My other hobby

If you find yourself continually going from site to site and looking for something different, go and have a look at our pigeon website at ABBEYTON LOFTS. When you do get to give us a visit remember and sign the guest book and let us know what you think. Jim is a bit of a whizz at designing websites and keeps himself busy almost 24 hours a day in front of the compter.

Papillon Club Champ Show

Travelled down and stayed with Angela on Saturday. Collected Alfie and Cosmo on the way down to take to the show with Ayla, Indy and Flame. Long way down and even longer back home and expensive to boot.

The dog judge Howard Ogden (Beauview) was in his usual good humor and gave every dog the same consideration and only now and again let his thoughts show on his face. Cosmo was in Jr and was placed a very respectable 4th. Indy was short listed but unplaced in a very good PG class but placed 3rd in Phalene dog. Alfie was placed VHC in Open, poor soul kept looking for Joe (his dad) who couldn't be there as he is lying in a hospital bed with a badly broken leg. Get well soon.

The bitch judge was Pauline Wilson (Invergarick) and Ayla was unplaced in a class of 21 Minor Puppy Bitches. Flame was shown by Angela in Limit and again she was unplaced, though she did manage 4th in the Phalene bitch class.

Esetelle Kirk with Abbeyton Runnin Free at Kirkchase was placed 1st in her Jr class. Well done to you both and especially winnng best Puppy in show with your little Papplewick girl.

I stopped off and had a quick visit with Debra and Roo who is looking really good. They leave for the summer in France in May and will be returning back to the UK in September so looking forward to seeing him then and the changes he will have one through.

UK Toydog Champ Show

Went with Marnie and Ayla and both girls were placed in there classes. Ayla got reserve in minor puppy bitch and Marnie got vhc in limit bitch.

Thank you to Jacqueline Hill for the photographs of Ayla.

Well Done

Morven MacDonald and Newlin Zoe of Finmorlan at Crufts 2009 CONGRATULATIONS in winning 1st YKC 6 - 11 year age group Terrier and Hound and then returning on Sunday to win 1st in the National Junior Handler of the year 6 - 11 age group then being placed 3rd over all.

Morven with Zoe and Judge Glenn Robb

Ayla's first show

Went to Clydebank and District Open Show today with Indy and Ayla. Picked Anna up en route with Ruben, Carter and her wee bedding stall. Arrived in plenty of time to give the dogs a good walk and for Anna to set up her wee stall. And a busy wee stall it is most of the day, people come to look and buy and before you know it there is quite gathering at times all discussing what bedding suits what breeds and what lead Anna has made best, LOL only thing is that it can get a bit hectic for Anna to show and serve so the help offered from different people to look after her wee stall while she showed the boys was much appreciated. Carter won Papillon Jr and Ruben won Papillon Open taking Best of Breed and Group 3.

Indy was on his toes today and showed very well and came second behind Mrs MacGregor and her boy Mo. Ayla was a wee sweetheart, did everything right and even had time to give the judge a wee kiss, (sook) she was placed 3rd in a class of 8 AV Toy Minor Puppy. She was really good on the table and tried her best to keep her tail still, didn't work, jut like it didn't stop wagging while she was on the move for the judge. She didn't always keep it over her back but there were some larger dogs at the ringside and it was her first show. I was very pleased with her and how she performed. Mrs Mac very kindly took some pictures at the show and I know they are in my email inbox, will put them on the blog tomorrow. Angela and Jamie have just arrived at there hotel on a surprise visit home so off out for a couple of glasses of wine and a cuddle from my daughter.

A couple of snapshots of Indy looking quite windswept at Lanark.

Crufts 2009

Well it's been and gone again and it will come back round next year again. This is the Crufts that was for us from Abbeyton.

I travelled down on the Thursday evening with Janet Kirkwood of Helydon Gundogs she was going to show her Chinese Crested on the Friday and stay over to show her gundogs on the Saturday. The trip was uneventful and smooth, thanks to some new tyres on the car, could really have done without spending the £400 but needs must. We arrived in good time for the venue opening at 7am. Only problem we parked in the wrong carpark!!!!!!! we were in the east carpark and to get to hall 5 where our rings were we had to go through Halls 1, 2, 3, and 4. Would have done some shopping then but the stall holders were still at breakfast and hadn't taken off the wraps. Left Janet at her benching and made my way to the Papillon benching and found that we were quite well placed just behind the front row within easy reach of the ring but not out in the main thoroughfare. Indy and Marnie were quite happy to get out and stretch there legs with a walk round the hall and a chance to say hello to everyone they met whether they knew them or not. Spent a wee bit of time tidying them up and then settled them back into there trolley with some biscuits and water then left them to go and say good morning to friends and other exhibitors alike. Met Jane Freeman who had just won puppy dog with Annmeeric Galaxy Traveller By Caroadori a super little Italian Greyhoud that I have met a few times now and would quite happily smuggle him away in with my dogs if I thought Jane would let me. LOL He didn't get any further awards but his kennel mates were placed 2nd in special jr dog and 3rd in open dog. Also dropped by the Maltese ring and watched Lafford Marc My Words From Zumarnik gain her CH. title winning her 3rd CC today.

Any way back to Papillons and we had a change of judge, Jimmy Simpson (Penang) was unable to be there due to ill health and the replacement judge was Jean Banfield (Kingshaven). Indy was first in the ring, he was really good on the table and moving (went a dream actually) but at the end when the judge came round for her last look before placing, Indy dropped his tail I just wasn't quick enough to get him back on his toes so we missed out. Marnie on the other hand was doing her usual, flying round the ring and trying to say hello to everyone at the same time. She actually spotted Anna from a fair distance and I thought that was it, but she turned her attention back to what she was doing and was placed a very respectable 2nd in her class. Alfie (Abbeyton What's It All About) was there today as well and got placed 3rd in a very strong class of dogs. Wills and Cosmo went unplaced, but if you had been there to see the very high standard of the dogs being shown there was no shame in not having a placing.

After leaving Crufts I drove the 100 miles or so to Angela's where we were spending the night. Indy had a great time playing with Nacho and was quite happy to share his treats and dinner with him.

Saturday morning we went for a walk and Indy was offered a new home with a lady he impressed at the bus stop by lying down quietly while we chatted. Angela is always impressed when I come back in and can tell her things from around her town. Found out this time that is costs £1.70 on the local bus to the nearest town. LOL

Abbeyton Spring Blossom

I was all ready to post about our trip to Crufts this year but I had a phone call today which put it in the shade, telling me that Becky died 9th March 2009 after being involved in a car accident. Her owner Liz is absolutely devastated. Both Becky and her buddy Gizmo jumped in the car with Liz to go a short trip, the car was hit by another and Liz is left very badly bruised and Becky hurt her back. She was taken to her vet and referred immediately to the Glasgow vet school where they operated but found her spine was so severely damaged that the decision was taken to not to let her suffer any further.

Becky (tri) pictured with her litter sister Belle and Angela at there first Crufts where Becks was placed a very respectable 4th in Puppy bitch. Becky on the occasions she was shown did very well, I stopped showing her after she was attacked by two dogs at a show. She was a very important dog in that she is the foundation to most of the dogs I have.

Once upon a time.......

That caught your eye didn't it? LOL it's going to be a long one so settle down with your favourite tipple and we will begin....

I was the show manager at a local open show and thankfully the day passed without any problems. The edge was taken off the day for me because I had to disappoint a friend by not being able to drive with her to Heathrow to collect a dog coming in from the USA Friday morning. As we set the rings etc up on the Friday night I wouldn't have been there in time. I really did try to get away from doing the set up as I would still have been at the show on the Saturday, but after making a few phone calls I was told this was not the case, I had to be there on Friday evening as the buck stopped with me and if anything went wrong it was my responsibility. Didn't make any difference that it was my first time as show manager and that there were two other committee members with years of experience at the job there as well, my name was on the schedule and I could face a fine if I didn't fulfil my role. So take note that being on a committee really does mean commitment or you could face paying for the privilege. Never mind the hours you give up of your free time to support your "hobby" or the donations you make be it via raffles, prizes or monetary donation to the clubs.

Anyway that was Saturday and for me Sunday couldn't come round quick enough. Went to Catrine show at Lanark and had an ok day, both Indy and Marnie were placed second in there classes. Beginning to think I should maybe give up breeding and showing my own and just continue to show other peoples dogs as I seem to be doing better there at the moment. I handled an English Bull Terrier and won 1st and best of breed. Nipped away for a while to meet up with Sue Deamer and have a chat, Sue was kind enough to collect a satnav for me that I had ordered online from Halfords so I don't have any excuses for getting lost. Well except for the NEC car parks, what a horrible place to get in and out of. Well it is for me. LOL

The intervening week has been taken up with girls in season, poor Indy doesn't know if he is coming or going. As for the girls, any opportunity and they are flirting like mad with him behind bars.

We had no shows this weekend but that doesn't mean I stayed at home. Saturday I went to a Secretaries Seminar organised and run by SKC and very informative it was too. Gave a good insight to the job the secretary of General and Breed clubs have. Met Terry Heath of Holloville Bull Terriers and we had a very long but interesting conversation about health issues in Bullys and dogs in general. Sunday was at an easier pace and didn't leave home till 1pm to take Jean to the Maltese Club of Scotland AGM.

Was going to say The End but that's not true come back for more and I'll promise I will get pictures for you next time. We are showing at Crufts on the 5th March. taking Indy and Marnie so do check what happens there.

Meet Paraiba Frothy Coffee via Bryelis

LILAH

A wee change for me at the weekend when I handled Lilah on Saturday where she won 1st Chinese Crested open class and Best of Breed. She then came to stay overnight with me and the Papillons so I could show her at the show on the Sunday as well, where she again won 1st Chinese Crested open class and Best of Breed then added Group 3 to the list. I have handled Lilah a few times in the past but this weekend we just seemed to click and she went like a dream. Looking forward to our next time.

Indy and Marnie were at the shows at the weekend, both were placed in there classes. Betsy went with us on the Saturday for a wee bit of socialising and done really well, even managed to accept some food and cuddles from people who were kind enough to stop and spend time with her. Ayla and the others (including Jim) at home wondered what had arrived when Lilah came in the door, and I must admit I was a wee bit wary as to how everyone would get on, but they were fine said hello and just all got on with there own business. Really surprising how warm Lilah was to the touch. I thought like a human with no clothes on her skin would be cold to the touch, but there you go learned something new this weekend. An absolute delight to have her here and would certainly have her to stay again.

Obedient Betsy!!!!!

Took her to a local puppy class tonight. Oh wow was she given a rude awakening. Typical pet obedience class with dogs and handlers/owners of all ages and abilities, some like Betsy there for the first time others returning for top up training and others who had been going for quite a few weeks. I met an old friend called Simba and his owners as soon as I walked in the door and it just felt like I had never been away, though everyone was at least 5 years older. Spent my time walking Betsy round the hall letting her get used to the couple of dogs there while we waited for the trainer to arrive. Once the class started I got to have a go with Simba doing his heel work and boy don't the old ways come back so quickly, he knew instinctively when to walk, sit, turn and all this was because his close heel work is so good , and his mum thought he would have forgotten it all. Betsy on the other hand was totally over awed by it all, her heel work was really good for a dog trying to hide under the chairs round the walls of the hall. (LOL shorter lead next week) She wasn't to sure of the dog sat in the corner with it's back to the class because it is a barker, Simba wanted to play but due to his sheer size this just wasn't possible, though they did get to sniff noses. We met Mac a wee WHWT who was there for his first time as well and a right cutie he was too. Was a little surprised when we were called up with the rest of the class to do a 1 minute sit stay!!!!!!!! I personally thought it a bit long for puppies there for the first time but when in Rome etc etc. I chose not to leave Betsy's side and spent the minute breaking it into 10 second stays for Betsy which I thought was more than adequate. She has only just heard the sit and stay command for the first time last night and if I had put her in a sit and walked back for even three paces I knew she wouldn't have been able to do it. Why rush? And all this I managed without having to raise my voice above a normal speaking level once. We are going to have our work cut out for us training, here at home the others just jump all over the two of us and poor Betsy looks to say why do they get to bounce around and she has to sit, wee soul we will find a nice playing field to go and work in and I'm sure all the one to one will more than compensate for not being able to bounce like a kangaroo around the house with the others.

When we go back next week I will try and get a picture of Simba with Betsy and you will see what I mean about his size.

A little bit of tidying

Felt the blog was getting a bit untidy looking with random pictures and websites popping up in the side panel. So for ease I have reverted back to "Less is More".

If you would like to have a link to your website or blog email me joan@abbeyton.com and I will oblige if the site relevant.

Just to say

Betsy and Ayla did have there day out, Betsy went on Saturday to Larkhall and was not very impressed at all, if anything meeting the Greyhounds and a woman she just didn't want to meet or like has made her more clingy than ever. I can't go anywhere in the house without her at my side, the only respite has been the snow, as Betsy is a lover of the outdoors this suits her sense of fun and adventure.

Ayla on the other hand went to Dumfries and though she had her moments of "what the hell is that" she did really well, loving everyone and everything that is except Freddie the Havanese who made the first move toward her. LOL she got him back by pouncing on his madly wagging tail when he had sat down with his back to her. LOL he loved every minute of it. She met a Labrador pup called Boggey (yep that was his name), originally called Brogue but now prefers his new name LOL. Anyway Ayla wasn't very sure at first but after a few moments there was a few tentative touching of noses and then both had to be restrained as they both went chest down and bums up with tails wagging for a game but the size difference just didn't make it possible.

Today everyone has been in the garden playing fetch with snowballs and running with tails streaming (like Tam O'Shanters grey mare Meg) round and round the garden till we get dizzy watching and call them indoors, Betsy without fail is always the last one through the door for as much as she clings to me she loves the snow more.

Driving snow

and snow driving.

Went to Larkhall limit show on Saturday with Indy who won 1st in Papillon open and Best of Breed. Anna was there with Meme and had her wee shop as well. Jean also travelled with us with her Maltese pup Flo who won best puppy in group. Anna's we shop is a great place for meeting people in all breeds. Her bedding, leather work and embroidery are in great demand at the shows and she always goes home with less stock and more orders to fill. Anyway back to the snow etc, on the way to Larkhall there were a couple of times when we thought to turn back home as we were going through some really heavy snow falls. Takes more than a wee flurry of snow to stop us. We were set up next to a stall for Greyhound Awareness who work effortlessly on behalf of Greyhounds and Lurchers. My only concern being next to them at a dog show was that some of the Greyhounds there were rescues that had issues with small furry things (yes someone described our beautiful Papillons as this) and therefore the dogs had to spend more time in there boxes with a cover over them to keep prying Greyhounds on long leads out. Shocked me more when one person asked if maybe they should put a muzzle on the dog. Glad to say that all the hounds were muzzled so we felt a bit safer with the dogs out of there boxes. Anyway back to the snow (such a rare occurrence here) by the time we headed for home the snow was gone and it was getting chilly. On the Sunday I picked up Anna and we headed for the Annandale canine clubs show at DG1 in Dumfries. Anna had Ruben and Carter with her and I took Indy and Marnie. The drive down was so nice and enjoyable I decided we could take in a wee bit of sight seeing and went on a further 25 miles to Gretna Green (LOL I missed the turning off the motor way) got to the venue with plenty of time to spare. Anna was first in with Carter and he was placed a very respectable 4th in a class of 12 pups. In the Papillon graduate Indy got 3rd behind Abbyeton Here We Go Again, and Bankshill ???????? or JD to his friends, well done Sue. In the open class Marnie was 2nd and Wills her litter brother was 3rd. Estelle Kirk sent a text while we were there to let us know that Lou lou (Abbeyton Runnin Wild at Kirkchase) won Best of Breed at Darlington open show, and Maddie won best puppy in breed. Well done everyone.

This is where the snow really comes into the story, I had offered to run the judge home as she lives in Ayrshire as well, so we had to wait till the end of the show as she was judging Best In Show. While we waited we kept going outside to keep our eye on the weather as it had begun to snow and within a short time it had gone from a flake or two to a full blown coat the ground in white flurry. When we did leave the main roads were quite clear, but as we went up the country it was starting to land and not go melt. Dropped Anna in Darvel and then had a run to Dunlop to drop off Ann the judge, by the time we got to Dunlop not even the main roads were clear. Saw Ann into her house ok then headed home, but the snow was really falling by now and other than heading for the A77 then onto the M77 as the other road I knew was closed. I phoned Jim and I must say the brilliant thing about having a tracker in the car is he can live track the car and tell me the best routes to go. Within a few Mins I had turned the car and going back the way I had come headed for the nearest main road home through some pretty thick snow without a problem. You just gotta love technology sometimes.

Indy at Paisley open show

And so life goes on...

Went with Anna to Caledonian Canine Society open show Saturday 31st Jan at the Lowland Halls in Ingleston, not a very pleasant place but it does the job I suppose, though at £4.90 per entry for the dogs you would expect more than a wee piece of card to remember your day. Only rosettes in the rings during class judging were for Best of Breed and Best Puppy in Breed. Took Marnie and Indy to show and Ayla and Betsy to experience the whole thing. And what an experience it was, being handled by total strangers and taken for walks among what must have appeared as giants to them, ie Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds and possibly anything else that measured over 12 inches. LOL

Anyway Indy got a 4th in Post Graduate and Marnie left the Open class with not a thing, such is the world of dogs. Anna won with Ruben and his two sons both did well, one winning best of breed and his half brother winning best puppy in breed. Well done everyone.

On Sunday it was back along the A71 to Wishaw for the Paisley and District open show. Same trolley full of dogs again, this time without Anna and her dogs as she was travelling with her daughter today. Both Indy and Marnie were placed 3rd out of classes with 3 in them. Ayla and Betsy got to go out and walk around and meet other people, again it was Ayla who took with it in her stride, where Betsy was the one cleaning the floor with her belly. That was until she met Bob the Labrador man who had a bait bag full of garlic sausage and boy didn't she take a shine to him, think if I had let her she might even have considered going home with him. LOL think I had said to Anna five minutes earlier that if the right home came along I may let her go, maybe we'll see how it goes for a while yet. Never have been a great fan of running on siblings, get to reliant on each other. But there we go another day another challenge and that's what keeps us going back to the beginning and starting over with a new pup every time.

Remembering

ABBEYTON SILVER RAIN

27-04-1999 -- 27-01-2009

My beautiful butterfly Domino who went to sleep in my arms

Meet Nacho!!!!

Now when we go to visit with Angela and Jamie the dogs can visit with there new friend.

NACHO

New Year, New Look....

Thought I would have a change from all the girly pinks on the blog, and go for something a wee bit simpler.

Ruairidh has gone to live with Debra, who has also started a blog, and her Papillons. Roo as he is called is Debra's first Phalene bred dog so I would like to wish them well whatever they set out to do. If ears settle it may even be the show ring. So to see how they get on visit them at Papillons and Phalenes.

Marnie (Abbeyton Some Like It Hot) was at Manchester champ show in Stafford at the weekend and was placed a very respectable 2nd in Post Graduate Bitch from an entry of 15. Well done Marnie even if I do say so myself I thought you looked really good. Sue was there and let me handle Wills (Abbeyton Isle b Willin To Tri at Bankshill) in the open dog class where we were placed 4th and he went really well. Sue's travelling companion Pat got her 3rd CC with her girl Papparotsie Painted Lady (Fresia) making her the newest Champion in the breed. Angela Skelton with her boy Adnamashan One In A Million won first in his class giving them the final point needed to claim his Junior Warrant. AND Anna Fraser & Gillian Graham had it confirmed that Ruben (Northlyte Timless at Bonmeshay) was named Papillon Top Sire in the Our Dogs competition. Well done Anna and Gillian who own and show Ruben turning him out to perfection every time. Also to his breeders Liz Anderson and Karen O'Kane. But especially to Rubens progeny, the three litter mates who have done so well in the ring with there owner/breeder Angela Skelton of Adnamashan Papillons.

First Night Training in 2009

Ruiaridh and MacKenzie both went to there respective training classes for the first time last night. And I don't think it could have been more different.

Ruiaridh went to Land O' Burns ringcraft where there was about 18 -20 dogs present of various breeds in all sizes and he enjoyed meeting everyone of them even had a word or two to say to Dogue De Bordeaux puppy. We have a much respected trainer with many years experience in both judging, exhibiting and training and is well able to guide and advise on how to present and handle your dog for showing. Cost for the 2 hour class was £1 annual membership and £1.50 for the class. In the class there is a table for small dogs to learn there table work and mats for the dogs to walk on. Mats are essential for all dogs who are to be shown to learn to walk on them as different shows use different types some are ridged and some move underfoot and all this can put a young dog off if it hasn't had a bit of training on them.

MacKenzie on the other hand went to (name removed) dog training. Trainers spent the first 15 -20 minutes introducing themselves to the class of 2 dogs. There were no mats available for use and one trainer spent quite a bit of time with MacKenzie in her arms cuddling him and stroking his tummy. The other trainer seemed to prefer working with the other dog, MacKenzie was given minimal attention which was to teach him to walk to heel using bait, which with a small dog got the expected reaction, the dog continually jumps to get the food, not good for the patella, he has also to learn the sit command for next week. He did get table work but to an outgoing happy pup this was not a chore to have someone go over him. Cost for this is £75 for a 10 week course that lasts 1 hour per week. MacKenzie's Mum couldn't tell me the names of the trainers, as in there introductory talk they forgot to mention them, but they didn't forget to tell how well there own dogs had done in the ring. And this class was booked as ten weeks of ringcraft training where she was told on booking that there were already 6 dogs booked and I assume paid for as she had to pay in advance.

Makes me appreciate being in an area where I have a choice of training classes.

A Quiet Start.........

.......To 2009

Everyone here is doing there best to keep themselves busy, pups are learning the lie of the land between home and the main street where they get to walk at the same time as the local academy gets out for lunch. Kids are great for giving the pups loads of attention and gets them used to the noise as well. Only problem most of the kids won't take no for an answer when they ask to feed them chips and curry sauce, chips and cheese or greasy pies from the local baker.

Ayla continues to enchant everyone who meets her, Betsy is getting a little too shy for my liking so she will be having a lot more introductions to more people and animals, Ruairidh on the other hand is really coming out of his shell, pushing his way to the front of the gang when group cuddles are on offer (thats when I usually land on my behind).

Ruairidh checking that I haven't left a red sock in with his bedding. LOL

OK to go!!!!

To all our friends we wish a peaceful and happy new year

Changlings!!!

Oh how they grow and change.

Picture taken 07/09/2008

Ayla, Ruairidh and Betsy

picture taken 07/12/2008

We had to settle

For a day at home. Rather than the crisp white snow that was forecast we awoke to a wet and damp morning and it has never changed all day. I was so looking forward to seeing the pups playing in the snow for the first time. Oh well maybe next year LOL

Got some pictures of them sitting in the back room instead.

What Snow?

Catching up with everyone else's blogs and there seems to be a lot of snow around in some places. According to the weatherman it's not to far from us for tonight. Think I'll follow Ayla's example and just try and sleep through the next couple of days. LOL

Ayla

Puppy training

Took all three pups to the training class last night. Betsy just didn't know what to do or how to do it but she managed to show her teeth, and stand straight and level on the table. Ruairidh spent the first half hour on Morvens knee watching everything going on and decided if he acted shy for long enough he would never have to walk on his own four legs ever again. Everyone just wanted to cuddle and pet him. But what a shame for him, I was there and in the last five minutes of the class he manged a walk round the mats with is head and tail up and like his sisters had no problems on the table at all. Ayla has found her niche in life, she walked round the hall as if she was born to it. Making friends with everyone there, from the Clumber spaniel to Whippets and Retrievers. And lets not forget the humans as well, she enchanted everyone with her out going personality and the ease that she accepted everything that was asked of her.

Well Done Indy

Went to two local open shows at the weekend with Serenglade Inidgo Moon at Abbeyton (Indy).

On Saturday at Land o' Burns there was only one class for Papillons and of the 6 entered 2 were absent. Of the 4 that were there 1 was a Papillon and very surprisingly 3 were Phalene's!!!!!!!!!! Very unusual indeed. Used to be the Papillons who were in the majority.

Indy won 1st in the class, Best of Breed and was placed 3rd in the Group.

At Clydebank the following day it was back to Papillons being in the majority, Indy was placed a very respectable 2nd in the Papillon Junior class.

The Phalene

I've had some enquiries from people about the pups and one question seems to be "what are they exactly?" They are PHALENE'S. Commonly described as a Papillon with there ears down instead of up. And no "They are not crossbreeds". Phalene's do not come from Papillons being crossed with any other breed

Phalene's can be born from Papillon parents and Papillon's can be born in a litter from Phalene parents. You can even mate a Papillon to a Phalene and get all Papillon or all Phalene or some of each. The Phalene is the drop ear variety of the Papillon.

Any other questions to joan@abbeyton.com if I can answer them I will.

YIPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was the response from Helen today when she found out that MacKenzie is soon to be the new kid on the block in Oban

Lazy days

Well my weekend was one of the laziest I've had for a while. Spent Saturday at Ingleston stewarding at the Gundog breeds of Scotland champ show, and then on Sunday went as a "passenger " with Gillian and Anna to the N & E Papillon club champ show where I spent the day catching up with people and watching some of the judging. This show has two rings with the dogs and bitches being judged at the same time, though it does save time and we get to leave at a decent hour to head home it does make it a little more difficult to keep up with what is going on in both rings whether as a spectator or exhibitor. My daughter Angela drove across the M62 to spend the day with us and I bought her the promised lunch, well if you could call it that. We were so looking forward to the lovely Panini's that we have enjoyed the last two years, and what a disappointment it was this year. Angela's was just the warm side of cool and the chicken was slices of cold meat and not the lovely fresh cooked chicken of previous years. We will know next time to take our own packed lunch at least then it will be cool because it is supposed to be.

The pups continue to dominate my thoughts, so many people at the show commented on how well they are looking and could understand the dilemma of choosing one or two to stay with me. Well I have had a lady called Helen come and see the pups and at present she is next in line after me to have MacKenzie go and live at her home with her Papillon Monet, her son and daughter and of course her husband. I have had quite a few people enquire about the pups and I would just like to say the only puppy that is available to a new home is Ruairidh as I have decided that Ayla will definitely be staying with me or Angela, and if MacKenzie doesn't become what I am looking for he has his paw in Helen's hand already set to go, that will leave Betsy who will stay with me. But then ask Anna and she will tell you how often I change my mind these days, so watch this space. LOL

How time passes

Sat back last night and watched the pups playing round the house, first the girls chasing each other then the boys joining in, someone would stop and pick up a toy and of course it was the same one that everyone else wanted. Never a playtime goes past where Ayla doesn't end up soaked with water, her favourite pass time is dropping biscuits into the water dish and trying to fish them back out by leaping into the dish with all four paws and nose down. Think she must have a bit of a water spaniel in her LOL. Ruairidh and his Mum are usually teamed up together and spend a lot of time playing and sharing chews, that is until he tries and takes it all for himself then he gets what I suppose is the doggy equivalent of a row from his Mum, he usually goes and takes it out on his siblings and goes and disrupts there game. Betsy would have us all think that an angel had landed amongst us, how wrong are we, tiger would be a more apt description, full of herself and not afraid to answer back to anyone, not even her Mum. Always the first to leave the puppy pen and the last one in, if there is a ruckus going on somewhere you will always find her in the middle of it and that's because she starts it. The MacKenzie is the thoughtful one of the bunch, not shy or retiring, but sits back and seems to assess the situation before diving in. He loves to run with Indy in the garden dig up worms and is the one always to be seen hanging from an adult tail or ears. OH and you have to mind your ankles when this wee fella is on the hunt for something to get up to, I think he should have been a butchers dog.

What a change each and every pup brings to the house, this is the hardest part of breeding when you have to let someone go. And made so much harder this time because all four of the pups have so much to offer the future of my Phalene breeding. How lovely it would be to be able to keep everyone, but every now and again I have to step back and take a reality check, I think that because I do live in the real world I know I have to make a decision but thankfully not today.

What we do on our day off !!!!!!!!

We take photographs of friends and there dogs at the local country park.

9 weeks and growing

Our Phalene bred litter

Fisrt up is Ruairidh (Pronounced ROO-uh-ree) and is a male Gaelic/Celtic name which means 'Famous Ruler' or 'Red King'.

Next is Ayla named after a beautiful Papillon from my first ever litter.

Here we have Betsy who has come by her name from who knows where.

Then we have MacKenzie who has decided to make our job even harder in the choosing by being so loveable but is he or isn't he a Phalene.

Hugo and his new family

Hugo joined his new family, Margaret, Ian and big pussycat Pasha disguised as a doberman.

Hugo's neighbour and playmate Eva lives with Stuart and Gillian who

will probably have Hugo to visit as often as Eva visits Margaret and Ian.

Seeing Double

Maybe if she looks back quick the other one might be gone???????

Mirror Image

Not a great photo, but it raised a smile here watching the pups try and discover who lived behind the mirror!!!!!

What a difference a day makes

Saturday:-

My weekend started late, Jean who I was travelling with to Steward at Catrine Canine open show slept in!!!!! (if only I had know I would have tried for an extra five minutes myself). We arrived as the judge was placing her first class of the day the AV Veteran. I introduced myself to the judge (sorry she didn't return the courtesy so don't know who she was). My only comment on the day is that time passed very slowly for both myself and exhibitors, and having to steward for a judge who didn't seem to grasp the concept of having a Special Best Puppy as opposed to Best puppy in show competition made the day even more entertaining especially when in the middle of judging a class she decided to give me her opinion of a dog. Boy was she embarrassed to discover at Lunch that I bred the dog she had been criticising. One of those days where you are quite happy for it to end and get home.

Sunday:-

Left the house at the crack of dawn to go to the Scottish Toydog Society and had an absolutely fantastic day. The venue was full to overflowing with an atmosphere that left everyone relaxed and happy. My job for the first part of the day is always selling the raffle tickets, which gives me the opportunity to catch up with everyone and ask how they are enjoying the show and any comments they may have about the running/organisation of it. Hate to boast but the only complaint was in truth lack of space. But when you think of the equipment people now take to a show for themselves and there dogs it fair adds up to quite a size able amount of stuff. Everyone involved in the kitchen be it cooking, serving or supplying food should take a very big and well earned pat on the back, as this was the hub of all things tasty and well worth the money. People were taking time out to sit and relax away from the ringside and have a chat and enjoy all the home cooking, from Anna's very tasty Stovies and Cottage pie to Frances's Strawberry Tarts, that almost caused a riot over who could get to the counter first and have one. LOL I took a turn in the kitchen doing teas and coffees, afraid this is as far as my skills go in that department, but maybe I'll get better. I had three dogs entered but decided not to take all of them, Marnie was the only one to come and after having to leave her for extended periods of time I have now decided that for as long as I am on the committee I won't enter anymore dogs at the show as it is too much to look after them and attend to the duties of helping at the show. Such a shame as it is a toydog show and the turnout of Papillons is usually very good.

Anyway I have never been so glad to get home kick off my shoes and sit down and relax with my dogs and have pups biting my toes. Bliss. LOL

The Dog In Art

A Starving Dog is Not Art Petition - Sign here

Breakfast goes down a treat

Flame's pups at 4 weeks old and not a care in the world.

Our Multicoloured family!!!!!!!!!

After some recent discussions about Papillon colours different people have different opinions as to what is the correct description for the following dogs colours. There are two litters from this mating.


Dam:-Abbeyton With -----------------------Sire:- Bankshill Isle Of Lewis
A Touch Of Gold



Litter 1 Wills, Alfie and Marnie



Litter 2 Hugo, Cosmo, Lucy and Lilly (not in picture)

Still Here!!!!!!!

No we haven't gone totally over to the birds LOL

Been to a couple of shows where Hugo qualified for Crufts and Indy yet again impressed the ringside with his very obvious attraction to the ladies on full view. Did start to get a little worried about this as he seems to be in a permanent state of excitement. Had a dog once who underwent surgery for something similar and I wouldn't want to go there again, but glad to say that it appears to be a hormonal thing with him.

Everyone has been enjoying the laid back relaxed life over the last few months. Marnie was mated on her last season but I think we went to early with her and she missed. Flame was mated to Indy and you can see from the pictures below we had four lovely puppies, 2 boys and 2 girls. Flame is being a great mum to them and boy does this make my job easy. Fingers crossed that we have at least one if not four Phalene pups.

Flame & Indy's pups at 2 days old