A really good read

I've just finished reading a wonderful book. I would have told you about it sooner, but I was too busy drying my tears. It's called, "The Art Of Racing In The Rain" by Garth Stein. It's a beautifully written story, as told by a dog's point of view, his voice, his thoughts. The story takes us from the beginning where he's picked at the breeder's, to, inevitably, his last days (sheesh, why do there always have to be those "last days"?) As a dog lover (did you know that about me??) and one who is always humanizing my own dogs, this story made me smile many more times than it made me cry, though I did get my moneys' worth in the tearjerker department. It's not just your typical dog story, but a journey through significant events in his master's life. Absolutely worth reading ... I might even lend you my copy. If you're like me and can't put it down (I finished it in three days), you'll have it back in no time, and I can pass it on again.

As I closed the cover, I looked down and there were four Aussies laying about my feet, all enjoying an afternoon snooze. It made me feel totally blessed to have these wonderful dogs play such a significant role in my life.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Agility SUPERSTAR !

I am sooooo proud to announce Casselcreek's first agility title! Huge congratulations go out to Peter and Emma Balitski of Manitoba and their superduper girl, Paprika, aka Casselcreek Dirtwater Fox. Rika is a Hannah & Whiskey littermate and is the much loved sidekick of Peter. Pete and Rika have been working together for a few years now, training, trialing, Q'ing, and now a title. Yahoo. I am very pleased to acknowledge Rika as our first Agility titleholder, having earned her Starters Jumpers and Starters Team Q's at a trial in Courtenay, BC, toward her Starters Games Dog of Canada title. She is now Cassecreek Dirtwater Fox SGDC. Way to go, you two. I always knew you were the perfect home for our special little girl who NEVER had all four feet on the ground at once.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

I haven't abandoned the blog ...

... I've just been suuuuper busy. Puppies, horses, big dogs, and work just suck up all the hours in a day. Belle has been here for just over two months and there hasn't been a dull moment since. In fact, not even too many restful moments where you can trust that the dogs are just snoozing in their favorite spot. With Belle, it's a challenge to keep up and I'm always hopping out of my chair to find her exploring all the rooms of the house, going downstairs, causing trouble with the cat, sneaking something off the counter, and on and on. She is a going concern. Finally, now, at just over five months, she's chosen a spot that's her own favorite place and is now accustomed to down-time. Whewff, I thought that would never happen, that I'd be chasing after her forever.

She's completed her first course of puppy obedience classes, and did very well. She's really quite a smart little girl and once away from home and all the distractions here, she's very focused and all about business. Following graduation from puppy school, we've moved right into Level 1 Agility with the Calgary Canine Center. She's taken to all the equipment with her usual confidence and gets very excited when she recognizes the building as we drive up each week. With Gracin in Level 2 and Paisley in Level 3, Tuesday nights are certainly full for me!

Paisley and Belle have been inseparable, and Paisley is so tolerant. Always outside romping together, even in this dreadfully cold winter we've "enjoyed" so far. Sheesh, I've had enough already!

We received good news last week, confirming that Hannah Banana is definitely in-whelp and from the size of her, only halfway through her pregnancy, I'm afraid to think she might have another baker's dozen in the oven. On or about February 8 should be our big day.

It's wonderful to receive all the updates and photos from the puppies and their owners. Ruckus is, of course, the most brilliant puppy EVER (according to owner Colleen). Dillon made his show ring debut at the CKOC show at the end of November. He did very well and made us all so proud, Best Puppy in Breed x 3, and just took the entire experience in stride. Such a level-headed fellow. Lacey is enjoying a record snowfall out on Vancouver Island (even if Teresa isn't). Mia did very well in her puppy classes, and we just might see her in Novice Rally later this winter. Jaxon is the apple of Paul and Joanne's eye. Boxley is wowing mom Nathalie and enjoying life in Edmonton. And Axle was even in Calgary over Christmas but unfortunately we didn't get a chance to visit.

Our wish for 2009 (besides world peace, of course) is for health and longevity for all our much loved canine companions, success for them and their handlers in whatever rings they step into, and an early Spring so we can all get back outside and enjoy the things we love to do with our dogs!

Happy Trails ... Theresa