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