Hurray Christmas is over!! Now don't get me wrong, I love Christmas. I had a great time making memories with my family and friends. It is just I am ready to get back into a routine, stop cleaning my house and start eating normally again. The constant activity of the holidays make me long for boring days of taking the dogs out for play time without worrying about my to do list. The days when I can lose myself for hours brushing coats, teeth and tending to nails. OK I don't really get to do those things that often but its my green grass on the other side of the fence. A couple of days before Christmas I was called by a shelter and asked if I would take a Aussie pup in as a rescue. Of course when I saw his cute little black tri face on line I said "Of course it will be fun!". Well when the cute little pup hopped out of the truck at Petsmart he turned out to be a Border Collie pup. I asked the shelter person why she thought he was an Aussie, thinking maybe she knew some history on him. She said "Because Border Collies don't come in black tri. Jokes on her, BCs come in all the Aussies colors and more. I like Border Collies and I should be relieved since it lessens the chance I will fall head over logical heels in love with him. The down side is, as some pups do the little rascal expresses his glee any time you look at him by peeing. The kennel right now seems like it always stinks. It smells good for about 10 minutes after I clean it. I am confidant he will out grow this stage but in the meantime I try not to look him unless we are outside. He has been a wonderful playmate for the year old Icelandic pup that is currently here. The two of them are about the same size and activity level so a nice pairing for both. There seems to be much interest from people asking about adopting him. Hopefully he will find a forever home soon, immature bladder and all.

Life here at the kennels is busy. In the last two days 12 of my boarding dogs have gone home and in the next couple of days almost that many will come back in. A number of clients did Christmas away with family early this year and some clients are going to be away at Christmas. I ended up with two shifts of dogs. Which is working out well for me. More greyhounds are on the road today heading to new homes before the holidays. Unique is heading towards Billings. Her new family are so excited they sent out new arrival announcements. Pursuit is going to meet a new home in Butte they are eagerly waiting with open arms for their first greyhound. Little Flip Flop and Robin are going to meet an experinced greyhound home in Deer Lodge. One will stay and one will be just going along for the ride. Reports from SD about Rudy (was Tiny Tim) are all good...who knows maybe Rudy can help open SD to adoptions.

There is a certain amount of privacy you give up when you share your life with dogs. Little things like sharing your bed and couch are givens but even the sanctity of going to the bathroom alone is sacrificed. Sometimes I will be in my bathroom...umm...well "reading a book"....when the door will swing open and there will stand one of my dogs who comes over to say hello and then saunter out. They always seem so proud of themselves, like you had been playing Hide and Seek and they found you, winning the game. No matter how much you yell they are only interested in opening the door not closing the door behind them. The open door can lead to embarrassing moments if anyone else walks down the hall. When I actually latch the door I often hear "thud" as Dusk hits the door with his big bull head or "Tick" as Ivy pushes in her lady like way. Iris is distinguished by a loud sniffing noise to let me know she found me but she isn't going to push too hard on the door. She saves her efforts for the bedroom door which at times lays between her and her favorite bed. That door she can usually open. If it is latched she comes and finds her maid servant (me) to open it for her. As I get ready for Christmas and house guest that come with the holidays I have to keep reminding myself, "LATCH THE DOOR!"

We survived the sub zero weather and are thrilled to be reaching double digits again. The dogs are being able to come out of their owner induced hibernation and are happy to be able to run and play outside a little. Poor pups have been too confined but -20 is too cold to go out and play. On top of that I have a been a bit out of action due to a crummy cold. My interaction with the dogs were things like "please don't touch me, I hurt" and "hurry up I need to get back to bed". I'll make it up to them.

We have You Tube links so you can watch videos of the available dogs. Check them out at http://www.gparockymountain.org/Available.html

Nitro Tiny Tim is settling into his new home. He starts his new life with a new name, Rudy. His new owners at so attentive and want to do everything right. It is fun to once again get caught up in the excitement of a first time greyhound. When we got our very first greyhound years ago I remember sitting on the couch with my husband watching Noah a beautiful fawn greyhound boy. Noah was walking room to room investigating and I remember thinking he was a giant. He really wasn't that big, he moved with the grace of a greyhound and could curl up in the tiniest ball. It didn't take long to learn the biggest thing about Noah was his wonderful heart and the love he gave us. He has been gone many years now and still he colors my world. Dogs are that way...They show up, they take over and then they leave too soon.

A bit of follow up on past story lines

We hoped the Lab that Gable gave blood to would live months or even years but as it was he only lived a couple of weeks. In those weeks his family had a chance to prepare for their loss and to say their good byes. It was made possible by an unselfish gift the Henderson's and Gable gave them. Hanging on the wall at the Henderson's is a certificate proclaiming Gable as a hero.

The lost sheltie that Dusk and I tried to track had been gone three weeks and I got word he was found alive and well today. His owner got a call yesterday someone had spotted a smaller black dog in the field about 5 miles from her home. She went there to look and re posted fliers. This morning a man called and had just seen him. His owner went to the field and began walking around and calling. Then she saw his little head pop up and he ran to her awaiting arms. He is thin but unharmed.

Our trip to Seattle to compete with Aim the Golden and possibly to sneak my friend's bichon to see her at Harbor View Hospital was successful on both accounts. The drive over Friday was wet and slushy in parts. We made it to Seattle about 8 PM and thankfully had a hotel room waiting for us. The next morning we headed to the show grounds too early. I was really nervous about this show. Aim is not the most reliable dog in the ring. She can be really good in practice but tends to fall apart at a show. There is an adoptive home waiting for Aim when she wraps up her title so I wanted to get it done so she could go to her new home. The other thing that made this stressful was that I have been working on a goal for the last 17 or so years to earn an obedience title on a dog from each of the 7 AKC groups. If Aim could get this last leg she would complete her title giving me a dog from the sporting group and would in fact be the last group I needed to accomplish this life time goal. As I got out of the car at the show grounds I felt almost sick to my stomach. I scouted out the obedience building and watched the judging for a few minutes. I had more than 90 minutes before my class even started and I was far from the front of the huge class. I figured I had close to 3 hours to work up to my oncoming nervous breakdown. Poor Darrin was with me and of course I was miserable company. I paced and whined until Darrin hauled me out of there and we went to the huge swap meet that was sharing the fairgrounds. We managed to find a cheap lawn chair since I didn't pack any and then we found a nice folding wire crate that we could set up in the hotel room for the bichon. I had planned to haul her crate back and forth but having one set up for her certainly would make life easier. Well that burned up about a hour and by the time we set up Aim's crate and the chair my class was starting. We waited and waited and I paced and paced. After a small delay it was our turn FINALLY. Into the ring we went. The on lead portion felt great. Our figure 8's were smooth. The stand for Exam went perfectly. I went to line up for the off lead work and that little booger Aim took a wrong turn and headed out of the ring. This is typically an automatic disqualification. I was cursing her under my breath as I called her to me. I was reaching for my leash and telling the judge "Thank You" when he said "Wait you aren't done." I turned to him with a big question mark. He said "That was between exercises so I don't judge that and she didn't go far and came right to you." I felt like the heavens opened and the angels sang! This was a miracle!! Seriously if this happened 100 times 99 of them you would have been out of luck. But I was up for taking advantage of such a gift. I lined up and we started heeling off lead. Because my nostrils had been flaring and my eyes flashing when I sweetly called Aim back from her errant ways, Aim was trying really hard to please me. Her heeling was undoubtedly her best effort. She stuck to me like glue. Then we got ready for coming when called. She came in at a trot, sat straight and was only a little crooked on her finish. With our ring work done we were still unbelievably in the running. All that was left were the stays. Aim has always been good with her stays...but of course she had never been tested at a show. When we lined up I was smack between two HUGE dogs. On one side was a 180 pound mastiff boy the other side was an equally huge New Foundland. Aim barely came up to those dogs elbows. The 1 minute sit stay went well despite a bouncy lab who was excused before the 3 minute down stays. About a minute into the down the Newf looked at Aim and his tail started to thump thump on the floor. Then his ears went up and he sat up his tail making a happy racket on the floor. Then this huge black Newf stood up and took a step to Aim. About this time his owner broke ranks and headed over to him. Instead of quietly taking her dog out of the line up and leaving she turned her dog around and picked up her leash and number then stood there with her dog wagging his mile long tail and hip swaying a merry dance all over the place while she put the leash on him and finally led him away. By now I felt light headed because I had been holding my breath for much of the last couple of minutes. After what seemed like an eternity the judge said "back to your dogs." When all was said and done Aim earned a leg and a respectable score of 189.5. We took a major point hit when she left the ring BUT I was thrilled with my green ribbon, last leg, new title and sporting group done.

The next day although we were entered I chose not to show Aim and ended up not even attending the show. I had planned to go with a friend and watch the aussies but unfortunately she woke up sick so I went to Seattle with Darrin. While he worked I hung out and read which was actually pretty great. Monday I headed to the hospital to see my neighbor and friend who has been there the last month or so. I took her the mail and we worked on catching up on her bills and doing some necessary chores together. I knew I was wearing her out but it had to be taken care of. I had managed to keep my lips sealed about her dog being with us. We decided after Darrin was done at the office he would pick me up and then we would park and bring the dog up to her room together. I had one of those great kennel bags for the dog. I had taken the bag into the hotel the night before and put her in it for a while and marched up and down the room with her in the bag and Darrin watching to see if he could see her. I learned where to put my arm so she was less visible. Just after noon Darrin called and I went and met him. We parked and I started to get the bichon out when I discovered the dang bag was miles away in our hotel room. DANG IT!!! Without much thought I dumped the mail out of the bag it had been in and shoved the dog into the bag and zipped it mostly shut. We walked into the hospital like we belonged there. The only nervous moment was when the little pup's nose came poking up out of the zipper. She was wiggling it trying to get her head out but I crammed her back in and zipped it all the way shut while the man standing next to me was bug eyed wondering what he had just seen. I just stood there ever so calmly not getting eye contact and bolted out when the door opened to our floor. Charlyn was in bed looking sad and gray because she knew we were leaving soon and we had been her first and only visitors. I sat the bag down in the chair. While she greeted Darrin, I zipped open the bag and set her little dog on the bed beside her. Charlyn absolutely lit up. She got to hold and hug her dog for about an hour before we had to leave. It was funny to me how many people overlooked the dog entirely. The food service girl came and got the lunch tray didn't even notice the dog sitting less than six inches from the tray. Nurses came and went and unless they came to do something to Charlyn they didn't even notice. Charlyn's nurses loved seeing the dog and I think they loved seeing how happy Charlyn was. By the time we left Charlyn looked several shades rosier even if she was really tired. She told me she slept better that night than she had all the other nights. She also told me the dog was big news in the hospital. Although no one ratted us out while we were there they did discuss it after we left. Everyone seemed to agree that was some of the best medicine she had gotten since she was there. It was one of those things that they can't give you permission to do because it is a hospital but they seemed to realize the value of seeing family even if it is the four legged variety.

Most all of my days are spent with dogs...and I count myself lucky for that. Dusk and I did go out and help look for the sheltie. Dusk seemed to indicate which general direction the dog had went but of course with a trail so old and walked on he never really had a chance to find any recent scent he could follow. Still he did help eliminate some areas....like a big wood pile and a couple of culverts which the owner was fretting about. Aim the golden girl is getting ready for an obedience trial in Seattle in a little over a week. She is doing really well and I am filled with hope that she will be able to get that last leg for her title. Over the weekend the weight pull went well and me and my pack earned a couple of titles. One of my Aussie rescues who was adopted by my close friend, Sally, earned his weight pull championship. It was fun to see them accomplish this goal. I also have been working with a handful of private students and currently have a couple of dogs I am working with who are having big behavior problems. One of them is a young Vizsla whose fear has gotten away from him and he is acting aggressive on lead. I worked with him about an hour in the paddock with the greyhound girls in the adjoining paddock. At first he was hysterical at the very sight of them. Once he started to catch on to what I expected, it wasn't long until I was able to bring Tava into the paddock with him. I chose her because I knew she would stick to me like glue and I also knew she would not react to this idiot pup. The Vizsla's owner was amazed her dog was settling. Again we see another dog who was going nuts without a leader. Before he left we had worked about 90 minutes and he was loose in the paddock with all 3 of my greyhound girls. I was so proud of my girls that they helped the pup's break through moment happen. In addition to the private classes I have 5 group classes going on at my place. Honestly it has been a little crazy...but winter is coming and it will wind down.

Today was a day of high and lows. The high being getting to travel to Bozeman with a friend where she met and adopted a senior sheltie boy. It was fun to see her open her heart up to this senior dog who although he was loved no longer fit into his family. The sheltie adored the new baby BUT he became very protective and would alarm bark at every car passing the house and every noise. After 6 months of diligent work his family could not solve the problem and regretfully decided to try to find him another home. They had a long list of criteria to be met and had given up. What they didn't know was that I had spotted their ad on Craigslist and had forwarded to my friend who had been mulling it over for days. Presto...the next day Pam emailed them and after a week of emails today we headed to Bozeman to meet him. It was a bittersweet meeting. Pam was torn between feeling so sorry for his old owner and being elated to have a sheltie boy back in her life. We got home kind of late so Sam is here tonight and will start his life with his new family in the light of day.

When I got home there was two bits of sad news waiting for me. One call from a local gal in the kennel club. One of her cherished show shelties is mysteriously missing from his yard. A 2 year old black and white boy. The fences are 100% and the gates were secure. No neighborhood sightings. No body along the road. He has just vanished into thin air. With her remote location is seems unlikely that he was stolen. She had called and left a message to see if I could maybe track him. My best tracker, Dusk, just turned 12 years and with the days that have passed and lack of any sign of the lost boy it seems pretty doubtful. I will call her in the morning. The other bit of really sad news is my friend up north who is very involved with Search and Rescue lost her 15 month old up and coming search dog. This dog is the son of her current search dog. She has traveled around the world to help in searches. Western Montana is certainly safer with her and her dogs in the area. I am not clear on the details but somehow during one of her training sessions he got loose and ran into traffic. I tried all night to call her and finally had to settle on sending her a email. Hopefully she is in bed sleeping off the worst of the pain. Hug those pups and never miss a moment to fill your eyes with their beauty and your heart with their love.

We love our dogs. They become so much a part of our lives it is impossible to think of life without them. When they are sick our hearts break and when they are failing and we feel so helpless. We pray for a miracle that will bring comfort and more days with our beloved friend. The one who can bring such a gift is nothing short of a hero. This is the story of such a hero. Our very own Gable Henderson of Billings as told by his owner, Judy.

About 4:00 p.m. last Thursday we got a call from our vet that they had a lab that was in need of blood. Gable is an emergency blood donor. Within 15 minutes I had Gable down there,I was told that the lab has a mass in it's stomach. About 7:00 p.m. the vet called and said she would keep Gable the night that he was very sleepy, they have to sedate the donor dog to keep them quiet and calm so that no problems develop with the donor dogs. Friday morning the vet called for us to pick up Gable. He did not like their cuisine so when we got him home we fed him. With extra yummy steak in his kibble, he licked his bowl clean. No problems at all with him otherwise after the donation. Vets office called me yesterday and told me that the lab went home with his family which is extremely good news. Now the lab needs one more miracle and that is that the mass is not cancer, he has a one in three chance. Lets all pray and keep positive thoughts for him, The lab is 11 years old and it would be nice for him to have more days of old age.

love
All the Henderson's

Waiting for the dogs to arrive "grandma" Vicki and "auntie" Joni both could hardly wait to see Tiny Tim. Finally the truck arrived and Judy said, "So which one of you will get to walk Tim?" I assured her with a wink that I didn't have to be super fast just faster than Vicki. Finally when the driver was opening the door to the first crate I stood back to make sure it was the boys. I immediately stepped forward and took Tim by the collar, very pleased with myself. The driver was trying to hold the other two dogs in and he said to me "Hand that one off and take this one." I nearly passed out "WHAT?? Hand off Tim?? What??" But I did it and I helped get Xavier unloaded. I turned around expecting to see "grandma" Vicki with the new baby. But it was Dan Tripp who held the long awaited Tim's lead. With a nod from Vicki I swap Dan dogs and headed out to the back of the parking lot to give Tim a much needed nature break. It is hard to pick a favorite among the 3. Rag Doll immediately walked off with Vicki's heart. Rag Doll has these big doe like eyes that look right through you. Her personality seems to be gentle and sweet. I am not a big fan of blue dogs but Xavier is really handsome. He is a nice size and has nice milk chocolate eyes. Tiny Tim is a medium size boy in rich dark brindle. His personality seems to be curious and outgoing. I think he would be a fantastic family dog. When I got Tim home he had a touch of diarrhea no doubt from travel stress. After giving him a little medicine, I put him out with the girls for much of the afternoon. I will cat test him tomorrow. I will get pictures after the week end.

I am getting really excited about the new dogs heading our way. In particular I can't wait to meet Nitro Tiny Tim. Saturday they are due to arrive. I can barely wait!! Gabe the Springer rescue continues to thrive. It is interesting to me how different they look when they relax and find some happiness. He has covered so much ground this week. Day one he was a dog who was peeing on himself, growling and so tense...now he is a pup with some bounce in his step and an adoring smile in his eyes. I really am proud of him. Aim has had a bit of a break from obedience but we need to start getting busy if we are going to be ready for the show next month. There is a weight pull the end of the month and some of my students and I have been getting some dogs ready. So far we have entries from 3 states and several local dogs are entering. It should be a fun week end together enjoying our dogs. I am pulling with my boy Brink. I thought about entering him last year but he just wasn't ready. He is a intresting dog, his body was mature long before his mind caught up. Now at 3 years I think he is ready to step out of the wings and into the lime light.

It has been a interesting week on many levels. Of course when the Springer showed up I ended up taking him in. After I agreed to keep him, his owners confessed he had planned to take him to the vet in the morning to be put down. The Springer has some confusion about the order of things in life but something in his face told me there was a good boy still in there. It is interesting that the number one thing that screws up dogs is the very thing people think is a great kindness. Dogs can not understand complete freedom. I am not talking about no fences or leashes (because in most American societies that means death), what I am taking about is no rules and babying bad behavior. A life without structure and with no leader is a heavy burden for dogs. The Springer boy stayed here to find himself and hopefully a better life. When I work with a dog with problem behaviors I mostly let them just decompress the first week or so. The only rules I enforce are things that are dangerous to themselves or others.

First order of business was finding him a new name. His name was Sage. I already have a Sage in my pack and since he may be here a while he needed an adjustment. With the help of Trish I settled on Gabe...Gabriel...naming him after an angel can't hurt...he needs all the help he can get. About day 3 I let him out for some paddock time with Aim, the golden. After about half an hour I decided to shake things up a little and add a dog Gabe didn't know. I chose a dog who I knew wouldn't react to him, I expected Gabe would try his bad dog hysterical act. I had no idea what a show we were all in for. I entered with the new dog and let him off lead. I stayed near with lead in hand just in case. Sure enough Gabe charged at the new dog barking like a crazed dog from hell. I stepped between them and swung the lead at him in a threatening way. Gabe stopped short and for just an instant I saw him think about taking me on...my no nonsense stance and hard look made him veto the notion. As soon as I saw him back down I called him to me and loved on him. The new dog came in for some love. I watched Gabe start to brace for another bout of hysteria and I very quietly slid the slip lead on him. When he charged at the other dog he hit the end of the lead flipping himself way up into the air and landing with a thud on his back. I never could have planned such a correction. Gabe's hysteria was now displaced, he began to thrash on the ground and scream bloody murder. I kept my eyes on the other two dogs who were completely awestruck. If they stepped forward I got eye contact with them and told them to "GET OUT!" It took about 2 full minutes before Gabe started to slow down. I just held the lead and waited. As far as tantrums go it really was award winning. He kicked, thrashed and screamed and we waited. Slowly the brain started to turn back on. He stopped moving and he laid there a moment taking inventory. "Hmmm I am not hurt. Hmmm no one seems to care I am hysterical. Hmmm everyone else is calm." Then he rolled onto his chest and stood up rather sheepishly. We moved around the paddock and he kept glancing at me with this befuddled look on his face. We stayed out in the paddock another 5 minutes or so and then headed in. He had a lot to sort through while he napped in his crate. Since that time I could see him shifting gears. The crazy behavior is still close to the surface but he is trying to fit in. Today is day 6, he is wagging his tail and his eyes are softening. I let him out this evening with another group of new dogs. He raised a lip but when I verbally corrected him and got eye contact with him, he seemed relieved to know I was in charge. He also is letting me touch him all over finally. Last week he was rock hard tense, would not let me to touch his rump and peed all over himself. Gabe will be a project for sure but I am learning from him. One thing I learned is the value of the growl. Because his owners punished him for all growling he learned not to give verbal warnings when he was uncomfortable. The end result was the owners felt he was randomly going off. In fact he was doing what they taught him to do, skip all the warning and jump right into the hysterical behavior. His hysterical behavior caused them to try to soothe him with calming words which he read as reinforcement. Like all behaviors that are reinforced the hysteria grew. And so started the cycle of behaviors that had him dancing on the end of a needle full of blue juice.

Two weeks before the next dogs arrive from OK. With them will be Nitro Tiny Tim. I can't wait to meet him. We don't know yet what time they will arrive but expect it will be during the day on Saturday Oct. 24. Let Carol or I know if you want to be advised so you can come meet the bus and the new dogs.

I had a woman call me yesterday who was referred to me by the Animal Control. The woman was frantic about the behavior of her dog. The woman was speaking so fast and furious I barely could get a word in edgewise. She was obviously in distress. The dog is a 2 year old male springer and is having problems with both fear followed by bouts of hysteria exhibited by barking and lunging at dogs or strangers. She said she could not figure out the triggers. They have tried a gambit of things from putting him on meds, neutering him and taking him out to public places all to no avail. Finally this last week the dog lunged at a visiting family member leaving a scratch on her mother's face. They could not decide if the scratch was toenail or teeth caused but either way it spurred them into action. I told her I charge $50 for a one time consultation and offer discounts for a series of classes. She said she would discuss it with her husband and call me back. Soon she called back and said they decided not to spend any more money on the dog. I asked so what now? her response was "One way or another we are getting rid of this dog." Her options were to put the dog down or take it to the shelter but she was open to other options. From the description of the dog and behavior it sounded like a dog who simply has lost his way and I really felt like I could help him. I was a little surprised to learn they were on the verge of making a date with a syringe full of blue juice for this dog. This dog had sparked a bit of interest in me. What his owners see as a nightmare I see as a interesting puzzle...a chance to learn and maybe help this pup. So I did the only thing I could do I offered to waive my fees and agreed to evaluate the dog. I told her I would be very frank and if I thought the dog needed to keep his date with the vet I would tell her. I am not a bleeding heart there are dogs that for whatever reason are too dangerous to be in society. If the body is sick and is not going to recover people see immediately the dog needs to be released. I believe if the mind is sick beyond repair the same rules apply. It isn't enough to give them life if there is no quality to it. Sunday morning she is bringing him out. I know she is hoping she can bail out and dump the dog on me and RUN. Who knows I might even allow it.

The show was in a nutshell a disaster...but the hotel was GREAT and Darrin was with me.

The show ring was outside and being outdoors worked against us. Saturday was cold and rainy. Little Aim warmed up well but I could tell I was losing her before I even stepped into the ring. Her on lead work was OK but she was looking all around and lacked focus. When we went off lead she started to run and buck around the ring like a rodeo pony. She was in high spirits saying "hi" to everyone nearby until she realized, "oops we were heeling". Her antics earned us a big zilch. Fortunately the judge excused us from the rest of the work so Aim didn't get to make matters worse. After the show was wrapped up, I got Aim out and we worked near the ring we showed in. She made a few mistakes but I showed her what I expected and she was trying really hard. By the end of our work session she was doing great and giving me solid attention. So Sunday I had higher hopes we could do it. It was a dry day but really windy. It was the kind of wind that makes every thing feel a little crazy. Any nervous dogs were skittish and the guard types were on high alert. One man had his sheltie pull free and it took off down the road towards traffic. Fortunately the dog was rounded up safely but it was completely undone and freaked. His owner scratched him from showing and now faces months of work to get his dog back into form. While one team was working in the ring a tent canopy took flight and was headed towards the ring. Everyone ran to grab it and held it down while to dog finished working and cleared the ring. A brief intermission was given while the remaining canopies were torn down and stashed. Soon it was nearing our time to show. Aim gave a big stretch and we warmed up. Warm up felt good and we were connecting. We stepped into the ring and our on lead work was great, our stand for exam was perfect and then it started to go down hill. The wind started to gust and soon Aim started to wander off from her heel free. She made a brief recovery and came back into to position. I no sooner thought "Whew that was close!" when she bounded off in a big gust of wind killing our performance. This judge did not excuse us from our ring work and we dutifully lined up for our recall (coming when called). By now Aim could sense my disappointment and was back in work gear but the damage was done. Her recall was good and her stays in both the sit and down were both solid. It was only that momentary lapse that cost us. With the local shows drying up we either wait for next year to try again or look at traveling to shows out of state. There is one in Seattle area in mid-November which may be able to be combined with a business trip for Darrin.

Many things played a part in us not being more successful. The weather was a big factor. I don't train much outdoor since I have gotten spoiled with an indoor training space. Also Aim's lack of maturity plays a large part. She is a year old but is on the immature side. If you are going to hit the ring with a pup you have to know that they are going to behave like puppies sometimes. I am concerned that she is developing a bad pattern of loose and inattentive off lead heeling in the show ring. Of course I proofed her before the show by working her outside and even in the rain. I proofed her attention by working her with people and other dogs. I even had people actually try to tempt her away, she was solid and stuck to me like glue. I have never had a dog with this problem before so I am having to move outside of my usual tricks to solve this one. One of my favorite parts of training a dog is to figure out how to work with them. They all are so different and need different things. Honestly I do enjoy the puzzle part of it even if it makes me want to pull my hair out at times.

It is the perfect fall day. The fires were dulled by the recent rain and everyone feels better with some nice clean crisp fall air in their lungs. Things are starting to gear down for winter and fall into more of a routine. Seems like there is more time in the day to work with the dogs and horses. I am preparing for the last out of town dog show I have for this fall. Today I will be bathing dogs, washing out the crates, packing the car, dog bag and my suitcase, and checking my list twice. This show is in Spokane, I am hoping this weather holds just another 24-48 hours there is rain in the forecast. I am only taking and showing the golden, Aim. We are chasing that last qualifying score to tie up both her title and my lifetime goal. Cross your fingers!!

I called Vicki last night to let her know Nitro Tiny Tim will be making his way to Montana. All we know about him is that he is about 70 pounds dark brindle and was born Aug. 1, 2007. Well I guess we also have a pretty good idea of his temperament since we know his mother and half sister. When I told Vicki he was coming she let out a little squeal of joy. She assured me she would definitely be standing with me in the parking lot waiting for the truck to arrive!

We almost made it through the summer without a wildfire in our back yard. The main part of the fire lies north of us about 5 miles, up Kootenai Creek. It has been burning up there quietly since early July. Last Saturday the wind picked up and it spread significantly north into the Bass Creek drainage. Above is a picture we snapped from our backdoor as the fire took off...look close and you can see the orange flames. I have a friend, Pam, who owns a farm on the north end of the fire...which is the direction I believe the fire is likely to go (she believes I am in the fires likely route). They did a prescribed burn between me and the fire this May so I am thinking I have a bit of a fire break. Oh yeah they lost control of that one too which is why the fire break is there. And there was that weird little drive in the mountains Pam and I took. She wanted to go look around so we headed up the mountain. She started to worry that we might get near the fire. I kept saying "Oh for Pete's sake the fire is on the other ridge and they would put up a blockade if it wasn't safe up here!" One switchback later we realize the trees and logs are strangely smoking. Needless to say we tucked our tails and got the heck out of there. Pam was shooting accusing looks my direction and although she never said it I could tell she thought I was an idiot. Who knew they wouldn't at least post a sign? Any way back to now, so far neither of us are in any danger. This week there has been lots of smoke which is miserable. It gives me a screaming headache and zaps my energy...I can only imagine what it does to the animals. I make the dogs stay in as much as I dare. Pam and I have been calling each other a couple times a day to check in and scare each other to death with worry. The upshot of these frightening calls is we do have an evacuation plan figured out. It hinges a great deal on Tripps being willing to move Pam's big animals, which thankfully they are. In our talks yesterday we decided it might be prudent for her to move two of her five horses to Tripps for safe keeping. These two horses are the most likely to be difficult in a crisis. When it was almost dark Carol called and asked me to ride along and help. I was a little surprised we waited until dark but it turns out it took almost 3 hours to halter one of the boogery horses. With night falling thankfully both horses loaded well. On the road we saw several fire fighter rigs pulling into both the Kootenai and Bass Creek drainage's. It serves as a unsettling reminder of what could happen. This morning every few minutes a plane flies over to check the fire. They clearly are ready for battle. I am tempted to go run errands but I think I will opt for staying close to home in case wind picks up or Pam calls. Pam told me she is sleeping much better now that she has a plan mapped out. She fusses and thanks me and I assure her it isn't a big deal because she would do the same. I have been blessed with the best friends in the world. I don't think it is a coincidence that they also love dogs.

Before I get into the show news I will first tell you a bit of good news. As many of you know my greyhound girl, Tava's mother came to us and was placed with Vicki in Missoula. More of you have probably met Ducky than Tava. Their breeder contacted me and a boy pup from Ducky's last litter just graded off the track and is available. I have agreed to take him into the Run For Adoption program and he will be available for adoption this fall. Cool huh?

The Helena show got off to a bumpy start when my sister had surgery on her elbow scheduled the day before the show. I wanted to be with her and I considered not going to the show. So the day before the show we agreed that I would plan to go but if she had a hard time in surgery I would stay home. I was able to wait for her during her surgery and drive her home where my dad then took over her care. So crack of dawn...well before the crack of dawn...I was on my way to the show. My class started at 9 AM and I wanted to give my golden, Aim, time to adjust to the new show site. I hit the show grounds at about 7:30. I parked in the usual place and after a quick trip to see the new show venue I started to lug my crate and chair to ringside. After I had my gear set up I learned that I could drive my car almost to the building...which I then did. Helena just built a nice building for events and the show was being held here for the first time. It really is a nice location with lots of natural light and with central air and heat...always a good thing when you are showing dogs. The venue was large enough that the entire dog show was in one huge room. In the past obedience was in a different building entirely. I wasn't sure how Aim would deal with the commotion, but she seemed unfazed by it. We had about an hour to wait so I worked her for a few minutes and put her in her crate to rest. Finally it was close to our turn. I got Aim out and we warmed up and hit the ring. Her work on lead was pretty good and her off lead was fair. All of her stays were solid in the end we ended up with a score of 181 (out of 200). I was encouraged as it seemed we had finally discovered how to be a team together. We spent the night with a friend in Helena. The next day brought another decent run in the ring. Again Aim's on lead work was great and her off lead a little loose but we did score 188.5 points which is respectable. As soon as I was out of the ring I was on the road for home. So next week end we go to Spokane and with two of the three needed legs under our belt I am hopefully we can wrap up this title this fall. Spokane will be a little different as our ring will be outdoors. Not only am I not a fan of showing outdoors I have not worked Aim much outside. This week we have focused on working outside. So far Aim is doing well with the new twist. She is a interesting dog to train as she puts things together so much differently than my dogs. I am not tempted in the least to change breeds but I can see why they are popular with obedience people.

I snuck out under the velvety dark of last night and headed to the kennel to grab some extra dog time. It really is fun to be out there by myself playing with the pups. I worked Aim and she did better heeling than she ever has. At last her lessons are gelling in her little head. I heeled this way and that way with her off lead. She stuck to my side. Then I got creative and started to test her by trying to lose her. She mirrored my every move. Fingers crosses for the show on Thursday and Friday.

The show was fun and reasonably successful. The only disappointment was the performance of the golden, Aim. I showed her the first two days and pulled her the last day. Both days she got distracted during the off lead heeling. The first day she went to visit those less fortunate who don't have a golden in their life. I am all for her visiting but leaving me to do it cause us to get a big zero. The second day she stopped to stare at the activity in the ring next to ours again causing us to get a zero. Aim is a year old and knows the exercises but still immature. Usually I don't even really start to work dogs until they are two, we do puppy training but nothing serious. I really am a big believer in letting their minds mature. Also before I step in to a ring with a dog I have hours and hours poured into them. Taking them places and working them in all sorts of different conditions with some of the things that have gone on this summer she has not had many field trips and it shows. ..but we will get there. Her story is interesting.

Like all of my dogs she is a rescue. Her past owners gave her up when it became clear she was way too much dog for them. Through no fault of her own she was a bit of a monster. Her breeder failed her miserably when she placed Aim into a home with elderly folks at a mere 5 weeks. Pups weaned that young are set up for several problems. They have not yet learned bite inhibition, mamma dogs and litter mates normally teach this lesson. The number of band aids on her owners clearly proved her human family were not really able to teach her this. Next is they miss the lessons on how to read other dogs and often have dog aggression. I first met Aim at 4 months and she was already well down this road. She would growl or bark hysterically at other dogs. If given the chance run at them and grab at other dogs. Although her actions were those of a bully usually these reactions to other dogs are fear based. All the same the result is bad and left unchecked often leads to a lifetime of isolation from other dogs. Not only did the breeder place her too young she placed her with any warm body with a checkbook. Aim's folks were very nice but not able to keep up with a busy bossy puppy. When Aim wasn't chewing on them she was merrily tearing through the house like a wave of destruction. In one room I was shown some of her artistic changes to their home. Damage to the couch cushions, rug, furniture legs, remote, ruined bowls, books, blankets and too many things to count. So that was her bumpy start. I was fortunate to be fostering a pair of lab pups about the same time she arrived. They had been found by a friend at a trail head and she brought them here (might need to look for new friends). The labs were only slightly older and larger than Aim. Nearing her 5th month Aim got a crash course in how to speak dog. The three of them played for hours and in the process Aim lost much of her fear of other dogs and learned to control herself and her sharp little teeth. No one claimed the lab pups and homes were found for them but Aim had had the benefit of joining their litter for a month or so. Now she could mix with my adult dogs and not annoy them or be afraid of them. Now that she had learned to deal with dogs, she had to learn how people expect to be greeted and dealt with. We taught her a better gentler approach to people. No more charging at people, leaping wildly, clawing or chewing on them. It wasn't that she was trying to be bad she just thought that was OK....and it wasn't.

Many months were spent reshaping her ideas and then and as the fall show approached I worked her more seriously in formal obedience. I have often referred to goldens as the Forrest Gump of the dog world and Aim certainly fits into that. I enjoy training very bright and high drive dogs so Aim was a challenge for me. Still it has been a great experience to work with her and to get a new prospective. She is entered in Helena this week. I only entered her 2 of the 4 days and then 2 days in Spokane next month. I have a lifetime goal of training and earning a Companion Dog title with a dog from each of the 7 breed groups. If we can earn Aim's CD I will complete the Sporting Dog group and in doing so will complete my goal. Aim will soon be done with her schooling here and be ready to find a forever home. I have had several people express interest in her so finding the perfect place for her should be easy.

I really should be in bed. I leave for the show tomorrow and it is always the hardest night of the year to get my buns to bed. Things are mostly ready for me to leave...dogs are clean and everything that is proper to do to them is done...nails clipped, ear and feet hair trimmed, teeth brushed etc. The crates are packed and ready to receive the Hot Cha gang. Now that I have done this a while I have all the crap that is supposed to make my life easier. It used to be me, my dog, a collar and lead, a few treats for him and me and blanket we could share. Now I take many dogs and a whole van full of STUFF. This time for example 12 crates...yes you read right... 12 . I have the nice fabric crates which I can leave set up at the show site, I have the folding wire crates for the motel and then I have the hard sided traveling crates multiply that by four dogs and TA-DA 12 crates!! Each dog of course has their favorite treats so I travel with a cooler full of treats for them...string cheese, jerky, home made liver treats, roasted hot dogs, yogurt drops, salmon, roast beef, turkey, fig newtons, bacon if I take the time to make it in the morning and more store bought treats than I care to confess. Dry kibble, yogurt, canned dog food and supplements to keep their energy up. Each dog needs a leash and collar for relaxing and a show lead and collar, food dish, a bed for each crate and at least 1 bucket each plus 4 extra buckets (so I can leave two at the show site and two at the motel). There is shade cloth to cover the van, fans for the van crates, first aid kit, grooming kit, a couple gallons of water, towels, a fan to use at the motel, handi wipes, shot and show info for each, poop bags and more poop bags...All of this before I even pack anything for myself. Each show is a little different and each dog has different needs. This is the only show I pack 3 crates for each pup...and only because I am spending 3 nights in a motel and can leave things set up at the show grounds. This is a lot of stuff to take even by my standards...but when I am tired it is pretty darn nice to have everything set up. However it is a bit of a circus to orchestrate it all...Barnum and Bailey watch out the Hot Cha gang is about to roll.

I might be able to take a computer with me and if I do I will update as the show goes on...if not I will update when I get home.

As the summer clips along it seems to be going faster and faster. I can hardly believe that most of the kids are back in school and that the fall dog shows are right around the corner. I have been working my dogs but not nearly enough...still I entered my favorite Labor Day show and am preparing for that. I will attend with 4 of my dogs. 3 Aussies and 1 golden. It will be a lot of running around and showing but it is always nice to go into winter with some of those titles wrapped up and feeling ready to work through the winter to perhaps hit some of the spring shows. I have to decide tomorrow if I am also going to try to enter the Helena shows. I am kind of on the fence about it. It is fun to go but also might be good to sit it out and save some $$. I will work my dogs in the morning and decide then.

I just returned from a few days in Vegas. My hubby and I had a blast and never gambled so much as a dime. We did however catch a bunch of shows, go to a concert and visit the shark reef. Also I should brag that I survived 76 hours without a dog...not a pet, kiss, or even a sighting. Thankfully we were so busy I didn't have much time to pine away for them. The temperature in Vegas was HOT even for Vegas. The official report was 109 degrees two of the days but unofficial reports were as high as 116 degrees. Because of the heat we did make a little more use of taxis but believe me we walked our fair share. My theory is the reason slots are so popular is because it is too HOT and too FAR to go anywhere else.

Seems weird not to have a greyhound foster dog or two around. There is a load coming in Oct. however we are not sure if we will be taking any. If anyone is toying with the idea of adopting this fall the time is now to let us know so we can shop for the right dog for you.

Hurray Bach is finally home. When Bach came in Carol confided that she was ga-ga for him. But she kept her feelings in check and watched Bach head out to a home then later return. He then went out to a foster home and then returned. She and I talked about her concerns of Bach bouncing around and I said...."You know the answer" Today I got an email from her blaming me for her signing the adoption contract on him. Congrats to Bach!!

The joy of a new pup was proceeded by the sad loss of Sparky, Tripps old man dog. Spark spent the last couple of years with the Tripps. He had been a stud dog on a farm and when their old guy Sam died I sent in a donation to sponsor Sparky. Next thing I knew Carol had spoken for him and he was headed our way...BTW I got blamed for that adoption too. He arrived when Tripps were out of town and despite 4-5 baths he still was tea stained when they picked him up. A few weeks went by before I saw Sparky again and the next time I saw him he was glistening white, had gained weight and was loving home life. Over the months Sparky became very attached to Dan and would remain outside where he cold see Dan no matter the weather. In the winter they would have to lock him up before Dan went out to do chores or the old fool would stand in the freezing cold waiting and watching for Dan. A month or so ago Carol told me Sparky was limping a little and she had that sick feeling that bad news was coming. Sparky looked good until his last few days when it was clear his body was giving out. Dogs are impossible how they come into our lives and take over and then leave too soon. The same week Sparky died our greyhound family suffered another loss. Kathy B.'s Pecos.

Some of you may have met Pecos at his numerous PetsMart visits or at any number of greyhound PR events. Pecos was a gorgeous honey colored boy who had a heart of gold. He liked everyone and really was a great first greyhound for people to meet.

We will miss both of these wonderful boys.

My mother in-law has a nasty Pomeranian. I only say she is nasty because she barks a lot and bites. In fact she bit my father in-law and the ensueing infection sent him to the hospital. Sassy has more notches in her collar than I can count. She is 10 pounds and 8 of that is teeth! I am one of the few she hasn't nipped. So I think she has earned her nasty title. About a month ago I was asked if I would take the little monster home to groom. Feeling like I needed to do something good for someone in the family I loaded up little Ms Sassy Snapping Turtle and headed home. She was pretty matted and unmentionables were clumped in her bloomers....yuck. I put her up on the grooming table and tried to get a handle on the mats. I have some wonderful spray that helps de-mat but for many of these mats the only answer was scissors. It was slow going since some of the mats were right to the skin. Once I had her mostly brushed out I bathed her. After her bath more hair had come loose and again I had matting. In the back of my mind I remember my mother in-law saying I could clean up this pup any way I pleased and what pleased me right now was to take that stinky coat off her. After a good 4 hours of grooming I stepped back and beamed at my little project. Not only had I gotten rid of the mats I had done it without getting bitten or nicking Sassy and she looked adorable. About then the door of the kennel swung open and Darrin spouted "HOLY COW!!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? SHE LOOKS RIDICULOUS!!" In fact he almost refused to deliver the dog back to his mother. He tried to get me to call his mother and "warn her" but I would not "spoil the surprise"...besides if she never asked me to groom her little dog again I was OK with that. The next morning Darrin dropped off the dog and immediately called me to report that his mom love the little dog's new do. Best of all Sassy liked it and was prancing all around the house like she had just been crowned queen. Come on you think she is cute don't ya?

When you get behind on the blog it is hard to know where to start to catch up. The biggest event that has happened in the last month or so has been the loss of my dear friend my aussie, Izzy. I want to write a sort of obit for her but not today. It is enough to say that this adjustment has been one of my hardest. I have journaled a lot as a way of therapy, random thoughts that no one will ever read...or will ever want to read. But some day when I am cried out and feel brave I will tell you all about my girl.
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The picnic preparations got off to a start about a week before the actual picnic. My nephew and niece came over from Choteau to help me get things ready. There are always 101 things that need doing from weed whacking to dragging out tables and wiping them down. Wednesday night after my shower, my nephew was showering. I kept hearing him splashing, I figured he had dropped the wash cloth and it was over the drain. When I walked into my bathroom I heard running water. As the lights came on I saw the dreaded sight of a toilet over flowing, thankfully it was just water. It was almost midnight but I did the only thing I knew to do when faced with a over flowing toilet....I woke up Darrin. Not that he could do much more than I could, but it made me feel better. As I tried to go to sleep my mind was whirring. I hadn't ordered a port-a-potty because it was looking like the turn out for the picnic was going to be small and I thought I could cut that expense by opening up the house. Now with so little time I worried there wouldn't be one available. After evaluating the situation the next morning it was clear it was time to call the professionals. I called our trusty sewer people, Eickerts. When I told her of my distress she calmed my nerves by saying "You have just taken the express route to the top of the list with an over flowing toilet". She went on to tell me they would be out this afternoon. They did have a port-a-potty available for the week end and she could have it delivered by NOON. I am not a terribly demonstrative person (unless you happen to be a dog) but I could have kissed this woman. True to her word about a hour later a truck pulled up and dropped off a nice blue outhouse....which was a really good thing because the kids didn't seem to understand that I was serious when I said not to flush the toilets or run any water. A few hours later the big truck pulled up in my yard. All I had to do was write the check. These capable men knew exactly what to do and before long we were back in business. Again I had the urge to kiss a total stranger but after smelling these two it was easy to hold back.

Trish showed up Friday evening with a whole car load of treats and auction items. She does a excellent job of soliciting donations from Billings businesses and in making arrangements to transport auction items for anyone not attending. I like to think Trish stops by to see me but when she nearly pushed me to the side and ran for the greyhounds I knew the truth. She was out there cooing in their ears and making a fuss over them. Saturday morning we were ready. People started rolling in with arms full of auction items and food for the picnic. It was really fun to see old friends again and to meet new friends. Sadly Brent was feeling a bit under the weather so he declined when we begged him to be our auctioneer. Sherri G. stepped up to the plate and did an excellent job of milking the generous. Greyhound friend Terri and her cute red headed son came and did pictures of everyone this year. Even Darrin and I submitted for the first time and had pictures done with our four brindle girls. Irene came and set up a really nice display for Collar Crazy....BTW when you see our foster dogs wearing some great collar it was probably donated to us by Collar Crazy so our fosters can look their best. I got to meet Sharon whose name I learned only after calling her Jack (Redsmoke Jack) and Nikki's (Wild Nikki) mom. I had to learn her name when she kept out bidding me...dang her!! I am sure being the auctioneer was really exciting for Sherri but her real excitement happened when she confessed her adoration of foster greyhound Mel and ended up adopting him. Mel wasn't the only one heading home that day. Adriane decided little Nitro Kristen was a perfect addition to her pack and her duo of greyhound girls became a trio. Camaro headed north and although she ended up not being a match for her intended family Elaine G. is fostering her and reports that Cami is the perfect dog and claims that she doesn't care if Cami ever is placed. Bach went out to be fostered but came back because he just couldn't overcome his fear of the slick wood floors. He is back at Tripps. Bach has settled right back into the routine. There is a temporary hold on him. He has moved a lot in the last month and now needs to just relax. Bouncing around can really throw a dog for a loop. Foster dogs Corbin and my little Tosha were picked up early Sunday morning and headed to Billings where they would wait for their families to come for them. Both are home now and look like they are perfect matches. The food at the picnic was great. If you didn't come you missed out. Carol makes the best potato salad known to man and Sharon made the cutest sugar cookies. She even made some greyhound shaped and frosted them in brindle!! I loved it!! She also showed up with bags of homemade dog treats which I am regretting not stealing. Glen and Wendy came with some grilled mushrooms that I saw Brent trying to get thirds of...unfortunately for him the mushrooms had already been discovered and went pretty fast. Big thanks to all who donated items and who took the time to come and participate. After the picnic we counted up just under 30 people and as many greyhounds were loping in the paddocks. The picnic wasn't as well attended as it has been in past years but it was every bit as FUN!! I hope next year will be bigger and even better. We are always looking for people who want to help out. If you have ideas to make it better or want to help organize the picnic for next year speak up!!

NEED PICNIC INFO?
http://www.gparockymountain.org/Picnic%20announcement.html

NEED DIRECTIONS?
www.hotchakennels.com
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THE PICNIC IS THIS SATURDAY!!! We always have a great time and there is always something fun to buy from Collar Crazy and some kind of must have to bid on at the auction. There have been several people who emailed and said they are not going to make it this year so I hope there are a few people who ARE going to make it. Either way we will have fun and will enjoy spending the day together and talking about the hounds. A couple of hounds will be hitching a ride back to Billings on their way to new homes. Tosha will be heading to Lindy in eastern Montana and Corbin is heading out of state. Both dogs are joining greyhound savvy homes. One of the highlights is meeting the available dogs. Tripps are going to try to bring most if not all of their fosters and I of course will have my foster Mix, here to meet people. The auction always is full of fun and and little friendly competition for the good stuff. Some of my favorite greyhound things have come from this auction. Hope to see many of you Saturday. There is lots of free camping at my place....it isn't fancy but the price is right. Give me a yell if you need a place to stay and we will get you set up.

Judy and I took some new pictures of my foster dogs. I have Tosha and Mix. As often happens there was a beauty and a dork. Tosha struck a pose and everything she did was calendar worthy. She is really a cute girl. The best part of Tosh is her fun personality. Here is a picture of Judy doing what Tosha does best...be a hug-muffin. When I am walking in the kennel I will feel nibbles on my left hand....I turn to look only to get little nibbles on my right hand. When you get eye contact with her she just beams. She is going to be so great in a home!! Talk about a dog born to be some one's princess. She is easy to spoil and she loves it! Mix on the other hand is a bit of a dork...lovable but a dork. While taking pictures his ears were never pointing the same direction. Despite his long race career he doesn't have that look of eagles. His has more the look of....well....maybe Big Bird. He has never been special yet...I think once he is in a home he will really change. I see him changing already. The days have been long and hot, when I go out to bring him in from the paddocks he is leaping about in greeting and snapping his jaws with joy. Hard to pick a favorite between them. It is like choosing between pretty Sandra Bullock and adorable Gomer Pyle.

I am waiting for the day when I can write about Izzy's life...hell I am waiting for the day I can think of Izzy and not end up in a puddle of tears. I was so fortunate to have her in my life. We learned so much together and had so many first as a team. Izzy was so much more than just a pet she was my family, my friend and joy. Since she has been away I feel like the shine is off the apple. I sleep a lot and have a hard time dragging myself through the day. My Dr. asked if I wanted something to help me through...but since morphine was not on the menu I declined. Once again I search for answers and ideas to hang onto to help me. I know the facts...in most cases we outlive our dogs and 15+ years is a nice long life for a dog. BUT I had it in my head she would be with me longer....the truth is, there is never a good age to lose a dog. Still those facts do not lessen the agony of loss. I have one notion I came up with that has been helping me. I am thinking of this experience like broken glass. At first it is shiny, sharp and can cut you deep every time you touch it. Over time and with a ocean of tears the sharp edges smooth and you end up with sea glass that is beautiful to the eye and hand. Avoidance of course only drags out the process. Like sea glass this transformation does not happen over night. It is a process...a slow process filled with rough water, sand, rocks, confusion and pain. The other thing I try to remember is that there is no wrong way to mourn. You just try do what feels right. So now that the show is over and the company is gone I am alone to wade through this. With the hope someday to hold sea glass instead a broken heart.

It is hard to know where to start to update everyone on the recent events around here. Do I start slow or just jump in? Most recently I was involved with the dog show in Missoula. I had two dogs entered. Charm I showed in Rally where she earned 2 legs towards her rally novice title. Pixie my red merle girl was entered in conformation which is the beauty pageant of the dog world. I relied heavily on my friends to get her ready and show her. One of my friends was traveling through and came by to help me groom and prepare Pixie. A few snips of her $200 scissors and a few stokes with her incredibly expensive fancy brush and Pixie looked amazing. I recruited another friend to actually show Pixie in the ring. Rainy did a excellent job and I had the fun of just sitting ring side watching them. Pixie won her class each day but was passed over for the higher honors.

I am heartbroken to announce the loss of my dear friend and long time companion, Izzy. We struggled with renal failure over the past couple of weeks and June 19th she was given rest. This has been one of the toughest transitions I have ever made...the full impact has not hit me yet as I had lots of distractions which forced me to hold it together. I will write more about her in a few days...for now I will still enjoy denial.

A few weeks ago I had the gang all out in the paddocks. Muzzles were on since it was one of the first days Sandy had joined the greyhound girls at playtime. When I brought them in Iris was without her muzzle. So I walked the paddock to pick it up before some dog chewed it up. I found no muzzle. I looked over the fence and saw no muzzle I even walked the paddock next door and no muzzle. It was a puzzle until I realized that her muzzle probably fell into the ditch running outside the paddock and was likely on it's way to the great Pacific Ocean. Oh well of my dogs Iris is least likely to ever have an opinion so no big loss. Last night, after 2-3 weeks the muzzle appeared hanging on the fence between me and my neighbors place. I loved the weird contrast of this lone purple muzzle hanging on this crummy barbwire fence.

A couple other things to report on. One is that Bach was returned to the adoption kennel. It was one of those cases of a really great home and a really great dog who ended up not being a really great match. That happens sometimes...something will look for ideal on paper but not in real life. Not a problem Bach will cool his heels be evaluated and start shopping for the right fit. His family will also be on the look out for the right match for them.

Our little foster boy Parker made headlines today in our little local paper. Read about our unsung hero dog at http://www.ravallirepublic.com/articles/2009/06/16/news/news50.txt

Little Ginny packed her little bags and headed east to the Bozeman area. When she got here, based on her timid ways I thought she would be one of the last of the group to be placed but she was the very first one spoken for. Meanwhile Nutmeg, who I thought would be snapped up as soon as we got her home, is still waiting. You just never can tell. I am also so surprised Mesa who is an absolute show stopper is still waiting and Mel who is so darling and handsome....the Colin Firth of the dog world. But all we really aim for is getting the right dogs in the right home, how ever long that takes.

I am fostering Nitro Post Time (Tosha) and Ready Mix (Mix). Both are such nice dogs. Mix is so handsome and is already starting to blossom. He still hangs back a little but he is coming around. He was sad to see Ginny leave today as she was his little buddy this past week. But he was turned out for paddock time with my girls today so he has probably forgotten all about Ginny by now. Tosha is a love-bug. I bet she wishes she was little so she could fit right in some one's pocket. She loves to be right with you and will be some one's new best friend. She is always the one next to me and licking my fingers or bumping my hand for love. Her breeder called to make sure she made it alright and told me she almost couldn't let go of Tosha when it came time to load her up for the trip west. It is interesting what a difference love makes to a dog. The security and self worth that comes from being cherished really shows. Loved dogs are so much more relaxed, happy and adjust to changes so much better. Maybe love does make the world go around. It most certainly makes a greyhound's world go around....have you hugged your hound? Go give them a cookie....you know they want one or two.

All the new dogs arrived in pretty good shape. They rolled into Missoula about midnight. Despite the late hour there was 9 of us to help welcome them and give them the once over. They were surprisingly clean when they arrived but we still bathed everyone and treated them with front line. This is how we make sure we welcome only dogs to the state and not ticks or fleas!! Delivering clean dogs who won't cause a flea infestation in their foster homes makes midnight bathing parties a small price to pay. Well I am off to bed....it is late even for me.

New dogs coming this week end! They start their journey tonight and will arrive tomorrow night. To follow the time line check out http://k8nkc.com/June5-2009/
Anyone willing to come help welcome them meet us at the Concoco north of I90 at exit 101. This is the place we have been meeting the last couple of years.

Some of you may have seen on the web site that Sydney a dog who our group had spoken for crossed the rainbow bridge instead of crossing the country to her retirement. Cancer took this red headed retired mom before we could get our hands on her. But in preparation of her coming to Montana she was moved to OK and spent her last days under Teddy Palmer's care. I know it was hard on Teddy to lose her but I know that Sydney was watched carefully, touched and loved on every day. SIGH...dang dogs.

It has been a busy couple of weeks. Reagan and Bach made the trip to their new homes near Bozeman and are settling in. My little Sandy is settling in like she has always been here. She is a sweet heart. Last year when Tigger died Judy gave me a bleeding heart plant. The morning after Sandy came home it had its first blooms on it. Another one of those connections that seem to happen. It wasn't until just now that I realized how close Sandy's homecoming was to the 1 year mark of Tigger's death. Only a couple of days short of a year. To me it is interesting all the ties to Tigger that have turned up in adopting Sandy. It is strangely comforting and beautiful. I am more and more convinced that there are cobwebs connecting us...even to those who have left this life. Small invisible threads that are surprisingly strong and binding.

Sherri G from Kalispell emailed of the passing of her greyhound boy Pico. A handsome long legged brindle bread thief. He is missed greatly already. His greyhound brother "Q" is especially lonely.

There was another greyhound who recently died. It needs mentioning just to make sure we all can learn from the lesson. Popsicle (Pappy) was placed with a family near Bozeman. Last week he slipped his collar while on a walk and took off. A couple of days later he was killed when he was hit by a car. We are all heart sick by his death...no one more devastated than his owners. The placement person was not notified until after his death. PLEASE keep in mind that should your greyhound take off for any reason CALL YOUR PLACEMENT REP FOR HELP!!! I am not saying it would have changed anything in this case but the more people that can go on a search the better. Greyhounds placed through GPA have a hot line number on their tag...more recent adoptions with Run for Adoption have phone numbers for Tripp's and myself, Joni. Of course if they slip the collar the tags won't help the finder BUT while you are standing there with that empty collar call those numbers and get help in your search. We would drop everything to help a greyhound we have placed. When Kiki escaped many Missoula greyhound owners hit the streets looking for her. Posting fliers, talking to people and walking their greyhounds in the area looking for leads. While we are talking about tags be sure yours are legible and current.

Yesterday I traveled to intercept Adrienne who was bringing my Sandy to Montana. We met up in Bozeman. When I was almost there I called Dana and she met me in Belgrade so she could go with me. Within 5 minutes of us arriving at the meeting spot Adrienne was there. Dana was amazed that I could travel from Victor and Adrienne from Idaho Falls and with no real set time we both arrived there almost at the same time. Sandy was tired but ate a decent dinner. Today is enjoying laying around in the sun with her new greyhound sisters. She also likes to wade in the creek that runs through the paddock. I will try to get some pictures of her int eh next day or so. Her yip of a bark reminds me so much of me now passed Tigger...the similarities don't stop there. I am looking forward to getting to know Sandy and hope she will have Tigger's 15+ years.
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Carol and Dan will be transporting Reagan and Bach tomorrow. They got this sweet picture from Bach's new family. We just had to share it with all of you.

Today I loaded up Chevy and headed over to Tripps. Candy from Helena had come over and excepted to be taking Nutmeg home. But she also wanted to meet Chevron and of course it was good to see Candy again. After spending time with the dogs it was Stranger that quietly stole Candy's heart. Nutmeg would no doubt be easier. Nutty is really adorable and super friendly. She will meld into most any home. Stranger on the other hand is aloof and can be timid. Candy took both on a walk by them selves. After the walk I noticed Stranger had a different look about her. She was shadowing Candy and softly bumping her hand. I said to Candy...."Stranger seems to know she is with you now." Candy shyly said "Well I asked her if she would like to come home with me and she told me she thought that would be good." I smiled because I know that type of communication isn't just Disney...it happens and it can be very powerful. Chevron also went to Helena for fostering. Candy has a notion that he will be a fit for one of our homes who lost a dog in the recent months. If he isn't a match he will come back this way the first part of next week.

I got a note from Trish yesterday. She said she had put her to do list away and spent time with her dogs instead. I embraced the idea and did the same on Friday. Since the pressure was off and I didn't need to rush about getting off to the show, I relaxed. I watched a whole movie snuggled under a blanket with Katy the whippet. I read, I brushed a dog or two and I napped. It was great!! I encourage all of you to do a day without a to-do list....a list-less day can be a gift to yourself.

This has been one of the weirdest weeks. It started off Tuesday when I went with a friend to watch her horse with the trainer. I love to watch other animal trainers and listen to them. I always pick up some new idea that I can mull over. Pam and I had a great time watching her mare get her first ride. In fact I would describe it as thrilling. When I got home Darrin came right out to greet me. I could tell by the look on his face he wasn't happy what I didn't know at that point was I was the reason. Somehow he missed the message that I was going to be off horsing around. When he came home and couldn't find me he panicked. He looked everywhere just sure that any moment he would find me laying broken or dead somewhere. He saw everything in the house as a sign that I was probably abducted. I assured him that the mess in the guest room was not the signs of a struggle and that it ALWAYS looks like that...OK my secret is out. I also pointed out that had anyone abducted me chances are he would have found me sitting by the mailbox. It only would have taken the bad guys a few hundred feet to realize their grave error and dump me. By the time I got home a mere 30 minutes later...let me repeat 30 minutes, he had called no less than a half a dozen people and raised the alarm. He called everyone except Pam of course. He had to call them all back and tell the anti climatic news that I was alive and fine. He caught Judy and Carol as they were getting in their cars to launch a full scale search. A few minutes later Lynn was pounding at my back door wearing her worried mama face. The guilt thinly disguised as relief was thick in the air. Pam and I were slinking pretty low by then. Darrin still wild eyed and mad. Pam, the deserter, was looking to bolt for the door. I was rolling my eyes and shaking my head. My mom was the queen of worry...ironically I married the prince of worry. All his bug eyed looks and the wobbly with worry voice have little effect on me...I gained immunity early...it just annoys me.

Today in what can only be described as some kind of cosmic payback for my unrepentant ways. The whole day was tweaked...I had a window installed between my dog rooms. Despite my clear instructions it was installed too high....I mean really I drew the freaking thing on the wall how did he screw it up. When I checked my mail I still had received no show info for the dog show this weekend I have been gearing up for. After a bunch of calls and several emails I discover much to my dismay that my entry was lost and I am NOT entered...its closed no late entries of any kind. On top of that my travel companion is in bed sick. Looks like I will be staying home....dang it. The dogs are bathed, the van is packed and all for nothing...sigh. I could go and watch my students show...but may as well save my $$ for another time. Later in the same fun day I called to make sure everything is arranged for Sandy to make the trip back from Knabb, UT with Adrienne. Sandy is in Utah now which made me happy BUT Heather did not get the collar I sent for Sandy...dang it...good thing I already bought her a back up collar and tag. So now I am ready to put this day to bed. Hopefully all justice is served and things will be back to normal in the morning. Brings to mind Puck's final words in Mid Summers Night Dream "If we shadows have offended, think but this and all is mended, that you have but slumber'd here, while these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, no more yielding than a dream."

Good night

Things have been hopping at the foster kennels. Beverly is home and is getting raves from her new mom who thinks she got the best dog we ever placed. Greta is home and apparently they think they got the best dog we ever placed. Lou came down to the weenie roast on the week end and fell in love with Nike but she was spoken for...or so we thought. Monday her adoption fell through and Lou is welcoming her home this week end. Mr. Waldo will accompany Nike north as he has a greyhound savvy home waiting and a handsome staffordshire terrier brother. Also falling in love at the picnic was the Jennings family who will welcome home November Rain this week end. Our little Sasha has been spoken for and every time we talk to her new owner he moved the day he wants to pick her up. Last I heard he is on his way over to Missoula right now and will meet Sasha in the morning. Plans are firming up for Sandy to head to Montana the week end of the 17th...and last but not least Reagan is spoken for. Whew!!! Lots of movement going on!! Now we need to find some really nice boy homes!!

Looks like Beverly is headed home soon. HURRAY!! Carol got a application from a woman who lives in Darby. She remembered meeting Mary, last fall. Carol didn't waste a single moment. She found the number and called Mary almost immediately. Today Mary and a friend came to meet greyhounds. Beverly turned out to be her match!! Carol and Dan went out this afternoon to do the home visit and called to let me know she checked out just fine. I really liked Mary but made her promise to bring Beverly for visits now and then. Judy just reported in that Reagan is being put on hold for another family. Looks like Mesa is the last of the Colorado dogs. He is such a knock out I have no doubt he will be snatched up soon. So at the kennel that leaves Stranger who has been waiting a long time nothing wrong with her other than she is a little timid and needs another dog to follow around and no cats. Nutmeg is the other girl still waiting. Nutty is a delight and such a easy girl. The waiting boys Waldo, Bach, Mesa and Chevron. Carol can't say enough nice about Bach. In fact I think she is having to really rein herself in not to claim him for her own. He is BIG handsome and gentle. Both Carol and Dan thought he would be the first one to head for a home. I am in love with Chevron, he is absolutely charming. Although he is 8 years old his mother lived to be 16...so he very well could be middle aged. We have 2 more girls coming this week end Sydney a retired brood girl and another brindle 2 year old.

We adjusted the Open House to Sunday instead of Saturday to accommodate the arrival of Sydney (red retired brood girl). Sydney will arrive sometime on Saturday and hopefully will be rested up enough for everyone to meet on Sunday. Chevron is recovering from his vetting nicely. This past Saturday I had the pleasure of watching a family meet greyhounds and ultimately chose one from the pack as their own. Greta has been spoken for and will make the move to Bozeman within the week. Congrats to her and her new family!!

Little things in life can really bring such pleasure and humor into our daily lives. I was at the grocery the other day eavesdropping like I usually do in public places. I know its rude but honestly I don't see why...it isn't like I am reading some one's journal or anything...however I have to admit at times it is close. What tuned me into the conversation at the next counter was the word dog. The box-girl was telling the checker all about her goal of one day having a place that she could spend her days working with animals. She would fill her home and life with unwanted animals. Horses, cats and of course dogs. She could offer them a second chance and maybe find some of them homes and if not they could just stay with her. If they were sick she would help them get well. If they needed some training she would work with them. If they were unloved she would love them. If they had given up she would give them hope. She was on a roll and made it sound so wonderful and rose colored that it was a bit of a shock when I realized she was describing MY LIFE! I reflect back on how wonderful it all sounds when I am picking up poop, worming the goats or doing my 10th load of dog laundry. It really isn't the fairy tale she described but I don't mind the work as long as the LOVE flows in epic proportions....and when yo are talking about dogs it does.