Ruffs Dog Blog..

Walk with Wanda..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:08:00 +0000

Wanda, Diesel and Pip

Pip looking rather suspiciously at another small dog (Pip is convinced shes a big dog really)

It amuses me that a collie, a GSD and a beagle terrierist failed miserably to catch a goose with a broken wing lol (although I think I'm pretty grateful too!). Thankfully it reached the saftey of the sea!

More pics HERE

Shouldham..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Been taking the bike to Shouldham with the dogs once or twice a week recently. I'm not sure who gets muddier - me or them, lol.

More HERE

Various Beach Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:00:00 +0000

West of England Border Collie Club..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:15:00 +0000

Saturday we battled the wind and rain and drove down to Weston-Super-Mare. I was in two minds whether or not to go to this show. Inca is out of coat at the moment as shes been dropping it since before Scotland. However, I specifically didn't enter Wimslow because of WoEBCC so decided to go any way. We stayed at the Premier Inn which is right next to the venue and dog judging didn't start until 10.30am so we had a lazy Sunday morning and enjoyed their full breakfast..mmm!

Diesel was first in the ring in Yearling. D is certainly a dog that needs a good walk before going in the ring. Sadly with the weather as bad as it was he didn't get much of one so was full of it. So although he moved and stood well he was a bit of pain whilst we were waiting for the other dogs to be gone over and move out; he wanted to play with the dog in front of us and decided the dog behind needed to be kept an eye on so kept turning round (the dog did keep trying to sniff his butt). Still, I pleased he got V.H.C in both Yearling and Novice.

Inca was in a rather large limit class of 23 entries. I was happy with how she went in the ring; she was standing nicely, moved well and generally seemed to be enjoying showing herself off. However, although the judge seemed to like her we werent picked for the final line-up, probably due to her lack of coat. It was a short wait until her working class which she managed to win - I may have just found her calling, lol. We didnt hang around to watch the dog and bitch challenge as I wasnt sure on how kind the weather was going to be on the way back home.

So that's our last breed show of the year. I didn't enter LKA and I'm glad I didn't given the current state of Incas coat as we wouldn't be going as shes still loosing. She doesn't look that bad in the photos but she looks scrawny IRL, not helped by the fact I keep her light compared to a lot of the other show collies anyway.

So, I have a feeling our first show next year will be MBCC in Feb and then Crufts!

Suprelorin..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:09:00 +0000

We were meant to be at BCCGB pup of the year today with D but decided some time ago we'd have a day off instead.

After much deliberation on who to get neutered when I decided to try D with the Suprelorin implant. The jury is still out on what we're doing with Inca. Originally I was going to stop showing at the end of this month, and although I've not entered any more I think I'll see how we do to the end of March.

I ordered last week and today we took him to have it done. I did feel slightly guilty when I saw the size of needle, especially as our vet had a bit of trouble getting it through his skin, but he was a good boy and didnt even flinch - probably something to do with mum having peperami.

There is a bit of a mixed debate as to whether dogs with Suprelorin should be shown, although theres nothing official to say they shouldnt be. One side effect is that their balls shrink up to 1/4 of their original size (can't say I've measured his, lol). Some people say it effects their coat. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what effect is has on him. Showing isn't my prority, and I could always return him to the ring when its worn off.

At least I wont have to put up with the screaming banshee that kept trying to dig under the kitchen door when Incas next in season ;)

UKA EAWs..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Saturday we headed off to Snetterston for the next installment of the East Anglian Winter Series. No videos though as I left Si at home as hes been working funny hours for the past week. The weather had been awful all night, pouring with rain and blowing a gale, yet I was safe in the knowledge that we'd be inside so the wettest I'd get was running back and forth to the car and taking the dogs out for a pee. I couldnt have been more wrong. When I arrived I discovered they'd put up a ring OUSIDE! Of course I'd come completely inappropriately dressed with jeans that reached the floor and so started getting wet from the bottom up before I'd even run.

Diesel seemed particulaly lary and only managed one clear all day. That said, it was only little mistakes and overall I was really pleased with how he was running - I could have just done with less of the gob! His clear made up for it all as he came 2nd by 0.5 seconds. Not a hard course by any means but it started spread-12 weaves which caught a lot of dogs out.

Inca was having a bouncy blonde day. Very up for it, but very la-la and easily distracted. Same jumping start for her and she crashed into the spread and messed up her weaves. Did the rest of the course lovely though, lol. I trained her power & speed (I missed walking the course, oops!) and then ran her senior agility. She did a cracking run including a very impressive running dog walk contact (if only I had trained it like that!) and ended up 2nd, behind Nancy Faris's G6 dog, Shaka.

Pippas first run was champ jumping in the outside ring in the pouring rain. As soon as I took her coat off she was spinning in circles. I thought this meant the terrierist had taken over but she was a good girl and did a really good run given the conditions. However, they called me back when I'd finished and said the timer hadnt gone off so I needed to run it again..Argh! Thankfully we went clear again and ended up winning it. I trained her P&S and then ran her agility - she flew her a-frame, Grr! Champ SC was right at the end over a very flowy course so I decided to really push her (and me) on it.

Overall it one of those days that I guitily know I didnt enjoy as much as I should of. I didnt leave until gone 5.30pm so didnt get home till after 6.30pm. First thing I did was get straight in the bath - I was frozen and rather soggy!

Samples..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:24:00 +0000

Yumove

I recieved my free sample of Yumove in the post today (30 tablets), which I think got slightly held up by the post (and I've since bought a pot, but nevermind)

When Mish was diagnosed with arthritis in her hips and elbows I started researching into joint suppliments again. Previously I fed all our lot Joint Aid and have done for ages but there are certainly a lot more joint products available on the market now.

I'd seen Yumove at the KC Festival back in August and it was highly recommended to me by a few friends who have tried it so I thought I would give it a go now we were coming to the end of our current supply of joint aid. It was on offer at the show we were at on Saturday so I bit the bullet and bought a pot of 300.

Its too soon to comment on how well its working, but all my lot love it and its certainly easier feeding the tablets direct than mixing it into their feed. I just wish all tablets were that easy to give!

Food 4 Dogs

As part of my arthritis research I've also been looking into different foods to feed that are meant to be beneficial. My theory is it cant hurt! One thats supposed to work wonders is gullet as it contains a natural source of chondroitin sulfate. Neither of the companies (landywoods and the dog food company) I usually use stock it but Food 4 Dogs does, although I've not ordered from them before.

I took advantage of their Raw Taster Pack which costs just £10 and has free delivery. It incudes a variety of minces; wild rabbit, pork, chicken, kidney variety, ox cheek variety, rabbit variety, and a small sample of their diced wild rabbit (bone in). To make matters even better the £10 fully refundable when you place your first order.

I must say I was impressed. I arrived by DHL on my selected day in a little polystyrene (which was handy for taking frozen dog food to the kennels). They do a few things my usual suppliers dont so I'll certainly be ordering from them again from time to time. Now I've just got to decide what to order next ;)

Scotland..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:56:00 +0000

Friday morning we bundled Pip, Mishka and Rex into the van and dropped them off with Sarah at the kennels. As always Pip was keen as ever to go in, but then stood at the gate of the exercise pen yelling her head off once she realised she was staying, bless! We then went home, loaded the car and headed off on our journey up north. All 7 hours of it - Lovely! Thankfully I had my Mexican meal as my incentive and it was nice to arrive with plenty of time before bed rather than our usual tradition of arriving in the early hours of the next day.

Saturday we headed off to the Working and Pastoral Breeds of Scotland. Judith Gregory was judging so I was quite excited to see how Inca would do - Inca is her type and shes said good things about her before..of course there is that small thing called the competition but I knew we had a chance at least. Diesel was in the ring first in Yearling. He wasn't too bad on the move, but was a little distracted by the men in yellow jackets dorking with the vents above us. Again, strong competition but I was happy on how he'd done. It was a long wait for Incas class - 22 entries in it too. A couple classes before I started getting her ready and trying to get that coat of hers straight. For once I was happy with it and just as we headed towards the ring I noticed she was dropping her shoulder. Only slighty, but if I could see it then so could everyone else - especially the judge. I actually asked Heather, her breeder, to look at her move. Don't exactly know why as I knew she wasn't right - just needed someone else to confirm it I guess. So we didn't even make the ring. I was gutted! Frustratingly by the time we got to the car she seemed fine so I'm almost convinced she was just stiff from lying in her crate. Still, retail therapy and another meal out followed.

Sunday we headed off to Scottish Border Collie club. They changed it this year so rather than have the 2 rings they just had one..it seemed to go on forever! Diesel was again up first. its held in a sports hall and the flooring is terrible for making dogs fly their tails simply because it bounces and the noise it makes as you run round. Diesel was no exception and flew his tail most of the way round the ring. Grr! He settled down by his Novice class and managed to win that. Inca seemed perfectly fine, although I was at this point completely paranoid, so I kept getting her out and trotting her up and down the car park, lol. She moved well and got shortlisted to the final 7 but sadly didn't make the final cut.

So, um...yeah. still a bit gutted about that one. Our next show is West Of England BCC and Inca is dropping her coat so heavily I'm beginning to wonder if she'll have any left. Also wish the judges were the other way round but hey ho..

Sleep tight Tigger..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:41:00 +0000

One of our cats, Tigger, was sadly pts today. It all happened very suddenly so came as a bit of shock. We noticed recently that he was loosing a bit of weight so we started giving him an extra meal. Then on Monday I noticed he was having difficulty swallowing so booked him in to see the vet the following day. She couldn't physically find anything (other than the obvious weight loss and throat discomfort) so she decided to try antibiotics and antiinflammatories first and hope it was just a simple throat infection. When we got back we separated him from the others so we could keep an eye on exactly what he was eating and drinking. Despite having a full bladder he didn't go to the loo, but started dripping urine. Obviously this was a lot more serious than we thought.

We took him back today and they took some blood. We waited in the consult room whilst they did the bloods. Tigger had a good explore and demanded attention off everyone as usual - he loves his fuss. Sadly the results came back and levels of creatinine, urea etc were through the roof (one was higher than their machine could read).! He had chronic renal failure which he'd obviously hidden well. We could have put him on a drip, pumped him full of diuretics and hoped for a few more weeks/months but with the levels he had the chances of it making much difference were slim. I wasn't prepared to put him through that.

So, the heartbreaking decision was made to let him go and we said our final goodbyes - sleep tight Tigz.

And so I've spent the rest of the day wondering if I did the right thing, if I should have tried, if we could have caught it sooner. Ultimately I know at the stage he was at there really was nothing that could be done.

RIP Tigger 24th Sept 2001 - 4th November 2009

Tigger and his brother Garfield as kittens. We adopted them just after we moved into our first house. I was only meant to have one but when the lady offered us two how could I resist? They were farm kittens and hadn't had much handling. The first day home they caused trouble by finding a gap under the kitchen units and climbing up the hot water pipes - trouble from day 1!

Especially when he thought we weren't looking

He and his brother have always had a strong bond..they had a bit of a reputation, lol

Although Tigger has been just as accepting with everyone

No matter how small they are..

Few more - HERE

RIP Tigger 24th Sept 2001 - 4th November 2009

Bob Sharpe Agility Workshop...

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:27:00 +0000

I went up to Grantham today for one of Bob Sharpes workshops. Today focused on handling techniques over purely jumping equipment (no weaves), although there was also practice ring for us to use as we pleased whilst the other dogs were working (if we weren't too busy watching that is). I was a little bit skeptical as D had been placed in the advanced group, but Lesley quite rightly pointed out that I would probably get more out of that group.

I did feel a little out of my depth when I walked the first course as it was quite tricky but I knew D would attack it with his usual gung-ho enthusiasm regardless of what I thought. It was something Pip would love but I had no idea what the best way to handle D would be. With Pippa I can usually get in front of her for front crosses, and she certainly runs better when I'm ahead. With Inca I would do flick-flack push-thru as shes got the drive towards the next jump and the nimbleness on the ground. With D I opted for playing it safe (I value my legs, lol) and went for front crosses which worked but definitely pushed him wide in a couple places. My positioning for my recall start also caused him to be quite wide also. Bob got my to try it the other way, which I've not done much with D, which was definitely tighter and, when I got my positioning right, much easier for me (less running, lol).

The next couple of courses focused on this sequence during various different parts of the course and using the different ways to handle them. One course in particular the whole thing could be handled from the middle jump using the flick-flack-push-thru method provided you could push your dog on enough to get into position at the far wing. Diesel coped really well. We had a couple refusals throughout the day but that was down to me thinking he was committed to the jump and then moving, when really he wasn't quite there. That said, he was driving on much better so his confidence is definitely on the up.

I thoroughly enjoyed the day and both me and D were suitably knackered by the end of our session. I've booked a couple more training days with D in December which I'm already looking forward to. The first is focused on contacts/weaves which should be good =D.

Brancaster again..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:49:00 +0000

I had to go up to Rudham today to help move some agility equipment, so I decided to go back to Brancaster with the dogs first. We did a good couple of hours again, walking along the sea front first and then back along the dunes. The dunes were apparently the best thing since sliced bread as all three (mainly led on by Pip!) had great fun tearing about. It was like one bit obstacle course for Pip and I swear she covers twice the distance the collies do on their walks with all her toing and froing, lol.

more HERE

Shouldham and a Mishka Update..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:56:00 +0000

Shoulham..

We had a 'day off' on Sunday so we took the dogs up to Shouldham for a good couple of hours in the afternoon. I took them there last monday only to find out usual walk around 'The Sincks' had been de-forested. However, theres a silver lining to every cloud as this meant I discovered a new route that joined up to 'Shouldham Warren' and, like any new area, this needs serious exploring (more by me than the dogs but they enjoy it too). We covered more than I did on Monday but I feel its only the tip of the iceburg. We found another car parking area which would be really handy to park in...if only I knew where it actually was and how to get to it, lol.

more HERE

Mishka

Mishka was back at the vets this morning for another dressing change. They've left the bandage off now but we're under strict instructions to keep the cone on at all times as shes not allowed to get at the wound. Because she ripped the top layer of skin off the wound when we were on our way back from NWBCC, its got to heal from the inside out. This should take 10-14 days, which means 10-14 days of the cone monster. I'm beginning to wonder if my house will survive - shes already chipped paint off the corners off the utility room walls and cracked the cat flap. I think I'll be as glad as she when she gets that damn thing off!!

Shrewsbury...

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:54:00 +0000

Friday afternoon we headed off to Oswestry for the Shrewsbury small/medium show. I really enjoyed it last year so decided it was worth the trip. We stayed at a Premier Inn which was litterally a stones throw away from the venue, and meant we got to enjoy a nice pub dinner and a few drinks on friday night too (which I needed after being stuck in traffic for ages!).

The show was held at a different venue to last year, and this one seemed to have a bit more in the way of exercise space. They also decided to put on a single jumping class for the large dogs. It was a combined 1-7 class but it meant the collies got to have a run.

Pip was absolutely wild and I really feared that I just driven across the country for her to get three Es. However, she proved me wrong. Her G6-7 Agility was first and just as I got to the line it really started to drizzle. The course was right up her street with various pull-thrus and wing wraps. She ran it well, but wasnt 100% sure if she'd got her a-frame but the judge definately clapped when we came out the ring and he had been stood right next to it. I checked her time and she'd gone into the lead. It was a nervous wait for the remaining dogs to run but she held on to it and ended up winning G6! To top it off, her time beat the G7 dogs too!

Her other two classes were jumping classes, one graded and the other combined. The G6+7 was another twisty turny Pippa course. However, the ground was really boggy and I really felt like I couldnt run plus Pippa spent the whole course howling at me on every turn. I came out the ring feeling we could have run it better and felt a bit dissapointed. However, it was thankfully one of those classes that looks better than it felt and we ended up coming 2nd. The C6-7 course was a very quick collie course and although Pip made a good run of it we weren't in the places. That said, I did appreciate being able to have a blast round with her.

The C1-7 large course was pretty straight forward, the main trap being jump #9 after jump #7 and the start if you didnt have a good wait. Somehow I managed to get R/Os with of mine in the first 10. Diesel was up first and I felt pretty confident that I could pull him from #9. However, he looked at that damn jump not once but twice so we lost quite a bit of time there. That said, I think it was more my fault as I wanted to be more at the wing of #5/#7 but the video shows I was more forward. Next was Inca, I would have placed money on her taking jump #9 but instead she knocked the pole of #6 as she turned. Aside from that she flew round beating Ds time by well over a second. She would have been 4th had it not been for that pole - Grr! Still, Diesel ended up 7th overall - not bad for a C1-7! A lot of dogs took jump #9 and several struggled with #3 (especially those that didnt have a wait!)

When one of the rings finished they turned it into a practice ring which meant I got to have a play with D in the ring, and gave us the opportunity to get some pics of him:

A couple more HERE

So, a fantastic end to the KC season. At the start of the year we started off fresh in G4 having won out of G3 at LAE last September. I would never have dreamed of Pip being in G6 and halfway to G7 by the end of the year, and I would certainly never have dreamed those wins being both in agility! That said, I've come to the conclusion that its easier to win agility in G6 than jumping simply because of the amount of fast dogs that have got to G6 on jumping wins alone (and dont have any contacts!) so they can keep winning jumping classes but never can progress. The dog that beat us in the jumping was, frustratingly, one of those. I've nothing against them as they certainly deserved the win, but its definately a flaw in the system!

Brancaster Beach..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:49:00 +0000

I took the dogs down the beach today after getting rather fed up with the weather this week...or at least fed up with the state my dogs have been coming home in. I took them to Shouldham on Monday - Pip came back bright orange and Inca came home covered in fox sh*t, lovely! So, I decided if we were all going to get wet and mucky we might as well enjoy it. As it was it turned into a lovely day - I never thought I'd be eating ice cream on the beach Mid-October!

what have the collies spotted??

why its a seagull chasing beagle terrierist

Incas not so sure about Diesels big jaws..

so waits until hes least expecting ;)

Several more HERE

Mishka..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:29:00 +0000

On Monday we went back to our vets for a dressing change. They also had the soft tissue results from the toe that they sent away after amputation. It was the news we'd all been dreading - cancer or squamous cell carcinoma as this type is known.

Unfortunately our usual vet, Francie, was away so the head vet went through a few bits with us, including the possibility of Francie taking away more of the soft tissue just to be safe. She suggested that we go away and have a read up on this type and then come back to discuss things with Francie herself.

As soon as I got back to the car I instantly had 101 more questions I wanted to ask; how likely it was to spread, what the likely prognosis would be if we went ahead to remove more tissue, how quickly her toe would heal etc etc. Knowing nothing about this particular type, I automatically assumed the worst.

And so my online research began - reading various veterinary documents, journals, forum threads. Thankfully the more I read the more positive I felt. Its the same cancer that white cats get on the tips of the ears from being in the sun. The main concerns I had were; if we'd caught it in time and if it was possible to get all the tissue out (bearing in mind there's only so much tissue you can remove from a paw). I also knew there's only so much more I'm willing to put Mish through given all the problems shes had/got. However, that's not to say she wouldn't benefit from the specialised treatment protocols from an oncologist referral even if it was just for quality of life.

Today we went back to speak to Francie. She received the second lab report this morning and it was good news. The pathologist had looked at the margins of the sample sent and he/she was happy with the margin of normal skin. Hopefully this means everything has been removed (we're keeping everything crossed!). It also means Mish doesn't need to have anything else done - we just need to monitor it (and her of course) - what a relief!!

Mishka is still sporting a bandage (and a cone when unsupervised). Her left ear also flared up this week, but thankfully this has cleared up thanks to the old trusty Thornit powder. We've got to go back on Monday for another re-check. I think I'll almost be as glad as she when she gets this bandage off ;)

Beachside and NWBCC...

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:31:00 +0000

Friday evening I (stupidly) agreed to cover Donnas classes over in Rudham. This meant that I spent most of the day rushing around getting ready for the weekend, washing dogs and packing as I knew I would have to leave at 4.30pm and wouldn't get back until after 10pm.

My arrival home was also hindered by the fact I got pulled over by the police because of a rabbit. Yes, you read that right. I was on my way home and there wasn't a soul in sight. I was approaching a roundabout and there was a rabbit sat in the middle of the road obviously infected with myxy as its eyes were huge. I slowed to make sure I didn't run it over, and then immediately felt guilty as it would have been better off being put out of its misery. There was a police car sat at the slip road of the roundabout. I didn't think twice about it, but it started following me and flashing its lights - panic! Anyway, turns out they thought I was slowing because of them so checked my details etc. I felt soo embarrassed having to explain about the rabbit but thankfully the policeman saw the funny side, apologised (yes you read that right too!) and sent me on my way.

Beachside

Saturday morning we were up early and headed over the Great Yarmouth for the first of the BAA winter series.

Its the start of their new 'season' so Pips first Novice + courses and their new height changes. This means shes no longer eligible to enter their medium classes so I'd entered her into Mini. However, June measured her and she measured into MICRO (albeit just!). I probably should have just left her as mini but as I spent most of last season regretting not moving Inca into medium I decided to go with the flow and enter her into micro. I guess if you're competing against all heights you need to take every advantage going. I was convinced she'd jump too high but she adjusted immediately. This of course means she spends far less time in the air and more time over the ground so she is a lot faster - I just can't keep up, lol. We didn't get off to a good start in her jumping class. Another course that should have been right up her street but she broke her wait and spent most of the class howling at me. In the agility she was doing a cracking run, got her contacts, did her weaves..but near the end she turned on a six pence, back jumped a jump and went off sniffing - I could have killed her. We got it together in steeplechase and she did a good run ending up 5th, although she was still veering in towards me in between jumps rather than focusing on the next obstacle so definitely wasn't running to her full potential. In Power & Speed she was horrid in the power, but a switch went on and she ran the speed bit lovely - really taking advantage of these tiny (pointless) jumps, lol.

As Inca had been promoted to Novice in agility, I really wasnt sure how she'd cope with the Novice + classes so I decided only to enter her in jumping where shes still Primary. I've seen she can cope just fine with Senior classes at UKA so I'll probably enter her in Novice + at future shows. She ran both her classes really well and absolutely flew round. She ended up 2nd in her jumping and ended up WINNING primary steeplechase - I almost died as really didn't expect that!

I really couldn't be any more pleased with Ds performance. He only made a couple very minor mistakes (missed a jump in one class and knocked a pole in another) but ran all his classes really well. I was actually most pleased with his jumping class, despite it being the one where he knocked a pole. I took Wendys advice from last week and so pushed him more and he really responded to it. He was really beginning to drive into the tunnels away from me and looked (and felt) much more confident over the jumps. He had the fastest time out of all the dogs but unfortunately had a pole down. In both his agility and power and speed he came 2nd so I was over the moon. I do have to keep reminding myself hes not quite 19 months yet! I was a little disappointed that none of his classes had weaves in them as I know they're one of his strong points.

As soon as we were finished it was off home to pick up the other two dogs and head up to Preston. I did begin to wonder why on earth I'd entered shows on opposite sides of the country!

NWBCC

Thankfully the dog judging didn't start until 10.30am so we had somewhat of a lie in, especially as the Premier Inn we were staying at was on the same lane as the venue! After a nice breakfast we headed over to the venue.

Diesel was up first in Yearling in a very strong class. He didn't run very well and flew his tail most of the way round the ring (grr!). Admittedly it was probably my fault as I didn't have him out for long enough before he went in. Thankfully he went much better in Novice and ended up 3rd in that.

I entered Inca into Limit, but also Open AOC and the Working Bitch class. I was convinced we were going to get chucked out of limit (16 entries), especially as the judge seemed to think all but one side of the ring was invisible. However, I was delighted when Inca got V.H.C. Inca went on to win the AOC and Working class.

Inca winning Open AOC, next to her full sister (but from different litter) Locheil Violets Are Blue (10 months old)

We decided to leave before the challenge so as to get home at a semi reasonable hour. We were finished by 2.30pm so should have arrived just before 6pm. However, we were just coming towards Manchester when we could hear a ripping sound coming from the back of the van. Mishka had not only ripped open her bandage, she'd also ripped open her foot! I bandaged her up best I could in a service station car park but knew we really needed to see a vet before tomorrow, and we at the very least needed a bigger lampshade so she couldn't reach her foot. I tried getting hold of Nat who was obviously on her way home so started ringing random vets in the area we were in. Several were shut but we eventually got hold of PetMedics and took Mish straight there. Unfortunately theres not enough skin to stitch up but they rebandaged her up and gave us a bigger cone - seriously she gets HD TV with that thing!

After several traffic jams we eventually got home at 8pm. What an up and down exhausting weekend!!

Spalding..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:16:00 +0000

We were up early and off to Peterborough this morning for Spalding agility show, held at the Autumn show at the East Of England Showground. Its a limited show for grade 5 and below so sadly Pip couldn't enter. My original plan was to leave Pip at home with Rex but it felt so odd not taking her that I'm afraid I caved to her bouncy spinning twirls and bundled her in as well. We were first in the ring with one class and last in the ring with the two other classes so I knew it was going to be a long day.

First it was Andrews C1-3 Agility over a course that I knew both of mine would enjoy. Inca is still in her la-la ditzy blonde mode and although she enjoyed the course we had a pole, jumped a contact and messed up the weaves. Diesel on the other hand was a little star. I decided not to push him too much, especially on his turns after yesterday. This did result in a couple wide turns and he was again convinced the dog walk might just be the see-saw. I also forgot to cross at the aframe which resulted in me completely getting in his way after the tunnel. How he avoided me I don't know, but I'm very glad I did - that could have hurt, lol. I was shocked that not only did he go into 3rd place, he managed to hold it too! He was only 2 secs off the winner, Jo Chambers & Rumble, (and 0.something-silly from 2nd!) and I know hes got so much more to give as his confidence grows. It was only when I was talking to Andrew that I discovered the top 5 qualify for the Alpha Agility Final at Stoneleigh next Aug - his first final =D

There was a bit of a break between this and the afternoon classes. Thankfully it fit conveniently in with Mishka vet appointment (also conveniently in Peterborough) so we took her off for her dressing change. It had weeped quite a bit, but not enough to soak through the dressing. She was so good for them as they cleaned it and redressed it, especially as it was obviously hurting lots. So back to the show we went..

Hayleys G3 Helter Skelter course was next, with Wendy scribing. It was just how a helter skelter should be and was a nice blast round. I loathe HS courses with weaves, pull-thrus etc. D went first and did a promising run. I obviously lost confidence yesterday with him and his poles so again didn't push him as much as perhaps I should of (which Wendy picked up on *slaps own wrist*) and he put extra strides in here and there and just cruised round. Inca FLEW round and was a second faster than D who ended up 9th. Sadly she just clipped the last pole =(

Finally it was G3 jumping which was another course I knew both of mine would love. Diesel was in first and did another solid run. I meant to flick him round the left of number 10 but instead pulled him towards me so I know we lost a little time there, especially as it meant he slowed in front of no 12. he ended up 7th overall. Inca ran past the weaves (again!) but enjoyed the rest of the course. I guess I should be pleased in that the weaves she did do today were nice quick swimming weaves. Its just a shame we seem to have forgotten how to do them first time round.

So, very pleased with D but still lots to work on. His confidence is certainly coming along in leaps and bounds. I know its early days but I want to get him driving to the end of his contacts better in competition. I need to somehow overcome this dogwalk/see-saw confusion that hes getting. although I must say I'm pleased with his see-saws. I don't want to push them on any more at the moment or we'll end up going back to him using it as a launch pad, lol. Still, food for thought and what have you..

Mishka & EAWs..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:32:00 +0000

Mishka

Yesterday morning when I went downstairs poor Mishkas toe was twice the size it should have been. Sadly this meant a trip back to the vets and they decided to admit her to do some more xrays (I hadn’t bothered feeding her as thought that would be the case). As the infection was obviously spreading the decision was made to amputate the toe, and its been sent off to ensure theres nothing more sinster going on. I’ll admit I was gutted as she’d been doing so well and I really was hopeful we were on the road to recovery. We collected her later that afternoon, and yes she was howling her head off at the vets. Shes been feeling very sorry for herself, not helped by the lampshade look but then I know how these things can bleed so I’m not taking any chances. We’re back tomorrow for a dressing change. I'm just hoping she heals quickly.

EAWs Oct

Today was the first of the local UKA winter series held at Snetterton. I’ll admit I found it very difficult getting out of bed in the cold and dark – I’ve been used to rolling out of bed at the caravan and walking courses while breakfast cooked.
All 3 had a very mixed day. Pip started off by going off ‘beagling’ in both her jumping and p&S. Thankfully she made up for it by doing good runs in both steeplechase and agility, although I completely forgot the end of the course in agility and got in the wrong place. Oops!

Inca was absolutely full of it. Unfortunately this wasn’t the super dog I had last week, but some very ditzy bouncy blonde dog who decided she’d never done weaves before and kept running straight past them (argh!). Thankfully steeplechase allowed her to stretch her legs and have a good run. She FLEW round in just over 18 seconds and ended up 2nd, only 0.7 secs behind Sue Whites dog. Obviously she didn’t want to be made to walk home ;)

Diesel was a little superstar. Sadly he had a case of pole-itus (I think Pip gave him lessons on how to be gobby!) and knocked a pole in jumping and 2 poles in agility. However, he went clear in the power and speed and ended up winning it =D. I actually ended up setting D up *outside* the rings for most of his starts because there really was no space before the first obstacle for most of the courses which was a bit frustrating. I do like to have to good run up before the first jump. Certainly in the agility he knocked the first pole simply because he didnt have enough space (there was a wall in behind him so limited space).

Mishka...

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Mish had her check-up at the vets this morning and had the bandage removed. Shes been a pretty good patient so far in that shes left the bandage well alone. As she is the worlds biggest clutz this is good because a) she has extra padding on the foot and b) we didnt have to put a lampshade on her head. I'm not sure we, our other dogs or our household have survived that ordeal lol.

Our vet seemed suprised and pleased at the outcome and so far things look promising. We've got a way to go before we're out of the woods completely. We picked up some more antibiotics and have to go back in 10 days time for another check-up.

Keeping everything crossed still..

Top Barn...

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:57:00 +0000

We decided to do UKA Top Barn again this year after thoroughly enjoying it last year, despite the awful weather. It was also an opportunity to test out our 'new' windbreak that we bought off the flemarket on agilitynet (check us out with all our mod cons, lol). I daresay the damn thing was more complex to figure out initially than the caravan awning and I still haven't a clue what a couple bits are for. We need to get a couple additional panels to fully enclose our set-up but its much better than orange netting and hammering in all those beach-type windbreaks we've been using this season.

Pippa

Pip was full of it as she always is when wind is involved. Thankfully we got it together Saturday (or rather i did) and she went clear in all of her classes. She was just out of the places in both her champ sc classes (by 0.01 and 0.1!) - shes just not fast enough over the more straight forward classes, which these were, despite giving it her all. However, she did cracking runs in both her agility and jumping and ended up winning both.

Sunday she was rather gobby in both TFO and agility. However, she did good runs in both the jumping and steeplechase. She managed to get the final few points needed to go Champ in performance - not too shabby considering she only moved up at the Nationals.

Inca

Inca was again in one of her happy-go-lucky type moods and sat playing tuggy on the start line. I only entered 3 classes with her on Saturday and, following Pips example, she went clear in all 3. She came 3rd in one senior sc, 4th in the other and won her agility. For some reason i had it in my head she needed 12 games points (she had 11) to progress in Novice but when I doubled checked it was only 6. That agility win gave her the points she needed to go senior in performance. Oops!

Sunday I entered her into all 4 classes. I wanted to see how she would cope with the harder courses in performance. If she wasn't coping then I'd just run them NFC and get the bits out that i wanted (like weaves work or contact work). As it was she coped fine. She came 4th in TFO, 3rd in agility, clear in SC and did a cracking jumping run but I got in the wrong place (who moved that tunnel??) despite having just done the course with Pip and sent her 'out' too far. Well the only object she could see that was 'out' where I was pointing was a chair so she abidingly went out and round the chair (bless!) and carried on round the rest of the course. Oops! (See, clicker training your dogs doesn't have all positives!)

Diesel

I ran his agility on Saturday and TFO on Sunday and then made sure he got his contacts (and praised). He managed to come 2nd in both of those. I want to make sure I run and hold contacts in both competition and training to keep him on his toes, although at least with UKA I can run NFC and get some solid contact work in. I've been lucky so far as both Thatcham and 5 Rivers have both had practice rings.

His best run of the weekend IMO was his jumping on Saturday as he really just felt good. He came 6th in that. The other jumping was the type of course that looks simple but handling wise was quite tricky and could be done a number of different ways. I knew with Pip I'd be in front, with Inca I'd handle most from behind, but I really had no idea with D. The more I thought about it, the more I got myself into a muddle and started worrying about getting in his way etc. As it was he knocked a pole but time wise would have been 3rd. One place in particular had quite a wide turn and I know I should have handled from inside the box (how I walked it initially). If in doubt, handle like Pip.

SC wise he did some solid work. Just one run where he really didn't want to go in a tunnel as was responding to my body language (despite his head practically being in it, lol). Hes starting to occasionally drop the extra pace hes been putting in through lack of confidence.

Again I really enjoyed the show, and the walks. I was certainly glad to be in the caravan and not the little blacks tent we had last year - the wind howled Friday night and most of Saturday. Amusingly I think my dogs suit running in the wind, teamed with the full moon too!

I think its quite fitting that both Inca and Pip should win up at this show as it was our first ever UKA last year. I'm looking forward to seeing how they all do over the winter.

Mish-Mosh update...

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Mishka went back to the vets today for her biopsy. They rang me at 12 so say that they re-xrayed it and the lump has shrunk quite dramatically since last Thursday. I was quite bemused as to how such a lump could shrink, and so was the vet! So, we're going to leave it alone and keep an eye on it. One explanation is a flare up of an old injury, but I guess we'll never know. I'm just pleased it appears to be nothing sinister.

However, the original condition we took her in for (her toe infection) hasn't responded to the antibiotics as we all hoped it would and today the decision was made to remove the nail. Unfortunately the infection is already in the bone (Osteomyelitis) so it looks like she might have to have her toe amputated. For now she is the strongest antibiotics (£95 for 10 days - ouch!) with her foot all bandaged and we have to go back next Tuesday. Realistically both our vet and myself were speaking in terms of "when" rather than "if" but I guess I can hope for a small miracle.

Mish feeling rather out of it - howled her head off at the vets (Robin nick named her 'Pava-rottie', lol) but hasnt moved since shes come home.

No-Chew PetFlex vet wrap from the vets. Will it last?? We'll see ;)

All about D..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:26:00 +0000

On Friday we travelled down to the Suffolk Showground for the 5 Rivers show - Diesels first KC Show! We actually arrived a little after 4 so were able to set everything up in the light for a change and have dinner (tacos, mmm..) at a reasonable hour too.

I probably should have just entered Diesel as although I ran the other two, I'd be lying if I said I gave them my full attention - I was far too preoccupied with (and excited about) running D, lol.

Pippa

The trip to the Chiro last week obviously did the trick with Pip as she was really up for it (he neck & back was out and her pelvis slightly twisted). Unfortunately I've picked up some bad habits during this weaving issue we've had and I've started doing funny things with my hands which is evident from the video footage. This in turn has caused Pip to be looking more at me an is obviously part of the problem of her coming out - sack the handler (again!).

She only had two runs on Saturday. First was G6-7 agility and she really flew round, got all her contacts (albeit just!) and the last two obstacles were weaves-jump. I think *I* was too fixated with the weaves and, although I didnt realise at the time, crowded her. Unfortunately she hit the last pole with her shoulder but I realised it was my error so carried on. I was annoyed with myself but more happy with having my Pippa back. Her next run was G6-7 jumping. We got round with a few fumbles from my part and ended up 5th.

On Sunday her first run was jumping. The course was a very twisty turny and included 3 sets of 6 weaves. It should have been right up Pips street but OMG it was like being in grade 1 - she wouldn't do all the weaves and just kept shouting at me. Since watching back the video I realised I was trying so hard not to do anything 'funny' with my nearest hand I had it clenched to my stomach and she was looking at my hand and howling at me because of it. I managed to redeem myself in the C4-7 Helter Skelter (with 12 weaves!) and we went clear. No idea if we came anywhere in that as I couldn't find the results sheet before we left. Finally it was Helens G6-7 agility. Another Pippa course but I mucked up the start and pulled her from a jump so I used the round for some much needed contact work.

So, we have plenty to work on (proofing-hand-movements-whilst-in-the-weaves for one!). I think I'll have to get her to weave whilst I'm doing star jumps or something, lol.

Pips first agility run - sack the handler (again)

Inca

On Saturday in her jumping run but lost her footing in the weaves and slipped and, although she tried, couldn't quite bend enough to get back in so skipped one. She did them perfectly second time through and let me layer a few jumps so I was pleased. She got put back on the dog walk in her agility (again) and flew it despite me having just taken her in the practise ring. She got her a-frame so I held that so it might be sinking in. In the NBC she did a lovely run but I pulled her from a jump .

Sunday she went clear in the helter skelter but then in the agility seemed to be lacking her recent found speed. When I was walking her back I noticed she was very slightly dropping her front shoulder when on the trot. I daresay it was probably her chasing her ball on our walk on Saturday evening as the ground at the Suffolk Showground really is terrible. Theres such a thin layer of grass and when its hot it dries and gets so slippy. Mind you, who thought it would be so hot at this time of year!?

Diesel

His first run was a really flowy jumping course with a set of 6 weaves that you had to go through twice. Just one area where I wasn't sure how to handle him. I'd layered it with Inca but didn't think I would get there with him. Sadly he knocked the first pole (bit ambitious with his take off!), so I decided to try layering it after all. It didn't work but he ran the rest of the course really well.

Next was his G3 agility over a straight forward course. I decided not to rush him and focus on getting things right, speed will come as his confidence grows. He went clear, although i almost pulled him from the second to last jump. I was over the moon with his see-saw and a-frame.

The final run on Saturday was C1-7 NBC jumping. He seemed a lot more confident and I was able to push him further out to jumps. I decided to leave my commands a little later as hes been anticipating turns...well he only went off to another jump - talk about fine line, lol.

Sunday his first run was C1-4 Helter Skelter. He went clear (we had camera issues waaahh!) but I could tell he was having to think about his feet. Still, he beat Inca by well over a second.

In the agility he just got 5 for refusing a jump (although I think it was as much my fault as his). Did another fabby see-saw but then was a bit creepy on the dog walk and stopped to 'push' at the top of the first plank as he obviously thought it was another see-saw. Silly boy.

Lastly it was his jumping which was more twisty turny. He knocked a pole near the start and then cut behind me near the end. In hindsight I should have kept on top of him, rather than just make the assumption that he'd follow but I was still really pleased with him. I made a point of crossing behind him at the weaves, something which even now Pip hates.

So, he did some pretty promising work over the weekend, especially for his first KC show. He did every set of weaves and got every contact - I cant say the same about the other two! Sadly that's our last KC Show for the collies until next year, although they do have a C1-7 jumping run at Shrewsbury. I'm sure the independent shows will boost his confidence no end.

Mish-Mosh...

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:36:00 +0000

Mishka was at the vets yesterday having some xrays done (7 of them!). They xrayed her hips, stifles, shoulders, elbows and chest. They phoned me in the afternoon and rather than saying anything over the phone they said "I best discuss the results with the vet" and booked me in for a late afternoon appointment..argh!

They confirmed our suspicions and she has artritis - only mildly in her elbows but a little worse in her hips (more so in her right). For now its just a case of keeping an eye, ideally I want to delay the use of long term NSAIDs as long as possible so I will be looking into additional natural suppliments first - I'm looking into green lipped muscle and devils claw. Shes been on joint aid and salmon oil, we have a bioflow collar for her, still do hydro weekly and shes always been kept lean due to her back legs.

The other thing they were investigating, which was my main concern, is a hard lump thats on her chest, in an area of her ribs towards the bottom of her sternum. Shes always had quite a pronounced rib cage so when I first noticed it I did question whether its always been there. Its almost looks like an extension of the sternum itself. The xray showed its made up of what looks like small calcified shards but our vet had no idea what it is, so we've got to take her back next Tuesday for a core biopsy to be taken and sent off.

I was slightly miffed they didnt do it yesterday but by the sounds of things they'd had 'one of those days' which I can completely understand. Mishka never takes sedation well and comes back like shes had major surgery. She was really feeling rough last night and spent most of the evening wimpering and throwing up.

So, fingers crossed for next week..

Thatcham..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:40:00 +0000

We left home on Thursday a little later than planned (after some caravan trouble *ahem* Sis DIY skills *cough*) and so didn't arrive until after dark. Thankfully we seem to have got the idea of this caravan lark and managed to set up the netting, awning and caravan in record time (for us anyway, lol)..although that may probably just be due to the incentive of being able to go to bed.

Pippa had a mixed weekend. She did a cracking jumping run first thing Friday but skipped the last weave. I figured it was a combination of her being gobby and me rushing her, but it turned out to be the beginning of an intermittent weaving issue we had all weekend, something quite unlike her. I did some stretching exercises and shes not showing any signs of being uncomfortable but its bugged me so much I've booked her in to see the Chiro later this week as something is definitely not quite right. Weaving aside she was running well. I finally got my head around gamblers and she managed to win both that and snooker (go me!) as well as a couple of the champ steeplechase classes.

Pip - Champ Steeplechase 1st Place

Inca was certainly on form again. I'm not used to her being so happy and bouncy when it comes to agility. She was even playing tuggy on the start-line which is an accomplishment considering shes not really a tuggy dog at the best of times. She won another jumping and came 2nd in gamblers (by 1 point! We got more points on the equipment but I wimped out and did the lower gamble - argh!). She got a couple of 3rds in senior steeplechase too. We did have one slight downer to the weekend which happened on Sunday. A dog in day parking that was left tethered behind a windbreak (unattended) lunged out at her and attached itself to her face. Thankfully she wasn't hurt or phased, it was more me as I didn't expect it. I did speak to the owners, who did reluctantly apologised but gave the excuse "well he gets excited when he watches the agility". FFS!

D did some really good work over the weekend and his only downfall was me - no more silly judge visiting ;) On Friday he did a cracking beginners steeplechase run and ended up 2nd, moving him up into novice. His first novice run on Sat was probably his best of the weekend despite the fact we got e'd (my fault). He was beginning to have the confidence to work away from me more (thank god as I really cant outrun a collie, lol) and really flew round that course. Unfortunately I still didn't have confidence in him so pushed him round a jump and then when I said "steady left" he turned on a sixpence in front of the jump - I cant complain about him not doing what I asked! Still, its all about experience at the moment. I just love his enthusiasm and attitude.

The one where D needs a new handler

POTD Open Jumping (all heights) - his first class with weaves, beating Inca by over 2 secs

We didnt end up leaving until almost 6 and then got stuck on the M25 for what felt like eternity. We got back to the caravan storage place just before 10am and not only did I have to reverse the damn thing in the dark they also parked someone next to me. Argh!

East Anglian Summer Show..

noreply@blogger.com (Vicki) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:36:00 +0000

Friday afternoon we went off to view a caravan..under 3 hours later we went back to collect it complete with a fully loaded van and all 5 dogs. After getting slightly held up getting the damn thing out of the residential cul-de-sac where it was parked (thanks to some idiot who parked directly opposite the junction and my lack of experience having never towed) we eventually headed straight to World Horse Welfare Hall Farm (formerly ILPH) for the East Anglian Summer Show. I never do things normally, lol.

We arrived just after 7pm and after setting up the caravan yours truly decided the awning 'couldn't really take that long'. Yeah right!

And so began what would become some sort of 2 day endurance test for me. All the UKA Shows I've been to have been fairly fast paced. Thankfully at this show we just had 2 rings but with 10 runs each day split between 3 dogs and with such small entries I was on the go all the while.

I was really pleased with Inca this weekend. We didn't get anywhere in her agility classes as she was acting like she was completely possessed. That said, I was over the moon with her speed & overall attitude. This certainly showed in her jumping classes as she won 3 classes and came 4th in the other. We did have a few blonde moments, especially in the ring that Wendy was judging on Sunday!!

Pip and I just didn't seem to click this weekend. We did some good runs, some ok runs and some horrid runs. On Saturday we did manage to get the final few points needed to move up to champ in steeplechase. And on Sunday not only was she the only one in her height, she was the only dog in champ altogether...we obviously scared off all the competition ;)

Diesel did some good work but was a little distracted at times - showing his youthful age - although possibly more to do with the indoor environment as hes used to working outside. On Saturday he had an honorary beagle moment and went off sniffing near the end in nursery agility (after some lovely contacts!) and then on Sunday he felt the need to go off and say hello to the judges (one of which was Wendy!). He did a nice run on Saturday in beginners steeplechase and ended up 2nd. On Sunday he ended up 4th (despite visiting the judge) and admittedly that run felt the nicest - grr! He certainly enjoyed himself and, as always, I enjoyed running him.

It was Wanda and Brissies debut and it was lovely to see them starting out. I still cant believe all our baby dogs have grown up!

Huge thanks to Don who came and talked caravans with Si and showed us how to use all the knobs and whistles - I can pack away my camping stove now, lol.