Congratulations Meg

Meg was entered in her first agility competition today in Ottawa.  I am so proud --- my little girl won for her height class, 22 inches tall, and earned her first "Q" towards her agility title.  Bartender, liver treats all around! Special thanks to Peter and Gail Cunningham for helping to bring the best out of Meg.

Cooling off in Lake Ontario

Went to the island for a walk and a swim.  Even though it hasn't been that hot lately, it was great to cool off.  I spent a lot of time just standing in the water.

Silken, Faolin and Maggie did some sheep work.  After Silken and David had carefully shed off a group that included the guard Llama, Anna, and sent them to the other end of the pasture it was Maggie's turn to do a little work.  First order of business for her was to put everybody back together, with particular emphasis on the Llama.  Maggie lives at a beef farm, and seems to prefer working big stock.  A couple of pictures follow, one of Maggie taking a stand command, and one of a little bit fast "come-bye".  Maggie sure gets Anna's attention --- gotta like that.

"Stand"

"Come-bye"

After the sheep training, we headed down to the water.  Note who has the stick in this picture --- that is me on the right, Silken out front on the left and Maggie behind.  Faolin was swimming laps when this picture was taken, otherwise I likely wouldn't have the stick (given how obsessive Faolin is about fetch).

Cait

Maggie

It was a great day, and even though it was minimal exercise for me, I am tired and am looking forward to eating dinner and getting several days of good sleep.  Then it will be power naps between puppy feeding. 

June 12 - Day 56

Sounds like I am describing a siege --- I am.  Twice a day temperature taking started this morning.  Enough said.

I am slowing down.  Went for a walk yesterday evening through the backyard trail and David snapped this picture of me.  Other than a brief respite in the stream, I stuck at the pack leader's heel for the entire walk.  I'm carrying more weight, and my appetite is bottomless. 

I have been spending a lot of time grooming.  The big shed is underway, and I'm thinning hair on my belly to get ready for nursing puppies.

As promised I have organized some pictures of the first litter of puppies.  They are now just short of 2 1/4 years old, and I am really proud of all of them.

I have already posted a picture of Jade (aka #1 and T-bone) playing fetch.  Following is one of my favourite puppy pictures of her that I haven't posted before -- it is with her owner's grandson Carter.  She is really close with Carter's little sister Taylor as well.

Jade (nine weeks old)

Puppy #2, Maggie (aka Sticky) is the puppy I see the most.  We've become great friends.  She is a social butterfly inside the house, and all work outside.  The recent picture shows her serious "what job do want me to do" side.

Maggie (eight weeks old)

Maggie (this spring)

I don't have any recent photos of my boy Benny (aka #3 and Belly Boy) but will post what I have. 

Benny (eight weeks old)

Benny (nine months old)

Have you noticed a theme in these puppy pictures yet?  Might be a little "projecting" on my part. I'll add one more to the theme.  Following are two puppy pictures of Meg (aka #4, and Millie Jr.), lying beside her namesake Millie.

Meg (seven weeks old)

Yes, I fondly remember sleeping puppies.  In fact, I'm thought transferring these images to the next bunch as I write (I'm a border collie and mult-tasking is second nature). 

Finally, a couple of pictures of Meg as an active agility and herding dog.

Meg (2009)

So, a week and a day to go (if everything is compulsively on schedule).  We're heading to the island tomorrow and I'll see whether there are any decent pictures of me to post.  I've already been informed that herding won't be part of the schedule for me.  I'll try to post again when my temperature has dropped and we know that puppies are getting ready to enter this world.  Might even take a moment to provide details on the nest building activity (if I have the time) later in the week.

Two Weeks to Go

More changes.  I'm starting to lose hair on my belly, putting on a little bit of weight, and am taking more rest breaks when we are out exercising.  David has put away the frisbee, but did get me in for a swim a couple of times this past weekend --- just resting in the cool water was great.  If I want to get the pack leader's heart rate up, a little jump from time to time is always entertaining.

Two more weeks (I think).  My appetite has increased, and I am being fed more (but it is never enough).  Don't want these puppies to be too big this time.

Pack leader was so pleased to feel some puppy movement this morning.  Bet he wouldn't be quite as pleased if the movement was happening in his stomach.

I must confess that I am looking forward to all of this.  Spent some time in the whelping room last night --- the pack leader sprang for some new washable carpet for the bottom of the whelping box and it is really comfortable to lie on. 

I am going to try to organize some recent pictures of the first litter of puppies for the next posting, but in the interim, attached is a picture of Jade playing fetch. 

Cait here - I'm back

It is official. I am with pup(s). Due date is June 20. Haven't noticed much difference yet, but I did put on a pound over the last week. This final stretch is when I will really lose my waist line.

We were up to the island for some hiking and swimming.

I think I am more relaxed about all of this this time.

The picture is of Trim (my boyfriend) that was taken this past spring.