December - Day by Day
So December started with an all out effort to save the little male pup in the Felek - Lola litter. Tube feeding was the only option. After a couple of days keeping him with mom and sibs and tubing him every two hours it became obvious he was burning more calories than I could get into him. So, he came home with me and settled into a make shift incubator and Anna was able to focus on Lola, whose appetite was iffy, and the girls.
We quickly named the little boy "Tucker". He sure liked his tucker and once full, was quickly tuckered out.
Initially, I continued to take Tucker to spend a couple of hours with his mom and sisters each day but that was still too much demand on his calorie intake so, instead of Tucker going back and forth, I take his fake sibs whenever I go to Anna's to keep the scent. If he makes it to the point where his sisters are interacting, he will go for daily play dates.
Almost two weeks in and things were going well until I followed recommendations and tried to increase the nutritional value of the milk substitute. It was too much for his little digestive system and resulted in a major set back in his poops and weight gain. At two weeks he still had not doubled his birth weight and still weighed less than my average pup at birth.
Veronika had named two of the girls Peanut and Pickle so we decided on P names for the girls and stay with Tucker for the boy.
Tucker had a play date with his sisters when he turned three weeks, the size difference remains startling. Unfortunately, he suffered a major set back in the days following.
On December 21st Mark and Michele's beloved Tankie lost her short but well fought battle against glioma. There are no words to describe the feeling of devastation.
Just one day later, on December 22nd, Shari made the tough but appropriate decision to release Parker Posey from her struggles with this world.
Our hearts go out to all for whom this Christmas qill be even harder.
Birthdays in December:
Casey turned 13 on December 4th, never forgetting Bridge Brother Rollie.
Amanda and Marg's Avery turned six on December 7th.
Colin and Teddy celebrated their 17th Birthdays on December 11th with heartache for bridge sisters, Hazel and Bindi.
Bertie, the baby of the bunch turned three on December 16th.
And last but not least, Jane's Schemer marked venerable veteran status turning 15 on December 22nd.
By year's end, it was apparent that we were losing the fight for Tucker's life.
He has distinct sleeping preferences!!
November - The circle of life once more
Digger and I were able to get to the Gable Ridge Farm Barn Hunt tests and he earned his RATI and RATN titles in fine style.
On November 26th, American Thanksgiving, the hard decision was made to release Tinker from the life that had become a burden to her. I miss her immeasurably
Just three days later I was at Anna's where Lola gave birth to 4 girls and a boy, probably a day or two early. The whelping went fairly well as, thankfully, the puppies were smaller than I have ever delivered before.
At 24 hours old it became obvious that the smallest girl and the boy were not doing well, the boy was in serious trouble. An "Angel" from the local kennel club came and mentored me through tube feeding and thus began a new saga. The little girl rallied quickly and with some careful management by Anna was able to continue nursing off mom. The boy continued to struggle.
More devastating news came in November when Mark and Michele's beloved Tankie was diagnosed with Glioma.
Shari's Parker turned 14 on November 8th, while Finlay celebrated his 9th birthday on November 16th at home with isobel and Maisie.
Jo Ann's Saluki, Cotton had a very special "present"' for his second birthday in the form of a wire-haired Podengo Moderna puppy named Tiago.
October - Wild Fling!!!
With Lola coming in season in September we had hoped to do a dual sire breeding with Felek and Finlay. Unfortunatley the timing did not work out with Finlay, a situation not helped by a raccoon in the window well...long story.
However, Lola did have several wild flings with Felek.
Dora and Ivy welcomed a new [and very pretty] family member in the form of a kitten with more than a hint of siamese in her ancestry.
As a result of increasing Covid-19 cases across the province there was no further easing of restrictions but indoor agility classes and rally classes went ahead. Halloween was a much more toned down affair with social distancing protocols in place.
Birthdays in in October were celebrated by Emma, Ruby and Lola turning 3 on October 3rd and Fells who hit double digits at 10. On October 16th we paid tribute to the "Magnificent Seven" who celebrated their 18th birthdays aat "'Bridge", they were the inspiration for this web site and everything that followed.
September - A touch more normalcy - sort of
In September I continued outdoor agility classes with Digger, to say it was a challenge is an understatement. His nose knew where the chipmunks were coming and going and week after week he could not resist a hopeful check of the veggie plot. We tried once more running in AAC trials but again, the ring surrounded by prime hunting land was too much for his terrier mind and we only managed one Q (thanks to the judge decing that a "diversion" was due to the photographers shutter sound not Digger's terrier instincts leading to a refusal. But, he did have fun and was one happy dog, that is what really counts.
Felek and Lola attended a Barn Hunt Trial in the middle of the month, this was only Felek's second attempt at this sport and he knocked off his Novice Barn Hunt title in fine style. Lola, without any previous exposure, earned her Barn Hunt Instinct Title
Jo Ann and Steve said a fond farewell to their old motor home and welcomed a much newer vacation home on wheels, here's to some amazing adventures. Tony, Beth and Loki made good use of their Motorhome with some weekend trips. Loki also continued her grouse flushing career with great success.
Birthdays in September, well!! Unbelievably the Scrapper Tank kids; Loki, Digger, Keltic and Abbey, all became veterans turning seven on September 1st.
August - Change those plans!!!
...and change them we did!!!
Robyn completed her CKC Novice Sprinter title in fine form, scoring 153 points in 3 runs (she only needed 22 to finish). She celebrated with a Starbucks Egg Bite on teh way home - Digger got one too, of course.
Digger returned to the Agility ring running AAC Starters at the Big Sky Event Centre in Harrowsmith. A beautiful set up but too reminiscent of earthdog for Digger. I swore I would never run him in Agility outside (other than at CAC St. Lazare) but one has to make the best of the current situation.
We finally put the Old Town canoe in the water (first time in 12 years). Both Digger and Robyn took to it like their Predecessors.
A year ago this month, I moved into our wonderful new home in Kingston and Chris "moved" into Kingston regional hospital where he stayed for two weeks undergoing two surgeries. It took him the rest of the year to recover and 2020 has not exactly been what any of us we were planning for, None-the-less, we are incredibly grateful that we are here and we owe an eternal debt of gratitude to the extended Jansim "family" for the role they played in our relocation, from "boots on the ground" to support and encouragement - it all made a difference. When you place a puppy/dog in the right home the rewards are truly beyond measure. Pam & Chris
Freddie, Hermit, Tumnus and Maisie (NB)turned 12 on August 4th and Deenie's Pippa celebrated birthday number 6 on August 11th.
Gryzia will have a snack to tie her over
Loki enjoying another camping adventure
Teazle loves her new bed
Happy 12th Birthday Freddie and sibs
July - So what's new!!!
Mmmm, July!!! Now what exactly were we supposed to be doing?
Let me see! I had a judging assignment at Finger Lakes ED Tests, the tests happened (and were very well run and successful) but of course my assignment didn't. Thankfully Marg and gang had back up plans in place long before it was confirmed that the border would remain closed.
Jo Ann's Saluki, Cotton, had a very successful couple of days coursing and is Oh So close to his Field Championship.
Felek took advantage of Veronika and Henry's extended stay chez Anna to hone his paddle-boarding skills, he's a natural.
Chez Kingston, the work on our new fence and deck was completed and with finishing touches from Chris it is truly a little piece of paradise for us and the dogs.
We also said a fond farewell to our beloved camper - the Auntie K, also known as BBC (Border Base Camp). Oh the adventures she gave us. We will be on the lookout for smaller, more nimble temporary digs. Downsizing takes all forms.
We welcomed a new "honorary" JJ member in the form of Lexi, the cutest of Canaan pups now residing with Amanda in Upstate New York
As for birthdays in July; Somehow Felek's pups - Scout and Ivy became five years-old on July 11th and Pippa's Blues Boy, Rupert, beat them by a year, celebrating birthday number 6 on July 17th.
June - The month we didn't go to the Specialty
So nice to have a month without a JJ loss though Donna's sister did lose her beloved and well named cat - Tenacity.
Didi and Reen were the only four-legged members of our group celebrating birthdays, Didi turning two on June 6th and Reen marked her 11th birthday on June 17th.
With the gradual reopening of amenities in Canada there was an increase in Covid-19 cases at the end of the month. The situation in the States was far more dire with new cases increasing exponentially.
We did end the month with an outing to attend a CKC Sprinter event in Barrie, Ontario with Robyn competing. It was a welcome change for everyone and an incredibly well run and safe event.
On the home front, work began on our new fence, deck and patio. Cannot thank Rudi Jones Landcaping enough for their incredible workmanship.
Indy and Olive
Ontario version courtesy of Lola
British Columbia style thanks to Loki
May - Well it won't happen, so now what
In May, Penny McCain and family lost their beloved Dot, no loss is easy but there is something especially poignant about the loss of the first dog of a chosen breed
With each passing week in May there were more and more show cancellations. Initially postponed to September, the BTCA National was finally cancelled altogether.
Disappointment at not being able to breed Lola was offset by the addition of a new pup from Patrick Glover's breeding. Olive will be living with Barb in Pennsylvania but will be very much part of the family
A glutton for punishment, Barb welcomed a tiny but mighty Siamese kitten, Indy, into her home just a couple of weeks before Olive arrived.
Mel & Marion's Zeke turned 17 on May 5th and down in Florida Fiona hit double digits turning 10. The following day, Robyn celebrated her 12 birthday, with lockdown in full force her trip to Ren's Pet's to spend her $25 Gift Voucher was put on hold.
Jack's Declan became a teenager on May 8th and Amanda's Cole celebrated his 4th Birthday on May 18th.
Click here to visit Dot's Rainbow Bridge page
Happy birthday Robyn
Abbey is such a good girl
Abbey and Olive team buliding
April - Living in Lockdown
April's loss was Kathy Acosta's talented girl, Bindi who left on her "Big Adventure" om April 16th. Bindi was from the amazing 2003 Roger-Scrimmage litter
As we all stay isolated, the connection through the JJ group has been even more special. Touching bases, checking in and sharing. Several members of the extended Jansim family have been affected directly or indirectly, by the virus. Good vibes go out to all.
At home, the plans to breed Lola were put on hold, with veterinary support limited and a ban on non-essential travel to the States, there was no other responsible option.
Also at home, Anna graciously allowed Tinker to stay with us following her 17th birthday. She has proven to be a wonderful distraction and it has been fun to watch her adjust in so many ways.
Amanda and Marg's Pipit was the only birthday celebration in April, turning 9 on April 17th.
The world as we knew it became a thing of the past in March. The Covid-19 pandemic took over our lives and changed everything
And, once more, there was sadness in our little JJ community.
Anne said goodbye to sweet Ellie on March 10th and, on March 18th, I made the heartbreaking decision to release Boomie from the burden of her failing body.
Amidst the sadness and harsh reality of social distancing and self isolation there were still lots of birthdays to celebrate:
Geordie, Touzie, Tank and Bramble all turned 11 on March 4th. Gryzia enjoyed her 8th birthday at home with Richard and Andrea on March 7th. CBTW adoptee Gator became a venerable veteran turning 15 on March 9th.
Amanda's Ida the Canaan hit the 14 year milestone on March 12th and at the other end of the age spectrum, Chris & Jeff's Rosie marked her 4th birthday on March 15th.
The month ended with Tinker celebrating her 17th birthday...twice. Once at Anna's and again at our place.
With the pandemic, we know things are going to get worse before they get better. We live in hope that the measures put in place will work, and that we all come out of this challenge unharmed.
February - Not what we expected or wanted!!!
Boomer is definitely on borrowed time as she cannot tolerate the heart meds that would be beneficial, so I would not have been surprised to lose her in February. But it was Sarah's sweet boy, Rollie who left us suddenly on February 9th.
Rollie left us on the same day that Maisie, Teazle and Dundee celebrated their 14th birthday, never forgetting "Bridge Brother" Pip.
Anne's Ellie turned 16 on February 10th and on February 21st, Jinx and Karma marked their 11th birthdays with fond memories of "Bridge Sister" Mimi.
January - A New year in a new home
Well! So far winter has not seemed so bad here in Kingston. A combination of better weather perhaps, but I am sure not having to haul wood for the stove is a hug part of our seemingly lazy existence.Digger was happy to get back into Agility and we are looking foward to introducing Lola to Rally class next month
Boomer was diagnosed with congestive heart disease mid-January but thanks to her amazing specialist, Dr. Lisa Carioto, with support from Dr. Floyd, she weathered the initial crisis and we are taking it one precious day at a time.
The peaceful co-existence that has returned to her relationship with Robyn is making for some very special moments and memories.
Although some of the "oldies" are struggling, it was nice to get through January without any losses and instead focus on celebrating the birthdays!
Sarah Mouri's young chap, Neville turned a year-old on January 12th.
A week later on the 19th, David & Lisa's Jessie celebrated birthday number five, and a week after that on January 26th, Marg and Amanda's Devlin turned 14. Also in the birthday mix was Anna's Felek who somehow became a veteran turning 7 on January 24th
Also cause for celebration in January was the successful coursing debut of Jo Ann's Saluki, Cotton
We all know that the "oldies" can be pretty heavy maintenance and, at 17 years 9 months, Tinker is no exception, she is definitley a morning dog. So, she splits her time between Anna's home and ours. She enjoys hanging out with Boomie and we are a "morning family" which suits Tinker to a T
