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.

Where Our Heart Leads Us

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!!

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

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

Fun Times at Regionals!

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.