Thursday, December 25, 2008

Our Christmas


We just wanted to send good wishes to all our Corgi friends on this Christmas Day! We got our gifts from Santa Paws.
It was pretty tiring opening all the gifts--we helped our humans too. And we did think more might still be hiding in the wrapping paper.

Merry Christmas!
Porter and Murphy


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Saturday, November 01, 2008

Herding News by Murphy

Hey everyone,

Sorry me and Porter haven't posted in a while. Things have been a little rough for our family and we have been working on keeping them entertained as only a good Corgi can. Mom told me that I should post about our weekend trial.

I got to herd four times last weekend. It was so great and I showed Mom and all those other people just how hard a Corgi can work. Mom kept being told how good a worker I am and that I have great drive. I think I heard Mom mutter something like "he's great at driving me crazy," but maybe it was "better he has drive than being lazy." I can hope, right?

Even though Mom and I got some practice in for the trial this summer, I had a rough time in our first class. Mom had me moving the goats around a pole and through a chute. She kind of gets weird when gets to the panels as I don't think she knows how to make things work. I just want to keep the goats with her. We were heading across the field again and she was telling me to stand. I was worried about them goats and then Mom started running a little--so I thought I needed to hurry too. I was wrong--but I saw her get a gate open on a little pen. Between the two of us, we got them penned.

Here is where it went a little weird again. Mom had me stand outside the backside of the pen. I could tell she was getting a little confused--she opened the pen and the goats just stood there. A couple were staring me down through the pen. Mom was trying to get me to move a bit to see if the goats would leave. I thought she was trying to keep them in there so I ended up blocking them a few times. After a bit of time, Mom was told to stop due to time being up. I know she was sad that we did not get to finish. The judge lady gave her some tips as well as some friends who know a bit more on things to try the next day.

We had another class just a bit later. It was easier for us and Mom did much better on figuring out what to do with the panels. The only problem we ran into was the goats decided they don't like mud. Mom is so used to the stock wanting to get through the gate, but it was so sloppy there. Poor Mom was slipping and sliding, the goats were balking and Mom was giving me a bunch of things to do to try and encourage the goats through the mud. It took a little bit but they finally went through. Mom got a sheet and I got a couple of ribbons--one said "Qualified" and the other "First Place." We were the only ones to run that class with goats--but Mom was so happy that we qualified.

We did the same things the next day. I think Mom tried thinking a little too much again. We finished the first class but Mom kept saying it was sloppy. I know I was a little pushy and not all the goats went through the chute. Mom tried something new at the panels and it went poorly. She thought if she stepped to the other side at least most of the goats would go through the panel...nope they went around with her. But I was kind of blowing her off on her stop commands--sorry Mom.

These goats decided they did not like the pen. Mom was able to get the gate shut on two of them. Lucky for us, those two wanted out with the others bad enough we got through that part of the course really fast. The hold and penning was easy for me to do for her then. I got two ribbons for this class then...a "Qualified" and a "Third Place."

We also did the other simpler course. It went about the same as the day before. We got them penned pretty quick. I received two ribbons again. Another "First Place" ribbon as I was the only one to work the goats. Actually there was another dog to try the goats that day in the experienced class. I felt bad for him--the goats kept trying to butt him and would not move at all. His mom wanted to give him something other than sheep as he works really hard and she thought a change might be good and get him to think things out more. Boy--he really had to think.

So Mom gave me lots of love and pats for being a good dog. I was told that I earned my HTD I on goats and have one leg of my HTAD I on goats. She bought a picture of me driving the goats. She says to let you know when the photographer puts up the images online--we will let you know so you can check them out.

We did go for a lesson today and she let me work sheep. We did the course that we had trouble with, although things were a little changed around already. The pen was still there. Sheep like to come out more than those goats do. We are still working on me keeping farther away from the stock, but it is so hard for me to do. But the sheep-goddess (Mom calls her trainer) told her that I am coming along really well. It just takes time and practice. Lucky for me, Mom likes to practice at least once a week.

High Paw and Out,
Murphy

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Our Trip to the 2008 Cardigan Welsh Corgi Nationals

Well we survived traveling together. Murphy got crabby with me. He thought that he should have a larger area to lay down. Oh and any food items were his and his alone. Mom told him off and I got to have my own special spot for traveling. I'm supposed to let Murphy tell his tale first and end this note. Mom said it was only right.

Oh Boy, Oh Boy! We went on a trip and it was mostly about ME! I got to herd some sheep two days in a row! It was a long trip and I was nervous about where we were going and I might have taken my nervousness on Porter. Luckily he is a forgiving brother. Oh and somehow Mom forgot our FOOD! Can you believe that...what were we going to eat! She did find a store on the way down and got us some food. Not what we get at home, but it sort of tasted like it. She was worried that we would have upset tummies, but we did really well the whole trip.

We got to a weird bedroom place at someplace called Kentuckee. There were a couple of beds and a little room that Mom would sometimes go hide in away from me. She let me in once and I jumped into a tub. No worries--there was no water in it for a bath. (Although Mom says I'm weird cuz I jump in for my baths...I do love water.) There were lots of weird noises that night. Porter and I tried to make sure that those noises knew we were there and ready to protect our new bedroom space. You'd think Mom would love to be so protected, but she YELLED at us! Ok, she may have loudly said "SETTLE! It's okay." or "QUIET! Go to sleep!" But she didn't hear the weird things we heard...they might have come and eaten us or something.

We didn't get much sleep that night. All of us were a little cranky in the morning but we headed out for the farm. When we got there it was really windy. Porter and I loved the temperature--it kind of was a warm drive the day before. Mom and da Aunts kept saying it was a little chilly. It was great running weather for me. Oh and I got to meet some of my relations. I met my great grand-dog, Sam. He was a red dog like me. And I met my Aunt or Grandma Ginger...my Mom got confused when it was explained to her. Oh and other cousin like relations--Conner and Moira...they were all RED! It was cool. Aunt Janet thought Conner looked a bit like me only with shorter hair.

I tried really hard to be patient, but I kept seeing all these other dogs get to work with the sheep. We did get to meet a lot of cool Cardis and other breeds too! I played with a Cardi named Dudley. He had a Pem sister, Taffy. Taffy didn't like me or Porter. We even got Dudley all excited he started to zoom around so much his Mom took him off for a run. At one point I was so excited as Mom was talking to Moira's mom that I jerked the leash too hard and got away from her. I got to run up to the fence, but the sheep were gone! So I came running around and went up to Moira and Conner. Mom got teased by some of the other owners about me. She said that I was naughty for doing that but good for letting her come up to me and getting my leash again. I guess I was a little bit crazy and barky a few times. Mom says I need to work on better patients. I'm not a doctor, Mom!

I finally got to work with the sheep and I think I was a little wound up. I kept those sheep moving and maybe pushed them too hard. I wanted to show Mom how good I was at keeping them with her. I even got to go after one that got away from the others. I heard the judge lady say we passed all parts of the test but I was almost harassing the sheep. I didn't mean to harass them so much but I don't think I was thinking too well then. Mom got a ribbon for my test and I got a toy. We went back to our bedroom space and settled in for the night. Porter and I did our best to protect us again but Mom and da Aunts were not happy with our protecting them. Girls just don't understand!

The next day we slept in a bit and then ran to the store to get some more things we needed--like biskits! Yeah, Mom pretty much forgot any of our food things. She felt so bad for us, but we didn't get any extra food for it. Hrmphf! Anyways, we got to the farm just as they were having lunch. I didn't have to wait as long to run my test. Problem was it was kind of rainy off and on. Mom was really worried about falling down. It was kind of slippery. When we went in for our test, I heard Mom tell the judge lady that if I was as pushy as the day before she would pull me from the test! The judge lady was worried that the stock or us could get hurt cuz it was kind of raining again and the ground was slippery. Well I showed Mom and the judge lady that I could do the test without pushing the sheep. I think Mom was surprised at me. I do admit, I tried blowing Mom off on my recalls on both tests. Mom is smart though and refuses to let me keep working the sheep. Since I know she wanted me to do well, I came to her when I was supposed to at the end (after running away from her and the sheep--I wasn't going to make it easy for her!) The judge lady said nice job and gave Mom some pointers to keep me from blowing her off on stops/recalls. We'll see if I decide to learn that... I'm supposed to let Porter take it from here.

Sorry about Murphy, he does like to chat a lot. Kind of like how he likes to run a lot. We got to leave the farm earlier than the day before which made Mom and the Aunts happy. We were supposed to take a picture of the Red Dogs but da peoples were all kind of miserable in the cold wet weather. I was starting to not like it either. We got back to the hotel room (I know what it is as I traveled to Washington with my family and stayed at many different hotel rooms.) Mom was pretty pooped out and we all relaxed that night. The next morning we were loaded back up for another trip. Murphy was a little nervous again but didn't get as crabby with me this time.

We got to a new hotel room. It was weird as we had to go through about of hallways to get to our room. We got to go exploring a little bit and we got to see Dudley again! It was so cool. Taffy was not happy to see us, but Dudley wanted to play again. We settled in for a little bit and I got to go off with Mom to a big room. We had to wait a bit. Mom and I watched some Cardigans do OB stuff. We even got to see a class called Brace. Mom was cheering and laughing with others as two Cardis worked with their person. There was one pair that were doing really good then they started to rough house. It was kind of funny. I hope Mom doesn't think about trying it with Murphy and me. I think it could be even messier with Murphy. He loves to pick on me sometimes.

We waited a long time then finally got to do a test for me. Mom was filling out paperwork and I kept hearing a loud noise so often. I didn't like it as it reminded me about thunder. Mom and I finally got to do our test. It was no big deal. I got petted and touched. I had to walk by some biscuits and that was hard to do. It was near supper time and a Corgi has to eat! It was hard at one point when Mom hid on me. But she came back and was told I passed the tests! So I guess both Murphy and I will have some extra letters after our names. Murphy will have an HT and I will have a CGC. Mom was very happy. I was happy, hungry and tired. We got back to the room and Mom fed us. I settled in for a good, long nap, so did Murphy. Mom was even happy when we had a play session in the room.

The next day we packed up again. We got to say good bye to Dudley's mom as they were packing things up too. Instead of getting on the road for a long trip, we went to a big dog park. It was awesome. We got to meet a young German Shepherd Dog and play with her. Murphy and her played tag. He was a little too fast for Mika, but she surprised him a couple of times. We even got to play on some agility stuff. Mom was jealous of the dog park there. She wishes we had something like that at home. I kind of would like something like this park too. I think Mom is really smart. She made Murphy so tired that he went right to sleep in the car. He couldn't be crabby if he was sleeping. So I got to sleep too without worrying about him getting cranky at me.

We had a really long trip home and Mom said she was happy that she didn't have to go to work the next day. It was so nice to be home and sleep in our own sleeping spots. We all slept late the next day....wait that was today. Mom was pretty tired today. We were too. She did get us out for a good walk, but she is kind of in a zombie mode. Our cat brother Twitch is not sure if he is happy that we are home or not. I think he missed us but won't admit it. I think he is trying to get Murphy to play with him but not sure he really wants to play with him. Cats are weird.

So here we are...Mom is tired and happy. Murphy is tired but can't sit still for long. I'm a little tired but that's because I got Mom to play some ball with me. She's a good Mom and I'm glad Murphy and I ended up with her. Hope you enjoyed our adventure. Murphy and I didn't want to share how humans travel together. They can be just like us...sometimes they got cranky and other times they were just acting weird. All I know is we made it to Kentuckee and back home without any major problems. Thank Dog!

Oh and you can check out pictures of the trip here.

High Paw,
Porter and Murphy

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

It was my 2nd Birthday!

Hey there! Murphy here! Mom finally helped me get photos up from my 2nd birthday last week. She apologizes as she had things to do on the 'puter and couldn't share. I told her if I don't get to tell my tale I would not herd for her at the Cardigan Nationals...I think she believed me as I finally got to log on tonight. Good thing she doesn't know I would do anything to herd.

Anyways, I had a great birthday. I got a special dinner and I ate slow for once. It took me almost a minute to eat! Usually I wolf my food down, but due to attacking fries...I had to slow down and be on guard. To understand the fry bit, you need to see the photos from the intimate party held in my honor.

I got to have a birthday cake. Ha! Porter only got cupcakes....I got a real cake! And I even had ice cream at my party. Mom found some beef flavored ice cream treats with colored topping. It was really good! Porter didn't have ice cream at his party. (Yeah, I can be a jealous brother...but it was not fair he got to post his birthday info right away and I had to wait a week. No my lip is not hangin' out so far for a bird to land on it.)

We got to go to PetSmart to pick out presents! Mom was not as prepared as she wanted to be, but she got me some great toys. I was kind of distracted by people and smells in the store. I even did a birthday boy pee on a store display...Mom caught me though...she had good eyes. She got me a bottle monkey (crinkle bottle stuffed up a monkey's butt), a long squeaky snake and squeaky ball with a rope attached for good tossin'.

You will have to see the photos, but the dang monkey attacked me. I tried to get the snake to attack the monkey but they both turned on me! On my birthday! Can you believe it? I showed that snake a thing or two. The monkey felt my wrath! Can't go too far into details...have to see the pictures...not for the squeamish.

I had a really good night and felt pretty satisfied with what my Mom did for me. I didn't think I would get such treatment, but I found out just how much my Mom loves me. I know she has a special attachment to Porter, but she told me I have wormed my way into her heart. But she warned me...if I cause her to pull out any more hairs...she would still love me...can you believe that?!?

You can see all the fun at my birthday album.

High Paw,
Murphy

Psst...I have to report that Porter and I really took on the monkey. His head has been opened up...Mom says he might be saved by the toy ER...but I'm hoping he is gone for good...stupid attack monkeys.

Sunday, March 02, 2008

It's My 4th Birthday!

Porter here!

Sorry we have been away. Mom has been kind of hogging the computer or has been too sick to help get us set up to post. I told her that I needed to share the details of my birthday. I turned four today. As usual, Mom went all out for my special day.

She made carrot cake cupcakes. She was hoping it would be simpler for her to do, but I heard her say "Never again! It is a regular cake next time!" I don't care as long as I get my special dinner and dessert. She definitely did her best and it turned out pretty dang good...for me!

Murphy and I got a special meal and then go some of cupcakes--a big one and a mini one. Then she brought out my presents. She apologized to me as the bed she got me is PINK! But it has blue paw prints on it. I don't think she looked at a picture of the pattern--just saw it said blue paw prints. She gave it to me earlier this week and don't tell her---Murphy and I both have taken turns sleeping in it. If she catches us in the act, I think she will be getting one for Murphy's birthday too. Hopefully it won't be pink as well.

One present she got me was these weird smelling chewy things. She told me they were Elk antlers. She heard some good things from others about them. Murphy and I think they smell funny. Murphy tried rolling on one of them. After a little bit, we have been doing some chewing on them. They are not too bad. I am reserving judgment yet. Murphy loves them or so it seems as he keeps chewing on one of them.

I will check out the other presents as I know the family will be trying to get me to play with them. Mom says she will put the video footage together soon. I wouldn't hold my breath for it to be done this week. She has lots on her to do list and will make some friends mad if she doesn't get these things done. However, she did get some photos edited and uploaded. She says I can share them. Please check out my birthday photos here.

Well I have to go. Got some stuff to chew on and others to check over. I feel pretty content and may just go cuddle up with Mom. She says she feels exhausted. I hope she doesn't get sick again. It is a tough job being a Corgi Nurse.

Have a great night,
Porter--party pooped out

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Corgi Valentines

This month's featured ImageKind art is THE CORGI'S VALENTINES DAY PARTY by Valerie Brock.

It's that time of year when love is in the air. It wouldn't be right not to have a Corgi Valentine. If Murphy or I knew little Emma, she would not be crying as we would share our Valentines with her.
This piece of art would be a great gift for the Corgi Lover in your life. Give a Corgi related Valentine gift.


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Murphy was very happy to see some Cardigan Welsh Corgi Valentine designs offered at CafePress. Here is one design on a lovely keepsake box. It is a great gift to give and maybe surprise them with something in the box.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Valentine


Or get this lovely Tote Bag for yourself to let others know your special Valentine is your Cardigan Welsh Corgi. I think Murphy plans on getting one for Mom to announce that he is her Valentine. I might have to get her something to tell the world that I'm her true Valentine.


Cardigan Welsh Corgi Valentine Tote Bag


I know I am my Mom's Corgi Cupid. So I think this design says it all and it is offered on a rectangle magnet (something my Mom likes to collect.) I think it would make a nice, simple Valentine gift to the Corgi Lover in your life.


Pembroke Welsh Corgi Cupid


I hope we got you started on your way to find a Corgi Valentine gift for your loved ones. If we find more items to share, we will post them here. You never know what we might turn up for great Welsh Corgi gift ideas.

Thanks for stopping to sniff around,
Porter

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Hey New Year--We're Still Here!

We just wanted to share some photos from our holiday break. We hope to be back to posting more soon as Mom finally broke down and got a new computer. Boy has her mood improved and she gets things done faster now. She says she will be willing to share the computer more now. And we to start an album for friends and family to view us having our fun.



Please check back soon as we will be posting about great Welsh Corgi items on the Internet!

Barking out a "Happy New Year!"
Porter and Murphy

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Corgi Christmas Card

Hey we just wanted to post that Mom helped us make a Welsh Corgi Christmas card. Porter and I fought over who got to be Santa Paws. He didn't want to be a Reincorgi, but I kept shaking the antlers off better than he did. Here is one of the cards Mom posted of us...
















I think it is funny if you see the other one that we did...Mom is still wondering if she should use it at all. Porter was a little annoyed about wearing the antlers.



Let us know if you think we should have both cards up. Although, Porter might find you and give you a piece of his mind. He loves our Mom so much that he puts up with a lot from her.

Oh, one more thing...if you want to see our Christmas wishes via Elf Yourself, click here. It features us and our kitty brothers, Twitch and Chano. Chano is the one who gets the speaking part. You can hear Porter bark at the end of the message.

Happy Holidays,
Murphy

Saturday, November 24, 2007

More Great Welsh Corgi Holiday Gift Ideas

We wanted to share what we thought would be great holiday gifts to give for the Corgi lovers in your life. Hopefully the ideas below will get you thinking and help you buy that perfect gift!

Here is one favorite artist we love to check out and see what new things she has come up with in her Corgi art. We love Evie Anderson and what she brings to life. I know if I came across a carrot nosed snowman, I would steal it. Murphy, however, would probably take an arm to gnaw on. He isn't into carrots much. Both of us think this is a cute depiction of what just may happen should a Corgi should meet a snowman with a carrot nose.




Another great piece by Evie is this one. We Corgis put up with a lot of nonsense from our owners, but this is getting a little ridiculous. If my mom had more Corgis, I think she would try to set up us in a sleigh scene as below. I agree--Ho-Ho-Ho No, No, No.





Murphy wants to make sure that we feature some Cardigan Welsh Corgi gift ideas. This is his first Christmas with us and we have told him all about Santa Paws. I think he is more excited than me. (If you listen closely, you may just hear Murphy in the back ground..."Santa Paws, Santa Paws! Gotta be a good dog for Santa Paws!"). Murphy loves this design.




Another cute Cardigan Welsh Corgi holiday design features 3 different Cardis frapping with holiday decorations. Makes Murph and I want to join in! This design will probably bring a smile to any dog lover's face.



The last thing that we would like to impart is to remember, if we all work together anything can be accomplished. With team work, a tree can get decorated. Don't use strings of popcorn though! We Corgis can't resist that crunchy goodness!




Have a great holiday season. Be safe and keep warm!

Corgi slurpies,
Porter and Murphy

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Getting into the Holiday Mood

What a better way to get into the Holiday mood than to do some reviews on Holiday related items. Please see our reviews below:


Today's featured art is SANTA SIGHTING by Valerie Brock

What better way to get in the holiday spirit! The image of Santa's sleigh being pulled by Corgis.

Murphy and I love this artist's work. Of course, Murphy thinks there should be some Cardigans in this art, but he says it has his approval.

Hoping all you Corgis out there have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season,
Porter

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Hello to my Corgi Friends! Murphy here!

I wanted to show something that was Cardigan Welsh Corgi related and a little unique. I think I found a great item to show you. A Cardigan Welsh Corgi Tie--what a great gift for the Corgi loving guy in your life. It is even got a red background to fit in with the Holiday season. You can't beat that!

I hope you like it!

High Paw,
Murphy



Cardigan Welsh corgi Tie tie


Cardigan Welsh Corgi Tie
by
knewfy
Get this custom tie at Zazzle

Sunday, August 05, 2007

A few Musings

Hello there! Murphy here! Porter let me take a crack at offering some opinions on some great Corgi items out on the web! The first items I found were at CafePress.com. One is a wonderful watercolor of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. It is such a nice image. I also like the Art By Angi image of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi in a life saver to promote Corgi Rescue. If I didn't have a responsible breeder Mom, I might have landed in rescue myself. But my breeder Mom found me my forever Mom for me after the first home could no longer care for me. My forever Mom believes in helping out rescue causes and tries her best to help CorgiAid. She gave them some designs featuring me and Porter. Farther down, I have my art critque for a wonderful piece of art at ImageKind.

Thank you for stopping by to sniff around,
Murphy


 Mousepad
Corgi #3

Mousepad

Buy Now


Rescue Corgi (Red Card) Tile Coaster
Support Corgi Rescue (Red Cardigan)

Rescue Corgi (Red Card) Tile Coaster
Support Corgi Rescue - Cardigan Welsh Corgi & Save Me Life Preserver. Angi Laframboise Dog Breed Rescue Cartoons. A portion of the profits from items with this design will be donated to rescue groups

Buy Now



This week's featured art is Corgi-Queen of Hearts by Kari Phillips

I would love for this Corgi Queen to be mine. Mom says I have a problem with drooling and I hope it dries up before she comes back to the computer. This piece of art bring me as much joy as a tasty treat. I could stare at this Corgi Queen for at least 15 minutes. That is a long time for me! Hope she makes your day too,
Murphy


Corgi-Queen of Hearts by Kari Phillips

Corgi-Queen of Hearts by Kari Phillips


New art featured weekly, courtesy of the artists at ImageKind.

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Saturday, July 21, 2007

Porter's First Art Critique

This week's featured art is PEMBROKE PICASSO by Valerie Brock

My first thought looking at this art work makes me wonder what this Pembroke is thinking! There are sheep to herd! But after studying this picture some more, I love the idea of doing paintings of ewe! Just a little Pemmie humor! BOL (Bark Out Loud!)

Just thought I would share this piece of art. Murphy thinks the Pembroke is not so bright. But then Murphy thinks all stock (sheep, cattle, ducks) need to be rounded up and told what to do.

I hope you enjoy this art as much as I do.

Your fuzzy butt critic,
Porter, PWC

New art featured weekly, courtesy of the artists at ImageKind.

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Sunday, July 08, 2007



This week's featured art is Cardigan Welsh Corgi Head Study by Colleen Maney


This isn't so much of a review, but more of a test I am doing for my human mom. She wanted to see if something worked and then had the gall to use an image of my new brother. Okay he has been here over 6 months, but I never posted about it. He is some good fun, but usually is a pain in my fuzzy butt! I hope you enjoy the image.

Mom also says that the title of this blog may be changing in the near future. I guess it is going to be all about me and Murphy--the kid brother. Sometimes I want to trade him in for some treats.



New art featured weekly, courtesy of the artists at ImageKind.


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Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Fun with Zing

Okay the local news showed off this website to "Zing" your friends. I would rather have fun with my Pets! You can see my fun with Porter here:

ZingFu

Make your own Zing!



Enjoy!
Colleen

Porter wants it to be known that he is happy to fill in for Harrison Ford--as mom really thinks he is good lookin' in this movie.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Testing Occuring

Yes, an update at this site! It is more a testing piece for what I want to do with my website and other blog. Porter and I are keeping busy and I really do not have much time to spend writing on the many different places as I did in the past. I do not know how others can spend so much time keeping things all updated, but I am also easily distracted by something new to try out. Who knows when and where you will hear from us next.

Have a great day,
Colleen 'n Porter

Monday, October 17, 2005

Porter Tracking News

Well, I know I have been very absent here. I have been working hard on my shop blog and shop. I am still waiting to hear about a job I interviewed for over a week ago, but I do know they are doing a full background check. But for the main reason of this post. Porter News! My boy and I were in a tracking test this past Sunday. The following is a write up I did for his breeder, my family and friends.

Well, it was a gorgeous day down in Illinois for our tracking event. Could not have been more perfect weather. Got there in plenty of time for the draw. I was the first alternate and they had two withdrawals, I believe due to those dogs already earning their TDs the weekends prior to this test. I was the 3rd to pick and I received track number 2.

We drove out to the site and I waited patiently while the first dog and handler ran their test. Porter, however, was a little impatient. He whined a little and kept nosing the tall grasses where we waited. I won't bore you with the extra wait time. The first dog was given a lot of time to finish and was finally called for time limit.

It was our turn. To get to our track, we had to go through a lot of cover...tall grasses, thick grasses....well poor Porter was getting a work out, so being the great mom...I picked him up and hauled him through the tough areas. I was feeling pretty beat getting to our track hauling my dog much of the way. Porter, the whole time, was trying his best to sniff everything even while I was holding him up.

We had a small path prior to our track to walk. I got a chance to catch my breath and harness him up. I was told to go ahead and start. We went up to the start flag to find a sock. Porter nudge it and sat down for me. I hooked up my line to his harness, quickly held up the sock and gave the word to "Track!"

Porter shot off down the track to the second flag. We got about 10 feet from there and he tried taking a break to smell something interesting. Got him back to work and we were off! I could kind of tell where the track went and we came to a cross track from deer. Porter explored it a little bit, but I told him to get to work and he came back to the track.

He shot the first corner a little bit, but I could not see where it went at first. Once he committed and moved on, I could see bits of it ahead of us. We were going as fast as I could go. Lots of grapevines trying to take me down. We make out next turn then come to an area of 'confusion.' It looked like an area where deer may have laid down. I couldn't even tell where anything went. There were all kind of tracks around. Porter started to go down one and I trusted him. All of sudden after about 10 feet, the little bugger came back to where the track would have gone if we were going down a straight line prior to the flat area. I felt really good about his 'decision.'

He was going a good pace and then I felt a grapevine just as he decided to turn it up a notch. I fell down to my knees and told him to wait. I look up and he is looking back at me like "Ma! Get up and let's go!" I got up and told him to get going. We made another turn and I was thinking...is it over yet?

We were coming down to the end, I felt. We had not gotten a whistle yet, so I figured we were doing really good. We started heading to this strange clump of growth. I could kind of tell the track went around it, just to the side. As we got closer it appeared that Porter tried picking something up and paused for a second, but then he continued on. I said "You got something?" I came forward and he kept going. It was just a big leaf. I just kept thinking, it has to be done soon.

A few more feet, Porter sits down. I ask again, "You got something?" He just looks at me. I come up to him and I do not see a glove, but notice this grape vine kind of over the 'path' and blocking his view. I rip it up to let him through and say, "Track!" He gets moving again. Deep in my brain I am still thinking "ISN'T IT OVER YET?"

Fifteen more feet, Porter walks over something. He turns around, sits down, picks up a glove then drops it. I run up to him saying "Good Boy!" Grab the glove and wave it in the air for all that it is worth. The judges yell "Congrats!" The small crowd watching starts cheering. Our track was 447 yards and aged 1 hour 15 minutes. We ran it in 9 minutes. It felt like a lot longer.

So Porter should soon receive his certificate making him, Northwynd's Fungo Get Fuzzy TD. He made me very proud. I did get a compliment from the judges on how well he worked the track. Of the 4 TDs and 3 TDXs, only Porter and an English Spring Spaniel passed. We both were TD passes.

Well that is it. I hope to be able to post more here in the future on updates about Porter. We will be in more events, I hope.

Saturday, September 24, 2005

Some Time No Post

Sorry for not posting lately, but I know I do not have much of an audience which suits me just fine. Things are really sucky right now. Still no job and I am hitting rock bottom. It is so bad I have contacted someone from my last job to see if they need help still. I haven't heard yet, but I don't know if I really care.

There are a few more jobs worth trying for in this weekend's paper. My problem is these places do not seem to be in a hurry in getting back in touch with me. I need a little more expediency. Hopefully something will pan out soon.

I have been busy working on Corgis & Other Critters. Lots of updates and I have become an affiliate. Now to work on getting some money to pay bills then get a website. I also updated my shop blog, Colleen's Critter Creations, to kind of coincide with the shop.

Hoping a good turn is coming my way. Thank you for stopping!

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

When It Rains, It Pours

It has been very busy for me lately. My usual project of the WVTA journal. I had another project for a friend I have made in Porter's former agility class and now see at our herding lessons. And I also was asked to donate some items to the PWCCA National Specialty for their volunteer raffle. I am very happy about this last one.

Big time exposure for my shop is a very big deal for me. It is perfect for the little niche I am trying to keep with my shop. However, I know if I am going to have any extra money come in that I might want to get some other things going. But that is for the shop blog. So for the dog show, I have been working on getting items for the donation up and sent to the person in charge. I am also updating my business card and putting a flyer together made special for the show.

Other big news: I have two job interviews over the next two days. YAY! me! It has been looking so dark and dreary for my 'work' life this gives me an extra boost. One is part time at a human medical clinic. While it would be close and okay money, I am not sure I am really going to pursue it hard.

The interview on Friday is for a veterinary clinic. This one I am actually excited about trying to get. I think I finally got out of not really considering a vet clinic. I like that it is only 2 Doctors and only open during the week. No after hours emergencies and no weekends. Their ad mentioned only a 4 day work week. Now, if they can pay well, I will really push for this job. The only problems are it is a bit of a drive, my car is nearing the end of its life and ??? (they could be really weird--but we shall see come Friday!)

Anything else? My mom sounds different as she finally got some new choppers. Looking good, Mom, but practice your "s"es. Oh and I got another call today for an interview at a clinic in Evansville. This one is not until Sept 7th. I did tell them I have a few other interviews and will call if I am no longer interested in the job. I will keep you all posted.

Things looking up here. Hope things look up for you too.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Made New Blog for CP shop

Sorry I have not posted in a while. Many thing have me zinging around. The job hunt continues as each day sees at least one new resume sent off. I am working more with Porter and seeing improvement in his OB.

I have started a blog for my Corgis & Other Critters shop. I am working on updating the shop and tying the blog into the design. I still have some things to learn. I want to get my own website, but until I have some kind of income I will not be able to buy a domain and run a site. First thing on my wish list.

My online comic addiction seems to be winding down for now. I have caught up on all the comics that have caught my interest. I am trying hard not to look at more to read. I find I easily get lost in the 'written' world. I love books, but if I get into a reading bug...you will need to pry any books that fall into my hands. I guess I just jump in with a gusto when I start something. (Wondering if what I just wrote will make sense?)

Seems some creative juices are flowing. I have some new ideas for shirts. I just wish I had some art talent. I know what I want things to look like, but have no ability to draw it. I will keep plugging away. Must remember to put a pen and paper by bed as I had some good ideas (I think) as I was just starting to fall asleep. Of course this morning, all the ideas are gone...or I have an empty shell of them. These empty shells do not sound as great as they did last night.

I know the above is 'shop' talk, but as it seems as nobody stops to read...I can just use this spot as a sounding board for myself! :-P

May the Day Bring You Great Things

Sunday, August 07, 2005

Porter Fills In

Well it was about time for me to use my paws to write something for humans to see. I'm Porter and thanks for pausing a moment to read. Mom is really sorry about not writing for over a week. Things have been a little stressful for her and the weather makes her cranky. She hates the heat as much as I do. We have been taking it easy. She worked on some stuff for family gift type items.

She is sad that I have not gotten back to do any herding. Each time it is cancelled due to the weather. I am worried that she will put it off for a while until the fall. I really want to go see those goats. They need to know I am still the boss.

What I am not supposed to tell you is that Mom got caught up in a couple more online comics. I told her I was going to become a very naughty dog if she didn't knock it off. We compromised. She can finish getting caught up on the comics she has started reading, BUT NO MORE! She finally got through all of the archived strips of College Roomies From Hell . She really enjoys it. Something about liking the cat Chester. Humphf! Stupid cats....dogs are much better.


I should complain about the other strip she is finally getting close to being caught up on.... Clan of the Cats . Now I really have a problem with this one, except they pulled in some characters that had a Pembroke Welsh Corgi called Scoop! He did a great job protecting his owner. I will let Mom investigate the comic that Scoop was borrowed from ONLY if there is more Scoop.

Oh, Mom will be working on a blog for her CP store. She is still plotting things out. When she is not sitting addictively looking at the comics, she has been sitting thinking about what the heck she is going to do....I'm worried too...She keeps saying she needs money to put food in my bowl. I am a Corgi...I will NOT starve! For my Mom, I am willing to suffer just a little bit

Aaaaaarrrrrrrrooooooo,
Porter
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