Shelamo Shelties

Never Easy Saying Good Bye

2012-01-26T21:27:00.006-05:00

"Tyme"
Dec 6, 2006 - January 26, 2012

It is with great sadness that we had to send our Ch Shelamo Tyme Descends, at such a young age, across the Rainbow Bridge.

In less than 5 days she went from a happy girl, pushing her food away for later, then with a bit it coming back up later, to yesterday interested but refusing food and a bit out of sorts. There were no other outward signs. Blood test were insignificant, xrays & ultrasound showed a light mass which the thought was maybe ovarian issues. Her litter of pups was almost 14 wks ago.

Surgery was scheduled for today, which we found a large mass cell tumor attached to her upper intestines & pancreas. There was also another one near the spine. No way was surgical removal possible and prognosis for any treatment was grave at best.

Hard as it was we didn't wake her up.

She leaves behind a great legacy ...

her daughter

Ch Shelamo Riding The Wind (ASSA 2011 placement)
& her daughters
MPBIS BPISS Ch Shelamo Flash Forward (2011#3 Sheltie Puppy In Canada)
& Ch Shelamo Deja Vu

her son
BPIS Ch Shelamo's Riding The Wind

and now ...
growing out are her 3 daughters, Mocha, Cocoa & Gem

"Tyme's" father BPIS Am/Cdn Ch Shelamo's Prospector
& mother Shelamo Mata Hari

and her grandmother
Shelamo's Party Pack ROMC

are all still with us here

We will miss you dearly "Tyme Tyme".
Rest well, till we meet you at the Rainbow Bridge

Canadian Winters ~ YUCK

2012-01-18T13:01:00.006-05:00

This is what I found when I went to put the dogs out this morning. So much for mother nature being kind. We had a bit of wet snow, a lot of rain/freezing rain all day yesterday and into the evening, and then went into a major deep freeze overnite. The poles just couldn't handle the frozen weight. Going to be a job taking it down, as all the snow/ice is just one big hunk in the middle, and with the windchill at -23C or so, and no extra daytime hands, guess it will have to wait till the weekend with warmer temps. Such a pitty ... and it never dawned on us ... DAH!, we should have removed the tarp for the winter.
Dogs all went nuts at first, woofing their heads off ~ "What is this in our backyard!"

Dogs and Kids ~ Learning As They Go

2012-01-17T18:18:00.007-05:00

These pictures came via a client of ours who owns one of our dogs that is 1.5 yrs old now. The fun to be had by all after Xmas presents are opened.

Now you tell me, who's teaching who?

You spin 1st ... ah, ha, the blue, wouldn't you say!
and we do it how?

by george I think we've got it ... we'll both start on the blue

Is this how we do it? I hit it 1st, does that mean I won?!

Oh, so the Twister game is over? Now on to skate boarding? Isn't that a summer sport?

I think I can figure this one out ... easy does it!

Now how cute is that?! Thanks Karen, these are priceless pictures.

Trixie's Pups 3 wks

2012-01-09T11:36:00.006-05:00

Blue Merle male

Trixie's pups are now 3 wks of age. Other than being able to hold their heads up a little better, for a little longer, I hear little growls or woofs from time to time, a little bit of mouthing, they aren't up to much else, other than growing!

Blue Merle male & tri brother

Bi-Black Female

Tri female

May I enjoy this "quieter" time for the next week, just cleaning them & watching them grow, for within another week Trixie's job will slow down and I'll be more on constant 'call', and a more regular clock of caring.

Sheltie Strut ~ Shelamo New Ads

2012-01-08T13:54:00.009-05:00

We're pleased to have our MBPIS BPISS Ch Flash Forward as the Cover Page for Sheltie Strut this coming week.
Our Shelamo dogs have done well this past year, in both conformation & the performance arena. You'll also find this advertisement in the Performance section.
These 3 Shelamo shelties are all owned, and were trained & handled by Judy Flanigan this past yr. I take my hat off to her for all her efforts in trailing 3 dogs this past year and achieving the rankings she did in not only Shelties but overall in Ontario & Canada. From what I can see, no other person achieved such high standards on 3 dogs this past year in Rally.

Interestingly all 3 dogs are descendent through our Shelamo's Party Pack ROMC.

In February check us out in the Feature Breeder's Corner!

Our AOAC pups @ 2wks

2012-01-04T09:57:00.006-05:00

Trixie's litter is looking very nice. They are now just over 2 wks of age and all eyes are open. The blues are still too young to determine if their eyes will be brown or blue, or one of each. All pups eyes at this age have that glassy 'blue' hue. As we check each one and as their eyes become open, we say "Hey there, welcome to the World!". We finally have a 2nd way of introducing ourselves to them. Up to now it's only been scent. Ears will now open during the next week.

they are now learning how to hold their heads up

L-R Tri male, Tri female, Biblack female

The two blue(s) brothers (biblue is on the left)

the biblack female ~ she was the 1st to open her eyes

The Gang All Together ~ an Xmas Post Card

2011-12-24T08:16:00.012-05:00

The gang @ Marylou's this year

Sadie, Harley
Cocoa, Gem (good Duck stick treat!), and Timbit
(Timbit had learned his stay really well this past yr, along with posing for the camera! Nice training Rachel & Matt)looking mighty fine

Tyme Pups - Ready For SantaPaws

2011-12-23T17:35:00.003-05:00

Ch Shelamo Sugar Rush x Ch Shelamo Tyme Descends
(they'll be 9 wks Xmas Eve)

Only 2 more sleeps before SantaPaws visits Gem & Cocoa. They are anxiously awaiting their 1st Xmas day.
Thanks Marylou for this cute pic of the two of them and seeing that they enjoy this festive season.

SantaPaws Came Early!!!!

2011-12-20T11:14:00.005-05:00

Our Gralochs Blueberry Tart gave birth yesterday morning to 5 healthy pups, with a nice variety of colours and sexes. They are sired by Am/Cdn Apple Acres Expedition ROM/C. We've waited a while to do this breeding, and couldn't be happier with the outcome. Now the anxiety of watching them grow starts!

Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope SantaPaws is as good to you as he's been to us.

Tyme's Girl 7.5wks - Cocoa

2011-12-16T14:22:00.005-05:00

Meet Cocoa, growing up here. She is from our Ch Shelamo Sugar Rush x Ch Shelamo Tyme Descends litter. She was named at just 11 days old by the girl we had here on the day, 'take a kid to work '. It's stuck!

"Cocoa"

Puppies - Bite Inhibition

2011-12-08T12:36:00.006-05:00

In one of my previous posts I said I'd try and get pics of puppies play fighting and learning bite inhibition. They all start to learn this as early as 2.5 wks of age, before the puppy teeth come in.

Can we do rearrange this together?

Here's the Bliss litter around 4 wks of age. They've decided the way I made their bed needed rearranging. Yes, they thought this play time was fun, but they were also learning how much pressure was needed & physical force to move this item, which didn't yipe back at them.

Maybe I should train them to make our bed!

I got you~ no you don't, I got you!

Two of Tyme's girls in a play fight. At 6+ wks their teeth are fully erupted and their jaws are getting stronger.

Now I've got you .... nope, I got you!

Sheesh, all this learning is tiring.

Winter Grad Class ~ Lakeside

2011-12-05T22:45:00.010-05:00

I teach dog obedience at 2 locations for the City of Ottawa. The 1st class graduated on Dec 2 at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Gardens. It was a Level 2/3 advanced class. I had a great time teaching this class as was small, and diverse enough that we were able to do all kinds of work. With the weather being nice, some daylight still available, along with a well lit area, for the 1st 5 classes we worked outside for 1/2 hr in a very distracted environment. I think everyone accomplished more than they had expected, with some AH HA moments. The students helped each other work through some of their 'kinks' too, which showed me they'd learned how to put small steps of achievements together.

back row ~ Java & Schnapps
front row - Shadow, GPS-Y, Harley & Taco

Aren't long downs great for photo opps!

As a side note, the 19th Annual Winter Garden Party will be held on February 26, 2012.
Great fun for the kids.

Corki's 1st Xmas With Us

2011-12-03T12:33:00.006-05:00

Corki's been our new addition since June ~ she's a real fun loving girl. She helped from start to finish, checking out everything. This is for the March family.

What do you see Corki?

Now just don't pull on the tinsel!

Merry Christmas To All

2011-12-02T12:35:00.005-05:00

A Christmas Card to all our friends & fur friends ~ Click on above

Tyme Pups ~ 5 wks 4 days

2011-12-02T09:13:00.004-05:00

I'm tardy by 2 days in getting these pics up, but it just goes to show you how fast pups start to mature in their abilities. Tuesday was their 1st day of trying out running ... well it really wasn't running it was a hop, hop type of movement.

Yipe!

See the girl on the right ... she's just a hopping to beat the band and thinks this new found motion is so NEAT!
Their problem ... the back end doesn't always go where the front end wants to, especially when stopping or slowing down is required.

their 1st experience with chewies
and those orange things you see, they're Goldfish, the human kind ~ love them as treats
also the tops off the the brown paper rolls make good play toys ~ they're tough

play toys now have to be larger and more durable

humm ... I can now not only carry these sticks, but lucky me ~ I can squeeze them in half!
(sorry Linda ~ it was the day for some broken ones ~ gotta bring out the large ones)

and my day starts and ends this way

Tyme Pups ~ 5 weeks

2011-11-28T14:29:00.007-05:00

Pups are now 5 wks old and waking/play time has increased to about 1 hour at a time. Since their mobility has increased it was time to introduce them to the hoop, right at floor level. They were quick to investigate this new 'toy', and not an issue to go through it.

Crate training begins .... 5 pups in a small crate

No one's told them yet that Plough---ing to the other end of the plate isn't better food ~ you just get your feet all wet!
Guess it's time to bring out the round metal food bowl ~ tomorrow ~ then they can't plough thru it as easily.

We have more play fighting happening, more standing over one another in a dominant posture ~ will try and get a pic of that ~ more things in their mouths!!! like dust bunnies when they're out to play!

In comparison, here's the white faced girl of Bliss (sire Whistler) 11 days younger. This litter is just starting to get up on their feet with a bit of mouthing. Sleep & nursing are still their priorities.

something furry to cuddle with ~ makes them feel secure

Clean, clean, change, mop, launder are the words of the day, even more now ~ mom isn't doing much of the work now!

Learning Really Starts to Ramp Up Now

2011-11-25T12:52:00.007-05:00

Many people don't know how puppies start out day by day in their abilities, and how it starts to escalate week by week as they mature. Hopefully I can shed some light as we follow Tyme's litter along. I'll do my best to post these changes.

Tyme's pups are almost 5 wks and their abilities to do all kinds of things are starting to ramp up. They can't run, just waddle. They are just starting to explore spaces that are a bit larger, but that can be scary, each time they are out to play they get more confident. Toys are still small as they can't do too much damage with their tiny teeth and lack of jaw power. They don't know how to carry items yet either. Small toys that make noise, like rattles for babies is good. Just like babies, everything goes into their mouths.

They are still at the point that if they are uncertain, they will drop and stop, just as if they were in the wild and a bird of prey flew over head ... get down, stay low and still ... it's in their genetic make-up.

Bite inhibition starts now too as they play fight with one another.

They are still on softened puppy food mixed with baby pablum, although the percentage of soft puppy food is being increased each day. Mom is not with them on a regular basis now, but spends on/off time with them during the day, sleeping in her crate at night.

checking out the taste, texture of a shoe ~ does it squeak, yelp, with this amount of pressure? Let's try it.

human skin ... humm .. what's it taste like?

the MOP!!! funny smell ... texture ... OMG it can move! wonder if we can stop it?
What can I say ... Yes, I'll admit it, between the mop & the broom keeping their life tidy & clean - it's the only bad habit my puppies learn! Owners must 'undo' this once the puppy comes home or they'll help you house clean in ways you don't want. It's an easy fix with consistency.

hummm .... this moves and makes a noise

Xmas Count Down

2011-11-23T13:08:00.007-05:00

Tyme's pups are now just over 4 wks and it was time they were moved into a large x-pen area. After exploring, playing with new toys ...

Oopps! who put that in my way!

hummm ... will it squeak? maybe a treat in there?

time for everyone to crash ~ 31 days of sleep till the Big Red Man called Santa Claus comes

Winter Booties For Dogs

2011-11-22T09:54:00.006-05:00

Winter is on it's way ~ whether we're going to like it or not!

I get asked many times about whether shelties need booties for walking in the winter. My general answer is no, not usually. One of the biggest keys is you need to keep the hair trimmed on the bottom of their feet. Below is a pic of one foot that's been trimmed, the other still to be done. One of the areas dogs sweat is from their paws, (did you know this?) and thus with the hair & their sweating it all leads to those big snow balls that collect between their pads. This can cause small cracks in the thinner areas between their toes. Not to mention all the sand/salt they pick up! Dog's pads are meant to be rough and able to handle most surfaces ~ just think ~ they can run through dried grass, prickly weeds, woods with who knows what on the ground, over rocks and we don't consider protecting them during this time.
So, when might booties help? If you have no choice but to walk on heavily salted streets every day, and especially when we have those minus 30C consistent days, they can help. Those icy days we get can help with traction. Or maybe you have a senior dog, arthritic dog, that needs help with traction.

There are two problems with booties - one will the dog walk with them on??? and two will they stay on? There are many kinds on the market. You need to 'train' your dog to accept them on their feet. Don't just put them on the day you need them as many will shake, pull them off or just fail to move! Train them in the house, one bootie at a time, a few good treats to distract them and make it fun. Maybe play with a toy, so they aren't thinking about them. Work up till they accept all four.

These are ones I've seen in action. I have one in my dog class, with a waxed floor, there is a Rotti that will slip on the sit. She wears these and they stay on for the full hour, no matter what she's doing.
Check out this site ... click on the pic from their home page ~ Pawzdogboots.com
Biggest question, where can you get them? I plugged in my location and found Pet Value carries them. They come different sizes ... but hey! take your dog and use it as a training/socialization situation at the same time.

Enjoy winter! and don't forget to groom those feet.

Saying Good-bye

2011-11-16T12:45:00.010-05:00

Maybe this post will help heal the pain I'm feeling.

Sassy was a major part of our life, returning for boarding many, many times. She was raised here as one of our own, but went on to her new home around 6 yrs of age.

Ceilidh, Sassy, Teegan

She lived with 2 other dogs, unfortunately Ceilidh passed to the Rainbow Bridge this past spring.

Sassy @ 4 yrs of age

She was in for boarding, and altho we knew she had not been doing well since early this spring, each time she seemed to rally back. Yesterday it was not to be. I captured the above picture early yesterday ... it's almost as if the stuffed sheltie is saying 'I feel for you'.

I had the hard job of seeing her get her wings, to run free and to visit with all her previous friends. As I drove home with tears in my eyes, the sun was setting, a bright red sky that I'm sure was welcoming her.

Sassy .. your sweet face, loving pokes with your nose will be missed not only by us here, but your real family. A special thank-you to our Almonte Vet Hospital for all your care and support.

Golden Hylite's Spit Fire
Dec 6, 2000 - Nov 15, 2011

" Every time I lose a dog, they take a piece of my heart with them. And
every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart.
If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I
will become as generous and loving as they are"
author unknown

An Xmas Surprise is Coming

2011-11-13T09:14:00.006-05:00

We've confirmed by palpation that our Gralochs Blueberry Tart is pregnant! She's been bred to one Canada's Top Stud Dogs in the 21st Century ~ Am/Cdn Ch Apple Acres Expedition ROM/ROMC. This breeding can not only produce blue merles and tris, but also bi-blues and bi-blacks.

Needless to say, it made for that all important decision, our family's xmas dinner will have to be held at our place this year.

Too bad ultrasound can't yet predict colours :)

Tyme Pups 2.5 wks Old

2011-11-09T13:47:00.008-05:00

Still a warm day for early November, the sun shining at the moment, so I took Tyme's pups out in 2 groups to get some pictures of them @ 2.5 wks of age. We've now progressed from Saturday with their eyes opening then, now their ears are opening and they are able to hold their heads up better. They still can't wag their tails! I had a hard time picking which pictures to put up.

3 of the smaller girls from Tyme's litter

sun feels so good

this pup now able to hold her head up is sniffing the air ~ one of the best things they do from birth

hello pretty one

the 2 larger girls
"Cocoa" named by the "take your kid to work day"

Tyme Pups 2 weeks old last Saturday

2011-11-09T13:34:00.006-05:00

As we follow Tyme's pups as they grow, here are some updated pictures of them @ 2 weeks of age. Iif you remember, they easily fit into this red donut bed; they now fill it!

eyes and ears are still shut

warmth, sleeping, mother's milk and huddling are their activities in life at this stage;
they also have a twitch, flicking their limbs, which is the body's way of exercising at this stage if you don't see it, then a pup is in trouble.

Bliss's Pups Have Arrived

2011-11-09T13:09:00.006-05:00

I've been tardy in getting our most recent news of our new litter up ... life with dogs has that way of loosing time.

Last early Wednesday morning, after a long night with Bliss's delivery we had to head to the vet for assistance. We had a large stuck pup coming feet first and I knew I'd exhausted myself, and Bliss to get this pup out. We needed a c-section, without too much time to waist. Ultrasound showed we had slower than normal heart beats on the remaining pups. With many hands on deck, and I mean many! as not only did my girlfriend Marylou spend the night up with me & go to the vets, but Mary-Anne ended up taking that day off work to attend to the crew at home. (yes, if her boss is reading this ~ I can confirm this was her reason for not being there ~ I understand this is a new one for you :) ) Then there was 'take a kid to work day', which I had one coming to the house that day to learn the ins/outs of kennel life, plus there were several at the vet clinic also. Other than the vet, the assistants, the vet tech and the receptionist I totally lost track of who I was handing pups to, asking them to rub them and make them cry, keep them warm, remove wet/dirty towels ... the list went on. I thank all those that stepped in, without time to think, or a drink of their coffee, as they arrived at the clinic with all this going on. In the end, we came home with 3 perky girls.

BPIS Ch Shelamo's Riding The Sky x Ch Shelamo Hearts Delight

3 females 1 day old

the 3 girls 5 days old
(thanks to clients for this picture)

here they are, now 1 week old

An Extended Family 'Jigs' Evening

2011-10-31T09:32:00.006-04:00

My sister's family was entertaining company ... one of her husband's bother & their family from Newfoundland. So last nite we headed over for a family Jigs dinner. I should have taken pictures of ALL the food that was there ... turkey, turnips, mashed potatoes, REAL salted beef from the "Rock", cooked cabbage, fried sweet potatoes, carrots, and gravy. I think I got it all :) After the early dinner we all headed out to a local arena to watch my youngest nephew play hockey.

A good slap shot that the goalie stopped.

The family in the bleachers. There were 10 of us all total.
back row to Alexander in red cap
front row ~ visiting family ~ to sister in white
bottom row brother-in-law
Oh, oh, my sister now sees me shooting pics

and now she's gone! caught you Karen!

Tyme/Rush pups 1 wk old

2011-10-31T09:25:00.005-04:00

Our Tyme puppies turned a week old on Sunday. They've all almost doubled their weight and now they take up the whole space in this red bed. As you can see they still want to nuzzle in.

~ pups eyes won't open till closer to the end of this week ~

Our Rush x Tyme Litter is Here

2011-10-24T11:18:00.006-04:00

Our Rush x Tyme litter arrived successfully on Saturday, Oct 22/11. All 5 girls were born, during the day, within 4 hours from the time her labour started. They weighted in between 4.1 and 5.6 oz. It has meant that couch duty was called for the last two nights to ensure the 2 smaller ones could navigate properly. As I post this, they've all gained good weight, with last night being uneventful, hopefully with eyes on everyone today, I'll be able to get a nights sleep in bed.The gang is all here.

Yes, that is a handful of 5 pups!

everyone snuggling in @ 2 days of age

~@ 2 days of age it's just a pile of pups~

at this age it's nurse, stay together, and keep warm
pups have higher temperature needs at this age and can't regulate their own body temp till they are closer to 2 wks of age

Dog's Don't Stay Around Long Enough, Do They?

2011-09-25T11:50:00.005-04:00

This was just sent to me, and I thought it fitting for those of you we've been close to recently that have lost their older soles.

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"
The Six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently..

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

148th Carp Fair, Ottawa, Ontario

2011-09-25T10:47:00.005-04:00

I've lived in this area since 1961, even closer since 1996, and never, ever, do I remember going to the Carp Fair; one always thought of going to our main Exhibition @ Lansdowne Park in Aug. Well, yesterday I met up with friends to watch the heavy horse hitch competition and go for dinner.

Here's a few pics of the 6 horse hitch. What an awesome sight, and the feeling as their hooves thundered past you was an experience in itself ... if I can learn how to properly downsize one of the videos I took so loading isn't an issue, I'll post it.

some 18 horses teams, all standing patiently

liked this team

the winners ~ no idea how they judge them

walking through the other barns ~ ever see chickens with feathered feet?

the grass is always greener on the other side :)

I didn't take pics, but in another area there was a sow with 5 young pigs and at the time we were there, I swear to god, all the times I've been on farms, I've never seen a group of young ones do FRAPS, just like a bunch of puppies @ 8wks of age! They were tearing around, going in no specific direction, altho using the sow as a round about, and one you could tell was more dominant than the rest as it would tend to mount the others & the sow. Ear licks, nuzzling, play bowing ... all the same as puppies. A real good chuckle for sure!

PS ... these grounds were the same as where our CSSA National 2006 was held. This main ring held both our herding & agility competitions. Our 2012 National will be in Ancaster, near London, Ont.

Expecting Fall Litter

2011-09-23T12:50:00.006-04:00

We can confirm that our girl "Tyme" is expecting. She's been bred to our Ch Shelamo Sugar Rush, who has produced two Champions in one litter. They are sisters, with one being "Breeze" MBPIS BPISS Ch Shelamo Flash Forward that we've had so much fun showing this yr.

"Breeze" in the Junior Handler competition @ the Ste Foy Dog Show with Justin

A Whole Lot of Accomplishments

2011-09-12T12:41:00.006-04:00

Wooowww ... did we all have a busy weekend here .. and the most gorgeous sunny, warm weekend for everything on our plate to go just so ....
Dogs got a new 26' long x 10' wide shade tent in their back pen ... thanks to two young strapping male friends of Mary Anne's they were able to assembly it.
There was also a 'crew' that we sold our above ground pool too - this was the last of it, the deck, being loaded late on Saturday.

Saturday & Sunday I was involved as the rep for Purina Proplan in the PetsMart Adoption day program that they sponsored.

these two were so proud of their new kitten and the Proplan goodies they received

I left this event @ 3:30 and flew across town to make it just in time for a 4pm wedding .. the bride was just headed down the isle. Rachel & Matt Davidson tied the knot in a lovely outdoor setting. Matt is the son of my friend Mary-lou; they are ones that adopted one of the sheltie rescues that I was involved with last October. I anxiously await the professional pics done of Timbit with the Groom's Men in his own bow tie.

right on ... it's done!

the gathering @ the Davidson's for the morning get together

Sunday, before I headed back to PetsMart I had time to drop in to the Davidson's for a morning after breakfast. Mary-lou had done a wonder job with a great selection of eats, including Tim Hortons coffee!

I heard many didn't hit the sack till 4am ... and I hear they learned a lot of new dance moves.

And, well, bless his sole, Mike spent the better part of Sunday shopping.

Keeping our Fur-Kids Safe

2011-09-01T13:44:00.002-04:00

I've already posted some things that seem way out, and not even considered, that would be toxic to your canine friend ... like the sweetener xylitol (chewing gums), and blue alga (small backyard feature ponds) ... here are a few more you might not have considered.

Did you know that the composter you have in your backyard that you are so diligent in keeping up to help our landfills out ... well as it does its 'work' it is also making deadly toxins that if your dog gets into it, it can be deadly for them. Specifically, it contains mycotoxins that can result in seizuring, tremoring, and secondary hyperthermia. Signs usually occur within 2 hours of ingesting the material, starting with vomiting and tremors (shaking). Whether you know your dog got into the composter or not, these signs mean it's time to get your dog to the vets.
Cocoa mulch shells, that one might put in their garden can also cause lethal effects. These products contain theobromine, which is what is in chocolate, that can make our canine friends so sick. So beware of what you put in your gardens, and also what your non-fur friend neighbours use.

I posted before about xylitol and its harmful effects on dogs. This chemical is not only found in many of the chewing gums, but I've also learned it's in a lot more these days - toothpaste, mouthwash, anti aging face creams, face masks, face cleanser (a whole raft of skin care products in general), and can even be in sun screens.

What does xylitol cause in a dog? In the canine body, the pancreas confuses xylitol with real sugar and releases insulin to store the “sugar.” The problem is that xylitol does not offer the extra calories of sugar and the rush of insulin only serves to remove the real sugar from the circulation. Blood sugar levels plummet resulting in weakness, disorientation, tremors, and potentially seizures. The other problem is with the liver. It is not yet known why, but it starts to destroy the liver tissue.
The hypoglycemic dose of xylitol for dogs is considered to be approximately 0.1 grams per kilogram of body weight (about 0.045 grams per pound). A typical stick of gum contains 0.3 to 0.4 grams of xylitol, which means that a 10 lb dog could be poisoned by as little as a stick and a half of gum.

How much is too much for liver damage?

The dose to cause hepatic necrosis is 1 gram per kilogram of body weight, about ten times more than the above dose. In the example above, the 10 lb dog would have to find an unopened package of gum and eat it for liver destruction to occur.

I can't tell you how much of this product might be in say, face cream, or toothpaste, but it's enough you need to look at labels and consider your storage options.

Signs can be seen within 30 minutes of ingestion - vomiting, weakness, uncoordinated movement.

If you're interested, here's a site that lists items in different categories using xylitol in them.

Homesteadmarket

Lastly, where does your dog travel in your vehicle? Are they safe? Loose? Riding beside you? On your lap; hanging out the window?

There are about only 1 in 10 dogs travelling by car that are properly secured. The danger is not only to them, but also to you. At just 20 kph (35 mph) a 60 lb dog would become a projectile with a force of 2,700 lbs in a collision.

2 years ago I was 1st on the scene of a car that had swerved to miss a deer and then bounced off a hydro poll, into and out of a small ditch. There was a gentleman and his small dog in the car. I was trying to get to the gentleman, but was faced with this barking, teeth barring terrier. Luckily, the gentleman wasn't injured and was able to control his dog. I was able to leash the dog, with one of my own, and remove him, then able to check both of them. No one was hurt, thankfully.

This just goes to show you that a loose dog in a vehicle accident can impede 1st responders. The dog can get startled by an accident, run off on, causing potentially other accidents as vehicles swerved to miss them, and/or if injured make it even harder for someone to administer 1st aid. However, if they are crated (my preference all the way around), or seat belted, this minimizes the risk to not only the driver, but to the dog and anyone trying to help.

And please don't think it's great to travel with your dog hanging its head out the window ... just think of the # of bugs that hit your windshield or your side mirrors. They can also hit your dog in the eye, or even go down their ears. If your dog loves the smell of the country air, then put the window down just enough that they can smell, or use these window grates.

There are many ways to secure your dog in a vehicle. Crating to me is the best, as I've said. It is an all-in-one safety feature - dog is safe from flying objects, and any one responding to the scene of an accident can easily just remove the dog in its crate. You can seat belt them in; there are booster seats for small dogs; there are gates for the back of vehicles like vans. What ever your choice, please use it, no matter how short of a trip you are taking. Remember, most car accidents happen within 3- 8 km (2-5 miles) from your home.

Keep your fur friends safe during these Dog Days of Summer. Travel safe.

A Naming Game - Tic, Tac and now, Toe

2011-08-23T08:52:00.006-04:00

Long time sheltie clients of ours have now completed their next generation of agility stars. Their interest in agility started back in 1997 when they purchased their 1st sheltie from us, Shelamo English Rose (and yes, as her name implies, she left with them the day Lady Di passed away).

Their 2nd sheltie from us is "Tic", she's a small tri girl, that is just eating up the agility rings.

"Tic" and owner Jack in 2009

"Tac" their 2nd dog is a Papillion.

And now, they've completed their naming game with "Toe". He was over to have his ears redone, so I took the opportunity to capture a few shots of him. He's just coming up 16 wks.

He is sired by our BPIS Ch Shelamo's Riding The Sky HIC (who is also working in agility with owner Linda Howie) out of our girl Ch Shelamo That's Amore.

We're hoping he follows in his father's paw prints.

Showing - Full of Laughs & Good Times

2011-08-15T08:58:00.000-04:00

I'm tardy in putting this post up ... just one of those weeks.

It was a fun show, last weekend in Ste Foy, Quebec. Marylou and I went for a 3+ day excursion starting out late in the day. It was about a 5.5 hr drive, with the weather on the way down hot and humid. Through Montreal we came across a couple of construction zones, seeing these signs ... to us, it meant 'suck it in' ... tummy tucks that is, so we were hoping we'd have flat stomachs by the time we'd finished ... nope.
There were 2 shows on the Friday, with our MPBIS MPBISS Ch Shelamo Flash Forward garnering another Best Puppy In Group and a Grp 3rd under judge E. Wild. Her sister Shelamo Deja Vu was Reserve Winners Bitch. In the afternoon show "Breeze" won another Best of Breed/Best Puppy.

Best Puppy in Group Presentation

Saturday, it was again very hot and humid ... guess pushing 37C or so. I got asked in the morning by Jodie of Treasure Coast, if one of our girls could be used for juniors for their son Justin. I knew "Breeze" would be a breeze (ha, ha) at that! I was proud of how my girl, still a puppy, handled herself with a total stranger, someone she'd only met an hour or so before juniors.

Justin & "Breeze" in his classes' line-up.

She never let up showing for him.

On our previous trip past Quebec City we'd eyed the Montmorency Falls Park, so we decided to head there Saturday after the show, maybe even get some lovely pics of the girls there.

On our way there, this is what we followed ....

how's that for an escort?!

Well, much to our surprise there was a BIG event going on - a fireworks display! There were cops, barricades, parking restrictions, parking attendants, no parking signs on the upper town area .... so after driving around to try and find, even a spot to view them from above we gave up. The weird thing was, that in our travels around the streets above, and OH MY, were there some beautiful homes overlooking the river ... didn't we see this Official Pace car (or one just like it) sitting in a driveway! The owners of the home could be seen sitting out in their enclosed patio, so I dared not take a pic.
This was our set up, nice and dry, mostly shaded for the day, right next to the obedience/rally rings. So we got to watch a lot of exhibitors go thru their paces. There was one young girl, just 9 yrs old with her Cavalier who achieved 2 qualifying legs for her Pre Novice. She got a great round of applause .... I still remember those days myself. Sunday, it was a totally different story ... it rained, and rained. Luckily it was just a drizzle when we were packing up, however it still meant stuff had to be dried out on Monday.

Another show trip over with, washing done, equipment dried out.

"Breeze" in the Juniors ring

After this weekend, she is now ranked #2 Sheltie Puppy (2 BPIS, 9 BPIG) and #9th overall Sheltie
We're proud of this girl's accomplishments.
(according to Best Dog In Canada & Canuck Dogs)

Dog Obedience - Time To Think What To Do

2011-08-12T13:21:00.009-04:00

It's time to think of fall dog obedience classes. Do you have a 4-6 month old pup that you need that extra help in getting them under control? Are they still pulling you down the street? Not coming when called? Maybe it's time to get some help.

Many of the obedience classes, especially in my area of the City of Ottawa, start up in September.

my Level 1 spring class @ Glen Cairn Community Center does well enough with distractions to start to work outdoors

The City of Ottawa has gone Green, and thus there is no longer a printed guide. The guide is now on-line here at

ottawa.ca/recreationguide

Go to the Adult Program/Sports and scroll down to page 29 where you will see all the classes offered in the Ottawa area.

Why train? It not only gives you and your dog a one-on-one time to enjoy each others company, but it also gives you and your dog a more consistent way of understanding one another. Dogs want to please, and we need to show them how. You and your dog also work at becoming a good neighbour, and in this world where we are living closer and closer to one another, we must show others our dogs can be well behaved in public.

If you've completed Level 1, consider the advanced distraction and off leash work that is done in the 2nd level. Learn more about your dog's behaviour in various situations in a secured indoor environment, and then, how do you control them.

Level 1 - distracted outside heeling

we make it fun for all at Halloween too!

No dog is too old to learn, to be able to spend dedicated time with their owner, to exercise their mind and just get out and go somewhere they know they will have fun.

What have you done with your dog today?

Dear Deer, Please Don't Play On The Road

2011-07-25T14:33:00.005-04:00

Saturday on our way out to a dog show, don't we get a glimpse of one of the two fawns heading across the road. I've seen one mother with her 2 fawns over the last few weeks, just never had my camera with me. Well, it was right behind my seat, so I slowed down, grabbed it and shot these pics through the van's window before the last one went off into the bush.

can you see it? just off to the left

we were able to get a little closer, then it disappeared

We stopped the van in the area we saw them cross, but no signs of mother or her fawns in the bush.

An Unwanted Disappearing Act

2011-07-19T16:28:00.004-04:00

Finally, summer has arrived ... and BOY has it arrived with a vengeance! It's been sweltering hot/humid for well over the last week and our gorgeous swimming pool that we finally got all the ph's and chlorine levels just right, has been pushing 80 F, guess around 24 C. With not so cool nights it's been staying around that temp.

Well ... Sunday morning I could hear a noise out the patio door ... it wasn't the a/c as the sound was a bit too far from the house ... it was the pool pump making a weird sound. I look out and sheesh, the water level was almost below the intake area. So out I go to at least turn off the pump and don't I step into a squishy water area! OH MY! there is a trickling water leak right down at the bottom.

Talk about my heart dropping ... I couldn't see where it might leaking from, just knew it was obviously somewhere 5' down. Mike got home from his errands and in he went to see if we could find a tear/crack. As he walked around in the area of where the water was, the water started to bubble even more and with the added pressure sure enough you could see the tear appear, right on the very bottom of the pool.

Within 24 hrs the pool was well over 2/3 rds empty ....

that brown spot ... well that's the tear with the sand under the pool showing thru

It's now Tuesday, and guess what, the higher temps haven't let up, with the prediction of upwards of 93F/34C into this weekend, and that's not with the humidex added in! Some are predicting we could get up to 41-44C with the humidex.

Oh, humbug .... wouldn't you know it!

Our Baie St Paul, PQ Dog Show Trip

2011-07-12T10:37:00.014-04:00

We (Marylou and I) took off this past weekend for a dog show, in an area of our vast country, Canada, that I haven't travelled through. It was a show in a small town, east of Quebec City called Baie St Paul that is situated on the northern shore of the St. Lawrence River. It's a quaint, artistic town, all homes/business so very well kept. Everything, from what seemed to be freshly painted surfaces, to colourful roofs, coloured vinyl siding, manicured lawns with flowers, shrubs and trees that seemed to be planted just so.

The great weather made the trip that more enjoyable.

Small outdoor cafes lined the main street & intersection in the downtown area.

A long mural lined a rock face along a small river in town - this is just one section where if you look closely there are actual train tracks on the flat surface.

one of the art galleries lawn art

Afternoon milking
On Sunday afternoon we headed up the road and visited two cheese factories. This one makes their cheese from their sheep.

This dog lives with his flock. A sign said, 'Dog working, don't disturb'

We took a walk down the board walk ... looking out onto the river as the sun started to set

Breeze .... sticks were there to relax and chew on

Marylou with the two girls at the motel coming back from their afternoon walk
Breeze is on her left, Pumpkin on her right

the daisy hill behind our motel (looking down towards the town) .... I didn't have my camera the 1st time Pumpkin decided it was the best place to roll ... the 2nd time she started to, but it was just a bit too hot to really get into it

Pumpkin did come away with a 3pt win going Best of Breed/Puppy Breed; sister Ch Breeze added a Group 4th to her winnings

Puppies - Oh how they grow

2011-07-05T20:58:00.006-04:00

The Whistler x Ruby litter are now just over 8 wks of age ... how time flies and what fun I've had with this litter. They've been such little dolls, taking every new adventure their grandma Linda (Whistler's owner) has thrown at them. With all she's done, there has to be some great agility stars in there.

Today it was lovely out, and, well, why not hang puppy laundry out to dry. Sure beats listening to them go plop, bang, thump in the dryer.

This is Ruby's boy at just over 8 wks of age ... he is so reminiscent of his father. A star we hope.

Here's the larger girl, she's now off to her new home and is called "Reno".

Have you ever tried taking pics of sleeping dogs while in the house? No sooner do you open a door and they're all up. Well, slowly, cm by cm I opened the patio door .. yes I got a few heads pop up a couple of times hearing the noise, but they went back to their snoozing, so I was able to capture these precious moments.

here's "Mighty Tot", the smallest girl who is likely to mature around 131/4-13 1/2.
Ruby has been the greatest mom, always wanting to be with them. She'll stand by their pen outside to be picked up and put in with them. Now that there is just the one left she's more than happy to be her best mate.

Oh, a bit of a stretch .... this afternoon lazing is just the thing ...

back to sleep ... life is so tough ... she'll be headed to her new home in a couple of days

Are You Prepared to be Skunked?

2011-06-29T11:25:00.008-04:00

If you meet one of these ... probably it will be last potty call at 10 pm or so, when your dog comes
face to face with one! Likely you're not prepared, but then what are you to do, other than panic, if your dog, and maybe you get sprayed? It's certainly not a pretty sight, or should I say smell.
First off, let's try to prevent this kind of incident from happening all together. Make sure you take your dog out on lead and carry a flashlight ... a) you'd like to keep your dog from putting his nose where you don't want it to go, and b) you just might see the light from their eyes, or the white stripe. Skunks only spray if they feel threatened.

However, if it happens what is one to do? Well, at 10 pm you're probably not prepared, right? or maybe after reading this Blog, and you're in an area where you could come into contact with them, you just might have some items on hand.

If you have none of the so called 'skunk-off' products, you can try going to your vet and finding their outside drop off box as they are usually kind enough to leave a bottle there for emergencies. Otherwise, you need to find a safe haven for your dog, out of the house ... like the garage. If you've crate trained your dog, here's a time when it would come in handy. Leaving your dog on a porch or deck, in their crate would also work. The key is to remember that where ever the dog has the skunk's oils on them it will transfer everywhere.

So what can you have on hand. In asking on FB and searching the web there are a couple of tried and true suggestions. Most people haven't found the store bought products to work well as they'd hoped.

This is one, and we can all keep it on hand at a minimal cost.

Take 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (available from any drugstore), 1/4 cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate for you science types) and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap, such as Ivory. Mix in a bucket and immediately apply to the stinky pet. Rinse thoroughly with tap water.

*Warning*

This mixture can be explosive, as it will fizz and creates pressure if it is enclosed in a seal tight container. Never store unused portion, always discard. Be sure to only mix in an open container and do not try to store or cover it in any way. Do not get the mixture into the dog's eyes, nose or mouth.

Another one I was told worked well for them was the clear Ivory dish soap. Wet, lather well & rinse.

And the last one, believe it or not are the feminine hygiene douches! Yep, can you see a man buying a box of it at 11pm at a Shopper's Drug Mart? along with some candles? I've had more than one reply of similar nature :) but those that have tried it say it does work.

One key to remember is the skunk's oils transfer everywhere, have I said that already?! So change your clothes to old ones, use paper towels to soak up any oils you can 1st. Remember, that as you wash the dog the oils transfer from the affected area, so 1st work the skunked area well before doing the rest of the dog. Most often the face is involved, so one must be careful around the eyes. Use an old face cloth, sponge, or paper towels to clean this area - remember you are going to be throwing these things out!

Be prepared, and be alert at night, especially if you're in unknown territory, such as a camping.

Good luck, if this happens to happen to your dog.

Back-To-Back Best Puppy In Show Wins

2011-06-21T10:15:00.010-04:00

What a thrilling weekend for us and our puppy, now MBPIS BPISS Ch Shelamo Flash Forward. It was a gorgeous weather weekend for showing dogs at the Kingston KC dog show and topping it with Saturday & Sunday, both days taking a Group 3rd and Best Puppy In Show made the long days even more enjoyable.

"Breeze" on Saturday with her Group wins under judge Don Wallace
went on to win BPIS under judge Phyliss Wolfish

Don Wallace - judged her for BPIS on Sunday

"Breeze" hanging out keeping cool before BPIS on Sunday.

really chilling out, waiting is such a hard thing .....
and ... her sister Shelamo Deja Vu was Best of Winners on Friday
pictured with judge Letitia Bett
Winners Bitch on Sunday
Thanks Mary Lou for handling her in the Breed ring

Pictures of her BPIS win are in the mail ... let's hope the postal strike is over real fast!

Spring Graduating Class

2011-06-21T10:05:00.006-04:00

Had a great group of students for my Level 1 spring class at one of the community centres I teach at. They all showed remarkable improvement during the 10 wk course, and with the great weather we had at the end we were able to do some distraction training outdoors.

Willow, Bryn, Cooper, Rocky & Buddy

missing this nite was Cowboy

Corki - What Matter?

2011-06-13T09:40:00.010-04:00

We're having fun with our new feathered friend, Corki. I wouldn't let my dogs do this ... not sure why I'm letting her?? but so far we've been getting a kick out of it. She's figured she likes spaghetti, only it does need sauce on it.

"What matter?" ... can I check it out?
(I don't think she'll be as smart, or able to talk like Alex the African Grey Parrot, but hey I can try!)

bold! Oh she's bad ... she'll climb down your front if you let her. Now it's on to pizza!

What matter Corki? She likes pizza crusts too!
Only problem ... she can be messy with her little beak bites.

Puppies are getting used to her to ... flapping things is good for puppies to not be afraid of. A week ago she helped me set up the pups in their new enclosure, it was time for them to have more room and work at building those little leg muscles more.

Ruby Pups @ 5wks

2011-06-13T09:26:00.007-04:00

Our BPIS Ch Shelamo's Riding The Sky (Whistler) x Ch Shelamo That's Amore (Ruby) pups are just over 5 wks now. Last week was their 1st time outside for a bit, (while I cleaned their pen) so I took a few pics before they got too warm.

Here's the larger girl ... 'let's see if I can tug this towel across the pen'!

The boy ... 'hey mom, it's a bit warm out here don't ya think?!'

Inside this weekend there was a change of toys ... a new surface to explore .. humm teeth are the best to check things out at this age!

A new tug toy .. let's see if I can remove it!

Maybe I can get it off my undoing the knot?!

The little girl taking a break in her chair ... and it really is HER chair!

Jelli - what next?

2011-06-06T13:22:00.006-04:00

MBPIB Ch Shelamo Jumping Jelly Bean - "Jelly Bean" .... surprises, surprises ....
We co-own a boy with Jan & Steve Silcox, and Jan is always finding and giving me treats in his honour. She sent an assortment of flavours for us to enjoy on 2 of our Toronto area dog show trips this past winter ... and then ... at the Kars show didn't we get this box.
Then, at my dog obedience graduation class one of my students gave me this box, as a thank-you .... what he didn't know was the story of jelly bean ...
I found it interesting .... 'filled jelly with chocolate' .. never heard it worded that way before! But, who cares, they are SO ggggoooooood!

Breeze Featured in the New Sheltie Strut Puppy Awards

2011-06-06T12:54:00.004-04:00

Check out the new BPIG/BPIS ads on Sheltie Strut
thanks Penny for a super looking ad of our Breeze

Motorcycling Sheltie

2011-06-05T19:27:00.008-04:00

It's that time of year when motorcycle people hit the roads, head out touring ... but ... there's a difference with this family ... towing behind in his own little custom made trailer is a SHELTIE!!! Yes, it's Casey! Turning heads, stopping to take his picture ... Shelamo Autumn Dream, a son of our Shelamo Tia Maria, sired by our BPIS Ch Shelamo Changing Winds.

He came in today for his spring tune-up - a full wash down, suds up, shine up (and trimming the edges).

He's loaded and ready to hit the road.

off they go ... their trip this year is to head to NB, NS, the Cabot Trail and PEI ... so if you're in that vicinity watch for the Motorcycling Sheltie.

His travels will be on Facebook, so if you contact me there, I'll tell you where to find him.

She Ain't Furry, She's Feathered

2011-06-05T19:16:00.006-04:00

Meet our new (feathered) friend, Corki. She's a Cockiteal. We've adopted her via sheltie client friends. She's a real personable girl, loves to sit high on her perch on top of her cage during the day. If she spots one of us, especially Mike she'll come flying and find a hand/shoulder to land on.

We have a screened in porch, so when temps are right we've been putting her in her smaller cage so she can enjoy the sunlight, talk to the other birds, and watch the hummingbirds come to the feeder.
She helped me feed the upstairs dogs last nite, funny thing, none of the dogs noticed something 'strange' on my shoulder ... guess they were just too interested in their dinner!

Cute Carton For Dog People

2011-06-01T09:18:00.008-04:00

not only those that have kids, but those of us with dogs will find this funny too

Birthday Wishes to Casino TOO!

2011-05-22T09:36:00.007-04:00

Yikes! With 3 on the go ... Opal, Mike's on the 21st too, totally forgot this one. On May 20th, our Ch Shelamo Burleigh Casino Rama CD turned 11 years of age. She was bred by Sandy Hawkins, USA.

BISS BIS Am/Cdn Ch Toven Wintertide Am CD ROM ROMC x Shelamo Linden Decoration
(Shelamo Linden Decoration is a litter sister to Opal)

She is Mike's blue eyed beauty, and is my demo dog for my dog obedience classes.

Opal is 13 years old today - Happy Birthday Sweetie!

2011-05-21T08:00:00.017-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our foundation girl Shelamo's Party Pack ROMC. She turns THIRTEEN years old today - May 21, 1998. She has a long list of decedents that make our kennel what it is today. This list includes some very versatile dogs, doing all kinds of fun things with their owners.

pictured in 2005

Isn't retirement grand! 2010

they just don't make beds big enough! December 2010

Opal in 2009

Her decedents that have earned titles

1st generation

BPIS Am/Cdn Ch Shelamo's Prospector
Ch Shelamo's Sure Fire CD, RA
Ch Shelamo's Show Case
Ch Shelamo Party At The Palace
Ch Shelamo Play For Kix
RBIS Ch Shelamo Sugar Shack
Shelamo Truffle Delight RA
ATCH Shelamo's Highland Eagle ADC RN-MCL, RA-MCL, AGN, AGDC, ADDC,AGN, AGI, SMADC, SMTRDC (May 19/11 earned his Expert Standard Bronze & Bronze Versatility Award @ 10+ yrs old)

grand kids

BPIB Ch Shelamo Heart's Delight (Sugar Shack daughter)
Ch Shelamo That's Amore (Sugar Shack daughter)
Ch Shelamo Sugar Rush (Sugar Shack son)
MBPIB Ch Shelamo Jumping Jelly Bean (Sugar Shack, son)
BPIS Ch Shelamo's Changing Winds (Party At The Palace son)
BPIB Ch Shelamo Winds At My Back (son of an Opal daughter, sired by Changing Winds)
MBPIB Ch Shelalmo Tyme Descends (Prospector daughter)
Ch Burleigh The Excavator (Prospector son)
Shelamo's Main Sail RN (Prospector son)
Shelamo Excuse My Dust CD, CGN (Prospector son)
Saravan's Silhouette At Shelamo CD (Prospector daughter)
Shelamo's Precious Cargo HIT (Kix x Sure Fire, daughter)

Great Grand Kids

MBPIG Ch Shelamo Riding The Wind, 2011 ASSA 2nd Placement (Tyme Descends daughter)
BPIS Ch Shelamo's Riding The Sky HIC (Tyme Descends son)
Ch Shelamo Sands of Time (Main Sail daughter)

Great Great Grand Kids

BPISS MBPIG Ch Shelamo Flash Forward (Riding The Wind daughter)

and if those aren't enough .... Shelamo dogs seem to do some awesome things

Shelamo Autumn Dream
who LOVES to ride shot gun in his own motorcycle trailer

the Morin's with Casey in his trailer
a BPIS Ch Shelamo Changing Winds son

Gryphon Wins BIG

2011-05-20T08:50:00.006-04:00

Huge CONGRATS to Linda Howie and her boy Gryphon. On May 19th, he achieved his Expert Standard Bronze Agility title, also earning him his VBA, or Bronze Versatility Award. Now I'm not up on all the requirements for these titles, but am told that for the 1st one the dog has to have 10 Q's in the master standard runs, and for the VBA needs 10 master standard runs & 25 master games ... that's a lot of running in my opinion! And he did it in the semi-dark.

Linda & Gryphon with the judge
this boy turns 11 this fall!

DC/Cdn Ch Linden Danbie The Blacksmith NA VCX HTDI x Shelamo's Party Pack ROMC

Cover Girl - "Breeze"

2011-05-13T21:42:00.006-04:00

Our new Ch Shelamo Flash Forward is this week's Cover Page for The Sheltie Strut
and her mother MBPIG Ch Shelamo Riding The Wind is featured in the ASSA 2011 National Placements.
Thanks Penny for an super job.

BPISS MBIG Ch Shelamo Flash Forward

2011-05-10T14:22:00.005-04:00

On Mother's Day (rose in jacket that the hostess of the Arnprior KC handed out), "Breeze" finished off the weekend with a Group 3rd & BPIG under a judge Ms Glenys Alexander, from Australia.
Her winning weekend awards came also from judges in BC & Ont, Canada

you can follow her awards & standings @ Canuck Dogs

New Champion, New Puppies

2011-05-09T14:09:00.006-04:00

pups 3 days old

It's been busy here at our kennel since last Wednesday. Our girl CH Shelamo That's Amore decided she was going to have puppies, altho not until the wee hours of Thursday morning. In the end we have 2 girls and 1 boy, sired by our BPIS CH Shelamo's Riding The Sky HIC. The rest of Thursday was spent getting Breeze & Pumpkin ready for the Arnprior Dog Show. We were really feeling the lack of sleep by the end of the day.

An early morning rise and we were off to the dog show.

It was a successful weekend all the way around. We now have Ch Shelamo Flash Forward. She garnered 2 Group 3rds, 4 Best Puppy In Breeds, and 3 Best Puppy In Group.

In her 1st show on Friday - Group 3rd & BPIG

finishing her Championship in the afternoon's show with BOS & Best Puppy In Breed

Pumpkin in her 2nd time in the ring on Sunday came away with Reserve Winners Bitch

Where's the Best Place to Break Down?

2011-05-03T13:14:00.004-04:00

Has to be a Tim Hortons!! and right at the window. You can order anytime.

Yep, on Sunday, early afternoon I stopped at a TH's drive thru, got my coffee and went to shift out of Park and got as far as Reverse and the shift jammed. No way was it moving; I kept trying, nothing I did would get it to move. Of course I started to sweat thinking of all those behind me wondering what on earth was taking so long! I could start to hear some horns honking. Oh lordy. I got on the phone to CAA for assistance, meanwhile the staff when out and helped everyone back-up and they put closed signs out. The girl at the window would peak out every once in awhile and ask if I needed anything ... another coffee maybe?
Took CAA about an hour to show up, meanwhile I'd made arrangements for friends to come and bring me our 2nd van (I was a good 45 mins from home) and the van was towed to a dealer near home. Turns out it does need a new gear shifter (think that's what they called it), and that part won't arrive till tomorrow. Van's under warranty, so god bless that!

Chinook takes a 2nd Placement @ the ASSA Nat'l

2011-04-22T09:37:00.003-04:00

We are so proud of our girl Chinook and her handler Cheryl Pike for coming SECOND in her class of 17 at the American Shetland Sheepdog Assoc National in St. Louis. MO.

MBPIG Ch Shelamo Riding The Wind
(BISS Am/Cdn Ch Playland Dallas Cowboy ROMC x Ch Shelamo Tyme Descends)

American Sheltie National

2011-04-19T20:58:00.008-04:00

We're excited as it's less than 24 hrs before our Junior Puppy girl, Shelamo Flash Forward makes her debut in the US at the American Sheltie National with handler Cheryl Pike!

Pictured taking her 1st points (BOW & BPIG) under respected breeder judge J. Bryne

I've heard she's already stealing people heart's as they pass by her in the xpen.

American Sheltie National Results

2011-04-18T16:15:00.004-04:00

For anyone interested in following the results, as they happen, on the ASSA National this week, in St Louis, MI @ the Purina Farms ( http://www.purina.com/purina-farms/purinafarms.aspx ) you can find them here

sheltiesonline.com

Wish I was there to see it, however, husband's needing assistance with a knee replacement come 1st! At least 2 of our girls will be represented.

Pumpkin

2011-04-18T10:27:00.003-04:00

Sunday was a whirlwind day ... Mary-Anne & Marylou were here to help bath some dogs, brush others out, do some nails.

The weather was so weird .. it was really windy 24-50 k/hr gusts, would go from dark grey clouds, to rain, to snow, ice pellets and then all of a sudden out would come the sun. We were wondering if we could get some quick pics of Pumpkin in. A quick run outside showed it was sunny with just some fluffy clouds ... great! I'll quickly do her up and will get some pics. Well in less than 20 mins, it was dark & raining ... poop. Ok, back in the crate, let's see if we can get another opportunity ??? Well, we did ... the 3 of us rushed outside, tried to find the least windy spot and went at it.

Aunti MA, I see you coming!
Shelamo Deja Vu
(Ch Shelamo Sugar Rush x MBPIG Ch Shelamo's Riding the Sky)

How many more times are you going to throw that squeaky Marylou?
Ok, guys, I've had enough of following you around, time to go in ...

Pumpkin is the litter sister to our Shelamo Flash Forward (ptd), Breeze.

Speedy Shaymus & Our Other Agility Stars

2011-04-13T08:50:00.006-04:00

I swear there are several of our clients doing agility with their dogs that are going to have to organize a human agility exercise program, just to keep in tip top shape to keep up with their speedy agility dogs.

Lynn reports that Shaymus has increased his speed phenomenally with their new trainer and it's getting harder for her to keep up with him. Here are the recent photos she's sent me.

look at that tight turn after the tire

flying over the bar jump

Lynn says ... "He now has his Advanced AAC Games title, his Intermediate CKC Standard and Jumpers with Weaves Title and one leg of his Excellent Jumpers With Weaves in CKC with a first place. He needs one more Standard Q in AAC to be in Masters everything. He is a really fun Steeplechaser too."

I guess they get added to these ones too!

Shelamo Sassy Squirt NAFA Ch-FDX, UFLI TF111, CKC NS, CKC NJW, CKC IS, AAC SS, AAC SG, HIT

I'm having problems keeping track of every one's titles, they are racking up so quickly ...

Kate is doing well with her new girl Tula, and her Panda still can show the young ones at 13+ yrs of age how it's done, plus she's considering entering him in the Novice C division of obedience trials this summer just for the fun of it.

Linda is going strong with ATCH Gryphon (he's featured in the recent issue of Sheltie Pacesetter), plus he just added 2 more 1st place & Best Runs earning his Master Steeplechase Dog of Canada Title. He needs 3 more standard runs to get his Bronze Award of Merit, and BPIS Ch Whistler (a Travis brother) is tearing up the course in his training.

Chantelle is working hard with both her Travis (sister to our Ch Chinook), and new boy Indie.

Jack has his spiked shoes on, as his girl Tic is keeping his heart rate up with her speed.

Saying Good-bye

2011-04-07T18:17:00.005-04:00

It is never easy to say good-bye. And when it's a long time client, whose dogs call your home their 2nd home, it breaks our hearts as much as theirs. This gal was just here for a short stay a month ago.

On April 6th, Ceilidh @ 14 1/2 yrs of age, feel asleep peacefully after a short battle of extreme kidney failure.

Opps ... sorry I woke you dear ...
Ceilidh at our previous house, always enjoyed laying in our bay window

pictured after a day the girls spent here at the spaw, in 2007
Ceilidh on the left with her other house mates, Sassy & Teegan

You were a joy to have here and we'll miss you dearly. Am sure some of our dogs that went before you were there to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge.

From This To That - Spring Grooming

2011-03-22T11:10:00.004-04:00

Owners go away for some sunshine & rest during the March break, their dogs come to us for some major play time and to get freshened up, or a makeover in some cases.

Here's Hudson before

and after

Doesn't he look proud here?!

Yes, I'll agree (with my camera anyway), natural sunlight helps enhance their colouring.

When's your sheltie's next full grooming?

Spring Obedience Classes

2011-03-18T10:44:00.005-04:00

March break is almost over, time to think about getting your dog registered & out to some obedience classes, especially if you have a puppy. It really is an enjoyable, one on one time with you and your dog. They learn it's their special night out, they are going to see their pack of friends and learn something that pleases you.

You learn consistency, for without that in your day to day life with your dog .... well, for some your neighbours may not be too pleased, nor that owner & their dog you run into at the doggie park. Make some time ... your dog will love you for it!

These are my winter Level 2/3 students on their final night @ the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Center in the City of Ottawa.

You can also consider doing agility or even flyball depending on what your dog is inclined to do.

If you need inspiration and live in the Toronto area, this weekend (Wed-Sun) there is the All Star Dog Show sponsored by Purina where there are demos of everything from agility & flyball, dock diving, a Rare Breed Dog show and Dogs with Jobs ... now how cool is that?! Wish I lived closer as I'd be going.

New Show Chair

2011-03-16T10:22:00.011-04:00

Nothing seemed to go right in getting out the door last Thursday to head to the Purina National. One of the MAIN things we forgot were our chairs. Mike had just seen at Costco more in like we have, so a check on our Garmin showed there was one 11/2 hrs on our route. We picked up two new blue ones. Then, lucky for us Shannon Darch Animates from Burlington, Ont had a booth. She does all kinds of art work & caricatures on various items. I've seen her work ... she's the one that did the chair for our agility clients of their girl Harmony. We just never seem to be at an event where she is, or are around long enough for her to do one ... plus, dah ... one has to have the picture they'd like for her to work from.

the Richardson's chair of their 1st agility star Harmony

So, now with new chairs, and Shannon at the show, a computer @ the hotel to go on emails, I was able to get Penny Woodruff to send me the picture her son Tyler took of Breeze @ the show 2 wks ago for her to work from.
This is the end product. Love it! Now to have one done with her great great grandfather Rocky. Shannon can be found on Facebook - Shannon Darch Animates.

This Year's The Purina National

2011-03-15T10:18:00.012-04:00

Mike and I had a great time away this past weekend at The Purina National, a CKC Charity Event which was held again this year at the International Centre in Toronto. Here is a sampling of pictures I took.
This is the grooming area which over 850 dogs, excluding the obedience & rally ones spent their days. The rings are located at the far end, you can just see the yellow bleachers in the background. The obedience & rally area was in a separate room which I'm sure they all enjoyed much more than last year's set-up.
Purina used the far end for their Park and the Breeders Village. On Sat & Sun there were line-ups at most of the areas. Each of their foods were featured with events in each area. There was face painting, spinning a wheel for prizes, doggie video games with an exercise game area for kids, computers for spectators to explore PawsWay, and an Ask The Expert area.

Experts Corner

Paws Way entrance - looking at the grooming area, and onto the show rings; vendors were down the sides

We took our 7 month old Breeze, and altho she didn't come away with points this weekend, she stole the hearts of many. She enjoyed meeting all the new people, kids, no problem with loud speakers, finding her small favourite potty spots that weren't asphalt (gotta be a real dog person to understand this one!), and enjoying her hotel stay. She is SO like her great grandfather Rocky and how he handled his show travels, it's uncanny.

The front of the Purina Breeder's Hospitality Suite. The key player was LauraLee (standing). The job she did, well I hope she takes a few days rest as she will need it. They were dressed up for the Saturday evening group and Best In Show judging.

Every day (as a ProPlan Club Member) we checked in, received all kinds of goodies and were treated to breakfast and lunch. And let me tell you, considering what we didn't get at our hotel this was so much appreciated. The ladies that did the catering and keeping us satisfied are to be applauded.
Pictures of various member's wins we supply are posted on the walls. Behind the main entrance is the Honour Roll where RBIS Ch Shelamo Sugar Shack & BPIS Ch Shelamo's Riding The Sky are both featured (above the boxes of Alpo & T-Bones, the two bottom ones on the left). On another wall BPIS Ch Shelamo Changing Winds is there.

A view of one side of the rings & spectators for the Saturday night event

Judy came up again this yr from Guelph, joining us both Saturday & Sunday.

Breeze enjoying her chew time in the hotel.

OOPPPS ... distraction!!! Dinner arrived! Ooooo ... this is still piping hot!

After our late morning showing on Sunday, waiting for our lawn chair to be painted (still have pics to take of that) we were able to get on the road home early afternoon. An accident part way home brought traffic to a craw for some 6 km for close to an hour, which was a pain. However, with cell phones we were able to keep our kennel helper on track to make sure dinner didn't over cook!

Look what she made! A stuffed chicken with the extras.

Now look what we find done in our bedroom! A freshly made bed with ironed sheets none the less and this lovely swan decor. Chocolate 'carrot's too .... wondering how much time it took them to do all that!?

Even in the bathroom! I'm wondering if this one is pinning for its mate?

Thanks to "Juanita" and her assistant for looking after the homestead (that was ready to float away with all the rain & thaw), and our dogs.

Our Newest Sheltie Strut Ads

2011-03-14T11:58:00.006-04:00

Last Friday on the Canadian Sheltie Breeders website, we put up 3 ads in the Sheltie Strut area of our recent winning dogs. Check the site out if you have a chance.

Shelamo Flash Forward - "Breeze"

Ch Shelamo Jumping Jelly Bean - "Jelly Bean"

co-owned with the Silcox's

Great Show Weekend For Our 2 Young Ones

2011-03-08T18:29:00.003-05:00

It was a long, tiring weekend, but our 2 young dogs held themselves together and showed well.

Four of us brave soles - Mary-lou Davidson, Penny Woodruff and her son Tyler, headed down to the Scarborough KC Dog Show in Orangeville, Ontario. There were also 2 Specialties held this weekend. We hit rain as we got closer to our destination, and then it turned to snow on the Saturday. Luckily the sun came out late Sunday morning, which made the roads home decent for driving. We had 2 very long days, a great Saturday dinner with friends, and time to chit-chat with breeders we see just down that way.

Our co-owned (with the Silcox's) 11 month old boy Ch Shelamo Jumping Jelly Bean
He was BOS the 2 days of the regular show along with a BPIB.

Our 7 month old girl Shelamo Flash Forward showed she could keep up with the older gals
by taking Reserve Winners Female and Best Puppy In Breed @ the DC&SSA Specialty under
respected breeder judge Carol Chapman.

She also won Best In Sweeps under breeder judge Cindy Bays

Sorry this Blog is short and sweet, however it's a quick turn around as we have 3 days to catch up, bath/groom, do washing, graduation for my 2 dog obedience classes and repack to head back down to the Toronto area for the annual Purina National Charity Event.

Our adventurous weekend should be show cased on the Ruffleith Blog in due time, so watch my Blog Follow list for when it's posted. What a hoot of a weekend! Not to be missed.

Shelamo Flash Forward

2011-03-03T08:58:00.003-05:00

The lovely picture of our Breeze winning her 1st points at her 1st show (Best of Winners/Best Puppy In Group) arrived yesterday. Thanks again to breeder judge Judith Bryne for this awesome win.

"Breeze"

17th Annual Winter Garden Party

2011-02-28T18:47:00.009-05:00

This past Sunday was a beautiful day for the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Winter Garden Party held at the community centre where I teach dog obedience. It was sunny, we'd had a light dusting of fluffy snow the day before and it was just below freezing.

This event takes place the weekend after our annual Winterlude concludes, so it makes for a great community outing with the kids. They have all kinds of things for the kids to do ... a scavenger hunt, face painting, marshmallow roasting by the fire, a small foot stomping band, door prizes, maple taffy this year, along with many of us that teach classes have a table where people can see what goes on. There were various demos, one that was all about these fancy remote vehicle/helicopters, along with our doggie demo with several of my obedience students attending where we taught the kids proper greeting & petting and showed the audience what they had learned to this point.

the sleigh rides out in the park area - that is our Ottawa River in the background

our Breeze with one of the mascots

one gentleman came with his therapy cat
my dog obedience display area with sisters Breeze & Pumpkin

maple taffy being prepared for Marylou & I

New Champion Here @ Shelamo

2011-02-25T08:42:00.007-05:00

Last weekend I went off to the Ontario Breeders Dog Show in Markham, Ontario, with breeder friend Penny, taking our Jelly Bean & newest hopeful Breeze with me.

It was a terrible windy (67+km winds), and thus very cold outside, but heck didn't we have a good weekend inside. That includes inside buildings and inside 'us' too! I got introduced to sushi, seaweed salad and edamame (soya beans) with a good bottle of wine; warmed the body in a hot tub; a great dinner & bottle of wine @ Baton Rouge, and rekindle doggie friendships that I'm only likely to encounter when in that area.

In the show ring we couldn't have been prouder of our 2 dogs. Jelly Bean, our young male, now 10 months old finished his Championship in the 1st 2 days. So he's now known as MBPIB Ch Shelamo Jumping Jelly Bean. This makes Ch #4 for his dam Ch Shelamo Sugar Shack.

Jelly Bean winning under respected judge Donna Cole.

Ch Shelamo Jumping Jelly Bean
(photo by Penny Woodruff)

Then on Monday, at her 1st show didn't our fun loving Breeze show her heart out going Best of Winners and onto Best Puppy In Group. Thank-you to breeder/judge Judith Bryne for rewarding her in such a lovely line-up.

She's pictured the day before, practising in the ring.

Shelamo Flash Forward

She's just 6 months & 2 wks old! I'll post her show pic when I get it.

Our Little Pumpkin

2011-02-12T10:07:00.009-05:00

I've been asked, 'Where are pics of your two new hopefuls?' So here's one of them. We call her Pumpkin. She is sired by our Ch Shelamo Sugar Rush, her dam is our MBPIG Ch Shelamo's Riding the Wind. The other sibling, Breeze, I don't have any recent pics as she's been off having fun at our friend Mary-lou's place. We've also had a lot of cloud days, and if the sun has come out then it's - 20 C, and then some with a wind chill and I'm just not up to doing pics in that kind of weather!

They just turned 6 months yesterday. Their temperament, well look out! No one isn't their friend, nor is anything to be feared or not challenged. These pic were taken of her 'o'naturel' while outside with the gang.

What? mom I got things to do.

I just love this little girl ... she's 13" now, but lives in a way bigger package.

A group on a tear in the fresh 5 cm of snow ... Pumpkin is in the middle, 3rd from the right, biting some one's butt!

More On The Dangers of Xylitol

2011-02-12T09:46:00.005-05:00

I've written about this dangerous 'human' sweetener that 1st appeared in various gums, however it is now becoming used in many other forms we wouldn't expect, like minds, desserts and now even drugs!

From Dr. Patty Khuly's blog - link below she writes ...

"yes, xylitol is still killing dogs … more dogs than ever before. This, despite my efforts and those of like-minded big mouths who seek to inform all U.S. consumers that xylitol is a menace to dogdom.

How menacing? A few sugar-free breath fresheners, a pack of gum, a spilled tin of mints, a sugar-free dessert cup. It takes only a little of this toxin to send a dog into hypoglycemia-induced seizures, and just a little bit more to bring on liver failure.

And what's worse is not so much its extreme toxicity … but its insidiousness."

http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2011/feb/xylitol_now_in_drugs

Sneaky devil ... caught in the act!

Read up on it, PLEASE, as it has been reported by one breeder to have shown up in a liquid form of Omega 3 supplement she uses on her senior dog, from Costco.

Dogs & Snow Fun

2011-02-07T11:42:00.005-05:00

Dogs and snow just seem to go together. Yeah, there are the smaller breeds that aren't made for our cold winters ... they don't know what they are missing.
When we get a large snow fall I keep the back pen closed, and when it's done, well it's all fresh for them to play in. Here's a bunch of them just starting to get through it.

Last night we got a few more cm ... it's mostly the younger group getting into it here. The smaller one off to the left is one of our hopefuls, Pumpkin. Ruby seems to be getting the brunt of it all, but then she's one of the play instigators. The visiting dogs have no problem getting into the mix either.

Enjoying Our Winter Birds

2011-02-07T11:15:00.008-05:00

Our tiny bird, with their black hood, white throat and grey body is called a Chickadee, and their call is just like that chick-a-dee-dee-dee. They are getting more and more trusting of me that I can move in closer. I've also set the picture 'beep' to off as that seems to scare them.

Last Wednesday I captured this one during a fluffy snow storm. I have a suet ball hanging and then the blown glass holder than mom gave me as an Xmas present.

They come in one by one, take a mouth full and then fly off to the surrounding trees.

Here you can see 3 chickadees sitting on the clothes line waiting their turn. Yeah, sometimes we'll see one on each side of the suet ball, but that is rare.

This little one gets to feast all by himself.
I find it amazing that as soon as the sun starts to go down, they all disappear.

A red headed woodpecker showed up yesterday, but when I went to open the patio doors to snap a picture, it was gone into the bushes in a flash.

Send a Valentine to a Furry Friend

2011-02-04T11:08:00.004-05:00

Here's a cute site Purina set up, called Pure Love For Pets.com. You can make your own dog (cat) Valentine's card with one of your own pictures, put a note on it and send it off. Both sender and recipient can get $1.oo off coupons towards Purina dog treats.

Something fun to do!

Happy 11th Birthday - Rocky, Amber & Copper

2011-01-30T22:08:00.016-05:00

Jan 31st, 2000 marked the birth of a litter of 6 pups, out of our Shelamo's Party Pack ROMC. The litter was the 1st sired by Am/Cdn/Jap Ch Laureate Explorer ROMC.

Rocky in the middle @ 6wks of age

This litter would be the start of something very special for us here at Shelamo. Rocky was the 'show' dog of the litter, and thus started in the show ring when he was just over 6 mths @ the Belleville show in Aug, garnering points there, more points @ the SD&G show, along with Best Puppy in groups; on to the (old) CanSave show in Carp where his picture & a bit about our kennel was featured in the local newspaper, and then ... it was at the Ottawa Kennel Club show that the roof came crashing down. The OKC show in November, also hosts the prestigious Show of Shows (any dog winning a Best In Show the previous yr) on the Saturday nite and in order to compete they must be entered in the regular show. Well, during the regular show .. I'll make it short & sweet ... Rocky took Winners Dog from the Senior Puppy Class, then beat out 3 BIS Specials (1 Am/Ch) for Best of Breed, took a Group 4th and then a Best Puppy In Show! This win finished his Canadian Championship, with a bang. And yes, we thought with all his ring side supporters the roof of the Aberdean Pavilion would come down.Mike and I flew out to Winnipeg in December for the Northwinds Dog show, and Rocky was a hot contender one of the days against a Pom for BPIS. We did garnered Group 4th & a couple of BPIG while there.
As we moved into 2001, we had entered Rocky in the Purina Champions Campaign, and didn't he win out of some 500 entries one of the 20 selected to represent them. We went to Toronto for a big photo shoot weekend which was a blast; was the April boy for their 2002 calendar and was featured for many years on the walls of Purina's main show booth that travels across the country to major dog shows.
In 2002 our good friend Dr Sherry Lee offered to take him to Florida with her and work at obtaining his American Championship. At his 1st show in Aug he garnered his 1st major. Sherry finished him in only 13 shows in the competitive East & Florida shows.

Am/Cdn Ch "Rocky" in his prime

Rocky has had his fair share of Group placements, with his most recent one being last Feb @ the CC&SSA Specialty where he was Best of Opposite.

He's always been my best bud - lying near me, on me or around me, never letting me out of his sight. I can remember when he was a puppy and I'd be kneeling while lighting the fire, he'd lie over the backs of my legs. He loves to travel, be it by car or air, and stay in hotel rooms where he quickly learns which is HIS hotel door. You can dress him up at Xmas with his fuzzy collar with bells and call him "Jingle Bell Rock" and he'll just prance around even more. He's always been a confident dog, a great ambassador for the breed.

His 2 sisters have also done us proud.
His 1st sister to finish her Championship was Shelamo's Sure Fire, and at the age of 9 with her new owner Judy Flanigan, they obtained their Companion Dog obedience title. She's since added her Rally Novice.
The 2nd in the litter was to be known as Ch Shelamo's Show Case. She's retired and lives with a family near Oshawa.

Thanks Rocky, Amber, Copper for such a great ride, to date.

Helping Out - Missing In Richmond, Ontario

2011-01-11T13:49:00.003-05:00

The more people know, the more help & eyes out there, to bring Molly home.

Molly now has her own facebook page called Missing/Lost Bernese Mountain Dog - MOLLY. So please search and join to keep abreast of what's happening.

By what the owner has written, she was dognapped from their backyard. She's gone missing from the Richmond Rd/Eagleson area of Richmond, Ontario. This town is in the City of Ottawa, near Kanata, Stittsville, Manotick, North Gower, even Carleton Place to the north west. Reports of sightings have been in the Bruce Pit area where she has been walked before and also the Hwy 7 & Upper Dwyer Hill Rd area.
True or not, there is suspect that a man in a white mini van has been dognapping in the area, so please use caution and don't leave your dog's unattended.

Two Plus Weeks At sPawDays - What A Change

2011-01-10T15:01:00.008-05:00

During Xmas we had a full house of boarders, one being this Bichon Frise. He came in with a coat quite clumped up, and in need of a good grooming .. his owners were well aware and were frightened to take him to one of the local grooming places as last time they shaved him to the skin even tho the length they wanted had been discussed prior. With the Xmas rush and preparing to go away, plus the snow we've had (which yes mats the hair big time!), they hadn't had the time to keep him up. So ... I asked ... would you mind if I gave it a shot? I don't own clippers, so no shaving! and I'd like to do more of a 'show trim' on him. I got the go ahead.
Here's how he started out. What one has to remember is as you brush a coat (hair not fur) like this out it 'grows'! and I mean grows .... So bit, by bit hour by hour, day by day I worked on him.

As I brushed him out, I trimmed as he just had so much hair. Here he's pictured after about 6 hours of work.

Come'on enough pics already!

(swear I must have taken some 100 shots thru the whole process)

Now we're getting down to D-Day, the day before he's to leave. I've got him down to a more manageable length, most of the clumps out so it's time for the bath and a good conditioner to work out what's left.
Blow drying is a different story on this kind of hair. My high powered dryer doesn't do the same kind of job as it does on the shelties! This meant switching up, and using a regular hair dryer. (remember this is a totally new breed for me to do!) The more his hair dried, the LONGER it got! Sheesh! I thought I'd trimmed a lot to start with? As you can see he loved the pampering.
Finally ... after starting @ 10 am, breaks here and there, brushing, more trimming, more brushing, trimming, I finished him up later that evening and I think he looks pretty spiffy for his owners.
Here's a full view of him. If you go back and look at his original pic it doesn't look like too much length was taken off, but I'd say upwards of 2" has been trimmed. I didn't want to drastically change his overall look, but even at this length both his owners & I feel we could go shorter so his love for playing in the snow doesn't tangle his coat up any more than necessary.

Needless to say, his owners were ECSTATIC with how he looked.

Humm .... I think I'd give myself 2 Paws up too!

What's Your Dog Doing This Winter?

2011-01-05T12:04:00.008-05:00

It's more often cold here in Ottawa through the months of January-March and for many humans & their dogs, time outside gets limited. Why not get inside for an hour a week? get some mental stimulation for your dog, exercise, socialization and great bonding time. You're dog will become so excited when they learn about that last turn towards their dog obedience class! They'll learn when those 'special' clothes come out, the treats/bag, maybe that special training lead/collar.

There is never a time one shouldn't take the time to 'train' and keep your dog's mind active. Classes can teach you so much more each and every time as there is no end to both you and your canine learning, or reinforcing some of those things you've been lax on.

In the City of Ottawa there are many community centres that offer various levels of dog obedience classes. You can follow this link, put in dog obedience in the advanced search area & click on ALL to see where they are being held & what night. Level 1 courses are for dogs old enough to have received their rabies vaccination.

Classes start SOON - starting next week! So considering it and signing up quickly is necessary.

http://apps102.ottawa.ca/Activities/Activities.asp?SCheck=571367567&SDT=40548.5076388889

My Level 1 class @ Howl-o-ween at the Glen Cairn Community Centre in Kanata

Questions - send me an email!

What You Find When Cleaning Up File Pics

2011-01-04T22:27:00.004-05:00

As I try and get more organized for 2011, especially with all the pics I have on our computer, didn't I come across this one. It just wants me to smooch right thru the fence at these two.
On the left is my 'Rock Man', my soul boy (and I think his face looking back at me says that). He's our 1st Best Puppy In Show winner and our 1st American/Canadian Champion. The blue eyed beauty is "Casino", Ch Shelamo Burleigh Casino Rama CD, CGN ... Mike's heart throb girl.

Now tell me how old do you think these two are??? I'll post their ages later, I think you'll be surprised.

As I work thru my pics, (quite a few from client's too) I'll post some of my FAVS over the coming weeks (might end up being months).

Christmas With Our Family

2010-12-29T19:23:00.014-05:00

Here's a bit of our life during the Xmas Season, with some of our traditions.

Our Christmas tree is simple at our home. We started a tradition in 1999 with this small table tree and each year we place another bow with the newest dogs that are with us. Over the years we've received some sheltie decorations so they also go on this tree. There are two shelties at the top, one with wings. I'm slowly running out of room where the lights don't show thru as well.

Our Shelamo Sheltie Xmas tree

At my sister's here's their boy Hudson's water bowl

Christmas Eve, it's been a long tradition where we spend the evening at my mom's. This year my sister made a yummy seafood chowder ... loads of lobster and scallops .. YUM.

Christmas day we all get together at my sister's - open presents, stockings and enjoy a turkey dinner. This yr we think the butcher mixed up the lb # of the turkey .. instead of a 23lb one, we had a 32 lb one! if nothing more a lot more skin for us to fight over this yr - that's a family tradition too ... the piranha's come out at this time of yr :)

Hudson helping mom with her gifts
Mike got his FAV hockey team Ottawa Senators summer jacket.
Connor always plays Santa - the old blinking hat failed last year so I went searching for a new one. They weren't easy to find ... it was at Dollarama that I got this one, go figure.
Alexander got his FAV NFL Chicago Bear's #54 shirt and cap! Happy kid he was.

We usually take a dog or two over. Here's Wilf (my mother's husband) spending some time with Pumpkin while he waits for dinner to be put together. Dinner usually consists of the standard turkey & gravy, fried up sweet potatoes (YUM), my broccoli/cauliflower casserole & mashed potatoes. Dessert now has become a large variety of cookies my sister gathers thru cookie exchanges & fund raisers, with coffee/tea, along with two types of Christmas pudding. Mom has one style she's made for as long as I can remember, and then there's a 2nd topping that brother-in-law Al's mom always made (from NFLD). That seems enough by the time we're all done feasting.

Xmas time now isn't complete unless the 2 boys are playing in a hockey tournament which was on Tuesday. Mike, Mom & I were able to get to Connor's final game where they won the tournament 6-2. Connor is #14. Alexander who plays goalie, was playing at a different location, unfortunately we didn't get to see his games. I hear they didn't win the finals.

New Years is just around the bend ... it's hard to believe that it will almost be 11 years that we all feared our computers would die, phone lines would go, we'd loose electricity, anything with a computer chip that was dated would go ... and what, nothing happened that 'stopped' the world! we've continued on as if nothing happened.

Merry Christmas & The Best For The New Year

2010-12-25T09:04:00.004-05:00

A simple request ... may you all have a very Merry Christmas, a safe and happy holiday and 2011 be one of your best.

The Gang here @ Shelamo wishing Sheltie Claus was good last nite to all your furry companions.

pictured is our BPIS Am/Cdn Ch Shelamo's Prospector in 2000 @ the dog show in Winnipeg, just 10 months of age

Where has Seventeen Years Gone?

2010-12-14T11:34:00.007-05:00

Time seems to be slipping away ... to fast. Today my oldest nephew turns SEVENTEEN!

Me (Maureen) and Alexander

Alexander has always been a good puppy socializer

Last year's Birthday dinner ... he now towers over me ... and got his permit driver's license
(Mike, Alexander & Al)

he's into sports now ... playing goalie for his hockey team
plus plays football for two teams

Today he goes for his final driver's license!!!
Hope he's successful as today we have terrible windy, snow covered, slippery roads.

Season's Greetings

2010-12-07T16:52:00.008-05:00

All of us here, the furkids included, wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and the Best in the New Year.

May SheltiePaws be good to all of you.

Thanks to Penny Woodruff for creating this winter image of our lovely RBIS Ch Shelamo Sugar Shack and her son Shelamo Jumping Jelly Bean, to be featured on The Sheltie Strutt Holiday Edition. We're proud to be part of this Canadian fund raising effort for our Sheltie National in 2011.

Hoping your furkids have fun in our upcoming Winter Wonderland.

Chinook's 2 girls playing with chewies in the 1st fluffy snow fall in early December.And when it's too cold, a fun romp in the kitchen with their tunnel wears them out, at least that's the hope :)

Shelties Can Do!!

2010-12-03T10:57:00.005-05:00

Too Cute .. just had to share

Skate Boarding Sheltie ... Yep, NOT kidding. And Twig does it with glowing wheels at nite.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tWrJo7-o2c&feature=player_embedded

and on this one Twig takes it in side practicing turns & retrieving ... and not the mouth kind of retrieving either ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udEnefvJUfQ&NR=1

And this one ... dogs getting ready for xmas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG3O6UBLGbA

Enjoy .. what fun stuff has your dog done today?

Puppy Sitting - What Our Clients Do

2010-11-21T17:41:00.013-05:00

Last week we had one of Chinook's 14 week old pups Dawson, come stay with us while his owner went off to New York city for a VERY special engagement.

Cindy (and her husband Bob) are long time sheltie owners of ours. Morgan is their 1st, now 14 yrs old, then came Winston which sadly they lost this summer, and now they have their cutie pie, Dawson.

Morgan showing Dawson how to sniff and 'read' a tree.

So what was so special about Cindy's get away??? She had the opportunity through her family contacts to attend an interview by LIVE! with Regis & Kelly with Elton John!!!

Here's the pic Cindy sent me of the two of them .... 'a dream come true', she said. Lucky gal!!

Cindy & Elton John in New York city

The interview will be aired on Wednesday Nov 24th according to their website.
Live! with Regis & Kelly Guest Guide Here's a quick pic we did of Dawson before he went home - @ 14 wks
(Ch Shelamo Sugar Rush x MBPIG Ch Shelamo's Riding The Wind)

Cesar Millan - Live in Ottawa

2010-11-05T10:24:00.009-04:00

Wednesday was a great nite for me and 3 of my doggie friends. We all loaded up and headed to our ScotiaBank Place (where our Senator's Hockey Team play). We were seated 21 rows from the front, so as best I could with Cesar's movement on the stage, I captured some of the moments.

Cesar came out during the 1st half in a #10 Sens jersey.

He was very animated, sometimes playing a dog, or even a very good cat. This scene he was describing was how we deal with our 'modern' dog when it comes to answering the door bell.

Cesar talked about the 180 days one has available from the time the pup comes home to work on specifics, rules and boundaries and being calm around food. Here he is trying to interact with 2 puppies. The lab puppy, oddly enough was calm and cool, not even going for the food. The Dash puppy, another story! He was a bouncy one, to where Cesar just ran out of time waiting for him to be calm before giving the food.

This next challenge was with two women whose dog goes nuts when dinner is being made and preparing the dog's food. He just bounces all over, won't sit still, nothing has worked.
Cesar instructs on how to present and hold the food bowl ... and in one go ... doesn't the dog sit calmly! It broke the audience up. Oh, but one must remember too, saying things like 'want your dinner', 'it's supper time!', doesn't cut it as this only excites the dog with your uppity voice and your own excitement.

Then he takes the time to instruct the owners. 1st attempt the bowl isn't even down and the dog is jumping up. It took a few attempts but they got it.

2nd 1/2 of the show the stage looks like a park setting. His next demonstration is with a young girl's dog who just pulls her everywhere. She has to wrap her lead around her waist to brace herself when out on walks.

1st off his collar is just a buckle collar, so he switches to one of his leashes so it can be kept high up on the dog's neck. I always appreciate it when he talks about how those of us that show dogs do just that ... how it makes the dog feel proud of themselves when the head is up. You also are able to control the head/mind of the dog rather than trying to control the whole body. I've talked about this in my dog classes for 15 yrs now.

After several walks across the stage, Cesar taking the lead at the beginning, and showing her how it could be done with just 2 fingers .. and she actually responded to the audience ... 'Really! he's only using two fingers!'. She was so surprised at how fast it happened and that her dog could be walked this way, in gosh less than 10 minutes (camera time shows about 15 mins during this session of pictures)

if you stay tight like this and posture over ... poor girl she handled all the changes well considering she was in front of over 5,000 people ... what stage fright will put into one's mind :)

body like this ... she gets it! and starts to relax

then she does it in motion ... what a lucky gal! received one-on-one training from Cesar and got to walk the stage with him, plus doing something other than worrying about her dog ... holding Cesar's hand.

In his discussion about low, medium, high energy dogs and how some dogs need a job to do, our Canadian Boarder Control was brought on stage to explain how they need high drive dogs as sniffer dogs. They did a demo where their Nova Scotia Duck Toller had to go looking for 3 areas where drugs had been placed. Here the dog is trying to locate the scent, which is actually up in the tree.

I think there are several main things we do wrong with our dogs today ... we put them out in a fenced backyard and expect them to play, exercise and do their business without us there to supervise, and then wonder why they bark, dig, fence run; we don't learn how to properly 'read' them -their body language, their tail wags, their barks; (the good breeders of dogs spend hours when raising their pups learning with each new litter how mother nature has programmed these creatures - we see so vividly the nose, eyes, ears principle he talks about - and is so why by the time they are 8 wks old we can evaluate them better, not just on their cuteness, but on who will fit the best with each client's lifestyle); and lastly, which I think in today's times, we don't take enough time, nor patience to work at getting the behaviour we want.

I wonder how many dogs woke up Thursday morning, seeing their world change for the better?

Rescued Shelties

2010-11-03T10:09:00.006-04:00

Have you thought of adding a rescued sheltie to your home?

There are several of us breeders in the Ottawa area, along with a couple of companion owners that stepped up when there was a major need to help a large number of shelties after a hoarding/cruelty seizure that took place over a month ago.

All these dogs have been spayed/neutered, vaccinations updated, heartworm tested, microchipped and any dental work attended to.

Presently in the Ottawa area we have a 7 yr old sable and white female; a sweet red sable boy, approx 5 yrs of age and an 8.5 yr old sable boy. All homes must have a fenced yard. All dogs are fully crate trained. They have been doing well in their foster homes, so we look forward to homes that can continue with their socialization and provide a loving environment.

You can find an application for consideration of these dogs on Petfinder.com under sheltierescuesos. SOUTHERN ONTARIO SHELTIE RESCUE
http://www.sheltierescuesos.petfinder.com/ You can email me for further direction/email to SOS Rescue if you are interested in finding out more.

Nicky - 5 yrs old

Nicky doing his 'ain't I sweet'

Dakota 8.5 yrs old

Inca a 7 yr old female

Diva - Available

2010-10-28T11:13:00.005-04:00

Until I can get our website back up and running after a new system upgrade ... for those of you that have asked ..... "Diva", is 11 months old and available to a companion home. She has a sweet disposition, friendly, loves play king of the castle on our kiddie play forts. She is UTD on shots and spayed.

Our 1st RESERVE BEST IN SHOW

2010-10-25T11:51:00.007-04:00

What can we say, our lovely Multi Group Winning girl Ch Shelamo Sugar Shack took at Group 3rd on Saturday, and then topped off Sunday with a Reserve Best In Show from a lovely group line-up at the Belleville Dog Show.

She has been a dream girl from the beginning, obtaining her Championship with a Group 2nd under breeder/judge Denise Cornelsson and a Group 1st under breeder/judge Mark McMillan. She also became Champion #6 for her dam Shelamo's Party Pack ROMC. In the whelping box, she's produced a litter of 4, which 3 are now Champions.

In her last litter she produced our newest hopeful Shelamo Jumping Jelly Bean, who is now well on his way towards his championship, at just over 6 months of age. He also did us proud this past weekend garnering 6pts with 2 BOW/BOS/BPIB. He is co-owned with Jan & Steve Silcox.

Thanks to Penny Woodruff for capturing this moment of mother & son.

"Maple" - Reserve Best In Show

"Jelly Bean"

Yes, he's growing up mom! He's no longer that little fat ball of brown fur, who snuggled & gave you kisses at 5 wks of age. He's now full of himself ... just as his name implies.

Jelly Bean Is Growing Up

2010-10-21T09:39:00.007-04:00

Our Shelamo Jumping Jelly Bean, co-owned with Jan & Steve is growing up! Took some pics of him yesterday after I'd groomed him all up. He's just over 6 months, and fits his name perfectly. Can't wait to get him out to some shows. He so reminds me of his dam Ch Shelamo Sugar Shack.

Here he's looking very regal.

A Special Gift - From One To Another

2010-10-19T09:47:00.008-04:00

It is certainly a 'gift' that pleases us no end to be able to light up people's lives through shelties, especially of long time customers.

Morgan & Winston - Xmas 2007
(picture from their owners - thanks)

On June 8th it was a sad day for long time clients of ours who had to say good-bye to their boy Winston. He was a faithful friend to their 1st sheltie Morgan who continues to motor at 14 yrs of age! Even tho our contact has been sporadic over these years, Cindy didn't hesitate to make contact with me for advice as they witnessed Winston declining. We've always said, we are always here to help in anyway possible no matter what age of the dog, and I'm glad Cindy & Bob felt comfortable to draw upon that.

Time was needed to grieve his loss, however they quickly realized their lives weren't complete without 2 shelties.

The time was right, and we just happened to have a male from a very lovely litter out of our Chinook that was ready to go this past week.

Dawson, pictured at 7 wks of age
(he is 6 generations down thru Morgan's mother)

And from them ... a lovely fall floral arrangement.

An Outing With Friends - Gotta Relax More Often

2010-10-18T15:33:00.006-04:00

It only took close to a year to organize a free Sunday between us!!! That's way too long ... however it all came together on a gorgeous sunny fall day for us to travel across town to meet up with co-owner friends Jan & Steve Silcox for a luncheon at a seafood place called Pelican Fishery and Grill. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, a relaxing time, mostly talking wine & dogs ... what else :)

background l-r Jan and Steve
foreground l-r me (Maureen ) and Michael

Jan is a past breeder of Shih Tzu's, Am/Cdn Ch's & ROM/C dogs, and now a lover of shelties ... humm a real difference in breeds I'd say. They are co-owners of our Ch Shelamo Winds At My Back, Nino and newest acquisition that is now just 6 months old, Jelly Bean ... Shelamo Jumping Jelly Bean.

Thanks again Jan and Steve for a lovely luncheon.