I love the late winter. I like to reflect on my past year and appreciate how much has changed for the better. Then I envision my future and build my plans for making them a reality. Bold, brave and above all else, very pleasurable.
Chilly
It’s just a tad cool here on South Vancouver Island and so I dug out the door cozies to block the drafts from under the doors. They are fairly well sealed but at minus 8 C every little bit helps.
Ruby, however, found a much better use for them.

Christmas Day, 2021
The Sun scatters tiny diamonds,
Casting them wherever She turns her gaze,
Bright lightdrops glitter on the leaves of deep green salal,
Dangle and drip from branches of fir.
And with her long lit fingers, She caresses the snowy ground
where the future sleeps.
It’s a good day to be
Alive to see and feel and sense and touch
And love those that I do, with my whole heart.
Ruby, the huntress
Yesterday, Ruby and I participated in our second Scent Work trial, held by NosyDogz and Meriadoc, and judged by Sheri Luzzi.
I’m very proud to say she achieved her Advanced title, with First, (Exterior vehicles) Second (Interior) and Third (Containers) placements.
The day offered fierce winds and rain, interspersed with brief sun bathing opportunities. It kept us on our toes, thinking about how and where the scent might be moving.
I appreciated the warmth provided, not only by Lee, in the form of a heated tent, but also from the camaraderie and positive outlooks of the participants, volunteers and organizers.
Sheri’s overview of the trial’s challenges and her observations of our work was excellent, and I learned a lot from this experience.
Thank you to Sheri, the organizers and a hard working volunteer team, for a wonderful trial experience.

Extraordinary
Whenever you decide to add a puppy or dog to your home, you take a risk.
If you really want that new puppy or dog, and you’re just utterly in love with the idea of adopting him or her, you’ll tend to ignore or downplay those risks.
As you grow in experience, you’re less likely to allow yourself to utterly fall in love, and more likely to struggle with the risks.
There are many fears, both of your own making, and those that are offered by others.
You fear that they won’t get along with your other dogs; that you aren’t the right one for them, that you won’t do them justice, or you’re not patient or kind enough. You might fear it’s too much work, you have too much on your plate right now or it’s just not the right time.
I had lots of what if’s and Carol and Lynda were patient with me, as I struggled with them.
Finally, I made the decision and I’m so glad I did.
Trust, this four month old puppy, is a wise, gentle, confident and joyous, and simply an extraordinary creature, who has brought greater harmony to our house.
I am so grateful for him.

Hunting in the rain
Pleased and proud of my inimitable Ruby, who today, earned her SDDA Starters title, finding hides in containers, interior and exterior searches.
This was her first trial. She had a wonderful time and so did I.
Sincere appreciation to the judge, Heather Wilson, and the K9 Scentinals organizers and volunteers for all of their efforts. The rain was torrential at times, but Heather’s smile never got washed away.
Trust
MysticIsle’s “Always Trust Your Heart”
The latest addition to my family, is a sable Shetland Sheepdog.
I had hoped to breed my Ruby, the most amazing Schipperke in the universe, but in spite of my best efforts, I was unsuccessful.
When one door closes (or as it felt to me, multiple doors relentlessly keep slamming shut), sometimes, if you’re very lucky, another one opens.
On May 28th, my friends Carol and Linda, welcomed two litters into the world, mothered by their beautiful Sheltie littermate sisters, Frany and Naish.
I was honoured to be Frany’s conformation handler in the show ring. She showed off her lovely structure and movement in style. An agility dog, and a strong working Sheltie, her quality was recognized by the FCI judges who were present.
Carol and Linda raised these puppies relying on their considerable experience, which was informed by the current best puppy raising practices, including Puppy Culture and other quality sources.
I visited the puppies, almost from the day they were born. One of my strongest motivations for breeding Ruby, was to be able to raise a Puppy Culture litter. I was denied that experience, so to have the opportunity see these puppies develop and grow was an extraordinary gift and I am so grateful.
I had the opportunity to meet the sire in person, to know and love the dam of a litter and I was generously welcomed into their home, to watch them grow from birth to adoption. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Thank you, Carol and Lynda.
Mini-Mal
Soft spirit,
Wild
Struggling to make sense
Of his world
He chases, dives,
Leaps and growls
Pinning his fears to the ground,
Growing braver, every day.
He looks at me,
A fierce love
Loyal and brave
My mini-Mal
Rare and beautiful
Black Diamond.
Pttthhhhhh
This little creature has been nibbling the flowers of a mustard plant. It’s been a challenge, trying to get an in focus picture of him. He’s very quick.
He takes each little flower in his beak and spits out the tiny petals. I can only assume that leaves him with something much more nutritious. The embryonic seed, perhaps?
Nosework in the Snow
Sami loves to play Nosework games.
Here he is locating and freezing on two outdoor hides. https://youtu.be/narR1a6jx5w
Blk Diamond Larger than Life

Sami, in snow.
Oh, I must amend…
I DO sometimes feed the birds…under unusual circumstances. Like a very rare snow fall.
Blueberries.
