Evening Sky

A Good Day for Dogs in 2009

Thanksgiving Friday in Napa

A day to remember in 2009

(LtoR: Cappy, Malibu, Fig, Elbee, Sage, Denali, Watson)

Rally Novice Title! (And a Blue Ribbon!)

An awesome day for Denali! She was a little gem in the ring!

(Unfortunately the person taking pictures was using my camera and didn't know how to turn off the flash, so we got really poor photos. Most were too dark, and this one makes it look like I sat in chalk dust...very odd!)

Today we had a judge who was a stickler for a tight leash. She even made a point of announcing that fact just before our class showed. And, the course had a lot of right turns - just the place where Denali lags and pulls the leash!

But today, she did a fantastic job! As we left the ring, other exhibitors on all sides were saying "That was beautiful," and "I think you got 100!"

There were only two dogs showing after us, and I was still talking to people who were admiring Denali when one of my obedience club friends rushed up exclaiming, "You won!" As she did yesterday, Denali smiled and looked disgustingly adorable to her admiring public, soaking up the compliments (and the liver treats).

The tight leash was a factor, costing us one point, but no one had a perfect score. So, with a score of 99, Denali finished in the Blue Ribbon spot today. Whoohooo!!

AND, this was her third leg, so she earned her Rally Novice title.

She's now officially:

C-Myste Denali, RN, CGC

(Looks like another title holder for the C-Myste "Parade" Carolyn!)

And many thanks to Denali's brother, 'Kota, who sent good luck wishes for today. I am sure they made a difference! Hugs to you 'Kota!

Today's Rally Competition

There is a cluster dog show taking place near us, in San Mateo, CA this weekend. It runs through Wednesday, with opportunities for multiple Rally legs for us! Unfortunately, we weren't eligible for yesterday's competition because our trainer was the judge. But I did go to scope out the facility and the competition - and there was a lot of it!

Today, Denali and I were ready to take on a stiff field of competitors. There were over 20 dogs in our Novice A class. Unless you scored in the very high 90's there was no chance for a ribbon.

Until the very last dog showed, we held onto second place, with our score of 97. Only one outscored us, with a total of 99 points. Then came that last dog; a lovely German Shepherd who truly deserved the perfect 100 score - beautiful to watch!

As it happened, there were two 97 scores and we captured the yellow ribbon by finishing our run two seconds faster than the other entry! Wow...lots of very nice dogs. We will see them all again tomorrow and hopefully that will be our third leg, and Denali's RN title!

Truthfully, even better than getting the second leg was the experience of leaving the ring today. As we were going back through the crowd, a number of other exhibitors, who had just seen us run the course, stopped me to say what a beautiful, and nicely trained dog I have! Denali put on her best smile and was declared "so cute" by multiple admirers. One commented that she was "so attentive" in the ring.

Regardless of points and ribbons, the obedience training and experience of attending matches and trials has really improved Denali's socialization and confidence. She has matured into a really nice companion that I can take anywhere, and a nice model for the breed. I was so proud to be able to say that this beautiful dog is mine!

We had fun today, and tomorrow we'll do the same!

Gypsy - a REALLY Nice Rescue Girl!!

Typically I get a fair amount of mail from people who want to alert ForPaws Corgi Rescue to a corgi, or corgi mix, in a shelter that doesn't have much time and needs urgent help. But earlier this week I received six messages in twenty-four hours, four from people who've never written to me before, about a nice female Pembroke in a high kill shelter in Modesto, CA . It seemed as if everyone in northern California was suddenly lobbying for this dog!

"Gypsy" had been there for thirty days and was almost out of time. Her owner had lost his home and had to surrender her. One easy phone call to the shelter and she was rescued. I wish I'd known about her sooner!

When we arrived to pick her up, this sweet girl greeted us with kisses. A sweeter, more well-behaved dog I've never seen. She is amazing! She was a little nervous about leaving with new people, but traveled easily in the car, allowing us to pop her in a crate without issue.

Because she'd been in the shelter for so long, she really smelled bad! And she was visibly extremely dirty. Typically we don't stress a dog during the first few days by attempting to bathe it, but there wasn't a choice in this case.

On the way home we stopped at Pet Food Express, where Gypsy spent an hour in the self-service bath tub. Two shampoos later, this gorgeous dog emerged from what had been a dull, brown mat of thick fur. She was incredibly well-behaved with everyone she met. In no time she had the staff at the store fawning over her. She charmed everyone and was in her element sitting in Gina's lap receiving attention and treats.

She is quite overweight and will be on a diet, starting immediately. But its easy to see how beautiful she'll be when she's dropped some excess pounds.

This was definitely Gypsy's lucky day! She will spend a little time in foster care, getting back in shape, and early in 2010 she will find that perfect forever home. Someone is going to be totally thrilled with this lovely girl!

Happy New Year Gypsy - 2010 is going to be a great year!

Christmas Help (or not)!

This morning, as I was frantically wrapping last-minute gifts at my gift-wrapping station, a.k.a. the dining room table, I heard the unmistakable sound of shredding paper behind me.

No real surprise to find that the source of the noise was this little canine thief who had snagged one of my scraps and was finding it quite entertaining.

Why give gifts when the paper is so much fun?

Does it always come in rolls like this? I bet I can fix that!

I like the crackly noise it makes too!

Christmas is SO much fun!

But it's also a LOT of work. I need a nap now after all that gift wrapping assistance.

BTW, did you know that my collar has little snow men on it? We all got holiday collars for Christmas. Mine is the best with the snow men. Denali's has candy canes and Elbee's has snowflakes.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Home for the Holidays!

Every year there are those rescue dogs that get the Best Gift of All...a new Home for the Holidays - and forever! This year it's Mario's turn!

This sweet boy has waited awhile, but it was well worth it. Between Christmas and New Year's he will make the trip to his new family; two lovely people who've had corgis in their hearts for a long time!

Congratulations Mario!

You're going to be very,

very happy!

We wish you a wonderful new life!