End of Fall

I don't know what the calendar says about when Fall ends and Winter begins but I know winter is just around the corner.  Today the first load of cattle left the farm.  Yep, cows arriving=spring begins and cows leaving=fall ending. 

On the dog front, Lena has moved on to new beginnings.  We did our part together, learned some basics and worked through some minor issues and I am happy to know she is off to more wonderful things to come.  I'll be taking Ava and baby Theo into Cedar Rapids tomorrow for some social time.  Theo is definitely ready to go to his new home.  Cruz made huge strides today with his first day of wearing his harness.  So far so good, he is relaxing on a dog bed right now after walking around with it on.  Tomorrow I'll see about attaching a short leash to it.  Once he can walk easily on a leash with the harness I can comfortably have him neutered and he'll be ready to go to his new home too.  Cruz will need a very special place to go and it will probably take a while to get him there, but we are making big strides together so I'm not complaining. 

Until next time...

CH OAK KNOLLS RIVERTON,HIC

You read it correctly!  Declan is now CHAMPION Oak Knolls Riverton, HIC!!  He earned 2 points going Winners Dog/Best Of Winners on Sunday at the Minneapolis KC in Shakopee MN.  That puts him at 16 points with 2-four point majors under a total of 8 judges.
I would like to thank those that made his championship possible, or as I said to Sahra, "sometimes it takes a village to finish a dog".  First to his breeders, Amy Ross, Brian Elwell, Peppi Anstett and Rachel Anstett--I thank you for breeding such a fine dog and especially to Amy and Brian who said, "sure, take him home" when I asked about Declan as a puppy.  Thank you to Amy who piloted Declan to his majors and this final win and to John Jola for putting his first points on him.  Without my friends to help me show when I can't my dogs would not get finished and just wait there are more coming!  :-) My heartfelt thanks to all of my friends and supporters who have been there to cheer Declan on and offer words of wisdom, a shoulder to cry on, and the abundance of laughter and good times in getting him there!

Without you all--it would not have been possible!

Until next time...

Get The Picture

Okay Becky here ya go--more pics of the boys-Gus and Eli

The Collie Assisted Living Facility Crew

Biscotti (b.8/7/04) and his mom Shortcake (b. 4/21/00)

One of our winter visitors, Carly-age 8, daughter of Jenny and the much loved Toby

The other winter visitor Jenny, age 12.  She was decidedly unhappy with the whole picture taking venture.  After being "tortured" she came into the house and found her favorite doggy bed.  After a snack of course!

Jenny and my Tori-age 9 (b.6/21/03)

Tori, "Is she done yet?"  Jenny, "No, just keep ignoring her, maybe she'll get the hint."

Sweet Shortcake or "Grandma" as she is affectionately called

As close to a group shot as I could get.  From left to right:  Tori, Carly, Jenny getting ready to walk away, Lemmy, Shorty and Biscotti.

Training

Despite the problems with my knees and the days that it has been near impossible to walk across the room, the dogs are making progress in their training.  Lena the MWCR foster has become a nice dog to walk with the use of the Gentle Leader.  It is the first time I have ever trained a dog on one and while I wouldn't make a habit out of it, in this case it works perfectly.  Lena and her future owners can enjoy nice walks.  Her recalls are better as are her licking habits.  Now if I can get her to sit on command I will be happy.
Gus and Eli are also making nice progress.  Gus is like a bull in a china shop and is just too joyful for himself.  He is doing pretty well on getting my version of the stack and bait with some distance pretty consistently.  I think he will be a dog that needs the polish worn off of him prior to entering the ring, at least for another 6 months of so.  By then his brain should be fully engaged.  He still has some issues with jumping for sheer joy, but "off" is in his vocabulary at least 60% of the time.  And, ta-da! he can walk on a loose leash right next to me.  No more pulling, lunging or dragging.  Sorry dude-you are too big to be silly on a leash.  Your humans are too old and brittle for that! Just kidding Becky!  Eli is the sweetest boy, so much like his daddy in personality.  Eli is ready to roll in the ring as soon as the time is right.  He has grown and is maturing nicely, although definitely is more like his dad in body than his mom and brother.  I adore him and am sad that I may not get the chance to actually take him in the ring.
Ava is ready to roll as well, just as soon as Declan gets that pesky last point to finish his Championship.  She has come together and has a great body, and I do so love her head and expression.  I apologize in advance for those who will be showing her, she is a fireball and I can't train that out of her.  We started working on sit today so I can get her ready for Rally.  Rally I can handle, at least on a good day. 
Speaking of obedience, Spice and I did a quick run thru today to see where she is at mentally.  Oh how this gal loves to work!  Did a bit of polish work on her swing finish and front.  I switched up my arm position on the heel and it is working much better, she doesn't heel as wide this way.  If all goes as planned (and how much really does?) she'll be getting that CD in 2013.  Heck, I've got time, and I can still do obedience since there is minor running, maybe we will actually dink around with open. 
I have some huge regrets about agility.  I just don't know if I will ever run a course again, not to mention all the work that goes into training.  I am hoping the ortho at the U will have some answers that make that possible again.  Ava would be such a great dog for agility. 
To end on a positive note, Theo the puppy from Lolli and Reid, had a lovely and fun filled first time in a collar and on a leash today.  What a goofy boy!  He is about 80% reliable in his housetraining, 100% in his crate now and once his leash work is done he is going to make someone a very sweet, snuggly, lovable companion. 
Tomorrow Cruz and I tackle the harness...
Until next time...

Winter Dogs

The winter dogs are here!  Jenny and Carly arrived on Thursday and settled in like they own the place.  Okay, so that is mostly Jenny.  She is 12 and put herself right in the oldies pack.  Carly, her daughter, pretty much just hangs out where she is sent. With their arrival the balance of color around here is pretty even.  Sables and tris with just a hint of blue.  Life is good at the Collie Assisted Living Facility.
Today is truly lovely for a November day in Iowa.  70's and a stiff wind, but warm and the dogs enjoyed a long day outside.  I did my usual Saturday run to the library and took Hobbs and Spice along.  Right now is "ahh" time.  Dogs in various crates and rooms enjoying new bones.  Not exactly peaceful with the grinding noises, but it's music to my ears.
Until next time...

Joy

Cruz is one of the Hobblets here at the farm.  He is just one of those really soft dogs that takes everything to heart and is a slow emotionally maturing dog.  For the past 5 months he has been just hanging out being a dog and not having much asked of him other than the very basics in good manners.  I started him on chamomile twice a day in his food and ten days ago started him on a calming blend of essential oil as well as using a diffuser of the same oil near his crate.  I got a bit teary eyed this afternoon when we had a breakthrough.  He has been great about seeking attention when I'm sitting but not when I'm standing and he won't interact with myself and other dogs at the same time.  Today in the yard surrounded by the other young and definitely rambunctious dogs, Cruz actually joined in the group milling about my legs for attention and petting.  He even pushed a couple of the dogs away to get closer to me.  And he jumped up on me for pets, wagging his tail and then let me rub and pet him from tip of the nose to the end of his tail.  It seems like such a small thing, but for Cruz it was a joyous day of firsts.

October Sunny Day

I found my good camera!  And it is working!  So what better way to spend some time but taking pictures of the dogs.  Here are a few for your entertainment.

Biscotti-age 8, the oldest boy of the group

Biscotti (L), Declan, Lemmy (R)

Cruz, age 8 months--Yea I know, I need my ears done again..gads!

Declan

Harold (L) and his buddy MWCR foster dog, Lena

Two of the old gals, Lemmy (L) age 12, and Tori (R) age 9

Lemmy doing what she does best.  Laying around, waiting for the time to go back inside so she can lay on the sofa.

MWCR foster dog, Lena--Looking for her Forever Home

Spice

Tori - my MWCR foster failure--just could not part with this one

Spice, out of coat and I'm afraid there are a few burs in there as well

Things That Made Me Smile Today

It truly is the little thing that make me smile. 

No wind today so I burned both garbage and some of the dead weeds and long grasses behind the garage that have been trying to creep into the dog runs. 

Blue sky with floaty white clouds to view on the long, slow walk to the mailbox and back.  Add to that the joy of having Hobbs, Ava and Tori along.

A serviceable, easy on the gas car for a trip to the library to pick up a new title from a favorite author.  Add to that the joy of having Spice ride along and sharing a small french fry.

Foster dog Lassie burping dog cookie in my face. 

The buzz saw snoring of a contented Lemmy dog. 

Watching 12 year old Shortcake "bounce" along the fence "chasing" the tractor that is plowing the field.  Pretty sure she can't see it clearly, but she knows the sound a tractor makes. 

Having enough LP for the winter and being able to turn on the heat when I want it. 

A full pot of hot coffee and seasonal Pumpkin Spice creamer..umm..

A yard full of Hobblets being kept in check by Spice and first Lt. Tori

Life is Good...

Fall

It might be Fall.  The calendar says it should be and today it is nearly winter-y outside.  The air is just a bit on the brisk side this morning, the sun is out, the sky that pale, crystal blue color that speaks more of winter than fall.  A sure sign that we haven't tipped into winter is the arrival of gravel trucks bright and early this morning.  I wonder when the sight of fresh gravel for the farm became such a joyous event.  Oh yes, after the last two downpours left a miniature version of the Great Lakes in the lane. 
With a predicted high of 45 degrees today and the ever present breezy conditions out here it is time to tidy up the smaller building so I can do training this winter.  The building is unheated and the floor is packed dirt but to polish up conformation basics and rally it will do nicely.  I need to move a few dog houses around and want to finish the chain link by the house so I can use that remaining kennel panel to put a fifth indoor/outdoor run in the garage.  Time to bundle up and get it done.
The big question is - Will I be able to find my winter mittens???

More Hobblets and Other Stuff

Gus and Eli (formerly known as Manning) have been here for a while now and having 4 Hobblets around is like watching a day long action movie complete with stupefying stunts.  Thankfully, Declan and Gus get along fine for the most part, so the only dog that still can only play with girls is Hobbs.  Since Hobbs is almost always attached to me I do not believe he really cares who he goes outside with, it's not like he out very long.  Gus is learning to be a good indoor dog including "wait" and "off".  Off is especially important given his size.  He is stunning and I haven't seen such a big goofy blue dog since my Ripley.   Eli is just sweet.  Sweet sums him up perfectly.   Ava thinks having more bros around to play with is great.  Cruz thinks it's all a bunch of hooey.  On the Cruz front, the addition of chamomile to his regimen has helped him settle and increase his confidence.  I am hoping that at some point soon he will be confident enough to be available to a companion home.  Gus and Eli will head home in another 30 days. 
Foster dog Lena has recovered from her spay.  I think she probably came out of anesthesia completely recovered, but that's Lena.  If only I could harness her energy for good instead of evil.  Just kidding!  For a dog that was raised outside with no concept of manners or how to listen, she is doing very well.  She is crate trained and had only one accident in the house, she no longer requires being covered to eat and can chew a bone or play with a toy with the older dogs around without an issue.  I suspect her guarding behaviors were due to lack of training and having to fight for everything she got.  She knows "wait" at the door and at her crate door, "kennel up" to go into the crate and gets "off" about 65% of the time without needing a reminder.  Walking a leash proved to be more my issue than hers, I just don't have the strength anymore to handle a 60lb, semi out of control pulling dog on a simple buckle collar.  Did I tell you that Lena is only part Collie?  And that the other is German Shepherd and Aussie?  She is gorgeous but has a decidedly un-Collie personality.  So I am using a Gentle Leader with her instead.  We are still at the stage of getting it on her and adjusted.  Baby steps with Lena continue.
I am sad to say that two of the dogs have had to go to new homes and thankfully their breeders were kind enough to take them back to re-home them.  So I said a sad good-bye to both Trace and Charlie.  I don't like to think about it too much, it makes me too sad.  Harold has a new home the first part of November and Spice and Biscotti are on the bubble--still waiting on very very special homes for them. 
For your viewing here are pics of Eli, Gus and Lena.

Eli (Northern Oaks Maiwae MVP)

Gus (Northern Oaks Anstett Sole Survivor)

MWCR's Lena - AVAILABLE thru MWCR

Just Stuff

I am kind of bored today although there is always plenty to do.  It is getting close to that 95-100 degree mark today and even the wind is hot.  At 6 a.m. it was glorious, cool with a light breeze and I took advantage of that and hung my laundry out.  By 9 a.m. it had turned much warmer and everything was dry.  This is good because with Cruz around you cannot hang out laundry and expect it to stay on the line.  I do believe he "inherited" this trick from his buddy Charlie.  Charlie, Cruz and Ava are the terrible trio.  Toss in a little of the Trace naughty streak and that is just trouble.  Trace is short, I mean he is a corgi, it's not like he is very tall, ya know?  But despite his height challenges he has figured out yet another way to escape the yard.  I fixed all the potential ways to dig under the fence, to unwind chain link gates and to push the front gate apart enough to ooze thru, but I did not count on his ability to take flight and use his nose to push up the side gate latch.  We have now had two night escapes or escapades depending upon your outlook.  After being out in the middle of nowhere for four years I have ceased to panic about open gates anymore as house is so far off of the barely traveled gravel that traffic is not a concern.  Getting lost in the corn-not really a problem as the entire planting area is surrounded by fence so they have to pop out somewhere and really no one truly bothers the cows enough to warrant fear of getting kicked or trampled.  My worse fear is that they encounter a skunk (ugh!) or some bigger wild animal that may cause them harm.  I was worried that Shortcake would wander off and that would be a pain to find her since she is pretty hard of hearing now and gets "lost" in the yard.  Speaking of Shortcake, age is taking it's toll on her and the vet put her on a trial of Rimadyl since she seems rather painful.  I think it is beginning to help some.  Since she still enjoys life-barking at the tractor, mealtime and can still take down a dog that is misbehaving I hope to have her around for a while longer. 
Knee update-still sore, swollen and lacks mobility, but I can at least sleep now without having it elevated and am able to be up on it longer periods of time without terrible pain.  Another doctor visit in two weeks and likely a different brace.  Running a dog around the ring is impossible at this time, which puts a huge damper on continued agility and herding training.  Although I may have to suck it up and get back out to John's a few times this fall, poor Charlie is just dying to herd, or maybe sleep on the bed--it's a toss up. :-)
Next week I will have the pleasure of having a couple of extra dogs for a couple of weeks.  Gus and his lil bro Manning are coming down for some training time.  Ava is doing really fab on her conformation work and is finally finding some sort of focus.  I want to get her started on rally training now as I have no idea when her head, body and mind will all align for the show ring--haha! 
Until next time...

Hobblet News

I am ecstatic to report that the first "Hobblet" has finished his championship!!  Big congrats to "Riggs" who is pending AKC confirmation, Ch. Anstett's Rigmarole--bred by Peppi and Rachel Anstett, Amy Ross and Brian Elwell and owned by his adoring mom, Mary Johnson.
This makes the first Champion for my darling Hobbs (Ch. Anstett Oak Knoll Olympic Grafitti) with 2 more pointed from his first and second litters and puppies waiting in the wings to hit the ring this fall. 
Above are some shots of two of the Hobblets here on the farm, the blue girl is Ava (Allstar Maiwae Glen Clova) and the tri boy is Cruz (Northern Oaks Maiwae Wide Receiver).   As you can see photo ops, ear taping and general play time is exhausting.
Until next time...

My Place In The Universe

So where is my place or what purpose do I serve in this universe?   Such a philosophical topic for an otherwise mundane blog.  I've spent the majority of my life in and out of the "what am doing here?" mode.  At any given time I have had the answer and I usually stay with that answer for long periods of time.  I knew I could train and show dogs, so that was my purpose.  I knew I was good at my job, so that was my purpose and getting to a new level in that "career" was my purpose.  I'm pretty sure given the age-death statistics that I am beyond middle age (or I'm going to live to be into my late 90's--a scary thought!) but there are days I think I may be in a mid-life crisis.  But does a mid-life crisis last for a decade?  Okay, so maybe there are no rules to that. 
I love having dogs in my life, I'm still not sure if I love showing dogs anymore.  I shall reserve decisions on that until I figure it out.  Please do not hold your breath.  Anyone who has known me for longer than 30 seconds should know I can't make a quick decision to save my life.  But I do believe I have found my place or purpose in the universe and it is in fostering Collies in need.  I enjoy it very much, I get a sense of accomplishment from fostering and I know I have completed a task in full when they are adopted.  My own dogs are wonderful with the fosters.  I can work on the foster with geriatric dogs, middle aged dogs, young dogs, small dogs, fast dogs, slow dogs, alpha dogs and soft dogs.  I swear my kidlets know exactly what every foster dog that has been in the house needs in the way of "help" and they give it to the foster dog.  I will say my guys were pretty happy to see the two young puppies leave, but then again I was also exhausted from having them!
My next foster dog will arrive sometime next weekend and I am excited to get this new Collie here!  I'm sure I'll have updates to follow.
Until next time, planted firmly in my place in the universe... 

Fix It

I am pretty proud of my fix it abilities.  My repairs are not always pretty but they get the job done for the most part.  The inventors of duct tape and those plastic zip ties are my heroes and I would be lost without my pair of wire snips.  The lawnmower has been my major project this past year.  I knew the ignition wire thingy (technical term ya know!) that runs from the mower engine to the handle bar was worn out and last year had handily fixed it with some plastic zip ties and half a roll of duct tape.  This spring I realized the need for a new wire thingy.  I ordered it online from Sears and voila! it was the right part--I feel the need to say that was probably a little help from above--I'm not sure I would have picked the right part on my own.  I was able to replace the wire thingy, do the usual spark plug and oil change thing and yep the mower has been working fine.  Until this weekend.  I guess sitting for 8 weeks unused didn't sit well with the mower and it would not start.  In my defense I haven't had to mow in 8 weeks because of the lack of rain and I just don't feel one should mow something that hasn't grown more than three millimeters and is brown with yellow splotches.  In defense of the mower it has spent four years of summers mowing nearly an acre at least once a week.  That is a lot of work for a push mower. 
The first problem was the blade would not move.  This brought out the handy dandy WD40 and a good soaking of that.  A few dozen easy pulls and it loosed up.  But it still would not start.  What does a woman do?  Yep, digs in the grooming box and pulls out the next can of miracle spray--starter fluid!  Not only good for gunky up tape for the dogs ears, it really can be used as intended!  To end the story, after many tries I did get the mower started, but now need a new can of starter fluid.  The mower and I finished 95% of the house yard and then we ran into another snag.  Out of gas and none in the gas can, duct tape and zip strips can't fix that one...

Until next time...

Another Try

After much thought I decided to revive the blog.  A new website will follow as soon as I can get myself more organized.  So it may be a while for the new website. :-)
This is a very self-centered view but I deserve to give myself another chance.  It is much easier to say to myself "to hell with it all" and exile myself to the farm.  That isn't a negative by the way, I truly love living out here and more days than not I wish I didn't have to leave even to go to town.  It's my little piece of peace. 
I've made so many mistakes in life, no doubt more than the average person and will continue to make more before I die.  This is something I have to accept, that I make mistakes, life goes on and I can quit beating myself up over those mistakes.  The biggest mistake I don't want to make is giving up the dogs that give me so much pleasure.  Life is short.  I don't know how to really get it thru to people just how short it really is.  One day you are here, the next you are gone.   At that point it's too late to say "shoot, wish I would or wouldn't have done that".
So I'm going to start again with the dogs.  Taya and Declan will be having babies sometime in mid to late October if everything goes well.  If it doesn't, I will try again.  The dogs will go out one by one and get finished Championships. I'll get them ring ready and with the help of a couple of dear friends and however else I can throw a dog at :-) they will get shown.  My knee may or may not come back to be able to show them, but they will get shown.  It'll be a slow process and I am going to enjoy it and not worry so much about getting things done.  What is the saying, "it's not the destination, it's the journey"?
Since there is little running to rally I'll work with the kids on that here and there.  Ava would love agility, we'll see if that is in our future or not.  I don't think Ava will give a hoot if she plays agility or not as long as I can play tug with her for fun.  There will still be some dogs going to new homes for their happiness. 
I'm going to start once again over in life.  But I do that about every week or so anyway.  My job is easy, as stress free as I want it to be (ie don't try to make the office run better, just do your job and collect your check), the hours are good (friday afternoons off) and I don't mind the one or two Sat a.m.s a month.  That's just more money to keep the dogs in food, right? 
So, join me again for more posts, some odd, some funny, some pathetic, but always being done Maiwae...

AVAILABLE COMPANION DOGS

I have several wonderful dogs available to companion homes.  They are all spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines, heartworm negative, crate trained and housebroken and obedience training. 
7 year old sable Smooth Collie male who is very calm, easy going and the perfect couch potato who loves nothing more than a comfy dog bed and a bone to chew on.  He walks wonderfully on leash and is content to just be with his people.  He gets along with other dogs and would be fine in most households.  A home with kids over the age of 10 or even an apartment would suit this great dog.
4 year old sable Rough Collie female with obedience/rally titles and beginning agility and herding training.  She is moderately active, likes other dogs and kids of all ages.  No cats please.  She would be great in any home including 4H or juniors. 
3 year old sable Rough Collie male with rally titles.  He loves to play fetch and tug and go on walks.  A home with kids over the age of 10 would be best and he gets along fine with cats. 
Please contact me for pictures, video and more information.  References and a home visit are required. 
email:  k9krazy10@msn.com or phone 563-927-1430.

Happy and Sad

I have sad news to report.  Arnold the kitty is no longer with us.  Something killed him, either the big Tom cat or I think, one of the coyotes that roam the area.  I found him dead near the barn and buried him near "his building" that I had him living in.  I miss him very much, he had become a very sweet, loving kitten who bounded around and attacked my feet and purred in my ear. 
On the flip side, I have very happy news in that the two foster puppies both have new homes!  Maya leaves for WI and Miri is headed to the Twin Cities area.  They are both such wonderful puppies--I am overjoyed that they are getting such fine homes.  And our latest foster, Sadie, is trying out some new medication. If it goes well she'll be able to get her dental work done in a few weeks and I'm pulling for her to be adoptable in a couple of more months. 
Also on the happy and sad sides, Declan and I are heading for Winona in a couple of weeks still looking for that last point for his Championship.  I just hope that the knee I blew out (again) will be able to manage a couple of trips around the ring by then. 
Until next time...

The Video Debut of the M & M Gals

http://youtu.be/DzognzO56C8

Okay here is the link to the YouTube video - keep in mind that this is a $10 video camera and about $5 worth of video talent using it.  Also, I sometimes wonder, is it only puppies and babies that people make bizarre noises at??

Enjoy until next time...

As Promised...

Miri

Maya

Maya (l) and Miri (r)