Talisman & Totem SportDogs

Opportunity Knocks! I sometimes think that the death of a loved one, creates pivotal points where we spin into a new phase-some for the good, some for the bad. Death is always with us. Do we move forward, as we remember a beloved? Or, let it hold us back in decisions or get stuck repeating the patterns of grief? The stages of grief spin through me, like a wild horizontal roller coaster. I don’t expect anyone to understand how I feel, but the “me, me, me” or waffling wishy-washy-ness that directly affects someone else...the insensitivity of some during such a hard time…boggles my mind! Not dwelling in grief, but timing can be kinder, when continued expectations are pushed your way. One thing I think you learn from grieving, is further empathy for others-even if you cannot possibly fathom exactly how they feel. One thing you also learn is to clarify, is to edit out bullshit & who & what you move forward with, and who/what you don’t. There are many excuses for being indec...

Life Lessons from my Mom! In no particular order, things I have learned from my Mom: 1. Always unplug the toaster and coffeemaker, and never leave the dryer running, when you leave the house. It is inevitable you will burn the place down. 2. Don’t preach the Golden Rule, BE the Golden Rule. 3. Learn so that you can Teach.  Teach so that you can Learn. When you stop learning, or feel the need to be seen as an “expert”, you might as well be dead. 4. Learn New Things Daily!! Love what you love-learn to play an instrument or sing, so others see and hear your heart. 5. Never be a Snob, but always have an opinion. 6. Avoid Cliques like the plague, they squelch creativity and individuality-but join groups of like minded people that are enthusiastic about something you all love. 7. Join in on lots of things with lots of people, make sure to validate other people’s efforts and make them feel happy. 8. Love what you do, Do what you love!  9. Find...

Talisman Farm 2014 So what IS ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation)? What does ENS do long term? It is a set of quick exercises designed to stimulate the senses in infant puppies. It may set the stage for better learning capacity, body awareness and less sensitivity. Most of us raise pups in our home-not sterile or commercial kennel environments-where ENS is even more critical. Large scale breeding operations like those who raise guide dogs, etc use tons of early environmental enrichment, to help build stable pups. ENS is a bit "institutional" in feel...but the reasons for doing it with baby pups, are very warm & fuzzy!!! I'm not a scientist...just really love dogs and watching dogs and puppies. These tiny new lives on earth seem so "empty" to some because there is no obvious social reaction yet...yet to me, I'm just waiting for the day they hit the ground running and see it all come together, in what I observed from birth. I "see" pup...

A whirlwind last few days in her short time on earth, for this puppy girl. Eyes on my pups often seem to open a few days after they are really up on their feet, starting around 12 days or so. Even with her belly, she is tottering around and climbing over things well.  Ears are traditionally (according to what you will find in documented developmental periods) supposed to open around 21 days. My pups' ears often open around 14-15 days.  So, little Miss Perfect has proven just how perfect she is...her ears opened at 13 days. Actually, 12 1/2 if we are counting time based on when she was born...but 13 is still pretty cool. I was working in the other room and heard her fretting. She is such a  good puppy and well-loved & taken care of by her Mama, wasn't sure why she was fussing. Thought maybe one of the cats had been visiting and maybe woken her up.  Went in to check on her, started moving some things around-decided to take a couple quick phone photos.....

I’m Single! I’m looking for love, because I’m all alone. Please keep me company. Ha ha ha, now that would be an odd conversation starter-if I were referring to me, can’t imagine ever announcing that in public like you see in the online dater ads, Oy! J   When it comes to a pup, whole different story!!! Please join me in welcoming this little one pictured at left, to the world! I had a singleton pup born a couple days ago and very happy to talk to the world about it. It is a first for me. Even though she can’t see or hear yet, I think she must feel alone. No littermates to snuggle with or roll around with. Luckily my first experience with this is with a fantastic, relaxed 4 year old but first time Mama in my Aussie-Maze & a pack who is dying to meet her! And, I like to go shopping. I expect that I will learn some new things, raising this little one. I’ve raised several singleton orphans in the past. That is a lot harder, to not only feed, stimulate to “go” and stim...