MItcham update!

Mitcham, the Briard, is doing well here! He has never met a stranger, and is the biggest (or will be the biggest) cuddle bug I'll have the pleasure of living with. I thought Oliver was a 'daddy's boy' but Mitcham has him beat! If I'm in the kitchen at the counter making supper, he's between me and the cupboard looking up. If I'm laying on the couch, he's on my chest laying on top of me. If I'm sitting in a chairs, he's on my lap, lounging. He really is an extended part of me and I love it! The hair is getting longer and the grooming will soon start in earnest. He likes food so that's always helpful during training as well. The Cardis are not much for legs (duh) but Mitcham uses his legs like arms, like a monkey would, batting them at you for attention, to grab something or to hang on to a Cardi in play. I've got to get used to that part yet :)

Photos! Thanks to Sarah Keth for 'gently prodding' me into getting some new ones taken.





He's such a happy boy, and afraid of nothing. My hat is off to Denise Simenauer of Dior Briards and Nicole Johnson of Reine Briards on their amazing techniques of socializing them to all sorts of animals, people, noises, sights and smells! I'll definintely follow their practices when puppies are expected here!

Something about me

It seems as though thoughts of what I've written down in my blog has upset a select few people. Its unfortunate to say the least, as I never mean to offend anyone, and this IS my blog, not theirs. They don't have to read it. I thought about putting a disclaimer on my blog, but why? Everyone knows that this is my blog and my thoughts and opinions, not anyone else's. I may get heated at times, or very adamant about things. However, those that know me, TRULY know me, and have taken the time to get to know me, will realize that I'm not a fighter, not a mean person and really just want to laugh, smile and have everyone get along.

Its amazing that Shetland people come from all walks of life, all sorts of histories, childhoods, professions and beliefs, and yet I haven't met a Shetland person that I don't like! Its true we may differ on what the proper Shetland should look like, or feel like, but at the end of the day we are grown up enough to realize that we can agree to disagree and be friends and laugh about things not sheep related or sheep specific.

My first few years in Cardigans was pretty rough. If anything could have happened to me and my dogs, it did. I felt like the unluckiest person alive. Shows were very stressful, I couldn't relax and was always nervous (very unlike me). I wanted to get out of the breed. People were very untrusting and it seemed that I had to keep 'proving' myself to some people. The last nearly two years have been very different. I've met many great new friends at the FM Kennel Club, and through the North Star Herding Group Club. I've met interesting people at different shows (top dogs in their respective breeds, grooming next to me.....great time to listen and learn!) and the shows have been extremely casual, laid back and fun times.

I was told by a good friend of mine that I was competitive and that she wasn't like that and would never show her sheep. I was 'almost' offended as I didn't think I was competitive either! I was there for the social ties......as I loved meeting new people and talking sheep with other 'like minded' folk. And then ANOTHER shetland shepherd told me I was competitive! In the least! I just wanted to show my sheep to others, get their opinions on them and listen to what my friends had to say about them.

My first Shetland show this year brought me in the middle of the pack in both classes. While I never expected to win, I was happy to see that my conformation was close to what others were breeding for, even if the fleece type was different. The showing part was the last thing on my mind...I just wanted to talk sheep and LEARN from those who have been in the breed a lot longer than I. I ask a lot of questions, do a lot of research and try to breed to what I believe is the standard. I won't change my breeding program just because one judge one weekend doesn't necessarily like them. At the end of the day you have to be happy with what you are doing and seeing the progress that you do get.

I have only been in Shetlands now since October 2006. I've already been nominated for the NASSA board and will gladly accept it, if voted in. I've recently also been added to the BFLBA board and am happy to help where I can.

Some might think I"m too inexperienced to run for a board after only having the sheep less than two years. That might be true, however I have may years of experience with other elected offices in pigeon clubs and have been on their boards, and other elected positions. And the clubs are basically on the same structure, with the same issues. I've been raising pigeons since 1993, and have been on a board or elected positions ever since then. Fifteen years is a long time, and while I NEVER think I know it all, I'm always willing to learn and I love to ask questions. Forgive me if I've already asked you the same question twice :)

Since June of this year I had a great discussion with a fellow CWC breeder. I was always impressed with her attitude in the ring, always very competitive and truly stood behind her dogs. I respect that about her. I was just happy to be in the ring. After a little 'jesting' I told her I would be more competitive so when she DID win again, it would be worth all the more glory as she truly earned it. Since then I have noticed that both of my girls, Zoe and Ell have received all of their points.

Last fall when I started showing Zoe, she was always getting RWB. While not to complain as her 2nd day out, she was RWB on a 4 pt major, but I hadn't really 'won' anything, let alone points. It had been nearly a year since Sadie had gotten her last 3 points after her accident. I was just enjoying myself.

I guess my point with the last few paragraphs is to say, I'm more competitive now because others are, so when other's win, they deserved it even more, and when I win, I truly was giving my all and believed in my dogs and my abilities as a handler. While its fun to win, nothing would change my beliefs or goals. If I don't win today, there is tomorrow. If everyone else wants to be competitive, I'll gladly join the ranks and be competitive as well. Although I'm just as happy when someone else wins, and a gracious loser when I don't get the ribbon.

Performance events are much more mind boggling. I've been training with Sadie for two years. We never competed because I was a nervous wreck. She could tell it. At practice, it was all friends watching and offering advice on what I could change, what I should change and what was good. It was fun to see Sadie in four tries, get her three legs for her NAJ title. Two years of driving 70 miles one way for practice once a week. It was always more about watching Sadie move and how much fun she had at it. So we only have one Q out of four tries for our NA title. Big deal. We have much to learn yet and much to practice on. Sadie will be 4 in November. Four years have flown by and we have many more years ahead together.

Personal differences are almost a given, and while we may not agree on subjects, I would like to think that being competitive goes hand in hand with good sportsmanship and I do believe that we as a group (either Sheep or dogs) are quite sportsmanlike in and around the ring.

You don't have to like my dogs or sheep, or like what I say, and when I smile and say hello, I'm not doing it because I have to. Its because I want to. And we could perhaps talk about other things besides sheep or dogs, if given the opportunity, don't you think?

Paranoia

I last blogged about sponges. I've heard such terrible stories of having ewes lose their sponges and have to be taken off the AI roster as their heat cycles were altered. I've heard of people using crazy glue to dab the end of the string that is attached to the sponge, and attach it to the skin next to the 'back end'. I didn't have any glue of any sort so just prayed that they would all stay in as they were all just past the pelvis when I inserted them (thanks for the long fingers God!)

Anyway the last two nights I've had terrible nightmares about losing all the sponges. Tonight I scoured the floor of the pens that the ewes are in and couldn't find any sponges. I thought perhaps one was lost and then ingested by another sheep, so had to gather all the girls up without stressing them, to see if the strings were still hanging out the back end. I broke down and got some rolled oats and alfalfa pellets to feed them. Those girls didn't move an inch when I went to lift tails and examine to see if the strings were still there. Most of the strings are long enough you can see them with the tail down. Phew. All 12 are still in and accounted for! I hope this AI is over soon.....its too stressful :)

Mac came home today. He was happy to see me and hasn't left my side. Oliver is less than enthusiastic about the situation, but the girls are all happy he's home and were playing quite rough with him (which he loved).

I have Zoe and Ell entered in Sioux Falls and then no more shows I don't think until St Paul. Maybe Shakopee, but I'd enter only Ell, as Zoe just needs a major to finish. There will be four bitches for sure at Sioux Falls on Saturday that just need a major to finish, so we'll see who the lucky one is that gets it that day!

We had another two inches of rain in the last 24 hours. I think I need to start building an Ark or have our area rezoned a continental rainforest :)

Sponges are in!

This evening my dad assisted me in putting the sponges in the 12 ewes that I've decided to use for AI. While most of the ewes I've decided on who to use them on, I still am tossing a few up in the air. On one hand I can improve fleece. On another, depth of color or density of fleece. On yet another I can improve stucture. Some I want their line (pedigree). Others I like the fact that they are poll carriers. Since they are some of the very last straws of these boys and there is no 'green light' yet for future importations this is a serious deal.

I've decided to use at least 6 Heights Orion. The ewes that will go to him are mostly based on histograms (low SD and CV) with some higher AFDs. I'm hoping to improve fleeces with these girls first and foremost:

Justalit'l Black Lambo Aa/Aa Black F3 Holly F3 Timothy
BonoCreek Lavender Brown Aa/Aa fawn F2/F3 Jamie
FirthofFifth Rooibos Aa/Aa fawn 25% UK
RYL Rachildas Awt/Ag white illget F3 Lightning
Underhill Peep Ag/Aa musket F2 Greyling, F2 Jamie
FirthofFifth Evidence of Autumn Aa/Aa fawn F3Holly F3 Jamie

Campaign Timothy for solid (no iset) dark blacks or moorits:
Justalit'l Shasta Ag/Aa horned smirslet flecket F3 Gordon
River Oaks Eliza Awt/Aa White 18% UK

Willocroft Jamie for deep color and structure:
River Oaks Lucy Ab/Aa Grey Katmoget F3 Dillon F3 Holly
FirthofFifth Booto Ab/Aa Fawn Katmoget F1 Timothy

Greenholme Holly for the poll gene:
Justalit'l Chloe Ab/Ab fawn katmoget F2 Minder

Shirehill Minder for possible poll gene:
Underhill Ulla Aa/Aa moorit F2 Jamie

That will leave me with 7 extra straws...1 Orion, 1 Lightning, 1 Jamie, 2 Holly, 2 Timothy for a future AI.

If any of you think that a ewe might be put to a better animal, do let me know. There are other reasons than listed why I'm using a certain ram to a ewe and would welcome any discussion of them privately.

$2.89 a gallon gas!

I thought I'd never see the day it was below 4 dollars again...I'm so glad its going DOWN....a lawn care/landscaping business and one who drives all over for dogs and sheep and pigeons.....every cent lower is welcome! HOORAY!

More rain

Another two inches today of cold, steady rain. Its currently 39 degrees and there has been rumored talk about wet, heavy snow flakes falling in with the rain. Yippee! I'm sure not ready for it yet!

In the past week we've had now 7 inches of rain and its reminding me more of spring, with flooded ditches and swollen rivers and creeks, than fall. The cow yards are more muddy now than they were this spring, and the driveway is an obstacle course trying to get in and out onto the main muddy gravel road. You know its rained a lot when the sandy soil is holding water!!

The dogs have been inside all day, except for potty breaks, but even the dogs are complaining about the rain, and refusing to go onto the grass to go potty. It does make for a good snuggle on the couch with the dogs....Mitcham on my chest, Zoe and Oliver on my legs, Sadie at my feet, and Ell on the pillow by my head. I think I need a bigger couch :)

Correction to last post

It was pointed out that I didn't properly quote the standard, so here it is directly from the standard

Medium length but dense as it is double. Outer hairs slightly harsh in texture; never wiry, curly or silky. Lies relatively smooth and is weather resistant. The insulating undercoat is short, soft and thick. A correct coat has short hair on ears, head, the legs; medium hair on body; and slightly longer, thicker hair in ruff, on the backs of the thighs to form "pants," and on the underside of the tail. The coat should not be so exaggerated as to appear fluffy. This breed has a shedding coat, and seasonal lack of undercoat should not be too severely penalized, providing the hair is healthy. Trimming is not allowed except to tidy feet and, if desired, remove whiskers. Soft guard hairs, uniform length, wiry, curly, silky, overly short and/or flat coats are not desired. A distinctly long or fluffy coat is an extremely serious fault.

As with The Bible, the Constitution or a simple blog entry, two people read and interpret the same exact paragraph quite differently, thus creating opinions based solely on their own subjectivity.

Testing your animals - another long one!

Sheep, cattle, dogs, whatever.

You should test your animals if you are going to breed them.

Its that simple.

This year I decided to test my sheep for OPP and Johne's, two infectious diseases that are transfered through contact or through newborns nursing from infected moms. I couldn't take the risk. It stated that around 25% of all sheep/goats in the USA have one of the diseases. Some flocks its higher, some lower. I'm happy to report that after $500 worth of testing all adult animals on the farm, that they are all NEGATIVE. I have 10 more that I purchased over the past 2 months that I have to test as well. They've been in quarantine waiting for the vet to have time to come and take blood samples. This group will also get tested for CL. The lambs from this year, once they are 6 months old will be tested for all three. Three negative tests 6-10 months apart will give you a "free" status for your flock.

Why work your butt off for years...blood, sweat and tears....only to lose animals to some disease that you really could have prevented? In an earlier post I commented on how I'm closing my flock. I don't think that that will ever be a total reality but I will have to have agreements with all future prospective sellers that if the animal is found to have OPP/Johne's/CL that they take the animal back, or refund the money as I won't keep an animal that is positive for that. Maybe even have them do the testing at their farms but I would pay for the testing.

Either way I'll be glad to know that my flock/herd are free of these diseases so if something comes up and I question it, I will know that it isn't something as scary as the above mentioned diseases.



Cardigans are a breed thankfully void of many diseases. I thought I remember a collie friend telling me once that collies have EIGHTY FOUR known diseases in the breed! EIGHTY FOUR!!!

Cardigans to my knowledge can be tested for hip displaysia and elbow displasia (OFA or PENN-HIP), PRA tested if not proven to be from clear lines, CERF"ed for eye problems, tested for Thyroid and Cardiac. The latter two not being huge problems, but again, why not test your breeding animals anyway, just to KNOW that your animals are free of it.

I know first hand about hip displasia. Oliver was found by a friend all the way over in Finland. There was a massive amount of money involved in the purchase of the dog, shipping him here and then finding out that he was of poor temperament when I got him at nearly three and a half months of age. By nine months of age his litter brother couldn't walk and I had Oliver's hips tested. He was mildly displastic. Add to that his poor temperament and then having his front never 'come down' into the proper space (he's wide and flat chested....looking back at puppy photos he was the same then as is he is now!)

There was no contract. No health guarantee. Oliver's breeder told me it was MY FAULT that he had hip displasia! I know for a fact that it wasn't ME who was doing it. The stud dog (father) of Oliver lived in Poland. The breeder took him in to get his hips done and the Federal Vet in Poland asked why he was getting done...Cardigans didn't have hip displasia!!!!!!!! THE FEDERAL VET SAID THAT! UGH! The breeder told me he was "OK" and I haven't heard from her since. Unfortunately she has a litter sister to Oliver who in my opinion was the pick puppy of the litter. She's a multi national champion and she is going to get bred....to pass on the crappy hip displasia.

The breeder of the bitch we found out later had indeed been tested. She was give an B/C rating. According to the chart they use, that is borderlin displastic!!!

BORDERLINE!!!!!!!! B/C rating is borderline?!!!! Why breed from it! The bitch breeder also kept a litter sister to Oliver and it too is a multi-champion and she has had a litter already, and she looks just like Oliver in the rear. God help that ladies' breeding program.

Now it is true that you can still get a displastic dog out of two parents that are OFA Excellent. But the percentage is reduced GREATLY with each generation that is tested. I know in Briards and German Shorthair Pointers that if they are NOT tested, the dogs cannot be used for breeding. Period. End of Discussion!

I wish all breeds of dogs did that....it would make a better world for the dogs.

Some people in Cardigans keep dogs intact and breed from dogs that have PRA or Hip Displasia. I know of one breeder who breeds PRA carriers, but she is VERY diligent in where those puppies go. She tests them all, she spays/neuters all PRA carrier puppies and places them in pet homes. They will never show any PRA signs as they are carriers and if spayed/neutered cannot breed and make more carriers or potential PRA dogs. She is met with much resistance to this practice but I applaud her testing of every puppy.

Some people use fluff, or coated Cardigans in their breeding. while the fluff or glamour coat is indeed a cosmetic thing and not a health issue, we'll end this debate now. Sure you can test to see if your dog carries the coat factor, but it doesn't hurt the dog any, and unless you are showing the dog, then its the only time it counts as the standard seriously faults dogs that are fluff/coated dogs. Ell's sire is a coated dog. He will never be shown. But man is he put together nicely. Ell is a fluff/coat gene carrier. If bred to another coat carrier they 'could' produce coated pups, but knowing this now, I will only breed her to a proven non coat carrier so as to not get any fluffs, or just realize that I will get some fluffy puppies. They aren't any less healthy than a normal coated dogs. And I use that term losely. I've seen some wickeldy curly coats being shown and being considered 'normal'. Sadie has that kind of coat and I think it goes back to her line.....Some say its a Finnish line, but Oliver came from Finland and his coat is normal.

Some people claim to test all of their dogs, yet breed to dogs that aren't tested, buy from people who don't test their breeding stock and still claim to have such healthy dogs. Anyone should realize that a dog that tests "FAIR" on OFA from untested stock could be nearly borderline displastic itself. A "FAIR" on OFA from four generations of tested stock to me would make me feel better as I can see that all of their ancestors were tested. From what I've read, researched, studied, and gathered my opinion of anyway.

Ever since Oliver's hip problems were an issue I've made note of 'guarantees' in the contracts that are in place with all dogs that I now have.

Mac. His mother was OFA fair, his dad not passing. Mac will never be used for breeding. In his contract it states that if he were to have Hip Displasia (HD) that he would be returned, replaced or refunded.

Zoe. Her father was OFA good. her mother wasn't tested, but her sire was OFA good. It states in her contract also that if she were to have HD she would be returned, replaced or refunded.

Ell. Ell's parents were not OFA'ed. However they have tested many of their dogs in the past and also guarantee her to be free of HD, or they will replace, refund or return her.

Mitcham. The Briard people are spot on! He is guaranteed to be free of Thyroid disease, HD in hips or elbows, SCNB (night blindess, occurs in Briards), and cardiac. If the were to show that he in fact has any of them, he will also be replaced, refunded or returned.

So even though I did not necessarily get puppies from tested parents, they have had testing in the background at least, if even spotty, and are guaranteed in a contract. this may not be ok for you, but is working fine for me.

I will not breed any of my dogs to animals that aren't tested. Mitcham will only be approved to bitches that clear all health clearances and are free of such diseases. My bitches will not be bred to dogs that aren't clear from all the mentioned above.

My biggest thing is this: IF YOU DON'T TEST, DON'T BREED! If you can't afford to test your dogs (as I've heard several Cardigan people say) than why have them? Why have that many? Even if I don't make any more money on my sheep for doing the testing, its good for piece of mind and for a sound breeding program.

Thanks for reading ;)

Photos of the Princess

For those of you who couldn't view these photos online, these photos are from back in June when Sadie earned her third and final leg for her NAJ (Novice A Jumpers aka Jumpers with weaves) title at the North Star Herding Group club. Sadie had a perfect score and 1st place in her division. She also had the fastest qualifying time of any jump height for that day in the Novice class! WOHOO!!




She looks REALLY happy. We finally were given the OK to start training again at the FMKC after a scheduling mix up which seemed to take WAY TOO LONG to figure out, but its resolved nontheless. I"m excited to get Sadie back into the performance stuff. She loves it!

Water Logged and weekend!

WOW! Last night it rained fairly hard and steady from midnight until about 4am. I checked the rain gauge (I finally bought one 2 weeks ago after ours froze and cracked last fall...talk about procrastination!) and it said about 1.5 inches of rain! That was plenty to make the cow yards go from dusty to sloppy. We were anticipating more rain this afternoon and within the course of an hour and a half we measured another THREE inches of rain! Not that we flood here, but the pasture is the lowest spot (the cattle one) and it was pretty much covered in standing water!

My poor new guinea hens (read below) were drenched to the bone so I grabbed them up and brought them into the big barn where I put them with the Old English Game Bantams for now as its the only pen with chicken wire on it. I sure don't want them flying around free yet until they know that this is home!

The girls (sheep) were not amused I made them stand in the rain for a bit while I went to go open gates and get the barn ready for them to come back in. Their fleeces sure look amazing however! :)

The girls (dogs) were brought into the house just as the first sprinkles were coming and its lucky they did! It was sheets upon sheets of rain and there was standing puddles of water in the grass (or at least it was squishy to walk on!) Its supposed to rain more tonight...And while the barns are high and dry, the pastures might take a bit to dry out...but the rain is ALWAYS welcome!

This past weekend there was a dog show AND the exotic animal auction. I had sent Ell and Mac to live with Barb (Mac's breeder) for the week as I knew I wouldn't make it to the dog show on Saturday due to the exotic animal auction.

Rayna and her mom Sue came to the auction as is tradition and I sold off most of my ducks and chickens and also my last lovebird! I now have only my two pet birds (Kipper the parakeet) and Baby (the hand raised cockatiel) left to place into loving homes. Kipper is seven, and Baby is five.

I happened to purchase a gorgeous pair of Saxony ducks...like the ones that I lost last year to the mink, and I also got a few guinea hens. The extras were sent home with Rayna and her mom. I kept a lavender, a pied and two pearl....and they all turned out to be HENS! My lone male guinea hen should sure be happy.....now if I can only catch him! Sue at the end of the auction also found a silver Swedish drake and a blue swedish drake, which I needed for the three hens I have left so I'm ok for male:female ratios for next spring.

I also did an impulse buy and purchased a Highland heifer calf, but after coming to my senses I sold her to my neighbor who now has 4 of them. she needed company and I needed to save what little money I had! I'm glad I talked myself out of her...even though she was adorable and it was a super deal.

The auction didn't get done until close to midnight and by the time we got home, had supper and got to bed, it was after 1am. I had a lot on my mind and had to get up by 5am for the drive to the dog show in Hutchinson, MN. I woke up, sicker than all get out and extremely tired. I figured that since Barb did such a great job with Mac and Ell the day before, that I'd let her work her 'magic' again and I'd meet up with her later to pick up Ell. Mac on Saturday was BOW for 2 more points and on Sunday Ell was BOW for 2 more points! Ell now has 10 points with 1 major and Mac has 7 points and on the hunt for majors.

Overall it was a great weekend! Now I just need to get over this sinus/head/allergy cold thing and we are back in business!

Ell is 1 today!

Ell, my youngest Cardigan, turned one year old today. I've only had her 9 months so I really haven't had her a year, it sure doesn't seem that long!

Ell and Mac are at my good friend Barb Peterson's house for a bit as I am not able to show this coming Saturday at the dog show as I have our bi-annual Exotic Animal Auction in Perham and I'm selling a lot of my well...exotic animals (mini horses, bantam chickens, ducks, pygmy goats, pigeons). I'm meeting Barb and the kids on Sunday morning to help show at the dog show. I'll be brining Ell back, but Mac stays with Barb for another week or so as she is showing him in Mason City the following weekend.

My house is eerily quiet. There is a LOT less barking, no morning or evening 'pack' howling, no more grumpy Oliver (he doesn't like it when Mac plays with HIS girls) and my bed is that much more empty. You'd think I'd welcome the extra room on my queen size bed, but I miss them all the same.

I know Barb is taking good care of them. My family celebrated Ell's birthday on Sunday and all the dogs got ice cream. It was Mitcham's first time eating it and he apparently wanted to savor it, while the other dogs pretty much inhaled theirs.

We don't do any hats or sing, but apparently they do at Barb's! I LOVE the photos Barb...thanks! It made my day! Ell's expression is hysterical :)







I miss my little Ell Bell!