About dogs and dogsports! Most often in images...not words! In memory of Zephyr...my heart dog.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Coming into Autumn

Webster's Falls
Fall is here, although we have been lucky to have some really nice warm weather. There really is no better time for hiking and any other outdoor adventures in my mind.

Zephyr has been a little off since Kirya passed away almost 2 weeks ago, but we've been keeping busy to help the healing process. We've been able to do more child free hiking as they are back to school which has meant some nice hilly, rocky trails.

I've also had the chance to put Zephyr back out on sheep. He really is such a good boy. I used to love taking lessons and renting sheep, then doing some small trials. It was nice to get back out with him again after so much time off. Hopefully I'll be able to get some nice shots this fall of him, that is one thing I never did get when we used to go all the time. I wasn't able to get photos of him working while I worked him this week, but here is a shot I took of Kate, who is owned by the sheep farms owner.

Kate

Monday, September 19, 2011

Goodbye Kirya


My Tribute to Kirya

It was with heavy hearts on Friday that my husband and I said goodbye to our Kirya. She had been on a decline all year but this past week she was really having more trouble and no longer seemed happy. By Thursday night we knew we had to make a decision. She was 2 months shy of her 14th birthday. She had a wonderful life.


My husband was there for Kirya's birth, the birth of Kirya's puppies and was with her until the end. He owned her parents and grandparents. Many years ago with major life changes she was the one collie that he decided to keep...what a good choice.

Never have I met such a gentle dog as her. She always took life in stride, content to share her life and space with new dogs and then children. You couldn't for a better dog to help raise puppies and children. She did pet therapy for years, first with myself then with another woman. She was so wonderful at this work, not only because of her quiet way but her breed seemed to bring out a lot of memories in people. She was a very special dog.

Thank you to our vet for all his support and kindness. Kirya seemed ready to go and left so peacefully and quietly.


We miss her already.