October - The pace doesn't let up
Debra, Bruce and Molly's trip to the South Shore of Nova Scotia came to an end but it was great to follow along on their anniversary vacation.
On the other side of the country, Loki has been busy hekping to put grouse in the larder while Chewbacca has not been helping with very much at all, good job he is cute!!
The week before my birthday was a whirlwind of adventures.
It started with a trip to Quebec, to our old haunt Baker Animal Hospital in fact for Digger's ultrasound appointment with Lisa Carioto.
She is the specialist we have been using since way back in Nipper's day.
This was a follow up from Digger's appointment with Lisa (and husband Jean) in 2023 when some sludge was first detected in his gall bladder.
Well the sludge has increased and is not as fluid as one would like so he is going on ursodiol, so fingers crossed he tolerates it and it does the trick.
Digger is totally asymptomatic with perfect blood work so it shows how sneaky gall bladder issues can be in our breed.
Then on the Tuesday, Anna, Shawna and myself all headed to Trenton for the dogs' appointment with Pearly Whites, this is the cosmetic teeth cleaning service we use twice a year. Renata and her assistants are amazing and very quick to spot dental issues that might need veterinary intervention.
Thursday it was off to Perth for coffee with Fred & Marnie.
We really enjoy these meet ups and hope they can continue thru the winter, weather permitting.
Then Friday we headed back to Huntsville, ON. This time in the car so much easier for us to stop, park and grab some more geocaches.
That night we had supper at The Smokin' Hot BBQ in Huntsville.
What a unique restaurant in (and outside of) the old train station, full of Texan themed memorabilia and the food was outstanding, the best brisket and ribs we have ever had.
Saturday we were back at Four Paws Ready Inn Agility. Pickles was totally not cooperating and I took her off the field in each of her runs.
Digger on the other hand was on his game. He went two for two earning his second Advanced Jumper leg and even better, his third Master Standard leg for his Master Agility Dog of Canada title. I opted to pull him from his last run so we could hit the road early. We were looking forward to supper as we had left over ribs, brisket and smoked Mac 'n Cheese.
We did find a little food truck The PitStop to grab some fries to hold us over. They were excellent, cut from skin on spuds.
We also picked up a bottle of single malt on the way home for our customary "great weekend" celebratory toast.
Monday it was off to Agility again, this time locally at Big Sky.
Pickles stayed home with Chris as she can too easily get through the fence at the field and it is surrounded by inviting wide open spaces that are home to coyotes amongst other dangers.
Anna's Olek got to participate in a fun run and earned a lot of nice compliments on his performance..
Then it was an actual small trial, Digger was entered in two Master Standard runs. His first one was appalling and I carried him off the course.
His second was much better and he would have qualified had I not sent him the wrong way round the first jump!!!!
And the day ended with a fantastic turkey supper at Anna's with Chris and Shawna. It doesn't get much better than that.
The Tuesday after Thanksgiving we put the boat on the water for the last time this year, a picture perfect day.
Then Thursday it was off to the BTC/BTCO Earthdog Weekend in Sunderland ON.Shawna, Anna and I shared an amazing Air B'n'B.
The weekend was a huge success albeit exhausting. Anna and Shawna both had some fantastic successes with their gang (see the Brag Pages).
I did not enter anyone, just too much hassle combined with judging and volunteering but I did take Digger along for the ride and safe to say he had a pretty good time.
He especially liked riding out on the Ranger to help me set the dens each morning.
The following
Saturday Digger had Scent Detection offered by the Kingston and District Kennel Club and held at a local school. He just needs Master Interior and Exterior to complete his SDM.
He worked really well on the Exterior and I knew approximately where it was (it was a four foot high hide). Turns out if I had called alert while he was up on his hind legs in the right area the judge would have given it to him. As it was I pointed at the wrongs stone. As in some other tests there is a degree of judge's subjectivity. You have to know your judges.
One thing is he did make it clear there was only one hide in the search area - bless him and shoot the handler.
The interior was hoot. Two rooms with anywhere from 1 to 3 hides and one room can be empty.
The rooms were classrooms so full of stuff. They also had desks and chairs with tennis balls on the chair legs to prevent that screeching we probably all remember from early school days.
Well!!! Digger zeroed in on the tennis balls, going from one chair leg to the next until he found one he liked and then did a really good alert.
Needless to say there was no hide just a tennis ball he really wanted. Had to laugh, guess what we will be using as a distraction in practice.
Supper at Anna's was a great way to end the day. And Sunday night we returned the favour. I am truly blessed to be able to enjoy local (and fantastic) company.
We did squeeze in ome more ice cream trip with the dogs before the month ended, this one to Mile and a Quarter Ice Cream where the pup cones are free!!!!
Birthdays in October were celebrated by Lola, Emma and Ruby who turned on October 3rd and Fells who bevame a venerable veteran celebrating his 15th birthday on October 12th.
September - nd Summer continues
Digger had a grand birthday which included going to find a couple of geocaches. On the way we spotted two kiddie chairs to give away and couldn't resist.
The second geocache was at a very interesting location called Fossil Park
This was followed by ice cream of course, had to settle for Mile and a Quarter Ice Cream as Limestone Creamery wasn't open. However, the pup cone was free!!!
Tony's plan to take Loki hunting on her birthday (also the first day of the season), was thwarted by the heat and wildfire smoke, so she had to settle on mousing instead.
Abbey started her day with a favorite..scrambled eggs. Then accompanied Barb on her first walk out of the house and yard since Barb's knee replacement surgery 10 days ago.
A slow pace but Abbey loved the time to stop and sniff and mark everything.
The rest of the day she played with Olive, napped, barked at deer nd then had some bits of pork chop mixed into her regular dinner meal.
All in all she seemed to think it was a good day! And the weather was perfect!
Digger's birthday week continued in fine style
Digger and Pickles had agility on Wednesday morning and thanks to coach Robin's patience and persistence, the agility game of Snooker finally made some sort of sense. A good thing as Digger was entered at the weekend.
A quick brunch when we got home and then it was off to the Cataraqui Cemetary (resting place of John A - and visited by Beth and Debra and Bruce on their Kingston trips).
It is a lovely if huge cemetary and great place to walk the dogs. Purpose of the trip was to locate three new geocaches, two of which had not been found before so Chris earned coveted "First Find" credentials.
After all that walking there was only one place to go…Limestone Creamery.
A Guinness and Gingerbread, Lemon Chiffon and pupcone with two cookies later it was time for home …and a nap
We finally got the boat on the water with the dogs in September, and…as was bound to happen sooner or later…. Pickles went in the water.
She has this insane belief that she can balance on the gunwale!!!
While Loughborough lake is clear and clean, her resulting odor necessitated a trip to the Pet Valu self wash facility the following day - she was not amused.
We also took time out to see Downton Abbey - The Finale.
While the story line could have been stronger it was still enjoyable and a nice wrap up for the familiar faces.
Friday of that week we left for Mississauga to help with the Meet The Breeds Booth at the Pet expo on Saturday. Dry camping at Bass pro Shops was not available so instead we opted for a camp ground right in Mississauga and just 15 minutes from the international Centre (location of the Pet Expo). Talk about a wonderful Oasis in an urban setting.
The Meet the breeds was great, Digger, Pickles and Kirsten Campbell's Hazel were stellar. Presenting the breed at it's most chill.
From there it was off to the Red Barn for Sprinter on Sunday where Pickles turned into the Screaming Hellion who cannot wait in line but who has to be kept well away until it is her turn so that the volunteers are not drowned out in their communication efforts.
She finished her Sprinter Excellent title with points to spare.
We were away from there by 11:00 am and took the scenic route home with several successful geocaching stops on the way.
The weather was just the icing on the cake!!
Out West, the weather finally cooperated and Loki was able to get out grousing, it seems that Chewie approves of the spoils.
Debra, Bruce and Molly headed back to Canada but this time to Nova Scotia for a vacation. A good time was definitley had judging by the photos
The month ended on a sad note with the passing of Shawna's mom. We only met Alison twice but those meetings were enough to know that she was an incredible person, both professionally and at home. Our thoughts are with Shawna and her family.
Birthdays in September: Abbey, Digger, Keltic and Loki all turned 12 on September 1st. Shari's Merlin also celebrated a birthday on September 1st turning 13 years old..
August - Another fun filled and busy month
David and Lisa along with Jessie were our first visitors in August. Fresh from their trip to England it was great to catch up.
Jessie was a great houseguest and was fantastic with Molly (Little gherkin)/
A visit to a local dog ftiendly brewery with Jessie and meals with Anna and shawna at our place and Anna's rounded out the trip. so hope to see them again next summer if not before.
Anna, Gen and myself made a very productive visit to the Red Barn, Barrie for Sprinter. nimbus, olek and Lola all earned their novice Sprinter titles and pickles is now close to her exvellent Sprinter title.
Amber and Robert came to visit bringing two Personal watercraft with them. we had two outing one Loughborough Lake and one on Sydenham Lake. The first trip did not start off well when Robert fussing too much over how Chris and I were managing dumped himself and Amber into the lake!!!
That not withstanding it was a fantastic visit and much appreciated.
On August 22nd, Debra and Bruce came to make a final decision on wherher Molly (Little Gherkin) would be going home with them. She did a good job of selling herself and they are up for teh challenge.
We made the most of their visit with a trip to the brewery, this time with Molly. Plus a lovely drive for a get together with Fred and Marnie at Coutte's Cafe...with Molly of course. we also took Molly on the Ferry trip to Amherst Island to visit the Topsy Farm yarn shop and grab a geocache.
You could say that Molly spent the week showing Debra and Bruce that she is the Consummate traveller.
Naturally there were the suppers with Shawna and Anna to broaden the conversations, and a play date with Spike.
Their visit ended with Chris and I saying a tearful goodbye to Molly as she left for Connecticut.
Birthdays in August were celebrated Deenie's Pippa who celebrated her 11th birthday on August 11th while Mark and Michele's Grizzy turned 9 on August 25th.
July - Please tell me where this month went
While Beth was here we met up with Fred and Marnie at Coutts Coffee Roastery & Cafe in Perth. This was another great outing for the Gherkins
Big Gherkin also had his first show ring experience and received some very nice compliments from the judge.
Beth left with Big Gherkin a.k.a Chewbacca on July 8th. Chewbacca handled the 16 hour travel day like the trooper he is. He is settling in and working slowly and carefully with Beth and Tony's help to win Loki over.
Less than a week after Beth left, we were off to Noteworthy Farm, Cross Creek NB for the Miramichi shows and sprinter trials, BTC Regional Specialty and Earthdog Tests. A truly hectic but productive week with several geocaches on the way there and back.
I cannot recommend this site enough and the food at the Saturday night Kitchen Party was REALLY good. Definitely a site to watch for any events they offer. Great people as well.
It was good to get home, weather is still unbelievably hot and dry and the garden has paid the price.
Birthdays in July were celebrated by Ivy and Scout who hit double digits turning 10 on July 11th, Pippa's Rupert celebrated birthday 11 on July 17th and Tiago turned five on July 27th.
Fells was keeping an eye on his garden
is that tomatoes and strawberries we see
A few memories from our trip to Noteworthy Farm, Cross Creek, New Brunswick.
And back home once more the adventures continue
June - Once again, busy at home and away
We had barely caught up from our Specialty trip and house guests before Anna and I were off to New brunswick to help with the set up of a brand new earthdog site at Noteworthy Farm, Cross Creek NB.
This is a fantastic location with brand new Joe Schrimpf style liners and fenced den areas.
The first tests at this location will be held in July in conjunction with the Miramichi Kennel Club Shows, featuring a BTC Regional Specialty, nine Sprinter Trials and a host of other activities.
While Pickles and I were away with Anna, the Gherkins and Digger stayed home with Chris and had a great time enjoying new freedoms.
We had a fantastic visit from Debra and Graham who came to meet Little Gherkin with a view to taking her home at the end of August.
The month ended with Beth flying out to decide whether Big Gherkin will make a suitable not-so-little Bro for Loki
In between we worked hard to promote the New Brunswick Earthdog Tests
The only birthdays in June were Jane's Didi who became a veteran turning 7 on June 6th and Shawna's Tink who turned 9 on June 23rd
May - With two Specialties, Earthdog and so much more, May was a humdinger of a month
To say that May was busy is a total understatement. With last minute preparations taking up most of the first three weeks of the month, then the Specialties both amazing events despite less than optimal weather. The earthdog tests were a great success and blessed with much better weather. Frank. Camilla and the [very well behaved] Highdyke crew visisted for a few days as did Anne Geall. It was a truly memorable May
The Specialty trip was the Gherkins first trip in the camper and they ahndled it like pros. They remained quiet and content in their crates for long periods and played hard when they were given the chance. Such troopers and seasoned travellers.
Jansim family successes at the specialties and ED tests can be found on the brag pages of Olek, Lola, Felek, Fergus, Keltic, Spike and Pickles. But I must also mention Spikes housemate and friend of the family, Tink. Not only was she best in Veteran Sweeps and Best Veteran in Specialty at the BTCO Specialty but she also completed her CKC Master Earthdog Title and earned a bonus leg. Tink is an absolutely awesome little dog.
We thoroghly enjoyed having Camilla and Frank visit for a few days after the Specialty as well as Anne who came to stay after helping Anna out on the lead up to the Specialty.
Frank and Camilla's dogs were just the best canine house guests and the pups especially enjoyed Anne's company.
While they were here Frank and Chris visited the CAF Museum in Trenton and the SS Keewaytin boiler room right here in Kinsgton.
Camilla and Anne also took the Kingston Trolley tour and it did not disappoint.
At the end of the month I had the priviledge of volunteering as ring crew at the AAC Regional Champiuohsips just up the road in Harrowsmith. It is alwasy grounding to see great dog and handler teams perform at the top of their game and also make a mess of things occasionally.
Birthdays in May included Spike who celebrated his third birthday on May 12th, a birthday shared with Anna and memories of Blue, gone far too soon
Amanda's Cole turned 9 on May 18th and Lexi turned five, also on May 12th.
April - Hopefully, spring will come back
Start of April saw mixed weather yet again. Snow on April 2nd then sunshine and well above freezing on April 4th!!!
The month really got away from me with the pups and everything else.
Pickles was well and truly over being a mom by the time the Gherkins hit 6 weeks and there was much to do to ensure that they received all the appropriate attention.
The very best part of the month was that Pickles, with mom duties done and suted, accepted Digger back into her life as if nothing had happened.
The only birthday in April is Helen Blake's CBTW adoptee Ringer who will be 14 on April 15th
March - Spring is sprunging
Despte a few on again off again snow squalll, the changing of the clocks seemed to suher in a sense of spring around the cornere
Pickles is still struggling with the responsibilities of motherhood but we are making baby steps in the right direction
March certainly went out like a lion with an ice storm that spared us but did a fair amount of damage elsewhere.
Birthdays in March:
Gryzia became a teenager on March 7th turning thirteen while Salem celebrated his 14 th birthday the same day.
Our son Robert celebrated his half century on March 8th
Rosie turned 9 on March 15th and Olive celebrated her 5th birthday on March 21st
February - Sadness, Challenges, Friends and more sadness.
February started out with the sad news that Lee had to say goodbye to Jinx just three weeks short of her sixteenth birthday. Jinx passed peacefully at home with those she loved and who loved her. She was the the last of the 2008 Molly-Zeke pups. The end of an era!!!
Cold weather set in early making my committment to keep Pickles in shape much more challenging. Thankfully she was able to complete her last set of agility classes.
Shawna, Anna, Chris and I continued our our weekly or twice weekly get togethers for supper, either at Anna's or our place. up until a week or so before Pickles due date.
Birthdays in February:
With the passing of Jinx, we would have been left with no four-footed birthdays in February except on February 26th, Pickles gave birth to three "gherkins" at the vets. Sadly, the first little girl could not be revived. RIP Littlest gherkin. You can follow the progress of the two remaining gherkins here.
January - What will 2025 bring??
January started off with our annual "goodbye to the Turkey with "Paul Hollywood's leftover Turkey and Ham Pie" shared with Anna and Shawna. I feel so blessed to have such good friends within 15 minutes of our home, We have shared some fantastic meals and conversations, extending beyond dogs.
There was group discussion on various plans for 2025 and it promises to be a year with some exciting trips and hopefully its share of get togethers.
Thanks to the absence of any real snow fall we were able to avail ourselves of Shawna's lovely back yard for a game of "chuck it" with Digger and Pickles the first two Saturdays in January. Pregnant or not I want to keep Pickles in really good condition, either for whelping or running agility!!!
On January 27th Pickles was confirmed pregnant via ultrasound at Grahame Animal Hospital, three little Digger buns in the oven. Now the planning and anxiety really starts.
The trip back from Grahame was highlighted by a late lunch stop in Port Hope where we enjoyed an amazing burger from The Railside Restaurant and Chris found a geocache in the parking lot opposite the Restaurant. All in all a long trip worth making.
Finally, on the last day of the month we were able to get together with Fred and Marnie at Coutt's cafe in Perth. It was a bit too chilly for Fred and Chris to find a geocache but maybe next time.
Birthdays in January:
Sarah M's Neville turned five on January 12th and Olek and Fergus celebrated their first birthday on the same day.
David and Lisa's Jessie hit double digits turning 10 on January 19th and Anna's Felek will celebratet his 12th birthday on January 24th
