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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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?

Sami, in snow.