Gunner says "Look how clever I am!   I can sit up and beg!"

Happy Christmas from Gunner .......

Jinx is a 9 year old blue merle bitch, who achieved grade 7 agility in her younger days.  She likes cuddles, toys and chasing balls.  She is well trained, has a good retrieve, and settles well with dogs and humans.  She has a few quirky habits, but generally just needs an active home where she will get plenty of walks and fuss.  She is healthy, vaccinated and chipped.   Jinx is out of our 2002 litter Dare x Joe (Alan Gardner).

Gunner is nearly 6, a handsome castrated boy, he is good on lead and off, he has a great retrieve and a number of tricks up his sleeve.  He has won a Grade 3 agility, he is fully trained and would like an active home, possibly, but not necessarily doing his agility.  He is good with people and other dogs.  His obsession in life is a tennis or cage ball!  He is healthy, vaccinated and chipped.  Gunner is out of our 2006 litter Dare x Dylon (Sammie Stevens).

Neither are cat tested, but both sleep well in crates overnight.  Their previous owner put a lot of time and effort into their basic training, and so they come with no hang-ups.  If you know of anyone who may be able to provide a loving forever home for either Jinx or Gunner, please contact me.  If I don't know you, please don't be offended if I ask for references.  Gunner and Jinx deserve to find a stable and lifetime home 2nd time around.

Gunner with his mum Dare

Gunner with Shock

Gunner and Jinx

Jinx

Bo and Islas pups went to their new homes, and Bo has now been mated to Eric Newtons "Georgie" - Another Perfect Paws.

Shocks training has been coming on well, but we haven't really started any serious stuff yet.  I plan to do weaves over the Christmas break.

Well done to Louise and Star for making Olypmia, to Puzzle (a Bo Baby) for making the WAO team, to Marilyn and Flyte for qualifying for Crufts, and to Ian and Baby Dare for another grade 6 win.  Sola didn't fall pregnant after her mating to Oz, but Pia plans to try again.

Bo and Islas Pups

Bo x Isla pups

Bo and Karli's pups are now all in their new homes - what a "magnificent 7" they were.  Bo and Isla became the proud parents of 3 babies - Isla had a difficult birth but all are thriving well now.  I'm delighted that one pup is going to be homed with my friend from our training group, Becky, at Field of Dreams - Becky already has a Grade 7 Medium, and so is up for the challenge of a Bo baby.  I understand that one pup may still be available to the right agility home - probably a girl?  E-mail me for info and I'll pass your details to Toni who owns Isla.

There have been Grade Changes/Wins for the following:

Sola to Grade 6

Jem to Grade 4

Baby Dare x 2 Grade 6 wins

Flirt her first Grade 7 win

Brigg - Grade 3 jumping win

In champ classes, I have had a fairly poor showing - Ski and I made the champ final at Nottingham, but I haven't been generally well, and at Hinckley even handed over my precious Ski to Nicky to run.  We have managed to accrue more Crufts points so I'm waiting to see if I have enough. I qualified both Ski and Flirt for the Highland Stakes, but was only notified of the date very late in the day so was unable to attend.  Bo babies Puzzle and Jingo have been clocking up the wins in Grade 7, and Indi babies Trek, Tayla and Jaydee have had a good first few shows since Newton Heath, with Tayla even managing a win!

Shock's training is now starting to come together - her jumping is confident and neat, and she has good speed and drive.  She has a lovely wait, and we are starting to move on from grids to sequencing.  I have decided on my method of contract training - a whole new ball game for Bob and myself!

One of Bo and Isla's beautiful babies

Isla and a pup

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7n0Ee-w4Uw  it may not be the best round in the world, but last year, when she qualified for Champ, I vowed never to run her for fear of deep humiliation, so to go clear was a big relief!  She's my "special needs" baby  :o)))

Also well done to Puzzle and Flyte who also won classes at Woodside. Shock met her sisters Miley (again) and Kiss, and her brothers Storm and Charlie and they had a good play together.   We also saw Baby Dare, and met her new owner Ian, I heard her name mentioned at presentations so they must be getting on famously!

Karli and Bo produced 7 puppies, details on the puppies page.

The weekend before was Dog Vegas at Winterton, and Ski managed a 3rd and a 1st, with Flirt getting a 2nd and a 3rd.  I also judged, making a few handlers unhappy at having to get their legs to run very fast!  A word of advice - run faster, lose some weight, or train your dog to understand verbal cues from a distance!.  On the most part though the day was fun, and well done to all my winners especially Georgie and Spud who won the Grade 6 Jumping.  There were wins for Flyte too.  It was great to see Jem again, who has had an injury, but is well on the way to recovery,

Flirt at Woodside in the Champ - thanks Iain for the photo!

At Lincoln, Ski got a 2nd and a 6th, but we couldn't manage success in the EO, getting E'd at the last fence after a "on the edge" clear.  Very pleased with my boy though.  He's becoming very consistent and (touch wood) this season feels right..  Well done to Borderstorm Grandpups Puzzle and Jingo for their great weekend.

Top - Bo and Isla

Below - Shock and Miley

Bo is also due to mate with Isla within the next week - details on the puppies page.

Great news from Belgium.... Stig, from the Flirt x Del litter has qualified for the 2011 European Open Agility Championships representing Belgium.  Thats such great news for a young dog, and we are really proud of Johann and Petra for this achievement with our boy.

Our season has started reasonably well, Ski took a 3rd in the Grade 7's and Midland Border Collie Club, and 5th in the Crufts Qualifier at Scunthorpe gaining those all important Crufts points.

We went on a training day with Ant Clarke, which I found helpful, and has focused me on some areas where I can gain a few more fractions of seconds with Ski.  I also did a bit with Shock at a puppy session - we worked on games and focus.  I have just started to do little bits with her at training, and she is very eager to please, but has a very strong sheepdog eye which is proving challenging.

Bo and Karli

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFuXEO81p_k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBamKKnwggc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eYTYsabvY8&feature=related

Looking at these rounds, I feel disappointed all over again not to have been included.  Oh well.  Thankyou Meggie for being such a super little dog for me!

On the right are recent pictures of my skinny little Shock, and her more athletically built brother Charlie who is soooo gorgeous.  Charlie lives with Morag and Alec Birse in Scotland.  Shock is going through that gangly phase where her legs are too long and her ears are way out of control!

Oh, and the rabbits?  Banished to the garage!

Shock (above) and her brother Charlie

At Ribble show I was rubbish and didn't manage a single clear.  Least said the better LOL

Bizarrely the rabbits are now living in my dining room!.  Hopscotch the Angora soaks up water in her coat like a huge fat rabbit shaped sponge - its so miserable and wet outside at the moment that she just wouldn't dry out, and was getting matted and sore, so we've had to clip her and bring her indoors.  Obviously her friend Shady had to come in too.  Not sure how I get talked into these things.  They smell very rabbity, and I can't wait to get them back outside and out of the puppy pen.

Talking of puppies, there's some nice litters about at the moment.  Even though I love my Shocky to bits, I do miss having the puppies - it certainly beats having rabbits in the house!!!.  But for those people who have sent vague e-mails enquiring about whether we will have puppies from Shock in the future, she's only 4 months old for heaven sake!!!

At the WAO tri-outs Ski and I were not consistent at all, so not surprisingly we didn't make the team.  Meg and I however, were very consistent and had 5 clears out of the 6 runs.  We also got one E, as did all the qualifiers, (in fact most got more than 1 x E) so we were disappointed not to be included in the Team.  However I know politics plays a very strong hand in our sport, and relationships too - I think even with 6 out of 6 clears we probably would not have been successful.  

Happy New Year from all of us at Team Borderstorm.  I've been a bit lapse with news, mainly cos of work, the puppy and basically trying to convert the "building site" into something suitable for Christmas!  Anyway, whats been happening .... ?

First and fore mostly congratulations to Pia and Sola (Borderstorm Midnight Blue) for winning the Kennel Club Novice Olympia Stakes.  Both Sola and Georgie with Spud had great first runs, Sola qualifying for the finals, and Spud for the pairs competition in the afternoon as he had a fault on his round.  Amazingly Sola went on to win!!!  We are so proud of both Pia and Georgie. You can see both of Pia and Sola's runs here .....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phhCHN9pxeg  (morning qualifier)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oscUclGnU6U  (winning run in the final)

The World Championships qualifiers at the beginning of December were cancelled as half the country were snowed in, and there are rescheduled for the first week in January.  This was actually great timing for me as Ski and Cruise had a disagreement at home, and both ended up being stitched up at the vets.  I would have been very lucky to have had Ski up to full fitness, by the beginning of December but he is absolutely fine now.  Needless to say Cruise has spent most of Christmas at mums.

Well done to Pixie, (Borderstorm Blueprint) with Sue White, for getting their 4th Grade 6 win and making it to Grade 7!  Another manic merle hits the Championship Classes.

Shock has been growing quickly, and growing both naughtier and more charming by the day.  She is adorable and is the happiest and most accepting puppy I have ever owned.  She makes friends with everything and everybody, and loves to chew as all puppies do...toys, shoes, bedding, the Dyson, the door frame ....... Ski and Dare love her very much, Flirt is now tolerating her and will lay next to her.

We were very sorry to hear that Joe Boy belonging to Alan and Jackie Gardener passed away.  Joe was the father of our first 2 Borderstorm Litters including my own Ski, and was the great grandfather of our 5th litter.  He had the most amazing personality and stunning blue eyes.  I know Jackie and Alan have a number of his children and grandchildren to keep his spirit alive.

Flirt came into season again - for the 4th time this year - and so the decision was taken to have her spayed for her own health.  The cysts on her ovaries were causing too many issues and could have caused problems with her immune systems had we allowed them to continue.  Sadly, that means I'll never have my Flirt puppy, but her health matters more of course.  Still - Sola (from Flirt's only litter) has kept the flag flying for merlie Borderstorm girls!  I received the following picture from Johann following the snow in Belgium!!! Stig looks to be enjoying it greatly.

The Building Site is looking less like a building site, and more like a home.  The guest room is finished, the plasterer put the upstairs bathroom and spare room back together, and the kitchen and conservatory were finished in time for Christmas Lunch.  The utility is not finished thanks to Wickes!!  We decided to get cheap and cheerful Wickes takeaway units for the utility room, so went in before Christmas to get them, paying quite a sizable sum of money for cheap and cheerful units.  Unfortunately we could not "takeaway" the "takeaway" units as they did not have them in stock??? but they would be delivered on the 30th December, so we agreed.  Unfortunately, they were not delivered as they were still not in stock, and would instead be delivered on the 5th January.  We then had a phone call to tell us it would be some time before they were back in stock, so we have no utility!  I did query the principle of the "takeaway" kitchen. When we visit our local Chinese Takeaway in the village, I do expect to be able to take my mushroom chow-mein home with me, and not to have to wait a number of weeks for it!  

Anyway New Years and Christmas went smoothly.  New Year was spent at Karen and Chris's who cooked lovely food and provided lovely alcohol - the tequila jelly finished me off though!  I cooked Beef Wellington for Christmas in the new kitchen and it was delicious.  The anniversary of dad's death came and went, mum and I visited the churchyard to wish him a peaceful Christmas.  Dads ashes have been laid to rest in the local churchyard, next to a young boy who sadly died from leukaemia in 2010, but who was a great sportsman and football fan.  I bet they are having some great conversations about the state of the premiership!

Sola at Olympia above, and at the presentation below

Above - Shock in the Snow

Below - Stig and family in Belgium

Jackie enjoys New Years Eve........

......and so do I!!!

The dogs enjoy the Under Floor Heating!

John makes a comfy pillow for Shock to lay on!

"Shock" at 6 weeks

"Shock" at 5 weeks

The hockey season has started, and my first match of the season was won 3-2, serious aches and pains the morning after!

The weekend before was our last weekend show of the season, South Durham and Wilton.  Ski got a 1st, Flirt 2 x 2nds and a 6th, and even Dare managed a 2nd in veteran.

Sue and I went down to Altricia kennels for a little peek, they have a few litters due over the next few months and its always nice to see doggy relatives.  We saw Dare's litter sister Wish - Altricia Wish For Gael, and lots of her nieces and relatives.  Wish is a perfect clone of Dare, except black and white if that makes sense. Ears, expression, attitude all exactly the same. Pictures right are of them both as puppies.  A nice afternoon all in all. 

Dare (above) and litter sister Wish (below)

in 2000 when I went to choose

Flirt is well and back to her normal self, thanks everuone who has sent her messages, and asked after her. We have no idea yet whether the hormone therapy has actually done any good.  We won't know until she actually comes back into season again.  If its in about 6 months, then it worked, if its sooner, then it didn't  :o(

Here at home (aka the Borderstorm Building Site), we have a kitchen which I actually have been able to cook a meal in, and a dishwasher that works - I haven't had the luxury of that for about 6 months now.  One little tip - if you buy an induction hob, be aware your pans probably won't work, as they need to have magnetic bases!  More expense!  We are hoping to have the kitchen finished by the end of October, but attention at the moment is on the external down pipes, and directing them to the soakaways, now that some wet weather is forecast.  Oh joy, we have another skip and the back garden resembles World War 1 with the trenches which have been dug.  Tomorrows job........painting ceilings.  Can't wait (NOT).

Another litter of pups which interest me have been born this week, and I am trying to make arrangements to go puppy visiting soon.  Its so long since I've had to do this sort of thing, as when you breed your own babies its so easy.  I'd forgotten what its like to be on a waiting list, and desperate for news and photos.   If I ever do breed again in the future, I will remember what it feels like!

OK, so its only a chicken cooking, but we have waited ages for this

And a hob,  cooking real vegetables

Now for my bad news.  Flirt has cysts on her ovaries, which accounts for her strange seasons and random bleeding.  It was diagnosed by ultra-sound.  She is having some hormone therapy to try and blast the cysts, but if they do not respond, the likelihood is she will be spayed, as cysts can evidently cause problems with the immune system. There is also the chance of one ovary being removed.  We are being referred to a specialist.  Flirt is well in herself, but there will be no more Borderstorm Babies for the foreseeable future.

Stig (above)

Spud with Georgie (below)

Karen and I went down to Dashin Dogs mainly for the Laser Pairs Final, but also we competed in a few other classes.  Leo got a 9^th in the Veteran with Dare, and in the Laser Pairs itself, Fetz and Flirt did 2 lovely double clears, but got knocked out in the 2^nd round by Ian and Janet Jackson.

Meanwhile, at Dog Vegas and Wilton, Ski won one Grade 7 Class and got 2 seconds also in Grade 7.  Flirt got an 8^th in a Combined 1 – 7 Jumping so I was pleased with her, Kobe won a Grade 5 Agility taking him into Grade 6, and I saw Brigg working for the first time – what a smooth operator he is!!  He’s a big dog, but very quick and light on his feet, and he weaves like a bullet!  He got a 2^nd and 3^rd in Grade 3 jumping with Jane.  Maz and Flyte also had handfuls of 1^st place trophies.  In the Dog Vegas final, team Borderstorm were represented by Spud and Kobe, neither of whom got clear but both did very well, well done to Bob and Blaze for their 2^nd place!  Also well done to Karen and Puzzle who got the 2 wins they needed at Grade 6 to take them to Grade 7.  Puzzle and litter brother Jingo (Petnat A Touch Puzzling and Petnat By Jingo) were also both in the Vegas Final, but both were a bit too quick for their own good.  That litter was sired by Bo (Borderstorm Bo-Nanza) who is Flirts litter brother.  Complicated isn’t it  :o)  ?  Also, we have some new video of Bo  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZsSmccy3Eo

Hmmm, however, Flirt is confusing us again – she is bleeding again, after only being out of her last “season which wasn’t really a season” for just over 3 weeks.  She is going for an ultrasound this week, to see if we can spot what the problem is.

Also, what else could I do but visit Richdon Koi in Burton on Trent who were having a 50% sale.  Hmmm, we now have a few more additions to our Koi family  :o)  I am still searching for a Lemon Hariwake, but no-one seems to have one locally.  Now if anyone spots one please let me know!

Ski and Flirt - always together!

At Derbyshire, there was not a single place for me, but Leo managed to win both Junior Agility and Junior Jumping with Dare.  There was a lovely clear for Speckles – his first ever – and Becky was so pleased with him.  The first of many we hope!  In the Adams Derby Final, the Borderstorms were represented by Jackie and Kobe, and Karen and Fetz.  Unfortunately Fetz had a pole down, and Kobe was even unluckier – his tail brushed the weaves as he ran past them on his way to a jump so unfortunately he’s was E’d.  I think Kobe may be in for a tail trim!  Well done to Fetz though for his Grade 7 agility win!

Check out Brigg at Dog Vegas:  http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=b85b6023490095ff71b864&skin_id=601&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url , he got 2 x 4th and a 5th, and is becoming a very consistent young chap!  What a flashy boy he is too!

Flirt was blood tested again – still no change.  We have decided to let this season go by – she still has not ovulated, and seems to be getting back to normal, so we just have to think of this season as a no starter, and carry on the plans to breed at her next season. Big Sigh – I’ll get my puppy eventually!!!

Leo is currently at Arsenal Residential Summer School playing lots of football, and hopefully having some fun too, and Ski came to work with me today for company - it is shut down, but I have to run the payroll  :o(

I also heard that Spud has been called up for the Novice Olympia Semi's!!  Woo Hoo!

Weardale – we started off well with Ski winning the Championship Agility, unfortunately we couldn’t repeat this in the jumping and therefore didn’t make the final.  Meg however, gave 2 consistent rounds coming 4^th and 5^th which meant we had the pleasure of running last in the champ final.  Unfortunately although clear in the final, we only managed 3^rd place.  Well done Katie Long and Copper in their first ever champ for taking the top spot.  We took a few other places, but Leo managed a 2^nd with Dare in the Junior.

At Glennifer, Bo managed 2 x Grade 5 Agility wins taking him easily into Grade 6.

At Rugby I hear Pia and Sola had lots of places in Grade 3 Agility.

Flirt is still not ready to mate, I took her down to see Del, but she was not interested at all, and now Jackie and Del have gone abroad to the European Champs in the Czech Republic so thats the end of that!

At East Lothian, Ski was a good boy with a 1^st and 2^nd in 2 x Grade 7 agility classes.  He was the only one of my dogs to be running with Flirt in season, however, I did have Meg and she reached the Champ final, only to get a run by and our chances were blown.  She and I worked as well as I have ever worked her I think, and I’m looking forward to the next few Champ classes.  I also reached the final with Flynn (another of Bobs dogs), unfortunately we lost contact at a tricky bit  :o)  but he is such fun to work, and whatever happened we enjoyed ourselves.

At High Peak, Jackie and Kobe qualified for the Adams Derby Final in 2 weeks time, and Georgie and Spud had lots of places in their first grade 6 show, including a 2nd.

At Chipping Norton Pia and Sola won the Grade 3 agility, and Jane and Brigg got an 8th in their first KC show.  Check out this You-Tube video of Sola winning in style.

http://www.youtube.com/user/btbvids

Flirt has been blood tested for ovulation, but as yet she is not ready to mate.  This is all a mystery because we didn’t realize she was in season, so who knows when the test will say she’s ready.  We will test again later in the week, but worryingly Del leaves the country on Wednesday to head for the European Opens. Hope it all works out……

Thanks to Iain and Agnes for letting me have these lovely photos of Ski.  These were taking in the Championship Final at Woodside Show, Biggar in May this year.  Bankhead Agility is their great site if you would like to take a look!  And Agnes' dog Manouk is simply gorgeous!

Again a few weeks have passed since I have been able to update! 

At Cartmel we had a lovely weekend, and a fair few prizes, this was Flirts last Grade 6 show and she managed 2 x  1^st place,  a 2^nd , and a 3^rd. Ski was placed too as was Dare with Leo in veterans.  The junior courses for Leo on the 2^nd day were just daft!  Leo has only started handling this season, but as Ski is grade 7, he had to go in Grade 5 – 7 junior.  The judge obviously thought that all the handlers were grade 5 – 7 as well as the dogs, and put up a real grade 7 course, but in most cases the juniors were like Leo and completely out of their depth. I think there was only one round not eliminated.  Very demotivating for the juniors too!  Anyway – rant over – there were places for Kobe and Blitz won a Grade 5 agility, as did Spud who was at North Derbyshire. Litter mates up to Grade 6 on the same day :o)

At Newton Health, I had a pants weekend, with nothing to speak of. Ski had a clear in the Crufts, but we were so wide on the turns we didn’t get placed.  Flirt and I lost all communications this weekend, and we wouldn’t have looked out of place in Grade 1!  Well done to Julie and Oz though (Dares Indistorm grandson) for qualifying for the Olympia Novice.  Maz and Flyte and Karen with Fetz (in his 1^st Grade 7) also got places, and Ian with Jack made the Champ Final.  Well done Lou with Crystal (Dares Indistorm grandaughter)  for taking the reserve cc.

I was due to attend the Agility Zone Highland Stakes this weekend at Scone Palace, but couldn’t go as Scunthorpe United decided to name the road approaching the ground after my dad, so there was an opening ceremony. This was a great day, and we were all very proud when mum opened the “Jack Brownsword Way”.

Star has been back in the ring for the 1^st time since his injury, and Louise tells me that he was very much back to form. Its been a worrying time for Lou, but I know shes really pleased with his progress.

Spud just missed out on a KC novice qualifying place at Tuffley, coming 4^th, but fingers crossed Georgie may get called up – he also had lots of other prizes on the same day.

Pia and Sola have had a 2^nd in Grade 3 at Axtane and are becoming very very consistent in their runs, Pia sent me a lovely photo of Sola in action!

I have also missed Pixie – Sue texted me to tell me she had won a Grade 6 agility recently, but I can’t recall where, so well done Pix!  I also saw her on the Chris Evans Breakfast show website – check this out! Pixie is the merle in the opening shots.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/8747353.stm

Maz and Flyte went to the world champ qualifiers at the Agility for Britain show having come 4th in a Gr 7 jumping and 5th in 5-7 Agility on the Saturday.
 
On the Sunday in the World qualifier he was e'd in the first round (jumping) but came 9th in the second  round (agility) and 3rd in the third round (agility). He was lying in 6th place going in to the final round where he was doing an amazing round when Maz missed out fence 18. Maz says one day she'll get it right!  Flyte was an absolute star.
 

Leo wiped the floor at the school sports day, with 5 medals out of 5 events. He won Long Jump, Discus and 100m, and took 2^nd in triple jump and high jump.  I was a very proud mum!

Such a lot to catch up on.  I can tell the season has started in earnest as I don’t seem to even have time to switch on the PC.

The shows have been coming in thick and fast, in mid May Maz and I went up to SKC for the Championship.  Unfortunately I didn’t get to the final this time, but Maz did and Flyte came a creditable 3^rd.  However, Ski did get a lovely 2^nd in the jumping, with Flyte winning.  Flirt got a 1^st and a 2^nd in Grade 6 classes, qualified for the Highland Final and has now reached the dizzy heights of Grade 7, as did Fetz at Waldridge Fell the same weekend.  Other results from Waldridge – Kobe won another 2 classes and had countless places, and Georgie was at Shrewsbury with Spud where they won a Grade 5 and qualified for the CSJ finals

At Nottingham things weren’t so great with my own dogs, but Meg and I were on form, and reached the Championship finals, where we took reserve ticket.  She is such a clever and honest little dog, and I was very proud of her – thanks to Bob for entrusting me with her.  There were places for Georgie and Spud, Amy and Blitz, Jackie and Kobe, Alan and Matty and Kaz and Fetz. Well done to the Scunthorpe team for their 2^nd place (Julie, Rodger, Rod and Anne).  Dare took a 2^nd and 3^rd in Veteran Jumping, and then Leo ran her at Dog Vegas on Bank Holiday Monday, getting another 2^nd in Veteran.

Flirt and Del’s babies had their first show this weekend (other then Stig who had been able to compete earlier in Belgium).  I saw Jem and Speckles having fun at Dog Vegas, with some lovely work from both of them.  Brigg went to a UKA show and came back with 4th and 5th, and Sola had a lovely first weekend, with the evidence captured here on video -

http://www.youtube.com/user/btbvids#p/a/u/0/gpu90v6pSqA 

Meanwhile over in Belgium, Stig won his Level 1 class and is now eligible for Level 2 under the European system.

This latest weekend was Hinckley and I managed to see Sola work, getting a clear in the Novice Olympia.  There was a win for Jackie and Kobe in their last Grade 4 show – Grade 5 next week.  Places too for Maz and Flyte, Amy and Blitz, and Georgie and Spud.  After last weeks success, Meg and I made the Championship Final again, but poor positioning from me gave us a fault at the weaves.  Only one place all weekend – Ski in the Grade 7 Jumping.  I also won a double or quits bet with Bob which was well worth it. Welcome to Roxy too, who joined Bob as a new pup.  It will be fun to watch her grow up – she is a sable, not a colour I have much experience of.  Brigg was at another UKA show, and clever boy, got a 4^th place again! 

Our building work is taking forever, but the end is in site – the kitchen is due to be fitted in about 3 weeks time, and the under floor heating is going in this week. We may be able to move out of the caravan and back into the house in about 6 weeks I think.

Hopscotch the rabbit got fly strike, but is now fully recovered, but in the meantime caught herself on something in the run, and also got a wound on her back which needed gluing.  The bunnies have a new hutch and run, when I have half an hour spare to assemble it!!!!

The heron has returned - we are a sturgeon missing.  However, on the bright side we also have a crow which has taken to attacking the heron and keeping it away.  I witnessed this one evening and it was quite an impressive sight.  It also seems to e keeping the pigeon population down, but stealing their eggs.

Thankyou (NOT) to the person who ran into the back of our car, writing it off!!!  I don’t have time to eat/sleep/breath some days, so looking for a new car was not high on the priority list, but we found a little run around for John to use for work, and that is now sorted.  Thank goodness it wasn’t the van.

Leo had a bad injury at athletics, he managed to high jump off the high jump mats!  X-rays revealed no broken bones but he’s a bit stiff still.

Meg

Stig with his trophy

Stig's 1st place confirmed

http://www.youtube.com/user/btbvids#p/a/u/0/gpu90v6pSqA 

However, best record of the weekend went to Dare  who won Veteran jumping on Saturday with Leo, and won it again on Sunday with me.  There was also a return to the ring for Cruise in the Any Size.  He chose his own course as ever, but it was great to see him having such fun.

On Sunday in the 4 - 7 Graded jumping, it was a good result for Borderstorms as Bo won Grade 5, Flirt got 2nd in Grade 6 and Ski won Grade 7.  There were also numerous places over the weekend for Kobe who was as consistent as ever.

Clever little Flirty

At Lincoln, I hear Jackie got a 2nd with Kobe (AGAIN) and also Spud won 2 grade 4 classes in Georgies last Grade 4 show.  Well done to lots of training colleagues, Julie, Nicki, Roger - all who won classes as well - must be the "Bob" effect? 

Leo had another athletics meeting at Don Valley in Sheffield, and got new PB's again in Long Jump and also in 100m.  It was a graded meeting, very weird to see girls and boys, young and old all in the same races! in one race an 8 year old girl was running against   what must have been an 80 year old man!  I took this photo of the newspaper website!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKZMprTt8QU

Scunthorpe Champ is always the first of the year, so well done to David Munnings and Dobby for taking the ticket.

Well done to Jackie and Kobe, and Maz and Flyte for scooping 1st places - Kobe in Grade 4 and Flyte in Grade 7.  Blitz, Tom and Kobe all got 2nds, as did Dare in the veteran.  There was a 3rd for Fetz and a 4th for Flirt, both in the Grade 6 Agility, and I took 4th with Meg in a spread out grade 7 jumping.   I also heard places for Bex and Thomas.

Dog Vegas - Day 2

I didn't go to the show today - too much to do at home with the building work, but I have reports of the following results - 1st for Georgie and Spud in Grade 4 agility(after a run off), and 2nd for Jackie and Kobe (again) in Grade 4 jumping!  Poor Kobe, always the bridesmaid!!! - Never mind, they get to wear cooler dresses!!!!

Flirt has come into season - so we know that 6 months from now we can start to get excited about  puppies!!!  No more shows for her for the next few weeks.

Other news - I have 11 new Borderstorm Koi, from Koi Polloi.  10 Otsuka babies are nicely settled - I let Leo choose a few and I have to say he chose well - including a lovely Tancho Goshiki. I chose the others. 1 bigger Koi remains with Mark as it is currently in warm water and we are only at 9 degrees here.  However, for those in the know it is a Sekiguchi Showa, very traditionally marked and I can't wait to bring it home! Its the one right at the bottom of the photo in the centre with the black spot on its nose!  We have decided to call her (?) Valerie.

Dog Vegas - Day 3

A 1st in Grade 6 agility was the highlight of the day again for Fetz and Karen, and Kobe had more 2nd places!  I didn't go again today - too much building work going on here, but we had a visit from friends Trev and Cath over from India.

Dog Vegas - Day 4

Lots of catching up to do with news – we took a holiday to Florida and lots has happened while we were away including:  Karen and Fetz won Grade 6 Jumping – and Maz and Flyte and Jackie and Tom competed in the Crufts large singles competition.  Both clear in the heats, but unfortunately only Flyte made the finals, but sadly got an E.  Still very proud to have you both there :o)

At the Border Collie Club show (the 1^st outdoor show of the season) Amy and Blitz got the year off to a great start by winning grade 4 agility, and Georgie and Spud got a 4^th place in a different Grade 4 class.  No prizes for my dogs, but I ran Meg in a couple of classes and got 5^th in Grade 7 agility, I was pleased with that as I slipped on the course, and Meg was waiting for me!  Leo made his debut in the ring and handled Dare in veteran agility.  Although they were E’d, he did very well, and handled confidently.  Dare thought this new game was great fun!

And well done to Pat Butcher and Jem (Borderstorm’s Precious Gem) from Flirt and Dels 2008 litter, at 16 months he was able to take part in an Independent show with nursery classes for young dogs, and he won!  Shape of things to come hopefully – Jem reminds me very much of Flyte and he’s a very special dog indeed.

The show season has only just started, and I seem to have spent my time filling in show entries for the coming months.

At Ribble I had my heart set on qualifying for the KC Olympia with either Ski or Meg, but it wasn't to be - Ski had the first pole, and I positioned myself incorrectly at the start for Meg.  Back to the drawing board!  Flirt and Fetz got 3rd in the pairs class, and Amy and baby Blitz won Combined 1 - 4 Jumping, with Jackie and litter brother Kobe in 5th.

We went to see Indi and Del's pups - gorgeous!  I could have smuggled the little girl home - but I think Sue would have noticed.  There seems to be puppies everywhere at the moment. 

First and Foremost!!!!  - Indi's pups - sooooo gorgeous. I want one!!!  OK, I can't have one, but I'm pleased to say all 3 are going to previous Borderstorm owners, so they will be very much at home.

Dad introduced me to dogs when I was young, but we had whippets - being a Yorkshire bloke through and through, we had 2 dear whippets when I was a child - Judy and Sherry.  He loved our dogs too in later life, throwing a ball down the garden for hours until they flopped on the floor exhausted.

Thank you to all our friends for their kind messages of support - it will be a sad Christmas this year - dad will be cremated on New Years Eve.

I would like to especially thank a couple of  people:  Jackie - for just being there, and Dianne Talbot - some years ago, 2004, knowing I was running the Great North Run in support of Alzheimer's, she bullied and cajoled nearly £500 in sponsorship from those unsuspecting competitors at Easington Show, something my mum remembers to this day.  

Dad was a bit of a celebrity locally, and I have scanned some of the press reports.

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Jem (Flirt x Del 2008)

Dad took really ill, and was admitted to hospital for a week, sadly his Alzheimers is incurable and our aim is to make life as comfortable as possible for him, but swallowing is increasingly difficult, and at some stages last week breathing seemed a chore.  He is home now, and mum is caring for him as ever with her merry band of carers who are her support

At Broxburn, Jack won Grade 7 agility, his first win at that grade, (see his run here) and Bo bless him won Grade 4 agility.  He is such a stunning boy, and I would desperately like a pup from him, if any girlies out there are looking for a husband! (see his last few runs here).

Well done to Jackie and Tom, who qualified for the Laser Pairs finals (AGAIN) with partners Dina and Jake.

I have had some lovely updates from previous puppy owners. Stig, Spud and Sola have all sent new pictures, and I have had updates from Brigg and Jem.  I can't wait for my own pup next year.  I would really like an Indi pup, but hubby is trying to make me see sense - we are having lots of building work done, and its not the ideal time for us.

And finally ..... on a whim I started playing hockey again, having given up the game about 12 years ago!  I started training with a local team, mainly for fitness.  My first game is this Saturday - YIKES!!!  Wish me luck!

Sola (Flirt x Del 2008)

Stig (Flirt x Del 2008)

Sadly I have had news that Star is unwell, but recovering after having a Mylopathy, where (as I understand it) a disc has pressed against his spinal cord.  Lou obviously is devastated, but knowing Lou, Star will be receiving only the best treatment.  We all send her and Star our very best wishes, and lots of hugs.

Here, Flirt is in bad books having rolled in fox poo!

Leo (a non doggy update for once) had his first game today with his new football team, they won 5 - 3, Leo scored a hat trick and was man of the match!  I am one proud mum. 

At Wilton however on the Sunday, it was a great Borderstorm Day:

Haze and Amy won grade 6 agility (gaining that last place to championship), and came 3rd in 1 - 7 agility, pipping both Ski and Thomas!

Pixie and Sue got 1st in Grade 6 Jumping (2nd win to Champ).

Flyte won 2 classes, 1 - 7 Helter Skelter and 6/7 Jumping in impressive style.

There were lots of places also for Dare, Flirt, Ski, Matty, Tom, Flyte, Kobe, Zak, Blitz, Haze and Harry.  Well done to all of you.

The following day, I had a judging appointment at North Derbyshire, and had a very enjoyable day.  In the Grade 1 - 4 agility, my grade 3 was won by Karen and Puzzle, who is out of Bo's litter with Rio.  My Grade 4 was won by a lovely merle, name escapes me, but Georgie and Spud tool 3rd and Jackie and Kobe 4th.  In my Grade 4 Jumping, Georgie and Spud took 1st Place, and Jackie and Kobe 3rd.

At the Pedigree Semi's - Flirt didn't make the Novice Final - she was fast and accurate, but her speed and strong nature became her failing when she decided to go up the A-Frame a few obstacles too early!  And I was too slow to correct her!.  Ski didn't make the Olympia Semi the following day, again fast and accurate, but he tried to bounce an unbouncable combination of fences and took the whole lot crashing down.  On the Sunday, in the Team SOATC came 3rd (Ski, Flyte, Rio and Haze), and in the Pedigree Pairs Final, Karen and I (with Dare and Rio) were going well, until Rio had the very last fence down - commentators curse Mr Ray!!!

I went to Cold Water Collection and purchased 3 new Koi, a Hi Utsuri (Bravo), an Asagi (Wasabi) and a new Honey Chagoi (Happy), so that cheered me up.

The following weekend, I had no shows, but the Petnat Pups (sired by Borderstorm Bo-nanza  -  Bo) all had their first show, and it was well done Roger and Jingo, with a 1st place in their first ever class at their first ever show - Grade 3 jumping.  There was also another first for Karen and Fetz in Grade 5 agility, taking them to Grade 6 in only their 3rd Grade 5 show, and also they qualified for the Adams final.  Places also for Kobe, Blitz and Zak so well done!

With no shows to go to for me, I stayed at home to help with the preparation for the extension which we are starting soon.  However, I found 3 of my precious Koi missing and did a 75% water change to search for them.  Sadly, they were not to be found - either a Heron or a Cat to blame.  RIP little Joker, Picasso and Sparkle. We now have lots of defences on the pond including trip wires (going electric soon!), and Heron Blasters, although an Air Rifle would be my preferred option!

The following weekend was Easington, and a win for Rod and Bex into Grade 6, with Karen and Fetz in 2nd.  Another win for Petnat Pups Jingo and Puzzle made the weekend successful.  I would really like a Bo Baby of my own, so if anyone would like to use Bo at Stud (a merley girl preferred.....). There was a win for Indi and a 2nd for Bo too.  Meanwhile Jackie Gardener was at the FCI world Champs with  Tom, and they came 3rd in the Team Competition.  They also did well in the individuals, and I know Jackie was very proud of Tom.  I had broken my mobile phone so couldn't wish them well before their competition, but I have to say how proud I am of them for qualifying in the first place, and for doing so well!

Pedigree Team final - Left to Right

Me and Ski (Borderstorm Who dares Wins)

Amy and Haze (Borderstorm Wicked But Wise)

Karen and Rio (Petnat A Touch of Spice)

Marilyn and Flyte (Borderstorm Take Flyte)

Borderstorm Showaddywaddy - A Kohaku

Dog Vegas - Day Two - Another win for Rod and Bex - in fact a Borderstorm 1- 3- 5, Bex, Spud and Kobe in the Grade 4 Jumping.  I saw Speckles and Jem again - both from Flirts litter and what a handsome pair they are!  Can't wait for the next litter for my own baby this time.

Dog Vegas - Day Three - Another win for Rod and Bex, and also Karen and Fetz clocked up a 2nd Grade 5 win of the weekend.  Prizes for Spud also, and Star.

Meanwhile, Jackie and Kobe went to the Alpha finals and finished 10th, with a pole down when Kobe Kobster slipped.

Wilton - Bank Holiday Monday - we travelled up for the Champ at Northern week - only Dare made the final and she got a big fat E but we enjoyed ourselves.  Ski, Flirt and Flyte all got good places, with Flyte winning the Champ Agility.  Other Northern Week News, a 2nd for Bo, a 1st and 2nd for Indi and Flyte in the same class, and ....... wait for it ....... Alison and Gunna won Grade 3 agility with only Gunna's second clear round!  Apparently Alison got a bit emotional  :o))) 

 After the KC Festival, I needed a break too.  At the Festival, I enjoyed a day of judging - well done to Lucy Osborne and David Munnings who won my classes!.  None of my dogs took home the trophies, but well done to Amy and Haze who just lost out on that last win to Grade 7 being beaten by a foreign competitor.  Don't worry Amy - she'll do it soon.  Dare qualified for the British Open Finals, but because of my judging appointment on the Sunday, I was unable to compete.  There were also rosettes for Spud, Flyte, Kobe, Fetz, Bex and Bo (my special boy). 

However, a couple of Top News Stories which happened whilst we were on holiday - Jack and Ian (Borderstorm Black Jack) won their final Grade 6 class to qualify for Grade 7 - well done you two! Click Here to view a video of the round.  An impressive, if somewhat chaotic pairing  :o))).  Indi also won Grade 7 at the same  show.

Gunna (Flirts Brother, never one for jumping fences when its faster to plough through them) achieved his first clear round.  Alison was so pleased about this achievement - she has worked so hard with Gunna, and at last - result!

At West Lakes, Pixie won Grade 6 Agility, and then went on to come 2nd in the Laser Pairs Final at Dashin' Dogs

Leo and the merles at Ennerdale Water

Jackie and Tom qualified for the World Championships to be held in Austria this summer.  I am so proud of them both, and will be following the results like a hawk!

Winners? Yes lots - Spud won Grade 3, Bex, Blitz and Fetz have all won Grade 4, our Team (Scunthorpe Babes yeah right!) have qualified for the Pedigree Team Final by winning the heat at the Agility Club, Ski has qualified for the Olympia Semi on the 5th September, Maz and Flyte nearly, but not quite, got the champ at Rugby, but took the Agility in style.  Bex gave a commendable performance in the Adams Derby Final finishing 5th.

Other news, Cruise is looking much happier and is back with the specialist next week. I have taken over running a friends 2 dogs whilst he has a knee operation, thats 5 dogs I now run in Grades 6 and 7 which brings about its own challenges!

I have seen Sola, Jem and Brigg again, and a friend who went to the European Champs spotted Stig with his owner Johan who was also competing there!

Borderstorm Picasso (a Budogoromo)

Borderstorm Compadre (a Beni-Kikurya)

Anyway, results..... Flirt was entered in her first grade 6 show, and she won Grade 6 jumping and also got 5th in grade 6 - 7 combined jumping. There were other places for Flirt and Ski too.  Other Borderstorms who did well were Bex and Roderney who won the Adams Derby, Fetz and Karen who won Grade 4 jumping at their first Grade 4 show! a 3rd for Kobe, 3rd and 4th for Spud, 2nd for Star, a 1st and 5th for Harry.  Flyte qualified for day 4 of the Pedigree Olympia Semisin 2nd spot.  I had a go at handling Fetz and he worked lovely for me, and Karen handled Flirt who went looking for her mum - oops!

Other rosettes for Spud, Haze, and Flyte, but again I can't remember the places. 

Cruise is not impressed with the hair cut!

The images on the right are courtesy of Rob Pettitt at the Small Animal Teaching Hospital (Liverpool University).  Many thanks for giving me permission to post them. 

Kobe and Jackie 1st Grade 3 Agility, 3rd Grade 3 Jumping.

Becs and Rod 1st Grade 4 Jumping

Fetzer and Karen - 1st Grade 3 Agility

Flirt and me, 1st Grade 5 Jumping and 1st Grade 5 Agility

Flyte and Maz 1st 2 x Grade 7 Agility

Star and Lou 1st Grade 7 jumping

Harry and Jackie 3rd Grade 5 agility

Bo and Susan, 6th in Grade 4 Agility

Indie and Susan, 2nd in Grade 7 Jumping

Dare and me 2nd Grade 7 Jumping, 3rd pairs agility with Rio.

Thomas 2nd Grade 7 jumping and 3rd grade 7 jumping. Also 3rd with Matty in the Laser pairs

Please let me know if I've missed your results.  Special mention to Katy and Georgie for winning the Laser pairs with Crumble and Ruby, (both have Borderstorm Babies) and also Pauline and Becky for their 2nd place in the Laser pairs, so making the final as well - girls on top!!!

Thanks to everyone for your "well dones" for Flirt moving to Grade 6.  It wasn't quite in my plans for this season, as I now can't go for the Novice Cup at the festival, but she was ready to move up really.  Will just have to train a bit harder and go for the big competitions now.

Amy took top spot, with Haze winning Grade 6 jumping (only one more to Grade 7), and Blitz getting a 2nd and 3rd in Grade 3 agility and jumping. Kobe had numerous places, a 2nd being his highest in grade 3 and a 4th his lowest all weekend, so a good consistent weekend.  Flirt managed a 2nd and a 4th in Grade 5 jumping.  There were places for Harry, Dare and Indi, and Baby Dare was presented with the prize for Northern Area Grade 6 Dog of the Year for the Agility Eye.  Star got more trophies then I care to remember.

And Ski, my special boy, did me proud qualifying in 2nd for my favourite final of the year, the Pedigree Highland Agility Stakes Final at Scone Palace.  Nothing in the Champ this time (lurvly courses Paul!), but the Highland Qualifier was my goal from this show and Ski did it for me.  Thanks to Morag Kelly for a very testing yet fun course!  I've posted it here!

Maz and Flyte missed it all, although they were planned to be there.  Maz has been poorly since the beginning of April - get well soon Maz!  We're all thinking about you.

I have never done this show before, but the venue at Lanark Racecourse was lovely and the sun shone down all day. 

Sola - Borderstorm Midnight Blue

Highlights of our stay

1. Pricilla Queen of the Desert at the Palace Theatre - Go see it! http://www.priscillathemusical.com/  I've done a few of the London Shows over the years, Lion King, Sound of Music etc but this is the BEST ever - I never stopped laughing and Jason Donovan was amazing, John enjoyed it too, even wearing my tour T-Shirt!  Life is an adventure - dress accordingly!

2. John getting his head stuck in a tube door

3. Kev, our friend, spread-eagled on an escalator - see right!

4. My new piercing! I love it, love it, love it.  No it didn't hurt, but yes its true what they say about the noise! No photo's - sorry!

5. Leo in Cyberdog and getting some trendy clothes for the school disco.

6. The London Underground announcer who apologised for the delays on the line due to someone being under a train!

7. The Waterloo Sandwich bar - best breakfast in London.

8. Seeing Sir Steve Redgrave in the Apple Store, and John Toshack in Waterloo (John more excited than me about John Toshack)

9. The Raspberry Crème Brulee at Med Kitchen

10. And lots of fuss from the dogs when we arrived home.

Pricilla at the Palace Theatre

"Life's an adventure - dress accordingly"

Kev's escalator stunts

12th/13th

Friday, a 2nd for me and  Flirt in Grade 5 Jumping, and 2nd forAlan and Matty in Grade 6 Agility.  A 1st for Maz abd Flyte in Grade 7 Agility, a 2nd for Amy and  Haze in Grade 6 Jumping, a 3rd for Georgie with Spud in Grade 3 Jumping, and a 3rd forKaren  Fetz in Grade 3 Jumping.

Saturday - Another 1st for Maz and  Flyte in Grade 7 Agility, a 1st for Haze and Amy in Grade 6 Jumping (this soooo wasn't a Hazey course!), and 2 x 2nds and a 3rd for Fetz with Karen in Grade 3 classes.  Special mention to Katy Norton and Ruby for winning grade 5 jumping also, and to Patricia Butcher and Kai for winning their 3rd Grade 4 jumping - both with Borderstorm youngsters too.

Sunday - Yet another 1st for Flyte, and a 2nd for Thomas with Jackie G. too :o)  Well done also to Georgie and Crumble for winning Grade 5 Agility. 

Cruise went lame again, playing tuggy at the side of the ring.  Back to Liverpool I think.

Monday - We weren't at the show as we decided to go to London for a few days, but while I was away, Amy and Blitz won Grade 3 jumping.  So thats a grade 6 win for Haze this weekend and then a grade 3 for Blitz - Well done Amy!

Blitz and Haze both win classes at Dog Vegas with Amy

This was my first time at Glennifers indoor venue and I have to say it is much the most luxurious indoor venue I have ever seen - makes Myerscough look like a shed!

We try to do as many things possible with him. 2 weeks ago I started walking him in the city nearby. Walking on a leash, waiting at the crossroad lights… He got a lot of attention!!! People and children talking to him, stroking him. He enjoyed that a lot! And I was so proud!!! Now wherever we go for a walk, he always wants to play with whoever we meet…

I got some lovely photos of Buddy taken on the 21st at Newton Heath by Natalie Mitchell.  Buddy and his owner Ian Bateman won the "rising star" award at his agility club presentation day. 

Dog Vegas was cancelled so we had no show to go to.

Sola (Borderstorm Midnight Blue)

At Ribble we had a hit an miss day - a few "nearly rounds".  Sadly, Cruise injured his leg again, not by jumping, but in the pairs changeover box....long story. 

I admit to feeling somewhat ashamed when putting all the glass bottles out for re-cycling ....did we really drink that much?????

Pups are downstairs now and running riot in the front room. They helped to unwrap the presents and enjoyed the paper, ribbon and numerous squeaky and cuddly toys that they received.

They have had solids introduced into their diet - tripe and lamb, and we will introduce them to their mothers favourite delicacy in the next few days - turkey necks!

In the Agility Stakes, Tom and Jackie had a unusual round with poles falling, but when Tom came out the ring he was lame.  We think he did it on the first fence.  Typical Borderstorm Boy didn't slow down at all, and kept running on 3 legs!  Flyte showed his class, and his speed, but jumped so long over one fence he could not pick up the next jump and had a run by.  He was the last but one dog to go, and was already a full second up on the leader at that point! Never mind, they both looked stunning, and I was very proud.

Baby Dare was in the Novice class on Sunday and as yet I have not had a report, but she must have done quite well, as she made the pairs competition in the afternoon. I will update when I know.

I must just say well done to Lucy Osbourne and Ben for their 4th place in the stakes final.  What a lovely co-operative boy Ben is - and Lucy gets the best out out of him 100%.

Me (centre) with Jackie and Maz

Jackie with Tom and Maz with Flyte

This weekend I took a break and caught up on sleep, but friends were at Newton Heath and the latest Borderstorm litter were in the prizes.  Kobe took a 4th and 8th in Grade 3 classes, Blitz took an 8th , and Fetza took a 3rd and 5th.  Well done to all - you are doing sooo well! 

 http://borderstorm.camstreams.com/  many thanks to www.camstreams.com for hosting this again.

Haze was a star with Amy and they won Grade 6 agility, and Kobe was 2nd in Grade 3 agility, holding on until right near the very end.  Jackie was a little relieved to say the least!  Flyte and Ski came 1st and 2nd in the Grade 1 - 7 agility, and Dare took 3rd in the 4 - 7 jumping.  In the Helter Skelter all 3 of mine were placed, Ski 3rd, Dare 14th and Cruise 11th, but the class was won by Flyte with Zak in 5th.  Haze took 3rd in the Grade 6 jumping and there were places for Harry and Bo but I can't remember the classes I'm afraid.

Hazey

Cruise's first show back at full height, and Bex (below) performing stunts!

At Lincoln Team Borderstorm were on form with Flyte winning 3 x Grade 7 Agility classes, Zak winning Grade 6 Agility, Bex winning Grade 3 Jumping (and going ito Grade 4), and places for Kobe, Blitz, Spud and Haze too.

Dare and Ski did a sponsored walk with John and Leo over the Humber Bridge to raise funds for Alzheimers. They raised £120 and Dare and Ski had their photo taken with the Mayor.  My father suffers with Alzheimers - well actually realistically its my mother who suffers, so this was a good opportunity to held the local support branch.

Glenson Del Boy (ISDS 278361)

Fizz (Grimly Fiendish) 15.06.95 - 07.09.08

It has taken me a few days to come to terms with the last weekend, and to be able to update the website.

My special girl Fizz passed away suddenly and without warning on the 7th September.

I know we aren't supposed to have our favourites, but sometimes one dog just steals that fraction more of your heart, and that dog was my Fizz, or Fizzyminx as she came to be known throughout her 13 years.  She was snooty, spoilt, and a real little princess, who hated any dog small and hairy and had a passion for Boxers.

Fizz was not ill, she had no history of illness other then a little arthritis.  She was fit, still competing in Any Size, and only 2 weeks ago climbed the 690m up Place Fell and High Dodd in the Lake district, an 8 mile hike.

On Saturday night she seemed a little unwell, she didn't seem to be able to get comfortable and she struggled to support her weight, but then she settled and we did the "unspeakable" in our house - she came upstairs to bed with us - after all, she was my special one!  At just after 1am she woke us, gasping for breath.  We both knew then that there was something very very wrong, and we flew to the vets cradling Fizz in our arms.

She was alive but weak as we got to the vets, but she couldn't walk. Her gums were almost white, she was cold, "worryingly cold" said Maria the vet, and her heart rate was irregular. Maria, hubby John and I rushed her into theatre where Maria tried to find a vein to give her fluids, but they were all flat. It was then that her heart rate slowed, her eyes glossed, and as the vet gave her CPR and injected her full of atropine, she faded away and left us. The CPR continued and the heart beat came back, but her eyes stayed cloudy, and again her heart rate stopped for the final time.  It was 1.45 am.   Just 45 minutes was all it took for our lives to change forever.

Our thanks must go to Maria who never gave up trying to bring her back until there was no hope. Our thanks again to all the kind messages we have received from friends.

We are left still in a state of shock, and I still can't come to terms with it all.  We have lost our 4-legged friends before, but their sleep has been carefully considered, as a result of suffering. Fizz gave us no warning - a fit healthy veteran one minute, yet taken from us the next. We do take comfort in the fact that her last weeks were spent doing what she loved most, walking in the Lake District and swimming in the lakes and rivers.  I could write about all her achievements, the finals she attended, her agility career - but it all seems irrelevant. She was my best friend and that's what mattered most.

Dashin Dogs (one day visit) - another 2nd for Flirt in Grade 5, and a 2nd in Grade 7 for Ski behind Alison and Jinx. However the main reason for going to Dashin Dogs was to see Kobe, Fetza and Blitz all compete in their first show.  And what little Stars they all were - lots of great rounds, clears too, and a 10th place for Fetz in Grade 3 jumping.  More good news - Thomas (with Jackie of course) and pairs partner Jake and Deena won the Laser Pairs.

Meanwhile, at Dogs In Need, Rod and Bex qualified for the Grade 3 - 4 Classic final on the Sunday, congratulations to them for finishing 4th in the final!

At Dundee, Bo got another 2nd in Grade 3 agility and Harry won into grade 5, winning grade 4 agility and jumping.  Indi won 2 classes and Bella (Borderstorm Grand-daughter) also won Grade 1 - 4 jumping.

And at their local non KC show, Georgie and Spud competed in the ring for the first time and Spud had a number of nice rounds - the shape of things to come.

At Wilton Week Bo won Grade 3 Agility, Jack won 2 Grade 6 classes, Indi won lots of classes, and Ski took a 3rd in BC agility.  At Dog Vegas the pups (Kobe, Blitz, Fetz, Spud and Buddy) all performed well, there were clears for all, and Blitz picked up an 8th.  Back at Wilton, well done to Sammie and Dylon (father of the 3rd Borderstorm Litter) for winning the Championship ticket.

On to the Olympia Qualifiers (not for me though ... still on my hols) and huge congratulations to Maz and Flyte for qualifying for the Olympia stakes, joining Jackie and Thomas, and in the Novice Olympia, Lou and Baby Dare qualified along with Sue and Bella.  Sadly, not to be for Amy and Haze, but they will be qualifying for the big one next year I'm sure.

And at Trent Park - Pixie won another 3 Grade 5 classes and qualified for the Laser Pairs - what a little Star she is!

Other news, Spy is definately expecting puppies, what a good stud dog Bo is!  Here, we are still waiting for Flirts season - only 3 months late!

Babies at their first shows

Buddy, Fetz, Blitz, Kobe and Spud

Bex excelled at Dogs In Need

19th/20th July

Meanwhile at Otley, Haze got 2nd in Grade 6 Agility and Zak got 2nd in Grade 6 Jumping.

Firstly - Packington!  Why Packington first?  Because Amy and Haze won the KC Olympia Novice Qualifier!  Yippee.  Haze's last ever Grade 5 class and she won it in style.  Flirt came 9th in the same class, Ski got 4th in the Helter Skelter and there were also places for Rod and Bex.  At Nottingham, the day before, Flirt got 8th in the 1 - 7 Helter Skelter, Alan and Matty won another Grade 5 class, and Jackie and Tom made the Olympia semis.  Jackie and Zak had a good 4th in the 6/7 jumping.

So what else while we've been away? Flyte won the Lazer Pairs with his partner at Lune, Baby Dare went into Grade 6, and won classes at Tweedbank, Indi won classes at Tweedbank, Pixie won classes at Pads and Lune Valley, Harry won classes at Tweedbank and Jack came close with 2 x 2nds.  Also at Tweedbank, Flirt won Grade 4 jumping, and Star won too many classes to mention.

There are also loads of FOTB wins, but I can't recall them all.  Must mention Becky and Kia though, Grade 1 but won the 1 - 7 medium Olympia qualifier at North Derbyshire!  Well done Becky.

Dare has been in season while we were away and Flirt is due any time now......hopefully then the patter of tiny paws later this year?

"our beach" in Naples, Florida

John and Leo at Magic Kingdom

Also at Vegas Matty won 2 x Grade 5 agility classes (joining all his litter mates in Grade 6/7)  and Tom won the Laser pairs. FOTB Flynn and Bob won the Grade 6 agility and Moss won the Grade 3 jumping. Well done to Becky and Kia for winning 3 out of 4 Grade 1 medium classes on Saturday. Lots of other places for Maddy, Chilli and Rio - too many to remember.

At Waldridge, Bex won Grade 3 jumping, Pixie got 2nd in Grade 4 Agility, Harry won grade 5 jumping, and "Indistorm"  Crystal won Grade 3 Agility too.

Flirt (left) and half brother Matty, both winning graded 4/5 agility at Dog Vegas. Flirt won Grade 4 and Matty won Grade 5.

Back at Otley, the Indistorm babies came out - Dares grandpups - Tom won the Tuffstuff Agility, Daisy got 3rd in Grade 3 agility and at Fair City Crystal got placed in grade 3 jumping.

Hannah and Tom

So Ski will be at Crufts on the Thursday, and Dare will be at Crufts on the Friday.  All we need now is to have a good day at LKA at the NEC on Friday, to qualify Dare for the breed at Crufts on Saturday :o)  Hmm, I won't hold my breath !

Above, Katie and Dare, and below, Ski and Dare

Bless him, he had further MRI scans, a CT scan on his hocks and a camera into his left knee joint.  The scope showed that his crucciate ligament, although inflamed, was not damaged.  However, the surgeon was surprised about the damage to his cartilage.  He said in all his years of orthopaedic surgery, he had only ever seen damage to the cartilage like this on one other occasion - another Border Collie doing agility. This damage had also caused fraying to the menisci. Anyway, he trimmed up and drilled the cartilage to promote healing. He also commented about some pathology to both hocks, and, although he didn't believe this was the cause of Cruise's problem, he commented that he was seeing this increasingly in collies. 

Star, Borderstorm No Regrets

Our friend and Team Borderstorm founder member Jackie (Owner of Zak and Kobe) has gone into hospital for a procedure on her leg - wishing her all the best  :o)