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