Castle at work.

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Castle

Castle is for sale. Brilliant shiba inu pup just turned six months old. Ball crazy. Tugs. Targets either hand. Ready for Excellent rally, yes, excellent except for the broad jump and off set fig. 8. haven't trained for those yet. started in treibball. Understands how to use the old pedal and arm flyball box....learned that yesterday in five minutes. Tracked on cement at 12 weeks of age, and figured out the game.Ready for PreNov obedience competition. Fetches. will make a smoking hot flyball, scent, or agility dog in the right hands. If you can drive it, it's a helluva ride! Pass the word.

The Prez

Blame it on Amanda

Aha!!!! The truth emerges.  Two days ago, Amanda posted a message about welcoming winter.  I think she is sorry she did that.  The rest of us are sorry she did that.  We now have 5 inches of snow and -34C.
I am surprised any of the animals can even move.  It's too cold to plow!
They closed Highway 3 East and West of the Pass.  Visibility was terrible.

This morning all is back to normal Highway wise, but the cold is debilitating. I feel bad for the calves that are being born in this weather.  If they are really lucky, they belong to Connie and Don.

The good news is that the  weather is supposed to break and temperatures rise to +3 on Saturday.  This is wonderful as we have the Hall rented for a club practice day starting at 9:30 with scent hurdle. Our team is suffering right now as both our height setters are experiencing back problems.  That leaves four veterans and three youngsters to run.........with one height setter left.  Hopefully, the 'girls' will recuperate over the next few months and be able to join us in racing.  We will certainly make use of our veterans' heights as well.

We will follow scent with obedience and rally. Until then, stay warm.

Those of you in the sunny States can start sending sunshine our way!!!

The  Prez

No Fun Match for Us

We have been looking forward to this Shiba Inu Fun Match for a month now and this morning, although we are just fine in our little corner of the province, the roads to where we wish to travel are not in good shape.  Yes, red means danger.  Grrrrrr.  So I suppose we shall set up in the garage and play our own games.  Boo hoo.

See everyone next Saturday, January 21st a the Hall starting at 9:30 with scent hurdle practice.  All teams invited.  Obedience and rally to follow.

In the meantime,  happy heeling, joyful jumping, and down with distractions!!!
The Prez

Just a Dog

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." - Unknown 

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," 
or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." 

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog." 

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." 

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," 
but I did not once feel slighted. 

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," 
and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day. 

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand 
phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." 

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, 
and pure unbridled joy. 

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. 

Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. 

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, 
the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. 

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away 
from myself and the worries of the day. 

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog", 
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being 
"just a man or woman." 

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" 
just smile... 
because they "just don't understand." 
Written by an unknown Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. 
From the Therapy Dog Inc. News Magazine 

2012 Obedience Rule Explanation & Fun Match a success

Saturday's SAWHDA 2012 Obedience Rule changes seminar with Jeff Lunder was a huge success. 25 people were on hand at the Cowley Hall to hear how the new rules will affect obedience competitors in the new year.   A turkey luncheon was provided with extra goodies brought by club members. (It's all about the food.) 


And with volunteer judges, Amanda, Liz, and Jeff, we were able to test our new knowledge in Pre-Novice, Novice, Open, and Utility classes of obedience.  MaryEllen was our judge for all three levels of rally obedience.  Thanks to Bob, Maureen, Shar & Deb for ring stewarding. 


Thank you so much to everyone who came out for the day.  We hope you enjoyed yourselves and went away with a renewed determination to 'get it right'.  From a spectator point of view, all the dog/handler teams were wonderful and provided a variety of entertainment.  


Of course, supper at Luigi's was even more entertaining. The laughter helped take the bite out of the bitter wind outside.  


Our next club day is January 21st starting with scent hurdle practice ( all teams welcome) at 9:30 a.m. and obedience (Utility first) and rally to follow.  See you then! 


Oh, and don't forget the Shiba Inu Club's fun match on January 15th in support of the Shiba Nationals. 


I will be ordering a dozen new Obedience Rule Books for 2012.  If you want one, please let me know.
And trust me, you do want one. 


(A quick note to Nancy.....Frankie is 6 months old and almost leash broken.) Lol.


To Allison and Deb........ bald is beautiful!!! Love ya. 


Happy heeling. Best of the best in all your trials. We're cheering for you. 


The Prez