|
 TOP
|
|
December - Blessings of the Season and Reflections
|
|
On the 3rd of December, Anna's mom, Maria, passed away, Anna says it best.
On Monday morning my gentle, kind and strong Mom slipped away from this world after far too many years of valiantly suffering terrible pain . Her 93 years on earth were a mixture of dreadful times and great times. She was always a steadfast and loving presence.
The relief that her suffering is over is mixed with great sadness and emptiness.
Then on December 14th, Sarah's dad also left this world behind. In Sarah's words:
I wanted to let you know that my father died this morning at Lakeridge Hospital in Oshawa, after a week-long stay in the palliative care unit. He slipped away peacefully, which is a blessing. He had enjoyed excellent health for most of his 93 3/4 years (he would have been 94 in March) and it's only in the last six months that he started to fade.
On December 15th, Boomer, Digger and I made a quick trip to Ottawa, it is always great to spend time with Fred and Marnie and Archie, the three dogs are great together. Archie is struggling with health issues, but he is a trooper and has the very best of support.
Jenny came up for Christmas, it was a short visit but fun.
December was full birthdays, Rollie and Casey unbelievably turned eleven. Avery is maturing beautifully at 4. Bindi, Colin, Hazel and Teddy reached the Venerable Veteran milestone of 15. Dot, Bonus and Baxter turned 14. [Not so] little Bertie is already one-year-old and Schemer is officially a teenager at 13. Wow!!
The losses and developments that 2018 has brought will have very tangible repercussions as we head into 2019. It will be a year of change.
Wishing you all the very best for the New year
|
|
|
|
Happy 15th birthday Teddy and sibs: Bindi ...
|
|
|
...Colin, "It's mine, all mine!"...
|
|
|
...and Hazel, she loves her sheepskin rug.
|
|
|
Happy 14th birthday Bonus and siblings...
|
|
|
...Baxter, photobombed by Mabel...
|
|
|
...and Dot, less than thrilled with her socks.
|
|
|
Happy 1st birthday Bertie, cute as a button!
|
|
|
Happy 11th birthday Rollie, nice duds man!
|
|
|
Happy 4th birthday Avery, looking good!
|
|
|
"A long winter's nap!"
Fiadh doing what whippets do so well!
|
|
|
"Are you going to light this fire?"
Tank has high expectations of her "servants"
|
|
|
Enjoying the golf course, last walk of 2018.
Feeling blessed to still have my Boomie
|
|
#
|
|
November - Winter came early, in more ways than one
|
|
Mel along with Molly, Hermit, Fiadh the Whippet and Mia the swiffer (Havanese), came for a fun visit that saw the very end of October and beginning of November.
On November 3rd, while Mel was here, we received the sad news of the loss of Jacqueline and Clay's beloved Geordie, one of the Magnificent Seven, our 2002 Tripper/Iseabail litter.
He was blessed with a long life, well lived and very well loved.
There was more sadness on November 19th with the sudden passing of Dora's mom,our condolences to Dora and family.
Anna, Mel, myself and friend of the JJ group, Tina Standing, got together for a hen party and forray into Rally and Conformation. All in all, weather not withstanding, it was a successful trip and great fun. It was all the more fun for me as I went and returned via Maine taking advantage of David and Lisa'a amazing hospitality and also squeezing in a visit to Patrick Glover and his lovely wife, Jill in their new home.
Parker Posey celebrated her 12th birthday on November 8th and Finlay officially became a veteran turning 7 on November 16th.
The month ended with the confirmation that, barring unforeseen circumstances, our home of 33 years has sold. |
|
|
|
Jane's Didi (Ivy daughter, Felek grand daughter) is growing into a pretty youngster.
|
|
|
How can that be comfortable? Archie catching some zzz's. He is a grand little dog.
|
|
|
Fells on a visit to NJ, resisting the urge to "clear" the table!
|
|
|
Jessie, Digger and Boomer snoozing in front of the woodstove at David & Lisa's before the trip to Moncton
|
|
|
They played 'til they dropped. Lola and Coolio out for the count. Hermit is not impressed, his opinion is obvious.
|
|
|
Jessie was such a good girl on the Moncton trip but she is oh so glad to be back with best buddy David, where she belongs
|
|
|
|
October - Gone in a flash....of brilliant but brief fall colours
|
|
Ruby, Emma and Lola celebrated their first birthday on October 3rd, never forgetiing their angel sibling "Po"
Also on October 3rd, Marg and Amanda's DJ turned 14!!!
Fells somehow made it to eight years old on October 12th !!! Nothing short of miraculous given his penchant for getting into "stuff". Maybe he will start to settle down???
Of course, October 16th marked a very special day with 16th birthday celebrations for Archie, Boomer, Geordie and Henry with fond memories of Bridge sibs Gremlin, Midge and Sophie.
Archie, Boomer, Geordie and Henry all have challenges of one form or another but live day by day in true stoic Border Terrier Fashion |
|
|
Hide the car keys, Boomer has ideas!!
|
|
|
Archie seems to be saying "Never mind the napkin! Where's my cake?"
Fred & Marnie obliged!
|
|
|
Geordie celebrated with cake but his snuggle with "mom" Jacqueline was far more important.
It's all about making memories.
|
|
|
Henry appears miffed that Sarah's required presence at a meeting might delay afternoon tea with birthday cookies.
|
|
|
|
Ex-CBTW foster dog, Kady, having a ball!
|
|
|
Ex-CBTW foster dog, Suki, having a snooze!
|
|
|
|
September - Rocky Mountain High anybody?
|
|
The month started with the BTCA National Specialty in Greeley, Colorado.
We were not in attendance this year but Jo Ann, Mel & Marion with Zeke and Tony & Beth with Loki made the trek in their RV's.
Donna also missed the US Specialty this year but more than made up for it with an amazing trip to Scotland and the Lake District with her mom.
Digger had a very busy month competing successfully in Sprinter, Rally and Agility. And Finlay aced his Chase Ability Title.
Back from the Specialty, Loki got right into grouse hunting while in Maine, Jessie rocked her first hike, scambling to the top [with a little help from David] of Eagle Rock.
He, his brother Keltic and their sisters Abbey and Loki all turned five on September 1st
|
|
|
A tiny taste of the beautiful scenery Donna encountered on her UK trip
|
|
|
Zeke, our accomplished representative in the Parado Honour
|
|
|
"Aw Shucks! You shoudn't have!!!". Loki celebrates in style
|
|
|
Sunset in Colorado, the social side of the Specialty
|
|
|
While Donna was touring "Border Country", Colin enjoyed some quite time with a pet sitter...
|
|
|
... and Fells was his usual rambunctious self. Here he is playing king of the Castle at Champ's Dog House
|
|
|
Back in Ottawa, Archie and Boomer get to hang out and make birthday plans for next month
|
|
|
|
August - Hot diggedy dog, with the emphasis on hot
|
|
First of all, there has been a new addition to our family, Didi or officially Greywoode Carolina Chickadee went to live with Jane Kroll. Didi is an Ivy pup bred by Patrick Glover.
David and Lisa enjoyed a fantastic train trip to Edmonton then toured Banff and Jasper by car. While they were away, we got to enjoy the company of Jessie
The first Zeke/Molly pups: Freddie, Hermit, Tumnus and Maisie (NB) turned 10 this month. While Deenie's Pippa celebrated her 4th birthday with ice cream...of course!
Sadly, the month ended with the news that Jenny had to release her beloved Daisy from the struggle that her life had become.
|
|
|
A sample of the stunning scenery enjoyed by David and Lisa on their trip
|
|
|
|
Welcome to the group, Didi
|
|
|
Rosie and Abbey enjoy some girlie time
|
|
|
Jessie is quite the Jeopardy fan
|
|
|
|
July - Bound for Cape Breton, NS
|
|
And what a trip it was! The Specialty exceeded expectations with exhibitors from as far away as Manitoba and Maryland, and visitors from Canada, the United States, Great Britain AND Australia, it was a truly memorable event.
We had a grand time in Sydney and topped it with a bucket list drive around the Cabot trail meeting up with Donna on the first night out then caravanning from there to Tatamagouche. We parted company just outside of Moncton the following day
Our bucket list has now been expanded to include a return trip to Cape Breton in the fall of ?????
Later in July, we took the camper to Kingston, Ontario for a few days and confirmed Kingston as our first choice for relocation.
Somehow Scout and Ivy turned three on July 11th. Scout celebrated with his family while Ivy "celebrated" with her own young family.
On July 17th, Rupert turned 4 years old, though he still looks like a pup.
|
|
|
|
Cape Breton bound - and the bonsais came too, duly photobombed by Hazel!
|
|
|
"Are we there yet?"
Hazel, the consummate back seat driver!
|
|
|
Specialties are tiring, at least Colin, Fells and Coolio think so
|
|
|
Memories are made of this
Boomer on the Judique Flyer Trail
|
|
|
...and this, though Robyn was more interested in critters than steam train history
|
|
|
...and this!
Digger "discovers" surf
|
|
|
The Railway Inn, Tatamagouche
offers a Unique lodging option...
|
|
|
A special treat during dinner on our
last night in Nova Scotia
|
|
|
Scrapper had an awesome Specialty
dad to Digger, Keltic, Abbey & Loki
|
|
|
Abbey soaking up the sun...
|
|
|
Archie soaking up the A/C
|
|
|
Ricky soaking up the sea air
|
|
|
Jessie having a ball, literally
|
|
|
The Jansim crew chillin' near Kingston.
|
|
|
Happy 4th Birthday Rupert! It's a hot one!
|
|
|
|
June - Trip to Nova Scotia and planning for a return
|
|
June started with a trip to the South Shore KC Shows in Lunenburg NS. Lola made her show ring debut, Branble finished her CKC Rally Novice title (started way back in 2014 and against all odds (and thanks to a very forgiving judge), Digger completed his CKC RAE title.
Hazel came home with us from NS while Anna took a trip to Poland and was, as usual, a great house guest. Hazel and Boomer have truly rekindled the friendsip of their youth.
June is a slow month for 4-legged birthdays and Amanda's pretty girl Reen was the only JJ member to celebrate turning 9 on the 17th of June. However, ex-CBTW foster dog Suki celebrated her 16th birthday. We will always be indebted to Megan Crane for fostering Suki and to Jane McCarney-Rail and husband Bill for adopting her.
Next year may be different as Ivy gave birth to 6 pups on June 6th (Mmm lot of sixes in that equation)
Sadly, on June 18th, Megan said goodbye to her beloved Lexi (Roger-Copper). At the grand age of 16-1/2 she had lived a full and active life but it is alwasy too soon.
|
|
|
Enjoy your "Big Adventure" Lexi, it is well earned, find your dad, Roger and all his friends. Tell them we miss them today and always
|
|
|
Happy 16th Birthday Suki. Looks like you have "Party Girl"' down pat
|
|
|
At the other end of the age scale, Ivy's pups are thriving at 4 days old
|
|
|
Talking of thriving, Geordie (UK) looks windswept but happy.
|
|
|
Boomer was happy to have BFF Hazel come to stay while Anna was in Poland
|
|
|
Story Time! OK, more like treat time, for Hermit, Felek and Geordie - three good boys
|
|
|
Boomer and Hazel's mutual boyfriend Zeke takes staying in shape seriously
|
|
|
|
May - Here, there and everywhere
|
|
The month started with a trip to Robbinsville, New Jersey for a true Earthdog "old friends" experience and ended in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia for a friendly and fun "home town" dog show!
In between there were Earthdog tests in Ontario and Rally trials in Quebec
Several JJ dogs got to play in New Jersey with Digger and Colin earning titles in earthdog and coursing ability respectively. At the Ontario earthdog tests, Rupert excelled in Senior and Digger took care of his CKC Junior Titles
We also bid an official welcome to the JJ family to Rosie the CBTW Foster dog. On our way to the ED tests in NJ, we stopped off to introduce Rosie to Chris, Jeff and Freddie.
Rosie instantly fell for Jeff, no surprise there.
Freddie is gradually warming up to her and she will keep Chris on her toes.
Rosie will never replace Sophie in any way, shape or form but she will weave new adventures (and challenges) into the fabric of the Morett household.
She is a really sweet dog at heart and I cannot imagine a better home for her.
May the "Fourth" be with you, Avery gave birth to 5 little pup-a-lumps on May 4th, sadly one earned his wings too soon but his four earthbound siblings (two girls and two boys) are doing just fine
Tony, Beth & Loki opted out of the last day of the Fort St John dog shows in order to meet up with Mark, Michele and Tank on their way to Alasks.
Mile zero of the Alaska Highway being basically on Tony & Beth's doorstep!
Early May saw Mel & Marion's Zeke and his siblings, Maya and Grady turn 15, never forgetting sweet Higgs. Also on May 5th, Florida Donna's Fiona celebrated her 8th birthday, while one day later on May 6th, Robyn hit double digits!.
|
|
|
Whatever "power that be" thought a Porcupine under the bush would make a great 15th birthday present for Zeke, owes Mel & Marion an apology (and a vet bill)
|
|
|
I think it is safe to say that Rosie is not too stressed out by her move to PA
|
|
|
Jessie looking every inch the show dog, nice grooming job Lisa!
|
|
|
Rupert's 2nd SE leg came under Richard Reynolds. He titled under Judy Todd
|
|
|
Gallivanting around the country is all well and good but there are chores to be done, not that Boomer was helping much
|
|
|
Happy 10th birthday Robyn. Such a sweet girl.....until she sets eyes on any critters that dare to cross our threshold.
|
|
|
Geordie enjoying an outing by the lake, getting in shape for his veteran debut in Cape Breton
|
|
|
|
April - Spring has arrived, sort of
|
|
Snow, sun and rain, April saw them all - at least in the Northeast. Some of the JJ members did much better with sun, sun, sun!!!
Ivy officially joined Avery with a status of "lady in waiting", though Avery's delivery is infinitely more imminent, and Rosie was guaranteed never to become a "lady in waiting" with an uneventful spay on April 10th.
April was a quiet month for birthdays
Sensei became a venerable veteran on April 8th when he turned 15!!
and Pipit became a veteran celebrating her 7th birthday on April 17th
|
|
|
Water, water everywhere, Tank found a drop to drink!
|
|
|
Boomer enjoying a spring fling
|
|
|
Happy 15th Birthday Sensei
|
|
|
Geordie (NS) soaking up the sun
|
|
|
Could Bertie look any cuter?
|
|
|
|
Archie working his own brand of cute
|
|
|
Robyn & Boomer, Enemies in the home,
co-workers in the hole
|
|
|
Ricky with his faithful side kick Geordie by his side
|
|
|
Little does she know, but Ivy is about to lose her svelte figure
|
|
|
|
March - Spring is in the air....somewhere!!
|
|
Looks like Jane Kroll's Schemer wins the "bad" news award for March, blowing out her cruciate. Thankfully she came through surgery with
flying colors.
Towards the end of March I picked up a foster dog on behalf of CBTW. It was a hard decision for her owners but the right one for Scout (renamed Rosie). She is an absolute sweetheart who will make an awesome companion with some patience and consistent training
There were a whole host of birthdays in March:
The Zeke/Hazel kids: Geordie, Touzie, Tank and Bramble turned 8 on the 4th of March
Andrea & Richard's Gryzia celebrated her 6th birthday on March 7th.
Helen Blake's CBTW boy, Gator enjoyed his 13th birthday in the best home he could have wished for on March 9th.
Amanda's Ida closed in on teenage years, turning 12 on March 12th.
Jenny's Daisy marked her 15th birthday on March 26th with a Venerable Veteran's Slide Show on the BTCA web site.
Molly and Tinker rounded out the month celebrating their 15th birthday on March 31st, never forgetting bridge sister Sophie
|
|
|
Boomer performing the annual ritual of checking how many woodchucks made it through our Canadian winter
|
|
|
Tank, hot on the trail of... birthday treats???
|
|
|
Touzie waiting for the birthday treats to come to her.
|
|
|
Geordie hoping that looking sad will score some treats
|
|
|
Rosie may have let her love of retrieving get the better of her!
|
|
|
She is keen to learn and anxious to please, a joy to work with.
|
|
|
An exuberant youngster who also
knows how to "chill"
|
|
|
Molly celebrated her 15th birthday by stealing Mel's latte
|
|
|
Not sure how Tinker celebrated but she apparently partied too hard
|
|
|
You don't need a birthday to celebrate a good day, just ask Archie
|
|
|
Digger longing for spring
|
|
|
|
|
|
February - Short on days, long on action
|
|
Digger, Boomer and I made a brief trip to Ottawa, it was great to catch up with Fred, Marnie and Archie. This month's health challenge reared its ugly head with Archie being diagnosed with a collapsed trachea. Finding an effective medication protocol is proving a major challenge.
Halfway through the month, Donna came to visit with Colin and Fells. Colin endured being stripped in preparaion for the Canadian Specialty but was well rewarded by the obligatory visit to the Hot Dog Cafe
I think he was less thrilled to have to stay with us while Donna enjoyed a vacation with her mom. But he was a good sport.
There was exciting news mid-month with the arrival of a new pup chez Sarah Jones. We bid a very warm welcome to Bertie (a.k.a. Foxrun Winter's Bark).
Sadly, there was a sudden loss this month when Barb's beautiful white cat, Pinkerton.
Celebrating birthdays in February:
Maisie, Teazle and Dundee - 12 on February 9th (never forgetting Pip)
Annae Geall's Ellie turned 14 on February 10th
Jinx and Karma inched closer to double digits, turning 9 on February 21st (with bittersweet memories of Mimi and her pups) |
|
|
|
Fells & Colin at the Hot Dog Cafe. Colin would appreciate some help with the French menu
|
|
|
Fells proving that he can show retraint and perfect manners in the presence of food.
|
|
|
A very attentive audience. The boys got to share a sausage and the ham came home in a "doggy" bag.
|
|
|
Fells headed back to New Jersey without Colin
|
|
|
Fells headed to Dog Camp without his hair!!!
|
|
|
Abbey caught "red-pawed" destroying a catnip toy
|
|
|
Tumnus, Rupert and friend, Henry enjoying the chance to soak
up some early spring sunshine
|
|
|
Roman and Keltic enjoying each
other's company
|
|
|
|
January - Where has this month gone?
|
|
2017 ended with an amazing visit from Anna and Mel with their assorted canines. Consequently we celebrated New Year with 4 people, 2 Whippets and 8 Borders ranging in age from 12 weeks to 15 years.
Anna left with one more than she came with as Lola (was Laa-Laa) has joined the Robaczewski household.
On the down side, Isobel's Maisie was diagnosed with immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), it was caught early and, hopefully, it can be well managed.
The month ended with a visit from Bob Glatter, his lovely wife Marsha and their youngest daughter Mickie (an asset to any kitchen). Our house was very quite when they left as Ruby (was Dipsy) departed with them to start a new and exciting chapter in her life.
Boomer, Robyn and Digger do not seem to be missing her one little bit.
Celebrating birthdays in January:
Lexi and Simon - 16 on January 3rd (never forgetting Maggie)
Anna's Felek - 5 on January 24th (yes, that's five years not five months!!!)
David & Lisa's Jessie - 3 on January 19th
Marg & Amanda's Devlin - 12 on January 26 |
|
|
Our traditional New Year's Day dinner all the better for being shared with good friends, and yes! The dogs did get to taste some leftover lamb!
|
|
|
The "old girls"; Molly, Boomer and Hazel off to the Hot Dog Cafe
|
|
|
Their manners were of course impeccable, we would expect no less from such seasoned travellers.
|
|
|
"Do you plan on finishing that?". Of course Mel saved them some.
|
|
|
"'You are my sunshine!" Geordie (UK) soaking up some rays
|
|
|
Hazel enjoying breakfast in bed while vacationing in Quebec!
|
|
|
Archie looking very pensive, bet he would have liked to visit
|
|
|
Jessie enjoying quiet time and good company on her birthday
|
|
|
At 16 years old, Lexi is entitled to demolish her cake
|
|
|
Fia was a great guest and made herself very much at home
|
|
|
Hazel and Felek just heard that Lola is going home with them.
|
|
|
Boomer just heard that Lola is going home with Felek and Hazel.
|
|
|
Robyn just heard .... Oh never mind! She doesn't give a dang!
|
|
|
Hazel, Lola and Felek happy to be home in Halifax. Though Hazel might be making a point
|
|
|
Ruby doesn't seem to be missing her sister one little bit, more toys and time for her.
|
|
|
Besides, she can always count on Digger for when she really needs to let loose.
|
|
|
Ruby was quite the British detective series connoisseur. Inspector Linley met with her late Saturday night approval
|
|
|
"Pack your bags kiddo! You are outta here!" Boomer is happy to pass on the news of Ruby's impending departure.
|
|
|
Boomer approves of the new bed cover and return to routine. She, Digger and Robyn were just the very best mentors.
|
|
