Forpaws Corgi Rescue Updates

The last of our four CastAways is about to depart for his new home. Just in time to be a special Valentine, Wilson will come to California (yahoo!) where he'll no doubt miss the snow drifts in Minnesota!

On January 30th our beautiful brown brindle girl, Grace, finally went to her Forever Home in Washington state...and a GREAT one it is! 

After waiting 4 months for her ACL surgery to heal, Grace is ready to go on with her new life. This time she's getting some new doggie parents who will give her the home she's deserved for so long, but not been able to find.

We want to say a very special Thank You to those involved at the Cardigan Welsh Corgi National Rescue Trust. Without their generous assistance Grace would have been put down, versus getting the surgical treatment that will enable her to live a healthy life for many more years to come!  This was a very special rescue girl, and we are deeply indebted to the CWCNRT...thanks Sherilyn!

Now some New Kids on the Block.  These two (male corgi mix, female Pem) were found stray along a highway and were fortunate enough to end up in ForPaws foster care in Kansas. They've just arrived and we will be evaluating them prior to making them available.

Meet Pete (corgi/shiba inu? mix), and Rosie, his pretty Pembroke friend.

And, here's the Cherry on Top!  This is Doodles!

This incredibly sweet and beautiful little guy (only 20lbs) is "Doodles" (short for Doodlebug).  He's also in foster care in Kansas.  He's been evaluated and is ready to go to the right home. This one isn't terribly shy, but is noise sensitive, and a bit timid. He needs a calm home with a patient person who can help build his confidence. He's just 3 years old, is a total cuddlebug, and has the potential to develop into a stellar companion!

See his official listing on the ForPaws Corgi Rescue website!

14 Weeks - A Busy Boy!

So many toys...so little time. One of the Sage's favorite toys continues to be the tennis ball. We got cool orange ones at the Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog show last weekend - freebies!  

They're most interesting when wedged into hard-to-reach places!

And then, there is the family history becoming readily apparent. Sage has a real penchant for zippers. Luckily, all of the zippers on our dog beds are already broken, thanks to Denali's puppyhood antics. No one can destroy a zipper faster than Denali. I am sure she has the Guiness Book record. But now that they no longer work, each individual tooth can be removed in mere seconds by Sage, The Zipper Ripper!

Yep, he's getting bigger, though he is most likely still the smallest male in the litter. Currently he's about 13.8 pounds. Gaining a pound/week, just like everyone else, but he started out smaller. His cream color is definitely darkening and he's becoming more handsome all the time!

As promised, Sage is definitely a lap puppy. He loves to be held, and likes to "hug." These photos were taken by my left hand, while the right one held a puppy in my lap.

Today some friends came to visit - we like friends! They make funny noises, and play the walking hand game with us!

Week 13- Transition to Demon Dog Begins!

EARS UP!

Ears are back up - mostly. No taping required.  I think they'll stay up at a point without tape, but the left one is down some days, and up on others.

Now Sage is discovering more interesting things in the world - all of which belong in his mouth!

Thank goodness for the oodles of dog toys that it took to entertain Denali. Sage's favorite remains the tennis ball. And two is even better!

Ahwww...so sweet. Who would guess that this is the same puppy that put a hole in my pants earlier this evening by nipping at them as I attempted to walk by. After all, they were "flappy" plants. And you've just got to try to catch flappy pants!

Sigh...  He's turned the corner from little rolly polly puppy, to fanged monster!  Suddenly all textiles and paper products are "must chew" items. Oh yes, I remember this stage.

Sage seems even more handsome as his color starts to darken a little. Hard to be upset with Demon Puppy, when he's so pretty!

Digging a tennis ball out from underneath the furniture is a fascinating pursuit - this week!

King Charlie goes to Washington on Inauguration Day!

Tomorrow is a Big Day, not just for Mr. Obama, 

but for "King Charlie" too!

After spending time in foster care since last Fall, one of our CastAways is going to his real home tomorrow.  He will be the star of the show for a corgi-experienced couple in the Washington D.C. area.  They couldn't be more excited to have this new little man in the household. We know they'll treat him like the King that he is!

Have a Safe Trip and a Wonderful Life Charlie! 

We all love you!

Sage - Learning Dog Language

It is simply fascinating to see an adult dog teaching a puppy how to "communicate." Watching them do the faux battle is like a carefully choreographed dance. For now Denali is always way ahead, understanding the action and reaction associated with all of her moves. She leads Sage through the dance, allowing him to learn just a little more each time. 

Because Sage is so young he still has his Puppy Pass. Denali lets him get away with things that definitely won't fly when he gets a little older. He's a smart little boy, and she's pretty bright, so it will be interesting to see how the relationship changes as they mature together.

There are so many subtle messages sent. For example, I didn't even realize that Denali was licking her nose till I saw this photo after-the-fact.

To See Video - Click Here

Denali got a Puppy for Christmas!

When we told Denali she was getting a puppy for Christmas, she was skeptical. Now that Sage has been her awhile she's figured out that he's a lot of fun to play with.  (There is something familiar about him....?) 

She's also figured out that he's pretty smart, so she's started the faux Kill the Beast lessons. It is really quite fascinating to see her demonstrate the moves and allow Sage to practice on a willing "victim."

Sage is an enthusiastic participant...Okay, so he's a puppy!

He's getting better at it every day - and they practice a lot!

Denali demonstrates another important lesson: Drama Queen! (Primal Scream?)

Sage catches on quickly: Double Primal Scream!

Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show - Jan.24-25, San Francisco, CA

If you can only attend one dog show, and you live in California, this is the one to see. It is one of the few "benched" shows still in existence.  This is also a Blue Ribbon Show. Any dog entered for conformation judging must have won a Blue Ribbon under a previous judge.

At a benched show, all of the entered dogs are on exhibit when they're not in the show ring being judged. They're available for the public to meet all day long, along with their owners/breeders who can tell you all about the breed. It is a great opportunity to see some unusual dogs, and meet some wonderful ones. 

There are actually two shows in this same location over the course of the weekend. They're called "back-to-back" shows, so you get to see a Best in Show chosen at the end of each day!

If you're not familiar with what goes on at a Dog Show, here's a great overview so you'll Know Before you Go!

There are also some very important rules of Dog Show Etiquette:

Dogs that are accustomed to shows are generally well-socialized with other dogs and have good manners with people. However, in the interests of courtesy and edification …

1. Always ask before petting.
2. Always approach the dog from the front.
3. Make a fist and extend your hand for sniffing before you pet. Make sure your hands are clean.
4. Keep food out of reach. (Children carrying snacks or wearing ice cream are likely to get licked.)
5. Don’t block the entrance to the show rings.
6. Wait until after the class to ask questions and pet the dog.
7. Children in strollers are at face level with large dogs, so watch out for quick tongues and bruising tails.
8. Visit the education booth for information about purebred dogs, dog shows, performance events, etc.
9. Leave your pet at home; unentered dogs are not allowed on the grounds.

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Here's the show information - slanted toward the Corgi People and Obedience People out there, but pertinent to all breed lovers!

Golden Gate Kennel Club Show

There are 1419 dogs entered in the 1/24/09 show .The number before each Breed (Variety) indicates the number of dogs entered in that Breed (Variety). The numbers following each Breed (Variety) indicate the number of Regular Class Dogs, Regular Class Bitches, Best of Breed (Variety) (Dogs-Bitches), and Non-Regular Class Dogs or Bitches.

Breakdown - Corgis - Same for Saturday & Sunday Shows

25 Pembroke Welsh Corgis 6-14(3-2)0

7 Cardigan Welsh Corgis 3-3(1-0)0

Links for complete information - Saturday Show

Saturday Show Information

Saturday Judging Program (Breeds and times)

Saturday - Conformation Judging - Corgis

B-LE 25 Pembroke Welsh Corgis 5 8:30AM

B-LE 7 Cardigan Welsh Corgis 5 9:45AM

Obedience Judging - Saturday - Main Hall

# Entries/Class/Ring#/Time

3 Obedience Trial Classes Novice A 20 8:30

9 Obedience Trial Classes Novice B 20 9:00

7 Obedience Trial Classes Open B 8 10:00

7 Obedience Trial Classes Open A 8 11:00

5 Obedience Trial Classes Utility B 8 12:45

4 Obedience Trial Classes Utility A 8 1:30

Links for Complete Information - Sunday Show

Sunday Show Information

Sunday - Judging Program (Breeds and times)

Sunday - Conformation Judging - Corgis

B-LE 25 Pembroke Welsh Corgis 22 9:45AM

B-LE 7 Cardigan Welsh Corgis Ring22 2:15PM

Obedience Judging - Sunday - Main Hall

# Entries/Class/Ring#/Time

2 Obedience Trial Classes Novice A 20 8:30

9 Obedience Trial Classes Novice B 20 9:00

9 Obedience Trial Classes Open B 8 10:00

8 Obedience Trial Classes Open A 8 11:10

5 Obedience Trial Classes Utility B 8 1:00

4 Obedience Trial Classes Utility A 8 1:45

Have a Great Time!

Oh, Oh...Floppy Ear!

The advent of Floppy Ear - just when we thought we were home free! Looks like another Duct Tape Crown in this one's future.

Sage really doesn't care that his ear is floppy. It doesn't crimp his style in the least.  All he needs is a tennis ball and a chair and he will invent his own fun.

 

Click here to see!

Sage Playing

Puppy Fix!

For his 12-week birthday Sage got to go to the monthly meeting of my Dog Training Club so he could meet everyone. The turnout was especially high and the entire room was filled! He was a little overwhelmed, but spent the entire 1.5 hours on my lap being the Best Puppy!

For awhile he chewed on his bone, then listened to the discussion, finally settling into a serious nap. During the course of the evening he made a few of his squeaky comments, but never barked or was at all disruptive. Everyone exclaimed that he was a really good puppy!  Well, yeah....!

He was a little angel and when the meeting ended he allowed everyone to come and say hello and see just how handsome he is.  At one point I handed him to the woman sitting next to me who'd been dying to hold him all evening. He was a little frantic when first transferred, but settled right down when he realized I wasn't leaving.

As expected, none of the Club members had ever seen a Cardi puppy, let alone one as unusual as this. They were mystified as to what he was when I first showed up.  As the only Cardigan in the Club, Denali gets a lot of attention and quizzical looks. Being black and white they all thought she was a Border Collie mix at first. But this one really stumped them!

Looking more like a Big Dog every day. He's now up to about 12 pounds.

Caught...again...chewing on my storage boxes! Thank you Bitter Apple!

Having his very own Cardi Party!

Sage entertains himself with toys really well. He especially likes this new one that Denali got for Christmas!

Happy 11th Birthday Elbee!

Our beautiful little Rescue Pem, Elbee, is 11 years old today. 

She's got the most beautiful coat and the sweetest temperament.

She only weighs 15.5 lbs - a perfect little lap girl.

She hangs out by my chair - never far away.

She wasn't supposed to be ours...thank goodness no one told her!

Happy Birthday to a true Pembroke Princess!

Puppy "Gallumping" (More following with the Camera)

Puppies don't run - they "gallump" - See demonstration!

Following a Puppy around with a Camera

Eureka! (We have House Training!)

It appears that we have a smart fellow here! This morning about 15 minutes after eating, I was just about to take Sage out. He'd been playing with toys and bouncing around the house when he suddenly ran over to the back door and made a few little anxious squeaky noises. 

At that point Denali was outside and he could see her through the glass door. At first I thought he just wanted to play with her. Then he turned and ran to the other door, leading to the garage and yard, making the same noises and sniffing around a bit. He has been in and out both exits enough to know that they both lead to the backyard.

I called him (he knows his name and comes when called) and opened the back door. Out he went and got directly to business! He's got it! No I certainly don't expect him to be reliable yet, but he definitely has grasped the concept! Not bad for 11.5 weeks old!

This is the BEST Puppy!

This is the nicest puppy. He loves all of Denali's toys and entertains himself by playing with them for extended periods of time. Now that he's another week older he is starting to look more like a "little dog" and less like a "baby puppy."  Fascinating how they change!

The stuffed ring was new for Christmas - it still squeaks...cool!

And my nose fits through the hole in the center!  Even cooler!

The duck actually quacks and I can chew on its feet!

This is what happens if you make funny squeaky noises at this puppy so he will look at you when you take his picture.

Squeaky noises are even more interesting than Kong.

Ultimately, squeaky noises merit barking back! Wuff!

*Sorry these are such blurry photos. I had the camera on a different setting in order to take some photos of the structure of an attic space for work the other day and didn't reset it. But you get the idea.