Monday, December 29, 2008

Seeking Attention


Corker has been determined to get my attention this Christmas.
First he went unexpectedly lame - not completely off his foot, but in obvious pain and reluctant to have it looked at. Couldn't see any cuts or thorns, so I decided just to rest him - which meant he didn't get to come for the morning frolic on the sports fields at Arrow Park, Redditch. Amazingly, ;)) his foot was better the next morning when I was getting the dogs ready for the walk, and has been fine since.....
But last night, 11.30pm on Sunday (!) he began behaving in a bizarre fashion, trying to eat the carpet and his bedding and obviously agitated. Been here before! Last time it was a blockage caused by eating duct tape - don't ask! So, out of my sick bed (I picked up a heavy cold this Christmas) and into the car to the emergency vets. Xrays showed a blockage, so he was kept in over night. Further Xrays and an endoscopy this morning showed green and white fibres but no real blockage. And I have since discovered that the green pan scrubber is missing - could there be a connection? (Oh yes!)
So, they are keeping him in a further 24 hours to see if he can pass food through his system, or if the blockage has just moved further down the system. They have also taken some biopsy samples, just in case there is a tumour or something nasty lurking there.
Appparently Corker is fine in himself and lapping up the attention of the nurses.........meanwhile, it seems very quiet here at home.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Pushing the Training

I'm really pleased with how the Boy Wonder (Bryn) is working in training. Both last night and tonight I pushed the boundaries with him - asked for increased speed, faster contacts, more difficult weave entries, greater distance from me when working away, trickier close work - all with great degrees of success. He really is a joy to work!
Took Amber to the physiotherapist before Bryn and I went training, and as I suspected, her hips/pelvis were causing problems for her, probably originating in a deterioration in the movement of her 'dodgy' left hock. The physio thinks this will recur from time to time, but that she will be okay for agility. She also thinks that Amber will exhibit lameness if it becomes a real problem for her - she doesn't show any signs of lameness at present. So, she's on gentle exercise for the next 3 days, then a return to normal exercise. All training is suspended over the Christmas/New year period, which will be to her advantage at present.
Corker continues to play 'Lord of the Manor', trying hard to be the boss of the house but failing hopelessly whenever someone tickles his ears! He takes his job of guardian of the house and car so very seriously - but doesn't really know quite what constitutes a threat. He's a big wuzz!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Wyre


6 December was Wyre Show also at Myerscough - but what a difference! Slightly smaller entries meant more room to park and move about, and less noise (marginally) Lots of smiling faces among the organisers who are always helpful and friendly. Jackie Kenny and I measured 13 dogs during the lunch time without it seeming a chore or rushed at all - nice relaxed show. Among those being measured was Bryn's litter sister Faith, and another couple of Nat's dogs - she had one measure into each category LOL! Faith, needless to say, was Large.

I had injured my leg the week before at NAWS (where Bryn came 2nd in the Agility) so I was hobbling around the courses in the morning, which didn't suit Amber at all, though she tried her best for me, bless her. Bryn did better - 17th in Grade 3 Agility, despite 5 faults for a rolled pole when he checked whether me hopping meant something or not. In the afternoon my leg was loads better and so was our result - Bryn came 8th in Combined 3 to 5 Agility - I was over the moon!

Training last night - Amber had scraped her stopper pad, so no training in a mucky riding school for her. Bryn was worked instead, and he made the Grade 5 course I designed (by accident!) look easy on the second run. He really is such a joy to work with.