What Kind of Dog Are You?

My sisters and I spent Sunday afternoon at Casanel Winery. Jo brought her 3 month old German Shepherd puppy, Gustof. Although Gustof lives with 5 Golden Retrievers, his exposure to other dogs has been minimal. He didn't know what to make of our collies at first! Twister was most fascinated with the visitor, thoroughly checking him out and wondering how to get Gustof into the yard to play. Jewel wasn't exactly sure she wanted to have company. Lauren greeted Gustof happily--another playmate!--but when he didn't join in the fun in the yard, she ran off to continue her games. Gustof decided our guys were o.k. even sticking his head through the fence to their delight.

The Great Adventure

Gibson's trip to PetSmart on Sunday was quite a success! The only downer was that he got car sick coming and going. But, once he was at the store, he was interested in everything and not intimidated or nervous over any new experience. The store was having a large adoption event so there was lots of people, dogs and a few cats. Gibson has been with our cats of course, but was interested to see cats in crates that couldn't be chased. He really enjoyed seeing all the dogs and seemed almost baffled that not all the dogs were interested in meeting him and playing. One dog approached him, seemed friendly and wanted to play, then suddenly started snarling and barking at Gibson's face. Gibson just took a step back with a quizzical look on his face, trying to figure out what exactly the rules of the game were supposed to be! He got to see children, which he hasn't before, and found them to be loads of fun. Gibson almost dragged me down the toy aisle, where he nosed just about everything on display and even picked up a couple of rope toys. We would have bought him a new toy, but he quickly lost interest, wanting to explore the other aisles. All in all, a very good trip. Now, we need to work on walking on a lead some more. He's very good for the most part, but if something catches his attention, he wants to dash off to explore.
Today, Gibson and Twister got de-barked. Twister re-covered faster than Gibson, he was able to walk into the house, although his legs weren't completely steady and his head was a bit heavy on his neck. Gibson had noodle legs and body so I had to carry him into the house for a long afternoon nap. He only weighs 58 pounds, but it felt like closer to 75! Now, both boys are completely recovered from their morning ordeal and are ready for supper and a romp in the little bit of snow we have.

Week-end of Mixed Results

We had a very fun week-end, although it didn't end on the high note we had hoped for. Ellen stayed with us for the Mason Dixon Collie Club and Collie Club of MD shows. We had a good time, we talked dogs and we got to meet Danny, CH Travlers Greased Lightning, owned by Cathy Keefer. Ellen suggested he might be a good match for Phoebe, and we had to whole heartedly agree! I went to the Mason Dixon show with Ellen on Saturday and got to know Cathy and Robert, plus spend time with Danny. And, I won the fleece vest I really wanted at the raffle! After the show, we relaxed at our house with chili and football. Before it got dark, Ellen, Cathy and Robert got a tour of the kennel and met the dogs. Ellen thought both Cyclone and Twister have matured so nicely, that they belong in the show ring! David got home from a basketball game in time for a lively conversation on names for the boys. Twister will keep his call name, but will be registered as Hillcroft Rock the House. Cyclone has been re-christened as Gibson and will be registered as Hillcroft Hard Rock. At this point, the boys are still available, but to serious show homes so they can pursue their championshiops. Gibson will start his show career at the end of the month in NJ.
On Sunday, Claire was entered in the CCMD show, hoping she would finish. She's in a beautiful, bloomy coat and went to the show with lots of attitude, very showy and with that "look-at-me" stance. I thought nothing could go wrong and today would be our day! Unfortunately, as Claire went into the ring, things didn't go as hoped. For whatever reason--in heat hormones, too long a break from the ring, unable to maintain her attitude--she didn't win her class. So, we'll try again next week-end. Dog shows really demonstrate the saying--"hope springs eternal"!