Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Old dogs are the best dogs.

Kaleb and Pleat enjoy some foot time by the Campfire this weekend.
They were fast friends. The old boys club :)
I don't know what it is, but old dogs are extra special. As Jane aged I swear I loved her more - if that was even possible. I was so scared of her aging - that meant retirement from sports which at the time seemed like a huge deal, then time passed and I realized that sports are a small part of their lives and my life with them. It's all about the little things - those are what really matter, those are the things I remember most - not the titles, not a specific run (well some I do remember, there were some great moments).

Who knew that my experiences with Jane would keep changing me and keep me grounded even now as Kaleb ages. Old dogs have lots to offer even though what they can do changes.

Kaleb is not ready to retire just yet, and while his body is changing to that of an older dog - the boy can still go. Yesterday I was reminded that I need to cherish every moment again. K has a tumor, well I should say, had a tumor.  I'm trying my best not to freak out about it - but I am realistic.

It was removed yesterday from his butt - just to the left if his tail base. It has started to ulcerate and bleed. We had it aspirated on Friday, early pathology came back as a round cell tumor - but we needed to have it removed in order to get a full sample and see if it's benign or not. I'm doing my best to keep calm and carry on :) I have to wait up to 10 days for results, K has no ideas besides the fact his butt is chased and he's still a little wobbly this am. Please cross your fingers and toes and keep K in your thoughts. I love my boy.


Then there is Pleat ... Yes THE Pleat, my mom is sitting him while Scott and Jenny are south Teaching clinics and trialing. She was honoured they trusted her with him, and he is being treated like royalty - which he deserves. He is the perfect gentleman and we are all madly in love with him. Talk about an old dog that still has lots to give, this top winning Border Collie and former National champion is will be 14 in November. He's a little deaf, a little blind, but my mom is smitten. He rode in a parade last week, rides shotgun in my moms car (she put him in the back seat but he wiggled up front and that's where he stays now) shoplifts at the pet store, goes for 2 walks each day and pretty much goes everywhere with her and my aunt. Everyone who meets him fawns over his good looks and good manners.


He still has lots to offer - the smile on everyone's face when they see his bounce like a puppy for a cookie is the cutest thing ever. My mom can't stop talking about him and how he "runs like Gyp" to the backyard first thing in the morning.

It's truly a privilege to be in the company of an old dog. And dammit I spoil them all.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

CAMP. We did it

Well it's over, and it was a blast. So many wonderful people made it happen, and even more wonderful people attended! The consensus is to do it again next year, and we've been brainstorming ideas to make it even better. I can't wait! But first I need to catch up on some sleep!

We ran 2 LOOOONNNNG days of camp followed by a one day trial. Gyp and K ran for the first time since regionals, and it felt so good to run them both again. This weekend rekindled my love of the sport and good sportsmanship and friends helped with that. OK, seriously. I need a puppy.

Facebook Album CLICK HERE

Waiting for Terry to arrive.

yes, it's true. If looks could kill, you'd all be dead. Just sayin'

And yes, my rice did vibrate.
NOTE TO SELF: Take iPhone out of pocket if suspicious of an ambush to be thrown in a kiddle pool.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

a bunch of random sh*t, from some random things I've been up too.

My new Racing Stripes. Damn you cement pillar. Where did you come from??
Black and Yellow, Black and Yellow ....
Then I bought a trailer. Now we can haul our equipment whenever we need too.
This is a prairie rattler. 43" long. Yes it is that colour. A farmer caught it at the Kid Camp we teach at. I've never been that close to one EEK!
Jo's, Aislyn ran Kaleb for the first time at a Demo this weekend. It was OMG cute and they were amazing!!! Oldest dog (10.5) and youngest handler (5.5), it seriously made me teary. He listened to her better than most adults.

Our yearly photo. Our first photo as a foursome.


It's here!!!!!!! Agility CAMP! I can't believe it is happening, it's something I've always wanted to happen, and it is! I hope it's a great weekend. We've all worked really hard to make this happen!!



Sunday, August 5, 2012

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The "Official"

Here is K's Official photo from the Speciality .... Otherwise known as ... "Mom has a death grip on the showlead and is trying to staying to composed because I am about to pounce on the squeaky toy the lady just threw, photo".

Show photos are always kind of geeky but I was pretty proud of this one :)