ZEPHYR'S ZOO

New Year!

2012-01-09T13:29:00.006-05:00

Well 2012 is here, let's hope it's a good one! I started the year off right with a New Year's Day agility trial. I did not run that well, out of practise, but Zephyr was high as can be and he had a blast! It was also so nice to spend the morning there with some friends. I am hoping to get back to regular trialing starting March or April...must get to regular training with Zephyr, not just the young girlie.
What else to say, same old here, hiking every day, looking into maybe indoor swimming for Zephyr for the rest of the winter, otherwise he is quite happy to lounge around on the sofa during down time!

A Bit of Down Time

2011-11-09T15:59:00.008-05:00

I know blogs are really supposed to be about words, about having something to say....I think for me, images are often the better option.

I like to enjoy my dogs without the pressure of feeling like I have to prove something. I like to learn how to improve upon my own skills and weaknesses as well as my dogs weaknesses. Being aware of them will only help us improve and stay well our whole lives. It's all about the journey.

I've been spending far more time this fall on the trails then training agility or anything else. Zephyr is almost 10 years and as much as he's still good to go, I seem to enjoy the quiet of the trail more then the ring these days. He's been out to sheep a couple times this past month too which was really nice. I've missed those times when he was young and we used to work sheep.

I just spent a weekend at a 2 day Chris Zink seminar. I took my young dog Zen rather than Zephyr as I had questions and she has a whole life of using her body ahead of her. What an amazing seminar. SO much information, lots I have already been doing with the dogs, and then lots of new stuff to work on to fix some issues, or at least help with. Good thing I don't get upset at peoples opinion of my dog...so many refuse to think there could be any flaw with their dog and get far to upset at any mention that it may not be perfect!! How can we improve if we think that way. I would recommend going to see her, worth every penny.

As winter looms, we will continue to hike every day as usual, agility has moved indoors and maybe by spring I will feel more like spending time competing again with my red dog.

Zephyr out working sheep, looking at a goat that was not in the frame :)
Enjoying the fall colours

Mr. Hot Pants :)

Beautiful Red Dog

Autumn Light

2011-10-04T13:41:00.003-04:00

I love the light this time of year....even in B&W without all the golden glow, I still find it so beautiful.

Coming into Autumn

2011-09-28T12:49:00.006-04:00

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

Goodbye Kirya

2011-09-19T06:47:00.001-04:00

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.

Where Our Heart Leads Us

2011-08-11T13:36:00.007-04:00

Just a couple photos from this summer. I love taking photos of Zephyr....handsome boy so eager to get in front of my camera.

People talk about "heart dogs" and I understand what they mean.....Zephyr would be just that. I feel lucky to be on the path that he has taken me on. Always such a patient and giving teacher, up ahead waiting for me. Thank you Red Dog.

Summer FUN!!

2011-06-20T13:42:00.005-04:00

Well the hot weather is finally here, and there is so much to get out and do with the dogs. We have been enjoying agility training at home, looking forward to Nationals in August as well I hope to get out to some local sanctioned trials this summer.

We recently joined the Superdog team for a demo and will be doing several more demos this summer, both for Scholars in Collars where I teach part time and for Art of Dog.

Thank you Jean for this shot!! Spit flying!!

Most importantly we enjoy time just hiking, playing and swimming!

A Few Silly Dog Tricks With Zen and Zephyr

2011-06-06T14:08:00.000-04:00

Just playing around and having fun with the dogs:) Basic tricks!

Fun Times at Regionals!

2011-06-02T12:52:00.006-04:00

I have been neglecting this blog as well as Zen's ....sorry!! Things have been good with Zephyr since my last entry way back in February. As usual we have been out for our daily hikes and I was able to get the agility equipment out the beginning of May so we have been doing a bit more training too.

Last weekend I took Zephyr to the Ontario Regional Agility Trial to try to qualify to Nationals again. He qualified no problem as well he qualified and ran in the Steeplechase finals!! That was a rush, so much fun. We also had several top ten placements in the regional courses including a first place jumpers run.

I took Zephyr just with the intent of having fun and enjoying something that we both love to do together. I am just so happy that he is still here with me. Last year when I found out that he had cancer I wasn't sure if he would be here this year. After surgery I didn't think he would play agility again. His recovery was so good that he has had no problem coming back to the sport.

He is now in 16" Vets, I know he could still jump higher but why ask that of him....not only did he have surgery last year but he is also 9 1/2 years old. After 3 days of competing he was getting a bit tired I could tell that his reaction time was just slightly slower (hard to tell on these fast dogs). Also on the third day he couldn't get his frame contacts, he was jumping off early. Although he wasn't moving stiff or short in the front I wonder if fatigue was setting in. He did have major surgery on his chest with much tissue removed so it would make sense.

All in all it was a wonderful weekend with my friends and my dogs!
More videos from the weekend at my YouTube channel.

Back in the Ring

2011-02-10T14:06:00.004-05:00

This past weekend Zephyr and I started back to the trial field with our first agility trial since his surgery to remove a cancer tumour last year. Three out four runs clean!
I have dropped him down to 16" Double Drop Veterans even though the 22" probably would not be an issue just to be on the safe side as he had a fair amount of tissue removed from his chest. (He used to run 26" regular when he was younger). He is running well, SO happy, still fast and no soreness or stiffness after. We will enter a few more trials this winter and spring and then head to regionals the end of May and see how he holds up over 3 days.
I wasn't even sure if he would be able to walk normally last year let alone do agility again....amazing. I'm just happy he's alive but this is just a bonus for us both!

Happy Birthday Zephyr!

2011-01-21T12:08:00.002-05:00

Zephyr turns 9 years old today! He is feeling good and happy! After thinking I might lose him to cancer last year, this birthday feels extra special!

Regionals Photos

2011-01-17T13:12:00.007-05:00

I finally got around to ordering my photos from the 2010 AAC Regionals. All photos were from Len Silvester at TTL Photos, he always does a super job! The last photo of Zephyr and his spit over the A-frame is one of my all time favorites of him doing agility, it makes me laugh!!!

All That's In There

2011-01-12T13:01:00.004-05:00

I've just had the great fortune of getting a 30 generation pedigree on my dogs and all the stats. on the inbreeding in their lines. Just out of interest as my dogs are not breeding dogs. But isn't it interesting to think of all the dogs that came before yours and how their genes affect your dogs.

Thank you to Chris over at Border Wars for this and the great conversation about borders collies and breeding.

If you have never read his blog you really should as he has MANY very thought provoking articles about border collies, breeding and the culture surrounding them. Lots of food for thought.

Fun In The Snow!

2011-01-08T21:11:00.008-05:00

Zephyr just loves the snow! To run and play in it, he wants to be out there all the time!He doesn't even seem to mind the frozen whiskers and snow covered face He loves to play fetch anytime of the year even in the snow, having to dig it out of drifts.

Of course Zen never gets a turn unless I take the ball from Zephyr and give it to her....which I do :) Zephyr is very patient, for the most part following her around (she LOVES gettng him to chase her, as it's the only way he'll play and pay attention to her). When he's had enough of this game he'll put the pressure on and she'll spit the ball, making him happy once again!!

Victory!!

52 Weeks of Zephyr

2011-01-06T04:00:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone! A morning shot of Zephyr when we finally had some sun! I am thankful that 2011 is here and I am hoping it will be a better year than last. Last year was dealing with loss and health issues for our dogs. I guess I should be happy that it is the first year in so many of owning dogs that we've had all these issues to deal with. Nothing short of stressful both on an emotional and financial level.
Anyway one good thing that did come out of it all is a year long photography project that I did with Zephyr. One photo taken each week to represent that week. Often the photos were not the best ones that I took of him, but they spoke of that time. It was a hard project at times to push on with in light of our struggles but I'm glad I did. Here is a slideshow of it...enjoy!! SLIDESHOW

Flattering

2010-12-02T14:13:00.005-05:00

I was contacted this week to have an old photo of Zephyr published in a book. As much as it was flattering, for various reasons I declined. This was the photo.

Other than that winter is here, the dogs don't mind however as long as we still get out for our daily hikes!
Also today was Chase's birthday. I know it is not good to dwell, which I'm not too much, only remembering. It's only been 6 months and of course I still miss him!

Enjoying Autumn

2010-11-09T11:59:00.004-05:00

Well Zephyr has been having a great autumn....not as much trialing as I had planned, but daily hikes, agility training and a return to herding has made this fall fun for him! I am planning on trying to get photos of Zephyr working sheep soon!! For now some other photos!

Run Red Dog RUN!!!

2010-09-20T14:19:00.002-04:00

He's back!! Feeling good and looking to trial this fall!

Cancer

2010-08-30T12:32:00.007-04:00

Sorry I have been away from the blogs for so long....what can I say it's summer which is always busy, as well we've had a bit of a tough time with Zephyr. Back in July I found a mass on his chest, which I had aspirated right away and it showed to be a spindle cell tumour...not good at all. So then I took him in to see a specialist we did a biopsy which showed it be a low grade tumour which was good news as the chance that it had spread to other parts of his body remained low, and the lower grade tumour meant less of a margin when they did surgery.
Anyway to make a long story short he had surgery, the margins were clean and he has healed very well. It has all been a very upsetting and stressful time but I hope this surgery was a cure as the pathologists thinks it may have been. He is still not moving 100% he doesn't have the reach and looks a bit tight in the front end. But considering how much skin and tissue was removed it's no surprise and with all the swimming I'm sure he will be back to doing everything without a hitch soon!
Since getting the stitches out he has been enjoying the weather and this past weekend came with me up to my friends cottage and enjoyed the lake both in the canoe and swimming!

Regionals Photos

2010-07-19T14:48:00.004-04:00

A big Thank You to Dave Geall who came out to take photos of Zephyr at Regionals. I know I mentioned this before but here are some shots that I now have to share. Check out his website and all his amazing work.

Canada Day Demo

2010-07-02T12:22:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was a fun day doing our annual dog sport demo at Spencer smith Park in Burlington. Zephyr participated in all the shows and even Zen got to do her part! This is the 10th year I've been involved and look forward to it every year!

Summer is here!

2010-06-22T08:41:00.004-04:00

The last two weeks have been busy with the new puppy, and enjoying the warm summer weather. Zephyr has been very good about the new addition so long as she keeps her teeth to herself!
Zen is totally smitten by him and follows him everywhere. He is a good dog to have around when teaching a puppy! Watch them here out on the trails!

New Addition-New Blog!!

2010-06-08T22:16:00.004-04:00

After waiting almost 2 years for this planned litter, she travelled almost 900 kilometers on Sunday to get here! My big surprise!! Welcome Zen!!

The universe has a strange way of looking out for us sometimes. I put a deposit on a puppy from this planned litter back in August of 2008!! Back then I had no idea what would happen to Chase so close before she was to come to our house, and at first I was worried that it was going to be too soon after....but I think the timing is actually perfect. I think the energy will be just the pick me up that Zephyr needs and will be good for my son to learn that as much as Chase is gone new life happens as well.

She has fit in so well too, she has taken to the kids and the dogs, we have fallen in love already.

Follow along with our journey together on her own blog.

Day 3 of Regionals

2010-06-02T13:09:00.005-04:00

Sorry this post is a bit late, catching up with the real world!!
Sunday proved a bit harder for us, than Saturday. Another hot day, and by the afternoon Zephyr was getting tired and not as quick to respond as usual. An off course for us in Standard and jumpers. Oh well!
Overall we placed 4th in our division and did qualify for Nationals! We had fun as always and it was so nice to see lots of our friends that we hadn't seen in some time and meet some new ones!
Also friend and student Dave Geall came out and took some AWESOME photos of Zephyr for me. He took lots of the other dogs too. Check out his website.

Day 2 of Regionals

2010-05-29T21:34:00.002-04:00

Woo Hoo!! Found out today that we placed 1st yesterday in the steeplechase which puts us in the Steeplechase Finals tomorrow!!
Today we had 3 runs, 1 standard, 1 jumpers and 1 gamblers. The standard was a really tough course for the big and fast dogs, too much cranking on them and traps, it was tight. We ended up with a bar down and a refusal as Zephyr spun around in front of a jump. The jumpers round was tricky but flowed better. However the bars were flying for SO many dogs! We took one bar down here too, which threw me and we had another refusal this time I pulled him off a jump and he ran past (brought him back around to it) right after. Our last was the gamblers and I am happy that we got the main gamble!
I am not sure what any of my placements were today as they were announced hours after I left! One day left, 4 more runs, it's supposed to be very hot, hopefully we stay cool.

Day 1 of Regionals

2010-05-28T20:18:00.004-04:00

Today was the first day of the 2010 AAC Ontario Regional Agility Trial held in Fergus.
This morning was the warm-up rounds, and this afternoon was the Steeplechase Round 1 (the qualifier for the finals on Sunday).
I am really happy with how FAST and smooth Zephyr and I ran. The first of our 2 frame contacts was blown (typical for Zephyr in a trial especially the first class!) which was too bad. However even with the five second penalty he was still faster than some of the other dogs in the class....we'll find out on Sunday if we managed to squeak into the finals with the fault!
Looking forward to the next 2 days!!

Spring Hiking

2010-05-25T09:09:00.006-04:00

We hike all year but spring is my favorite!

May 16th Agility Trial

2010-05-21T07:59:00.002-04:00

Royackers held their May trial this past weekend. I was going to pull as I wasn't really feeling up to it after losing Chase so recently, but I decided that seeing some good friends would be good for me, and getting out would be good for Zephyr (who has been sulking around a fair bit since Chase left.)
Unfortunately I didn't get any video! We started with Master Gamblers and ended up with 76 points and a Q!! Our second class was another Master Gamblers and this time we ran SO well, 96 points and a Q!! What a rush!! Our last class was standard and if I hadn't had a brain lapse on course and sent him over the wrong jump I'm sure we would have done well!! (I haven't done that in so long, I guess a lot on my mind lately).
That was the last trial for us before Regionals next weekend!

Goodbye Chase

2010-05-14T22:11:00.003-04:00

It was with a heavy heart that we said goodbye to Chase on May 12. After several months of declining it was time to help him pass with dignity and put him at ease.

Who would have thought that the terrified little puppy from a pig farm would have such an impact on my life. I feel that I owe him so much. Not only was he my constant friend and companion but he introduced me to dog training and dog sports and in turn so many amazing people and friends.

Thank you to our vet Dr. McLean who came up to our house so that Chase could be in the comfort of his home.

Because I'm better with images than words, here is my tribute to him...

http://s896.photobucket.com/albums/ac161/artofdog/Movie/?action=view&current=chasemovie.flv

I miss you so much.

Shine on Chaser Bug, I'll see you on the other side.

May 1st Agility Trial

2010-05-04T13:27:00.004-04:00

I am finally getting around to posting the one video that I managed to get of Zephyr and I running at this past weekends agility trial. He ran well, but I have to get a move on!! Training indoors all winter in a small space I haven't had to run! Less than four weeks until regionals!

Suzanne Clothier Seminar

2010-04-18T21:12:00.005-04:00

I just spent the last two days attending a Suzanne Clothier behavioral seminar in Guelph! I have always really respected her ideals and teachings and was thrilled to listen to her and watch her work with dogs and their handlers. All in all I would go and see her again and encourage anyone else to as well!
If you haven't read her book "Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs" I highly recommend it! She is an advocate of dog training based in empathy, respect and balance to put it simply.
What a great seminar! It is also nice to know that the school I teach for and the way I have trained my own dogs is right on board with her teachings.

Ribbon Wall Quilt

2010-03-30T13:58:00.005-04:00

Chase's ribbon wall quilt made by Michelle http://sites.google.com/site/mamcreations2/ is done and home to hang in our office!! I wish my photos showed just how awesome it is!!

Cold Winter Nights

2010-02-20T08:32:00.002-05:00

First Agility Trial of 2010

2010-02-08T13:24:00.004-05:00

I felt so great to get back into trialing this year. We didn't do as much agility last year with the new baby, we did disc and some flyball, but we're starting back and it was fun!!
We had a Steeplechase run and 2 Master Gambles. Our Steeplechase was clean and 20 seconds under time allowed for a Q. Our fist gamble was not as pretty as it could have been in the opening section but we still had lots of points and we got the gamble so a Q! Our second gamble started great, we had tons of points, got the mini twice but didn't get the final gamble. Still a great start back!! Can't wait for more upcoming trials!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMFpyP3RLMo

More Winter Fun

2010-01-26T12:40:00.005-05:00

The View Playing ball

Can you see me?!

Us playing

Happy Chase

Winter

2010-01-07T09:19:00.004-05:00

A few winter shots. We are doing lots of hiking this time of year and indoor agility training. Not much else to report :))

Happy Holidays

2009-12-23T14:37:00.003-05:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and new year!! Some Christmas photos of us!!

Portraits

2009-12-04T10:37:00.005-05:00

Sorry we've been so busy, not much time for blogging, but here are some recent indoor portraits that my Mom took of us.

Winter Season Starts

2009-11-10T13:03:00.003-05:00

Well all my agility equipment was put away a couple weeks ago, so now we are only able to train indoors. Oh well, that's the season! We did not get to do a lot of trialing this past year due to the new baby, but now that he is weaned and starting to figure out how to sleep at night my Mom has signed us up for some up coming events!! We are looking forward to it!!

Leaf Monster

2009-10-26T13:00:00.003-04:00

Okay, so those that know me, can attest to the fact that I have a bit of a thing for carrying leaves around in my mouth and trying to get people to throw them! My Mom has captured this in photos!! It's okay go ahead and laugh!! Autumn is a good time of year!!

The Rising Autumn Sun

2009-10-13T21:04:00.004-04:00

Steamy Dog!!!

2009-10-10T21:26:00.004-04:00

Training in the early morning chill, a border collie can produce a lot of heat!!!

And again....

2009-10-05T13:22:00.006-04:00

Still hiking...

Drawing of me!

2009-10-03T20:51:00.005-04:00

My mother was approached by an anonymous artist asking if they could draw me from one of my mom's photos! Here is a result!! I think it's great!! Check out their other drawings here!

Hiking the Bruce Trail Again

2009-09-25T10:16:00.007-04:00

Here are more pictures of hiking on the Bruce trail. Fall is coming which is a beautiful time of year to hike.

Last Disc Trial of the Season

2009-09-15T07:48:00.002-04:00

This past Sunday my Mom took me to the last CDDA disc trial of the year. There were actually two trials held back to back. In the single disc (toss and fetch) out of just over 20 dogs I placed with a first and a third! I also tried a freestyle routine and placed third out of six! I also earned my DDX title. Overall we had a great day! I ran well and more importantly we had fun!!

Hiking in Dundas

2009-08-26T14:15:00.008-04:00

More great photos! This time we were hiking the Bruce Trail in Dundas.

Smokey Hollow

2009-08-13T09:26:00.006-04:00

Our recent hike at the beautiful Smokey Hollow trail, part of Ontario's Bruce Trail.

Out and About

2009-08-10T20:59:00.002-04:00

Nothing like swimming on a hot day!
Stalking Chase.....

...and getting told about it!

Our "pack".

Take time to smell the flowers!

Sheepherding

2009-07-29T15:47:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I went sheepherding! I took lessons for several years, a few years back. Then with children and moving too far from where we trained, my Mom decided to focus more on sports. Also she says that I am more of a gifted sport dog than working sheep dog.
Anyway I was eager, and we had fun. My Mom hopes to take me again soon and get some photos!!

New Hiking Pics!

2009-07-26T20:25:00.006-04:00

Wow, Southern Ontario has seen a lot of rain and storms lately, and today was no different. We had to cut our regular hike short due to storm clouds rolling in but we still had fun!! Of all the sports I do, I still love a family hike as much as anything!!

Disc Trial

2009-07-13T07:19:00.002-04:00

We finally made it out to our first disc trial of the season! I entered single disc and freestyle. I had fun, but we were all a little tired from being up the whole night before with a crying teething baby!! I am now 3 points away from my DDX. One dropped disc cost me that!! My Mom didn't get any photos as she can't take pictures and compete obviously!

Tongue!!

2009-07-09T07:18:00.006-04:00

I have had the nickname "Tongue" for many years. It is really because I have a compulsion to lick people's faces or hands, but my Mom thought these photos were also good illustration of my name!

Sad Goodbye

2009-07-02T13:19:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to say goodbye to my big brother Bogey. He was a year older than me, be we had the same parents. Bogey died unexpectedly last week at too young of an age. We competed together in agility for years now. You can see the memorial page that our breeder has for him. He will be missed by us all, but especially by his owners. Goodbye Bogey.

Happy Canada Day!

2009-07-01T13:29:00.000-04:00

Here are some photos of me at the Canada Day demo we did at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington. They were taken by my Mom's friend Jean. The photos of me with the stuffed sheep, show an exercise in self control that they like to play with me, and they used a sheep toy, as I am a border collie and it ads to the cute factor!!

More Agility Pics

2009-06-28T19:34:00.004-04:00

My Mom is still trying to capture some pics of me doing agility at home. I think having someone else run me might help!!

Working at Home

2009-06-15T07:28:00.004-04:00

Some photos of Chase and I playing at home!

Flyball Weekend

2009-06-08T08:33:00.005-04:00

What a fun weekend Chase and I had! We went to our first flyball tournament in 3 years!!! It was hosted by Instant Replay and held in Caledonia. We have been to this one in years past, and like the venue.
We ran a vets team, a new team, Nascur (yes with a "u"-as in cur!) with friends of my moms. We were not fast and took a couple of races to get organized as we had never run together before, but we had fun which was the goal. My Mom just wanted to let us get out for fun, especially Chase who is getting older and may not have too many years of racing left.
I am hoping we get to go do it again soon!!

Chase, myself Zephyr, Puggy Sue, Bently and Sass.

Photos from the Demo

2009-06-05T07:24:00.003-04:00

A few photos from the demo this past weekend. I was doing tricks while they were taken!

Dogsport Demo

2009-06-01T07:49:00.002-04:00

Yesterday my Mom took me down to Spencer Smith Park in Burlington for the Burlington Humane Society Walk-a-Thon. We went to participate in the dog sport demo. We did agility, relays, tricks and high jump (my Mom doesn't let me do high jump). It was a fun day. Check out their website if you are looking to adopt a pet or make a donation. We adopted our cat Haiku from them many years ago!

Chasing Rainbows!!

2009-05-24T21:25:00.002-04:00

Getting in Shape

2009-05-20T08:33:00.005-04:00

So I thought that I would show you the type of thing my Mom does for fitness training over the jumps. She does lots of little drills and then soon she will start back to courses with me. She has been off too long as her handling shows!!!

Let the games begin!!

2009-05-11T07:40:00.001-04:00

How exciting!! My Mom brought the agility equipment out yesterday for our first session of the year. We took this winter off from training at the horse arena, due to the new baby, so I've just been waiting for good weather and good footing. Now it's time to get in shape, and have some fun!

Caught in the Act!

2009-05-02T17:30:00.002-04:00

My Mom has always said that I have a good off switch, and took some embarrassing photos to prove it! Gee thanks!!

First Swim of the Year!

2009-04-28T10:35:00.004-04:00

We just had a couple days of really warm weather so my Mom let us swim out on the trails. The water is still chilly but we weren't in long.

Disc season starts soon!!

2009-04-21T12:42:00.001-04:00

So here I am trying to convince my Dad to throw the disc again!! I am hoping that he will take me in the furthest catch competitions this year. Mom doesn't throw far enough to enter so he is my only hope!!

New Website

2009-04-11T07:20:00.001-04:00

Check out my Mom's new website! Grooming, portraits, agility and me!!! http://artofdog.weebly.com/

2009-03-26T14:18:00.003-04:00

Spring is finally here, although the days are still crisp. Here I am helping Dad burn some wood and brush. I love that we are spending a lot more time outside these days!

Trick Training

2009-03-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

I just thought I would post a few short videos of some of the tricks I know. I have learned lots over the years but these are some basic ones. My Mom feels training tricks is good for building a good working relationship with us, as well as giving us something to do on those indoor kind of days due to bad weather.

First trick is me marching.

Next I will play dead.

This is 3 in 1. First I show my sore paw, then I do "shame" where I put my chin on the ground, and then I sit up and wave.

Now I spin either left or right depending on what my Mom says.

Lastly is a trick to show self control. I creep up to my ball only when I'm told. I must back off when I'm told as well.

I do know more, perhaps I will post them in the future, but this is an example of a few fun ones that I know!!

Spring is here!

2009-03-16T08:03:00.002-04:00

I know that the official start of spring is a few days away, but my Mom feels that spring is here as she is having to deal with dirty dog feet and a ripped up muddy yard!!

Welcome Huck

2009-02-17T16:09:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to welcome Huck into my circle of friends. He is the new dog of my Mom's friend that had my litter mate Spy. He came from Border Collie Rescue Ontario http://www.bordercollierescueont.com/ Myself, Chase, Huck and his housemate Riley all went hiking together yesterday, and now he's one of the gang!

Sunny Day

2009-02-08T12:45:00.006-05:00

What a lovely day out on the trails! Here are a couple little clips of Chase and I enjoying the sunshine and just below zero temperature!

Winter is Still Going and Going....

2009-02-04T08:33:00.004-05:00

Well not much to say except we continue to get more and more snowfall and some days are bitter cold. We have a couple feet of snow on our property and the hiking trails are harder to get through now! Enjoy the pics!

Of course it's nice and warm in the house for a nap!!

2009-01-19T10:12:00.000-05:00

Fun in the Snow Pics!

2009-01-09T13:10:00.003-05:00

Family photo!
Chase ready to play!

Chase got the ball!

I got the ball this time!

I love to play in the snow!

Hiking Photos

2009-01-07T13:02:00.004-05:00

Mom took some neat photos the other day while out for our hike. We are getting another snow storm today so I'm sure she'll get more! She loves the photos of us in the snow!

We are not allowed to go swimming this time of year for obvious reasons, but the creek does look nice all frozen!!

Christmas Toys

2009-01-03T14:45:00.004-05:00

Yes we dogs did get toys for Christmas, but the pictures I want to show you are of the toys that Liam the 2 year old got. Now my mother let me watch the race car only because I did not obsess over it and I tend not to be the type of border collie that fixates on things!Here Liam is playing with his new vet set and tools. We actually like this game and all the attention!

Happy Holidays!!

2008-12-25T20:10:00.000-05:00

Busy, Busy!

2008-12-23T11:13:00.004-05:00

Wow, sorry I haven't posted in awhile, but we have been busy. My Mom had a baby on Dec. 13th so that has been taking up some time. We have had lots of people by the house to visit and the holidays are here so that too has been time consuming! I was very excited when Mom brought the baby home, I remember from Liam that before too long they become a lot of fun! I like to lay right next to the bassinet or next to whomever is holding him. The first day he came home Mom was worried about me because I wouldn't let the other dogs near the baby, but I got over that.
Well Dad has been on dog running duty since the baby's arrival, but our runs have not been too long due to the bitter cold weather we have been having. Most days have been -15, -23 with the wind chill. Brrr!! We got lots of snow the other day too. Enjoy the photos!

Brrrrrr!!!

2008-12-07T19:09:00.003-05:00

What a cold and very windy day today! It was -14, but they said more like -20 with the wind chill. These are the kind of winter days that we don't get to spend too much time outside. We did get a little outside play time and short walks but that was it. My Mom worries about our feet and noses on days like today. Instead she did some trick work in the living room and games with toys for something to do. Also I curled up in Liam the toddlers bed to snuggle up where it was warm. I hope everyone keeps their pets inside tonight.

The Snow of Winter Begins

2008-12-01T16:24:00.004-05:00

The winter has begun with the snowy days that I love so much! We love to get out and play in the snow together, Chase , Kirya and I. My Mom says shes not so fond of the winter but she still gets us out all the time. We haven't been hit with any bad snow yet just several days of a few centimeters and such. We had more snow last night but these photos are of a few days back.

Good News!

2008-11-20T07:23:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I had to go to an ophthalmologist for an appointment. It was a recheck visit. I saw him last one year ago, and before that one and a half years ago. I have some dark spots on my left iris, that started to appear and change and grow. Well the good news is that Dr. Zigler the specialist still feels that these are benign pigment changes, not malignant growths. That means I still get to keep my eye! (Yes if they are decided to be malignant it is recommended that my eye comes out.) Here is a photo from last February. The spot at nine o'clock is bigger now but you get the idea.

End of the Season

2008-11-14T15:54:00.002-05:00

I just have to say that I am a little upset today as all the agility equipment is being put away for the winter. Mom said with all the rain and then snow expected this week and how big she is now, it is time. Oh well, I guess we still get to go to the training hall where Mom teaches to use the equipment there. It looks like winter is coming and that means more hiking, less agility!

Fall Leaves

2008-11-11T16:00:00.003-05:00

We have a lot of trees at our house and so we have a lot of leaves to clean up this time of year. You can see me having fun jumping through them and playing while my Mom rakes them up!

Happy "Howl"oween

2008-10-30T08:17:00.004-04:00

Happy Halloween from us to you!

Cute Photos

2008-10-26T14:11:00.003-04:00

As much as my Mother would not normally recommend that people let their small children hold the leash out on a walk, she knows how good Kirya and I are on leash and she is right there to make sure all is well. They really are cute photos!

My New Cousin!

2008-10-18T14:49:00.005-04:00

Life definitely moves full circle. With death there is always rebirth. This past week I had to say Goodbye to my litter mate Spy, but also my Mom's sister got a new puppy. She is a little Australian Shepherd (looks a bit like a Border Collie) named Vienna. She has been up to our house a couple times to socialize and meet her new extended family. She is a lovely little girl, and we all had lots of fun together!Enjoy the photos.

Goodbye Spy-We Will Miss You

2008-10-15T08:17:00.008-04:00

Yesterday was a very hard day for my Mom and her friend-Spy's Mom. Spy is my litter mate, I have talked about him here in the past and posted pictures. Yesterday he passed to the bridge. We all got to see him on Monday as we went for one last quiet walk and Spy's Mom asked my Mom to take some photos. Yesterday my Mom was with her friend and Spy when the vet came to the house to help him pass over. She was upset when she came home even though we know it was the best thing for him. He has had a good life but his medical problems have just got to be too much for him. Saying goodbye is just never an easy thing to have to do. And even though Spy did not live with all of us he spent lots of time here, visited often, and did lots of things with us. My Mom has known him since we were 2 weeks old, and I have known him for my whole life. We will miss you Spy.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-10-12T20:03:00.004-04:00

What a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend! The weather is warm, the leaves are all colours and we are having a great time!

Salamander Festival

2008-10-05T13:28:00.002-04:00

Yesterday Mom took Chase and I to a small town called Belfountain to do a dog sport demo for their annual Salamander Festival. This town is located on the forks of the credit river and is beautiful. They are trying to raise environmental awareness for the area. It was a small demo, but lots of fun. It was only one show but we did some agility, relays, disc, tricks and obedience. I think my Mom enjoyed going out for the pancake breakfast that happened first just as much as the demo!!

Energizer Disc Trial

2008-09-29T08:22:00.020-04:00

Yesterday my Mom and I went to compete in a CDDA disc trial. What a great day! All the way there my Mom was admiring the turning leaves, and geese flying in formation, saying what a beautiful fall day it was. Well since I'm not a bird dog, and I don't see the colours like she does, I will move on to the important stuff...Disc Dog!!

There were 2 trails held in one day, so lots of classes. In trial 1 we did Novice Single Disc and 2 games. In our single disc we had a poor first round, but a great second round giving us only 34 points but still a 4th out of 15 dogs. We got a second in one of the 2 games with some great prizes.

In trial 2 we again did Novice Single Disc and ended up 1st!! We had 2 great rounds and 53 points! Mom was so happy with me. I was just happy she threw the disc better this time!! Also we did an attempt at freestyle!! We have only tried it once before back in July, and have not practiced since but we entered anyway! Well Mom was glad we did, 2nd place and a Qualifying score!!! Her belly is getting big now that she is 6 1/2 months pregnant so it was a fairly low key routine!! And again we won some great prizes. Liam the toddler was happy with the big stuffed Energizer bunny, and daddy was happy with the golf balls and golf umbrella. I also won my Mom a new doggie tea cup and lots of doggie treats for myself, Chase and Kirya. Of course there were plaques and ribbons too.

All in all it was a fun day. I hung out with my niece Tink and grand niece Kessie in their canopy. Thanks so much to Shona for all the amazing photos, and to Amanda and Natasha who filmed all my runs. My Mom is having problems getting the video loaded, but she will add them if she can.

Hiking Trails

2008-09-21T13:52:00.009-04:00

Today we went to our usual hiking spot (just 1 minute from our house) but today Mom brought the camera. Today she brought just Chase and myself (Kirya was home playing with my Grandma's dog). She thought she'd have a picture of us in need of deburring as usual but we stayed out of them!! She says the burrs (and the odd ignorant dog owner) are the only part of hiking that she doesn't like. This is such a nice time of year! Enjoy the photos!

The Usual stuff

2008-09-18T12:34:00.008-04:00

So I just realized it has been awhile since my last post. We have just been up to the usual stuff around here:hiking at the trails down the road, trips to the park and walks, agility and disc training in the yard as well as going to the training hall with Mom to teach. Of course I have also been doing my usual games with Liam the toddler out in the yard!
Also my Mom has been harvesting so much of the vegetable garden and of course we get our share! The carrots are Chase's favorite, but I like everything! Mom has been trying to keep Kirya from eating all the fallen apples and pears from the trees!

Fun Match

2008-09-08T07:39:00.002-04:00

Yesterday Chase and I went to an agility fun match. Luckily it was indoors because it rained all morning! We haven't been to a fun match since I was young. My Mom hasn't signed me up for any more trials this year because she is getting bigger by the week and therefore running slower so she says it's not worth it. However she said a fun match was fine, costs less and she could choose her own course for us. She was so happy with both of us. She said I ran so well even though I was very high and fast. Chase ran well too for an older, retired dog. Fun stuff on a wet rainy day!!

Goodbye-Sad News

2008-09-04T17:01:00.006-04:00

It is with a heavy heart that I must say Goodbye to my dog mother Q. I just found out that she passed away a few days ago. She was 13 years old. Here is the link to see what her Mom had to say about her. http://www.hiqborders.com/2q.cfm
Goodbye Mom I will miss you.

More Swimming!

2008-09-04T12:06:00.009-04:00

We have just been enjoying the last bit of summer!

Me and the gang!

Chase wants the duckie!

Poolside

Chase

Me(Smile for the camera!!)

Hanging out enjoying the last bit of summer!

2008-08-23T12:33:00.015-04:00

My Mom took all of us to our Grandma's house yesterday for some swimming and visiting. She lives about a 1/2 hour drive away but we go there on a regular basis.
She took some pictures of Chase and I enjoying the pool (Kirya doesn't like to get wet), as well as some pictures of us in my Grandma's beautiful gardens. Enjoy!

Canada Cup Photos

2008-08-18T07:56:00.013-04:00

I just wanted to share the photos of me from the Canada Cup this past July. They were all taken by Len Silvester from TTL Photos. http://ttlphoto.com/wp/ As usual the photos are great! Mom really likes the one of me at the start line with my bum up in the air. She says that shows the true Zephyr in agility, itching to go!!!

Home from New Brunswick and the 2008 Canadian National Agility Championships

2008-08-13T20:05:00.013-04:00

I got home late last night from our trip to New Brunswick to visit with my Dad's family and to compete at the Canadian National Agility Championships. What a fun trip!! First we stayed at Grandpa's house that backs on to the Saint John river then we stayed at my Aunt Carol's house which is right on Grand Lake. Lots of running around in the country and swimming with my cousin Cole the black lab! And of course 4 great days of agility!!

The Nationals was at a great venue in Sussex and I got to stay in the big canopy with my full brother (even though he's a year older) Fergus. He was competing too. My brother's Bogey and Zed and sister Tribble were also competing. I got to meet my niece Roo as well, she was there to compete with the rest of us. My Mom says she has a face like my dog Dad Kyle.

Well Mom was really happy with how I ran. Four of the eight runs we had were Q's. One of the gambles were hard and we didn't get it, I took a rail in one class and Mom sent me off course in another. Overall we got a couple ribbons but Mom only got one picked up!! She was so happy with me and was glad the weather wasn't too hot, as she felt okay to run even with her being 5 months pregnant now.

After Nationals I got to spend a couple days right on Grand Lake swimming all day! My cousin Cole is a big black lab and he can swim faster than me! (I can still go faster on land!!) He is a duck hunting dog and he lives to retrieve, even more than I do! Anyway we had fun and Mom got lots of great pictures of me!

All in all the trip was great but I'm glad to be home to see Chase and Kirya and get back to regular life! Enjoy the photos that my Mom took. She took many really nice ones but just chose a couple to show you.

Off we go to Nationals!!

2008-08-02T15:16:00.002-04:00

The car is loaded up and our bags are packed! Tomorrow morning we leave first thing for our drive to New Brunswick to visit my Dad's family and compete at the Canadian National Agility Trial!! I can't wait! I have been out there 3 times before but never to compete at the same time. I will tell you all about it when we return!!!