What's up?

Last blog, January?  The calendar tells me it's already May ... where does the time go?  Busy as always with the dogs and their show schedule, though slowing down a little now as we head into Spring and soon enough, Summer.  Aspen had an exciting few months in the ring with multiple Best Puppy in Group rosettes, and winning Best Puppy in Show twice!  So exciting for me as this little girl is bred by ME!  Incredibly proud to see the Casselcreek name up there in the standings and weekend show results.  We'll be slowing down now as both Aspen and Will are beginning to blow coat, and with Belle hopefully pregnant, I don't want to risk bringing home any icky dog show germs ... again. 

We had kennel cough go through about 6 of the crew, beginning with Aspen and quickly going to Will, followed closely behind by Capri.  Belle and Pearl started next and their cough also developed into a secondary infection with green snotty noses for both.  A quick course of antibiotics has cleared them up rapidly and everyone is back to normal.  It certainly concerns me though, enough to keep me at home (or at least away from indoor shows) for the duration of Belle's pregnancy and puppy-rearing. 

Will got into the swing of the show scene with a few busy weekends and his first 3 points under his belt. Thanks to friends, Candace and Holly, for handling him for me.  As with so many young boys, he definitely now needs some time to mature but I'm very pleased with him so far. And his mind ... although sometimes a little unsure in new situations, he learns SO quickly. Another few days and her pregnancy should be confirmed on ultrasound.  Chubby's counts were "outstanding" and Belle's progesterone levels were right at target, so every reason to hope we have babies on the way.  With Chubby's gorgeous deep red-tri coloring and Belle's bold blue and rich copper, we should have some beautiful all-colored babies making their arrival about June 15. 

Capri spent a month with my friend, Jerry, for some herding training.  She returned home when she came into season, which thankfully also pulled Belle in, and now will likely return for more time in the stock arena with eventual trials hopefully on her horizon.  Aspen also begins training, and we'll participate in a 3-day clinic this month.  Would love to see an MVA (most versatile Aussie) award behind her name. 

Happy Trails ... Theresa