body of about 45 lbs. jumped on my lap. Brr.

Hope all is well in New Hampshire!

Best Wishes,

Yvonne

Happy New Year!!

Ranger eyes "his musical snowmen"






Rosa comes and Topper goes!







Ranger goes and Topper comes--ugh!!!






I can't believe that it's been almost a month since I last updated the blog! I've been burning the candle(s) at both ends--as soon as I run out of one candle, I light another.
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! We certainly enjoyed ours. With family all around, our days were full. We received many cards from our "doggy" friends with their dogs happily sitting in front of a tree or on the steps, or in front of the fireplace...HOW DO THEY DO IT???? I tried and tried, but each time I'd get two to sit and look, the third would walk away! Then the other two would take a break...so I've posted my two attempts and will leave it like that. I also put out all my musical stuffed animals, much to the delight of my grandchildren and the enjoyment of the dogs. Ranger especially loved one of them, and would carry it to his crate. Strangely enough, they all survived!
Topper and I have been going to handling classes (for the breed show ring). It's a lot of work, but I really enjoy it. Our instructor spends a lot of time with each of us and is helping to correct many "bad habits" and prevent new ones at the same time. Topper seems to enjoy himself and I must say that "running around a ring" a few times does give me exercise, I'm usually "dripping" by the end of class. Topper and I just started our repeat class of Puppy 101.(I'm just not willing to go to the next level, as I want Topper to have a firm foundation when we go on and our other classes were interrupted by my mother's failing health) I'm sure I've said it before, but Pride does go before a Fall! Our instructor asked who thought their dog would answer to their name...of course I raised my hand as Topper really does know his name...well she walked around with a treat in her hand and stopped at each dog. When the dog realized she had a treat, she had us call their name. The object of the exercise was to have the dog react to their name. Topper never even blinked--not one hair! His nose stayed glued to her hand and he tried his best to follow her!!! Since then he has gotten the message that I have treats too, and will give him some if he pays attention. He really is smart and that's why I am repeating this class!
I will close for now, but will post some of the pictures I have gotten over the last few months. We have heard from some of the owners, and they have sent in their registrations to AKC, I just don't have all the formal names yet..I'll post them as soon as I get the list finished.
We are enjoying a pretty snow fall, which is going to last at least another day, so I'm off to heat up some apple cider and listen to some music.
Best to all and again Happy New Year!
Pam