Dusting off the blog to remind everyone that it is Cardi Claus time again! Cardi has his own blog now, and has automated the sign up a bit. Go to his blog here for more information.
Short version - sign up by Nov 11, you will get your partner name by Nov 14, everybody mails by Dec 3.
Let's play!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Her Crowning Achievement
Home! After a long show weekend it's nice to be back home. The house was so stuffy I opened windows and retreated to the porch to watch the dogs frap a bit on their home turf.
On the drive home, I reflected on Scout's "career" - lots of which was never supposed to happen. I did not get Scout as a "show prospect." I got her as a pet, performance dog, and companion for Spencer. Her breeder suggested going ahead and showing her for fun while I waited her to grow up and do other things.
At six months old, I took her to our first specialty. On the way to Fort Mitchell, I stopped in Gray TN and showed her in an all breed show, just so that my first time in a conformation ring would be somewhere other than the National Specialty. Ungroomed little Scout got her first Reserve. At the Specialty, she made it to the final cut of eight in a huge 6-9 month class.
She picked up points here and there for the next several months. She went Best in Sweeps at the big Lexington Labor Day Weekend show. On the day before she finished, she got her first BOB over specials and her first Group 2.
As a special, there were many high points - two group 1s, several group 2s and 4s, but oddly enough, no Group 3s that I can remember. She was twice Best Herding Titled Bitch at Nationals, was Runnerup to Best in the Megan (Cadno Award) and second Award of Merit. She was BOS at Western Reserve and Westminster, and recently got second Award of Excellence at the AKC National Championship.
Scout has been showing sporadically over the last year and a half - taking time off to have puppies, and I was very surprised when she qualified for Eukanuba in the top 25 and even more surprised when we got an invitation last week for the Top Twenty match at the Three Rivers Specialty in Kansas City. She is only a few points away from her Bronze Grand Champion status.
I thought of all this today as I reflected on what may be Scout's crowning achievement. She produced (with a little help from Chase :p) a daughter who could best her. Today little Lowri, not quite 14 months old, took Best of Breed over specials including her mama. She went on to show well in group competition and made the cut in a very strong Herding Group.
Afterwards a friend came up to congratulate me, but said "too bad it had to be over Scout." I told her that was not the case at all. I bred Scout because I knew that she had something to contribute to the future of the breed. Today we saw the first glimpse of that. I could not be any prouder of Scout than I am today.
Today was Lowri's day, and I look forward to more great days from her, Tommy, Ginger, Alli and maybe even my goofball Sally in the conformation ring. And of course, all of them, including Abby, David and Big Nick, are champions of the heart to the wonderful families who love them, and that does my heart good as well.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
On the drive home, I reflected on Scout's "career" - lots of which was never supposed to happen. I did not get Scout as a "show prospect." I got her as a pet, performance dog, and companion for Spencer. Her breeder suggested going ahead and showing her for fun while I waited her to grow up and do other things.
At six months old, I took her to our first specialty. On the way to Fort Mitchell, I stopped in Gray TN and showed her in an all breed show, just so that my first time in a conformation ring would be somewhere other than the National Specialty. Ungroomed little Scout got her first Reserve. At the Specialty, she made it to the final cut of eight in a huge 6-9 month class.
She picked up points here and there for the next several months. She went Best in Sweeps at the big Lexington Labor Day Weekend show. On the day before she finished, she got her first BOB over specials and her first Group 2.
As a special, there were many high points - two group 1s, several group 2s and 4s, but oddly enough, no Group 3s that I can remember. She was twice Best Herding Titled Bitch at Nationals, was Runnerup to Best in the Megan (Cadno Award) and second Award of Merit. She was BOS at Western Reserve and Westminster, and recently got second Award of Excellence at the AKC National Championship.
Scout has been showing sporadically over the last year and a half - taking time off to have puppies, and I was very surprised when she qualified for Eukanuba in the top 25 and even more surprised when we got an invitation last week for the Top Twenty match at the Three Rivers Specialty in Kansas City. She is only a few points away from her Bronze Grand Champion status.
I thought of all this today as I reflected on what may be Scout's crowning achievement. She produced (with a little help from Chase :p) a daughter who could best her. Today little Lowri, not quite 14 months old, took Best of Breed over specials including her mama. She went on to show well in group competition and made the cut in a very strong Herding Group.
Afterwards a friend came up to congratulate me, but said "too bad it had to be over Scout." I told her that was not the case at all. I bred Scout because I knew that she had something to contribute to the future of the breed. Today we saw the first glimpse of that. I could not be any prouder of Scout than I am today.
Today was Lowri's day, and I look forward to more great days from her, Tommy, Ginger, Alli and maybe even my goofball Sally in the conformation ring. And of course, all of them, including Abby, David and Big Nick, are champions of the heart to the wonderful families who love them, and that does my heart good as well.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Long Dog Show Weekend
Four day shows are not for the weak! Thankful for late ring times - more time for dog frapping and hooman laziness in the motel.
Good weekend. A new champion and Gch points for Scout and Lowri. Scout is close to the Bronze level. We plan to go to a couple more shows this spring, then we'll concentrate on other fun things.
Love this portrait I had made yesterday of my beautiful girls.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Good weekend. A new champion and Gch points for Scout and Lowri. Scout is close to the Bronze level. We plan to go to a couple more shows this spring, then we'll concentrate on other fun things.
Love this portrait I had made yesterday of my beautiful girls.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Groundhog Day!
Ok, I know. Long time no post. I'll try to do better.
"Groundhog Day" is one of my favorite movies. Bill Murray plays a tv weatherman who gets a wonderful gift - the chance to relive a day over and over again until he gets it right.
Scout was restless last night in the hotel. I took all the dogs out about 3 AM to see if that would help her settle down. She snuggled up with me after, but by then I was wide awake.
As I laid there I remembered that it was Groundhog Day. I wondered what the day would bring for me and Sally. Would it be yet another Reserve for us, or would this finally be the day we got it right.
I am happy to report it is the latter. I now have my first bred-by Champion, CH Mockingbird Practical Magic, my sweet and silly Sallywags.
"Groundhog Day" is one of my favorite movies. Bill Murray plays a tv weatherman who gets a wonderful gift - the chance to relive a day over and over again until he gets it right.
Scout was restless last night in the hotel. I took all the dogs out about 3 AM to see if that would help her settle down. She snuggled up with me after, but by then I was wide awake.
As I laid there I remembered that it was Groundhog Day. I wondered what the day would bring for me and Sally. Would it be yet another Reserve for us, or would this finally be the day we got it right.
I am happy to report it is the latter. I now have my first bred-by Champion, CH Mockingbird Practical Magic, my sweet and silly Sallywags.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Tuesday is the last day to sign up for Cardi Claus!
Can you believe November is already halfway gone?!?! If you have not yet signed up for Cardi Claus, you only have one day left!
For the uninitiated, Cardi Claus is a virtual Christmas Party/Ornament Exchange for people who are linked to each other with a love of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. We have done this for a few years now, and it has been a hoot. Wanna play? Here's how:
1. First, if you sign up to play, please don't disappoint us by not following through.
2. Let me know by November 15 that you want to participate. Email cardiclaus at gmail.com (a new address this year) with the following information:
Your name
Shipping address
Phone number
Information about your pack
Any other information about you that will help your Cardi Claus get to know you a little better (think about what you would like to learn about your intended recipient!)
And just to clear up something that sometimes confuses new participants. I will send you the name of the person you will play Cardi Claus for. A different person will be your Cardi Claus – this way, everyone gets to make a holiday connection with two other people – the one you gift, and the one who gifts you!
3. By November 17, I will send you information about your recipient. You will have a couple of weeks to get your package together, and then . . .
4. YOU WILL SHIP YOUR PACKAGE ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1. Did everyone see that?? This to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to get their packages in time to really enjoy them!
And finally . . .
Friday, November 4, 2011
You think they looked proud back in February? You should see them today!
Today she is CH Mockingbird Elyan Magic Moment PT, the first champion from my first litter, with letters on both ends of her name before she even turns 11 months old! And of course does it all in grand style, picking up a major at the Western Reserve, another major at the Lexington specialty, a Best in Breed over specials yesterday, a Best of Opposite over specials today, and Puppy Herding Group One today as well. Tomorrow she is going to solve the European debt crisis. Or roll in the mud. Probably both.
Congratulations to Mama Susan, Mama Cheryl and Mama/Grandma Penni! Thanks for giving my baby a wonderful home and lots to do!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Who wants a visit from Cardi Claus?
OK - Halloween has passed, so the retailers say we are officially now in the "holiday season." So, it must be time to start preparing for a visit by the jolly little Cardi Claus!
For those who have not participated before, we started doing this a few years ago as a way to make new cardi friends across the miles and share a little holiday cheer. The original intent was to do an ornament exchange. Folks let me know that they wanted to play, and sent their delivery details and a little information about their pack. Once I had everyone's information, Cardi Claus would study the information and try to match up folks with each other, share information, and let the fun commence.
It has always been fun to sit back and watch the fun. Most who have participated have been bloggers in the past, and it has always been fun to check out each other's blogs and enjoy each others surprises that showed up in the mail.
For the most part, response has been enthusiastic - in fact in some cases, hugely so. While just intended to an ornament exchange, some folks also tucked in a treat or two for the dogs. Others went way over the top and sent what can only be compared to a Harry and David's Super Colossal Tower of Treats for hooman and dog. And, unfortunately, a very few said they wanted to participate, and then just faded away, leaving their intended recipient empty handed.
So, shall we do it again? In my post yesterday, I have already heard that there is interest! So, let's go - and here are the rules:
1. First, if you sign up to play, please don't disappoint us by not following through.
2. Let me know by November 15 that you want to participate. Email cardiclaus at gmail.com (a new address this year) with the following information:
Your name
Shipping address
Phone number
Information about your pack
Any other information about you that will help your Cardi Claus get to know you a little better (think about what you would like to learn about your intended recipient!)
And just to clear up something that sometimes confuses new participants. I will send you the name of the person you will play Cardi Claus for. A different person will be your Cardi Claus – this way, everyone gets to make a holiday connection with two other people – the one you gift, and the one who gifts you!
3. By November 17, I will send you information about your recipient. You will have a couple of weeks to get your package together, and then . . .
4. YOU WILL SHIP YOUR PACKAGE ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1. Did everyone see that?? This to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to get their packages in time to really enjoy them!
And finally . . .
So - let's play! Please pass this along to other cardi folks who would like to join in!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Birthday Scout (and, no we haven't fallen off the face of the blogging earth)
Just have been taking a little break taking care of other parts of life.
Just quick shout out about a couple of holiday cardis - wait, no - four holiday cardis!
Happy Birthday to the three pumpkin girls - Scout, Moira and Grace!
An who is the fourth holiday cardi I am thinking of??? That would be Cardi Claus! More to come . . . . .
Just quick shout out about a couple of holiday cardis - wait, no - four holiday cardis!
An who is the fourth holiday cardi I am thinking of??? That would be Cardi Claus! More to come . . . . .
Monday, September 5, 2011
Home from Lexington
This morning we are sitting under what's left of Tropical Storm Lee - the first rain in more than a month here in Chattanooga. I thought it might be a good time to post some about the weekend.
We went to Lexington KY this weekend for the Labor Day shows. Heidi headed up first, picked up one of my EZ-up tents which Cheryl M transported for us, and she single handedly got a great spot and PUT THE TENT UP ALL BY HERSELF! Seriously folks, this is not an easy thing to do! Laura and I arrived the next day and brought another tent, more x pens and a generator in the Cardi Party Wagon. Kathy brought a third tent on Friday morning, and Cardi Camp was built.
We had set up a big Cardi play area with three xpens before Kathy got there, and after we got her tent up, we set about to move the xpens and cardis under the tent. I wish someone had gotten this on tape, because it was a sight to see. With all the dogs in the pens, all the humans lifted the xpens just off the ground and we started moving to the tent. The dogs figured out right away what we were doing, and the herd easily moved across the field to the tent! Here's a short video of all the dogs in the pen on Saturday morning:
On Friday, brother David from the Ocho came to visit - look at how handsome he is!
And here's a pic of pretty sister Ginger:
Saturday was a supported show and sweepstakes. Sis Lowri was the star, winning Best in Sweeps and Winners Bitch. Later she won Puppy Group 2 as well. Laura's Rosie was reserve after being WB on Friday. Brother Tommy was Best of Opposite in Sweeps. Sister Ginger showed well, and Sister Sally - well, she showed up. Let's just say that Sally and Mama Scout made it perfectly clear - they don't like heat or outdoor shows, and that's all we are going to say about that. Heidi's Rush was BOB and went on to a Group 3 (and a Group 4 on Sunday!).
We had a pot luck lunch planned after the show on Saturday, but it was so blazingly hot (100+ temp), it was not a great day to hang out and enjoy. We had a bunch of great folks there, but it was just too awful to spend much time outside. As we were huddled under our little spot of shade, we heard a call for medical personnel over the loud speaker. Later we learned that an Obedience Judge had collapsed. We hear the Lexington Club has the opportunity to move this show to a new indoor venue, but apparently some of the club's "old guard" is resisting it. Hopefully after this year, they will re-consider.
On Sunday, we loaded up the wagon and headed home - here's how Spencer spent the ride home - perched in his "special boy" seat:
We are glad to be home!
We went to Lexington KY this weekend for the Labor Day shows. Heidi headed up first, picked up one of my EZ-up tents which Cheryl M transported for us, and she single handedly got a great spot and PUT THE TENT UP ALL BY HERSELF! Seriously folks, this is not an easy thing to do! Laura and I arrived the next day and brought another tent, more x pens and a generator in the Cardi Party Wagon. Kathy brought a third tent on Friday morning, and Cardi Camp was built.
We had set up a big Cardi play area with three xpens before Kathy got there, and after we got her tent up, we set about to move the xpens and cardis under the tent. I wish someone had gotten this on tape, because it was a sight to see. With all the dogs in the pens, all the humans lifted the xpens just off the ground and we started moving to the tent. The dogs figured out right away what we were doing, and the herd easily moved across the field to the tent! Here's a short video of all the dogs in the pen on Saturday morning:
On Friday, brother David from the Ocho came to visit - look at how handsome he is!
And here's a pic of pretty sister Ginger:
We had a pot luck lunch planned after the show on Saturday, but it was so blazingly hot (100+ temp), it was not a great day to hang out and enjoy. We had a bunch of great folks there, but it was just too awful to spend much time outside. As we were huddled under our little spot of shade, we heard a call for medical personnel over the loud speaker. Later we learned that an Obedience Judge had collapsed. We hear the Lexington Club has the opportunity to move this show to a new indoor venue, but apparently some of the club's "old guard" is resisting it. Hopefully after this year, they will re-consider.
On Sunday, we loaded up the wagon and headed home - here's how Spencer spent the ride home - perched in his "special boy" seat:
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Tommy is The Man - Updated!
Sally seems to want to make sure she keeps going to lots of dog shows, and was Reserve the three days we were there. She thinks hotel rooms are the most fun places ever - because she gets to fly between beds and play with her BFFs (TJ, Alley and Ginger).
Next stop Lexington, where on Saturday the five brindles from the Ocho will have a frapping reunion on Saturday. Ginger, Tommy, Lowri and Sally are entered, and David, who lives nearby, will come out to the site as well.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Our wild ride
We had quite a day today, filled with ups and downs. By the end of the day we had an obnoxious display of ribbons on our tent at the Western Reserve show.
Unfortunately, as I said, there were downs too. I received word this morning that my mom is not doing well, and I had to deal today with faxes back and forth to get her in hospice care. Tomorrow morning I am heading back home. Scout is going to stay here with Cheryl.
Hope the girls continue kicking butt tomorrow!
Monday, August 8, 2011
We're International
Spencer and Scout are mentioned in an article about lure coursing corgis. Look under news here: http://www.welshcorgi-news.ch/
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Was this really necessary?
Sunday, July 31, 2011
A Surreal, but Nice, Weekend
(First - name the movie that title was inspired by!)
Saturday was ummmmm, interesting. We were brought back to earth by the dog show gods - after our big double major weekend two weeks ago, yesterday Sally was 4th in the Bred-by class. 4th out of 4. Ouch.
On the good side, the judge liked brother Tommy and Mama Scout - Tommy got Reserve and Scout was BOB.
Sally and I were both a bit off yesterday - we got in very late to the hotel, and lazy me did not take a crate inside for her. I think she had trouble settling down because of that. Then we had an 8 o'clock ring time, the hairdryer in the hotel room wouldn't work, and at 6:30 in the morning it was already 85 and 110% humidity or as we call it, "air you can wear." It was also Sally's first time at a big show - noisy and lots of people and dogs - and it didn't even hit me until late yesterday afternoon that I had not even thought about how difficult that probably was for her. Any or none of these could have contributed to it - but it just was not our day.
We all crashed early last night and today was a better day. Sally and I walked around a good bit before we went in the ring I played "hooman pez dispenser" and gave her lots of treats. We were both more relaxed and it showed in how she moved in the ring. And I was pleased as punch when the judge gave her Winner's Bitch and a 5 point major. That gets her to 14 points.
Saturday was ummmmm, interesting. We were brought back to earth by the dog show gods - after our big double major weekend two weeks ago, yesterday Sally was 4th in the Bred-by class. 4th out of 4. Ouch.
On the good side, the judge liked brother Tommy and Mama Scout - Tommy got Reserve and Scout was BOB.
Sally and I were both a bit off yesterday - we got in very late to the hotel, and lazy me did not take a crate inside for her. I think she had trouble settling down because of that. Then we had an 8 o'clock ring time, the hairdryer in the hotel room wouldn't work, and at 6:30 in the morning it was already 85 and 110% humidity or as we call it, "air you can wear." It was also Sally's first time at a big show - noisy and lots of people and dogs - and it didn't even hit me until late yesterday afternoon that I had not even thought about how difficult that probably was for her. Any or none of these could have contributed to it - but it just was not our day.
We all crashed early last night and today was a better day. Sally and I walked around a good bit before we went in the ring I played "hooman pez dispenser" and gave her lots of treats. We were both more relaxed and it showed in how she moved in the ring. And I was pleased as punch when the judge gave her Winner's Bitch and a 5 point major. That gets her to 14 points.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
My puppy has springs.
On the next dogshow trip to Southaven, she reprised her act many more times. But today she shocked the heck out of me. I have taught the dogs to "help me" - that's the command when they are getting in their crates in the Element. The put their front paws on the tailgate and I boost them up.
But today went I asked Sally to help, she looked like she was going to do the normal thing, but instead she sprang straight up and landed lightly on the tailgate. Neither Scout nor Spencer have ever thought about doing this. This pup never ceases to amaze me.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Home Again
Chattanooga traffic was a beast tonight. Major arteries shut down by two wrecks and road constuction. Side roads (i.e., paved goat trails) clogged by drivers who idled their gas away. The last 10 miles of our trip took over an hour.
But overall, it was a great weekend. Laura and I drove over to Southaven MS for a show. Heidi met us there Saturday morning. Lots of old and new friends were there, including Betty and Ted, owners of the Intrepid Tommy of the Ocho.
Sally had a big weekend, picking up two 4-point majors. Scout picked up a Group 2 and 9 more Gch points. Tommy and Betty had lovely showings - his points will come in due time. Up in Michigan, lovely littermate Ginger went to her first show and got a 3 pt major, making Kathy very proud as well.
I am so proud of all the Ocho. The show dogs have made awesome starts, and all eight are champions of the heart with their great families. I feel very lucky to have had such a fabulous first breeding experience.
But overall, it was a great weekend. Laura and I drove over to Southaven MS for a show. Heidi met us there Saturday morning. Lots of old and new friends were there, including Betty and Ted, owners of the Intrepid Tommy of the Ocho.
Sally had a big weekend, picking up two 4-point majors. Scout picked up a Group 2 and 9 more Gch points. Tommy and Betty had lovely showings - his points will come in due time. Up in Michigan, lovely littermate Ginger went to her first show and got a 3 pt major, making Kathy very proud as well.
I am so proud of all the Ocho. The show dogs have made awesome starts, and all eight are champions of the heart with their great families. I feel very lucky to have had such a fabulous first breeding experience.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Great day for Mockingbird!
Sally gets a 4 pt major in Mississippi, Ginger gets a 3 pt major in Michigan, and Scout gets a Group 2!!
Sent from my iPhone
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Coming soon to a dog show near you . . .
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