Skyla's Cardigan Adventures

Happy First Birthday to Us!

2012-02-01T05:08:00.000-06:00

On 1-27-12, the puppies officially turned a year old. This has been an exciting year watching them grow up, go to new homes and start all those wonderful Cardi activities. We had a puppy birthday party that four of the five got to attend and it was great fun for all. Brother Louie in Michigan also had his own party and looked like he had a good time too. I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful experience with my first litter of Cardigans and except for the small blip of Jet's terrible illness, it has been a year full of fun and lots of Cardigan barking. So here is a brief recap of what they are all doing plus birthday pictures.

Stevie: Stevie is continuing on with her baby show dog thing...though not so much a baby. She has 6 points and one major and we hope to continue that work in 2012. She is also still working on that herding title and we need to get back to practicing with those sheep soon.

Jet: Jet has been going to conformation class to get back in the swing of being a show dog. Once he grows some hair, he will be back in the ring working on that championship like his sister Stevie. He has been going to class and will be doing his first fun match this weekend since he has been sick. Jet also still working on herding and need to get him out playing with the sheep ASAP.

Rojo: Rojo has been a very busy boy working on tracking, herding, and Rally/Obedience. He is going this weekend to try to be certified for Tracking so that he can work on that first leg of his TD. He is such a smart and happy boy and know he is going to have lots of titles very soon.

Louie: Louie has been a very busy boy in Michigan. He just got certified as a Therapy Dog this week and is also working on Rally and Obedience. He is a joy to his family that just love him and I couldn't be happier for him.

Macy: Macy made her dog show debut in January at the Des Moines shows and got Best Puppy and a Puppy Group 4 on her first day as a baby show dog and a major Reserve on the second day. I am so proud of that baby girl and happy to see her in the ring with Stevie and Jet.

Louie Birthday picture:

Rojo, Jet and Stevie getting birthday presents:

Merry First Christmas..and oh by the way we are 11 Months Old!

2011-12-27T17:32:00.001-06:00

The puppies have reached the 11 month mark and its so hard to believe that time has just flown by and they are all looking so grown up. I remember that this week last year, I got confirmation that Skyla was pregnant and then the work began to be prepared for the arrival of puppies.  So a little update on what they are doing and Christmas pictures from most of them.

Jet-  Jet is making a great recovery from his bout of parvo. Jet is gaining weight back, running around like his crazy self and seems very close to being 100% again. He has been taking some time off to get well and just be a puppy. After the first of the year, I might start slowly getting him back into going to conformation class and starting back at herding. I feel so blessed that my baby Jet doing so well.

Stevie- Stevie got to make an exciting trip to Orlando with her mother Skyla to attend the Orlando Cluster of shows prior to Eukanuba and then watch her mom make her Eukanuba debut. Stevie had a successful outing getting Winner's Bitch all three days and picking up a couple more points. She is growing up to be such a pretty girl...even if she has her own ideas of how to be a show dog. I am sure 2012 will find her continuing her path toward her Championship and hopefully working on her HT in herding.

Rojo- Rojo continued his work in Obedience and Rally and is doing very well. His big accomplishment in the past month was getting his CGC! He is also continuing his tracking and herding work and hopefully will get certified to start working on his TD very soon. Skyla and I are always proud of her pretty red boy!

Louie- Louie having a great time with his family in Michigan. He is still attending obedience classes and may start a Rally class the beginning of the year.  We might have another one of Skyla's puppies with a title before you know it.

Macy- Macy has been relaxing with her daddy, sisters and grandma Mira and will hopefully make her show debut in 2012.

Rojo with his sister Sophie- way too cute!

Louie with Eric celebrating Christmas.

And last but not least...Jet and Stevie on the official Christmas card of 2011!

We all made it to 10 months...:)

2011-11-27T17:17:00.000-06:00

Well....we have made to month ten for the puppies. This has been a month full of very good and very bad 'stuff'. The very bad was that Jet got very sick with parvo, even though he has been fully vaccinated. He was very sick but he is a fighter and with the care of my vets, he pulled through. So Jet is going to spend some time getting better and growing up.  We all feel very blessed that my baby Jet still here and getting better everyday.

The good was that Rojo has started on his obedience career and got his first leg of his Beginner Novice Obedience title and placed 3rd! That boy going to be a superstar at everything he does.  Skyla and I are very proud of her pretty red boy.

Louie, the big brindle boy in Michigan, has started therapy dog classes and is doing very well. So hopefully therapy work will be in that beautiful boy's future.

The girls, Stevie and Macy, are just being as pretty as ever.   Stevie getting ready to make the road trip to Florida to show in the All-Breed shows prior to Eukanuba.   Skyla getting to make her first appearance at Eukanuba so the girls are making a little road trip together. Macy growing up and getting prettier everyday and should make her show debut in 2012.

Below are new pictures of the bunch.

Louie:

Macy:

Rojo:

Jet and Stevie:

Wow...9 Months Old Already!

2011-10-27T18:41:00.002-05:00

To celebrate the puppies 9 month birthday today, going to update everyone on their going ons....because you know they are all very busy...:)

Stevie- Well, Stevie is Stevie....full of life and still thinking she is the center of the universe. She has picked up 4 points and 1 major toward her championship and is continuing on with herding lessons with her brother Jet. She can be a very sweet girl...when she wants..:) I just love her and think she is growing up to be a pretty girl.

Jet- Jet is as sweet as can be and loves everyone. He has also picked up his first major and is starting to get the show dog thing....now if he could just settle down enough to keep his big tongue in his mouth. Jet doing very well at herding and have hopes that maybe next year, we can try for that HT. He too is growing to be a very handsome boy (but of course I am a little partial to that brindle boy)

Rojo- Rojo is definitely very busy working on rally, obedience, herding and some beginning agility. He just earned his first title of Rally Novice in October and takes the honor of being the first of Skyla's puppies to earn a title. He is as sweet and handsome as ever.

Louie (aka Tanner)- Louie having a great time in Michigan with his Pem friend Jet and his family. He has been doing obedience classes and is going to take a therapy dog class next.

Macy- Macy is as pretty as ever....and very sweet. She has spent the past month or so hanging out with her grandma Mira (Harry's mom) who is 15 and being a great friend to her.

So...here are some pictures of the puppies. I don't have updated ones of everyone but will try and post some soon.

Stevie and Jet- barely sitting still and of course...with their giant tongues hanging out..:)

The next two are of Louie- the first with his Halloween costume on and the second one is my favorite of my big brindle boy.

New Champion in the house...plus some little show puppy won too.

2011-09-15T18:58:00.001-05:00

So now that the puppies are older, we are going to go back to sharing news about all the Cardis in the house, I don't think Stevie or Jet will mind...well at least Jet won't.

Ozzy reached a major milestone...he is officially a CHAMPION (CH Trinity Rvr O's Boy 'O Sisterwood ). He needed two points to finish the beginning of the Capitol City Cluster in Topeka. He picked up point #1 on that Friday and the final little point that Monday, 8-22-11. I couldn't be more proud of my boy. Ozzy LOVES to show and be a little ornery in the ring and makes it so much fun for me when I get too serious about it. Ozzy has been such a wonderful addition to the Cardis in my house and I just love the little man. So now that he is finished, we might continue on with his Grand Championship but also try our hand at Tracking and Herding.

Here is Ozzy's Champion picture...good of him but not of me..:)

Also that weekend, it was Stevie and Jet's dog show debut. They both did wonderful and I couldn't be prouder of what nice puppies they are. Stevie surprised everyone and picked her first point the same day Ozzy finished. A big thanks to Tom Stewart who showed her so I could stay with Ozzy. Stevie is definitely the wild child in the ring but I think she is growing up to be a pretty girl...just like her momma.

Stevie's (Obsidian's Sky's The Limit) first show picture...and she really made us work to get it.

We are Six Months Old!

2011-07-28T19:32:00.001-05:00

Well, the puppies hit a milestone yesterday by reaching the 6 month mark. Wow, I can't believe they are that old and we have all survived the continued craziness..:) They are all old enough now to officially terrorize (oh I mean compete) in the conformation ring, Rally/Obedience ring, and all the fun activities they can be involved in. I wouldn't have traded this experience for the world but would like some of my wood trim back. Thank you Stevie and Jet. So here are some updated photos...:)

Stevie: well what can I say about my white ear girl. This girl is ready to take on the world and thinks everyone should be at her beck and call..she is lucky everyone in the house adores her. She is working on getting ready for her conformation debut in August and boy, do we need some work..:) She has also tried herding and liked it so we are going to continue working on that. Please note- impossible to get her and Jet to sit still long enough for pictures without tongues hanging out but at least they are not a blur..:)

Rojo: he has been a very busy Cardi puppy with his mom Sandy. He is still learning to Track, work on his Rally skills and even tried his hand at herding sheep and was a superstar. He is growing up to be such a handsome boy. He will be making his Rally debut at the Topeka shows in August with the possibility of getting his RN like his Uncle Axl.

Jet: he is the sweetest boy in the world and seems to get in to trouble due to some sister that tries to blame him for everything. Jet is working on his conformation debut in August. He already had a little practice in Oklahoma City in July where he beat his sister and two other Cardi puppies to win breed in the 4-6 month Puppy Competition. I was so proud of the little man. He has also done the herding thing and liked well enough that we are going to try it again. Baby Jet growing up to be a handsome boy too...:)

Louie (aka Tanner): He is still having great fun with his family in Michigan. His Pemmie friend, also named Jet, is teaching him the ropes. Louie has started training classes and his new family hope that he might be a Therapy Dog in the future. What a happy boy...:)

Macy: Pretty girl has spent her summer chilling with her daddy Harry and playing with her favorite half-sister Lilly. She is growing to be so pretty..just like her sister. Macy is working on getting the show dog stuff down too.

We are Herding dogs, don't you know....

2011-07-23T17:15:00.001-05:00

Well the puppies have been very busy the closer they get to the 6 month mark. Rojo has started to learn tracking and obedience and excelling at both. Stevie and Jet are working on practicing to be show dogs and Jet even won his first breed competition beating his sister and two other puppies in the 4-6 Puppy Competition in OKC. Louie (aka Tanner) is having a fun summer in Michigan with his family and of course pretty girl Macy is busy being cute with her daddy Harry at Don and Jacque's.

Stevie, Jet, and Rojo had their first herding adventure and all did very well considering it was close to 100 degrees that day. Below are videos of their first attempts at herding. Rojo was a superstar wanting to get right after those sheep and move them. Stevie was the smart girl going to the head of the sheep and putting them in a corner and Jet moved them a little and then decided it way too hot to be messing with silly sheep and went looking for shade.

Rojo:

Stevie:

Last but not least baby Jet:

Happy 5 Month Birthday Five Pack!

2011-06-27T20:37:00.000-05:00

Well, its hard to believe that the puppies are already five months old. How the time flies. All are doing well. Rojo, with his new mom Sandy, have started tracking and doing very well. He is also starting Obedience and Rally and will be taking a class with Uncle Axl at the end of July. Tanner, now known as Louie, is having great fun in Michigan with his new family and Pemmie friend Jet. He started his first obedience class last week and was a superstar. His family is thinking about doing therapy work with him at some point in the future.

Sister Stevie and brother Jet are still living here with the Cardi bunch and practicing to be show dogs. They are going to get their first real practice in the ring in Oklahoma City in the 4-6 month puppy competition this Friday. That should be entertaining for all since they are still learning the show dog thing. And last but definitely not least, Macy has been hanging out with her daddy Harry and the bunch at Jacque and Don's. I am sure she is such sweeter then some white ear girl that lives in my house...:) So here are some updated pictures of four of the five.

Rojo-looking so grown up and so handsome.

Jet- he is not dead just asleep and the only way I was getting pictures of him and his sister...:)

Stevie asleep and not causing trouble...always a good thing.

Louie (aka Tanner) being the happy boy he always is.

Puppies..here, there...everywhere...:)

2011-06-08T19:08:00.000-05:00

So the puppies have reached the four month marker a couple of weeks ago and they started to move on with their new lives. Rojo is doing well with Sandy and his Daschund sister Sophie. He has started learning how to do tracking and started on obedience and is a smart little guy. Tanner (now known as Louie) is in Michigan with his new family and Pem friend, Jet. He is doing very well too. He has a pond to play in and lots of yard to run in. He is starting puppy classes in the next couple of weeks and I am sure will be a superstar. Jet is back home from Texas since Sherri was going to be on the road a lot. We thought it would be good for him to get some extra play time with sister Stevie. They are so much alike and just run, and run, and run, and run...did I mention they like to run...:) Sister Macy is living it up with Don and Jacque and their Cardi clan and having a great time.

So here are pictures of the crew...they are growing up to be such pretty dogs. :)

Rojo and his new sister Sophie...too cute together.

Tanner (aka Louie) playing with his new friend Jet at his new home in Michigan.

Jet and Stevie (chewing on my chair)...blurry pic because I couldn't find my camera and took this with my phone AND they wouldn't sit still...what a surprise.

Last but not least...pretty girl Macy. Think she needs to teach her sister and brother how to sit still for pictures...:)

Puppies-almost 4 months old!

2011-05-24T21:57:00.000-05:00

Lots of changes since the puppies last post. Rojo is now living with Sandy, who teaches Axl's Rally class, and starting to fit into a new routine and a new big sister, Sophie (Dachshund). Macy and Tanner are living at Don and Jacque's and having loads of fun with their daddy and other Cardigan relatives. Brother Jet, who is with Sherri Hurst, is having a great time traveling to dog shows and learning how to be a baby show dog. Stevie is still here hanging with her mom and her Uncles Axl and Ozzy and already trying to rule the house. Wow, that is a big surprise.

Here are a few pictures of Tanner, Macy and Stevie. Hopefully will get new pictures of Jet when I see him this weekend and new pictures of some pretty red boy soon...:)

Tanner-what a handsome boy and look at those ears...:)

Pretty girl Macy

Sassy (and pretty) girl Stevie, who really likes to take the big bones away from uncles.

Week 13..now there are two

2011-05-01T21:10:00.000-05:00

Well week thirteen brought lots of changes. Montana (dark brindle boy) and Macy (dark brindle girl) went to live with their daddy Harry P. Very sad to see them go but know they are going to be so happy hanging out with all their new Cardigan friends. Stevie (white ear girl) and brother Rojo (red boy) are the only two remaining in the house. They got to start puppy class this week and did very well. Stevie of course thought she ran the class...gotta love her..:) So Stevie and Rojo are getting more play time with Ozzy, Axl, and Skyla and they are loving it. Ozzy always loves to play so he is being a very good uncle. Updates from brother Jet (light brindle boy) in Houston had him playing with some new Pembroke puppy friends and having a good time.

This week brings a puppy sleepover for Rojo. He is going to hang out with some Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Monday and show them what a big boy he is. Stevie going to get her first conformation class experience. That should be an entertaining time for all.

The gang all together before doing the big split up..:)

The tired two...Stevie and Rojo are so tired running with the big dogs all day.

Exhausted after dealing with sister Stevie all day...he is such a sweet boy.

Stevie, Miss Innocent, wondering why anyone would be tired playing with her all day..:)

Made it to week 12...:)

2011-04-24T19:03:00.001-05:00

Well puppies made it to week 12 and they are starting to seem so grown up in many ways. They can now walk on leads like little show dogs, they actually have names, and BOY are they just chuck full of personality. This week found all of us recovering from Nationals so not much exciting going on. Both Macy (aka dark brindle girl) and Montana (aka big brindle boy) found ears slowly coming up with some help. Rojo (red boy) just being as cute as ever and Miss Stevie (white ear girl) trying to be the boss of everything and everyone and that not working out to her satisfaction..:)

This coming week- Macy and Montana go to Jacque and Don's. Stevie and Rojo will start puppy classes and maybe conformation classes for Stevie shortly after.

This week's pictures were taken just after they finished eating...one of the few times they are not running around like crazy..:)

Rojo-could he be cuter

Pretty girl Macy...just love that face.

Montana -the sweetest boy of them all

Stevie...um, she is queen of everything if you didn't know that...:)

11 weeks old and we have already been to our first dog show...:)

2011-04-17T19:19:00.000-05:00

Well, the puppies celebrated week 11 in Houston, Texas at the Cardigan National Specialty show. They all were a big hit with everyone and did so good. They were great on the drive to Texas and back, learned to walk and potty and lead, and learn a little bit about being show dogs.

The big change is we left little light brindle boy behind in Houston. Sherri, their daddy's long time handler, is going to take baby brother for a while to see if he is going to be a show dog like his daddy. He is going to get to travel to shows and get personal attention of Sherri and her assistant Lauren. A great experience for my and Skyla's baby. Its was very sad to leave him but exciting opportunity.

So, think its time to settle on call names- so white ear girl is going to be Stevie (for Stevie Nicks) since her registered name will be Sky's the Limit, which is also a Fleetwood Mac song. Dark brindle boy- Montana, registered name is Big Sky Country and little red boy is Rojo, registered name will be Crimson Sky. Dark brindle girl Macy, registered name Sky Mall.

So, the remaining four got to come back to Missouri and have spent a little time in playing outside today. So here are a few action shots.

The remaining four.

The pretty girls

Some crazy sister jumping on brother.

The taped ear duo (brother and sister)

Week 10...and we are all exhausted..:)

2011-04-10T17:59:00.000-05:00

So the puppies week 10 post is a little late. Been busy trying to get ready for our big road trip to the Cardigan Nationals in Houston. Puppies have all been good. They made a trip to the vet and all in good health. They all weigh between 12 and 10 pounds so they are growing like weeds. Doing great on sleeping in the crates at night, playing with the other dogs and just being crazy little Cardi puppies...:) Weather has been warm and windy and the puppies love it outside. They played so hard, they had to do some serious napping today. The evidence below...

One little girl does not like being interrupted from her nap for pictures.

Puppies soooo tired.....

Red boy likes to stretch out..:)

Puppies Week 9- the craziness continues....

2011-03-31T19:32:00.000-05:00

Puppies have made it to week nine. I have barely made it to week nine...:) The 5 pack have become a crazy pack of dogs. They love to run around, BARK, and chase each other...did I mention they like to bark.

This week they all moved to individual crates and they have done pretty well except still wanting to get up at 3:30AM. We have been working on some leash training. That has not been as successful since they are okay with the leash as long as you are are going in their direction. So, we are still working on that...:)

They are growing up so fast. I can hardly believe its been nine weeks. They are looking so cute, especially with ears coming up.

So, the hooligans barely sit still for pictures anymore so here is the best of what I got tonight...they are darn lucky they are so cute...:)

White ear girl chewing her toy. Notice that second ear coming up.

White ear girl really wanting to take that bone from her brother. She is showing a lot of restraint...:)

Light brindle boy getting a minute chewing his bone before sister takes it away.

Big brindle boy with an innocent look on his face. Don't think he is that innocent.

Look at the pretty boy with both ears up...he too cute.

Dark brindle girl with a certain look in her eye. She doesn't look that happy with this picture taking stuff.

Had to add this picture because this is dark brindle girl getting ready to bark at me...something she is doing WAY to much of lately. The spray bottle is now in use..:)

We are Eight Week Old...AND CRAZY..:)

2011-03-24T19:54:00.000-05:00

The puppies have reached the eight week mark and they have turned into some crazy puppies. Always running until they drop..:) This week we have started working on walking on leashes and plan to start doing some table work so they can be little show dogs. Red boy has decided that both ears need to be coming up. All are doing well with the crate training and we are making small progress on potty training.

So since we have made it to eight weeks...I have finally started working on names. Sherri Hurst, their daddy's long time handler, helped with a theme for Skyla's and my first litter. So after their momma, this is going to be the 'Sky' litter. None of the names are final and still working on a few but thought we would put them out there and see if they stick. Any suggestions are welcome...:)

Obsidian's Crimson Sky- call name Rojo, which is Spanish for Red. Appropriate for the handsome red boy.

Obsidian's Big Sky Country-call name Montana. Since he has always been the big one of the bunch (Please note- the chewed on chair is not the fault of puppies but of Axl and Ozzy when they were a little younger.)

Obsidian's Vanilla Sky- call name Cruise. Not sure on this one but I do think he is as handsome as a movie star..:)

So girl names have been a little harder. I think I want to call one Obsidian's Skies the Limit but not sure on a call name. And for the other, either Obsidian's Pie in the Sky or maybe Obsidian's Sky High. Again, not sure on call names.

The dark little girl is so pretty she has to have the right name.

And of course, Miss Sassy has to have the right name so still have some thinking to do...:)

We made it to week 7...:)

2011-03-18T22:29:00.000-05:00

So puppies are now 7 weeks old and boy, are they keeping me on my toes. They are now sleeping in crates at night and making regular trips outside to start working on the potty training. And we hit a milestone with one of the 5 pack- ears are starting to come up. Of course, the first would have to be the little white ear girl since she has to be the first with everything.

Here are a few pictures during their nightly play session and some puppies even look tired.

Mr Red. He is always the first to want to get a belly rub and snuggle on your lap.

Big brindle boy...he looks very tired after rough housing with brothers and sisters.

Mr Drama (aka light brindle boy) finally worn out..:)

Some dark brindle girl still ready to play.

Wow...look at that ear. She very tired or I wouldn't have gotten a good shot of that pretty ear.

Some girl can barely keep eyes open. It must take a lot of work to have one ear up and one ear down.

We are Six Weeks and Sassy!

2011-03-10T19:37:00.001-06:00

Well, welcome to 6 week of Skyla's Five Pack. They are definitely having a fun time as they get older. They are wrestling with each other, playing with toys, eating puppy food AND trying to destroy everything they can get their sharp puppy teeth into...:) So, I have my hands full but am loving every minute of it. Can't believe its already been six weeks. So this weekend we are going to start working on crating at night, going outside more and moving out of the puppy/computer room.

Think I have decided on a kennel name of Obsidian. Its a black volcanic stone that is to ward off negativity. I wanted a name that was different but still reminded me of Skyla. So since its black and pretty, just like my girl, I thought it would fit. Have been toying with naming the puppies even though their names will change when they go to their permanent homes but still deciding on names...more to come on that front.

So here are some pictures of their favorite place to play...in the hall.

So cute...Mr Red.

Light brindle boy chilling in the bed.

Dark brindle boy learning the fine art of playing tug.

So sweet...dark brindle girl

Last but not least...Miss White Ear, who I think looks a lot like her daddy Harry but acts a lot like her momma Skyla...definitely the Princess of Sassiness.

Watch out...here we come!

2011-03-03T20:17:00.000-06:00

Well, the puppies celebrated week five by having a little play session on the nice wood floors in the hallway. They all had great fun pouncing on each other and barking since it echos a little. Puppies all growing like weeds, chewing on each other and everything else. This weekend hopefully they will get to experience a little outdoor action for the first time, if the weather cooperates.

So for your viewing pleasure...puppies playing in hallway. I just love these guys...they are way too cute (but I might be a little biased..:)

Light Brindle boy..too cute.

Mr Red...he so handsome.

Big dark brindle boy...just love that face

Dark brindle girl..pretty girl taking a rest for wrestling with brother

Miss Sassy white ear..:)

Happy 1 Month Birthday to Us!

2011-02-27T17:30:00.000-06:00

Well, puppies have made it to their official one month birthday. They are getting big and getting to be very rambunctious little guys. They are chewing everything..the toys, each other, and of course me. They are eating well which gives momma Skyla a little break. So, since they are acting like little hooligans, the only pictures I can get are action shots. Hopefully when they are a little older, we can try for some pretty stacked photos like real show dogs.

So Happy Birthday Skyla's and my little (or not so little) Five Pack!

Pretty red boy...gotta love that face.

This is the dark brindle girl with her new bone...please chew on that and not me..:)

Sassy white ear girl...who loves the camera.

Handsome big brindle boy who is trying to fall out of the bed.

Light brindle boy who had to move everytime I tried to take a picture.

Ummm...dark brindle girl decided the light brindle boy better to chew on instead of her bone..:)

Happy 3rd week birthday!! :)

2011-02-17T19:36:00.001-06:00

Well, we made it to three weeks. The puppies are all walking, talking, getting teeth, and acting like little Cardigans. The big boy is now up to 4 pounds and the rest well over 3 1/2 pounds. They are so much fun right now. So, here are some candid shots since Sarah is coming over to take good ones this weekend. Ozzy LOVES the puppies and today Axl finally decided he liked them too. So, here are some not so planned out puppy pictures.

Still working on names and I think I have finally came up with a kennel name too so more information to come..:)

Sleeping light brindle boy...looking so peaceful.

Dark brindle girl looking too sweet while she sleeps.

The three sleeping beauties

Ozzy loving on the girl with the white ear...he loves those puppies

Red boy and white ear girl chewing on each other.

The two still playing with each other..too cute.

Last but definitely NOT least...the big, sweet brindle boy..:)

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T19:09:00.000-06:00

So the puppies are about 2 1/2 weeks old. Still growing like weeds, eyes all open, teeth coming in, and they are starting to walk more then crawl. So to celebrate their first Valentine's Day, a photo session was in order. We mixed it up a little with girls and boys and some special red boy getting a solo shot..:)

I timed the photo shoot well because Skyla had just got in to fed them so they had full tummies and were a little tired. I am getting a little bit better at cropping the pictures so I was not as close as it appears (so no flash in their eyes) and no unwanted background items...:)

On the left, the dark brindle girl who is very sweet and loves tummy rubs. On the right, is the big brindle boy who is a sweetie too. He's very cute now that eyes are open.

Here are the two sassy puppies that love to talk to you if things not going their way. On the left, the little girl with white on her ear. On the right, is the light brindle boy. Both fascinated by the bear in all the pictures so profile shots...sorry..:)

Here is some handsome red boy about ready to fall asleep since he had a full tummy.

Sorry about the uncropped picture (and my slippers) but Skyla has finally let Uncle Ozzy get close to the puppies and he felt the need to check them out. He is going to be a good big brother to all of them as they get older.

Officially two weeks old (02-10-11)....:)

2011-02-10T20:55:00.000-06:00

Well, the fabulous five have it made to their official 2 week birthday. All have eyes opening or are open and they are definitely hearing whats going on around them. The big brindle boy officially made it over the 3 pound mark today with the red boy and dark brindle girl not too far behind. They are definitely looking too cute with their pretty eyes open and ready to explore their world. They are talking to each other and to me A LOT...:)

So here are boy and girl pictures..sorry, with them really on the move now, its hard to get good pictures with my limited photo skills. Definitely need some photo assistance (Sarah, hint, hint).

Boys, then girls:

So from left to right: Red boy (how can you miss him), the lighter brindle boy, and big brindle boy (aka 'The Bruiser')

Red boy had enough of this picture thing...so he's on the move.

Girls: on the left the lighter brindle girl with white on her ear. I swear she is already barking at me. On the right, the dark brindle girl. She is not as sassy as her sister...or least not at the moment.

Switched them around on this picture- Dark brindle girl on the left, white ear girl on the right. What pretty girls..:)

Mr Red-solo photo shoot....

2011-02-09T19:10:00.000-06:00

Well, since Mr Red was the first to have his eyes open, I couldn't resist taking a few pictures just of this handsome boy. Everyone except one of his brothers has eyes open. I will take 2 week birthday pictures tomorrow of everyone. Hopefully by then we will see all those gorgeous eyes. But tonight, its all about Mr Red.

Mr Red on the move and you can barely see that his pretty little eyes are open.

Think Red wanted to close eyes and sleep with brothers and sisters instead of having photo shoot.

It is very tiring trying to stay ahead of this crew...gotta be first with everything.

Okay...my eyes are open already...let me sleep now..:)

Puppies- Super Bowl Sunday (Day 10)

2011-02-06T14:29:00.000-06:00

Well Skyla and her puppy entourage have made it to Day 10. They are all growing so fast. All three boys are over 2 pounds and girls not far behind. Think eyes and ears will be opening soon. So today's photo challenge was to get individual shots. We used a prop- Ozzy's stuffed dog, which he watched carefully from the door way to make sure that the puppies didn't keep it permanently. Sarah is going to have to come over real soon so we get some better pictures. :)

Boys first, then the pretty girls:

This is the big brindle boy. He now weighs in at 36 ounces. He definitely liked Ozzy's puppy.

Mr. Red is a very independent young lad. He likes to hang with his brothers and sisters but always seems to find the warmest spot to sleep on where no else is at.

This is the lighter brindle boy. He kind of likes a little drama and if doesn't like what's going on, he lets everyone know. But we all think he is too cute.

This is the dark brindle girl. She is very sweet and already loves to sleep on her back and have her belly rubbed.

This is the lighter brindle girl who has white on one ear. She was on the move in this picture. She is the petite one (if there is such a thing) of the 5 weighing 29 ounces.

Hey...its our 1st week birthday...:)

2011-02-03T19:44:00.001-06:00

Well Skyla's five pack have made it through their first week. They are growing by leaps and bounds with their weights ranging from 29 to 25 ounces. Skyla doing a good job feeding those big puppies and taking good care of them. She is getting plenty of food herself so she gets back into shape before you know it. It has been quite the adventure so far and I am sure the weeks and months ahead will be even more so.

Also, Skyla and I would like to say thanks to our helpers for the puppies big arrival last week: Sarah Keth, Nancy Wilson and Neila Gelvin. Sarah was always there to say 'its going to be okay.' Nancy and Neila stayed that night Sky was in labor and helped with puppies the next morning. I am very lucky to have such great friends to help me and Skyla through this first breeding/puppy adventure.

So here are some 1 week old pictures of the bunch. I need Sarah to come back over to get some really good pictures..:)

Skyla, the proud mama, looking pretty good a week after a c-section and being a first time mom

Okay..puppy pile but it didn't start out that way. Thought I could get the picture before they started laying on the red boy.

So from left to right: dark brindle girl, lighter brindle girl, red boy on the bottom of the pile up, lighter brindle boy laying on red's head and the big bruiser on the right.

Skyla making sure all the puppies were okay with their photo moment.

The two girls laying on each other on the left, red boy getting some breathing room, and the two brindle boys laying on each other on the right.

Puppies- DayThree..really its only day 3?

2011-01-30T16:47:00.000-06:00

Skyla and her entourage are starting to settle into to a routine. If there is such a thing..:) Sky finally feeling a little better after her c-section but trying hard to be a good mom. Now if she would only take over poop patrol with her puppies...all would be good.

So, in my attempt to document their progress three days post birthday (01-27-11), here are the boys and girls (who did not cooperate at all). Hopefully I will get better at taking the pictures.

Skyla with her puppies. She is trying to sleep but some little man think she a pillow.

Boys:

Girls:

Missing Brindle boy

2011-01-29T11:14:00.000-06:00

This is the little brindle boy that got missed from their big birthday photo shoot. He is a brown brindle with the thinnest of white collar and little white spot on the back of this head. He a big one and definitely likes to eat. Look for more photos later today or tomorrow...whenever I have some energy..:)

Brindle boy:

Skyla's Puppies!

2011-01-28T13:03:00.000-06:00

It has been a big day in Skyla's and my life. We have had the arrival of her first (and mine too) litter around 9AM on Thursday, 1-27-11. 5 beautiful Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies in her first litter. Skyla (Ch Sisterwood Summer Skyla) and the sire (GCH CH Kingsbury's I'm Harry P) have 3 boys (2 brindle, 1 red) and 2 girls (both brindle). Their arrival wasn't without a little drama. Skyla attempted to free whelp the puppies but when her water broke at 3:30AM and no puppies by 6:30AM, the vet wanted to see her and we decided a c-section was in order. Good thing since when the vet got in there, two puppies were trying to come down the birth canal at the same time. So Skyla has some pretty big puppies-all around a pound a piece.

So the plan is to keep her blog updated with the happenings of her (and my) first litter. Thank you to Sarah for these wonderful pictures.

The Fabulous Five on their big arrival into the world:

This brindle girl with white on her ear:

Red brindle boy:

Dark brindle girl with a pretty back spot on her head:

Mr Red Brindle again...think we missed the other brindle boy with a little white spot on the back of his neck (it was late and everyone tired) so look for that handsome boy's picture coming up soon..:)

Mr. Red- he already a little pistol:

Cute little puppy feet:

New (and very first) Champion

2010-07-27T06:30:00.001-05:00

Just got Skyla's Champion picture. She picked up her last major at the Mid-Del Tinker show on July 1 to complete her championship under Judge Judith Brown. She was shown beautifully by Sherri Hurst who was nice enough to help us get that last stubborn major we had been looking for. Sherri made my girl look sooo beautiful. Skyla is my first show dog, first show Cardigan and now my first champion. We worked for what seemed like a long time to get this and I am thrilled beyond belief. Skyla and I learned the dog show thing together and made lots of mistakes along the way but I couldn't ask for a more beautiful, fun, happy Cardi girl to do it with. I will always remember this moment. Way to go Skyla girl..:)

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner..:)

2010-06-21T18:51:00.000-05:00

Skyla is going to share her blog with her buddy Ozzy since he picked up 2 more points in Tulsa over Memorial Day weekend. She was very proud of her little man. Ozzy (Trinity Rvr O's Boy Busy 'O Sisterwood) is almost 7 months old in this picture and still learning to be a show dog. He kept thinking that the judge was going to give him a piece of chicken for standing so nicely on the table. Silly boy...:)

They say its my birthday...

2010-05-17T21:44:00.003-05:00

Skyla letting Axl borrow her blog to let everything know its his first birthday today. He had a very good time. He got to celebrate it twice. Once with Pat and Neila, his breeders, on Sunday and then on the real thing on Monday. He got a cool stuff rooster, Three Dog Bakery cake to share and a Sonic burger for dinner. Axl thinks birthdays are very cool and he got to share it with his best Cardi buddies Skyl and Ozzy. All is good in the world...:)

Where are my boys and why are they not playing with ME??

2010-05-01T19:11:00.001-05:00

Skyla is taking a little break from showing while she is growing some hair so her and her boys, Axl and Ozzy, decided to enjoy a nice spring day. Guess the boys did not get the memo that all play was to be centered around Skyla.

Where are my boys?

We are hanging out having some boy time.

Much better...now lets play!

You want me to stand still now?

2010-04-07T21:04:00.001-05:00

Skyla sharing her blog with cousin Ozzy today. Ozzy has started going to conformation class so he can be a big show dog like Skyla. He doesn't quite get that we need to stand on the table or not look at a camera if someone is trying to take a profile picture. He is a little ham for the camera and justs want to get his face is in it..:).

Herding 101

2010-04-03T18:34:00.000-05:00

Skyla, Axl and Ozzy joined Sarah and her puppies, Syd and Darby for a herding clinic last weekend. I stole the picture above from Sarah. Ozzy, the one running on the left, and Sarah's puppies Avery, Olive and the big Biscuit were waiting their turn with the sheep. Skyla did not want anything to do with the sheep especially after one named Snowball tried to head butt her. Axl thought it was lots of fun but really wasn't sure what he was suppose to do and Ozzy was very interested ...in eating the sheep poop. Axl and Ozzy showed a 'flash' of interest so they might get to go again to see if they continue to show interest in herding those big sheep. It was definitely a fun experience even if Princess Skyla did not enjoy the sheep. :)

Skyla 2010 Update

2010-03-21T18:31:00.003-05:00

Skyla has been busy so far in 2010 and hasn't kept up with her blog but she is going to try and do better. So far 2010 has been in search of her last major, which we are still looking for. She has a new Corgi friend, Ozzy, her and Axl's cousin, who just loves her. Sky gets a lot of male attention in the house between Axl and Ozzy and is loving it. She has started back in agility class and is having great fun.

So Princess Skyla promises to take breaks between going for that major and being adored by young Corgi males to keep everyone updated on her exciting life..:

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-24T14:15:00.004-06:00

Skyla and Axl would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! This is Axl's first Christmas and he will be very happy tomorrow to have lots of snow to play in (if the weather forecast holds). The dogs got a big new dog bed to share, if some little Corgi boy decides not to pee on it and some really cool rawhide chews for tomorrow. Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday. See everyone in January when Skyla and I will be search of her last major. :)

Axl having a good time....

2009-11-08T18:16:00.004-06:00

Skyla is going to let Axl share her blog again. Axl got to go to the fun match in Springfield Saturday and had a really good time. He just loves to show off and be a ham in the ring. His table skills need improving but he is such a happy boy that you can't help but laugh.

Skyla's Major picture

2009-09-24T06:22:00.002-05:00

Got Skyla's winners picture from Des Moines. Considering they were in a rush to take it, it isn't half bad. Now only one more major to go...:)

Axl wants to brag....

2009-09-17T18:26:00.003-05:00

Skyla is letting her little pal, Axl, share some space on her blog. Axl, who just turned 4 months old today, went to his very first B Match last weekend in Salina. His first time in a show ring was a success. He won Best Puppy, Best of Breed, and a Puppy Herding Group 1! He thought he was a little rock star show dog...:) He did very well in the Puppy Best in Match but was a little bored with all the waiting around. Luckily, there were alots of other puppies to play with...:) Skyla was very proud of her little buddy...:)

Skyla's Big Win...finally

2009-09-07T19:01:00.005-05:00

Skyla and I made the trek up to the Des Moines dog show this weekend. We had to get up in the middle of the night and drive three hours to get there in enough time to get ready for an 8:00AM ring time. It was four point majors and we had to make sure Sky looked her very best. Well, it was our lucky day, the judge awarded Skyla WB, BOW, and BOS for her very first major! I can't tell everyone how exciting it was for both of us. Sky must of known something good happened because when we went back in for Breed, she was the happiest and most relaxed I have ever seen her in the ring. It made me so proud of my little girl. We have had a hard time until recently so to get a major was a huge boost to me and my girl. We are going to enjoy this win for a long time. My first major on my first show dog...something that only comes around once and I won't forget the feeling and I don't think Sky will either.

Skyla and Friends

2009-08-29T19:09:00.004-05:00

Well, Skyla is having a fun weekend since its is Corgi time in the house. Her good Cardi friend, Abbey, is staying with us for the week since she is having her doggie girly time and driving her friend Louie at home nuts. So, Skyla has Abbey to play with along with her pal Axl. Needless to say...she is in Cardi heaven. Abbey not too sure about little Axl but I am sure he will win her over by the end of the week. I might not make it through the week....:)

Yes, I can fit into it....

2009-08-12T19:08:00.004-05:00

Skyla and I went out to celebrate a late puppy birthday with her breeders Pat and Neila and her littermates Topper and Turbo. It was a very hot day so Skyla thought it only appropriate to sit in the water dishes. This is something she does everytime she is out there. She doesn't quite fit like when she was a puppy. She sat in the water dishes, ran around like a crazy girl and shared birthday treats with her Cardigan friends. Overall, a very fun Cardigan day..:)

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-07-29T18:19:00.006-05:00

Hi! Since my name is in the title of this blog, I finally am making my first post. Today is my birthday and it has been a fun day! Can't you tell by my tongue hanging out in all the pictures my mom took. I guess I am two years old and I have gotten some really cool stuff. I got an awesome squeaky sheep from my Vallhund BFF Darby and her mom, Sarah. It's loads of fun to pull the hair off that sheep. Then this evening I got my own tunnel to practice my tunnel runs for agility. Talk about fun...none of my other dog friends know what it is for, so more time for me to run through it...:) For dinner, my mom brought home a Sonic burger, which I gladly shared with my other dog friends and then this little round cake thing..wasn't sure what it was but it was really tasty.

Gosh, I don't know why birthdays don't happen everyday!

PS...that is my friend Brandy in the background of my first picture. She obviously forgot that today is all about me...:)

What, a pool...for me??

2009-07-20T18:33:00.000-05:00

Skyla's second birthday is coming up on July 29th and she got an early birthday present-her own personal swimming pool. She has always loved getting in the water especially when she visits her breeders, Pat and Neila. When she was a puppy living with them, she loved to sit in all the water dishes and of course drink out of it while sitting in it. When we go to visit, that is still the first thing she does....try to fit herself in the first water dish, pool or any body of water.

So to celebrate her 2nd birthday, she now has her own pool. (Of course none of her toy dog friends would dare get wet unless it was absolutely necessary). The first thing she did when she got into the pool...take a drink out of it. If nothing else, Skyla is predictable.

Skyla's San Antonio Adventure

2009-07-17T19:33:00.000-05:00

Skyla has been a traveling show dog the past few weeks with our latest stop being San Antonio, TX. We were traveling with Skyla's BFF Darby, a Swedish Vallhund, Hawk, also a Swedish Vallhund the big boy with all the girls, and their mom Sarah. The trip included lots of playing in hotel rooms, getting into the feista mood with a new hat and of course, strutting our stuff in the show ring. All great fun!

Darby and Hawk had a very successful weekend with Darby winning all three days, with 2 points on Sat and Sunday getting her second major! What a great day for her and Sarah. Hawk went breed all three days and did himself proud in the Groups. Skyla did pretty well...she beat one boy dog on Friday but no points, went WB on Saturday, still no points, and on Sunday won her class against a very pretty red girl shown by Sherri Hurst but ended up going RWB. Oh well, we had fun and will keep trying to get those points.

Skyla and I are new to blogging so hopefully we will get better as we go along. Look for her next new adventure.