A Year With Fizzle

Can you believe it,just over a year has passed since this little madame came into our lives and turned them upside down!She is definitely the naughtiest dog I think I have ever owned,we seem to go forward three steps and back four.Just as I think we are making progress she suddenly forgets everything and we start all over again!!
Having said all that when she gets it right it gives us such a buzz and makes it all worth while.She is so full of character you can't help but love her.She has come a long way in this past year and is now so much more confident with the people and dogs she meets,not like the shivering little scaredy cat that she was when she first arrived.Especially well done to Ryan as he has persevered through it all,keep up the good work.

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Catching up AGAIN.....

Sorry folks but I just don't seem to be able to get my act together this year as far as updating the blog. Not sure where to start but first with the best news

Ink

After nearly six months of worry with Ink I am so pleased to say that she's almost back to normal exercise. We saw the wonderful Noel Fitzpatrick and he has advised us to treat her as normal as possible even to let her back to agility.Yes she has a spinal worry but there is no way of telling if it is going to give her problems in the future or not. We are to keep her as fit and active as we can and most of all to let her enjoy life.
How ever after visiting a physio (who came highly recommended) she found a very interesting problem.Ink was found to have a rotation in her sacro- iliac( I know the spelling is totally wrong)joint,which we think was done chasing a deer! She believes that Ink's lameness back in April was due to this rather than the spondylosis at L6-7-S1 because Ink doesn't show any symptoms of that you would expect a dog to have with this particular diagnosis. We had a number of sessions spread over quite a few weeks and thankfully Ink is stable so far but it will be ongoing with the physio to make sure nothing slips out of place.

Fizz

Ryan has been working hard with the Fizzle and she is coming along, not an easy dog by any means! The main problem is concentration or lack of it!! She is getting better at home in the garden they are putting in some nice work but at club with all the distractions it's not so easy.She was like this at first with getting her to play tug ,it took her ages to be able to play anywhere other than at home now it's a struggle to get her to let go.I'm sure they will get there in the end.

Shows

Ryan has had to put up with me stealing Tippex back every now and again as I was going stir crazy with no agility at all so thank you Ryan.Tippex and I have had a few places and lots of fun I really love working this dog.
With thanks to Eleanor and the Balchin kids myself and my three were able to experience Dogs in need for the first time this year.. what a week one caravan with awning,two adults, eight kids(we found two more when we got there)and ten dogs. I have to say it was great and the week went very quickly. Thanks again to the balchins.

Results

Just Ryan was working at DINAS he had a fantastic week lots of placings and got through to the final on Thursday. This was quite a difficult course but the boys put in a fab round and ended up fourth overall.Saturday was the YKC qualifier this was Inks return to agility and yes Ryan did a fantastic job and qualified her for Crufts.Now unfortunately each handler is only allowed to take one dog so decision time will be in January but what a decision.Well done done to Ryan I'm so proud of you.

Stour valley was my first show with Ink what a star she was 2nd in the ABC 1-4 jump this was mixed with the large dogs so a total of 119 altogether, I nearly lost her at one point you'll see in the video ,2nd in the 1-4 jumping and third in the grade 4 agility where again I got in her way at the bottom of the dog walk.It means so much to see her working with such enthusiasm but most of all she sound.
Ryan also had a great weekend 6th 5-7 ABC jumping again this was combined with the large dogs,4th ABC 5-7 agility and 5th 5-7 jumping.

Paws in the Park was another great show for us Ink 1st gr3-5 jumping and just some handler errors with me to give us a run by in the superdog agility. Ryan and Tippex had three clears but sadly just out of the placings,although they didn't seem in tune with each other as you will see in the clips below.

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We're going to crufts. !

What a day. I must admit I did wonder was it worth the early start and long drive to Chippenham show but decided thankfully to give it a go.First run was the Crufts qualifer, everyone was moaning as the course was a handling one this I told Ryan was an advantage as he usually runs in grade 6/7 anyway and had got round much more difficult courses before. They were on form and apart from a little hiccup at the bottom of the Aframe which cost them some time did a lovely round.There was 17 in the class and only 3 clears ,2nd place secures Crufts and now I can breath again!!
After a long wait of SEVEN hours was the junior jumping another good round puts them in 3rd. No time to relax and straight into the 1 dog 2 handlers.Ryan started the first half puts Tippex in the tunnel and I collected him at the other end and finish. This was a fun class to watch although I was surprised at how many dogs got confused at the change of handler and lost a lot of time or even refused to go with the second handler.Tippex bless him slowed slightly but then took off and no we have never practised this before. What a little star. What a surprise when I went to check the score tent and saw we had come FIRST I was soooo proud to be part of this team.
Fantastic day 3 runs , 3 rosettes but only 1 trophy :( :( but hey we're GOING TO CRUFTS ...... YIPPEE

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Chartwell

I love these flowers



The children sitting on the laps of Winston Churchill and his wife


This is the view from the terrace.

The first Saturday of half term was a lovely sunny day so we decided to go out for the afternoon.We arrived at Chartwell just in time for lunch so sat down to our picnic before exploring the beautiful gardens, the dogs were with us but had to stay on flexi leads and in some parts had to be on short leads but this was fine they still were out in the sun with us. We booked to do a tour of the house later in the afternoon so put them in the car.Chartwell was the home of Winston Churchill and his family so lots of information to take in.There was even a quiz for the younger ones to fill in where they had to find certain objects in each room so everyone was happy.

Bats and Superdogs

Sunday was the first ( and last as it turned out) day of Superdogs for us. Tippex had two runs the Superdog Agility qualifier and the junior jumping.He did go clear in both,unfortunately the junior jumping was a straight up and down blast and all heights were in together so no placing against those very fast collies.In the agility with me I cut a corner to get in front of him at the A frame and almost missed a jump, I made a horrible sort of squeaky sound and Tip bless him re -adjusted his stride and made the jump although it was very messy! He did get his contacts but not very well, this is something we will forever be working on I'm sure , as in training it doesn't matter how we work them he always speeds to the bottom and stops perfectly!!!I know this is what everybody says and that they don't do anything different at a show..... any advice??? I 'm open to suggestion.

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I went to the Bats show on Saturday with mum, as usual mum got chatting and I nearly missed my jumping class, heard the last call raced to the ring just in time, put in a good round and was just out of the placings, however forgot the camera for this run so don't have video. Next was grade 4-7 Agility we were clear but just out of the placings. Mum ran him in the helter skelter and did a really good round and got 3rd

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Tunbridge Wells

Can't remember the last time I went to a show alone but as the other love of Ryan's life (Chelsea)had a very big game on Sunday he decided to stay at home with Dad and cheer them on.So for the first time in a very long time (I don't even train him anymore as Ryan has taken him over completely)Tippex and I were reunited.We had so much fun and even came home with a rosette,4th in the Olympia qualifers,unfortunately for us the 1st and 2nd placed had not yet qualifed where as in the small the 3rd and 4th placed did qualify!!! In the Crufts singles we came 6th just out of the placings but picking up some valuable points,unfortunately as Ink is injured I haven't entered many shows so think I may have missed any further heats not even sure when they are!!The last run of the day was gr 6/7 jumping and he put in another fab round running his little socks off for me again just out of the placings not bad for an old man.Thanks to Ryan for letting me have him back although I'm not sure I'm ready to return him yet..... don't you have lots of homework to do this weekend???

Ink's Next Update

Well we went to the vets last Wednesday and she was very pleased with Ink's progress.She said that she could feel no abnormality around the knee and Ink showed no signs of any pain or discomfort in either the knee or the spine.So for the past week she has been allowed to go off lead for 5 minutes twice a day(she is also getting 1- 1 1/2 hrs a day on lead to help strengthen her muscles) and as she seems to be going from strength to strength she is allowed to progress to 10 minutes twice a day and back to see the vet again next Wednesday.I am pleased to report that we have a much happier Ink although she can't understand why she 's not allowed to play with the other two!

Ink update

Saw my usual vet on Wednesday last week she did a thorough examination and really checked Ink's spine,she pulled pushed and pressed - ink didn't flinch which was fantastic .Ink is now allowed to go on short walks on lead so still quite restricted but a much happier dog for it and we have to go back a week on Wednesday.Still not sure what long term will hold but a lot better than we originally thought.Keeping fingers and toes crossed will keep you posted as any more news comes in.

No More Agility.....

A week ago today my beloved Ink had yet another accident.She was doing what she loves best running through the woods, when she came back to me on three legs, no blood, no yelp but her right hind leg she would not put to the floor.Off to the vet we went,they confirmed my fears- suspected cruciate ligament.They wanted to see her the next day to do a closer examination under GA.When I went to get her that evening the cruciate was not as bad as they first thought just a small tear which they want to leave for the time being and give her strict cage rest and painkillers.However there was a lot more concern for her spine which xrays showed that the vertebrae before the pelvis had seemed to fuse.This is definitely not something that is seen on such a young dog ( 21/2 yrs).Ink has never shown any symptoms of back trouble or soreness/stiffness of any kind, in fact she is the most energetic dog I have ever owned and does not know how to rest.We are due back again at the vet on Wednesday and will discuss further options but for now I am still in shock and very worried about my girl,I just want her back out of her cage running free enjoying herself like a normal dog it's heartbreaking to see her little face when I go out with the other two.Along road ahead of us but the worst bit is not knowing whats in store...

Try Again

Oops this is all new to me I have a lot to learn the slide show was obviously not quite right so I have had another go!

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Snow Snow Snow

What a surprise to wake up on Sunday morning, beautiful snow and a thick covering too.The kids couldn't get dressed quick enough.We had so much fun sledging,got quite a speed up on some of the slopes,we are so lucky to have it all on our doorstep.Snow ball fights, I think Dave got the worst of it with three children against him of course no one could throw any at me as I was chief photographer!!!The dogs loved it too especially Ink who would jump really high into the air to catch snowballs.Nearly THREE HOURS later we had to drag the kids home must to their annoyance.It was so sad to see it all gone the next day.I took so many photos it was difficult to choose so here are a few of the best. Enjoy!!

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Easter Celebration

Saturday off we went to Ardingly which is only about half an hour for us so is one of my favourite venues but I have to say I was very pleased when the medium ring was moved inside not only for working the dogs but for ring party! Performance wise one of the worst ever, 6 runs between us and 6 eliminations,as least we were consistent!!

Sunday woke up to snow and had a brief moment when I was just going to turn over and go back to sleep but decided to go and see if we could redeem ourselves.Ink was a star 2nd in 1 - 5 jumping and 9th in 1 - 7 Helter Skelter.The boys put in some very good rounds but not quite fast enough for a place.

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Mid Downs and Chippenham

Mid downs was not the best day for poor Ryan and Tippex. They did some good handling but unfortunately didn't quite get it together so no clear rounds this time.Ink and myself weren't much better(maybe it was something we ate for breakfast).The afternoon was a bit better Ink came 6th in 4-7 Jumping.A good day out catching up with all our friends.

Early next morning we set off for Chippenham hoping to do better. Much better today Ryan put in some lovely work with Tip but not quite fast enough for a place.He also had Titan but unfortunately Titan's mind was not on the job,he was more interested in what was going on outside the ring than staying with Ryan in the ring!!!
Ink however saved the day putting in some excellent rounds 2nd Grade 4 agility,4th 1 -7 Steeplechase and 11th 1 -7 agility.Silly me forgot to take the camera.

Video Clips From Crufts

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I'm Back !!!!!!!

Hi all if there is anybody checking on me.Yes I have been a very very bad blogger, I would love to say that I have been off doing wonderful things but unfortunately not.Just run down with the day to day life of running a house,three kids,three dogs,a husband, a job, decorating, stripping the stairs (which I have to say I wish I had never started,but seemed like a good idea at the time)and lots more boring stuff which you don't want to know about.I can't begin to catch up on all that has been going on so I will cheat and start with Crufts,and I'm already a month behind!!

Well Ryan and Tippex were brilliant this year qualifying for the agility and jumping finals however I do have to get one thing off my chest.All year Ryan has been running and indeed qualified in the under 12's we get to crufts and because he turned 12 a couple of weeks before had to run in the overs(I know I know my baby is growing up fast).Now in the agility semi final the first three go forward to the final in the main ring in the afternoon,they put in a fantastic clear and were only just pipped into 4th now the annoying thing was there was only THREE dogs in the unders and there was NINETEEN in the overs!!No rosette to help ease the disappointment!! The jumping final was the next day,again they put in a another fantastic clear and came 2nd,the smile on Ryan's face as he went up to get his rosette was something I shall never forget.We were so proud of him.No trophy though which I have to say I think the Kennel Club extremely mean, in the heats trophies went to 3rd in the final only 1st,doesn't make sense to me. Well sorry to start back with a moan promise no more whinging,the boys had a wonderful time,great experience,lots of fun and in this house definetly 'best in show'