Talisman & Totem SportDogs

The simple things in life, are I think the best. Walking on the beach after a long hot day, feet grounded in sand and water, watching your dogs play-simple joys! Simple wisdoms are also inspiring. None of us are perfect, but the basic simple wisdoms of the Four Agreements are words to live up to, and to live by.  ☮ “1. Be Impeccable With Your Word Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.  2. Don't Take Anything Personally Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.  3. Don't Make Assumptions Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadn...

Analysis Paralysis I think that I think too often, to the point where sometimes it feels as if my brain is in an endless spiral of thoughts. I spend a ton of time looking at pedigrees and trying to analyze & predict (guess) what risk factors are, and will be for a cross. It is sometimes hard to feel OK with a decision. In this case about dogs, of course! Border Collies are generally a super healthy breed and longer lived. They do have some genetic issues, both predictable and those that can pop up when not expected. I miss having my Mentor, that I could talk this stuff through with, so try to reach out to others who I know have experience, when I have questions. The saying “you don’t know, what you don’t know” applies to so many things, including being a breeder. You can try to know, but the info isn’t always there. After-the-fact analysis of temperament and genetics in a cross is also just as, if not more important-some people I respect share that info too. It is ...

Listen to this tune...while you read...Unicorns do exist! All I want is the PERFECT puppy. Is that too much to ask for? Only half serious, or is that half kidding? What may be perfect for me, could drastically be different than what you consider perfect (collective literary "you", not YOU personally...although I am sure some might take that personally too 😉). No secret that I love dogs, love all my pups-the imperfect ones as well. Always looking for the special Unicorn. If I am looking for the pot o' gold, think I may just have created it in this little one. We shall see! I have a house half full of aging and retired dogs, who I honor with the couch and daily runs, but not really formally "training" anymore. I looked at Ggrail last night and I know she misses agility, but she has always been more of a homebody and at almost 10 maybe we will go back and run some UKI performance jumpers or steeplechase, but she is happy just hanging out. Since she retir...

12/21 UPDATES: Luckily nothing new to add to genetic issues, other than the newer, yet unpublished EOD (Early Onset Deafness) study/test that I and many Border Collie breeders have utilized since it became available. As part of a panel, it meant going back and re-testing many of my dogs, and as a result of discovering that Two Carriers had unfortunately been bred prior to the availability of this screening test-so far, so good! The test study and data has yet to be published, so until that is the case-it is another useful tool to use in planning breedings, but I am skeptical of why the Data has not been published, peer reviewed and publicly shared?? I am sure with so many testing their BC's, it is providing a greater sample base for helping try to identify more than the 4 markers currently in use. Hopefully, within this next year Wisdom/Mars will share that info, after buying out the original company. Right now, I wait. Careful, to use a clear/normal, but "show me your data...

Over the weekend, went to a Farmer's Market in downtown Concord on a beautiful and sunny day. It is such a great market and next to State Capitol building with plenty of green space, so plenty of shade to give pups a break. This peaceful photo of pups sitting in the grass was right before an unexpected Cannon blast! Yes, Cannon-to celebrate the bicentennial. To say it freaked me out and the pups and many other people there, is an understatement. Babies were scared, Moms were covering their ears, it was awful! We have had so little good weather this Spring, there were lots of people (& other dogs) downtown. I had actually checked the community pages to see if there was anything going on, as loud music and loudspeakers is something to plan for pups getting used to. No mention of blasts! And then there was a second one, as we made our way away the long way, from the area. Poor pups and anyone else it scared and took by surprise. Apparently a Veteran had a PTSD episode ...

FFlur age 12 14 years ago, my first Border Collie litter was born. It was not my first litter, my foster rescues years before were and then Aussies. But, just like the people and events in our lives shape and mark time, so do my dogs. Life and Death are the ultimate in give and take. They bring us Joy and they bring us sadness. The happiness of a birthday goes on, as life goes on. 14 in a dog is close to an 80 year old person, not without lumps and bumps and health issues as we all get old...but good to be here for cake!  In 2 days on the 3rd, will be the 5th anniversary of losing my Mom. Her obituary which I recently read again said she died peacefully, I don't agree-she died still fighting to live and took part of my heart with her. "They" say grief gets easier, still waiting on that. It has been creeping up on me for the last several weeks. Not holding onto grief or giving into the Black Irish melancholy, life goes on! When it unexpectedly  hits, it lays me flat....