Irish Hill Shelties

Year in Review!

2011-12-31T20:38:00.009-05:00

2011 was fairly eventful for us here.

We started off in April heading out to the ASSA National to show Noah...It was defiantly an adventure!!! Ended up dodging a Tornado Tuesday night and ended up back at the Purina Center. Second Tornado we nearly missed friday night as we were heading to the airport to catch an earlier flight...Since the airport was closed from the tornado that went though it, I ended up driving overnight to Chicago to catch our connecting flight back home!! Boy were we all glad to make it back to RI! :)

The Summer was HOT..we ended up only doing a few shows as Noah is only in need of majors, 4 days before we were headed to the Maine shows Hurricane Irene made other plans. It was a stretch but we made it to Maine, had a wonderful stay at Connies home, and enjoyed the electricity!!!

October came and so did an oppurtunity to show in a UKC show, having never showed in the UKC we gave it a whirl, and of course Jenna tried her hand and Jr Handling!!! To say she has a talent is an understatement! The one day of showing Noah was half way to his UKC Championship!!!

Next UKC show was conveniently located 5 minutes from our home in November. Noah was entered as well as Jenna..they both did Fabulous and in the following show Noah Finished his UKC CH with a Group 1 win!!!!!!

The following weekend (Thanksgiving) Noah went to the shows in Springfield MA...Noah was handled by Jennifer as there was a ring conflict with Collies so Paul was unable to show for the class judging. We sat ringside for the ride of our lives!!!!!! Noah was Winners Dog and than Steve took Noah in for Best of Winners for a 4pt Major Best of breed that day was Noah's Sire BISS GrCH Ventura Expectation handled by Jennifer to finish his Gr CH!!!!!

Best wishes for a successful and happy 2012!!!!!

UKC Champion

2011-11-20T18:40:00.005-05:00

Well in four shows Noah became UKC CH Rabbit Run Face Value! He did it with 4 BOB's 3 Group 2's and to finish his CH with a Group 1!!! We are beyond delighted with how he performed! While we were there Jenna was able to show for two of the shows in Juniors with Noah. The UKC really caters towards the kids and goes the extra step to keep them interested and involved in dogs. Jenna took First in Sub-Junior class both shows and was very socialable with the judges!! :) After she left everyone there kept asking for the rest of the weekend where the talented Jr was!! They all enjoyed watching her in the ring and kept telling us how great she did and how she excelled in handling!

Waiting for Juniors to start

Jenna Moving Noah
Herding Group line up

Jenna took the pic of me winning gr 1 :)

Noah in the BIS Ring

2011-10-02T19:13:00.003-04:00

It was a wet, soaking, muddy, rain (sometimes pouring) this past weekend and you would think, who would want to be out in this weather? Well My mom, myself and my niece, Jenna, did and we had a wonderful time. We put up our easyup and worked from the van. It was our first UKC (United Kennel Club) show. We had a great time the people were friendly and we had a good number of people there. We did 2 shows in one day how nice that was! Jenna showed Noah in the Sub-Junior Class and took first place for both shows. She looks so good in the ring we had so many compliments on her showing. The judges were very kid orientated and passed on helpful tips to all the kids there. The judges asked questions to the kids and had them work their dog’s in different ring patterns (all I have to say is thank god they dont make the adults do this! :) ) Thank you to Judge Antonio Raposo and Judge David Arthur every junior did well. Next I showed in the regular Conformation classes with Noah, he went BOB and than went onto take group 2 placements for each show! We came home tired but very happy with Noah’s placing. We are looking forward to our next show.

Jenna at the morning show

Getting asked the tough questions

Noah and I in the herding groupDoing the down and back

afternoon judging

Jenna and Noah going around the ring

2011-09-25T17:53:00.007-04:00

Ok Ive decided Im just as bad as my mother on updating the blog! :) I honestly do not know where the time/days go! It seems like we blinked and summer was over. I can not say we had an eventful summer just some little events. We started the summer off cool, but boy did that change come July! It was HOT and humid the whole month! August started out the same way being hot and dry but by the end of the month Hurricane Irene had set her sights on New England...an she came though with a vengence...we were without power for almost 4 days! Talk about almost going crazy!! :) We had shown on Saturday while Irene was working her way up, which was odd because the next days show was cancelled so the show grounds were quite empty and almost a ghost town! Driving home was also interesting as the bands of heavy rain made driving difficult at best! We got power back and it was time to head up to the Maine shows, Noah did not get any points, but we had a great time and it was a nice break after the week we had!

There is still some residual remnants left behind from Irene that will take some time to fix up,like the beach where I bring the dogs from what ive heard now has a 8 foot drop from the parking lot to the water where it used to be a sandy slope before. I have not ventured down there yet I have only saw pictures in the paper. It is still quite warm up here, which is abnormal, we are anxiously awaiting more comfortable temperatures or atleast cool enough so we has shut the A/C off! They are saying maybe next weekend should be cooler..

Below are a few pictures of our summer! Enjoy!!!! And I'll try to be better about updating! :)

Noah and Six playing Tetherball

Six Playing in the sprinkler

Tucker in the Bay

Noah showing in West Springfield at the start of the Hurricane Irene

Looking down out street, the tree just missed their car!

Tree fell on a house down near the water

The water in the bay was moving soo quickly it was going over the docksNeighbors uprooted Oak Tree

Neighbors uprooted Tree the trunk of the tree was atleast 3' around!!

Noah playing in Maine
Noah getting groomed

Noah at the Maine shows

Noah being Handled by Tony

End of summer pool Party!!

My mom taking using the chainsaw to cut the wood from one of the uprooted trees so it would fit on the log splitter.

Has spring arrived?

2011-03-12T20:30:00.006-05:00

All the snow has finally melted away. Which gave way to the mud season...something we can defiantly do without! :) The dogs are happy to be out and able to run without having to worry about slipping on ice. The clocks go ahead tonight and the sun is getting warmer...surely a sign spring is on the way!! The dog shows are starting back up again, Noah has his first show next weekend..its a major so fingers crossed. He is also attending Nationals this year as well, and we are flying out to see him shown! It should be a good time.

Mia Enjoying a sunny spot

Till Noah came along and stole her toy

Molly Rolling on the grass

ahh this is the life

Life is good...

Snow, Snow and more Snow...

2011-01-26T19:42:00.005-05:00

Noah and Tucker

Mia had a snow malfunction :)

Chasing snowballs

Noah

Noah and Tucker playing

Tucker saying "really"!?!

The snow half way up the outside fencing

It seems like this winter has been going on forever, it snows atleast every week, and not just a few inches, we're talking feet...The snow is half way up the outer 6ft fencing, and we had to shovel around the inside 3ft fence as Six decided he could clear it and go where ever he wanted to go!! When the dogs run around the made paths (we've since given up doing this as its too much snow) you lose sight of them. We desperately need a winter thaw here and I dare to say it will be months before we see grass!!

For Christmas I received a very nice digital SLR camera (Canon 60D), and I have been practicing with it, however it would be nice to take pictures of some nice greenery and flowers instead of snow and ice!! A few months Noah will be back out in the ring looking for those ever elusive majors, and once Six starts to mature he will be out as well. Molly has settled into the couch mode like she was made for it :) Shes very happy hanging around the house all day. Mia although still the littlest one here (her offspring surpassed her!) is still in charge and ruling the roost.

Winters are typically very slow and boring here and with no litters this winter we dont have too much to update, although I'll try to be better about it and not wait months!! :)
Linda

Catching up on what is new

2010-09-25T19:31:00.016-04:00

mom put me down I want to play no pictures

Noah

Tucker resting before another game starts

Come on Tucker lets get moving

New deck how can I escape now

dinner time!! hurry mom

I really don't care for this thing mom

learning table manners

baiting isn't a bad thing " treats "

Well we now have summer days and cooler nights wish it would last longer. All our flowers and vegetable plants are dying and drying up.Time to pick up the yard and put things away before we get a frost followed by snow. Noah has blown his coat and is naked so we wait for his new coat to come in . ,He just needs 2 majors and it is hard to get those higher number in this area Mia's coat is coming in nicely.she will soon be her ball of fur.The 2 puppies are just about done growing, Their coats filling in,and loosing the puppy look and getting the mature dog look (but I guess no one has told them that as they still think they are puppies). They are learning to be on a leash stand on the table and be groomed as they have been handle and socialize since birth. .Linda is teaching them show protocol and the art of baiting; Hopefully they will be in the ring soon.Molly is back to being Molly, and Sam is getting up in age he runs but not far and finds a spot to lie down and watch. That is about it for now.

Irish Hill Shelties: Our Mom's Information and news Please read

2010-09-08T08:45:00.000-04:00

Irish Hill Shelties: Our Mom's Information and news Please read

Our Mom's Information and news Please read

2010-09-06T23:43:00.003-04:00

We know that you must know our mom she is always running around and loves to talk about us. There are some days when she doesn't run as much so we asked her to tell you her story. At first she said no but after bugging her allot she said ok. We love our Mom a whole bunch and she, Linda and Dad would do anything for us we are so lucky to live here but that is another story today is mom's.Hi my name is Pat and I am a very lucky person. I have 3 wonderful children and a terrific husband, Bob.I was a nurse for over 30 years a job that I can compare to no other. The pride, gratitude and humility I got was by far more then I ever gave. I am what you probably call a very busy outdoor person. I love to be out in my yard with the dogs,planting, painting (usually more on me), and working on a project or two ( poor Linda and my husband) They hear me say "I been thinking...."(and they look to heaven and say now what ). However the past year and a half I have had allot of heath issues which even with pushing myself I couldn't over come them. I cracked my wrist a year ago last June in a fall that I took digging a hole trying to jump on the shovel to push it in the ground definitely not a good idea when you are not in your 20's LOL and also injured my shoulder. I worked and talked my way around that but I also at that time started to have back pain I ignored it for a few months then when it got worst I said Iwill try injections in the spine to see if that works the first set of 3 injections helped the second set (6 months later ) made it worse. It came to the point where I was walking bent over in pain and not able to do much. Now I saw a neuro surgeon who ordered a MRI and said you have no more disc in your L4 and L5 back and you need surgery. So I have had the surgery done August 18 and came home and again returned to the hospital to have my back incision opened again to have a screw that had gone through my bone into a muscle removed as it was causing problems. After another few days recovering I am home again moving but very slowly using a walker and cane. With no other problems I hope to be back to "normal " in 12 weeks. This is going to be very hard for me to do I have a nurse and physical therapist coming into our home for now till I can go there.I am missing the dog shows and Linda with Bob has picked up the dog care and other jobs. I guess that now while we are talking health I am going to tell you my other 'News" I have had Parkinson's Disease for the past 10 years and never have I said "Why Me" or "Poor ME" I have always felt that we take what we get and deal with it. There are good days and not so good days I know that it has been harder on my family as they worry that I don't always stop and think about what I do, I just do it. I am telling you this at this time because if you see me using a cane or a walker (I hope not) you will know why. And for those who have a physical disability problem don't let it over come you and stop you from what you want to do. We have had a few dear club people who are now quite ill but I am sure that for years have kept going even on bad days because they love what they were doing. The same is true for me I love my family, hobbies and dogs Linda and Bob will be picking up the extra work I do for I hope a short time.I love the dog shows, and excitement and caring for the dogs. Watching a puppy being born and being excited planning it's future and planning if this is the one the next :CHAMPION". SO THANK YOU LINDA, BOB, AND MY WONDERFUL FRIENDS FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT. If you see me wobble or trip just know that I am okay just not quite up to par for the day but better days do come. As I am Irish I let the Irish saying carry me

An Old Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
Bring the best to ou and yours!

Summer of 2010

2010-08-10T20:55:00.003-04:00

Mom look out this ball has a leak Mia, Six, Tucker

Ok I am ready to jump but Six broke it!

Where is this water coming from?

LOOK Six I found it Now to catch it!

Tucker and Six quiet time before bed

First let me say I am sorry for being so lax on updating the blog. When summer arrives I am outdoors all day. Either with the dogs, gardening or doing odd jobs (that I see and decide that this would be a quick project it never is :). It has been a very warm and hot summer the dogs are in their pool daily sometimes we share our feet with them to cool down. Noah has decided to be in charge of the hose he picks it up and proceeds to squirt whoever is near, now the chaos starts as the rest want the hose talk about children! The puppies have grown 6 months old now My little devil who I named 6 (six) is going to start showing this fall we hope. The second one, Tucker is growing but may just be on the smaller size we will see he has a gorgeous coat, great personality with the tail always wagging and looking for a game or such. He loves to be cuddled which pleases me :).We had to have Molly spayed as she developed Pyrometra after her last breeding she was very sick but now is back to couch retirement. We have been doing some shows Noah needs 2 majors to finish he has done very well as has Linda handling him. We have had some visitors this summer not invited by us but by the 4 legged residents. Sassy took our first visitor in a deceased bird and decided to drop it on Linda's bed so she could share in her happiness, (that isn't exactly what occurred as Linda ended up stripping and cleaning the room and bed to make sure the deceased was gone. Next Ollie decided to bring in a mouse during the night apparently he let it go and it ran under the water dish (the closest safe place) Ollie then proceeded to drag the bowl to the middle of the floor then went to bed. the next morning my husband, Bob, got up saw the dish picked it up and out ran Mr. Mouse to hide under the refrigerator but in his haste he also expired from the refrigerator fan. Then one morning I was up early and doing some computer work and kept seeing Ollie sitting in front of our wood stove not his usual thing. during the morning we were all in and out as were the dogs and cats. I came in to get something and there sitting staring at me was Mr. Squirrel he started jumping off the windows and running I ran and got Bob and Linda locked out the dogs opened the doors and took a broom out he ran. I am so happy that I came in and the dogs were out. He had fallen down the chimney and came out into the family room we have since put screening over the chimney openings. I can do without any of those guest :o) Our grandchildren (ages 4 & 6 ) have been over and we do their special time with them and we have gone to New Hampshire to see our oldest granddaughter in a summer playhouse she is now working there as a director plus getting her license and getting ready for her senior year. I can't believe how fast time slips by.That is a summery of what has been going on here I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer fall is right around the corner. I am including some pictures I hope you enjoy them.

Its already August?!?!

2010-08-08T21:11:00.005-04:00

Wow where had the time gone?? I just realized that we havent updated our blog in several months!!!!! Summer is half over, the puppies have grown and things have been busy here as they usually are in Summer.

We ended up keeping 2 of Mia's puppies...YES Two. My mom just could not part with the little one, who is just a happy go lucky puppy with his tail always wagging. We ended up naming him Tucker. He has recently discovered that his two front legs work rather well for digging holes the size of him....and somehow makes the dirt disappear!!

The other puppy we ended up keeping for show hopefully, he has had many names. They all started out being called squeaky squeaky. Than he was Lucifer because he was the little devil in the litter. I told my mom we couldnt keep his name Lucifer so she said well than his name is 666, it was shortened to Six. He is not as devil like now thank goodness he grew out of that stage :).

The other puppy went to a lovely family who has another Sheltie and they call him Jeter.

We ended up having to spay Molly after breeding her she developed Pyometra, thankfully we caught it in time before she ended up really sick or worse. She is now retired to the couch and loving every minute of it :)

Mia is coming back into coat, we hope to have her out at a few shows later this year.

Sam is retired from his Nanny duties.

Last weekend I showed Noah he went Winners Dog, Best of Winners and than Best of Breed. In doing this he is now singled out for his AKC Championship. Now we are on the hunt for Majors. He has done a phenomenal job showing and achieving this with limited showing and just a year old.

They are all spoiled here every day they have a pool party, next they will want their lounge chairs and drinks poolside :D

My mom has more stories to post..I just figured I'd get the ball rolling! :)

10 Weeks The Boys Are Growing

2010-04-23T23:01:00.007-04:00

Nap time is always together, ears to be re-glued after naptime!

That face gets me every time

Family picture Toby (father), Tansy (sister), and Noah

Who is chasing who in the tunnel?

Where did they go

beautiful brothers

Well it has been 10 weeks of anticipation, some worrying, lost sleep and lots of love and laugher. I must tell you all that I have had a unbelievable experience with this litter and wouldn't have missed it for anything. The love and life these 3 have given to everyone they meet. They love company and will play with human and animals alike I can't imagine what they will be like when grown but I am sure they will be remembered by the people whose life they fill. Each pup has his own personality and I can tell what each one is up to by their actions. We have them crate trained they sleep all night (have since birth) but now the crate is dry, during the day they are in and out and so we have them half housebroken. They still have no names yet but soon . Noah has been showing and is up to 5 points after 8 shows !! Way to go Noah.........Molly is hopefully filling out in coat and will be showing in about a month. Mia is probably not going to hit the ring till fall as she blew coat after the puppies.Sam is filling his role as the Nanny and the pups love him they listen to him better then they do to Mia. I'll update the pups again in another week till then enjoy the pictures:)

The Boys at 5 Weeks

2010-03-18T17:48:00.006-04:00

Follow the leader Mia giving a kiss and advice

Okay listen up time to play!

I am going this way

Well then I am going to see this place

Himmmm lip smacking snack "thanks Mom"

Off again to explor

Hurry they want to catch us!!

Wait up guys I am coming too

End of a busy day tomorrow we do it again :)

I can not believe how quickly these 3 boys have grown. Everyday brings new growth and development and plenty of new laughs and memories. They have the most amazing personalities each one is different yet the same. They have been socialized daily and the past 2 days we took them outside to play it takes Linda and I constantly running to keep up with them they are like little race cars taking the corners at 90 MPH rolling over and never putting the brakes on. Seeing them discovering all the things we never think about is a new awakening for me. Spring is starting and all the new life that comes with it is wonderful. Mia has decided that her kids are old enough to not need her that much she still comes if she hears one cry (when one of the boys bites the other) but other then that she tends to ignore them that is okay as there is Sam, Molly and Noah who hover over the boys. we are waiting a few more weeks to decide who maybe a show ring candidate right now they all look good so it maybe a tough decision. Noah will be back showing in another week or so we are starting a busy show schedule hopefully he does well. Mia is out of coat so she will be out of the ring Molly maybe showing her coat is starting to fill out. I will update again in a week or so.Enjoy the pictures

3 Weeks Old

2010-02-28T07:47:00.003-05:00

The boys will be 3 weeks old tomorrow their eyes are open and hearing should be this week. They are tottering all over the whelping box and eating non stop. We see more interaction with each other and they seem to recognize our smell. They love to cuddle in your neck and I love them doing it. My granddaughter changes their names every time she visits this week it is Speedy, Sleepy and Scooter (all s's must be the letter of the week in kindnergarten :) We will start to evaluate them in the coming weeks but for now they are all the same and that is fine. Once they are hearing and walking little better they will have lots of socialization. This week we will move them to the center hub of the house where it is chaos at times with the dogs and endless people in and out. the kitchen/family room/ pet door. The wood stove will be on and they can watch the action. I have posted a few pictures of how they have grown. Will update weekly on them now .

Puppies on Cam

2010-02-18T08:16:00.003-05:00

We have put the puppies and Mia on live cam during the day if you would like to check them the address is www.ustream.tv/channel/shetland-sheepdogs They are gaining and growing daily Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. We know it made a difference.

Mia's Litter

2010-02-13T12:06:00.004-05:00

After breakfast nap 3 males 2/13/2010
2/14/2010 belly is full

Mia and her puppies eating as usual 2/14/2010

We have been on pins and needles waiting on this litter from Mia. She was bred to CH Sandance Ardastra. We had a x-ray done and 5 puppies have been confirmed Mia is schedule for a c-section as she is on the smaller size and the vet and Linda and I don't want to risk a middle of the night delivery (as happened with Molly and due to poor, neglectful care we lost her singular pup.) Progesterone levels were done and on Monday afternoon Feb. 8 Mia had her section. Linda and I were worried and anxious as we waited they brought out our puppy carrier and showed us 6 puppies somehow one had been missed on the X-ray. All alive but small. After 2 hours we started for home and haven't stopped yet. Mia's milk didn't come in and she woke up to discover all these small creatures climbing around her, she had no idea on what to do. We supplemented by feeding the puppies by the time we were done it was time to feed again. Tuesday brought with it a weak little male that we worked to reverse his condition but we were unsuccessful he died early Wed. morning. We traveled back to our vet with ALL of them. Mia checked ok and we were taught to tube feed the rest of our puppies. (I never thought this was something we have to do.) At midnight we lost a little girl and our last little a girl wasn't doing that well either Linda spent the full day caring for her never letting her out of her sight. Mia's now has milk and the other puppies are eating . I do the night shift with help if I find that I need it. I fed the last little girl during the night, Linda was up at 5:30 and took her from me it was like she was waiting for her as she just took a few more breathes and went to join her sister and brother at the rainbow bridge. We are heartbroken on this loss but realize that they were too small. We did all we could never leaving our whelping room but it wasn't enough to save these 3 beautiful shelties. The other 3 males are eating and growing no problems that we can see. If you have a minute please say a prayer that they continue to thrive. I will add pictures very soon of all the puppies we just haven't had time to catch up. I will also update here every couple of days. Linda and I would like to thank everyone who has sent us best wishes and prayers.

Fabulous Weekend For Noah

2010-01-17T15:17:00.006-05:00

Noah and Annie
Tansy and Megan Noah and Linda

We ended our 3 days of showing in Fitchburg, Ma and each day Noah did a fantastic job. Today Noah placed Winners Dog,Best Of Winners, Best Of Opposite and now has another point (2 points in 3 shows) Thank you judge Mrs. Betty Jo Patrick. We are so pleased with Noah's placements. Linda showed Noah today and again the Rabbit Run group dominated. Annie (Ch. Shelhaven Rabbit Run Rhapsody) winning Breed, Tansy, (Rabbit Run Fun And Games), won Winners Bitch. We had a wonderful time with Connie and Megan they are great mentors and we learn so much from them. I have posted pictures from today. Thanks for letting me brag :)

Noah First Show

2010-01-16T13:11:00.005-05:00

Noah started his show ring career at the Fitchburg, Ma weekend show with a bang. On Friday he took First in Puppies 6 to 9 months and then went and took Reserve.Thank you Judge Dr Kenneth A. Doeg and a Big Thank You to Megan Nelson who handled Noah beautifully and groomed him to perfection. Noah then had a sleep over with Megan and her mom, Connie Nelson and his littermate Tansy,(Rabbit Run Fun And Games) and Annie ( Ch.Shelhaven Rabbit Run Rhapsody) Tansy won Winners, Best Puppy and Puppy Group 3. Annie took Breed and Group 2.

It was a wonderful day for the Rabbit Run gang. Today Megan again showed Noah and he took Winners Dog and Best of Opposite for his first point! Thank you Judge Joseph G. Reno. Megan thank you again for all your work and handling our boy. Tansy took First and Breed today she is a beautiful girl. Show pictures will come soon we took a few pictures yesterday which I have put up. Way to go Noah !!

We Are Expecting PUPPIES !!

2010-01-07T20:45:00.005-05:00

Mia
Heartbeat on one puppy

Body on another puppy

We are very happy to announce that we are expecting puppies we had a ultrasound done today and it confirmed 3-5 puppies all with heartbeats! We have been trying for quite awhile to have a litter and now we have been blessed with one on the way. Mia has decided that she is not into food so we have been trying everything with no results if anyone has had this problem and has a solution we would love to hear it :) We will update as time goes on.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-23T20:15:00.008-05:00

from our house to yours Happy Holidays
Mia climbing on Molly wants to be taller

Molly "I'm the leader"

Noah "What is this white stuff"?

Mia pulling Sam's tail

Noah "I decided I like this white stuff"

from snow to blizzard!!

Mia "it is over my head and body HELP"

how do I get to where you are?
You jump!!
Mia lands on Molly
snow piles

paths and tight quarters
Noah "do I look good in white"?

I can't believe that Christmas is here already with New Year's chasing right behind. Where has this year gone?? I would say it has been a busy year for us we (Linda) had alot of construction and decorating to do plus we added a new sheltie member, Noah, which as you know it takes alot more of your time with a new puppy.All in all it has been a good year a few bumps but we are learning to glide over them:) We want to wish all our Sheltie friends, our family and other friends a very Merry Christmas may you all be blessed in this up coming year. We look forward to meeting up with some of you at shows this spring. We are having snow on the ground this Christmas so Santa will be able to land his sled with no difficulty. I have posted a few new pictures of the gang enjoy.

Moving In

2009-11-18T19:33:00.004-05:00

The dogs finally have their own area where everything is now organized and easy to find :). The crates have been set up, the monitor is on, and the dogs have settled in quickly. It was a lot of work Linda did most of it herself, while her dad did some with her and told her how to do some things but the construction, plastering, painting, laying the floor and using the nail gun was Linda hands on! She can now build her own place after this adventure. I kept going in and saying “I just thought of this” after awhile no one wanted to see me in the area as it meant more work. I have put up some before during and finished pictures so you can see what was there and what we have now. It is a pleasure to do the dogs now and they can watch tv while having a bath :D
I ended up putting the pictures in three posts because there were just soo many pictures!!
Scroll down for the rest of the posts.

Walls came down to the studs

Chaos

Moving in Part 2

2009-11-18T19:19:00.008-05:00

Moving in Part 3

2009-11-18T19:14:00.003-05:00

The area is about 95% done, just some finishing touches here and there left to do.

Beach Day?!

2009-11-15T21:28:00.004-05:00

Noah
Here I come!

Mia Actually stayed still for a moment

Back on the move!

A little Kid Feeding the Seagulls..Thats not going to last long..

Dont worry Noah and Mia are on their way

A few Woof's and the birds are off

Mia wants to chase them

Sigh...in the water she goes...I swear shes part Lab...

Today it was finally nice out. Its been raining for what it seems like forever and the dogs were ready to use up some of their engery! Since it was also very warm out (over 60 degrees) we decided to take them to do pictures. However where we usually go for pictures was closed..so we drove them to their favorite place to fun and play the beach near our house. It was Noah's first trip to the beach, and in his normal fashion he was very laid back and nothing bothered him. We did not get too many pictures as they were too busy to stay still :) And now they are all exhausted from their outing!

Match

2009-11-01T21:50:00.003-05:00

Im ready for the ring!
Im such a good Boy
Watch out we're on the move!
Cheese?
Connie with Noah's Littermate Tansey
Tansey taking Runner Up in Sweeps

Today was a fun day for all at the Colonial Shetland Sheepdog Club match. We started with the puppy match Noah had his first time of grooming and prepping at a show site. He was so good and excited by all the activity going on. As a added bonus Noah’s sister, Tansey, was also at the show they are so cute together tails wagging, little kisses and as soon as he hears Connie’s voice his tail doesn’t stop(Connie you leave a happy lasting memory with your puppiesJ). Everyone had positive words for Noah and he did well in the ring. A few more months and he will be showing and completing regularly. We also showed Molly who did well and Mia went for the ride and sights. Mia was a little upset with Linda as she wasn’t the star attraction today at some point she decided to ignore all of us and turned her back to the group. Next time Mia it will be your turn we promise. After a full day it was home again and everyone was exhausted. Noah has been in a coma sleeping, waking to eat, play and nightly night again. I must say it was nice to see old friends again and catch up on the news and see all the new puppies that will like Noah be in the show ring soon. We have put some pictures on hope you enjoy them.

PLAYDATE

2009-09-23T20:20:00.005-04:00

I haven't seen you in forever! :)

Tag your it

ohhh look more dogs!

If we run around fast enough it drives the others nuts! :)

Where did she go?!

Here I am!

Today Linda and I went with Noah to visit our good friend and mentor Connie of Rabbit Run Shelties. Noah had a good time playing with his sister, Tansy. Noah heard Connie's voice and his tail started wagging then he saw his sister and he couldn't stop jumping. They ran and played and enjoyed each other immensely. Connie then re-set his ears and trimmed him, by the time we left he was sooooo handsome. Thank you Connie.I put on some pictures of Noah and his sister playing you can see how happy they were.

Cape Cod Adventures

2009-09-12T21:10:00.003-04:00

Little Puddle under the Grooming Tent

Light Rain

Molly Getting groomed

Noah Passed out

The 4 day show at Cape Cod, Massachusetts is a long standing show. It is held in Falmouth not far from the ocean. Linda and I have been going to this show for the last 5 years and every year we have a lasting experience. The first year it rained and as new show people we were not experience or knowledgeable enough to know what we should have brought with us. The second year we decided to stay in a local hotel and enjoy the Cape Cod scenery well again we had rain but this turned into a small hurricane we had canceled our hotel earlier as we decided to travel to and from the show. As we started home we hit a major traffic jam the only bridge off the cape had been closed as the work scaffolding was flying off the bridge on cars. Now we had to try ( with many other people) to get our hotel back which we did. No clothes, dog food or anything just the clothes on our back. We managed to over come these predicaments and made it home the next day after the bridge reopened. The next year it rained again and we had wind our canopy just about blew away in the gust and so did the dogs. This year we had, of course, rain again not just a normal rain storm but down pours of rain so that our grooming area was under water and all the grounds was just a big sloppy mud pit. Showing a sheltie that you spend hours grooming and getting the coat just right but before you make it to the ring the dog is damp, wet and tossed about in the wind. Despite these difficulties we love the Cape Cod Shows. Molly took Winners Bitch and BOS today and has another point! Linda and I ended up wet to the skin and very pleased with Molly. Noah also made the trip today and did very well. Next year he and Molly and maybe Mia will all show and the rain coats will be in use again.

"Noah"

2009-09-06T22:39:00.006-04:00

First time on the Table
Side Shot

Lots of Love
Mia Babysitting
Greeting Ollie

Almost tired

Exhausted!

We were so happy when Connie Nelson of Rabbit Run Shelties approached us with news of an upcoming litter that she was excited about, and we were looking for a male to add since its tough to depend on the girls for showing since one is either blowing coat or in heat, it seems to never work well with our show season. Two weeks ago we welcomed "Noah" to our group, he is to be our new show hopeful co-owned with Connie. He is defiantly all Male! There is no doubt when you look at him, he was nicknamed "Lunchbox" by the kids up at Connie's house and the name fits him very well! At 10 weeks he was 10" couldn't ask for much more than that, fingers crossed he stays on this path. He is adjusting very well to his new surroundings, everyone has taken on a new roll, Sam is the nanny and watches over him to make sure he doesn't get into anything he shouldn't, Mia is his playmate to run with and play, and Molly well Molly is Molly she still hasn't decided if she likes him yet..this usually takes her a few months to decide if he's OK!
Noah came to us very well socialized and has a laid back personality and rolls with what ever the day may bring, as long as breakfast is on time :) He is starting to realize that there is a big world out side of his ex-pen and now wants to roam the house like the others do, however he is going to have to wait a while for this luxury.

Switching to Private Blogging for awhile

2009-09-05T20:34:00.002-04:00

As you can see we have not posted on the blog in awhile, we have had some issues with people reading our blog and contacting us and using what is posted in the blog in a negative way towards us. To protect us and the dogs we feel the need to go private for a bit, and while we enjoy blogging and people from all over the world reading our blog, unfortunately there are very malicious people out there. Please email us with your email address so we may add you to our list to continue reading our blog. We realize that this is an inconvenience and we are sorry for that. Once we go private we will be back posting again! :) We have alot of news to share, and we have been keeping in touch with everyone's blogs!

NEW FAMILY MEMBER

2009-07-12T21:52:00.004-04:00

3 boys and 3 girls

The two boys

Proud Mom "Checkers"

We have added a new family member to our group. We are thankful to Connie Nelson of Rabbit Run for allowing us first pick of a male puppy from her litter. We decided that we needed to have a male and Connie made the choice easy. The unnamed boy will be arriving in Sept. after vacationing in Maine for the summer. We are undecided on which one of two we will take so we are letting them fill out and grow and then will decide. We have pictures of both boys and the litter. They are Three Weeks, the dam is Rabbit Run Game Face "Checkers" and the stud is Ventura Expectation. We are very excited to have another show hopeful in the works!! When we make our final choice we will post and add more pictures.

Mia Being Silly!!

2009-06-17T19:17:00.002-04:00

Mia Discovered today the cats toys up in their condo. She discovered their ball/feather toy and thought it was the best thing. Mia kept trying to get it to come with her and couldnt figure out why it just wasnt going!! She was entertaining as it kept sling shoting across the room! Ollie just laid on the couch watching his toy go back and forth :). However Ollie decided to join in on the fun after awhile and he became the "new" toy! (see part 2 below)

Part 2...Ollie Joins in

2009-06-17T18:18:00.004-04:00

Ollie decided that he had enough of his toys being used and decided to step in and retake his territory....This is probably the reason Ollie is now leaving the yard to get away from the dogs atleast once a day (but that's a whole other post;) )!!

Where have we Been?

2009-06-15T22:11:00.004-04:00

You may have wondered where we have gone as it has been awhile since I posted, we have been busy with planting , laying sods (as our 3 shelties have worn out some areas mostly mia :)). We have also been showing and having family get togethers in our all too short summer. We also decided to repave our driveway. We contacted a company to do this which meant removing 6-8 inches of concrete which in areas is breaking up and had left holes in the driveway (great for ice and snow to sit in).

I should have known this wouldn’t be a simple job as they arrived at 4:30PM to start and said we will be done tonight! Okay so they unload the equipment, dump 10 yards of gravel in the middle of our road and start with sledge hammers to break up the driveway after 15 minutes it hasn’t cracked as they thought, so now this crew of 8 (all having their own ideas ) decide to use the bobcat to lift up the cement as it strains to do this the front bucket falls off! (Don’t laugh). It doesn’t re-attach so now what do they do?? Well, 8 people get on cell phones to find a backhoe again a half hour or so passes and one is on its way in the mean time there is work on the bobcat to weld the bucket back on. The boss of this crew is a woman who oversees everything. These men don’t talk to each other they yell so we have yelling, welding and sledge hammers now the back hole arrives so all work stops to go see it, meanwhile you can not travel down the road as it is covered with equipment, gravel and 8 men. Another half hour passes and now we get down to business the back hole starts pulling up the cement in chunks 4 feet by 4 feet and dropping them to break them up another noise added to the list and now the house and ground shake the dogs are barking it is wonderful but Wait! break time must stop and eat! 40 minutes later work resumes after 2 hours the concrete is all up now it has to be picked up by the bobcat and dropped into a dump truck 18 feet high hmmmmm think of this 14 feet drop of 3-5 foot concrete into empty (not for long) dump truck hold your ears. The asphalt starts going down after 8PM it is now dusk out spot lights come out 2 layers go down and have to be rolled they use a Huge blow torch to melt the asphalt as well as a machine with a burner. Almost done and I hear “OH did anyone put the pet fence wire in for the cats?” (You know the answer to that question....) NO so now that has to be put in and covered. Finally at 10:30 they are done all that is left is to finish picking up the rest of the cement and gravel and putting it in the dump truck. What else could go wrong you ask the bobcat runs out of diesel fuel!! Yes, no fuel they can’t leave all the debris in the street so off to find fuel. At 11:00Pm they return and continue to load this mess and dropping it in the truck while yelling at each other, 11:30 time to load the equipment up again yelling and machines running and noise it is midnight as they drive away I am thrilled they are gone and I know so are my neighbors thank goodness they are good neighbors. So if you wonder where I have been this is just one day (night) in our lives.

Bucket Breaks off the Bobcat
Blocking Traffic Backhoe Arrives
Big Pieces!!

Big Blue Dumptruck

Piles of debris

Pavement goes down!

Forgot the petfence..opps!

Done!!! Finally!!!!

Where Do The Days Go ??????

2009-05-16T21:17:00.007-04:00

Front of the house

Another View

Mia and Sam looking at the neighbors

Mia waiting to play

We had to put lattice up to keep them from eating bushes/rocks

Different fenced in areas to seperate when we have to

Sam waiting for the ball to land

Mia has the ball but her head disappeared

where will the ball land?

This way, no this way...either way Sam barks!

I can't believe where the days go this time of the year is the best in my opinion days are longer we have sun (not much lately) and showers ( so we don't have to water as much) the temperature is comfortable with no humidity and everything is opening up and growing. It seems like we cut the grass every 3 days or so and we are planting the annuals and weeding as the weeds grow as fast or faster then the plants :) The dogs have been out most of the days by choice just playing and napping. Mia hasn't got the napping stage yet she just runs and plays driving Sam, Molly and the cats crazy. Linda and I try to play with the group twice a day with that and getting the grooming done for shows it has been busy. Today we took pictures of the yard and some of our flowers and Sam, Molly and (Jack in the box) Mia playing with their favorite toy the BIG BALL. Hope you enjoy them.

Mia Pointed !!

2009-04-26T17:25:00.002-04:00

We are happy to anounce that today at the South County Kennel club Mia PaRay's Perfect Catch was Winners Bitch and Best Of Breed. She now has one point not bad for her second time in the ring. We hope she continues to do well. Molly took reserve Winners Bitch. We are proud of our girls.Thank you to judge Dr Thomas Davies. Pictures to follow.

Show Pictures

2009-04-21T08:32:00.003-04:00

Mia First in American Bred
Molly WB OS

It has been a busy couple of weeks with spring coming arriving it means house and yard work now. After a rough winter and 3 dogs running in the yard it definitly needs "help". We are getting as much grass saved as we can and then the grass sods are ordered and put down (a favorite for everyone) nice green, soft fun to walk on grass instantly! Last year we did 2 pallets of sod this year I am looking at 1 pallet. It will be a couple of more weeks before it is warm enough to do this so now we deal with the mud and dirt. Shows again this weekend I am putting up the last show pictures. Time to feed the crew later.

Molly Pointed!

2009-04-10T15:03:00.002-04:00

We are so pleased that Molly was judged Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex today at the Rhode Island Kennel Club. She took her first points today!! :) Thank You Judge Lenora Riddle. Molly Continues to show though the weekend...Lets hope its as positive as today! Just wanted to pass the good news on!!

Fun Weekend

2009-04-05T21:17:00.003-04:00

Molly after a day showing

such a pretty girl!

We traveled to Connecticut this last Friday and Saturday to attend and show at the Tri-State Shetland Sheepdog Specialty Show. It was our first show of the season Mia went to watch this time and Molly to show. Molly would rather be home on the couch but that option isn't offered to her yet. It was a terrible heavy rain with wind gust all day Friday so you know we were soaked to the skin all day. However, it was all worth it as we got to see so many old friends and made new friends. We got some new grooming tips (which we will try out next weekend). Lots of spectacular dogs which will possibly fit into our future plans. Molly was better on Friday then Sat. we think it was because Mia didn't travel with us on Sat. (as she gets car sick so we left her home with Sam). Next weekend is a 3 day show which Mia and Molly will show we will let you know how it goes grooming is outdoors and it is still cold here and rain is forecast:( Also lots of family coming over for Easter so it is starting off as a busy season. We also redecorated another room last week the guest/grandchildren room. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a long spring cleaning/ new decorating job.

Spring Escape

2009-03-17T06:29:00.003-04:00

Ollie
Ollie filling up for the next escape

Sassie "the Queen of ALL the house"

We can tell spring is coming the birds are up and about before first light arrives busy building and claiming their nesting spots. At times it gets quite vocal as one tries to sneak into another's house. Ollie, our one of 2 cats has decided to travel as spring approaches he gets the I need to see the other side of the world itch (which means he gets over the fence and travels the neighborhood). He and Sassie our other cat wear electric collars to keep them in the yard (which is fenced in)they trained on them very quickly and stop on the boundary. However Ollie knows if he sits just on the warning line he kills the battery and then he just climbs a tree hops on the wood shed roof and over the fence. He will return when he is hungry (he never misses a meal). There are quite a few foxes and coyotes around so that is the reason we keep them in the yard where it is safe. So a new battery for Ollie and he will be back in the yard till the urge hits him again.

Spring Cleaning Dogs

2009-03-11T07:26:00.006-04:00

Molly starting to coat up
Mia in full coat

Mia looks ready

Well, not just the house gets spring cleaning done. Yesterday was the dogs day to get baths, trimmed and into getting them show ready (we have been working on them but now it is on a schedule). We just found out that 3 of our shows are grooming out in a tent in April not exactly a ideal setup with April being cold and always worrying that the last snow fall can still show up, we will see how it goes. I have posted a couple of pictures from yesterday. It is as you all know a never ending work in progress with coat issues, who is chewing on someone's coat and/or tail, and the spring muds. The tub will be in full time use now.

Project Completed

2009-03-09T23:37:00.008-04:00

These are pre-project pictures

First Coat of Paint

Picture Frame Molding goes up

The Finished Project

We (mostly Linda and my husband, Bob) have finished the make over in the dining room. It is quite a change and I love the new look. It also has gotten me to spring clean the other ajoining rooms so that gives me a good feeling too. I have posted pictures of the before, during and completed project I hope you enjoy them. I will post the dogs again soon

Post snow storm

2009-03-02T19:43:00.009-05:00

I see you coming
watching from the deck

molly being Alfa

everyone wants a hug

sam; is it time to go in and get warm?

Mia trying to pin Molly

Mia

Snow is little deep

molly is planning her attack

Mia on the run

mia going down

Mia thinks she is Alfa poor Sam he doesn't have chance

Mia

Here she comes

Mia and sam

who can jump higher

Mia your going down!

Keep running Mia

Beautiful Molly

who can bark louder?

Well the snow came, and left more then we wanted and has continued up into Maine. It was a heavy snow and we worked all morning cleaning up after it. The 3 stooges (Sam, Molly and Mia) decided to attack and chase each other all day we took pictures which I have posted some look like they are killing each other but it is how they talk and play no one ever bites the other although Sam and Molly at times can't take Mia nipping at their legs and feet anymore and will chase her all over the yard to get her (usually they can't catch her but today the snow slowed Mia down and she wasn't as lucky). It will be a early night tonight this winter has pooped me out! This Saturday we start daylight savings time we turn the clocks ahead one hour and as Spring comes we get more daylight to enjoy the days I can't wait for spring.

Winter returns

2009-02-28T21:22:00.002-05:00

I knew it was too good to be true but I had hoped that with snow gone for the past week that maybe we were heading for a early spring. The dogs were able to run (in the mud) and not slip and slide, and they were out in the fresh air. That all changed tonight with a weather forecast of heavy snow fall, blowing and drifting with gale winds and sleet/ice. Possibly a foot of snow! This isn't fun anymore winter has dragged on too long for me. I hope the saying "March comes in as a lion and leaves like a lamb " is true. The dining room transformation is in the final stages I can't believe the change in the room pictures to follow soon.

CATCH THE BUBBLES

2009-02-23T21:31:00.003-05:00

I see a bubble coming
Mia 4 feet off the ground she defies gravity

I look so good

Mia chasing Molly's tail "RUN Molly RUN"

Today was cold and very windy the sun was out so for a different activity we did bubbles. I use the cat nip bubbles which are pet safe (the cats love the catnip but the dogs don't seem to get anything from it). Mia will chase anything Sam and Molly are more selective but love bubbles too.Mia keeps her 4 legs off the ground when she plays jumping is her favorite thing (well biting Sam's tail and Molly's legs are favorites too). It was a fun morning I am putting in some pictures I hope you enjoy them. The makeover in the dining room is showing progress. The walls are sanded and primed the color goes on tomorrow, then the moldings can't wait till we are done.

THE DIET

2009-02-16T20:26:00.003-05:00

molly and mia in a game of who gets the rope who will let go first
one rope 3 dogs mia wins possession

Well the winter has been a long one and exercise has been limited due to snow and that ice that just doesn't go away. Due to all those combine circumstances weigh gain has occured and with spring (we hope) around the coner and shows starting the excess weigh must come off. Sam, and Molly have to loose Mia is still good the new menu is string beans for treats and a decrease in portion size and more exercise when we can safely run. Actually the string beans have gone over well and slowly the weigh is dropping. Today they could get out and run and we had alot of playing but snow is expected again this week lets hope they are wrong. It will be nice to see the green grass again and have flowers. Linda and I are redecorating the dining room this project will keep us busy for a couple of weeks wall paper off and priming and painting with a new total look I'll keep you posted and when done do pictures of the finished project.

WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW 2009

2009-02-10T22:16:00.007-05:00

Westminster Show

February 09, 2009 Linda and I left the house about 6:30 AM to go to New York for the Westminster Dog Show. We drove to New Haven, Ct to get the train. We hit traffic just before our exit and then had to look for a parking spot as they were all full. We ended up on the 4th floor of the parking garage. Now we had to find the ticket clerk and it was 8:40 the train leaves at 8:50 AM. We found the ticket office purchased our tickets and ran to the train tracks down 2 more flights and through a tunnel. We made it as the conductor was getting on to close the door. Now we needed seats after going through 5 cars (stepping over the car connectors with the cars swaying and jumping) we found seats. The ride was long as we stopped frequently to pick up passengers or to let them off. Finally our destination Grand Central Railroad Station. As we made our way out there was a line of cabs all blowing their horns looking for passengers. We went to a cab and got in and told him where we wanted to go he didn’t speak English too well but off we went with the cab meter clicking. We knew it was 9 blocks but for some reason this cabby decided to take the long way(double the price we had figured on). Traffic in New York is a nightmare and the cab drivers drive like madmen. As we were getting to the show the cab driver bumped into another cab never stopped just kept going Linda and I looked at each other in horror. When he stopped we got out paid him and said “this is the craziest trip”. However as we turned around Madison Square Garden faced us in all it’s beauty. We went in and couldn’t stop looking so much to see …… First we hit the show floor where judging was going on in 4 different rings, from there we headed to the benching area the crowds were Huge and walking was next to impossible you kind of was guided an pushed along. When we wanted to see something we wiggled out of the moving area to the sidelines where we looked and shopped and then headed back into the crowds. We had the opportunity to meet up with our Molly’s half brother “Mark” Ch. Jesstar Affirmation owned by Jessica Strabuck & Rita Von Pusch. Mark and Molly resemble each other a lot, and in the ring Mark took Best of Breed.Unfortionitly he didn’t place in the herding group class. During the judging and afterwards while the ring was being set up Linda and I went in and out of the show to see what we could see nearby. The people versus the cabs in New York, they cross the streets in droves and the cabs resemble the Nascar racing machines waiting for the green light to spin their tires for a clean fast takeoff.

Before we knew it the evening judging started we had watched the cameras getting in place the announcers coming in and all the behind scene work that it takes to put on this show.The pulik as I am sure you know won the herding group.We sat in a section that everyone around us had a dog that had won. Linda and I left the show tired but feeling good we got a cab right away who in 5 minutes had us at Grand station for half the price. Again we had 3 minutes to catch the train or wait another hour we made it and collapsed it is now 11:22 pm. We arrived at New Haven at 1:10 AM found the car and finally arrived home at 3 AM. I am still tired today but will never forget the experience Linda and I talked all the way home about what we saw and did. I look to next year and maybe (just maybe ) in the future we will have the privilege of showing a dog / bitch in the Westminster Dog Show.

**I had soo many pictures we opted to do it in slideshow form so you could see them all!! You can pause and navigate on each one.

Part 1- Arrival at the Garden and sites!shows the street activity,cabs-people just non stop 24 hours a day! the picture of the bench sheltie is "Mark" Molly's half brother boy they look alike. The painting is this years Westminster's print beautiful we bought a print and had it signed. The Sheltie group is on here we tried to get everyone 14 were entered 6 absent so 8 showed.

Part 2- Set-up This shows the vast space in the arena as well as the work that must be done to setup and present such a phenomenal show

Part 3 Breed/herding Group Still some setup and the breed judging of the herding group (sorry some are blurry as it was hard to get some shots with all the movement and we just kept taking photos)

Part 4 Hound Group

Part 5 Non Sporting Group

Part 6 Herding Group

Trip Planned

2009-01-26T18:41:00.003-05:00

Well today was a nice surprise day Linda and I are going to the Westminister Dog Show. We have never been before and can't wait to go. Hope for decent travel weather as we are driving to New Haven and taking the train in from there. Our seats are good and we can't wait to see friends that we haven't seen in awhile.

Funny and Strange Sleeping Positions

2009-01-25T11:38:00.003-05:00

Molly sleeping with her head in the couch
Mia taking her afternoon nap on her back stretched out

Mia caught on the bed solid comfort

"Who is sleeping in my bed? It is just right not too soft and not too hard" Molly enjoys

Mia's favorite way to sleep

Josh and Jess asked to see some funny and strange sleeping positions. Well I found these I hope you enjoy them as much as we do

We have been tagged

2009-01-24T07:45:00.004-05:00

this is what I found after being tagged sorry it is not too clear it is Molly and Linda at the ASSA Nationals in Virginia Beach We had a good time our first National and we learned alot and met so many nice people. Can't wait to go again. WE now have to tag 5 other friends so here we go

This is what you should do:Open a document or file folder,Click on the fifth folder and then the fifth photo.Post the photo and describe it.Then tag 5 other bloggers

here they are

Laureate Shelties

Akadia Shelties

Belaire Corner

windsor shelties

lacewood shelties

Sunny Winter Afternoon

2009-01-23T17:00:00.005-05:00

Okay do we look clean?

Sam & Molly Mia flew the coop

" Now listen everyone sits till I take a picture"

Mia had to climb in with Sam & Molly

Sam and Molly cuddling

Today was sunny and warm enough that we could finally give baths to our dingy winter dogs. So down to the grooming area we went and the assembly line started. After a good clean bath and rinse we fluffed and brushed and trimmed. The result was nice smelling and much better looking Shelties. We then decided to take some photos which meant we tried to get the 3 amigos to sit together and behave NO Way 2 would sit and one would move usually the little one Mia. As you can see in the pictures. By tomorrow (if not tonight) they will be on their way to the next bath:)

Looks Like A Long Winter

2009-01-22T06:49:00.003-05:00

I haven't had any news to post the weather has been frigid and snowing. The dogs are not happy going out for long and neither am I so we are in mostly. The weather is schedule to warm up by the weekend so I hope to get out with some pictures and new news. 3 dogs and 2 cats doing chase in the house gets interesting at times after about 2 minutes time out is called! Hope everyone is doing well and keeping warm.

Junior Handler

2009-01-13T21:16:00.003-05:00

It was a cold day but the sun was out and my granddaughter was here for the day a treat we both love. She asked if she could go out and "show " Mia as we practice which is good for the dogs and Jenna. She loves being in charge and it doesn't take much to get her moving. As you can se in the pictures she is a joy and the dogs don't know what has hit them. We have a few more years to go before she can show (she showed Molly in a sweeps class last spring and won everyone stopped to watch her as she took over the ring and gave it 100% after she was done she had a standing ovation and everyone stopped to talk to her. (not bad for a 4 year old). We can't wait till she is showing. At the end of the day Mia was exhausted as you can see. I also have pictures of Molly with Jenna at the sweeps. I hope you enjoy them. This is what makes life so worthwhile watching your children (grandchildren) grow and giving back to you the pleasures of life. I wouldn't trade this for anything!

Junior Handler at work

2009-01-13T20:22:00.005-05:00

Mia this is a show point "good stand"

good side view

nice walking Mia

catch up Mia

Jenna and Mia

Mia totally exhausted!

Getting those important Judge Instructions

Jenna and Molly

Water Play

2009-01-07T21:12:00.004-05:00

Mia decided that she was tired of not having the hose on outside to play in the water(can't explain to her that the water and hose are frozen). So today while I was cleaning and rinsing the tub Mia decided that I must have taken her water play indoors. As you can see she loves biting the water and getting as wet as she can (could she be a water dog and not a herding ???) When we go to the bay or ocean she has to be on a lead as she just goes out and won't come back never had a sheltie like her. She keeps us on our toes and entertained

2009-01-04T20:53:00.003-05:00

Today was our after Christmas Party and Sheltie club meeting. We all take a wrapped gift, food dish to share and of course our dogs! After our meeting we fill our plates to settle down and visit with other members and friends. While this happens the dogs are allowed to run free and play in a large secure indoor area. They love playing chase, just checking each other out or whatever. It is a unique thing that when Shelties are with Shelties they all seem to get along as if they know each other. Mia had a wonderful time Molly would rather sit and watch she is more reserved but Mia is the life of the party as her name portrays PaRay's Catch Me If You Can :) The ride home was quiet as both dogs slept after a afternoon of fun. It will be another month before we get together again. It is Sunday evening the wood stove is going the house is nice and warm I am working at the computer and the 3 dogs are laying at my feet sleeping a wonderful peaceful night that I wouldn't trade for anything. We forget at times that it is just the simple things in life that bring us the most happiness.... family, health and the unconditional love of our pets I wish this for all of you.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T19:53:00.001-05:00

We want to wish everyone a Happy New Year may this be a happy and healthy year. Snow fell again yesterday and the temperature dropped to below freezing. Keeping the dogs in isn't hard with Sam and Molly but Mia is another story she just wants to be out no matter what the weather is so I have to keep a eye on her and bring her in so she doesn't get cold or ice in her feet. We have all the decorations down from Christmas and the house is just about back to normal (whatever that is I can't seem to remember with 3 shelties and 2 cats living with us) The household revolves around the animals usually. I told my daughter that after it snows we must have the cleanest deck, stairs and cleared paths in the neighborhood all this for the comfort of the animals. We are looking to spring and the starting of the show season again, a chance to show our dogs and renew our friendships with other Sheltie people. January is a quiet month with most days spent indoors , February is also a indoor month but we can see March right around the corner and spring will be following (Hurrah). I've post a couple of pictures as you can see Mia is running with no feet on the ground as Sam is out to get her, the usual Mia and Sam play she torments him and he chases her.The other pictures is Sam and Mia, Sam and Mia The snow tastes good, 3 dogs racing to see who can catch the snow first

2009-01-01T19:46:00.000-05:00

Canidae dog food

2008-12-26T07:46:00.005-05:00

I don't know if anyone has been using this food but we have for over 2 years and since opening a new bag it contained worms which we returned immediately and was given another bag. This bag had no worms but the color and size looked different. We didn't think too much of it and fed the 2 older shelties. Sam started with yellow smelly diarrhea and scratch and biting his legs and feet. then he started vomiting indigestive food this made me start looking at what could be wrong with him he had no energy and was just not right. Molly only would eat part of her food and walk away again not normal for her she was very gassy and her stools loose. She too itched and bit at her legs. Mia had no problems (she isn't on that food). My daughter went on line and discovered that Canidae has changed the food and there are allot of sick dogs out there. We immediately stopped feeding the food and changed to another. Sam and Molly are getting better but still not up to their normal activities. They were on this food about 2 weeks maybe. I am putting a web site here go to it if you use Canidae food and read the problems that have occurred. Please pass this on to anyother pet owners so they maybe informed.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/canidae.html

2008-12-25T20:22:00.002-05:00

Christmas Day where has the time gone I can't believe that after all the preparations and planning Christmas has come and is ending in a few hours. I look back and feel somewhat sad that it has ended. I won't miss the shopping and traffic but I miss the look of excitement in my granddaughter's eyes and the anticipation of what Santa will bring to her and her brother. The daily phone calls she makes to me (3-5 times aday) telling me she is "so excited and happy that Santa is coming". I will still get the phone calls which are highlights in my day but Santa will be a topic left for next year. I also at this time of year get to see alot of my family that I don't get too see as often as I like such a busy but happy time. Now we head into the cold quiet winter where we don't see anyone as much as we go from car to the house quickly. The wood stove will be on all day and I will be baking bake beans and soups and stews alot on it. we get heat and cooked food from one source :) I received a new digital camera for Christmas and can't wait to start using it I hope to be posting more pictures now. We had a sonogram done on Molly last Monday and she didn't conceive on her breeding we are disappointed and had hoped for a litter but we will have to try again and hope that the next time we are luckier. I always try to see the glass as half full and not empty as we can't change the outcomes but accept them as they are. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas .

Day Before the Night Before Christmas Almost

2008-12-22T22:19:00.002-05:00

Well this is it Christmas is just 2 days away and I am as done as I can be. The gifts are bought and wrapped and ready to go under the tree or to be delivered. I haven't baked my cookies yet I may get to them but if not they will be done before New Years. I also have to make my French Meat Pies for New Years. This is a tradition from my great grandmother who came from Canada. My grandmother passed the recipe down to me and I will pass it on to my daughter and daughter-in-laws. I also make molasses cookies only at this time of year they also came to me from my grandmother but this grandmother was from my mother's side and her (my great grandmother) was from Ireland. It is a special cooking time when I make these items as they always bring me thoughts of happiness of long ago times. I remember cooking with my grandmothers and the talks that we would share and the little but special parts of my growing that stayed with me to this day. I hope that everyone has a "special" holiday memory and that you pass it down to your children to be shared for many many years. I can remember going to visit with my grandmother and she had a big kitchen stove that was heated with kerosene and she would put a slice of bread on the flat burners and then flatten the bread with a heavy pan or flat iron in less then a minute it was toasted and she would butter/jam it and give it to me we call it flat toast and it is delicious. I can remember sleeping over and the smells of her house and the clocks ticking in the quiet of the night. So many memories.................. I wish all of you such happy memories with your children and families. Enjoy each day as it is special and only comes once.

Snow Clean Up Day

2008-12-20T20:36:00.016-05:00

Yesterday was a snowy day we had about a foot of snow fall and that meant the snow blower, and shovels had a workout. Linda and I had stiff backs from cleaning the deck and stairs off all day. Then last night we tackled the driveway, walks and finally paths for the dogs to use. Sam, Molly and Mia (her first major snow) were just little out of control :o). Mia who is on the small side found she had to keep jumping and leaping to get through the snow. Molly and Sam took advantage of this and decided to get their revenge on Mia as she constantly is after them. I have posted some pictures which I hope you enjoy. After being out for a couple of hours they all came in got dried and warmed and fell into comas. They never moved all night. Today was another day to play and tomorrow we see more snow fall and ice. It looks like it is going to be a long winter. I'm looking for a early spring and gardening this cold weather is tough on the joints :)
We have our Christmas trees up one is a 4 foot artificial that Linda puts up early Thaksgiving night. The other tree is real and varies is height and width (depending on what we find in the tree woods). This year Linda was conservative we made the height and width with no problem.(I always think of Chevy Chase Christmas Vacation when we cut the net off the tree one time it is going to go out the windows .) The Christmas tree aroma is wonderful.Mia is on a daily mission to see how many ornaments she can steal and get out the door with. She has managed to get a few out.

Ice Storm Still Causing problems

2008-12-16T23:08:00.003-05:00

The ice storm that hit central Massachusetts and New Hampshire last Thursday night into Friday is still impacting many people over 125,000 in Ma. and 95,000 in NH are still without electric and cleared roads. Schools have been closed to January and many people have had to move to shelters as they have no electric, heat, water, and some damage to their homes and they can't stay. Pets are in shelters too with cold weather settling in. Yesterday my husband and son went up to our other's son home in Wilton, NH they took chain saws, lamp oil, batteries, and my son's ATV. With my husband ,Bob, supervising the boys cut and moved limbs and trees before it snows again this week. They said it was like a sight from a movie you went from no damaged areas to towns that are still impassable with electric wires still down and trees blocking the roads. Signs are set up with messages for the motorists and town people updating information. Some areas may not have electric till after Christmas. They arrived back home late last night tired but happy with the work they accomplished. Neighbors helping neighbors, family helping family during hard times is what bonds us together. We are very lucky as is my son that when you are in need someone is always going to come lend a hand and help get each other safely through. I hope you all have people that you can count on (I think you must as I read your blogs and see where everyone offers each other positive feedback and words of comfort when needed.) To all of you I wish a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with Promise of good heath and a improving economy.

2008-12-13T09:10:00.000-05:00

2008-12-13T08:58:00.001-05:00

We were lucky in southern New England as we only had 4-5" of rain, however my son and his family in Wilton, NH had a ice storm. They are without electric for at least 4 days and thankfully have a wood stove for heat. My son sent me some pictures before he lost electric of just his yard. He said every minute or less you could hear trees falling. it will be a long time for the trees to recover if ever as the longer the ice sits on them the more damage they incur. Mother nature has her own way of setting things up to remove and start new growth and life. It has been this way since the beginning of time and it seems to work so I say we trust mother nature to keep us in balance. On another note we use Canidae dog food on the dogs we opened a new bag this week and found it had worms in it UGH! We returned it and they apologizes but we will check every bag now so if you use this food or basically any other please check it. I am still fighting this horrid cold hopefully it goes soon. Linda tells me we are going into the woods today to find our Christmas Tree (this is a 4 hour hunt) as we locate a tree but keep looking to make sure this is the "BEST" then we can't find it again so we walk the area for forever it seems. Today I am going to bring something to mark it. The dogs enjoy it they come home exhausted. Well, I have to go start laying on the clothing. Have a good day

Holiday rush and possible special gift

2008-12-11T20:36:00.003-05:00

Well I realized today that in 2 WEEKS it is Christmas Day. I keep telling myself that there is plenty of time left to finish that shopping but now I start to panic and know I had better stop procrastinating and get moving. I've had a terrible cold the past few days and not much energy, but this is it tomorrow I SHOP. As I mention in a earlier post we bred Molly and her ultrasound is due on Dec. 25 (but we are going on Dec.22) It would be a very happy Christmas if we are told she has puppies. They would be due the end of Jan. when things have calm down post holidays. This would be our first litter as Molly was pregnant(single pup) last Dec. and the vet medical facility that is suppose to be the best in this state left her unattended (2 hours), refused to allow us in with her and as she delivered alone they then took the puppy left him in the sac and never tried to resuscitate him. We will never go there again. In our opinion they killed her puppy as he was perfect and a good size. They apologized and changed their policies but not in time for us. So as sad as last Christmas was we have hopes for this Christmas. These are some pictures from our "little snow fall" last weekend. Mia had never seen snow before and we couldn't keep her in. She and Molly play catch me if can and who can get more snow on the other.

Typical New England Weather

2008-12-10T08:10:00.005-05:00

We went from a temperature of 14*F with a wind chill of 3F to this morning a temperature of 62*F and 45MPH winds. We had a little snow over the weekend now we have mud. the dogs are running in the yard and covered in wet mud the wash tub will be in use today:) We live on the coast of Rhode Island (the smallest state ) the views from the coast line are beautiful. We take the dogs to the water whenever we have the chance they love it Mia thinks she is part or all water retriever as she just wants to get wet. We have the Newport Mansions where the rich and famous have lived and now are tourist attractions. Fresh seafood comes in daily at the fishing piers and we have local produce in the summer. Being a small state you always meet someone who knows you or your family.Conversations usually begin with "Hi aren't you related to so and so" Rhode Islanders hate to travel if you have to go further then 15 mins. to get somewhere bring a lunch and consider staying over (I'm not kidding) And if snow is forecast there is a run on milk and bread! I have lived here all my life as has my husband,Bob. Our children are in RI except for my oldest son who lives in New Hampshire with his family they love the mountains.The dogs are in and looking at me with the hunger look so I have to go feed the crew.

Introduction

2008-12-09T12:12:00.005-05:00

We are a relatively new Sheltie showing family. My daughter, Linda and I have been showing for the last 4 years. Along with the support of my husband we have enjoyed meeting many nice people. Sam our male sheltie is our loving pet (and my husband's baby) but Sam has no say over the 2 girls Molly and Mia. Molly comes to us from Laureate and we love her to pieces. Linda shows her and Molly is now at a good maturing age. We have just bred her and I will keep you posted on the outcome. Mia is 8 months old she is a little on the small size and so we are giving her a little more time to finish filling out. Mia however thinks she is the one in charge and never stops. She is perpetual motion from morning to night (Hence her name PaRay's Catch Me If You Can). We have a pet door that never is idle someone is always running in and out or chasing someone.