Monster Puppies?

Okay, I am here in Oregon house-sitting for Paul & Karen while they're on the canine cruise.

Last night, I painstakingly cut out pattern pieces for a fitted / kimono-style collar-ed jacket from 3 yards of the most gorgeous Japanese sateen that I've had for years, waiting for the right project to come along. I bought it some years ago at $20 a yard, on sale. Pattern takes just over 2 yards, I have 3. Which is a good thing because my fabric is directional so I have to be careful how I cut everything out, and it used almost everything to cut it out.....it is (was) going to be stunning and something I was planning to take to Borzoi Nationals in 3 weeks to show in.

Tonight, I'm starting to sew pattern pieces together. All is going well! It's going to be beautiful! My heart sings!

Then, I can't find the center back section with two back side-panels sewn on. Did I leave it on the counter? Chair behind me? Kitchen island which is doubling as a cutting/prep area? Noooooo. (Where the hell is it??)

Then I spot a fluffy white Silken puppy curled up on the floor laying on something.....sleeping.....GASP!! it's my back pieces!! Wet from puppy slobber and riddled with puppy puncture wounds from the monsters playing with it!!! It CANNOT be salvaged!!!

Oh, the agony!!!

Now I am making some serious pattern modifications to Make It Work (Project Runway here I come)....don't know if it's going to turn out or not..all may be for naught.....and I don't have enough fabric to follow the same direction on the back as the front/sleeves/sides and will definitely have to shorten it by at least 2", I am in unknown territory here, it could be just awful.

Monster puppies, I tell you. Nevermind that I was lost in my project as the hellions must have played tug of war right under my feet.

The Monsters (scary, aren't they?)
The Damage....imagine more holes like these than you can count:

Off To Oregon -- Need New Show Clothes

When we received my show photo from the win with Catherine this week, I realize that I really need new show clothes. The jacket I was wearing that day (see post below) is actually a medium taupe-y color, not dark gray/brown. The lighting in some of these show venues is horrible! Also, I realize that Catie totally disappears in front of my black pants, must change that. I NEED new clothes badly Clothes -- I can make those.

The perfect Borzoi showing clothes are, clothes that look great on you when you are running as fast as you can. It's that simple. After some experience, I've decided that means....nothing that "flaps" when you run or your dog will try to play with it. Nothing that hangs below your waist that will gather up or bunch when you have to bend over. Something you can move your arms in (when running as fast as you can), and buttons or closes in front. And, in a color, print and pattern that complements your dog, one of the most important factors here!

So, I am off to Oregon later today to house-sit for some friends while they attend a Canine Cruise in the Carribean for 9 days. I am bringing my sewing machine, iron, notions, sewing tools, some patterns, a mountain of fabric and our two Silken Windhounds. I hope in between caring for 20 dogs, 2 horses, 2 llamas, a few cats and koi that I can get something made to bring to Borzoi Nationals (and wear) in April.

First AKC Win

Yesterday, my first AKC win!

We entered Catie in Open, in anticipation of Borzoi Nationals coming up in April, when she and Rowan will be in the same class and apparently next to each other in the class. In handling class, Catie is always waaaayyyy too interested in what Rowan is doing, especially if Rowan is ahead or behind her in the line up.

Since she'll be a few weeks over 18 months when Nationals happen in April, we thought this would be a good practice run to have both girls in the same class.

Much to my pleasant surprise, Catie took Best of Breed for at least 1 (possibly 2) AKC points! Our first AKC win, and Catie's first points toward her championship. She really is maturing nicely and we're both learning as we go, after may shows it feels great to know that we CAN do it:

Borzoi Haiku

My lens has captured
Beauty, grace, fluid motion
Catherine The Great.

Unlucky 13.......(And 1 Through 12, Too)

Today was the 13th AKC show that Catie and I have participated in, still no Championship points. Here's today's unlucky 13 showing on U-Tube, we are the second in the class, Catie is the black and white bitch.
Yes, I realize now that we could have moved a bit faster on the 'on around', but other than that....??????:
To view us on U-Tube, Click here.

So you think you want a puppy?

Cute? Yes.
Adorable? Yes.
Lovable? Yes.
Destructive? .....ummm......

We have a beautiful antique secretary that we bought almost 20 years ago. Tonight I blew a gasket when I discovered what happens when a dog bed gets too close:

Then, as I was taking the photo above, I noticed some more chew marks under the dining room table on the inside of one leg:

So, at this point I thought I'd document for all of you who think you want a puppy some other examples right now in our home to show what a puppy (or two, or three) can do to a perfectly normal middleclass home.

In the next room, we have an antique wing back chair that I've also had for about 25 years and really did plan to re-upholster some day as it DID have beautifully carved wood scroll arms:

The next piece of furniture is a Mission style futon. Oh so convenient to lay on and gnaw at the arm:

But, that's just the corner. A baby Silken Windhound cut her teeth all along that same arm about a year ago:

From the futon, look to the stereo cabinet about six feet away, and you'll see this wonderful artistic self expression:

Now we can turn the corner into the entry, where we're doing some home remodeling and widening doorways. Catherine thought she'd help:

Next doorway to the right:

Turn 90 degrees to your left, and we have a beautiful Mission style handcrafted table that Rowan likes to nibble on when she's trying to get our attention to go for a walk:

Across from the table, Catherine tried to chew threw the wall to get to Mom taking a bath one day on the other side of the wall:

And, once in that bathroom, the wood door frame makes a tasty snack:


Going into our bedroom....we really must look into Catherine's apparent Gypsum Deficiency before it's shocking:

This is one of our bedstands, at perfect chewing level when laying on the bed:


Also, levelor blind drawstrings are DELICIOUS:



Still want a puppy?

Counter Surfing

Last night we made a large batch (13 qt. stockpot) of chicken vegetable soup with potstickers.

About 15 minutes after we were done eating, Catie our smaller borzoi happily comes bouncing into the living room with some treasure in her mouth......a potsticker! Which, the mighty borzoi had obviously hunted down and retrieved from the large stockpot now cooling at the back of the stove.

Word of the Day.....Lachanophobia

Our hounds currently are fed twice a day a basic mix of 2 parts quality dry kibble (Solid Gold brand at the moment), 1 part whole chickens that are cooked for 24-36 hours that are mashed up (bones and all), and 1 part vegetable mix of peas, carrots, corn, green and Lima beans. Sometimes we add or substitute eggs or other proteins, and other fruits or vegetables.
Our Silken Windhound Jewel is a confirmed Lachanophobiac.......Lachanophobia is "a persistent, abnormal, and unwarranted fear of vegetables". Jewel is especially fearful of GREEN vegetables. The actual phobia manifests itself in different ways. Some sufferers experience it almost all the time, others just in response to direct stimuli. Everyone has their own unique formula for when and how to feel bad. Jewel's feelings are evident when you place her bowl in front of her and she glares up at you with her "What's this green s**t again??!!" look. It so happens it's the same look we get when a bath is about to take place.

Here's Jewel's normal meal, note the brightly colored and tasty selection of vegetables:

Here's what Jewel leaves behind: every piece of Green sucked and licked clean:

To add insult to an already distressing condition, most lachanophobia therapies take months or years, and sometimes even require the patient to be exposed repeatedly to their fear. Twice a day, poor Jewel must confront her fear of green vegetables......we hope she can be cured.

PETA and Stuff, to be continued......

"Danger, Will Robinson!" - controversial stuff here to follow! Hey, it's my blog and I can say whatever the hell I want. You have the right to submit your comments in support or contention hereof, and I reserve the right to delete them if they aren't rational.

About a week ago I watched HBO's documentary on PETA and Ingrid Neukirk, "I Am An Animal". I was a bit surprised to find myself agreeing with almost all of the issues and content presented. For example, I do not approve of animal torture or suffering, fur for fur's sake, or the neglect and abuse of animals. I do however eat animals and and wear leather. Most people do eat animals by the way, and I plan to continue to do so. It makes sense to me that if we're going to eat them, we should also utilize all of the animal's by products, such as their hides for leather. Organs for dog food. Hooves for chew toys. I digress!

Today, I went to PETA's website to see where they truly stand on issues, since the documentary didn't really delve into it. Ah, therein lies the meat of the matter and one particular point of contention that I would like to bring up. This is a direct quote from PETA's website:

"All breeders fuel the companion animal overpopulation crisis, and every time someone purchases a puppy or a kitten instead of adopting from an animal shelter, homeless animals lose their chance of finding a home—and will be euthanized."

Okay....so, what if you don't want an unaltered Pitbull/Rottweiler mix? Dogs are not inanimate objects and are as different each one from another as people are. Every dog has it's own personality, character traits and a unique set of behavior issues, positive or not. If you get a dog directly from a shelter, you simply don't know what you are getting. People who are willing to take that chance, I applaud their decision and commitment, especially so when they are able to spend whatever time and money it takes to train the dog to fit with a new family if there are issues. And there often are.

PETA assumes that if there were not dogs available from breeders, that people would then go to a shelter to get Fido. No difference is realized between a Papillion puppy that has been health tested, well cared for and properly socialized; and a 3 year old unaltered male Pitbull found roaming the streets. Which one would you rather have around your children or other animal companions? PETA makes no differentiation between the two extremes. A dog, is a dog, is a dog. PETA's assertion that every dog bought from a breeder means that one will die in a shelter is absolutely asinine and ranks as one of the stupidest things I've ever heard.

For the record, I checked the Tacoma WA Humane Society's available dog listing today. 59 dogs available: 11 are Pitbulls or Pitbull mix, 20 are unaltered.

I wonder how many of those dogs in the shelter today came from a sire and dam that were health tested (eyes, hearts, hips, thyroid, genetics, etc.) by their breeder to determine known genetic or physical problems within their breed? How many were from parents that were selectively bred for good temperaments? How many were health tested themselves by their breeders before they were sold and allowed to be kept unaltered? Let's face it -- Every dog that is not a wild dog came from someone who allowed it to breed. Ummm, what do you call those people...? Oh yeah, BREEDERS!

If everyone did as PETA wished and eliminated breeders, period, then within a couple of generations there will be NO MORE dogs.

It seems to me that PETA would be doing a much better service in their noble goal of reducing the number of dogs euthanized if they were to provide EDUCATION about the difference between GOOD and BAD breeders. Such as, how to select an animal for health, temperament, socialization, in the first place. If puppy mills and disreputable breeders had no market (aka the ignorant public at large) then many of those dogs would not be in shelters facing euthanasia today.

I originally meant to post about breed rescues too, but this is getting too long. More, later.......

Camouflage Borzoi

This morning, I temporarily lost Rowan. I remember letting her outside, which rarely lasts long because she much prefers a soft warm bed to the great outdoors. Call as I would, there was no sight or sound of the big red borzoi.

After several minutes, and my worry growing exponentially that she had escaped the 6' fence (hey, you never know! She's a big girl!), I spotted her just inside the brush of the woods that border our yard. When I ventured down there to see what she was up to, I found her intently focused on a small pile of leaves trying to stir something up. Most likely a mouse or other small critter about to meet it's untimely demise.

I was struck by how well a large red borzoi could be almost invisible, and grabbed my camera. Check it out, it's true!:

Catie's Junior Coursing Title

It was our coldest day of the season at just 24 degrees at 6:00am. In a frosty white pre-dawn Northwest wonderland we loaded up the borzois and Honcho our silken windhound to go participate in the North West Coursing Club's annual two-day Turkey Run. Today's mission was to obtain for Catherine (Catie) the first leg of her Junior Courser title by taking part 1 of her lure coursing test. Rowan and Honcho came along today for moral support.

Lure coursing events are artificial simulations of coursing, they are designed to measure and develop the characteristics of the sighthound breeds. The hounds chase white plastic bags that are strung on 100# test line, along pulleys, around a course. The line is pulled with a machine with the speed and distance from the hounds manually operated to simulate live game, which sighthounds were developed to hunt. The purpose of the competitive lure coursing trial program is to preserve and develop the coursing skills inherent in sighthounds and to demonstrate that they can perform the functions of which they were originally bred.

The purpose of non-competitive lure coursing tests is to offer sighthound breed owners a standardized gauge to measure their hounds' coursing instinct. Catie has attended several practices with us chasing the lure in a straight line, as well as with her breeders in Canada, Greg and Lexy Hancock of Tovaritch Kennel, before coming to us last June. So, she knew what to do, Chase The Bags! Today was her first time on the lure when it changes directions, however.

We were pleasantly surprised to meet another borzoi and her family out for their JC test also. A lovely 2 year old goofy girl (yes, goofier than Catie, hard to believe but true). In our area, hardly no borzoi attend lure coursing events, so we are extremely happy to have finally met other borzoi people out to run their hounds.

After a wait that seemed like hours (oh yeah, because it WAS HOURS, plural, even though the JC Tests were ran before the trial!) in the cold, with frozen feet and ears, it was Catie's turn. Catie wasn't cold at all as she would try to launch her and us off the ground everytime the lure machine started up for the tests before us, then bark-bark-bark her pointy borzoi head off in excitement and try to pull us out onto the field.

As soon as she was released to follow the lure, she took off like a bat out of hell and only had a split second hesitation when the lure took approximately a 90 degree turn to the left about 75 yards down from the start line. She ran fabulously the entire course, and only lost the lure momentarily when it made an turn back up on itself at an extreme acute angle. If you've never seen a borzoi, or any sighthound for that matter, in a double suspended gallop at full speed, it's a sight to behold - poetry in motion.

Tomorrow morning we'll repeat today and should have her JC title by mid morning. We are so proud of our little Catie-bug!

Power Trip - the Doggy Door

About a week ago Rich installed a fancy high end in-the-wall doggy door so the hounds could come and go at their leisure to the back yard. This was fantastic, I thought, because I am not interested in making a career out of being Doogy Doorlady, which seemed to be rapidly becoming my full time job now that the weather has turned cold and the people door is shut all the time.

The Fantastic Doggy Door is not without challenges, however......

#1. Rowan gets on a power trip when the five other hounds are outside and she's not. She lies just inside the doggy door and, God Help!! -- the dog on the outside who wants to come inside. She thoroughly enjoys the power trip of being In Control of the door, and no one is allowed to enter while she is exercising her right as the supreme redhaired bitch of the home. It's the closest thing to a smile on her face that you can imagine.

#2. Jewel refuses to acknowledge that she can exit through the door herself if I'm anywhere to be seen. After all, I live to serve her, and serve I shall......she whines, barks and does everything in her power to get me over to the people door to open it (even though the doggy door is less than 12" to the side of it) rather than just go out her own door. If I refuse, she refuses to go out, and 15 minutes later the Princess routine to get the people door open for her starts again. Sometimes I just give in to her demands to shut her up which I know just perpetuates the cycle. I am well trained am I not?

#3. Rowan, unlike Jewel, flat refuses to go out the door. Although she is a tad too small, she can fit but simply refuses to do so.

#4. With a doggy door, the dogs have more access to the outside to go bark bark bark whenever they feel like it, unlike before, when I could choose to just not let them outside when a barking opportunity presented itself (squirrel, crows, UPS trucks coming up the road, etc.)

I'm not sure that the Doggy Door has resulted in any less energy expenditure on my part. With having to still let Rowan in and out, get up to move her physically from the door so the other dogs can enter, and getting up to call them inside after barking adventures, it's about dead even for me so far.