Friday, March 30, 2018

Third

Well, the third addition to the family this year arrived a little late, he was due on the 4th of March but didn't arrive until the 11th of March.

My nephew and his wife don't post to Facebook much so I don't have access to many photos, just the two they sent with the birth announcement. I haven't even met the little guy yet. I will this weekend when we have a family dinner for Easter.

Anyway, introducing Robert Daniel, named for his maternal grandfather and his father.

Robert Daniel

Robbie and family

And since his grandfather is known as Robert, this little guy will be known as Robbie.

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Pawty and Pressies

Hey der again everyone, it be me Keltic again. Mums said I could write an tell you about my pawty.

Mums surprised us and had in vited some of our fur friends, Jasmine and Fannie. Not so sure I liked that as I had to share my pupcakes but we still has some left so I guess it was okay. We had to sit for the silly pictures again. I nearly jumped on the table when Mums moved the pupcakes to take the plastic off, I thoughted she wasn't going to give us any.

Mums gaved us each one of da big pupcakes. I had to be a good host and I got my pupcake last. I still ated mine faster than all de others so there's no picture of me eating my cake.

Jasmine

Beckett

Fannie

After we wented outside for a bit, I gots to open my pressies. I gots a red dragon toy, some food toys dat Mums says I has to share with Beckett, some treats and a new collar.

We each got to try da treats but we hasn't tried da food toys yet. Mums says we will get to try dem at supper tonight. I had a good pawty. I wish we could hab more birdays.

Thanks to everyone for all da birday wishes.

Saturday, March 17, 2018

I Be Six!

Hey dere everyone, it me, Keltic. Today it my birdday and I be six! Mums said I could writted the blog post. It also be St Patrick's Day, I dunno know who dat Patrick guy is but it is kind fun dat he shares my birdday.

Mums made pupcakes last night. She letted me and Beckett have a little one to try. Today she putted icing on dem but she wouldn't let us hab any more. I tried to get some off a da counter but I is not tall enough.

Pupcakes

Ready for the Pawty

She says we is going to have a pawty later and den we can hab another one, maybe eben one of da big ones. I bet we has to take silly pictures afore we gets our pupcake.

Here is da silly pictures of me at all of my birddays

First Birthday

Second Birthday

Third Birthday

Fourth Birthday

Fifth Birthday

I dunno if I can waited much longer for my pupcakes and pressies but Mums says it won't be too much longer. So long for now, I'll show you my pressies and pawty photos later.

Monday, March 12, 2018

Luck of the Irish

Well, we ran our second agility trial of 2018 this past weekend. I only went one day as it is a little over an hour from my place. My Achilles tendon held up really well, for the first time in nearly a year I didn't wear the ankle support; it's a little sore today but not bad at all.

Beckett ran really well, we had a beautiful snooker Q for our first run. Beckett got 52 points with a complete closing in 54.46 seconds. You only have 55 seconds to accumulate points. Beckett as a mini veteran dog needs 34 points in that time to get a qualifying score. I think this was one of the highest scoring runs. In his next run, I walked the course correctly but when we came to the close I put Beckett over the wrong side of obstacle 4b.

I had him on my right side going over 4a; I'm not sure what I was thinking but at that instant I thought he was on the wrong side and I did a front cross and put him over 4b in the wrong direction. We needed to complete obstacle 5, the teeter to Q, so no Q for Beckett on this run. It was such a shame as he was running so well.

Beckett's third and final run was a Jumpers and he was smoking. I mistakenly said it was the fastest time for the event; it was only the second fastest. Beckett ran the course in 31.40 but an Australian Shepherd ran a little faster it in 30.94.

Keltic had four runs. First up was Masters Gamblers, we had a not bad opening with 31 points but Keltic wouldn't go out to the tunnel in the gamble so no Q. Next up he had Masters Jumpers, the course layout was the same as Beckett's but numbered differently. In Keltic's course I had to get him over the jump numbered 7 to the backside of the jump numbered 16; well, with the angle he was on, Keltic took off for the tunnel in the corner and there was no way he wasn't going to do that tunnel. Well, I guess that's one way to get the backside of the jump. Keltic's next run was an Advanced Standard, he needed two Q's to get his Advanced Agility Dog title. It was not too be, he ran well in the first Advanced but got a refusal on the table and on the weaves. We had a little break while the Starters ran their course before Keltic's last event so I took the opportunity to get a picture of the boys at the photo spot. Absolute Agility puts up a really nice photo booth with signs you can use to describe your weekend trial. They have just started doing seasonal photo booths. Last time we were there is was a New Year's theme, this time was St Patrick's Day.

Well, I think the Luck of the Irish helped us out. Keltic's next run started with the tire, to the frame and then a tunnel. I don't like to do this but I told myself if he wasn't driving forward I would sit him and send to the weaves.

Well, he did exactly that curled in towards me and was leaping a bit at me; I probably hesitated since I had the plan in my head, anyway I did what I had planned, sat him down and sent him on to the weaves and he got the entry. We had to start the weaves two more times to get them. This time he didn't refuse the table. I had walked the course using a threadle arm to get him from jump 11 to tunnel 12. I very nearly overdid it, he got the tunnel but I nearly put him past the entrance. The last hurdle so to speak was the dog walk contact but he was a good boy and stayed on the dog walk until he hit the yellow and I released him. Our course time was 70.87 and I didn't know what the standard course time was so even though I knew we had no faults I still didn't know whether we had Q'd. I checked at the gate and Keltic's height class had 75 seconds so we did Q. I went and got a Q ribbon as this was Keltic's first Q in over a year.

I guess it doesn't hurt to have some help from the leprechauns. I sure hope we don't have to wait until next St Patrick's day for his third Advanced Standard Q.

Perhaps a birthday present for me and for Keltic!

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Thoughtful Thursday - Tributes

I have tributes to my furkids that have passed over to the Bridge on a web site called In Memory of Pets and links to their tributes are on my blog page. About a month ago, I tried the links and they did not work. I was upset at the loss as those words, written in a time of grief, were a powerful memory for me and I hadn't thought to save what I had written anywhere else. Well, today I tried one of the links again and it still didn't work but it brought me to a newly designed web site and I was able to find my tributes to Duffy, Gryffon, Ceilidh and Tucker.

So in order not to lose them once again, I'll copy them here.

Duffy

May 25 1988 ----- February 10 2000

I miss you Duffy.

From the first time I saw you

you were mine.

We had so many good times.

You were the most friendly beautiful soul I've ever met.

Trusting and loving

you were the most faithful of friends and my best friend.

I wanted to be with you at the end

but you picked your own time to go.

Gryffon misses you too.

love,

Momma

Gryffon

November 22 1994 ----- August 23 2002

My buddy, my friend.
So shy, most people didn’t know the real you.
Boundless energy,
you were always ready to play!
Boundless love,
you were always ready for a cuddle or to
give me a big hug!

Gone from my life,
you’ll never be gone from my heart!
I miss you and Tucker misses you too.

Love forever,

Momma

Kelbren Ceilidh Everlasting

January 21 2003 ----- 26 May 2010

My little princess

Spin, dance, prance,

Your joy for life was ever present.

Quiet with your affection,

I always knew you were my girl.

Loud in your opinion,

It always seemed I let you have your way.

I miss your beautiful tail, sparkling eyes, and happy smile,

You were such a beautiful girl.

I miss your exuberant greetings,

Our home is so quiet without you.

Although it hurt deeply to let you go,

I knew it was the right thing for you.

My wonderful, crazy Ceilidh,

You’ll be Everlasting in my Heart.

Love,

Momma, Tucker and Beckett

Tucker

October 31 2000 ----- August 23 2012

My Steadfast little man,

so loyal and true,

these are just a few words that describe you,

Thoughtful and wise,

I’ll never forget your soulful eyes.

Cool and brave,

It was your best effort that you always gave.

Trusting and smart,

even though we’re now apart,

You’ll be forever in my heart.

Miss you so much Boo!!

Momma, Beckett and Keltic

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Agility Blessing

May the tunnels not have too much suction,
May the course be fun and fast.
May your dog not stop to say "hello" to the photographers they pass!
May the table not be too slippery,
May the chute house no scary beasts,
May all the yellow parts be touched with one little toe, at least
May the wind be always at your back,
May no bars fall on the ground,
May the A-frame have no stop sign on the top,
May the judge's whistle never sound.
May your dog obey all correct commands,
And ignore the ones that are wrong.
May your heart be light, your feet be sure, and the bond with your dog grow strong.
At the finish line, may great joy abound, regardless of your score,
You have your dog, your dog has you, and who could ask for more?

Written by: PJ Hughes

What is a Title!

Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competitive scores. A Title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor that dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain in the record and in the memory for about as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well or better in that regard, and though the dog himself doesn't know or care that his achievements have been noted, a Title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count.

A Title says your dog was intelligent, and adaptable, and good natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed. And a Title says that you loved your dog, that you loved to spend time with him because he was a good dog, and that you believed in him enough to give him yet another chance when he failed, and that in the end your faith was justified.

A Title proves that your dog inspired you to have the special relationship enjoyed by so few, that in the world of disposable creatures, this dog with a Title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return. And when that dear short life is over, the Title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of praise in one small set of initials before or after the name.

A Title is nothing less than love and respect, given and received, permanently recorded.

Written by Sandy Mowery, Wisconsin

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

Beyond the Rainbow

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,

I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.

I saw a wondrous image then of a place that’s trouble-free,

Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side

Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!

My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new

I wanted to run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, and tell you I’m alright

That this place is truly wonderful,

Then a bright Glow pierced the night.

Twas the Glow of many candles shining bright, strong and bold

I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,

We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.

So, whenever you need to find me, we’re never far apart,

If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

Do you think the time is right?

May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond, and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first, I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now to a warm and living light.
I want to go, I really do; it's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid, because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know,
That my spirit will be close to you wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too,
And that's why it's so hard to say goodbye and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me, you'll let me go today.

I Loved You Best

So this is where we part, My Friend,

And you'll run on, around the bend.

Gone from sight, but not from mind,

new pleasures there you'll surely find.

I will go on; I'll find the strength,

Life measures quality, not its length.

One long embrace before you leave,

Share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true,

But they be they, and they aren't you.

And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,

Will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,

The fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.

And as you journey to your final rest,

Take with you this...I loved you best.

-Jim Willis

The Price We Pay

There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals.

It is a cycle unlike any other.

To those who have never lived through it's turnings and walked it's rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with the full knowledge it will be broken seems incomprehensible.

Only we know how small price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given.

Suzanne Clother