Toreth

Pictures please!!!!

2012-02-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

I've been hearing you. I know I haven't posted on this blog for way too long! Sorry. I will try and do better.
Above are the blue boys from Celie and Lincoln's litter. It's a game theme for their names. Scrabble is on the one yawning and Bingo is smelling puppy breath. And I just realized I never made this litter's announcement here. Will correct that ASAP!!

We have had sun for several days now and today I took some pictures of the Winter Solstice babies (TM and Rogue are the parents) out in it. Winter babies don't get outside much so this has been very welcome for all of us. The house is getting a good airing out. eh-hem...

breakfast was Turkey and Pumpkin al Fresco

followed by a nap in the cabana...

I hope to post more soon! Thanks for your patience!

Nativity At Toreth

2011-12-25T16:48:00.000-08:00

Peace to all.

For the curious: What went wrong...

2011-12-24T14:16:00.000-08:00

If you look closely you can find the puppy we lost. He or she was virtually folded in half and blocking the cervix.
This puppy wouldn't have survived anyway as it suffered some deformities. Perhaps it had already died in utero and that is why it got stuck. No way to know for sure.
Had this been a bitch in the wild or left to do her business under the porch she and all her babies would have died. I am grateful we live in a time where we have the technology and knowledgeable people who can save lives.
While I was in the moment it was difficult to know whether to wait or intervene. Looking back on it I think we acted appropriately and in a timely manner.

Rogue and babies are doing great. Only one baby lost a little weight, Yule. It's normal for them to do that the first couple of days and my reassurance comes from the fact that he is strong and vocal and keeps his belly full on his own. And this morning he regained a little of what he had lost.

The Longest Night...and Morning.

2011-12-22T16:10:00.000-08:00

So if you haven't heard the news already Rogue had her babies last night and this morning. So technically they are Solstice babies and not Christmas but we'll see what I can come up with for names over the next couple of days.
Rogue freewhelped two. A black boy and a brindle boy. Then one puppy got stuck and sadly didn't make it. The rest tumbled out via c-section at around 10 am.

And here they are...

Jolly

Black Boy 1, 11 oz., born naturally.

Elf

Black Boy 2, 8.5 oz., C-section. Maybe what is referred to as a Black Brindle... hmmm.

Yule

Brindle Boy 1, 11.5 oz., born naturally. He seems to be asking, "Ever have one of those days where you wonder why you were born?"

Nog

Brindle Boy 2, 10.5 oz., C-section.

Nick

Brindle Boy 3, 12 oz., C-section (and so are all the rest that come after).

And now for the Brindle Girls...

Ummmm, can you say Double Trouble? I can hardly tell them apart!

Angel

White-headed Girl 1, she has a spot on her belly, 10 oz.

Spirit

White-headed Girl 2, no belly spot, 9 oz.

Holly
This one's markings are similar to her black brother, 8.5 oz.

Ginger

And tipping the scale at 12.5 oz. is this beautiful girl.

Rogue is a fantastic mother and all the babies are doing great!
Big thanks are due to many people. First to my husband and my three girls. Thomas and Chloe the oldest in particular helped keep watch over Rogue while I had to work. Because they do so much to keep my little hobby going in a healthy way they helped with names.
Also much thanks to Orchards Veterinary Clinic. The staff are so great and I am so grateful they weren't too busy for Rogue and her babies. They all stopped whatever else that could wait to get the many babies started on their first breaths and latchings.

Three more days...

2011-12-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

I'm pleading the fifth.

Here the angle of the camera exaggerates her balloonage slightly. But I do think it more accurately represents how she probably feels.

Rogue's Advent Calendar

2011-11-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

4 weeks to grow... I mean go.

Belly getting rounder, belly hair thinner, and milk faucets getting bigger... yep! TM x Rogue babies in there!!!
Since we did progesterone testing we are pretty certain the due date is Christmas Eve/Christmas Day... give or take a day or two. But I've got a pile of potential names based on Christmas movies and songs. And I've put up a countdown widget for the litter's expected arrival.
If you would like to be considered for one of these puppies please contact me. Babies will be black or brindle.
***Correction (11/28/11): babies may be black with tan or brindle points, brindle, red/sable. See chart here. Both Rogue and TM are brindle and carry tri.
##### Further understanding (11/29/11): TM is homozygous for brindle. (Rogue probably is too.) He carries red and tri. (As does Rogue as all brindles carry red and Rogue's sire was tri which means he had to give her a tri gene.) Brindle is dominant and only one gene is needed for it to be expressed. So if the babies have a red base they will be brindles, some will carry tri. If they express the tri (they have to receive a tri chromosome from both TM and Rogue so only 25% chance) they will be black with brindle points. If you're confused by all of this I understand. It's taken me 2 days of reading whenever I had a little spare time to make sure I have it right. I might at some point draw up a Pundett square but the bottom line is there will be mostly brindle babies and a few black/brindle-pointed babies in The Christmas Litter.

New Kids On The Block

2011-11-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

Well, they've been here for a while now. Just busy with them and life.

First there's Bessie (Samhain's Flyin' High).

Here she is at I believe 19 weeks. She was my oldest daughter Chloë's 16th birthday present. Out of Kim and Mark's Dash x Ana, she's a really lovely bitch in many ways and has been such a wonderful addition to the family.

Then a few weeks later I got a boy from Paul Chen.

This remarkable guy is named Sirius (no registered name as yet). His dam is Paul's fabulous Jolene and the sire is Rocky. This boy wows me every time we're out for a walk. Impeccable movement. Gorgeous front. The sweetest temperament to boot. I can hardly wait to get to take him out in the ring.

Hopes and Dreams

2011-10-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

First time I'm flying solo in a breeding. Well, sort of solo. I have listened to lots of advice from some great mentors and friends. Not everyone agrees which dog would make a good husband for Rogue. But the vast majority advocated for this 10-year-old old boy:

I had the opportunity to go over GCH Shadowalk Trademark (TM for short) a couple of weeks ago at the Richland dog show weekend. Him and some of his kids. TM has a marvelous shoulder well laidback and the longest upper arm I've ever felt on a dog, nearly as long as his shoulder blade.
The standard asks for: "Shoulders -slope downward and outward from the withers sufficiently to accommodate desired rib-spring. Shoulder blade (scapula) long and well laid back, meeting upper arm (humerus) at close to a right angle. Humerus nearly as long as scapula. Elbows -should fit close, being neither loose nor tied. The forearms- (ulna and radius) should be curved to fit spring of ribs." The shoulder and upper arm thing is really hard to find in our breed.
TM was also entered in the show and moved great for an old man.
No dog is perfect and you don't always get what you intend for in a breeding. But I'm hopeful.

TM is DM normal, OFA good on hips and elbows, PRA clear. Wonderful temperament. When I picked him up to put him on the table he snuggled his head into my shoulder. I had never laid a hand on him before so I fell in love with his sweetness.

Rogue too is DM normal, OFA good on her hips, PRA clear. I love her happy clown spirit.
She's in the beginning of her heat cycle now. I'm progesterone testing waiting for that magic moment to call Susan, TM's mom, and have her ship the other half of the puppies.

Fingers crossed for happy, healthy pregnancy, whelp and several silly puppies to snuggle for a couple of months afterward. Click on the link below to view their pedigree.
TM x Rogue babies

Puppy Boys available

2011-10-15T15:38:00.001-07:00

I've heard there are 2 lovely black boys available to companion homes.
See their pictures and who to contact here.
http://www.coedwig.com/litters.html

Moxie for sure!

2011-09-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

I love my puppy families. I'm glad they are loved and happy to hear from them. I know life is what it is so I understand when there are problems or people fall out of touch.
Sometimes there are people who make the puppy I was able to bring into their world the luckiest in the world. If I ever come back as a dog I want to live with people like Ruth and Sean.
Moxie used to be Raven. She's a Panda and Carbon kid. Much like her mother she has oodles of energy and is super smart. Here's what they're doing to embrace everything Moxie is.

The Dancing Moxie

The Herding Moxie

Thank you so very much for loving this special baby!!! You've made my day!!

... in a word Temperament

2011-08-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

I have been talking a lot with a couple of experienced dog trainer-breeders about temperament. A couple of online definitions to get me started...

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/temperament says temperament is:
"the combination of mental, physical, and emotional traits of a person; natural predisposition."

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperament says

"characteristic or habitual inclination or mode of emotional response"

We all know what we don't want. But it is possible we aren't really sure of what we do want. People will say they want a good temperament on a puppy to take home. We're pretty sure this means a puppy who won't attack their kids. It takes a lot of conversation to try and figure out what they do want. It's even harder to figure out whether they really want what they say they want. Especially with people who are inspired to try performance. They certainly don't want a dog who just wants to eat and sleep all day. They hear of something called drive and they think they want it.

I found this great video of a puppy who has high drive. It's a Belgian Malinois baby, 9.5 weeks old.

high drive puppy

and at 13 and 15 weeks with LOTS of intense training

working puppy 13 weeks

working puppy 15 weeks

While we all want to have a dog that looks as fun to be around as the 15 week old it really needs to be appreciated that a high drive dog needs to be working virtually every moment it's awake or not eating. And it may need to be working while it eats and who knows what they're dreaming about.

I think people need to consider if they are high drive themselves. And if the rest of their life allows them to actually be interacting with their dog as much as this requires. There are varying degrees of drive and ideally we can find a dog with a drive that matches our own.

Another key ingredient to temperament is biddability. While it may be argued that the puppy in the videos is biddable I'm learning that may not be true in the strict sense of the word. The videos don't show the rest of the 24 hours of living with Endy and so I wonder how it goes when Cindy has to deal with the rest of her world.

What exactly is biddable? http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biddable says:

"easily led, taught, or controlled"

One of my mentors spoke of one of his dogs in explaining biddability. When he takes his dogs out on the road and he hears a car coming he tells all of his dogs to go to the side of the road and lie down. There's one young dog who is so sure of what his feeder-walker wants that now when he hears a car, and since he's a dog it is way sooner than when his trainer can hear it let alone give a command, he goes to the side of the road and lies down. That's biddable!

Another aspect of a herding dog is instinct. This link is an excellent article on distinguishing herding instinct from prey drive. And it also goes into drive and biddability.

We're learning more and more that these traits are heritable. While environment can modify the traits one way or the other, they have to be in the DNA. So breeders will breed for a temperament they want. But the question is: Since there really aren't enough herding and performance enthusiasts out there what traits should we focus on? In my mind the highest priority should be biddability. And something else too.

That something else that isn't brought up very often is attitude. A dog can be high drive, biddable and have wonderful instinct but still have issues. A dog may want to please its owner but more out of anxiety than out of joy in doing so. Just like people dogs can be motivated from both places and you can tell. The anxious dog can't relax, has a more difficult time with playing. Or they can have separation anxiety where they have to be with their person in order to be calm on some level.

This last item I think is in a grayer area of nature vs. nurture with nurture (environment) being critical in the early life of a puppy and becoming more cemented in the older dog's nature. A dog that grew up in an anxious home might always retain a certain level of that no matter where they live. Conversely, I do think it's possible that a puppy can grow up in a happy environment and still be a worrier. I learned in my genetics class that environment can cause certain genes to remain dormant or be expressed. Maybe this is the way it works with attitude. I do believe you can teach an old dog new tricks but it might be limited to how much change can be had. It depends on the dedication and skill of the trainer and the degree of intensity of the environment that shaped the behavior traits and what the genes say about the essential dog.

I'm by no means an expert on this stuff. But it was an interesting bit of dialog and I felt compelled to share it and open it up to others to share their thoughts.

Rogue's ad

2011-08-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

I had some fun learning the software I've had for forever...
The print version will be in the next Bulletin.

My Summer Heat Wave

2011-08-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

99.9
95.68
100!

Those aren't temps here in SW Washington. We've barely had any day over 80.

No, they're my final grades in Human Genetics, Human Biology, and Human Biology Lab respectively.

I loved it. And I hated it too. But I mostly loved it.
I just feel like I ran a marathon for 8 weeks. I'm pooped!

(heart showing valves and coronary arteries.)

I think I would like a nap now...

WHOOP! WHOOP!!!! There it is....

2011-08-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

Rogue got an OFA rating of GOOD.

:-D

Update

2011-07-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get to this for a while. Or maybe it's more accurate to say that I have been avoiding it for a while. But I promised someone I would let her know and post an update about a certain puppy and so here it goes.

Shade. I love this puppy. But yet again I had to have a hard conversation with myself on the limitations of being a small scale breeder with a lot of other things on her plate.

A couple of weeks ago someone found me via the Breeder's Directory and asked if I had any available puppies. The more I talked with this person and learned about her family the more I realized I could provide a great home for my girl. Long story short, Michelle and Guy and their 3 young children have brought Shade home.

Her new name is Hero after the Shakespearean character in Much Ado About Nothing.

I am sooooo happy with this family. Shade... er, I mean Hero... is their first dog as a young family. And they're all getting along great from the sound of things. With the exception of one of their cats (not the one in the above photo) but hopefully he'll come around.
Hero will be an easy baby for them to learn on. The whole time I was at their home talking to them about how to teach her things she sat at my feet fully attentive to me, waiting for me to direct her. Very gentle with the children (ages 2, 4 and 6) but happy to be interacting with them too. Love, love, love!!! that gentle, confident demeanor!

Other puppy news:
Wilson (fka Boo) is well and happy with his momma Donna and buddy Rudy.

I will be saving this photo to show how you can tell a Pem from a Cardi without looking at their butts.

Moxie (fka Raven) is doing equally well.

All three of these kids really took after Panda, being athletic and snuggley clowns. They are making their families smile everyday.

Also wanted to pass on some history of the breed. Moxie's mom, Ruth, has been doing a lot of research and happened to fall upon the Norwegian Lundehund. She writes:
"One source suggested that though they have a lot of connections to the Spitzes, they are most closely descended from the "Norwegian Lundehund". (When I look at the different breeds, I could see more Spitz in the Pembroke and more of a Lundehund look to the Cardigan.)

When I looked up the Lundehund, I was quite fascinated by it's similarities to the Cardigans in particular.

They were bred for hunting Puffins in the mountains and are exceptionally agile.

They have 6 toes including an opposible thumb which makes them capable of grasping in a manner similar to humans, making them excellent climbers. They can leap in the air and grab things with their paws. They are the only dog that is capable of spreading it's forelegs straight out to the sides in the same manner as humans. (I checked and Moxie can do this very comfortably also - but not quite straight out.) They are extremely flexible and can fold themselves completely backwards - something I see Moxie doing frequently when sleeping and have wondered how she can possibly be comfortable. They can shut their ears completely to keep out water, etc - Moxie also puts her ears back and down in a similar fashion (though I don't know if the corgi ears are quite as efficient at keeping out water?). I have also noticed that Moxie takes like a mountain goat to climbing."
"Most sites I found feel that there's a connection with the Cardigan to the Lundehund and probably the Dachshunds and the Basset Hound early on and then, later, more Spitz, possibly Vallhund was added to the breed later, producing the Pembroke. Early Cardigans worked as herders in mountainous regions on rough terrain, so a Lundehund connection certainly makes a lot of sense. . .

Moxie closes her ears when she rushes to greet me or when she goes through high grass, and, when she does, she looks just like this Lundehund."

Note: I have started some classes this summer. Human Biology plus Lab for that course. And Human Genetics! It's only been a week but I'm having a blast. On top of gardening, kids and dogs I might be over the top busy for blogwriting!

Postcard from Milo (fka Leila)

2011-06-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

Aren't her and her momma pretty?!

Aurigan puppies available!

2011-06-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Dayl Phillip writes:

Here are some photos of the 2 boys. Photos taken just a couple days
less than 8 weeks old.

Bastion is sweet, jet black with full white collar, good bone and
very nice structure, very nice movement too. He'd be in a show home
already except for the extra hair. He'd be good for anything - pet or
performance - or anyone breeding that doesn't mind using a fluffy.

Rainier is going to bright red brindle. Full white collar and splashy
white blaze, white stripe on show side ear. He is very promising with
good reach and push off from the rear already. Show prospect, or Jrs.
prospect. Very outgoing and happy puppy.

They are 9 weeks old and ready to go. 1st shots, wormed 3 times,
started on crate training. AKC reg. applications, simple contract
with health guarantee and pedigree and more go with each puppy.

See them at: www.aurigan.com

It Gets Better

2011-06-15T13:58:00.000-07:00

This article was written by my mentor and dear friend, Paul Chen. The link will take you to a digital version of the AKC Gazette, June issue.

"A Helping Paw"

It Gets Better website.

CH Rogue

2011-06-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

I checked the AKC website yesterday and it's official. Rogue is CH Toreth C-Myste Rollin' On The River. We should get her certificate any day now. Oh and the medallion and an invite to Eukanuba for getting all her points out of the Bred-By class!

Tomorrow she goes in for her OFA x-rays, hips and elbows... Who me nervous? Well, maybe a little. Her parents' hips are very nice but still we need to be sure.

After that she'll be making her way to the whelping box I think.

Photos by Mark Thorson

Look who's 2 years old!

2011-05-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the X-Men litter!! Bred by Toreth and C-Myste. They're all champions to the humans that love them! Thanks for being such awesome families for these deserving babes.

Photo of Rogue, Toreth's New Champion

2011-05-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

Judgment Day

2011-05-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

In case you hadn't heard, a momentous event of biblical proportions was supposed to happen today.

rap·ture
n.
1. The state of being transported by a lofty emotion; ecstasy.
2. An expression of ecstatic feeling. Often used in the plural.
3. The transporting of a person from one place to another, especially to heaven.

So I guess, in a manner of speaking, ...

well, I wouldn't say biblical proportions exactly but

Rogue is now CH Toreth C-Myste Rollin' On The River (pending AKC approval). Thank you Judge Garry K. Newton!

It certainly makes her human ecstatic. But I won't be quitting my paying job right away.

someone to watch over me

2011-03-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

"Why do you think she keeps going down there?"
"Humans have some weird obsession with laundry."
"Glad we don't have that problem!"
"When do you think she'll get around to making our dinner?"

genetics

2011-03-29T15:59:00.001-07:00

It's my birthday...

2011-03-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

... and I'll bark if I want to!

Karma

Kismet

Huck

And the amazing Zelda!

And Little Bear and Karis too!! Happy Birthday you goofballs! We definitely count ourselves as lucky to have had you grace our lives. Love you!!

Love is a Warm Cardigan

2011-02-26T09:03:00.001-08:00

Sparky the Papillon snuggles with his girls.

Firsts

2011-02-12T16:10:00.001-08:00

My daughter Lexie debuted in the ring alongside of her Papillon Sparky.
"I'm excited and scared," she told me as we climbed into the van at 5:30 this morning to head for Albany.
I didn't know if I was going to be able to watch them make their first go at it because Cardigans were almost the same time and in a different building. But I was and even got a couple of shots with my camera phone...

I am soo proud of her. Lexie is going through a shy phase and Sparky is hitting his teens with 3 Cardigan girls at home in successive phases of their heat cycle. But they both came through it alive. And Lexie was absolutely thrilled to get a red ribbon today.

The judge was awesome and supportive to Lexie. I love that!! Thank you Ms. Gloria Kerr for being so encouraging.

And Rogue and I took home a Best Bred-By, BOW and BOS under one of our favorite judges Ms. Emily Fish. Thank you, Ms. Fish. Rogue just needs one more point to finish!!!

Rogue, Karma & a little Shade

2011-02-07T17:53:00.001-08:00

Rogue (Toreth C-Myste Rollin' On The River)
Grandma Carolyn said: "You are going to special her aren't you?"
Answer? Hell, yeah! Okay I guess I'll have to finish her first but we're just two points away.

(note to self: throw out that outfit and get a haircut!)

*****

Karma (Toreth What Goes Around Comes Around)
And around she does go! Incredible reach and drive. Fluid, floating gait. "She levitates!" exclaimed an observer at the Rose City Classic. And don't you just love a long neck on a Cardigan?!

****

Shade (Coedwig Toreth Under The Bodhi Tree)

Everything you see here, another pretty mover and a temperament to die for too!
"Under the bodhi tree" is a reference to where the Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment.
Someone recently told me they thought she had a face that could melt butter. Well, she has definitely melted my heart.

More puppy pictures

2011-01-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

Cora from Bend had some pro shots taken. Isn't she lovely?

Milo (FKA Leila) the Windmill looking ridiculously overjoyed.

I think their new mommies and daddies love them mucho!!

Blue and White for Rogue

2011-01-23T16:06:00.000-08:00

Rogue (Toreth C-Myste Rollin' On The River) went Best of Winners today at the Rose City Classic.
4 points today brings Rogue up to 12. Her second major.

Thank you Ms. Joyce Vanek!

The rest of the story... for now...

2011-01-19T17:46:00.000-08:00

What a busy, busy week. I have the best in puppy people. And none of the babies have had to grow wings to go to their new homes thus far.

Leila is now named Milo and is living with Geisha and woman named Joyce in Portland.

Cora is still Cora for now and lives in Bend, OR with Pam and Tom.

I had lousy weather for pictures so am waiting for them to send me some and will post their family portraits when those are available.

Raven moved the farthest to British Columbia. They drove all the way down to get her and she is now Moxie and in training for book store guardian and firstmate in Ruth and Sean's lives. I think they look very happy.

Addendum: Ronstew asked where the bookstore is and I meant to plug that for these awesome guys. Here is there website: Breakwater Bookstore

It turns out Boo is up for adoption as a show prospect puppy.

And I'll be growing Shade on for a while. When Boo's arrangement fell through I got a chance to look again. She's nicely balanced, pretty, lots of nice features including a wonderful temperament and well, she's black which means if she's a nice adult I can breed her to any color dog. I want to have a few options if possible. And I know there are fabulous prospects for her if she doesn't work as a part of my breeding/showing plans.
I'll post pictures soon.

And that's about it! I could use a nap. ;-)

vision testing

2011-01-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

Sometime last spring I went in to get my eyes checked. I knew I needed glasses. Just for reading. But when the lenses were placed in front of my eyes and everything near and, even more so, distant, came into focus I felt like crying. I had been missing so much detail. And not just for reading. Maybe not blind exactly but I had lost my focus.

I thought about that experience the other day after taking Kismet into Portland to spend some time with a couple who wanted to open their home and share their lives with a special dog.

It was only 10 months ago when Celie surprised me by whelping the first of her “Luck” litter out in the dog run. Barking like crazy she got me out to find her firstborn black boy squeaking and wet. It was very lucky I found him, rushed him and mom inside and waited for the rest to come. That little boy I named Kismet and later Toreth’s Synchronicity.

As he grew I saw good things. Big, round bone. Perfect turnout. Wonderful expression. Huge ears. And the sweetest temperament. I also saw the challenges but knew I could work with them. I know I could finish him, get Celie some ROM points maybe. And then as he grew I had thoughts of breeding him.

No one said anything against his quality. At least not directly to me. In fact, judges told me how beautiful his front was and gave me unsolicited grooming advice regarding the coat. Friends were supportive.

Then one day recently it was like someone put some corrective lenses over my eyes. I saw my little group of dogs. I have three lovely girls who will only have a few opportunities to be bred. I realized I wouldn’t use Kismet myself and I doubt anyone else would.
I saw the resources of my time, energy and finances split between all the dog stuff and the non-dog stuff. It was time to get real.

A breeder, a responsible one, has to be hard sometimes. With a twinge of guilt and a tiny edge of jealousy I hear puppy buyers tell me that when they bring a dog home it’s for life. A breeder has to let go of that particular ideal while holding onto the bigger picture. And I remind myself that dogs don’t feel exactly the way we do about relationships.

So I let it be known to a few dog friends that I was letting Kismet go. And before long I received an email about him from this great couple who had lost a Cardigan and a Pembroke this year. They were missing the company only a dog can give and Carolyn sent them my way. (Thanks my friend!) Everyone seemed to know it was simply meant to be. Like kismet. Like synchronicity.

Here’s what I saw: I saw a happy, proud little dog go in and make himself at home. With the couch, the toys, and their hearts. I saw him work that canine magic on the nicest people I could ask for any of my dogs.
And I learned all over again that when I get a little perspective and let go a little I get to see beautiful things like that.

Little Bit, Fledgling #1

2011-01-13T14:38:00.001-08:00

Where are you taking me this time?! yawn.... I guess there's no use in hollering about it.

Oh I get to live with these guys?!! They came to see us lots of times! Neato!!

Pupdates

2011-01-09T18:30:00.001-08:00

Can you believe it? 9 weeks plus weeks have gone by. Puppies in winter and during holidays. Whew!!!

For those of you who haven't heard I'm growing the black boy on. Not for me so much but to finish him here in this country while he brushes up on his Polish. Yep, the Boo is eventually headed for Poland.

Grandma Kim fell in love with sweet, blue-eyed Fae and her new name is Sapphire or Sappho.

Momma Panda is on her way to live with Kim's dad in North Carolina. I miss that rascal imp of a dog.

The rest of the gang will be be announced as their new families pick them up.

And speaking of families two of them had homes that fell through a couple of weeks ago. What's nice is I'm not at all stressed about their fates. They can stay here until the right home or homes come along. I say home because I keep imagining someone will want the twins, Raven and Shade both (pictured above). They just look like they should stay together don't you think? And maybe they should be renamed Sugar and Spice. That should tell you what their personalities are like. Shade is the sugar and Raven is the spice. Email me if you have a serious interest in these beauties.

The old wait and see... AND PUPPIES!!

2010-12-26T10:31:00.000-08:00

Karma is off her meds and while she might be light on that rear left leg she's not at all suffering like she was yesterday.
I canceled the consult with the orthopedic surgeon. My intention is to watch and see. Karma will be restricted to light, supervised exercise.
I do believe the vet I saw yesterday was doing her best but if it was a ruptured cruciate would she really have recovered so quickly? Me thinks not.

And now for the little babies...

Fae

Cora

Little Bit (and Shade)

Raven

Shade

Leila

And little boy Boo

And finally stacked pictures...

some are blurry...

puppies are soo wiggly...

but I think I've figured this stacking thing out...

for those of you who don't know me... yes, I'm a bit of a smart @55.

A dog's job...

2010-12-25T19:35:00.000-08:00

I have come to the undeniable conclusion that dogs are meant to drive us crazy.

This afternoon I carried Karma out to go potty and she could barely stand and then it took her 4 attempts at squatting before she could go without falling down.

Then an hour ago she heard it was dinner time and I found her standing in her crate. I let her out and she was getting around and barely limping.

I've learned there are many options. Some surgeries ranging from $700-3800. It's been suggested too that I just give her meds and keep her crated and maybe it's going to resolve on its own. I will continue to monitor her and learn as I go and do what I think is best. But it'll just be my best guess in the end and hoping I do the right thing.

Sigh. It's been a crazy day.

I have discovered Basil Hayden's... smooooooth.

Not what I had planned for the day

2010-12-25T13:04:00.000-08:00

I had planned on getting some photos and updates on little puppies up today.

Turned out we spent Christmas morning at the emergency vet to learn Karma has a torn cranial cruciate ligament in her left stifle (rear knee). This is very similar to an ACL injury in humans. She probably planted that foot in the ground and then twisted (or was twisted by a playmate) in a different direction.

Consult with orthopedic surgeon on Monday....

sigh....

She hurts and will have to be less active than her 9-month-old puppy self would like for a while but is going to be fine. It'll just be a while before she's in the ring again.

Just so you know the little puppies are still happy, fat and healthy.
The one bigger puppy named Karma is less healthy and happy but currently so stoned she doesn't care what she did in a former life to deserve this.

Pictures will have to wait a little longer. Time now for some Christmas cheer. There's got to be a bottle of it around here somewhere.

Getting to know you....

2010-12-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

The little guys meet the gang that live upstairs...

Raven asks Sparky the Papillon: "Are you a fluffy? We don't have that gene. Snoot."

Shade and Leila meet Gus the Bulldog.

"Jeez, that's must be what happens when you don't have good brakes! Poor guy."

"Thanks for the new squeak toys, Mom!! When can we have the ones on the other side of the fence? "

Older Pems need home

2010-12-13T10:39:00.001-08:00

I received a forwarded email from my husband that he got from a co-worker:

"My grandma is terminally ill and must be placed in a nursing home . We are in desperate need of placing her 2 dogs in a home as soon as possible.

The pictures attached are recent pictures of the dogs, they are very sweet but do require some special care.

Sky female spayed, is the oldest ,about 11 years old, she takes Prednisone every other day for swelling in her foot. She is very sweet and has a great disposition. Eagle is a neutered male and about 10 years old. Eagle is healthy, but little skittish, especially around little kids.

Because my grandmothers health has been so poor and she is unable to move without a wheel chair, the dogs have started some bad indoor bathroom habits. They do have a doggy door, and can probably be re trained to go outside , but will require some patience and effort.

Please let me know if you know anyone that may be able to take these dogs, even if it’s a rescue shelter for Corgis, as long as they are cared for and loved, my Grandmother will be happy.

Thanks for your help,

Anna "

I've contacted a few people who regularly work with rescue already but many read this blog and may want to let it be known through me that they have room in their homes and hearts for these two older babies who still have a lot of love to give. Thanks for reading.

And the mother of the year award goes to....

2010-12-04T09:30:00.001-08:00

The babies are 4 weeks old and have needle-sharp teeth. Panda deserves steak and eggs for breakfast, don't ya think?

Happy Turkey Day

2010-11-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't know about the turkey but the puppies were kind of thrilled with the intro to solid food.
Hmmm, this is very interesting.

Raven dives in and Cora finds a new teething ring.

Cora also discovers turkey coated sister is quite delicious.

Everybody all at once: Awwwwwwww!

Boo says: "This stuff kinda sticks to my whiskers." And that's not what we mean by inhaling your food, Buddy.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

And later that day...

Did someone say something about turkey?!!!

The Art of Becoming Puppies

2010-11-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

Lesson 1: Siblings are for mouth fencing...

Leila says, "That tickles!!"

"No fair, no fair!!"
"Uncle, uncle!"
Leila exit stage left.

Raven says, "I get you, Fae!"

Fae: "Oh yeah?!!"
"Take that!!"

"Hey...

"I'm... not... done... with you yet..... Rats!"

But her tail was wagging.

2 weeks (and a couple of days)

2010-11-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

From left to right: Raven, Fae, Leila, Little Bit-Elysia, Boo-Boy, Cora, and Shade.

It's been a busy week. With the holidays and with what I know will be happening as the puppies get older and sleep less, well, just prepare yourselves for fewer posts than normally happens when there are puppies around here.

I spent some time lining them up for the above photo. Such a picture will be virtually impossible for someone with my level of patience as they become more mobile.

It's also deworming day. They really haven't had anything other than mother's milk. I think they found the caramel-flavored concoction rather tasty.

Other chores for the weekend include pedicures for momma Panda and all the babies. And a bedroom remodel! Yep, the puppies are figuring out the sibs don't appreciate being peed and pooped on and are getting up off the pile and finding a place away from them to take care of business. I also observed that mom no longer needs to be involved in their toileting, although she's a great mom and is still very industrious at her housekeeping chores. (In case you didn't know: Little newborn puppies need mom to stimulate things.) So it's time to introduce a litter box.
What you'll see in upcoming weeks is a box with shavings. It starts out right outside the whelping box and as the babies become more active and need more playroom the litter gets moved closer and closer to the door outside. I understand this mimics the den and how they learn to not poop where they eat and sleep.

All have their eyes opening now. A couple are only half open but it's amazing how they change in personality when they are able to see their picker-upper. And woofs and grrrrs are heard. They managed to get the whole pack upstairs going this morning.

Legend of Raven

2010-11-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

Read here for the Legend of White and Black Raven.

Seems fitting that the one with the name Raven is the first one to open her eyes and let the light in. I guess it also means she might be a bit of a troublemaker. Oops. Careful what you name your kids.

Boo is nearly opening his eyes too. Below is him next to Fae and Little Bit. Isn't he huge?!!

Windows to the soul...

2010-11-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

Someone's playing peek-a-boo this morning. Can you guess which baby is opening its eyes today?

Saturday's Squirmy Squeakers

2010-11-13T15:26:00.000-08:00

No news is good news they say. Just getting fatter and fatter really.

Leila says "ppppppppthththth."

Sweet Little Bit o' puppy breath.

Cora's nose spotties. Beautiful symmetrical markings.

Fae's a beauty most judges would probably overlook. She has full pigment around both eyes and no white on her ears, but...
And just you watch she'll probably move like a dream.

Boo is such a neck nibbler!

And now he says, "I prefer Mom."

How to tell the two tan-pointed girls apart...
Little speck of white on the back of Shade's neck

Raven has a white bird-shape on the back of hers.

The best Monday...

2010-11-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

...is when I can sit and watch puppies napping while sipping my coffee.

Fae says "thanks for the heating pad. It's awesome!"

Cora thinks Boo is a wonderful heating pad too.

And Raven shows off her tuxedo jacket. She's always going to be dressed in style.

Little Bit is up to 9 oz. Yay!!

In-N-Out Burger

2010-11-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

Well, a bit of turkey burger, elk trimmings, butter and yogurt go in.
And creamy goodness for Fae and Little Bit on two of the out ends.

Day 4

2010-11-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

Cora lovin' what Momma Pan has for her. All are gaining and have fat, fat, fat bellies.

Elysia is doing well, still gaining and now 8 oz. I actually call her "Little Bit" most of the time. Little, mighty, and pretty in pink.

Brother Boo is the biggest and twice Little Bit Elysia's size. He's over a pound now. I love how their little tongues stick out.

2010-11-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well, here they are. Sorry the last couple were blurry but they were very wiggly and Panda thinks "blogging, particularly the part about taking pictures of her babies for blogging, particularly when they need feeding, constant feeding, and why weigh them when you can tell they're doing fine by their vigor and fat bellies".... Ok, ok, Panda has all her babies back and she's much more content.

First one to arrive at 1:45 was this black girl who weighs 10.5 oz. I think I will call her Raven.

Then at 2:10 a blue girl. She weighs 11 oz. And her name will be Cora. Cora was the childhood name of Persephone, Queen of the Underworld.

Then at 2:25 another blue girl with a lot of white on her head. 9.5 oz. Her name is Fae. It means "fairy" and one gave her two blue kisses.

A bitty black girl came at 2:40 and struggled for a bit at first. A tiny star on the back of her neck. 7 oz. I would like to call her Shade.

This girl came next at 3pm. Weight 8 oz. Leila means "night beauty."

Then my itty-bitty blue girl at 3:50. She had a tough time at first but is holding on strong now even at just 6 oz. Downright feisty about her turn at the milkbar. Her name is Elysia which means struck by lightning. Elysia comes from the Greek Elysion (Latinized as 'Elysium'). Elysium was a part of the Greek underworld roughly equivalent to our idea of 'heaven'. Elysium is an obscure and mysterious name that evolved from a designation of a place or person struck by lightning.

And just when I thought all we'd get were girls along came a beautiful clear black boy at 4:10. (No visible points yet.) He's 12 oz. and I will name him Boo. I'm sure he's going to be full of surprises.

Good eatin!

2010-11-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

All seem to be doing great.

The little blue girl there on top of the pile was one I was kind of worried about but I think she's going to be fine!

More pictures and the name game later when I have helpers...

And then there were 7

2010-11-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

Yay!! Panda did great!
3 blue girls, 3 black girls and last but not least 1 black boy!!!

Thursday... waiting... it is the hardest part.

2010-11-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

Her temp dropped last night, Kim came over and spent the night and just went home again. There's been nesting and some panting. But nothing significant yet. Someone said a watched pot. I'm going to take a nap... yeah right!

Any Day Now...

2010-11-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

Panda's "due date" is November 4th... give or take a day or two.

I've had her girth measurement up on the sidebar for a while now. It's reassuring that puppies are growing. She's up to 30" around now!!

And starting last night I am keeping track of her temperature. As many of you know, the temperature drops below a certain point and the puppies will be born within the following 24 hours. It doesn't look like anything is going to happen today but I have been fooled before so there is always someone home.

All the supplies are piled up and ready.

Since I work nights, my daughter is sleeping near her at night to watch for any signs of labor and my co-breeder, Kim, will be over to help when things get going whether I'm home or not.

I sure hope I get to be here...

Preggers Panda

2010-10-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

So Chloë, do you think these babies make me look fat?

Zelda, Buffalo Beauty

2010-10-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

Lynn writes: "here's the beautiful girl, growing up fast. She was spayed yesterday and is doing very well today. You can see her little shaved tummy in the photo. Beautiful eyes, we think. Lots of energy still but a sweetie to all and a real headturner in downtown Buffalo."

Love those ears too!

Finding my wings

2010-10-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

So if you read my earlier post you are aware I took the first part of Medical Terminology over the summer. I'm currently taking the second part. This week the instructor was going over the study guide for an upcoming test. She said she would try to do some drawings for us to label and she added "if I can learn to draw." I told her I'd help by doing the drawings if she wanted. She accepted.
That was Tuesday.
I then spent 7 hours Wednesday and Thursday morning drawing, and drawing and more drawing. And then scanning and creating a word document she could use. I don't really have 7 hours to spare in my typical day so I didn't get much sleep. You know what? I didn't care. I so love drawing and painting. And the instructor loved the work. She jokingly said I get an automatic A! Later I had to promise to still do the work and learn something.
(See my art blog post for the complete project of works. The link is in the side bar.)

So I'm looking into Medical Illustration. It's usually freelance so the salary ranges greatly depending on a lot of factors, not the least of which are ambition and skill set. Between $40,000 and $150,000 according to one site. The upper end of that sounds kind of sweet. Plus I could work at home and travel, and have much more time with my kids and dogs.

The best part? I have been on a high for two days. Not extreme. But just happy, confident. I'd like to feel this way whenever I have a job to do.

It is a bit daunting to think of all that may lie ahead. Basically a pre-med program to be able to communicate well both with clients and translate visually for the intended audience. Baby steps. I'm going to talk to my adviser next week.

Carpe DM

2010-10-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

The seminar by Dr. Coates was close enough I couldn't pass it up. 3 hrs. drive up there. 3 hrs. back. And 3 hrs. of discussion, slides and questions. And more questions.
I took one of my budding scientists with me. (I amazingly have 3!) The 15-year-old one enjoyed the whole thing immensely and it was good to have a buddy along.
Mostly it was Pembroke people there. In terms of numbers of carriers and at risk dogs their breed is more deeply impacted by this thing called Degenerative Myelopathy, an inherited neurological disease that leads to progressive deterioration of the nervous system. It's also associated with some forms of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). It's created a lot of controversy in our breed as well.
It was very good to hear from the doctor firsthand and form my own opinion. What I think at this point is we still have a lot to learn. And we don't do that if we stick our heads in the sand. So I believe in testing and submitting tissue samples from all dogs no matter what their test status. They're primarily focusing on Pembrokes and Boxers right now due to limited funding but Cardigans are also involved in the research. All the dogs here at Toreth have been tested and I take the results into account just as I do any health issue while keeping the whole dog in mind.

For more information go to
http://www.cvm.missouri.edu/neurology/dm/index.html

The Photo

2010-10-09T08:54:00.001-07:00

What a day! She had 3 pts. prior to this so with this 5 pt. major she's more than halfway home.
I look at the photo and I still see a puppy who needs to mature. Her mother received her first major at the Richland show two years ago. She was four years old but really I needed to learn to be a better handler more than anything Kayla was lacking.

Thank you Carolyn and Mandy for Kayla and letting her have Huxley for a husband.

Thank you Rev. Dr. Patrick Ormos for this incredible experience. There were a lot of wonderful dogs present and you can only pick a few of them to be winners. I'm truly grateful you picked my girl to stand among them.

Now time to get back to work....

It wasn't just a dream...

2010-10-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Click on the linked "Heehee!!!!" Then scroll down to #32 Toreth C-Myste Rollin' On The River... Sorry I just can't resist milking it a little. :-D

First Baby Pictures

2010-10-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

And there are 7 more! No wonder she's already losing her little middle.

Due the week following Halloween so that will be the litter theme.

Huw (Welsh for Hugh, which means "spirit"), Totoro, Fawkes (as in Guy Fawkes, "Remember, remember the 5th of November..."), Voodoo, Boo, Shade, Specter, Duch (Polish), Mara (also Polish), Raven, Poe, Brom, Darcy (Gaelic for "dark"),.... and so on. Unfortunately the ultrasound doesn't tell us gender or color (LOL) so that's why the extra names. And I'm open to suggestions!

Rockin' and Rollin'!!!!!

2010-10-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

I saw that Carolyn posted a teaser on Friday. So here's the story:

Friday was the CWCCA Northwest Regional Specialty in Richland and just so happened to be titled "Rockin' on the River 2010". Well respected breeder-judge Rev. Patrick Ormos of Phi-Vestavia Kennels, gave Rogue (Toreth C-Myste Rollin' On The River) Best of Winners and thus also Best Bred-By-Exhibitor. This was a huge entry and a 5-point major.

The full story includes a measure of suspense. I almost couldn't enter her, almost didn't go at the last minute. But without a doubt I am so glad we did. I remember her momma, Kayla (CH C-Myste Kahlua'N Cream) got her first 5-point major at the Richland show 2 years ago too.

Rogue has really come into her own. And I learned how to handle her better. Basically to just let her do her thing and stop worrying! LOL. Her thing is to fly around the ring and represent beautiful breed type.

I will be posting the win photo as soon as it comes. I also hope to get ahold of Patrick Ormos's commentary on each of the winning dogs and will share exactly what he had to say about my River Girl.

Thanks to everyone who supported me along the way and over the weekend:
Carolyn and Mandy. Emily Fish. Paul Chen. Denise Waiting. Kim Shira for helping with our picture taking. And there were many others who cheered for us. But most of all thank you to my oldest daughter Chloë for taking a day off from school (she's a very serious student!) and helping with showing 4 dogs.

And below is Rogue's suitcase full of booty.

Rogue is not! all ears

2010-09-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

Who knew way back then they'd cause a bit of trouble for some folks...

To make it more problematic they had the audacity to go and get spots...

So it's happened twice that I know of that people have expressed curiousity about these ears of Rogue's. She is not a mismark and she is definitely not a black brindle with blue merle points.

From a trusted breeder-judge: Rogue "has many good qualities - pretty head, good bone, full coat, good tail set and carriage, good side movement. ... You are much more fortunate than most breeders...." And he's not the only one. Another said, "Whatever you do don't get rid of Rogue from your breeding program." I hadn't even considered it!

The Illustrated Standard says: "Blue merle appears as gray with piebald patterned black patches, or a marbled effect of black and gray. And merling (marbling) other than blue merle is a disqualification. White markings may appear almost anywhere (on the ears, on the body, or on the sides as a splash) and are perfectly acceptable, but white must not predominate (greater than 50% of the dog). White should never surround the eyes. Freckles of darker color (ticking) may appear in the Cardigan's white markings and are perfectly acceptable."

I am not upset about it because I know how wonderful she is. And I won't dye her ears to make winning easier. They're just too beautiful. I just hope the judges who enter the ring with the Cardigans realize these are the ones with tails and they come in more designer colors (in Pems Rogue's coloring would be all wrong). I also want for them to be bold enough to recognize her many virtues in spite those audacious, and absolutely marvelous, ears.

So no, we're not all ears... but we are listening. ;-)

Gig Harbor

2010-09-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

Kismet and Karma's first real dog show.

Kismet went RWD, Karma placed 2nd in her class and Rogue went RWB under Paul Chen. Thanks Paul!!

Bobbin went BOB, Flower went WB/BOW, Liam got BOS, Crescent (I think that's his call name) got WD. Congratulations!!!

Is she or isn't she?

2010-09-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

A week left until we can do an ultrasound.

You can just see a bit of where her belly was shaved.

Will they all have tongues that long?

Cardigan, PetSmartigan!

2010-09-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

Again I can't enter (silly rules about spouses who work for affiliate companies) but would love to see a Cardigan win.
PetSmart Photo Contest

What I did this summer...

2010-09-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

MON, SEP 20, 2010 CLARK COLLEGE
UNOFFICIAL STUDENT TRANSCRIPT
WASHBURN LEO-CADIE

TERM COURSE ID -------- TITLE -------- GRADE CREDITS
SUM10 BMED 110 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY I A 3.0

Qtrly: Gpa Cr 3.0 Cr Earn 3.0 P/S Cr 0.0 Grpts 12.0 GPA 4.00

Cum: Gpa Cr 3.0 Cr Earn 3.0 P/S Cr 0.0 Grpts 12.0 GPA 4.00
Clvl: Gpa Cr 3.0 Cr Earn 3.0 P/S Cr 0.0 Grpts 12.0 GPA 4.00

... Fall Term starts tomorrow. Medical Terminology II.

Huck (formerly known as Mojo) and Football Saturday

2010-09-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

Zelda (FKA Sara) update

2010-09-07T09:41:00.001-07:00

Lynn & Lee write:
"Well, Zelda/Sara is getting to be a big girl! She weighed in yesterday at about 25 pounds! A huge growth spurt in the last month, it seems. She's not chubby as you can still feel the ribs and she gets tons of exercise. She is very spunky and may be a great herder, if you consider the amount of time she spends biting my ankles! We're working on this issue as well as her desire to jump on all the furniture. She loves to chase balls, bunnies, and birds as well. Early next month, after she's six months old (can't believe that) she'll be getting spayed. Zelda is a real beauty and we look forward to 4-H obedience school in the fall. Here she is on our patio bench! The ears are as big as ever."

Wow!!!

2010-09-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

Blind agility handler.

a nice day

2010-09-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

What happens when you oversleep and don't have time to groom your dog properly but still go to support the entry and just enjoy being with your dogs and other people who love dogs?

Your dog can take Winner's Bitch and Best Opposite Sex, that's what.

A nice day at the St. Helens' show. A sweet point for Rogue. Good girl!

Then we went to a Welsh Festival in Portland showing off both breeds of Corgis along with Kim Shira and Marilyn van Vliet. I was so proud of my pack of ambassadors. Rogue and Kismet and Karma soaked up all the love in the room and gave lots of it back. Karma especially has all the traits of an awesome, awesome therapy dog.

Yes, a very nice day. Thanks to my little handler/helper/daughter Lexie too! You's a good kid, kiddo!

Celie's "Mini Me"

2010-08-23T16:47:00.001-07:00

This is Little Bear, once known around here as Bea. She's Kismet and Karma's littermate. Other than blue eyes instead of brown she looks just like her mommy, Celie.

Tripping Down Mammary Lane: A Lesson in Inspiration

2010-08-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems everything is fine and I am living a while longer. With as much assurance as anyone else. But I have recently been dealing with an annoying reminder that I am mortal. Yes, in spite of all my best intentions with regard to diet, supplements and fitness I had to face the fact that I can't be all too sure I'll have at least another 45 years. Before I go on though it's important you know that I'm fine. For now. LOL, as far as I know.

It started with a routine doctor's exam including the whole breast thing. I have fibrocystic breast condition (FCC), which basically means the tissue is difficult to do a monthly on. There's always something. So when my doc found a lump I already knew it was there and I wasn't worried, but it had been a while so we decided it would be wise to get a mammogram. That was way back in April.

Another fine feature of FCC is it makes the tissue really hard to read. The tissue is dense making it whiter and anything that would be of any concern is also white. So it's kind of like looking for a polar bear in a blizzard. So we did an ultrasound on the lump and saw it was indeed just a cyst. Yay!! But the radiologist said he thought an MRI would be a good idea for me to get a baseline.

Ok. Except the insurance company didn't agree it was necessary, i.e, "we don't want to pay for it!" My primary care doc went to bat for me. It took us two months but finally I went in for the MRI. A week later I get a phone call. "We'd like to do another look with ultrasound at one particular area in the other breast. There have been changes since the mammogram you had 5 years ago." Oh really? This was Thursday and the appointment was scheduled for Monday.

Of course there was a dog show that weekend. I was a nervous wreck. In spite of my best efforts to be cool about it I found myself snapping at my kids over stupid things. I'm sure I snapped at lots of people without meaning to. The boobs were no big deal, right? But everything else then became enormously intolerable. sigh... Letting my human weakness go. But more on that later.

So then came Monday. Never saw this particular radiologist, just the tech who after she came back from seeing him and said, "You're fine. He just wants you to get another MRI in 3 months." He apparently couldn't bother with answering the obvious why that would come with that response.
But I told myself I had made a big deal out of nothing.

That was almost 3 weeks ago. I came home on this past Thursday to a message to call the clinic where I had the original mammogram. Calcifications in the right breast. An MRI or ultrasound can't see those. You need to come in for another mammogram. blah!

So I went in yesterday. (Sidenote: It's completely amazing a breast can ever go back to its normal shape after being crushed by that machine. And whoever designs the stupid things seems not to realize most women have a head because the camera housing is right where that would be if we were even able to stand in a normal posture with a breast in the clamp. ow.) Yet another radiologist sat with me afterward and apologized for all the confusion. He says another MRI in 3 months is too soon but a mammogram and MRI in the spring would be wise. For while the calcifications appear benign breast cancer can be deceptive.

So I'm fine. For now.

Oh and the Lesson in Inspiration? I'm taking a medical terminology class. Loving it. I read this week that another word for inhalation is inspiration. Loving wordplay I have latched onto it.
I am almost 46 and am still learning to be consciously grateful for every breath and every second chance (and 3rd and 4th and, yes, I probably need several more as flawed as I seem to be). To create, to experience, to learn and to be with those I love. Oh and to let go when I need to too. As you may have guessed the opposite of inspiration is expiration. And a necessary part of the whole living thing is remembering to exhale. Letting go of what no longer serves me. Not holding on to whatever belongs in the past. This way I have room for all that inspiration heading my way in whatever time I have left.

And that includes another dog show next weekend! Enumclaw with Rogue. It's going to be good. Whatever happens...

perfect Saturday morning defined:

2010-08-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

Waking up just to find your snuggle buddy and go back to sleep.

That'll do, Pig.

2010-08-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid960594369?bclid=958498245&bctid=1716406566

Per Nancy's request...

2010-08-02T13:55:00.001-07:00

So sweet, isn't he? or.. is.. he?

Faster than the eye can see...

Gotcha!!

Note Kismet next door.

Fearless Princesses

2010-08-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

I happened to hear news from the families of the most outgoing kids in both of my litters.
The first was from Zelda's mom and dad. Zelda (formerly known as Sara) was out of Celie and Rocky.
The other was from Bonnie Storm's mom. Used to just be known as Storm and out of Kayla and Huxley. Boy does the name suit her! 11 days at sea! Yes. I am jealous! Seriously lucky dog.

Both of them I am so glad you love za babies. Thank you for giving them the best lives a dog could have!

Lynn and Lee write:
"Zelda, or the Zellion, as we call her, is doing great. She's about 15-16 pounds (hard to tell because of wiggling on the scale at the vet's) and EXTREMELY energetic. She has discovered chairs and likes to jump on them as soon as we've gotten up. Here she is on her new outdoor "daybed." Her water dish is strategically placed so she doesn't have to get up to have a drink! Loves to chase balls (and birds!) and try to eat everything in sight and I will spare you the details. She's played well with others, including a big Australian shepherd and a Jack Russell puppy. She's learned to sit, come, stay, and lie down, and we're working on rolling over! Her favorite place to hang out is my closet under the hanging clothes, a big den instinct I guess. Her ears seem to get even bigger even though rest of her is too! "

Angela writes:
"The Sailing Dog keeping watch!

Hi Leo,

Bonnie is quite the sea dog. We went on an 11 day sailing trip and she did great. She has good sea legs (she wears a life jacket when were under way), does some swimming off the boat. Fiona will be showing her in a few weeks at the San Juan County Fair, we will let you know how she does.

I really enjoy your blog, love the puppies and flowers!"

Thanks! and yes! Tell us how it goes at the fair!

Ear Envy

2010-07-31T09:22:00.001-07:00

Cardigan breeders prize large ears. This of course is not a Cardi, but rather, my daughter Lexie's new little Papillon, Sparky. Everyone human and canine in this household has fallen in love with this spunky little guy. His number one furry fan is Karma who loved him from the start.
As I said before I'm not big into toy breeds, but I'm definitely impressed with his intelligence and demeanor. He's a good fit and I think we'll have lots of fun training and showing him.

pretty babies

2010-07-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Chloë, for taking photos for your momma.

beauties of the day

2010-07-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

I planted these about 3 years ago. This year they have been so inspiring I'd like to fill the entire 2 acres with them, in as many colors as they come! If only I could!!
From the Wikipedia:
"Daylilies are perennial plants. The name Hemerocallis comes from the Greek words ἡμέρα (hēmera) "day" and καλός (kalos) "beautiful". The flowers of most species open at sunrise and wither at sunset, possibly replaced by another one on the same stem the next day."
I suppose most everyone knows that about daylilies. But the lesson I take from them is nothing stays the same, to appreciate the beauty while it is, and tomorrow there will be more to savor so I should keep my eyes open to the possibilities.
And keep planting... Who knows? Bit by bit amazing things can happen.

Lacey

2010-07-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

What a great dog show weekend!
Took two of my human kids who helped me tremendously.
Spent the weekend with my friends Mark and Kim and they threw a great dinner party. Met Mark's boy - another awesome kid eager to be helpful! Dogs, kids and grownups all got along great.
See how wonderful the dog show went for them here.
And also today Rogue went Reserve so I was thrilled all the way around. It was equally awesome today to see Nancy's young boy Nugget go Reserve Winner's Dog. Very promising black boy.

Yay!!

The Rio Report

2010-07-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

"The count went from 8 total in Great Falls entry, to 16 in Missoula. He showed off some, I let him sit on top of the crate while waiting for show time. He sat there for a little bit, then threw those big brown eyes to the other competitors. Tried to eat the straw flower off the hat of someone just sitting waiting for the Cardis to go in. By doing so, he was considered a clown and it went from there for getting more attention. Alvin also sits on top of the crate while waiting at ringside, will be interesting if I take both to a show on how well things will go for both of them sitting on top of the crates.
His head was screwed on a bit better also. He put it together and was Winner's dog for the the first day. He enjoyed the Kamping Kabins at KOA, especially when he was getting to see so many other dogs. Several campers while walking around stopped to say hello to him, naturally liked being the center of attention."
-as reported by Belinda, Rio & Alvin

Go team Rio!! Woot! Woot! Hoping some of the luck will go his sister's way this weekend in Lacey.

It's not always about the Cardis...

2010-07-11T11:51:00.001-07:00

Honestly, I'm not entirely insane...

I have Cardigans. I love all dogs, but the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the breed that fits the bill in my opinion. Husband had a childhood dream of having a Bulldog and so a few years ago we brought Gus home. Gus loves Celie who was a puppy when he moved in and they grew up together. He's tolerant, most of the time, of the others.

My daughter, Lexie, loves all creatures great and small. She plans on being a veterinarian and is always the first to help her mother with the animals or just hang with them because she enjoys their company. Loves dogs. But I noticed how she lit up like a Christmas tree whenever she saw a toy breed.

There is this family I know who have Cardigans and Papillons (and not to mention Border Collies) who you may have seen had a litter of, well, actually two litters of Paps and a litter of Cardigans recently. Well, Kathy and Emily went out of town for a Border Collie Specialty and they needed a sitter. I knew I'd have plenty of help from Lexie and her sisters. Little did I realize Gus would fall in love too...

And good for him as it seems we're keeping the fellow above. He once was known as Two-Step but Lexie likes to call him Sparky. I think his registered name will be Joyvnture Sparks Are Flyin'. For now all I can say is the name suits him.

Huck says Happy 4th!!

2010-07-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

Deb writes:
Hi Le'o-
Huck's ears have been a work in progress! The right one has been up for several weeks but the left couldn't quite get there. After much internet investigation I decided to give him more time - up to 16 weeks. The first photo below was two days ago - I have titled it "On the Wing(s) of Love". The other two are from this morning, so it looks like our boy got the job done. He is doing great and I don't know what Sophie did without him. We call it the "Huck and Sophie Show" and it goes on all day. My 75 pound German Shepherd loves being chased around the yard by a 15 pound Corgi!
Hope all is well with your brood.
Deb

Zelda (FKA Sara) update

2010-07-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

"What a pup! Quite feisty! Lots of energy to chase balls and have running fits. Adapting well to new house and yard. Not a huge chowhound but eating well with Royal Canin kibble, chicken, cottage cheese mix-ins. Loves to dig and chew everything in sight (wood, rocks, leaves, really everything at least once) but to be expected. Someone gave her a Gumby toy which she carries around everywhere. Has learned to sit and come pretty reliably. Must work on jumping and barking though. In short, she's a great girl and we love her a lot! She's now AKC registered (as Toreth's Zelda Mae Buffalo Gal)!" - Lee and Lynn.

The babies are almost 16 weeks. She's teething and needs to chew. Rawhide "bones" are awesome. Kongs w/treats too.

The barking? Some are talkers. Zelda is definitely one of them. De-barking a dog can help you cope and dogs don't mind. They still get to chat away but it's less intense to our ears.

Jumping. Enlist a trainer if you haven't already. They can help you teach her that it's not appropriate. I have been taught that if you don't want a behavior ignore it. As soon as it stops treat. When she jumps up again ignore her again, and so on. Reward the behavior you want, ignore what you don't want. Be consistant. Hope that helps.
Personally I encourage the jumping up. I don't have to bend over so much to pet them. LOL
But she's really smart and I bet you can teach her to sit up instead of jumping up.

Dog!! I love her ears! Love her name!!!!!

Little Bea(r) update

2010-07-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

Note from Bea's new mommy:

"Léo,

i need to send you pictures. what a sweetheart. she loves her little
girl - what a great squeeky toy! the little girl needs to learn not
to squeek quite so much if she doesn't want the puppy all excited.
she will. I wanted to let you know that we got the akc papers back
for toreth's luck be a lady. little bear is definitely fitting right
in on the ranch. we love her to pieces. and her eye is still blue.

thanks so much for a great dog.

mary"

And yes we'd all like some pictures. Of course I need to post some of my own. Their almost 16 weeks!!!

Rio goes to a show

2010-06-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

Story by mommy Belinda:

"As soon as we got out of the rig at the show, Rio knew where he was and starting talking - to Mastiffs he asked to play, rumbled his throat box to several other large than him dogs to say hello.

We were there very early for ring time. I pulled him out of the crate to brush off and give some water, and he was ready to go into the ring. Was able to find a place to sit next to our ring, where Rio and crate cart were hidden from judge by the table in the ring (that holds the ribbons), plus a couple of items hanging off the top of the crate. Was worried about him being thirsty, so left the crate door open with the water pail hanging off the door and I had put my chair close enough to keep him from sneaking out. He took a couple sips then reclined in his crate - didn't even get curious about other dogs walking around or being stopped close to us.

A couple of friends saw him for the first time, noticed how long he was versus the rest of the gang, and really liked his looks plus his behavior.

Did well for exam on table, yet sniffed for girls while on table (prior to the judge going over him), as soon as judge had hands on him, he got his head up and stood very still. Prior to going into the ring, was getting scents that were interesting to him. Walked a straight line, staying on the matting!

Going to Wally World, either tonight or tomorrow morning (prior to show) for some Vick's rub. Do either one have suggestions for other than Vick's?????

How did he do???????????...........RWD"

Way to go Team Rio & Belinda!!!

2010-06-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

Those ears!

It's mine and I don't have to worry about Karma anymore. So this must be Nirvana? (Lots of good karma/bad karma jokes at our house these days.)

"Zelda seems right at home already! She has been running around and playing a lot since we got home at noon, so she's kind of tired now and didn't eat a lot but I'm sure she'll rebound tomorrow. Doesn't seem to be afraid of anything and nothing makes her nervous, which we love!
Here's some pictures from this afternoon. We love the 'duck legs' in the third photo since our other dog Roxy didn't do that (but the first corgi we had did).

Thanks for all the great dog raising you've done. We'll keep in touch!"
-Lynn and Lee of WY

Lynn and Lee just couldn't bear the thought of their new baby being on a plane so they drove out from Wyoming, even with Lynn still recovering from disc surgery, just to bring her home. Even knowing I was able to find good homes for all of them it is really special to meet the babies' new mommy and daddy in person and witness them seeing her for the first time. Very sweet.

Thank you to all my puppies' new families. I hope you all are able to drop a line every so often and let me know how they're growing up. With pictures please! ;-)

road trip home

2010-06-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

"So cute and well behaved not a peep in the car all day while we drove to cour d'alene where we are now

she slept all the way in the car except for our rest stops

just ate a bowl of kibble and cottage cheese and loves the freeze dried chicken breast

not afraid of anything so it seems and barks at her reflection

we love her and you've done such a great job raising her

more later from the road"

- Lynn and Lee on their new girl Zelda, formerly known as Sara.

:*) sigh...

And Rio too!

2010-06-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

A belated Happy Birthday to Rio. Handsome, happy boy!

He writes:
"Dear Rogue

Find some photos attached of me (Rio) at my home. My mom has been planting flowers along with other kinds of plants and I have been helping her out. It has rained here alot, was no fun on our birthday, as it was raining so I did not get to go out as much as we usually do.

These photos are from playing in the backyard with my soccer ball. Mom says dad "suckered in" to purchase me a real soccer ball.

It is so nice to see how much we all of grown and how wonderful our parents are.

RI --- OOOOOOO
Oops mom is calling ! Have to go is bed time for all good Corgis.

Rio
&
Belinda"

Belinda emailed too that they are entered in a few upcoming shows. Best of luck to team Rio and Belinda!!

First Bred-By Points

2010-06-13T18:37:00.001-07:00

Rogue (Toreth C-Myste Rollin' On The River) went Winner's Bitch and Best Opposite Sex today out of the bred-by class for 2 points. We earned it I think. She's teaching me to be a better handler and she is continuing to mature nicely. I am very proud of her and it's nice to have her virtues recognized.

Thanks to everyone ringside who support me even when we beat their teams. Cardigan people in the Pacific NW are the bestest.

I didn't have time to wait and have a photo taken at the show but my buddy Mark Thorson took the above for me before I headed home in time to get to work. Thanks Mark! I love it.

The rest of the story...

2010-05-31T17:41:00.000-07:00

Mojo is now Huck as in Huckleberry and wondering how long it will take for him to grow up to be as tall as his girlfriend, Sophia.

Gerta, or GG, became Karis and is living with her persons Alta and Jason and future husband Liam.

Bea is still waiting for her new name but is out in South Dakota to supervise quarterhorses and a 3-year-old girl.

Look for both Karis and Bea in the show ring!

Sara is waiting for her new mommy to have surgery and recover a bit and then go and live with her in Wyoming. Sara favors her daddy's looks and those enormous ears popped up on their own. No taping!!!

I am keeping the boy on the right who is Kismet (Toreth's Synchronicity) and blue girl Karma (Toreth's What Goes 'Round Comes 'Round - thanks to Kim Kiefer for her registered name idea and it just fits... no extra $10 for it!). They're mine, all mine!! And their momma too!

Happy Birthday to the X-Men Litter!!

2010-05-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

Charlie remained Charlie. (He's the one in the middle.)

Bonnie-Storm

Clank once known as Remy.

Jasper/Logan

A couple of other kids are out there. Jean and Rio aka Magnus.

And here's the unsinkable Rogue.

Reports that came in are that everyone is happy and healthy and a bit silly. I think they're all a handsome bunch of superheroes but I'm a little partial maybe.

Kristine Gunter Photography

2010-05-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine takes fabulous photographs of dogs. Saturday she came out and the sun was shining...

Check out her blog for pictures of the kids of Toreth.

Need some good Mojo in your life?

2010-05-14T10:51:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: Things look really positive that Mojo has found a wonderful home. The details are getting worked out but it looks like he's going to have a person named Deb and his own GSD named Sofie in Michigan. And they love doing agility!! yay!!

We hope to hear about all his adventures! Here's his new sister.

This kid's home fell through so we're hoping someone is out there looking for a boy, kid-tested, mother-approved. He is going to have HUGE ears and I'll be getting them taped so they stand up this next week or two. He has already started on his Puppy Kindergarten and responded quickly to the clicker training. A sweet, gentle temperament that goes with that expression you see above. I can see this boy doing exceptionally well as a Therapy Dog. Or being simply a companion in your life.

Email me if you are interested. imleo9@gmail.com

Drum roll time (7 weeks+)

2010-05-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

It's getting close to decision time. I hate this. I've bonded with them. Some really hard. But emotions have to be put aside and look at them as if for the first time.
All in all a really nice bunch of babies. And I'm keeping more than one. yay!!!
(click on the photo to see a larger image)

Kismet

Mojo

G.G.

Sara

Bea

Karma (she floats!!!)

The Eye of Ra Bea on a blue dog

2010-05-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday Sermon: The Bea-Attitudes

2010-05-02T18:18:00.001-07:00

Bea says: "Let those who have ears, listen."

Kismet followed with "Amen."

In other news...

One of the reasons the blog has been so quiet of late is my oldest human kid has been busy growing up too. Chloë is a happy girl with a strong work ethic. She's been oh so helpful with chores while I have rejoined the workforce. This month she's received a heap of bounty for all her hard work. Some senior friends invited her to the prom. We bought her a sari to wear. Isn't she gorgeous?

And this last week she's been in New York with her Drama Club. Yes, she was near enough to the excitement of the bomb scare to get the full Big City experience.
She returns home tonight and will find what her poppa and I have been working hard on while she's been away.

It's not completely done but close enough for the time being. I only wish I didn't have to be at work when she comes home. I won't get to see the look on her face. :-(

And now back to our regularly scheduled program...
Tune in tomorrow when we find the canine furballs on their 7-week birthday.

Tribute to CH Coedwig's Carbon Blue ROMg

2010-04-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

April 24, 1995 - April 17, 2010
A grand dog has passed among us and lives with us in so many of our Cardigans. My current litter has a lot of this great dog in them. I am so indebted to Kim Shira for his legacy of breed type and temperament in my beginnings as a breeder.

Momma Celie's pedigree-

Poppa Rocky's-

Other blog tributes:
Taralyn
Samhain

Bemusement

2010-04-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

Almost 5 weeks old. I have had a crazy week on top of the puppies becoming much more active and learning games like "Where's the Potty" and "How Hard Can I Bite My Brother Before He Squeals Like a Pig." Also time to start introducing them to what happens on a table. It's too soon to tell which ones are destined for the show life so they all get a chance at this. As you can see they were less than thrilled.

Special thanks to my daughters, Chloë and Lexie, for helping!!

Karma* - she was the good puppy especially for the first time on the table!

Bea*

Mojo

Kismet

exit stage right

Gerta

Sara

"No one understands how draining it is to be a supermodel!!"

*blue eyes of a blue merle puppy. The color at this age is like: