Mielikki's Hunt Borzoi: Queen litter

Showing posts with label Queen litter. Show all posts

Monday, August 6, 2012

The end of an era

She never achieved any titles like many of her siblings/half siblings did, never stepped in the ring, and had no desire to chase fake things. One of four of my sweet Kyra's (Ch Shefaro Mielikki Ebn Hasanna ROM) daughters, and one of a handful of Blaze (DC Silkenswift Blaze of CHaos CD, LCMV, SGRC, SORCII ) girls, Scirocco spent her life with her illustrious sire's owner/breeder Bonnie, gave her owner two lovely babies, but otherwise was just a silly homebody. . .She slipped away about two weeks ago, peacefully, in her sleep, the last of my Kyra kids to grace this earth.

For some reason, that last is what hurts most

Monday, October 10, 2011

Circle of life and all that crap

Circle of life

it just ain't fair.

11 yrs ago, I was waiting on pins and needles to see if my darling Kyra was going to grace me with another litter. .she had had her tryst with the handsome DC Silkenswift Blaze of Chaos SC, CD, LCMIV, SGRC, SORCII and it was a waiting game. She eventually gave birth to what became my most successful litter to date. .. luck had a lot to do with that, I got them in homes that ran them for the most part. . . .lots of firsts, a lot of fun.Unfortunately, luck was not on my side for my three keepers. I lost my Races(Mielikki A Day At the Races SC) to the dog flu at 4.5, after he'd sired a lovely litter that gave me my heart dog Gossip, I lost his brother Obie(BIF FC Mielkki My Fairy King MC, FCH) to bone cancer, but their sister(Mielikki PRophet's Song GRC) stayed on with me. .

she was a homebody for a few years, always the perfect house dog (except for her infatuation with the cat box), never demanding, 23 hr and 50 min bladder if I let her, happy to do nothing more than lay at my feet, tho she did enjoy our long walks. She suddenly took to racing at 6+, finishing her GRC as a veteran against younger dogs at 7+. Giving me a lovely litter at 8+ yrs old, never sick a day in her life, some neck problems for a bit last winter, but bounced back from that and spaying at 10+, winning BOS in a huge veteran sweeps last fall and winning Best in Sweeps this year, not looking her age at all.

Summer 2011 at 10.5+

Last month, my last remaining get of Kyra, my sweet Dei, came up lame, and then a huge lump over her hip bone. Took her to the vet, an aspiration came up blood, so the initial DX was a nasty hematoma. The lump didn't go away, in fact, it got larger, and the medicine, specifically previcox, put her in the ER with a bleeding ulcer. . She made it thru that, only to have that damn lump be even bigger. .and unfortunately in a place that isn't easy to remove. . it pressed into the nerves in her hip joint. . .cancer sucks. So fast, in less than four weeks from no lump to this. ..

Trotting in the Veteran's ring BCGNY 2011

Vet doesnt' want to put her under for a biopsy, so idea what kind of cancer exactly, just a nasty, fast growing one. We're taking it one day at a time. . long as she's eating and able to get up to go potty, we'll just take it one day at a time, but it kills me. . they're just not here long enough. . .

Her two remaining siblings are doing well .. Eros doesn't look his age, Scirocco looks older than both of them, may be her inky dark face. But I don't have the bond with them that I do with Dei . .she was the one who stepped into Obie's shoes when he left, holding the spot for Gossip and keeping it warm, always next to me, always just there. . the thought of that space being empty has me in tears.

Vet called Saturday with no hope from the specialists. .the one said we could go to germantown for radiation, but with 3-4 days a week, not feasible with a day job, and too far to go to drop her off and go to work. Another said chemo might only give her amonth or two, and not worth doing that. . .not when she'd be sick and miserable from the chemo

So, we take it one day at a time. . she's happy, snoozing away next to me, or in front of the TV, enjoying her special dinners of whatever she'll eat. . and I try not to dwell on the near future. .

Monday, February 28, 2011

It's never enough

Doesn't matter how long you have them, it's never enough

There's only one call I dread more than the "lost dog" call/email from an owner, and that's the one of "I just lost"
Sunday I got up and checked my email, to receive a note from Sherita Hogan. My friendship with her had become distance over the years, but she was nice enough to let me know that she had had to make that hard decision to let Mir go, Diagnosis Kidney failure.

Mir was the over achiever of my successful Queen litter(11/24/00). When she approached me about a dog back in the fall of 2001, she wanted a performance dog, that's all. . .I offered her Mir, out of the boys I had left, he was keen, but would be too hard to finish in the NE due to missing teeth and a slightly narrow rear. The rest was history.
　
Anything Mir tried, he did well. . .he was officially known as DC Mielikki A Kind Of Magic SC LCM SGRC ORC, one of those rare dogs who could do it all, even the oval where so many dogs fail. And he excelled at it. His wins and career were things of dreams

He finished his GRC & ASFA FCH in four days
And his AKC FC in 6 events with 5 majors
2002 & 2004 Notra Nationals Breed Winner
The first winner of the NOTRA Fezzik Trophy
#19 AKC Coursing Borzoi 2002
#17 ASFA Borzoi in 2002
#2 Notra Borzoi 2002
#4 LGRA Borzoi 2002
#7 LGRA Borzoi 2003
#4 NOTRA Borzoi 2004
#4 LGRA Borzoi 2004
#2 Notra Borzoi 2005
#15 NOTRA All Breed 2005
BCOA Nationals 2005
LGRA
2nd in Meet (To his Nephew!)
High Scoring CH
High Scoring ORC!
Two time winner of the Susan Weinkein trophy Trophy in Region 4(From the veterans class!)

But most of all, he was Sherita's best bud, and a strong brick for her foundation. He's behind numerous dogs now, bred by Zoiboyz, Borchi, Golightly, Celeritas, Silkenswift, Kinobi & Attaway Borzoi, and leaves behind a legacy that'll last forever.

Sister Dei got special breakfast to celebrate his life, and Sister Scirocco & brother Eros got extra loving. . .My heart goes out to Sherita, but also a big thank you, for letting him become what he was meant to do. I know he was loved to the end of his days

Run fast little white boy, catch that damn bunny. . .

http://www.mielikkishunt.com/litters/queen/mir.htm
　

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Dei is Done

As I stated, fall is here, the weather has been GORGEOUS!!!!! So gorgeous last weekend, that when Ms Dei, who hasn't really been interesting in going since she finished her GRC, asked to go, following me around, sticking to me like white on rice, jumping on top of dog houses begging to go. She didn't need to go, but I had room in the car and so I told her she could go, she could have her retirement party. She waggled so hard when I put the leash and collar on her, dragged me to the car, and snuggled in with her buddies

When we pulled up, she got out, quivering with joy, eyes constantly turned towards the track, tracking the bunny, but being oh such a lady like she is. She was just so happy to be there

Dei waiting patiently for her turn at the bunny, watching it go

When it was her turn, she stood so politely to be dressed, still watching the track, eyes lit with glee, looking towards me occasionally, but watching that track was her job that day. I handed her off to a friend, who she gladly greeted like they were a long lost buddy, and she walked down the track.

Dei heading to the box, look at that look on her face

Running first with Grins, then with Tipperary, she ran soo hard on that bunny, coming across the line with such happiness upon her little gray face, she isn't a grinner, but I swore she was smiling with happiness. The wonderful weather lead to a wonderful day for Ms Dei, who ran hard all three races, finishing as the turtle, and boy did she get a great turtle!

When the day was over, ribbons were awarded, it was announced this was her retirement race and people asked me why. I said because she'll be 10 in a few months, and nobody believed me. . ."She doesn't look it", "I thought she was Gossip's sister" were some of the comments, at which I smiled and todl them, no, she was Gossip's Aunt.

A celebratory burger was Dei's finish to the day, which she gladly wolfed down with glee. . .

Dei didn't start running until she was 6.5, but when it did click, she ran and ran hard, enjoying it. No, she wasn't the fastest dog on the field, but she finished by beating dogs younger than her by anywhere from 2-5 yrs just before she was 8.

I wanted her career to end on a high note. Dei ran hard, her body can still take it, but I'm beginning to worry about bone cancer. . I lost her brother to it, and her half brother had an accident on the field that revealed bone cancer, and I'd rather she be at home if something were to happen, then hours away and no idea where to go. She has nothign to prove, she's done her stint. . .but I let her have one last great day, and she ate up ALL the attention she got.

I could keep running her, but she ran in racing style. .nothing saddens me than to see veterans on the field who have the desire, but their body just cant' do it anymore. She finished in racing style, meaning galloping hard, no not fast anymore, but not anything that embarassed me. . .

So, Dei is done, she is now the grand old lady of the yard, beating up her puppies, harassing her nieces & nephews, and jsut being too damn cute. . .I hope that her youngness means I'll have her for many many more years. . .those dog houses she was jumping on top of? 3+ ft tall!

It's hard to retire them, but retiring them on a great day, IMHO, is the best way to go about it, and so, happy retirement to Mielikki Prophet's Song GRC. . .keep on trucking!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Health Tests

Soo, one of my goals this year has been to try and be a little more "responsible" in getting my health tests sent in to the various registries.

it's a PITA. . why? Because when you CERF at most places, you take the paperwork home. Last time I had Cerf's done, my friend wanted to scan 'em for her records, she scanned 'em, and well, I have no clue where they went. .::SIGH:: I found half of them, but not the ones of dogs she had done at a CERF clinic here at her house, but by the time i found the half, they were expired, darnit.

Sooo, when I saw the Nationals testing, I took advantage of it. Can't beat the prices, which included sending the paperwork in for you. . two of my breeding had their eyes done(I believe testing a young dog unless you're worried is not worth the money, so didn't bother with Gibbs). Gossip (Mielikki-Windhaven's Petty Gossip RN, JC, CGC, SGRCIV) and maui(Mandolin-Mielikki Maui Waui) both CERF'd clear & got clear heart exams. Just waiting on the results to get posted on the CERF & OFA websites.

Today Eros (FC Mielikki's Somebody T'Luv SC, FCH) and Grins (FC Silkenswift Rider of the Storm SC, FCH, ORC, GRC) went to New Bolton with Grins' breeder and got two clear health tests. Bonnie's getting them scanned in now and they will be in the mail ASAP.(long as they don't disappear on her desk LOL)

Now to get Gossip's thyroid done soon as she's done blowing coat, a last thyroid done on Dei, and eyes on both her & Touchet!

Friday, February 19, 2010

River & ROM & Weather

River AKA Brooks JR, from the Mandolin-Mielikki Hawaiian litter managed to single himself out today! Now to find those illusive majors. . and then on to work on that DC, where all he needs is his singles. May have to see about borrowing him like I did his papa and work on that :) Pat really would like to get Brooks ROM. . Will have to work on sister Reba's FC & GRC this year. Hoping Mir gets his ROM this year too, by my books he's lacking just a few points which he should get when First finishes her GRC :)

ROM is a register of merit. . dogs get points via the titles their get gets. My Kyra got her ROM, and is 14 points shy of her ROMX, which I doubt she'll get cuz her youngest litter is 9. . .depends on if Eros is in shape to show and Kari thinks it's worth it, otherwise I'll turn to Dei and work on hers :) It's a nice 'award' that's basically quality of get. . .

Racing season starts back up in three weekends, sn*w is slowly melting(YEAH!). I'm hoping it melts fast enough FOR racing Season to start. Focus needs a few points, Reba needs 3 points, First think needs 6 points, and Tipperary just started. On top of that, can't wait to get the MOnsters(Gibbs, Ziva & Co owned Jenny) on the field and Ms Emma may join us. .. hope they all run clean. Tony leaves in a month. . .I'm going to miss him, he's such a sweet little red head!

I took Gibbs to Rally class last week, he was a hit. . even if he was totally confused in class LOL He has no clue where his butt is unfortuantely. Was very good meeting the dachsie and was just a good boy. . .I'm going to have fun with him, got lots of compliments :) He's a tank, and I love it!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy 9th birthday

Nine years ago yesterday, I welcomed into this world my 2nd litter. . .not knowing what to expect, but having high dreams, I definitely didn't expecting the whirlwind ride they have given me. I can't believe it's 'only' been 9 yrs, but so much has happened in those 9 yrs. . .Happy birthday to the Mielikki Queen litter!

DC Mielikki A Kind of Magic SC, LCM, ORC, SGRC-Sherita Hogan-too many accomplishments to name,
FC Mielikki Spread My Wings SC, LCM-Robin & Al Schemel-NCC BOB for 2002
BIF FC Mielikki's Somebody T'Luv SC, FCH-Bonnie Dalzell Regional BOB I believe also in 2002
Mielikki's Prophet's Song GRC
Mielikki Scirocco at Silkenswift -Bonnie Dalzell
Mielikki's Can't Stop Me Now, JC-Di & Jim Ryde
Mielikki's Dragon Attack JC-Amy Hough

And at the bridge, but still sorely missed
BIF FC Mielikki's My Fairy King MC, FCH, CGC-my first BIF, #2 Borzoi 2004 in AKC coursing, and my best bud
Mielikki's A Day at the Races SC-left me way too soon due to complications from pneumonia/dog flu. . but gave me my heart dog

That litter of 9 brought me a lot of fun and a lot of good friends, and have brought a lot of laughter into their owner's lives. . .and took me places I never thought to go to when I went and bred to their sire, Bonnie Dalzell's wonderful Blaze. I only wanted one nice running dog, and am so pleased with how far they all went. Happy 9th Birthday!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

this N that

Well, Gossip finally came into season. Took the very well educated from experience advice of a greyhound peer and decided to keep her off the racing field til next month anyway, but the surgery screwed with her cycle and threw her off. Trying to figure out how to keep her in shape while she's in season ::SIGH:: LGRA Nationals are in 6 1/2 wks, frustrating little bitch LOL

Went to dinner at a friend's house last month and had a lot of fun working her Aussie. He was bouncing off of walls so I put him thru his paces, worked with teaching him stand and drop(down from a stand) vs down(down from a sit) and other rally commands. Her other company was amazed at how much more well behaved he was after i worked him for about 10 mins. He joined us for Rally class last weekend and I have faith he'll be ready for the ring next month. She's paying me to do this, and it's a lot of fun. Will definitely be a big difference when I take Dei with us next class, as she's nto as happy and upbeat as Ms Gossip. She does it to make me happy, Gossip does it cuz it's FUN!!!

Even better, our agility/OB place was bought by another woman and we now have agility equipment back WEHEEE!!!!!!! I am so tickled about that. Soon as Gossip's out of heat, we'll be back into the agility training :)

Poor Eros, he doesn't know what hit him.

After seeing what was finishing in the ring around here, took a long hard look at Mr Eros, who isn't my cup of tea personally, but others do like him. I asked a handler friend of mine to come look at him and had a breeder/friend who put a DC on his daughter, has shown BIS/SBIS Borzoi to look hard at him, and they both agree that it wouldn't be a waste of time to show him. He's in gorgeous coat, now that his face is grayed out, his head doesn't look so clunky, nice low set and carried tail.

So, I've been confusing this poor boy by bathing him once a week(he's a pig, loves to dig holes and dirty himself LOL) and brushing him out, completely, totally and utterly. Few weekends ago, he went to his first show and picked up his first point. He was confused, but was a good boy, by BOB he was a bit overwhelmed and mentally tired, but he was a good boy.

Soo, with my handler/friend help, I've entered him in two more shows and we're talking other shows. He didn't do anything at GNY, but he was a good boy and behaved himself. Was going to run him some more this fall, but have decided to hold off while he shows. LOL At least he's a happy, go lucky easily food bribed boy LOL And he's such an easy going boy too.

This is the first time i've used a handler, I hate it, but with working two jobs, it's hard to travel on Saturdays, especially with lack of good kennel help. So, off he goes, thankfully he doesn't go long, over the weekend if I don't do ring side drop off. She owns his nephew AM :)

P.S. Of course, we mention shows, and he starts blowing coat big time LOL

Saturday, July 25, 2009

of puppies & things

Someone I highly respect came over this last week and we had a nice visit, and with her help, I was able to get new photos of the puppies, even stacked photos, WAHOO!!
http://www.mielikkishunt.com/NCISpuppies.htm

She gave me her opinions on the puppies, and I'm tickled to find they pretty much mirrored mine. Unfortunately, a few of the boys at this point in time(20 wks) have their mother's movement, which is a bit lifty, but it's one of the things I wanted to fix on her. It may change as they settle into themselves, they're starting to do all sorts of wonkyk things with their feet and pasterns as they start teething. It may not change, it is in the pedigree, one of the reasons I returned Yanna was that lifty movement, tho bred the right way, you can fix it, as many of these pups showed me

She agreed with me that Jenny should only go to a proven performance/show home. Even said that if she didn't have as many dogs, Jenny could go live with her. High compliment coming from a lady who's handled a number of specialty winning dogs.

So, it's down to Timmy being the only one i'm looking to place right now, Jenny's going to grow out here. Abbey's leaving in little over two weeks. So i'm very tickled with the quality of the pups and the homes they've found. I think John's going to have a lot of fun with Gibbs.

Bathed Eros last week, brushed 10 lbs of hair off of him, said friend went over him, watched him move, and agreed we should try and finish him. Will be entering him in a show. He's biggish, whitish, and hairy as all get out, and sounder than most of what's in the ring, so he might have a chance. So he, Gossip & Kani'll be out and about here and there being shown by Kari or I. Yes, Gossip no longer looks like a giant Greyhound :)

Our OB place is under new management, which hopefully means they'll get their agility equipment back. Really want to continue working with GOssip in that.

Next weekend is a funmatch, Eros, 3-4 puppies & me, oh joy!! LOL

Friday, November 28, 2008

heart pets

Heart dogs are not made, they are born. You can't craft them, or mold them, or create them, only the powers that we can't see can. It doesn't matter who you believe in up and above, one god or multiple gods, or the fates, or the great sun god, they craft and create and gift these wonderful creatures.

I thought I was blessed with Schatzi. This cat knew me, and owned my soul. I didn't have him anywhere near as long as I should've, only twelve and a half short years. I lost him 6 yrs ago end of next month, and still miss him terribly. Schatzi was my best buddy, was always there when I needed to talk, always there to snuggle. Where I went, Schatzi went. .and when I lost him, my heart broke. . .

And a little brindle borzoi stepped into the huge shoes he left. .Obie didn't replace Schatzi, he just helped me heal. I remember coming home from putting Schatzi down, and Obie leapt onto the bed to give him his Obie hug. Obie was my lil man, and helped me thru some absolutely horrid times. . I call this photo "i'll wait for you mom", and it made me cry earlier today, I miss him so damn much. My silly happy toy dog. .

And now the Fates have given me Gossip. . .she is my pride and joy, and definitely my baby girl. I am most definitely happiest when I'm working with her, whether it's watching her race the wind down the LGRA track, or working her with agility or obedience. She has helped me heal and get over the last few years, and keeps me going. Her exhuberance for life is only outdone by her love for her people. She doesn't quite fit the hole Obie left in my heart when i lost him, but she tries her damndest and proudly wears the mantel of his successor.

I love all my animals, and cry and mourn all their deaths as well as love all the current ones deeply but heart dogs weasle themselves deeper than love, they're part of you, part of your heart and soul, they have their claws wrapped into your heart and dig deep, so when you lose them, it's more than just grief. . if you've never owned a heart dog or cat, you just don't understand, at all, what the loss means. . I'm blessed to've been given three of them, and treasure and love them all still so much.

I just hope I have Ms Gossip for a long long time, since my record with heart animals seem to lose them to cancers way before their time.

Monday, November 10, 2008

relax

And that's what I did this weekend.

Reba has been sound, but decided to come into season this weekend, two weeks early, thought of still going coursing, but this cold from PVBC's specialty dunking is still lingering, so why bother? Kinda wish I'd gone, was a huge entry, but oh well, not enough money to go around

So spent it enjoying dogs, especially Brat. . Love this bitch, a lot. Got her entry off for her next Rally show, and wishing there was yet another before the end of the year, but nope, not that we don't have plans for.

This is Kyra's great granddaughter, reminds me of her uncle Eros, a lot, sweet girl.

It's too dark to see, but it's Gossip being a twit(I wanted her to stand on the dog house) saying hi to her cousin First, who wasn't sure what Gossip was doing up on that DAWG house, you're not supposed to be ON it LOL

Touchet looked absolutley lovely in all the gold leaves this weekend. Wish all Borzoi were as spry & bouncy as she is at almost 10.

Dei showing her Mountain Goat Genes. .we can't keep her off the dog houses LOL

Got home today and worked Dei on Rally, since she's my next project, and doesn't have quite as far as El Dork* does. She's not bad, not as happy to work as Gossip, but it's conceivable we can get her RN, we'll be trying this winter. .at least the indoor shows I won't have to battle for her attention with the squirrels LOL

*AKA Grins :)

Got on line to see Payton had picked up yet another point, first time out with his new owner, so I'm tickled for him. All the boys but Dandy(who's neutered) are pointed, Reba's pointed in the field, and Kani'll be going out with Kari this winter, to see if we can build her confidence up. She's a lovely bitch, drives me nuts to see her so submissive

Monday, September 22, 2008

Happy birthday Gossip

Gossip turned 4 yesterday, where does time go? Seems like just yesterday I was trying to decide who to keep between Gossip, Rumour & Secret. . .

She spent the day in style LOL: 2 double cheesburgers at McD's(She was only supposed to get one, but I had a sinus migraine and about threw up after I ate one bite :P), and wanted the 3rd I picked up for Grins & Stardust. . .we then went to Petsmart where the Diva got all the attention she could ask for. . .everyone came to pet Miss Gossip. . .and then she picked out a huge fuzzy porcupine, tasted some treats and picked up a box of cookies and a bag of training treats.

We then swung over to Petco, where it was a repeat of pets, and a roll of Natural Balance, a lb of pick your own cookies to share with everyone at home. We then went home, and she got bedrights when I collapsed due to the migraine, and she woke me up a few hours later, having found the squawker. .. which she promptly squawked, in my ear. . .brat LOl At which point I scooted back and she climbed into bed, to soon be joined by Prince Brat, who wouldn't leave her alone, boy he was sooo happy to have his dog in bed with him lOL

Yes, she's spoiled, I admit it. . I love this dog to no end. . .almost as much as I loved her Uncle Obie. She's not Obie, but she's stepped into the huge hole he left in my heart and has tried to fill ti as much as she can. Like him, she has a huge presense, a huge personality. . she's got a zest for life that nobody matches, and is always happy to do anything with me. . out of everything, she's the one thing that's helped me heal most. . .my bouncy baby borzoi girl.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Plans, Agility & Ike

Wings has a hot date. . .dam to be's sister produced well when bred to a related boy, so I'm looking forward to it. Dam's not of a pedigree I'm too particularly thrilled with, but otoh, ti's not absolutely horrid either. . just worried I'm going to get HUGE. . since I get a stud fee puppy. Robin'll grow them out, which works out for both of us. . .so here's hoping for a decent sized, nice healthy litter and a couple of keen boys for Robin & me.

On that note, I got the nod for the litter of my dreams for Gossip. I am so tickled. It's an outcross for Gossip, but it's a lovely dog, and even tho I'm not keen on part of his pedigree, the rest is yummy. . .I am SOOO EXCITED LOL.

After Gossip's loss of brains last week at our first Agility class, I took a different approach.

1) I stopped and picked up two double cheeseburgers from McD's2) I let Gossip run the pants off of two of her boy friends. She ran so much, I thought she might be useless for agility class. Popped her into the car, and headed off to the agility class.

Tonite was bigger because they had to combine the intermediate and beginners class due to scheduling conflicts. . .there were a total of 8 dogs. Again, we were the oddball breed: two Shep Xs, two toy dogs, one German Shorthaired pointer, one Standard poodle, one weimeraner, and us. Gossip did me proud. . .she did not act up, she behaves, she paid attention to the hand with the hamburger and not the two white fluffy dogs that were barking and zooming. . not at all like last week with the cockerspaniel. . .the GSP was with us last week and she commented on how well behaved Gossip was this week. .i was so tickled. AND she did the weave, it's at the V shape right now, but she did it without me having ot lure her thru, so I was VERY happy

She was soooooo on the hand with the hambuger, she did not see the shep X come out of the tunnel and come barreling at her. I'd been watching this dog all night, as she kept staring at Gossip, and baring her teeth. She wasn't making any noise, and having a Grinnie dog, I was wondering if that's what she was doing. This dog's owner had no control over her, no choke chain, a flimsy lead, the dog was clearly in charge. She went thru the tunnel and came racing towards Gossip, again, baring teeth, I stepped between, treated Gossip and snarled at the dog. .and then made sure the rest of the class that at least half the class was between us and that dog. The GSP owner even mentioned how intent that dog was on Gossip. If it happens again next week, I'm going to stay and talk to the teachers, as this is NOT the learning environment I want. I've BTDT with a dog who had it out for mine, and i was too stressed about that other dog to do my own dog justice.

So, yes, the fairies returned the GOOD Gossip to me LOL

Watching the Ike information just boggles my mind. . why when a hurricane almost as big as Texas is barreling down on you do you stay behind? So many people didn't heed the warnings to run, so glad Secret's owner is not one of those people. I mean, comeon. . it's not like a tornado that can appear above your head and go wham bam thankyou ma'am, they knew it was coming. Pack up those things that are very important to you(animals, kids, the computer and small things, like I couldn't leave Schatzi or Obie's ashes behind) and get the hell out of dodge. Better to leave and have nothing happen,than not to leave and lose everything including you or your families lives. You'd think EVERYONE would've learned from Katrina. I know I have. .if I'm ever in the path of a hurricane that could sink my house, I'll be OUT OF THERE.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Where's the week gone?

wowza. .just recover from 1st weekend back on the road, and here comes the 2nd. .this week has gone FAST!

Last weekend was survival Sighthound style
1-Saturday, Reba hurt her toe coming out of a box. . so she's down and out for awhile. Dei came out of the box wrong and her rear end gave out from under her. .thank heavens didn't hurt her, good news is she got up and kept going, and did NOT try to run anyone off the track like she did the last time she got hurt

2. Monday- Grins tore off a dew claw, Brightness burnt some pads, the entire greyhound contigency blew at least one pad, some of them ALL four feet, the Saluki entry was pulled down to one dog due to injuries. Gossip scared the beejeezus out of me after doing a practice run in NOTRA PERFECT, she ran for real and bulldozed her way thru the snow fence. I had my heart in my throat afraid she'd get a toe stuck in the fencing or put a fiberglass pole thru her heart/head. Good news is, she got up and kept going, and even tho she was OC, she did NOT interfere. . i'll practice her a few more times, but not sure if i'll bother, plastic is not her thing, even with bunny ears attached LOL

Chantilly had a couple of promising practices, but when I ran her for a cert run, she was a baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad girl. . .her sister had a nice NOTRA practice run, and will get out in a few weeks with me for real.

Grins passed the torch on to Wizard this time. .was it his injury? Don't know. . it didn't seem to bother him, but I noticed a difference in the 2nd run and the 3rd when I wrapped his dewclaws(ahd to do both, or he'd refuse to walk on the wrapped paw lOL). . .we'll see once he heals. .but he is 6 today. .gulp, is he that old? Where does time go? Wizard looked good, and in fact, finished his FC on Saturday with another 5 point BOB win, such a pretty, fasty, keen happy boy LOl

I bought Gossip a used jackalure(to support the club's two new ones, which were then killed by the greyhounds the first weekend on the string LOL OOPS!) Well, not just for her, going to use it in training, see if Kani will chase it with some confidence building. Gossip's REALLY happy with her toy, in fact, so happy I found her on the hood of the Neon in an attempt to get the bunny. . oops. . LOl

Umbra got thru his dental ok. After Sera's heart stopped beating when she was under to be spayed, I've been paranoid about having anything done to my guys. . now he's got white pearly teeth. .. see how long that lasts. . :P Wish that dog would chew on Bones, Touchet's are really nice for an almost 10 yr old girl. . but she may have genetically good teeth to begin with.

And Gossip was a dork at our first agility class. . .she was like OMG OMG!! Other dogs, can i PLAY!!!?!?!?! Refused the tunnel, which she usually does well for me. Showed off on the aframe(launching herself over the apex at full speed), unlike the other dogs, she has to work on contacts going up, they have to work on them going down LOL. And she's GETTING the weaves, finally. . .instructor released her to me, and she went thru them, I was so tickled. .and she zoomed over the jumps. We were both beat by the end of class.

Was sooo looking forward to Gossip going ehad to head with Serrano and Wizard today, but we've got that tropical storm heading our way, so Saturday got cancelled, darn! Spent three hours battening down the hatches here, moving dogs into the kennel, moving loose stuff onto the porch, moving the cars out from under the trees. . it's overcast and drizzly, but it's heading our way. . oh joy!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Missing my boy

Don't know if it was fooling with Scirocco today, or what, but I'm missing my boy. . .someone asked about water dogs and I remembered Obie dozing off in the swimming pool at the 04 Nationals, and wrote Dee Jones who thankfully still had the photos.

Sure the hell miss that dog. . best damn dog I've bred, and yeah, that includes Ms Gossip who's a nice damn dog in her own right. Found this definition of a heart dog, and it fits

"
If one is lucky, one is gifted with the absolute joy of a heartdog. What is a heartdog? "I've always loved all of our dogs, Borzoi or not, but there have been a few that put a pawprint that remains forever on my heart. A heart dog is that special one. Probably not the prettiest, smartest or healthiest, but rather the one that seems so to fill your heart, bring a smile to your lips, and you feel is closer to than your best friend. The one that seems to have so many special qualities that may or may not be seen by the rest of the world. They are terrible to own as you know you can't replace them and you dread each passing year. They give you more love and joy than you ever thought possible, then break your heart when they leave. However, you will gladly bear the pain, than not to have had the joy of their presence." (courtesy Diana Moos with a slight change of breed) "

Was working on my website, and put up the new pics I've got of him, and started crying. . .for those people who've never had a heartdog, they'll make fun of me, but then they've never had that bond I had with this dog. And I pity them, because they're missing out on a wonderful thing. . .I've had two heartpets, Schatzi & Obie, and miss them both terribly.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

day at a funmatch

Grins went to the funmatch today. . he actually was 50% better than I thought he'd be LOL. He only tried to course the flags on the fence posts a couple of dozen times, and on the go around, he tried to launch himself onto the huge pile of squeakie toy prizes LOl The judge was very nice and allowed me to stack him facing the squeakie toy pile (as well as the lure machine), and he stood rock solid. He won Adult Borzoi, which tickled me pink. .by the time we went in for Best in match he was tuckered and behaved himself. The judge had us go around, went over all the dogs, go around again, and came back and went over only Grins & the Scottish Deerhound before giving it to the Deerhound, so it made me feel good. He's no longer looking like a furry tribble with the 6 inch long topline hair thanks to a quick grooming lesson with Aunti Rebecca

Then was the dismal run for JC for Dei. . she started off looking GREAT. . I thought wow, maybe she'll get this leg. .got half way thru the course and realised she was away from Mommy. . problem was, the Rally ring and the Conf. ring was between us. Instead of doing like any other Borzoi would do, she ran straight to me and jumped OVER the rope of the Rally ring(Which she could've gone under if she'd wanted to), and then over the far side, then over the one side of the Conf ring and she stopped and looked at me like she thought she was in trouble. I raised my arms in the air and hollered "Dei Over!' and she hopped over that rope, to the applause of the crowd. I was laughing so hard I couldn't be disappointed that she'd failed. The Huntmaster came over and said "I'm sorry, but we haven't approved Borzoi steeplechase yet." Guess she prefers Agility & Rally.

Gossip ran thru the Rally twice, and made me happy . .and started talking dirty to the bunny, so i thought what the hey, I'll let her have a practice run. She looked great, then halfway thru she said phooey and started taking off for the tree line. I hollered Gossip COME! Her head came up and she barreled towards me, I then Hollered Gossip SIT! And she did a perfect front sit. . made me proud LOl

I'm tired, but it was a good day.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Agility

Whoot, I drove by that agility place, it's not far(15 miles) and if luck is with us, we'll be starting intro to agility next week(The lady replied to my email saying intermediate started, but her website says intro . .)

It also looks to be air conditioned, even better :) We're going to go to a practice tomorrow. We don't really need the intro, as Dei knows all the obstacles except weaves, but I'd feel better. .and if we missed out on Intro, they start a rally class later this month :) Be nice to have a class under my belt so I can help Bonnie with her fall classes here.

I am so glad I finally got over my procrastination and got things rolling :) Maybe I can add a few titles to Ms Dei before she gifts me with babies next spring(tho she could be nice and come into season early!)

Monday, July 7, 2008

life & karma & movies

Well, as those of my good friends know, we lost Touchet's puppies. Am I disappointed? Slightly, but ya know, it just wasn't mean to be. She is fine, healthy, and didn't have any problems, they just didn't make it to term. . oh well, she's spayed and will be the silly girl she has been. . .I have her lovely daughter to go on with, and her other lovely daughter is also available. .life goes on, you get knocked down, you dust yourself off and get back up. Marie & I are just glad that Touchet didn't have any problems, and that she's healthy, and alive! I've dropped the owner of the stud dog I want to use with her in 2010 a line, and have my fingers crossed.

When I needed it people came out and helped me, and I am so thankful for all those who helped me, truly helped me, not help me then stabbed me in the back. . yep, had a few of those. . anyway, what comes around goes around, but you gotta keep it going. When I mentioned to a truly sweet lady that I had no idea how to repay all those who reached out a hand to help me, and she said to return it to someone down the road who needed it. This weekend I helped my ex roommate(Those of you who've read my other blog know the one, the one with THE KID) move into her new apartment, she's been living with her sister since January. . omg, carrying stuff up steep stairs is a killer on your thighs LOl Then Bonnie & Miranda & I went out for dinner, and had a lovely night.

My summer reviews:
Hulk-Go see it, this is coming from someone who was never into the hulk growing up, it's GOOD!
Kung Fu Panda(or whatever it's called), again, go see it, made me laugh my ass off lOL
Hancock-WTF. .that's what it left me thinking
Wanted-interesting, but not what I thought it would be.
Get Smart-LOVED IT! OMG did I love it.
Indiana Jones-Again< LOVED IT!! :) Even if the ending is CHEEEEEEESEY!!!
You don't mess with the Zohan-funny, but not something I'd go see again LOl
Narnia-Better than the 1st one!!! :)

Think that's everything so far LOL I can't wait for the xfiles one to be out later this month

Weather's been strange this year. .some days cool, some days hotter than hell. . woke up last night with a 70 lb dog and 30 lbs of cat on me when the heavens opened up and rained down. . .don't blame them, i think I left a dent in my ceiling!

Otherwise, doing nothing but fooling with my salt water tank and working on Dei's agility :)

Saturday, June 21, 2008

working, wishing, playing

LOL.

Working: Damn it gets warm and humid here fast. . .tried to do some weeding on the flower garden as I have some ideas on how to spruce things up a bit, but damn you get hot and sweaty fast. . let alone the back ache.

Yesterday I did the same to my veggie garden, my tomatoes already bare fruit YEAH!!! I am so tickled, especially with the current tomatoe shortage/scare. . .i love them, but not enough to risk getting sick. My watermelon plants are going bonkers, the peppers not so much. My iris' are growing well, tho only one of them bloomed this year, I'll have to dig out around their bulbs this fall, they are so finicky it's not funny. My star lilly is looking GORGEOUS, too bad I didn't get pics of the bloom when it first happened, beautiful purply red colour. . .goign to have to pick up some more, the ones I gave Bonnie last year are huge and such pretty pinks, customers have commented on them. Planted some more iris & star lillies :) Gotta get mulch up there to keep the weeds away, this had originally been tilled 2 yrs ago for a garden, but the people who did it never took care of it. . .so it got overgrown. . .i'm trying to keep up with it, but the way some of these weeds grow, good HEAVENS!!

Also worked on my salt water tank yesterday. Had to make use of the day off and no puppies darnit LOL And no racing today because of that, damnit :P So scrubbed it of the coraline algae, and put my new coral in.

Isn't he purty? He's now all fluffed up and looks to be very very happy. It's hard getting good photos in the tank, may have to upgrade my camera lOL Yeah, when money grows on trees. Hell, there's a 75 gal tank on Craigslist I'd love to have, and Bonnie's all for getting a bigger tank LOL She's more excited than I am, makes sure all visitors comes and sees it. Need to find her her cardinal banghaii for the tank.

Wishing:
Missing the flexibility of my old job. . I'd be able to put in hours in order to take off early to go long distances, but I also had a much more reliable car than I do now. Nothing wrong with my 97 Dodge neon, it has really low mileage(35k), and gets 40+ mpg, but I would not be comfy driving it 8 hrs to Camden SC to run LGRA or to IL, even tho I'd love to pit Gossip against Sammy & Bartleby. Hell, I'd've loved an honest match against Zemny, but that didn't happen :P When I get back in school, I'll have even less time for playing, oh joy, hopefully I'll still be able to fit it in, or i'll burn out, btdt.

Hell, wishing I'd finish school instead of getting distracted with the need to work in order to do more doggy things. . .having only 6 dogs and 4 cats has definitely cut down on the vet bills, that's for sure, and knock on wood, no emergencies in 2+ yrs. Even Fidget's vet bills weren't that high, most expensive part was the food, but that's because I refused to go thru heroics for a 16+ yr old kitty. . . thankfully racing is a lot cheaper on the pocket book than coursing. . .

Playing:

Played with Dei on the agility equipment, she had the zoomies something bad and decided to do it HER way. LOL. Oh well, you can tell she's having a blast, can't you? yeah, the video isn't perfect, hard to do when you're doing it yourself and running the dog. Will have to break down the teeter & the dog walk, as when she gets the zoomies, that's what she runs and does instead of what I want her to do LOL BRAT

well, off to weed some more now that i've cooled down