So, we're 10 mos in

and Moxie Brown, aka Monkey has made lots of improvements in her social skills.  She is still afraid of parked vehicles and people she doesn't know (especially men), but she warms up to strangers more easily than she did when we first brought her home.   I'll be honest.  Some days it can be really frustrating.  But, then I think about how she's changed in 10 short months.  She'll come in/out of the house without me having to follow her until she hunkers down in submission, she's gotten used to living in a house and most of the noises that go along with it (she's still not a fan of the hair dryer), we can actually take her for a walk and have her walk on lead, and not try to bolt constantly (although, she still does if something "freaks" her out).  We're still working on when we take her out in public into a confined space (ie vets office and pet store). She doesn't do well in those situations, even though I have a pocket full of yummy treats to bribe her with. I've learned to take a couple of poop bags with me whenever I take her out, because when she's stressed, she poops (thankfully, she's NEVER done that in our house!) and she's probably going to make a lake, so I try to keep an eye on her and keep my fingers crossed that we make it out before that happens.  It hasn't gotten easier for me, when it comes to the looks I get from people when she has her moments.  It cuts me to the core to see her shaking, drooling like a St Bernard, panting and giving the great whale eye at things/people that scare her, and then watch her turn to a statue with her heart pounding or the great look of fear in her eye as she tries to run to get away from thing/person that scares her.  It makes me sad for her that she's so traumatized, and it makes me angry that her former "owners" made her the way she is.  So, we keep plugging away at it, and when we're at home and she's in her element, I wish others could see the great personality of this funny little brown dog that we greatly love.

So, a new adventure for us tonight.  I signed Moxie up for a very basic beginners agility class.  She's one smart cookie, and has been walking over some items in our yard that will be similar to what she'll experience in an agility class.  Honestly, I'm only doing this for the socialization.  At this point, I don't ever see us going out of our trainers yard, and don't know if I'll ever be able to have her off leash (she's a runner).  Nevertheless, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best!

It's a Dorgi!

We  added a new family member to our household on May 2nd.  She is a Corgi/Doxie mix that just happens to look like a dingo.  Her name is Moxie Brown and she is between 2-4 yrs old.  My daughter's entire 1st grade class took on our local animal shelter as their community service project.  They collected items the shelter needed and then took a field trip to the shelter.  Unfortunately, my daughter was sick the day of the field trip and didn't get to go.  She was still grieving Leo so badly and wanting a dog of her own to love on, that we decided it might help her get of the funk she was in.  She took his death harder than her cat that died a year before, and she really loved that old stinky cat.  RIP Rudy.  So, a friend and I went to the shelter to see what they had available for adoption.  Most of the dogs were huge and too much energy for a household with two kids the ages of mine.  I was getting ready to leave, when I decided to squat down and see if there was a dog in this apparently empty run, and that's when I spotted her.  LONG story short, she was an owner relinquish from the county.  We were the ONLY ones to look at her during her 5 month (yes 5 mos!) stay at the shelter.  She's had lots of babies and is horribly unsocialized.  She's afraid of everything that she knows nothing about.  She's never been in a house or car.  She's never been loved on and treated as a family member. She is very sweet, loving, gentle, housebroken, a GREAT watch dog  and sometimes over the top, and we love her to death!  Every day is a new adventure, and every day she comes out of her shell just a little bit more. She's made SO much progress just in the past month since she's been here.  I'm hoping that having an entire summer with her new family will bring her even more out of her shell.  I hate that  her previous owners didn't love her and take care of her like they should (thank GOD they didn't physically abuse her), but I am thankful that they decided to have the shelter come pick her up so she wouldn't/couldn't have any more babies and could be given a chance to find a home where she was wanted and loved.  I'm also thankful to Columbia Animal Services for taking care of her until we found her.  So, we begin a new adventure this summer with Moxie Brown.  She's helping heal our broken hearts, and she's keeping Cosmo from being so lonely.  I do think Leo has reincarnated in her at least a little bit-- she's a chewer too, and like Leo, I hope she eventually decides to chew only on her ample supply of toys!

September 29,2007 - February 16,2011

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Until we meet again my sweet and funny little orange boy.......

Leo's finishing pic

Finally! Here is Leo's pic from finishing Aug 1, 2010 under Mrs. Pluis Davern in Greenville. Very happy to report that his eye's CERF'd clear, he's FN clear by parentage, Optigen A, and his OFA rated Excellent. All very good news we just got in the past week! I love how the judge, handler and cookie jar are all sporting the exact same shade of blue!

Announcing CH Amawalk's Beam Me Up A Faerytail

My boy did it! He finished on Sunday with his fourth 3 pt major! He is the 20th champion sired by his father, Ch Amawalk's Dunelm Clansmen, ECM aka Scotty and the 61st champion bred by his breeder, Betty Ganung of Amawalk Kennel. Leo was expertly groomed by Mindy (also Leo's co-breeder and the breeder of Cosmo), and handled by Rick Day on Fri and Sat, and by Kristen Mooney on Sunday. I am so happy and so proud! There was a nice line up in Greenville this weekend, and LOTS of orange. Usually, we're surrounded by the blue roans/BRaT's...but not this time. I enjoyed being a spectator, although I had to hide from him as I didn't want to jinx us (he's a mama's boy). Betty took a couple of pictures of him, and I'll get a copy of his winning picture when I get it in the mail. Hopefully it won't take too long. My daughter is glad her "peanut" (he's really not a peanut) is back home after being gone for a week. I'm glad to have my goober boy back. It sure was lonely without him!

SNOW in SC!!!

We RARELY get snow in SC and I've NEVER had it on my birthday or more than a dusting. Well, we got over 8 inches of the fluffy white stuff!!! The boys weren't too sure what to think about it. Cosmo kept shoving his head under the spots he dig out and Leo looked like a gazelle hopping through it. Both were happy it was warm and dry inside the house =)

Leo's first BOB win!!!

This weekend was the show down in Ladson SC. This is where Leo got his first 3 pts last Jan, a major no less. Well, even though the weather was AWFUL. Not only was it freezing out, but the rain and flooding of the grounds was unbelievable. I stayed in soaked shoes and socks and wet clothing for 14 long hours. However, it was worth it. Leo won first place in his class, and for the first time he also won BOB!!! The kennel club handed out really nice rosettes and I was so proud of my little orange boy! Chelsea showed him for me and when we finished, we took him back to re-fluff him and wrap his ears. Then he took a little siesta until it was time to go in the group ring. He made me proud in there (even though he thought the judge had bait in her hand and had to jump up and check her out). He made the cut for a second look by the judge (the only small sporting dog to do so). Even though he didn't place in the group, I couldn't have been more proud of him! Leo took second place to his look alike in his class on Sunday. So, our point total is now 12 (with three 3 pt majors). Not too shabby with him having limited showing if I do say so myself =)

Happy 2nd birthday, Leo!

I can't believe it's Leo's 2nd birthday already! Seems like just the other day I was bringing the 10 lb furball home. I'm thinking that's the last time I ever get a puppy, or anything else that has to be walked at all hours of the night in Dec. That was one cold Dec we had, and I was the only one taking him in and out. I thought we were going to freeze to death! But, we didn't. We survived that, and we survived Leo's little incident last week, that apparently happened more than a week ago. I started noticing he had some stinky smelling breath, and it wasn't from the salmon/rice food he eats. So, I clippered his face thinking maybe that was where it was coming from. Then, I decided I'd brush his teeth and scrap the tiny bit of gunk that was on his canines. He was such a good boy and didn't fuss at all. Then I noticed later that even when he was sitting at my feet, I could smell his breath. So, he jumped up in my lap and I was loving on him and noticed the smell was even coming from the air that was coming out of his nose when he was breathing. I told my hubby, that wasn't a good sign, and that I was taking him to the vet ASAP the next morning so we could figure out what was going on. I had half of the going to the vet part out of my mouth, when Leo leaned his head back to yawn, and I saw what was causing the stinky breath. The poor boy had a broken off stick partially embedded in the roof of his mouth! He never acted funny, was eating/drinking normally, chasing Cosmo and the kids around in the yard... you name it and he was still doing it. I felt so bad! Thankfully, the vet was able to remove it without using general anesthesia. She gave him a little shot to make him a little woozy and got it right out. Two days into the ten days of antibiotics and no more stinky breath. Since Friday, the area inside his mouth is pretty much all the way healed, minus a small spot that was the deepest. So, lesson learned. Must make checking the mouth for foreign obstacles a more regular thing. I was lucky in that he'd not done more damage to his mouth, and possibly lost teeth. Also, that he'd not swallowed it and caused major internal damage that could have resulted in death.

So, tomorrow we're celebrating Leo's 2nd birthday with some extra special goodies, and are looking forward to many many more birthdays to come!

Happy birthday also to Leo's brother, Scotch. Hoping he comes back to SC sometime soon so we can see him again!

PS The vet gave me the stick she removed from Leo's mouth. I still have it and am pondering if I should just pitch it (well, it did end up costing me $85, which was reasonable considering) or turning it into a Christmas ornament, the most expenisve by far, on my tree, and having it be the inside joke that only my family "gets"......

Summertime + vacation time!

Leo says "let me out!"

Cosmo and Leo on vacation

The boys have had a long and slightly lazy summer. It was too hot for awhile to do agility. Leo was entered in a couple of shows over the summer and is now taking a break til January or there about. He needs to grow some more leg hair. Cosmo has had two iffy weeks in agility class. His nose hit the ground and I couldn't get it back up and his eyes on me. Thankfully, tonight he was back to "normal" and did a really good job. I was very proud of him tonight! I think it's because his gal pal, Jerri, was out on the field earlier today when I stopped by. Looking forward to these cooler "fallish" days and really hoping we get out and get to an agility trial sometime this upcoming year. Next week marks 3 yrs of classes/training and never having ventured out of the trainer's yard. My phobias definitely, and not Cosmo's!

Asheville shows in Fletcher this weekend

Blaze

Leo getting ready for the show!

I got a call from Betty yesterday telling me that Leo had placed second in his class. I told her to bribe him with a new dog bed. She bribed him and fed him chicken nuggets yesterday. Today, Betty called to let me know that my orange boy won another 3 pt major (that makes three 3 pt majors now) and BOS! Way to go team Leo and Betty! I'm so proud of Leo! It's been a mighty quiet 4 days at the house without him, and we can't wait to get him back later this week. Although, it has been nice not having to be on a vigilant watch for things that he will chew up/try to eat. The kids and I will be picking him out a new bed when we pick him up. I hope he likes it!

Cosmo said he enjoyed the mini-vacation. He got to hang out with his new boxer buddy, Blaze while Leo was gone. If the beds are still on sale, he might be getting a new one too.

Mr Cool Cosmo

Poor Cosmo! I found these pics on the camera today. Apparently, one of my little ones got hold of the camera and a pair of sunglasses and accosted Cosmo. He's such a good boy, that he actually sat still for it! I find it hysterical that she came up with this all by herself, and am loving finding pictures on the camera that my kids have taken, and of course, not told me about. I'm glad they didn't try this with Leo. He would've surely eaten the brand new Spiderman sunglasses, and my son would've had a fit. Maybe Cosmo is gearing up for his agilty premiere (whenever the heck that's going to be??!!)

WOO HOO at PKC!!!

Leo gearing up for his evil eye look because he wants off the grooming table.

Well, we had a great time at the Piedmont club in Charlotte this weekend. We hung out with our friends and tried not to roast to death in the building (which was easier today than yesterday). Leo won the Open class yesterday and today. Both days he also won WD and BOS for one point each day. We're now up to 8 points. Not too shabby since he's only been out a handful of times. I showed him myself, so I was ecstatic that we won. Needless to say, he got a new toy from one of the vendors.

Leo's 2nd major in Hilton Head

Here is his winning photo! Amazing how he turns it on and looks so serious when he's in the ring, compared to how goofy we all know him to truly be! Today we worked on some obedience in the backyard. Cosmo and I worked on some new weave pole stuff that we were introduced to in class the other week.

He did it again!!!!

Amawalk's Beam Me Up A Faerytail

My boy did it again! Leo caught a ride with Mindy to Hilton Head Isl on Friday night to meet up with Chelsea and Anita. Chelsea showed him for me this weekend, and although we won our class and nothing else on Saturday, she took him to a 3 pt major win and BOS on Sunday! I am so thrilled that we now have 6 points (both majors) behind us and 9 points left to go! I missed his silly little butt while he was gone, and he sure was happy to see us when he got back Sunday evening. I hope to enter him in at least 3 more shows between now and the summer, not including a possible trip to Nationals in Ohio this year.

THANKS Mindy, Chelsea, and Anita for all you did this past weekend!

Come out, come out, whatever you are!

I'm not moving til I find out what it is!

I know I hear something.. but what???

Ok, Cosmo for some reason has gotten obsessed with the air vent on the back porch. The same air vent that he's lounged on in the summer to cool off and in the winter to warm up for almost 3 years now. For the past week he's stayed glued to being near the vent. I don't know what's down there (other than lots of dust bunnies), but he's determined he's going to guard us from whatever lurks below.

We're pointed!!!!

This isn't the best quality video. If you're wondering why, well, I'll tell you. I was having to hide from Leo so he wouldn't see me. Leo is a major mama's boy, and whines and tries to get to me when someone else has him on lead. The only thing that was close enough to the ring to allow me to be as close to the ring as I was, was 6 American Cockers that were stacked in their crates on a dolly and a dinky column. I felt like I was some shady stalking paparazzi. Good thing other people have been in my boat and didn't call security on me, thinking I was going to steal a dog or something! This is video of Leo (being shown by Chelsea) winning his first ever points, and it was a 3 point major no less. He also won BOS today. I showed him yesterday, and he won RWD to a major. Not a bad weekend at all! Cosmo stayed with his Auntie Deb and Uncle Doug and their basset foster failure, Clifford. All three boys got along so well with each other. I think Cosmo enjoyed the mini vacation from his brother and the two leggers!I publically want to thank my friends Anita and Chelsea P, Lauren O, Deb C, and Roberta B. for supporting me and Leo this weekend. What a ride! Congrats to Anita P for her HUGE 3 wins on Saturday (Leo was reserve to her boy).

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Cosmo 12 wks old
Here's the birthday boy on his first official first day in our house, Easter 2006. I can't believe 3 yrs have already gone by! Birthday wishes have been sent from his dad, Cubby, and his brothers, Charlie and Quid. Cosmo celebrated the occasion with a specialty bone biscuit from 3 Dog Bakery that I picked up (along with one for Leo and some special doggie treats for his agility friends). Happy birthday buddy! We're wishing you MANY MANY HAPPY MORE!

It's snowing!

Leo in the dusting of snow

We actually had snow last year on 1/16, so I'm really surprised we woke up to snow this morning. Leo and Cosmo think it's pretty cool to run around snuffling in the snow and chasing after the snowflakes (that are REALLY coming down right now). I wish we'd get some real snow that the boys could run around and play in. But, then again, they'd get really wet and muddy and make a huge mess thawing out in the house. Oh well..... Leo has to get bathed again this week anyway as we're heading down to Ladson for the shows this weekend. There is a good turnout for ECS's-- there are 11 entered. I'm hoping Leo is able to strut his stuff, do his thing, and snag a few points. That would be a great way to start off the New Year!!!

2008 DoDa Agility party

Last years party was pretty miserable. We had great food and friends at last years party, but it POURED and the small pop up tent we were under kept dumping down our backs. We're true dog people though--- we all stayed out there for 3 hrs! This year it was chilly but NO rain! Since I've been going to these parties the longest (I'm one of the original DoDa'ers) Mary decided to do some snooker because I've never done that. We did pretty well at it. Getting to a couple of the obstacles was a challenge. I asked Roberta if she'd try to get some pics of Cosmo, and he was moving so doggone fast, he's blurry in them (which is ok, because I at least now have proof that we're doing agility together!). I wish I'd given the camera to Roberta with the digital camera with the video option rolling on it. Cosmo did the weaves straight up and only missed one. I was so excited! I've got to work with him on my right side though, because he couldn't do it on that side because he was too busy looking up at me to see what I was doing. Oh well... progress is progress.

Ho Ho Time

Leo and Cosmo sitting pretty and being good boys....

and then Leo sneaking a smooch from a not so thrilled about it Cosmo. Oh well... it only took me a total of four pictures to get two that turned out pretty well. I was surprised. I've had a harder time getting a picture of just one of them! Both boys are hoping that Sandy Paws brings them a nice treat. I keep reminding them that they still have 20 days to be good or else the Fat Man is going to bypass our house.

Leo has gotten used to the tree now-- at least he's not staring at it from across the room like he did the first night. Last year it was in a different spot which was more protected from the dogs, cat, and kids. So far, so good. No one has knocked it over or taken an ornament. I did finally wrap some presents to stick under it to keep them from going under it (ie using it as a short cut) and from getting under there and rolling around on the tree skirt (like, why can't they just do that anywhere else BUT there??)