It's not just about the dog itself, but the relationship you have with it!

ForPaws Helps Corgis and Corgi Mixes


Dedicated to Bart, who had the Most Beautiful Tail

"It's very simple. Dogs and cats and other talented animals have tails; their tails, with their thousands of flourishes, provide them with a wonderfully complex language of arabesques, not only for what they think and feel and suffer, but for every mood and vibration in their feeling tone. We have no tails, and since the more lively among us need some form of expression, we make ourselves paintbrushes and pianos and violins..."

Hermann Hesse


Monday, June 28, 2010

RAE-Leg 5 (Half Way There!)

Our obedience club hosted its annual trial on Sunday. Originally I wasn't going to enter, as Denali shows poorly in heat, but at the last minute we decided to support the Club and take a chance. Naturally our lovely 70-degree days gave way to a sudden heat spike into the 90's on Sunday, so I wasn't sure about the mid-morning Advanced class showing! Denali turns into a slow lemur in a dog suit when it gets warm.

The location was Cal State University, Hayward. It is an established campus with a lot of huge shade trees. Since we were the first dog scheduled in the EX-B ring at 8:00AM we got a prime camping spot under a giant fir tree. I also got a tip from another corgi owner about the Kool Collar, which I highly endorse! I got the last "small" at Petco on Saturday and it seemed to work well for Denali when temps hit the 80's.


Denali did really well, scoring 95 in Excellent-B and 97 in Advanced-B. We took fourth place in Advanced (tie for 3rd and 4th separated by three seconds) and were just out of the ribbons with a 5th place spot in Excellent.  But it was Denali's best outdoor showing yet in terms of her ability to hold up when it got warm and keep up her energy and enthusiasm in the ring. I was delighted with her performance! This is leg five, half-way to the RAE title.


This was a new judge, Theresa Temple, from Oregon. She was REALLY nice and took a moment to pose for pictures with several of us. Since I had my camera, I figured, why not!

As usual, people were curious about Denali. There are so few Cardigan Welsh Corgis in our area, and due to her fluffy coat, many think she's a border collie mix. As we were walking into the ring for awards one of the other qualifiers leaned over to the woman next to her and said "fluffy corgi," by way of explanation. I turned and saw them both looking intently at Denali. 

Several others approached us as we waited for awards, asking about Denali and if they could pet her. She always seems to know that people find her adorable and hams it up with her best smile.  As we were leaving the show we walked past a woman holding a Golden Retriever. She looked at Denali, her face filled with a smile as she exclaimed, "Oh...cute!"

Cute and talented...and doesn't she know it! Good work Denali!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

A Perfect June Wedding!!


This past weekend we were guests at what was probably the nicest wedding we've ever attended. Held at a beautiful ranch/winery in Malibu Canyon, CA, the setting was spectacular and the event was perfect! Below are some select photos from the day.

Congratulations Erica and Dennis - We wish you nothing but good health, good fortune and oodles of happiness as you go forward in your lives together.

BTW...you definitely know how to throw one Kick Ass Party!

Dinner among the trees...ahhh!

The gorgeous bride and handsome groom.

The maid of honor, watching her "little sister" to walk down the aisle.

The bride, groom and maid of honor.

The bride and her surprised father (sorry, couldn't resist posting this).

A candid shot of two happy sisters.

The bride's family.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Friday, June 11, 2010

Ginger is Looking for a Home


Here's Ginger!

Ginger is a classic spunky Pembroke Princess. She's not overly pushy, but needs someone who understands how to work with Royalty! She's a happy, playful little thing (only 16 pounds) who adores cuddling and being in charge of other adoring corgis. 

She's looking for her forever home and will be posted on the ForPaws Corgi Rescue website shortly. Currently she's in foster care in northwestern Minnesota, but will be happy to fly to her new home if necessary. If you know anyone who'd love a 4-y/o mini Princess, Ginger's your girl!




Wednesday, June 9, 2010

A Rough Life for a Rescue Dog



This is Cooper!
(Resting on the back of the sofa.)



When Cooper came into rescue he was an out-of-control teenager with no manners and no training. Time in foster care changed his outlook considerably!  


Now he's in his new home - and it seems to be agreeing with him! As you can see, life is rough here on top of the sofa! After all, a guy has to rest after keeping the horse and chickens in check.


Congratulations Cooper - you're one cool little dude!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

The Best Toys Always Roll!


Sage has a HUGE toy collection at his disposal. But give him a ball and everything else is forgotten! He will entertain himself with a big rubber ball ad infinitum.




Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Hey Hey! It's my Birthday!


Hi Ya!
Denali here!

Did you know that this is a REALLY BIG day?
Yea, it's my 7th Birthday! Whoo hoo!

Happy Birthday to my sister, Terra, and my four brothers too!

We're all named for trucks and SUVs. But my name has multiple meanings. Besides being an awesome big SUV, my name is in honor of my Aunt Kenai too. She was born in Alaska and her name pays tribute to the Kenai Peninsula. My name is a tribute to her and comes from Denali National Park.

Thanks to my mom, Baha, and my dad, Trooper, I am a very spunky girl. If you doubt it just ask my little brother, Sage! He's my favorite playmate!

Kathy says there will be Big Meat for dinner. I asked for beef with a side of chicken wing! She and Moe think I am pretty special. They call me the Fluffy-tailed Goof and say that I am a lot like a Dr. Seuss character sometimes. I think that's a compliment. Anyway, you can read my Birthday Poem below!


A canine spoof,

This fluffy-tailed Goof,

Here one moment,

Then gone.. pouf!


They call her a corgi,

And that’s no yorkie,

Long and low,

A lot like a dorgie.


But jump you’ll see,

On those short legs that be,

Knock-kneed and so funny,

Not at all storky.

They said she was “busy,”

Her pants in a tizzy,

She moves so fast,

It’s positively fizzy!


An adorable puppy,

Already quite uppy,

First under the deck,

But on time for her suppy.


As a teen she would preen,

A fluffy coat so supreme,

But come time to play,

She's first on the team.

Commandeering the toys,

Is one of her joys,

Though Sage tries his hardest,

Denali rules all the boys.


Fluffy and stunning,

So often caught running,

Graceful is she,

And oh sooo cunning!


Smart as a whip,

Rally-o staunch in her grip,

In just five months an RE,

RAE next on her trip!

And now she is seven,

With experience she can leaven,

Queen of the Pack,

Now that Bart’s in Heaven.


Oh that Fluffy-Tailed Goof,

Not at all aloof,

The canine in charge,

Her personality’s proof.


So on her big day,

She’ll have her way,

Like anyone else,

Would have a say.

You’re the best, little pearl,

You’ve given us a whirl,

Here’s to you spunky Princess,

Happy Birthday sweet Girl!