Speak Softly...

...and carry a big stick.

We have had such great warm, dry weather so far this spring, perhaps not great for the trees and such but I've been enjoying the wonderful hiking weather before the bugs come out. I've also been working on getting my yard ready for agility this year with fresh soil to level any divots in the lawn.

I am not going to take Zephyr to Regionals this May. He has been good and sound but I think asking him to do 3 days when he has done so little agility this winter would still be asking too much of him at 10 years of age. Nationals is in BC which we would not be going to, so I decided to stay home this year. I plan on running some local sanctioned trials with him, just a few runs each day so that should keep him happy!

When I see the photo above all I think is Happy Happy Joy Joy!! Zephyr is such a fun dog, loving life at his now 10 years of age! (His birthday was one month ago).We really haven't had much winter weather to speak of this year, at least not like we can get here in Ontario, which makes me happy.

I'm starting to get the itch for outdoor agility. I can't wait to haul the equipment out of storage, and with any luck I'll have some new stuff to add to the yard this year. I don't do as much agility with Zephyr as I once did, but he's not ready to retire quite yet!

And I had to share that last shot. We looked after a few baby chicks over the long weekend from my son's classroom, and as you can see Zephyr was his sweet self with them. Such a love!

New Year!

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

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

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

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

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.