You can't always get what you want.

But if you try sometimes,
you just might find you get what you need. 
(oh that Mick Jagger is a smart guy)

To say our home as been empty for the last year is an understatement. As the saying goes "Life is merrier, with a Jack Russell Terrier". I was hoping for a Border Collie and after 2.5 litters didn't take (yes there is a half, because I was only half committed) the Universe was telling me something, so I listened. Don't fuck with what the universe says. I had "liked" his photo on Facebook when he was born - not thinking in a million years, he would actually be ours. Like I said ... the universe works in strange ways. A great friend of mine who is my go to for some big life decisions and reality checks asked me what I REALLY wanted in a dog, what was my CRITERIA. What was it that I TRULY wanted in my next dog. And by me I mean WE. Pete is part of the equation too. 
Here is my list:
• Outgoing Temperament and a spunky dog who loves people and loves to play with me.
• Structurally sound to put up with the demands of dog sports
• Healthy
• A dog I can excel with in Agility -  being my #1 sport above all others
• A dog from working lines - and what I mean by that, is a pup from lineage where they are required to use their brains, and their doG given talents and instincts. Proven in whatever field it is they were bred for. I can use those instincts to form training a way that will work for the dog. doG willing :)
• A jogging, running partner that has great endurance and can handle all weather conditions
• A dog that will like to swim - or can be taught to learn to love it!
• A dog that can be trained to hunt with Pete, and go fishing with him
• A bed warmer


















 

I would like to introduce you too ...
Mr. Fitz.
AKA F-Bomb
AKA Phife Dog
AKA Fitzgerlad Bojangles III (his formal given name when he is wearing a bowtie)
And I have have to give the credit of naming him to Pete. As soon as he spurted it out. I knew it was it. My long list of dog names is being saved for another time.

Seriously. Could he be cuter?? And Already at 7 weeks sporting his first Nearly Naked Neckwear collar. I outfitted the litter in matching Collars and Leashes. Only the best you know for these classy pups.

Handsome lad. He should be around 13 - 14". This is him at 7 weeks.

Did I mention he was cute?

He looks like a little old man. I love the wise look in his eyes. He is a great outgoing pup.

His first time outside. I'm glad the snow is melted here, or we might lose him in the field.

When you are this cute, they call you Mister  .... Red Trail Mr. Fitz.

We are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives. I feel like we already know him through the nearly daily videos and photos we have seen of him since birth - and esp. over the last 3.5 weeks. His breeder is awesome and if I am going to get a JRT this is the place, this is the litter. Every health check you can imagine, great temperaments & builds, great hunters, a lineage of proven dogs, they are all raw fed and have been introduced to many proteins already. And she puts up with my questions - of which there are many. She wanted to make sure we were getting the best pup of the litter. He is 7.5 weeks and will be joining the fam in 9 days.  We can't wait!!! Let's get this party started!!!

Here are his parents Ursa and Ike and his Grandpa's ... can you see the resemblance to his family ...

Mom - Sow's Ear Ursa

Dad - Sandbur's Icon (Ike)

Grandpa - Sow's Ear Julien

Grandpa - Sow's Ear Spago

i know the party was like 10 days ago, but ...

 I just love these photos Andy took at K's party ... I'm stinking busy and I'm not sure when I will blog next, so I leave you with these until I appear again!!! (hopefully soon!)

 

11 Years Young Today!

"It's not everyday yer young man turns eleven, now, is it?"
—Rubeus Hagrid (Harry Potter series)

And because of that. I threw K an party with more than 20 of his closest friends. Liz and Andy of Blazingstar Flatcoats generously allowed us all to spend the afternoon on their property. We dunked for wieners, had a timed scurry (a timed distance retrieve) - which Gyp won much to the dismay of the retrievers!! And a fun scavenger hunt/free run. Seeing all of those dogs running together was awesome. It was a day I will always remember, and I am so appreciative of everyone who came, brought gifts (enough to fill a Pet Store!!!) and celebrated with him while he's young enough to do so!! He's ONLY 11 you know!! Happy Birthday to Kaleb and his 9 littermates, who as far as I know are all still alive.

Kaleb, getting all groomed up by Jolene (One Collie), for his big day!

Who's ready to Party!!!???

Watercolor by Liz (Blazingstar)

Poem by Liz and Andy ... they know K-man well ...

Check out the Album Liz and Andy uploaded!

 Blazingstar's Birthday Party Photos!!!

if you would like to watch it with a soundtrack ... I suggest the song below ...

What weather?

Oh treadmill how i love thee!

A year without you.

Like everything she did in life, she left us on her own terms, with Pete and I by her side at home, she took her last breath. It's been one year today, and we miss her like it was just yesterday. Little dog. BIG personality. We love you Janey.

Jane AAC Nationals 2005 - she placed 6th that year.

Me and Jane 2006 Butchart Gardens, Victoria BC

Baby Jane and her favourite person - Grammy!

6 week old Jane and Pete :)

I'm not gonna lie this year has been rough, there are some days it feels like we just lost her. There are no words to describe the loss. I miss her so much. There is still a void in our house, and an emptyness I can't shake. They time heals, what they never seem to say, is just how much time.