The Real Thing

This weekend there is a Sheepdog trial. A real one. And we are entered!!!

My dog is not quite trained enough. And I don't have a ton of experience- I've only done it all together in practice two times! But we will have fun, and we will do our best. I mean how awesome is it that we are even close to being ready?!!!

The fantastic thing about this game is that you never really know what you are going to get until you are out on that field. The sheep play the main role. ;) So fingers crossed for a good, calm, sensible set of sheep for our first time.

Regardless of the outcome *the potential for running sheep, a dog who won't stop or listen at a distance, the disaster of driving, and the pen problems we have...*. It is absolutely amazing to think that we have made it this far. I mean, it doesn't seem like that long ago we were struggling to get any distance or shape on her outrun. Lie down was completely optional, and flanks were completely reliant on my body position. We still have MUCH to learn, and practice. But to think that I will be actually standing at a post at a field trial! Very, very cool.

Last year I did the CKC Arena trial- in the Started class, and this past winter the Arena trials and now the real thing. A pretty great progression I'd say! Anyway, I am very excited about the weekend. Seriously Awesome.

Carry On

If you're lost and alone
Or you're sinking like a stone
Carry on
May your past be the sound
Of your feet upon the ground
Carry on 

~ Fun 

I had some time yesterday to reflect on my problems, my thoughts, my blog post. I was angry. Angry at lots of different things. But yesterday was the last day- the last day that I allowed my problems to dictate how I feel. I am okay. And I will be okay. If there is one thing that I have learned lately it is that life goes on. Time stops for no one and there is no rewind button. If life came with a delete button wouldn't that be awesome. The road of our lives is full of twists and turns, and part of living is figuring that out. Which direction to take. I am ready to move forward, into my future. I am not sure what will be, but I am sure that it will be an adventure. 

I am not done with agility. It still is something I love. I will train Leo and see where that takes us. We may end up back in an agility ring one day. Time will tell. It is exciting to think that though. We've been training in the yard and stuff so later this summer I hope to start teaching him actual equipment. He enjoys it so far, and aside from being a little crazy is quite a perfect candidate for the sport.

Agility aside, I do a lot of other things with my dogs. It's not like they are lacking in the fun department. But I really, really miss it. So getting back to that would be pretty awesome. It's like that old pair of shoes you just can't throw away.
 
My mom is home from the hospital. With no further answers. It is frustrating. And although I am often angry at her, I had an actual conversation with her yesterday. And I realised that I missed her. For years I've missed her. But yesterday- she was clear, eyes wide open (literally). There is a glimmer of hope. I am not holding my breath that she won't sink back into the darkness- but I offered my hand to help her stay afloat regardless of that fact. 

One day I hope to look back on this blog post and know that this was the day that things started looking up. That I moved forward with my chin up, and eyes forward. That is what the point is you know. Carrying on, doing the best you can, and taking each step one at a time.   

P.S Can you believe the above photo was taken by an iphone?! Amazing really.  

I hate. That I hate.

I hate this feeling I have in my stomach.
I hate that I have quit Go Dog Go. Officially.
I hate Cancer. And all that goes with that. I especially hate the sadness.
I hate that my mother was released from the hospital. See ya they said. Good Luck they said.
I hate that the Tramadol doesn't seem to be working for Drew. On to the next step.
I hate that I am wallowing in self pity instead of enjoying this great weather with my dogs.
I hate that I pretend everything is okay, until it isn't.

I hate that I hate.

So, I will change the only thing on the list that I can.   Good thing the sky is blue, the sun is out, and my dogs are ready to go. We are off to the coulees to burn off some hate steam. Tomorrow is a new day. A new start. Hopefully without hate.

Heart

Heart 19/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

This photo is for my 52 Weeks Flickr Project. But I thought I'd post it here too..

There is so much that I love about this dog. But the thing I love the most is her heart. She is pure, and sweet, and just so full of Try.

She may not be perfect. But she is perfect for me.

Obedience and Sheep and other training things

Just an update about what we've been up to. More for myself- to look back on (my memory is awful, and I enjoy going back and reading my blog). I included photos to make it more interesting for you. ;)

I have been training Pixel at least once a week- sometimes more with Obedience stuff. We need only one more leg for her CDX. And I hope to get it this summer.... She is SO wonderful in training. Happy, prancy, and just really seems to understand the job. We have been working in new and different places and I've really amped up the distractions. This is a photo of her "audience" one day while training. Very realistic we thought. ;) She was quite scared of Santa when he was on the floor near her Drop on Recall, but once in the chair she figured he was alright.

On the herding front we are doing plenty. Scott and Jenny are off on their summer adventure so that means LOTS of sheep time for me and the Border Collies. I take full advantage and have been out twice a week- and even a few weekends.

bowling for sheep

Somehow I was convinced to run Brit in a trial next weekend. I had decided not to because we just aren't quite there. 100 yards is a long ways. lol. But I was told to suck it up and try. So we are... She is doing quite great actually- but she will never really have the eye she needs to control them. She uses her movement and enthusiasm. And if that fails she has nothing left. I am not sure how much of that can be built into a dog- but for now we are making due with what we have! The past few days I did manage to stretch her outrun to the hundred yards and she actually looked pretty good! Her stops and flanks at that distance aren't great but she is trying hard and having fun. The pen however is still haunting is. I am very doubtful that we will achieve that next weekend- but I will be thrilled if she brings me the sheep- step one! lol.

Leo is amazing. Really. He is so different than Brit. It is a completely different experience. His outruns are coming along nicely- and he finally understands that slow is often better. And he has stops now- and is calm(ish). All the farm work has made a big difference for him I think. We have a lot to learn still though- and I'm looking forward to that next step with him.

Boone chasing waves- photo by Wendy

The other dogs are busy doing dog things mostly- lots of walks, and training, and tricks and all that kind of jazz. Vito is back doing remedial recall work. lol. So that takes up a fair chunk of his training time. But Boonie has learned a few new tricks, and I'm teaching him right side heeling. Wicca is back having some fun- she isn't sore at all now and is back to herself. I still keep her some what toned down- but for the most part I let her do what she wants on walks and such.

A better day

Today was a better day. Some time to reflect and some time to just be.

I am very grateful for all of my friends. And to everyone for the supportive comments. So thanks.

photo by Wendy

Lots of Stressful Things

Today was a very stressful day. I am unsettled and haven't stopped moving all day. Jittery almost. I think it will help me to write it down. Wether I hit publish or not I am not sure. But regardless to get rid of the stress I need to put it somewhere else. Outside of my head. Much like in dog training- a release of pressure is needed to move forward sometimes.

My friends dog had a part of her toe removed because she had a cancerous lump on it. Thankfully that went off without a hitch and hopefully all comes back good. Lacey is so young still! Cancer sucks- but hopefully this was caught in time and she will be good to go back to her cute little sassy self. It seems that there have been so many dogs that I have loved that have died, or are sick. I am really done with that.

I had booked an appointment for my old family dog to be euthanised. And then when I saw him I couldn't do it. It was not time. He is still happy, and only a little wobbly now and then. His quality of life is still pretty high. He likes to eat, he goes for walks and is just the same old Drew. However I did take him in to the clinic to talk about some pain management. At 11 years old he has some pretty severe arthritis going on. He just needs some help to keep his mobility. I was very relieved that he actually checked out pretty good. Now to wait and see if the tramadol helps, or if he will have to go on Metacam as well. I think he's got a good while left in him- he is the bestest dog in the whole world. So I am very glad that I went with my gut.

My Mother. Oh, my mother. She will be the death of us all I think. She struggles with some mental health problems, but on top of that has some severe health problems. Real problems that need to be addressed. But she won't help herself. I'm sure to be her doctor would be the most frustrating thing of all. She will not change or try. So my guess is that the doctor has stopped trying as well. Because I am not sure how even though my mother goes to the doctor every single week that she never ever gets better, or feels better, or is any different. She has given up living and is content to sit and watch herself die. Today she nearly did die. And you know what is the most awful thing? That just for a second I thought that maybe it would be good if she did. It has been hell. Pure Hell. Watching her die slowly. Becoming this person that none of us really know anymore. A shadow of her former self.  In any case, she is now in the hospital- and hopefully will get some things sorted out before they let her go home. My poor dad. He is sick with worry. :(

And on top of that it really hit me today. That things have changed. Like never to be the way they were. It is devastating really. Even though I've known for months. I think it is harder today because it was a tough day, so that when I thought about this other huge life changing problem it really just knocked me on my ass. Ugh, I hate being sad. And emotional. Tomorrow will be better. Such is life I suppose. One day I'll explain more about about this. But I'm not ready to talk about it yet.

Oh, and today I really, really miss my Grama.

Thankfully I have my most awesome dogs to come home to. Wicca is even snuggled with me as I type this. Which is completely out of character. But I'll take it.

Tomorrow will be better. Things have a way of looking better the next day. And although I am a pessimist by nature, I do try and roll with punches and make the best out of what I've got. And what I've got is some great dogs. Some awesome family. And a few really good friends.

Weekend in photos.

Brit and Pixel played Scenthurdle on Saturday. We had a great time!!

Saturday afternoon we headed to the farm for an overnight visit. And all day Sunday was spent hanging out, doing chores, playing with dogs, and of course a little sheepdog stuff in between. 

All of the dogs had a great time- there was much crittering, and sniffing, and rolling around. Here Wicca is supervising while I gave the Chickens new water etc. 

Feelin' Good

Wicca seems to be back to her normal self. Which makes me happy. Now to keep her that way!

Farm Dogs

 the real farm dogs are Togo (above) and Alaska (upside down). They are guardian dogs, and protect the sheep from predators. Although fierce with coyotes, and dogs they don't know- they are GREAT with people and are very affectionate and friendly. They enjoyed my visit today a lot- even more than normal because I brought them bones...

 the pretend farm dogs are mine. ;)

Leo was a very good boy today- he starts really fast and a little crazy, but settles down after a few minutes. Today we worked on pace and the start of our outruns. Jenny's voice was in my head the whole time- a good attitude to start means the rest will be good too.

Brit was very good- her outruns are looking better and better. I tried to stretch it just a bit too far today though, and she sucked back in. There is much to work on! But I was really happy with her today- she worked hard and tried, which is all I can ask!

One more of the very handsome Leo. To get these photos I had the dogs (one at a time!) hold the sheep to the fence. I shot on a wide angle and blindly- but I got some interesting photos! The light was really nice today for photos- overcast is perfect. 

the real imposters are the shorties, and Boone. lol. They are very bad farm dogs- Vito rolled in something dead and had to be hosed off. Pixel ate enough sheep shit that I'm sure she will be throwing up tonite. And Boone ran around chasing cats and such. Wicca was mad because she was confined to the small yard. But I didn't want her to aggravate that shoulder anymore.

And yes- it is the end of April and we still have snow. It's weird. Even for us. lol. Hopefully Spring is really on the way this time. I'm about done with winter....

Updates

Brit, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

The weekend Rally workshop was great. Lots of really keen people wanting to learn about rally- and really interesting breeds which was cool! An Irish Setter, Airedale, Toy Fox Terrier, and a Bulldog! (to name a few). All were really great working dogs. It was neat to see such a big difference even from day one to day two. The bulldog was super awesome. Enthusiastic and super smart.

Pixel and Brit were very good demo dogs. Everyone thought Pixel was adorable. So she soaked up the love. Leo got to come and socialise and was very good and had good manners which was nice. He likes to jump up on people now so we are working on that part of the greeting.

Wicca had a rough appointment today and was still sore when I picked her up tonite. :(
Her lower neck, right shoulder and surrounding areas were all very sore. She is on a few days of metacam, and rest. We will see how she is in a few days and go from there. I may need to take her in again. It's like never ending really. It makes me sad to see her uncomfortable. :(

The Boys were happy to see me, but reportedly had fun with my dad. They seemed happy and relaxed so that makes me happy.

This photo doesn't really go with any of my updates, except that it is the very first actual standing photo I've ever gotten of her. Jolene was playing with her at the park this morning and she happened to be standing in anticipation of the toy. She has changed to much- even this past year. Filled out more- muscle in places where she had none before. She's always been a pretty girl, but now she looks less like a noodle, and more like a dog. ;)

The Farm, and other things...

 It's been two weeks since I worked my dogs on sheep. It has been crazy busy, and there just hasn't been time. But that's about to change! Once again I am lucky enough to farm sit while Scott and Jenny are away. Today was the first time out since they left. The plan is to go out twice a week. Some weeks that will be easy, others not so much. But my friend Jen is going to help me out so between the two of us we should be just fine.

The first thing I noticed today is that my dog (Brit) has certainly grown up this winter- we had help (thanks Mack and Scamp!) with our chores today, but I am confident that we could manage just fine with little fuss. Leo is slowly starting to get it. I kept a cool head and didn't get frustrated with him. It was a good session. I think he will be very handy this summer- he has no problems with confidence. lol. I'll slowly start to let him do some of the farm work- once I can trust that he will call off, and stop when I ask...

 I could totally live on a farm by the way.
The solitude, the peace, the sights and smells.
The Sheep.
Totally up my alley.

In other news I am teaching a Beginner Rally Obedience seminar this weekend. I've never taught a Rally seminar before so it should be interesting! I love teaching. Obedience is one of my most favorite things, and Rally is just an extension of that. The group I'm working with is very keen, so it should make for a fun weekend!

yes, that is my bathtub. I'm not sure why either...

And in even more news Wicca is seeing the vet Sunday. She has been a little off for the past few weeks- once yelping when I picked her up to put her in the car, and another time when she was jumping around on the couch. And then just this week she was VERY off one morning- enough that I gave her a half dose of metacam so she wasn't uncomfortable in her crate all day.  :(

I'm very worried about her- but I'm confident Dr.Devall will fix her up this weekend. I owe Jenilee big time! A trip to Marble Slab might be in order next week...

The hazards of friendship

One of the hazards of a close friendship is that you spend so much time with someone elses dogs that you love them. Almost as much as your own. That in itself is not the hazard. The problem lies in the heartache.

A great dog died today. A dog who lived and loved with every ounce of his heart. A dog who had enthusiasm in spades. A never give up attitude. And most of all a dog that you couldn't help to love.

I've been trying to come to terms with his death all day. It was not unexpected. But was sooner than they had thought. I am glad that he is not suffering. And he has probably stolen all the dog toys wherever he is now so we know that he is happy.

Death and grief are strange things. Each person deals with them differently. Kaleb is not the first dog that I've loved that has died- and yet the grief pulls at my heart so hard that it hurts.

I remember the day I met him. An itty bitty baby. They brought him to my work so I could see him. I remember the daily walks. The training. I used I help lay articles and tracks when he was training for search. He was always SO proud of his found treasures. And would do Anything to earn his kong.

I remember when the switch from search to sports happened. When we had to tie our training bags to posts and zipper them shut so he wouldn't steal toys and or the whole bag. I remember trying to catch the bugger when he'd run off with something valuable. What a brat he was. He once launched at me on a walk from five feet away. Almost knocked me on my ass. I was too shocked to do anything about it. Lol. He was totally oblivious.

For all the hard work and sweat and tears that Sarah put into the dog you'd have thought he would be the best behaved of them all. Not so much. He marched to the beat of his own drum and even as a senior did things on his own terms. Because he was such a hard dog to train I was so incredibly proud of them whenever they did something great. A new title. A clean run. A solid recall. No success was too small because man was he a tough nut as a young dog...

You can learn a lot from a dog like K. Passion, determination, confidence and friendship to name a few. Kaleb did everything with gusto. Nothing was too big or too scary. He never met a stranger he didn't immediately love. Valuable lessons I'd say.

Kaleb leaves behind a large fan club. Everyone knew him. Most loved him. How could you not love a dog with a perma-grin on his face. For all his obnoxiousness he was truly wonderful.

I will miss him so much. Even the things that were annoying- like his slobber, heavy breathing, morning grumpy-old-man, the ever wagging tail (against your shins!), oh the barking too and so much more. What a dog he was!!! It's the last of an era- almost. Wicca is the only of "the originals" left.

Sometimes Life has a way of smacking you in the head. This morning I wrote the final piece to a newsletter and in it I wrote that I am going to try harder to live in the moment- in the now and not the tomorrow. Stop looking ahead to the next "thing" and really focus on what is in front of you. It was a day late. Shoulda' Coulda' Woulda' I suppose. But I really regret not making that last visit happen. I am so sad that I didn't get to tell him what a good boy he was. One last kiss. The sadness is overwhelming. And he wasn't even my dog.

I don't even know what else to say really. How can you sum up 11 years of awesome in one blog post.

Ugh. Dogs. Why do we love them so? Why is it so unfair? That a creature with a soul and heart purer than our own have such a shorter life.

Rest in Peace K. You will be so missed.

Not over my head!

I audited a herding clinic this weekend on Handling for trials. I got to see Scott do his thing, and even though I am a long ways away from a field trial I understood everything he was saying!

I was a bit worried that it would be over my head- not only skill wise, but learning wise. And although my dog(s) can't do even a part of what we talked about- I think it will stick with me, and I'll be able to draw on the knowledge later on.

The clinic itself was great- the hosts did a fabulous job. The food was yummy, and it was a small group of happy people so the atmosphere stayed pretty low key. The weather was crap. Cold and Windy Saturday, and Sunday was better even though it snowed. At least the sun came out to warm us up!

My dogs were very bored. I did my best to run the crap out of them in the morning, and walk them at lunch. I also brought Kongs for both days to entertain them in the vehicle. They weren't miserable by any stretch, but they weren't happy about being cooped up either.

The had lots of opportunity in the morning and the evening to run because we stayed at a friends place in Okotoks. J & D offered to let us crash at their place- and it was so nice to catch up. They are agility people so I haven't really seen them for a LONG LONG time. It was awesome to chat and just hang out. I've missed them.

I came home early today so I'd have time to recharge for the week. Instead I've been puttering around the yard, cleaned the house (somewhat), and trained the dogs. Now I'm really tired. ;)

Leo was not happy to just have to watch. He was very well behaved though!

Grumpy

So grumpy. Ridiculously so.

Annoyed. Irritable. Short tempered. I should probably come with a warning.

All I want to do is stay home. And mope. Which is not like me at all. I usually hate being home doing nothing. I like action and being busy and having things to do.

Such is life I suppose. But here's hoping some fresh air, friends and fun will make me feel better!

The dogs and I are off to Okotoks this weekend to audit a Herding Clinic. I've been looking forward to it. We are not advanced enough to participate but there will be lots to learn! The weather is supposed to be rainy with a side of snow so that's crappy but Im going to buy a bottle of Baileys for my coffee.

That'll make me less grumpy for sure!

The Edge of the Ice Berg

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend a seminar with Suzanne Clothier. It was fantastic. So, so good. I always go to seminars with the thought of leaving with at least one good thing- this seminar was packed full of awesomeness.

This particular seminar was supposed to be about Observation Skills, Arousal and Brakes. It was really about much more than that. It was about behaviour, and understanding, and taking the time to ask why, and how the dog feels about things. It was about teaching, and learning from our dogs. And being kind, and patient. And even though I already have good observation skills (I do work at a daycare, and a multidog household. lol)- I learned stuff!

Suzanne is a great trainer, she is fabulous with dogs and genuinely loves them all. She speaks very well, and kept the whole room engaged the whole time. And seriously funny. Like laugh out loud funny.

Fantastic. Truly

What I loved about her whole methodology and reasoning is the simplicity of it. Her main thing is asking the dog "How is this for You?" As in- are you comfortable, are you stressed, are you happy, are you and can you actually learn in this moment/time/place. Showing us how she works the dog through the stress/arousal etc to get them to a learning space. By thinking about the dog and where their head is at really is just so simple. But so smart. I mean, we (well at least I) often recognize if the dog is not able to focus etc, but to look a little deeper than that and to catch it from the very beginning. It is just so much about giving the dog that extra understandng.

One of the things she talked about is how SOME Dog Trainers are like the Captain of the Titanic. In that they head straight for the iceberg (i.e issue) instead of looking for the edge, feeling it out. How close can you get? And still keep the dog in a learning zone? I have been all about that for a very long time. Since the days of Kate. Small steps towards your goal. But to have it explained like that really hit home. It was one of my most favorite quotes from the weekend. Instead of attacking things head on, take the time to really figure it out. There is nothing wrong with skirting around the edges until  you know exactly how big that IceBerg is...

Some of my other favorite quotes and thoughts from the weekend:

Your dog is telling the truth. -Believe them. Believe their fear, their arousal, etc.

You Cannot Respond to what you don't see. - Simple, I know! But really think about that. If you aren't looking, or paying attention, or you miss that little ear flick or head turn. It's too late. This really hit home for me with Leo right now. Who is this giant puzzle I am trying to put together. lol

Identify the Moment of Decision. -Know your dog, read your dog in order to know the moment they make a decision regarding the trigger. The "sticky-ness" is usually the first to start. Once you've identified that you now have time to work with the dog through the issue.

There were many, many more ideas and thoughts that will stick with me- and help me to be a better dog trainer. Lots of reminders about why I train the way I do, and some validation. Which was much needed at this time of my life. I already have been doing so much of what she talked about, and my theories are very similar to hers. It made me feel good. lol.

I would go to another seminar of hers again- I'd really love to do the Fearful/Reactive dog one. But unfortunately I missed that one last November. :( I think that she has so much to offer dog training in general that I would highly, highly reccomend her.

Fleece in the City

Fleece looks all adorable and innocent doesn't she...

It's the Border Collie Smear...

Kisses on the fly

Sucking up to Leo

Fleece (aka Spaz) on the move...

Fleece stayed for a few days and was the perfect little guest. Happy, and sweet and oh so cuddly. And did I mention cute? I loved having her here. The dogs however were not fans of her sweetness. lol. The Border Collies were very tolerant- much more than the Corgis were that's for sure!

Fleece went home today, and we are puppy-less until next week when little Joe will come home to meet some people and see the sights. I take the pups as a favor to a friend- living in the country they don't see much, and their mom is known for her less than ideal temperament. lol. So the more socialising the better! Fleece had a great time in the city, and is looking to be a very stable, well rounded kind of gal. ;)

Princess Pixel Fluffy Butt

She has the best tail.
And yes, she is a little crazy.
;)

Take nothing for granted.

Can you ever love a dog too much?
Because I really love this dog.
Like completely, and utterly.
I will be crushed without her.
She has longevity in her genes though, so fingers crossed I've got a good long time with her. 
Regardless, every night I tell her how wonderful she is.
And hold her close (even if she doesn't want to).
I want to appreciate, and remember everything about her.
It's sucks that they age so quickly.
It doesn't seem fair really. 
So, Take nothing for granted.
And Enjoy every moment.

Final Arena Trial

Today was the last in the Stockdog Arena trial series. I am sad. But have lots of training to do so I am sure I'll be busy. ;)

The arena trials have been a great learning tool- what better way to find out what your dogs weakness, and strengths are. I learned alot over the past few months!

Brit is a very good dog.  A great dog to learn this sport on. She is honest, and tries hard. I am lucky.

We had two good runs today- even with some added in new challenges- like DRIVING! Ugh. We are not very good at it. But we got 'er done today! The problem was at the Pen! Which is a new thing. She stalled and would not walk into them. And so we went around and around until the stand off, and then our time was up. The second run I managed to get them in with three seconds to spare. lol. Regardless of outcome I am pretty proud of us!

I need to thank my instructors for all their patience, and support. Brit is a softy, so I appreciate all the extra help they've had to give. Louanne and Jenny, you rock! Oh, and Scott too. ;) He helped to bring back Brit's courage.

Anyway, I am looking forward to working hard this summer on improving our skills. Next year I hope there is an intermediate class for her. ;) And who knows, we may enter our first Field trial this summer.... depending on how things go. We have much to learn. ;)

No video of our runs today, instead enjoy this beauty. Albertans sure know how to have fun! I didn't participate in the dancing, but I did video, and put it all together. I am a little sick of the song now, but holy crap is it funny.