Talisman & Totem SportDogs

  The world has been shut down for a year. There is light at the end of the tunnel. But I, like many, am getting a bit stir-crazy! I am one of the lucky ones who has been able to get the Vax, even if not "great" to be bumped up for it. I still plan to limit my travels, wear a mask and social distance, but it is a big sigh of relief to know there is more freedom in the future, while also helping stem the spread of this nasty virus.  Spring is in the Air! That doesn't help with my normal wanderlusting spirit. Too much ice & high wind in the woods for hiking, but soon! During all of this, I have upped my daily exercise routines. Fitness miles outside are a challenge, my dogs know the local college campus well. Thank god my dogs don't judge me for my at-home yoga, aerobics and zumba moves.  Can't work sheep up here in the Winter, and travel restrictions cut that early this Fall. So frustrating, but I followed the rules. Seeing others (dog people especially) still ...

  Loon is 4 1/2 months. She has had a minimum of 100 new things in 100 days...but, I reminded myself the other day, that we were falling into a socialization pattern. Yes, she has been many places and seen or met many new people and dogs, but often it was in places we have been before.  I know this, but was falling into my own behavior trap of repeating what had been successful for us. Variety of experience really makes a difference in socializing a pup. Especially as they hit new developmental stages.  A few days ago, Loon entered the retinas are attached to the vocal chords stage. Or, as I call it the "Aliens have stolen my puppy" stage. She has a lot of drive, and prey drive is especially kicking in (Birds overhead, planes, leaves flying on the wind, etc) which also means she is more hyper aware of environmental changes...like any real Border Collie should be.  While a complacent or non-reactive puppy may be normal for many breeds, most BC's are going to react to ...

  I have been spending too much time thinking, as usual. We are living in a crazy $@#% time! The Dogs surely keep me grounded and connected to getting out and about and with friends. Not life as usual, but at least life!  Planning for the next "perfect" puppy and litter, I am doing my usual over-analyzing of pretty much everything. How great, perfect on paper, or accomplished a dog may be, doesn't mean they produce that. Some produce better than they are. Breeding is always a cocktail, the mix of ability and personality can be different even within a litter.  Training and competing is one way to see exactly what you've got. More limited with Covid, but still some possible. I continue to be baffled by some who do lots of breeding, without any "data" of proving their dogs abilities, first. Not, that competing is the only barometer of a "good dog", but if they never leave home or do anything, how can you predict what they will produce? There are also ...

Breeding is an "art" but it is also a "science". No dog is perfect, no living being is "perfect".  But, if you care about your pups and the future people who will love them, you plan and calculate risk factors based on science (OFA, DNA results, pedigree research, etc) while looking at the art that makes up that dog (structure, temperament, ability, etc). There is also a lot of "gut" in it for me, basing some decisions on instinct for what I hope to produce-trying to make improvements in each generation. Sometimes things are pretty perfect and sometimes things go horribly wrong.  While learning from it, it still feels like a weight on your shoulders, when things don't go as planned for.  There is a new DNA test available as of summer 2019 for a form of Early Onset Adult Deafness in Border Collies.  This form is not the same as congenital deafness believed to be caused by a lack of pigment on the inner ear, detected by a BAER test prefe...

Six years ago, I lost my Mom. I drove the 3 hour R/T daily for a month to sit with her in ICU. My ever hopeful side, willed her to recover from a traumatic brain injury. I stopped hoping after she died, my heart went numb for a long time. Ten months later I lost my Dad, an orphan suddenly. We all go through it at some point, but I wasn't ready. When we love someone, losing them shreds you. It doesn't feel any different today, than it did 6 years ago to lose her-but maybe just a few less tears. Today is also the 2nd birthday of my SoBright. This pup would have made my Mom laugh, after she would have commented on her lovely stifle angle and tried to convince me to "show" her. Um nope, but sports and stock yes. Bright would have loved my Mom, who would probably given her all sorts of milk bones and sugary dog treats, that I never would. Her Mama Ffire loved visiting my Mom. I remember the first real show I went to as a Junior handler, my Mom was so proud, I was t...

Dan Rather 7 hrs  ·  I close today with a very heavy heart. I ache for my country and all those in pain. I rage at a national leadership bereft of empathy and the minimal instincts of de escalation. May tomorrow shine its light upon a path towards love, peace, and most importantly, justice. ~ This week has not been a good one, my heart is heavy after the recent senseless death of George Floyd. And, recently Ahmaud Arbery. The entitled racist behavior of Amy Cooper...the list goes on. There have been demonstrations, both loud destructive riots and peaceful quiet protest marches (with most wearing masks because they care about each other!)-but the reality is the undercurrent of racism and hate, that our current administration has ignited, inflames and condones.  Our country is being looted in it's heart and soul. Racism and classism have always existed, but until the last few years as a country we seemed to be evolving? Maybe not, if that sore has e...

Summer is here, sort of. Frosts and the heat on a few days ago in NH, then 85F+ this past Friday. The world is slowly starting to open, as Covid-19 cases are not increasing in most states in the US-but still a concern. I think everyone is just stir crazy after 2+ months of stay at home. Working has been hard during this time, but as an independent contractor, no handouts here. The pups have kept me sane and out on the trails, accomplishing health goals, while also providing them variety of environment. We have seen a lot of empty mall parking lots as great walking places, as ticks started to swarm in the woods. Those are starting to get busy again. I miss the beach, but with Memorial Day those that are open are now mostly off limits to dogs. After 5 PM okay for some...but waiting for self-quarantine rules of crossing state borders to lift. I miss working sheep and going to agility class, I think the dogs do too.  My one pup Purple, is now 6 1/2 months old. It has been a tou...