THE FEEDING FRENZY IN MY GARDEN

With the first major snow storm here, a feeding frenzy began. The birds obviously could not find food, so came to my feeder. A number put out feeders in the area, but I was pleased to see so many birds. The Blue Jays who come are around six, and scatter seed as they feed. I thought it wasteful, but a friend offered the suggestion that they select the seeds they want and dispense with those they do not. They 'rule the roost,' so to speak.

Next, come the Mourning Doves. I have counted twelve roosting in the trees. They are pairs, and stay somewhat together. There is one pair, a soft pinkish-brown--beautiful. The rest are varying shades of gray. They are patient birds, waiting upon others, mostly ground feeding, although they use the standing feeder as well. I love their gentle sounds, but now with windows shut tight, I cannot hear them. I shall in the early spring.

Ah, the Cardinals. What would we do without them in the dullness of winter? They are indeed bright spots--well, four bright spots usually come with their gentler-colored females. They skirt the Jays, the males less nervous than the females. In a crowed feeding situation, the females bully each other, but never the males. They appear to feed first, and the females fit in, usually ground feeding, whilst the males prefer the large feeder.

The smaller, hanging feeder, is the province of the smaller birds--sometimes Juncos, although they are mostly ground feeders--the Chickadees, the Nuthatches, and the Sparrows. The larger birds flit there to eat from time to time. There is a Cardinal ring for perching, but the male Cardinals prefer the larger feeder, the females the ground.

Then there are the Squirrels. They are grays in this area, and tend to stay where they have been born. I don't see the old one so often. Occasionally he comes for feeding, sits in a tree and glares at me. We have a history. I tried in vain to keep him off the feeders until I got a 'Squirrel Buster,' my hanging feeder, and got smart enough to trim the branches he used as a launch pad. Always there was a baffle, but he sometimes managed to leap to it. The two younger ones ground feed and gambol about chasing one another, and appear content.

Once the storm settled, so did the birds. They come leisurely now, as they need during the day. They no doubt come first when I am abed, but there is a flurry of feeding before their bedtime.

Such drama! I love the frenzy; it is most enjoyable.

THE POLAR BEAR AND CLIMATE CHANGE

I heard on the news some days ago that Polar Bears, unable to get out onto ice floes to get to the seals, are eating their young. I opened my Canadian Wildlife Calendar December first to a picture of a mother Polar Bear resting on the ice, with her young pup sleeping up on her back, and I thought, how sad, if the above account is true. Governments hem and haw over Global Warming when so many signs show it to be self evident. The mother neither eats nor drinks while in the den bearing and rearing her young, which makes it extremely important that she gets to the seals for her nourshment, and those of her young. How can she maintain herself and her young if the ice flows are melting? Seals are the main source of her food.

Since the mother Polar Bear had only a single pup in the picture, and they usually have two, one must speculate why one pup? The other was eaten my a hungry male? the mother was unable to nourish two, therefore only the stronger survived? Perhaps only the photographer knew. Perhaps not. Is there a more sinister reason? She looked rather lean.

The Polar Bear is a member of a class of endangered species. They are protected in the Northern countries of their habitat: (US) Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, Denmark, and Russia, by an International Agreement on Conservation and Managememt of Polar Bears. Not only climate change, but pollution, industrial activities, and poaching, can harm them.
http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/

Let us hope that something good comes out of the Copenhagen Conference on Climate
Change--especially sea ice loss--to help the Polar Bear.

RESCUING THE PERISHING

A story has been paramount in my area for several weeks concerning ninety-nine sled dogs rescued from a farm further north by the Animal Protection Societies. The owner was unable to care for them.

This is a problem with sled dogs. They work hard during the snowy winter months in races, etc., but the owners must still feed and care for them over spring, summer, and fall. A huge task it is for anyone to take on ninety-nine?? From pictures, the dogs were somewhat emaciated, cold, and hungry, and the rescue team saw no water. Thirty of the females were pregnant, and at the last report I heard, four mothers had dropped (for example) ten puppies each. Twenty-six more mothers have yet to bear. Most of the dogs are huskies, but some are cross breeds.

When one thinks of the enormity of the task the Humane Societies must face in feeding and providing Veterinarian care for so many dogs, it is staggering. I understand they have a source for food, but they need donations for the Vet care, not to mention the advertising needed to place all of these dogs in homes across Canada and the USA. People are calling in, but such a program for all of these dogs and the puppies to come!!!

How sad that this occurrence happens all over North America, with even worse horror stories of dogs in far worse conditions. Lax tax laws and punishments allow for this, and even some owners are given back some of their dogs to start the process all over again--but one sees the winds of change. It is our task to press for firmer laws, and that owners receive more severe judgments so they will think twice before jeopardizing these beautiful animals.

We must do our part to help. The Humane Societies will be aware of this story if you wish to assist.

STANDARDS IN DOGS, AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS

I talked before about Standards when Showing dogs. I thought this time to write about the implications of that Standard, as shown in the 2009 Shetland Sheepdog Calendar to help you understand the dogs' points of difference. The more I looked at this Calendar each month, the more I realized they deserved a comment. Without looking at the Calendar it is difficult, but bear with me.

True, on the cover, there are two cute puppies, and beautiful dogs all through. There are, however, pros and cons I will offer. They are used in Shows to make decisions, and will help you when you make a purchase of a breed. You need to learn your breed. The Inside Cover shows a gorgeous Sable and White Sheltie head. She is perfect in every way, a credit to the breed. We would need to see the whole, but such a perfect head should have a perfect body.

January: A Blue Merle with excellent ears, and the blue eye. The head suggests a male, but the small bib and full skirt make her look female. Could be wrong.
February: The puppies from the cover. Left is an excellent Blue Merle male around six months old. Right is a smaller, younger Sable and White female. She has good ears, but her look is hard, rather than soft. It is in the eye.
March: A Sable and White male with ears back, and a Collie-like head.
April: A beautiful Sable and White mother and pup. Delightful! Right on Standard.
May: A lovely Blue Merle male with questionable ears.
June: A rangy Sable female up to Standard, and a large, gangly Blue Merle male, perhaps over six months. Her son?
July: A Sable and White bitch jumping in an Obedience setting.
August: A good Sable and White bitch, either young, or having lost her coat through breeding.
September: Left is a Blue Merle male with too large ears and a pinched look, hard eyes with unfortunate markings.
Sable dog beside him has hard eyes and sky high ears. They should tip over a third. A breeding fault?
October: Sable and White males, but I could be wrong. Muzzles are masculine. Usually males have a large lion-like bib, whereas females have a smaller bib and a full skirt.
November: Blue Merle male running with ears back by the wind (I hope). He has a beautiful coat and good bone, but with a brown eye. Usually Blue Merles have blue eyes. (Black iris with blue 'whites').
December: Mistake in breeding here. Left is a large Sable male with Collie head and askew ears. Right, another male(?) with flopped over ears--bad. Such ears must be trained when they are puppies. Both have excellent soft eyes.

All of these dogs re beautifully groomed for their photos, but I note these faults to show that one must learn the breed Standard. Unless you do, and you decide to breed your dog, then you can double up the faults and do the breed a disservice. A good breeder will only breed a bitch to a dog who will cancel out major faults and vice versa.

A dog or bitch who conforms to a Breed Standard is beautiful to behold.

I am putting up a picture of my Tri-color, JEWEL.

A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS

I have had a few interesting incidents as proof of this.

With all of the Autumn leaves so beautiful and the small birdfeeder out, birds arrived to feed. The day was clear and cloudy. The Nuthatches frolicked about, as did the Blue Jays. Well...'frolick' is not quite the word for them. Since the large feeder is as yet unfilled, it was amusing to see the Jays gyrate their large bodies to get at the small holes near the bottom of the feeder. It surprisingly held their weight. One at a time is good. I have been throwing up peanuts to the large feeder, peanuts left from last year, but they don't seem to mind. They truly are intelligent, and sit above, watching me until I am finished. I can work around outside, and they go about their business. Since the Jays are absent during the summer, I take it they migrate elsewhere, to return in the Fall--their calls strident--and remain until the spring. It is good to have them back. I believe they are the Northern Jay, (cyanocitta cristatta bromia). Along with them, the Mourning Doves are here. How good to see them again. They bottom feed, although I have seen them on the large feeder. They are most humble, and wait their place. Yesterday a pair sat in the tree. Today, three fed on the ground, so another mate must be near. It pleases us both, me to see them all, and they to feed. The Cardinals are the last to come. I hope to see them soon.

I returned from shopping the other day to discover the beautiful Bernese Mountain dog from the top of the street, free, and snuffing about down near the Park. He is usually tied, or inside, unless his family has him out for a romp with them. I parked and walked up to the house to knock on the door. No one appeared to be home, so I walked back down to the Park. He was still sniffing about, but further away. I had a young dog killed on the highway, so I was uneasy. I started walking toward him, and saw that his leash, or chain was broken and dragging. Cheerily calling, "Good Boy, etc...." I had him backing up a bit as I came closer. He shied and padded warily around me to safety? Good. He made his way up the steet, and I "Good Boy'd" him all the way up until he went down his driveway to the back of the house. I let out a sigh.

Helping days are good. What are friends for?

INDOORS FOR ME, BEAUTIFUL LEAVES OR NO

I heard on the radio the other day that it would cause little harm to begin feeding birds again even though it is migratory season. The birds, it said, are hungry. I thought it good advice, so put out the smaller feeder. Its presence might evade the blackbirds and grackles if they are still about. Otherwise I am sunk; I cannot withdraw it. Several days go by before the birds twig that it is up again. A few come, and that attracts other birds, then before long there is a veritable army--rather air force, of birds. You would think they had some telepathic system for alerting their buddies--but in our greedy, human world that would not fly--pardon the pun.

There was to have been frost last night since we are into hard frost season, mid October here, but it did not come to the garden. Some like the Fall, but not I. I must admit that the leaves are quite colorful. This leads me in my somewhat disjointed manner to my showy cactus, which is loaded with buds about to burst forth in profuse glory, eventually with double blossoms. I do look forward to it. Along with the still blooming geraniums it will leave my house most lovely.

Indoors it is. I will leave the outdoors to the birds and other adventurous beings.

THE FALL SEASON IS UPON US--MY WORLD IS CHANGING

Outdoors, signs of Fall are everywhere evident. The nights are cool, dipping to almost zero. Days are cold. The Sun shows its face a lilttle, but many days it hides behind clouds and dullness. The birds have pretty much gone, although the Blue Jay calls. We have had lots of dreadfully windy weather when the birds played least in sight. I have some old peanuts for the Jays when I am certain the Blackbirds have departed. Usually they mass in our (street) trees, but they may have alighted elsewhere. Flocks of Canada Geese high in the sky prove they are on their way, following the River south.

My friend in Ottawa saw a Snow Goose alone by a pond. I hope he finds his mates soon. The odd few geese fly about, no doubt looking to attach themselves to a flock. Even the squirrels appear to be caught up in the uncertainty of change.

Indoors, my green tomatoes are determined to remain so. I left a few tiny cucumbers out, but will have to rescue them soon. In another week or so hard frost will descend upon us, which means I must cut my herbs and bring them in. My geraniums sit, now warm, toasty, and snug in their window boxes. They will rebel at the change and drop leaves, but adjust. When they complete their blooming, I will cut them back for their resting period.

My early Christmas Cactus is in bud, usually in bloom when the older, wiser Cactus is just beginning to bud. It properly blooms just before Christmas, and as I continue to feed it, blooms well into spring. Having rested from spring to fall, it soon will become active. The early Cactus achieves a mass of lovely blooms, but has little staying power. It is great to have this show when I can no longer enjoy the flowers outdoors.

In Genesis 8:22, after the flood, the Lord promised that the seasons would always be with us. Change or no, we cannot stop the seasons as they perfect their destiny.

ANIMALS ENCOUNTERED ON MY VACATION

While visiting with friends for a week, I met again with the son of my hostess, and his Border Collie. Lively is the word for him. We all had fun watching him play.

Down at the end of the backyard four horses cropped grass, so I went along to chat with them. The Bay male was friendly and let me pat his nose a few times. Obviously, he looked for a treat. I had none. The largest horse, a Roan male, or Liver Chestnut--I am not good with horse colors--ignored me. He had a huge, rather ugly head, and continued to crop. Another male, a Chestnut, cropped weeds near the fence, but would not lift his head to me. Whether he was intimidated by the electrified line or not, I do not know. He was not as high as the Bay. Behind him, on the other side of the run, was a lovely female, a Black. Her head was decidedly feminine. She watched me the whole time, but remained cropping. The Roan had scars. All had beautiful black manes and tails, with uneven blazes, and short, white socks on their back legs. They all appeared to be related. When the Roan wanted to move on, he bit the quarters of the Bay, to get him to go, and all moved along. The Roan was Top Dog? Or Top Horse?

The area was truly country, with a number of horse farms. Not far away were cattle farms. It was the first time I saw an Alpaca farm. I had seen Alpacas in Peru, but these had all been shaved. They looked funny with their bodies bare and fluffy heads, necks and legs. I do hope they grow out their coats before winter sets in.

I enjoyed the visit with my friends. We talked, walked, shopped, and ate, etc., but the animals I encountered played a large part in that enjoyment. Truly it was a pleasant vacation.

WINDS AND WEBS AND WINGS AND WEATHER

The weather definitely is changing. I have two old maple trees needing cutting, but have as yet to arrange for the deed. Because the one at the front of the house is slowly dying, its leaves always fall first in my area, beautifully red in color. I have had to rake again and again--especially when the prevailing winds drive the leaves across the street and next door to my neighbors. It is a clear indicator of the fall season--that, and the cooler days and nights.

This coming week I have to clean up my small blooming plants outside in my garden, to ready them for indoors. That involves spraying. Our area produces extremely large garden spiders, so that by fall my garden is full of them. They do their work taking care of small insects, but I rather suspect their growth is due to their cannibalistic tendencies feeding on smaller chums. Ugh! The webs are everywhere so that when I go outside, I must take a stick to clear my path. It is not as bad as Miss Havisham's house--but bad enough. My former neighbor used to say "they'll be gone soon because the birds eat them." Oh?

Well, I am not sure how that can be because the birds themeslves appear to have gone. They have already packed their tents...and silently stolen away. I still hear the chickadees but so few others. Another month before the blackbirds are gone perhaps, (since they congregate here before they leave) then I can fill my feeders again. In saying I especially miss seeing the Cardinals and Blue Jays, I repeat myself. Fall has arrived.

Winds, webs, and wings. The weather vane has turned itself about.

MY DARLING JEWEL, A SUPERB SHELTIE

I had a darling Shetland Sheepdog named Jewel. I was given her by a breeder who wanted to find her a home since she had been bred three times. Breeders often try to find an appropriate home for their bitches--especially when they already have a 'top dog' in their home. The breeder wanted a loving home for Jewel rather than leave her in the Kennel.

Jewel was 'top dog' in the Kennel. I watched as all of the dogs deferred to her, young, and older dogs. She appeared unruffled by the noise and jumping about her. I was thrilled when I was first introduced to her. My comments were, "She's beautiful! I've got my work cut out for me." She had a full coat. In Shelties this means 1) a smooth top coat, and 2) a thick, fluffy undercoat. Brushing out such a coat is work. Shelties can be outdoors in all weather, unconcerned by rain, etc. This is part of their heritage as herding dogs.

Her color was what is called Tricolor. Breeders are careful with the genetics, so I won't go into it here, but she was mostly black with tan around the muzzle and back legs. She had a white bib (with some black) and skirt, with white front legs and white back feet, plus a bit of white on the tail tip. Jewel had good bone, single-tracked, a lovely eye, and conformed so closely to the Standard, I believe she received her Championship on one weekend.

I paid for Jewel to be spayed, and when she was recovered, I brought her home. I had already fallen in love with her. Although dogs adjust to a new home, older dogs never completely forget their past. She was reserved--a queen. I could hug her, but she always retained her own feelings. Not especially intelligent, as some of my dogs have been, she made up for it by her beauty. She was bred to be a breeder. I knew one of her Blue Merle puppies, also a Champion.

The breeder was sorry to lose her. We went back for a visit, but when she saw Jewel run from her to our camper, she knew Jewel had 'left.' There were tears in her eyes. Dogs pull at your heart strings. I truly miss my darling girl. How priviliged I was to know such a superb dog.

CHANGES. THEY OCCUR IN NATURE, AND IN OUR LIVES

You may have noticed that I do not speak of a current dog. I do not have one at present, but I hope that will change. I would love to have a dog. The timing has not been right, but every time I see a dog--wherever I see one, my heart is there. Change.

I picked both tomatoes and cucumbers from my garden yesterday. The weather is cool, but promises sun this coming week, which should ripen most of the tomatoes, and cause the cucumbers to grow larger. Although my flowers bloom merrily, they will benefit from more sun. It is time to consider bringing in some house plants. The nights are cool. There too, is change.

Summer appears to be on its way out. The days are shorter. The leaves turn color and fall around me here. I do not look forward to the truly cooler days. The sun shines, the wind cools. Change is coming. As one favorite poet has said, "Now goes the golden autumn far away, now nearer comes the winter to my door..." It does not yet apply, but I can feel it coming. You can tell I am a summer person.

Let us hope that this change does not come too soon.

A FAVORITE DOG. DO YOU HAVE ONE?

Of all the dogs I have known, one has stood out as charming. She was, of course, a Shetland Sheepdog, one of the dogs I bred. She had good bone, but the body was too long--She was too broad across the beam, as one breeder friend said. She did not have a classic Sheltie head, but she had the "Sea Isle" eye--a soft look. (Her Heritage)

When she was a 'newish' puppy, and I had to decide which one to keep, or which ones to sell, or which one to give to the breeder who arranged the stud for my Julie, I had a visit from a friend. She latched on to this puppy, and said, "She is Katusha. (my friend is Hungarian) She is like a little Katusha doll." The name stuck, and so did the dog. I kept her for breeding. The breeder would have taken her, but when she knew I wanted to breed her, she relented.

When young and able to jump up onto my bed (at six months?) Katusha used to come into my bedroom in the morning before I awoke (I was awake actually, but it was a good show--I pretended.) She lay along my side and wiggled her body to get my attention. When that did not work, she kept flopping her ears. I finally burst out laughing. She then pounced on me. I was up. It was our game.

Some dogs have a particular charm and intelligence that draws you to them. Katusha was one of those. I called her Katya, or Kat. When others heard me call a dog cat, they looked at me in surprise. I merely laughed; it was our secret.

Have you a favorite dog who has that special charm? All animals have their own personalities, but there are the specific ones who draw us to them by their uniqueness.

Do you have such a favorite dog with this charm?

WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE--A FORCE OF NATURE

That has been our lament for so long. Now we are in a heat wave.

The young Robins have eaten most of the chokecherries, and are off again. There will be none for the Cardinals in winter. Whoops! The adolescents are back again today for the last few. Apart from some cheeky squirrels outside my window, the animals and birds have mostly abandoned my garden. Even the toads are asleep.

Before this past week, water, in the form of rain, was on most people's minds around here. This week we have lots of heat. I needed to water my vegetables and flowers. I believe I only watered once this summer--or was it twice? The majority of folk are happy, and off to swim and enjoy their holidays. The heat, although late, is most pleasing. I had thought it would never come. The sun is making its presence felt in the garden. I picked a cucumber and some tomatoes today. Neighbors busy themselves cutting grass--a summer sound. I notice more planes overhead. Perhaps people are optimistic about traveling with sunny days.

I remember the rain in my youth, lying under an aluminum roof at the cottage, enjoying the sound as it pattered on, sending me off to sleep. It was a comforting sound--as was the lap of waves on the beach. We lived at the end of the lake and the prevailing winds brought the waves our way, along with the driftwood. I loved the waves on turbulent days. The sounds of water can be a pleasant memory--as my watching the insects in our small spring cavorting about. A favorite poet called it a water carnival. How truly apt. I miss those innocent days.

Who wouldn't wish for sun rather than constant rain? We are well rid of those dreary months. Water, water, stay away. We would enjoy the sun!

FRUIT FROM ONE'S GARDEN IS A BENEFIT OF NATURE

This year fruit has abundantly blessed my garden. Red and black raspberries, red currants, and of course, rhubarb. I must pull it once again. When one lives in the country, it is pleasant to not always be bound to shop for food. A garden is delightful.

One day this week a friend arrived with her son to gather berries from the heavily laden chokecherry tree at the front of my house. The tree, trimmed afterward, looked much better. The rain--that is the secret. The last time I saw the tree so heavily laden, was three years ago. At least the rain has some benefits. Happily, I have been promised a jar of jelly.

Beside my den/studio window stands another chokecherry tree. It also bears heavily laden fruit. This one enjoys the cavorting of two young, immature robins--from a second nesting. They wear the creeping red breast, but mostly mottled, immature spots. They will be ready for their trip in the fall. Mom or Pop hovers when they are jaunting about. The fruit depends from a stem--awkward for the young ones to get at, but they soldier on. This occurs several times a day and is delightful to watch.

I just noted a catbird there. No doubt other birds will find the tree. There may be little left for the cardinals in the winter, who enjoy picking at the dried fruit.

I gathered the last of the berries this morning. Do you have fruit in your garden? What kind?

Posts:
July 04/09
August 02/09
August 08/09


Wild Rabbit
Monarch Butterfly
Common Toad
Robin

Posts:
June 17/09
July 04/09

Common Loon
Great Blue Heron
Ruffed Grouse
Leaf Beetle

Animal and Bird Photos
by iStockphotos

Posts:
May 15/09
June 11/09

Snow Goose
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Gray Squirrel

MY GARDEN INHABITANTS

It is quiet around here these days in my garden. I see mainly squirrels seeking nuts for winter. The small warblers, etc., appear to have already left for greener (warmer) pastures. So, I will talk about the other inhabitants.

Walking the woods, we usually saw Monarch butterflies about because of the many milkweed plants. The Monarchs came to our garden as well, but I haven't seen them this summer--actually, I haven't been able to get out much because of our aggressive rain. I have seen several of the smaller varieties of butterflies. Even the ubiquitous cabbage whites have been scarce.

Summer is peeping out late, so more interesting garden action could still occur. Animals, such as raccoons, have not tackled my lettuce this year--only the slugs. They love the rain. The tomatoes are distressingly green, but without the sun, what can they do? By now there are often many large garden spiders, but I do not see these, perhaps because the rain destroys their webs. I do see cellar spiders in my house, of course, but country houses must deal with such nuisances. Once, after an extensive cleaning for visitors, I commented that I must have missed a little guy since I saw a slight web on the lamp hanging above our table. One older visitor very graciously said, he deserved to live since he had outwitted me.

I have a family of toads. I regularly saw a big, fat, papa toad. Since I had to move the (flower) barrel he wintered under because the wood rotted, I am uncertain where he now lives. He is a successful toad, however, because quite a few baby toads hop about. The little guys are cute; I have to be careful not to step on them. I enjoy having them about. A friend from England said that if I have toads living in my garden, it is a good one.

We used to have snakes, but they have long since disappeared. Change is good.

With all of my flowers--especially my bright geraniums, hummingbirds came to my feeder, but it has been a bad summer. Lots of rain for berries, but too much, causing mold. I am looking forward to the day in the fall when the blackbirds leave so I can begin feeding the birds again. They live so high in the trees, unless they come down for food, I hear, but don't often see them. Now that the young have all hatched and grown up, the garden is rather sparse in the bird category.

I love my garden and its inhabitants. It is fascinating to watch their comings and goings. Do you have a garden?

ARE YOU BREEDER MATERIAL?

The owner of a dog who shies away from cleaning teeth and cutting nails is not breeder material.

Breeding dogs is a huge subject, requiring a great deal of knowledge and experience, of which I have only a little. I can give a few basics, but much information waits for you out there.

The costs of breeding include shots, veterinarian fees, traveling to shows, entrance fees, food, stud fees and the registration of the puppies. Some of the costs can be recovered through the sale of the puppies, but breeders often must board animals to make up the difference. The initial outlay for boarding is not small, i.e., cages, runs, fencing. You get the picture. Breeding can be a lifelong commitment. Breeders often do smaller jobs, like teeth and nails to lower costs. That is why working with a veterinarian is so important. Sometimes they can give you reduced rates on shots, for instance, if a number of puppies are involved.

Another cost is time. You must know your breed thoroughly, which means books and study, and I would touch on genetics, since you will be line breeding your dogs. (Only experts can inbreed.) You must learn some medical knowledge, since veterinarians are costly. If you can do some things for yourself, all the better. There will be a need to keep records. Traveling to shows is time consuming but necessary to gain knowledge and experience. Some breeders handle their own dogs at shows, but some pay a handler to do this for them. The bottom line is the dog itself. Unless you have a deep love for animals that will override difficulties, you could fail as a breeder.

I was involved with breeding for several years with a bitch from a breeder, but later my brood bitch after two breedings, had to be spayed for her health. Within our club, one of the couples found a rare genetic disease in their breeding line, which ended their business. This left them with a number of non-paying beautiful companions. Thus circumstances occur which can end your business. Responsible breeders will breed their bitches only three or four times, but a number of factors come in to play. When a bitch is finished breeding, and not kept by the breeder, she is placed in a loving home, sometimes with one more breeding open before spaying for those interested in the profession.

So, you can see, there is a lot to consider before taking this step. Breeders can get involved in obedience when they see a particularly intelligent dog. I had an acquaintance, who took her dog to a senior's hospital to encourage the patients. There are endless opportunities. Besides obedience, there is tracking, for example. Many types of specialized training can be found. You only need to look to the Kennel clubs for this. Plan out your goals.

Anyone who takes this step, along the way will enjoy the love, loyalty and friendship of their dogs, who can bring them great joy. Are you breeder material?

DOGS WHO LOVE TO SHOW OFF

Before I talk with you about breeding my dogs, I want to tell you about Dog Shows.

One of my greatest joys was to take one of my dogs and go to a Show. If I was 'showing' a dog, then grooming was the main task, and following the breed, from Puppy, to Group, to Best in Breed. On days when I did not show, we walked about, looking at the other breeds, and watching their placings. I knew only the standards for the Shetland Sheepdog, but chatted with breeders for information. The breeders are pleased that you wish to learn about their special breed. Handlers and judges are always preoccupied.

I recommend going to Dog Shows, even if you do not plan to purchase a dog, but get it at a shelter or elsewhere. The beauty of these animals when their coats are brushed to perfection, in long-coated breeds especially, is astounding. For other less obvious breeds, you must educate yourself in their standards. Going to Shows increases your knowledge, because it is all about Standards. These have been developed over many years, and are still evolving. How close that dog comes to that particular standard is first and foremost. If, however, two dogs are equally close to the standard, it is the one who shows best on that particular day, who wins.

By attending the Shows you get to see what the breeders and judges see. You become aware of perfections and imperfections. Young breeders come to get their dogs recognized, and that is done with ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and sometimes 4th place finishes. More experienced breeders come for the basic reason for the Shows--breeding. They come to search for a dog for their bitch. Many factors come into play, which I will deal with later.

There are some dogs who love to "show (themselves) off." It requires a lot of work and training on your part to bring your dog to that position, but in the end, it is the personality of the dog who shows well who catches the judge's eye. If you are fortunate enough to have one of those dogs, you could be a winner.

A PUPPY IS ADORABLE, BUT IS IT THE ANIMAL FOR YOU?

Although a lot of work, the result of breeding your dog gives one a lot of satisfaction. Puppies are fun and charming little creatures. They remain a joy and beautiful until they get gangly--with long legs. Yes, despite their adorableness, puppies grow up. Breeders, therefore, sell their little ones while they are in the cute stage (as do pet shops and puppy mills). Unfortunately, not everyone thinks through their purchase clearly--as is attested by recently abandoned animals on July first, moving day. The dogs, cats, etc., for various reasons, are no longer cute, become a burden, and are abandoned, often ending up in shelters, or worse.

Unless you are prepared to make a commitment to your animal, then perhaps it is unwise to purchase one, no matter how much Johnny wants one. Consider the prolific number of shelters. On the other hand, abandoned animals can turn out to be wonderful pets. It might pay you to take a look, rather than purchasing from a breeder, which of course is costly. I realize some want specific animals.

Is an adorable-looking puppy reason enough to buy one? What about the future, or long term care? Has your family thought the thing through? Are the children willing to do their share? Is it all left to mother? Is it fair to the animal?

Adorable or not, our animals deserve our love and more. It is a small thing, perhaps to us, but a great thing to them. Loyalty, friendship, and love, are very much a part of their nature.

WALKING YOUR DOG BRINGS HEALTH AND JOY

When I was younger, and newly moved to the country from a large city, I reveled in the ability to walk for miles--but I did not think to do this until I received a dog from a breeder, who wanted her bitch to have a good home. Our bitch could breed once more, and after some thought, we went ahead. Much to the surprise of the breeder, our Sheltie had seven puppies--unusual in a Shetland Sheepdog. They would have four or five. I will write about that another time. What I want to talk about here is our walks in the fields and woods.

Herding dogs need to walk a few miles a day at least, which was good for me; I got healthier. We mostly made a several mile circuit around, and to, a pond, where we rested before coming home. We usually walked in all kinds of weather. The dogs loved it, nor did they get wet through because of their double coats. They did get dirty. I have a photo of one dreadful day when the three of them got into a lot of burs. The mother was a bit more circumspect. I had time then, and spent hours cleaning them up and removing the burs. Fellow breeders told me that they do not walk their dogs in bad weather--just let them run in the yard. Demands of time taught me the wisdom of this.

I will never forget the joy we had on those days, the rabbits who raced away from my rogues, and the grouse they surprised and sent flying. Each walk proved interesting, and fun, even in winter as they skied with us.

Get yourself a dog. It does amazing things for your health, both physically and emotionally.

DOGS ARE CLEVER ANIMALS

One of the most clever dogs of all is the Border Collie. They have been used in Britain for sheep herding for many years--good genes.

My former neighbor's son lives in the country with his own Border Collie, named Rob. Rob used to herd the cat, as did my Shelties, since it is instinctual with herding dogs. One night the young man was awakened by Rob barking loudly and freezing on the bed. The fellow looked out, and there was a black bear trying to get in. The young man banged loudly and the bear left. The dogs seem to enjoy trying to outsmart everyone, even in play.

Some years ago, when we owned a camper, we traveled into New Hampshire and down a road to a farmer's field. There, a little stand and tent were set up for a sheepdog trial, with many people already gathered. Border Collies, Australian sheepdogs, and other types awaited their turn. We marveled as the sheep (we were at their end) obeyed the dogs as they herded them along a course. The handler was so far away, we could barely see him (a woman won). He used hand signals, whistles, and calls. The sheep were separated, herded , and eventually put in a pen. The sight thrilled us at their cleverness.

We traveled also to a more organized Border Collie trial in the US, where we saw the young dogs trained, as they crept, chased, and herded the sheep about. Most of the brood bitches, we were told, came from Scotland or Wales.

One day, on our way home from a trip to the Gaspe, we stopped in a small town on the upper St. Lawrence to have a private meeting with a shepherd, who at one time owned 200 sheep, and now retired, kept five to train his six Border Collies. He took them through their paces one at a time (in the rain), then showed them together on a stand, 'preening' themselves. What charmed us the most was that every time he turned back to us, they jumped down, did their own thing, but kept close to the stand. When the shepherd's head turned back to them, up they hopped, as good as gold. He knew. He said that because they are such clever dogs they must be trained thoroughly at three months, and again at six months, or you have lost them.

I would love to have a Border Collie, but they are far too clever a dog for me. Do you think they are the most clever of the dogs? Or another breed?

Posts:
May 26/09
June 04/09
June 25/09


Great Gray Owl
Shetland Sheepdog
Border Collie
Moose
Deer

Post:
May 26/09


Coyote
Red Fox
Snowy Owl
Red Tailed Hawk

All animal and bird photos courtesy of iStockphotos

May 05/09
May 15/09
May 19/09
May 21/09

Feral Cat
Raccoon
Blackbird

MY FATHER LOVED NATURE

When we were young children, my father would take the family to a lake for the weekend during the summer, where we learned to swim and splash to our hearts content. In the fall, he would take us to a country area, where we walked down some woodland road, hearing only the rustle of the many colored leaves as we crashed our way through them. When we finally acquired a cottage in the northern area--miles from town, it was wonderful. I did get car sick the last few miles, but I grew out of it. All was forgotten as we arrived--after another several miles by boat.

Father dug a spring out of the hillside (from a stream above), where we children would be sent to carry drinking water. I used to love to sit in the stillness and watch the little bugs and spiders stride across, and under the water. We enjoyed a big farm horse named Tom, who dragged large logs from the woods, where the men had prepared them to make our log home. We canoed in the swamp areas on either side of our long beach, and saw herons and other large birds, and swam in the water, sometimes shrieking as a large snake followed us. The deer came down to drink by the swamp at first light and at dusk, and the haunting loons called in the evening. We thought it cool to see the babies on the mother's back. Our evenings were spent playing games.

I grew up a little, and as a lazy teenager, when my father asked me to accompany him for a walk in the woods early one morning to check his property, I said no. You can imagine my devastation to hear that he had seen a large moose. I have seen Elk in Banff National Park, but it is not the same as seeing animals in "their" natural space.

I will always be grateful to my father because he gifted me with a love of nature. Has someone introduced you to that magical world?

CAN NATURE LIVE WITH HUNTING?

As I have said, I live in the country. I also live in a hunting area. This comes with its own risks. When I first came to my area, a neighbor told me that her neighbor's sons used to sit on their back balcony and shoot squirrels in her back yard. She responded in anger, of course, and the boys eventually grew up. I had a piano tuner come one day. He was blind, and said it was caused by a hunting accident. He was a very young man.

We walked in the fields with our dogs. One day we met a young fellow (age 12?) with a rifle. He was less than 100 yards from the houses, so we really blasted him. Pardon the pun. He got the message. Because our dogs were sable in color, when we walked during hunting season, we had to talk loudly, sing, or bang things--besides keep our dogs close. We did not want them to be shot for foxes, or ourselves shot for that matter.

It always amazes me that if people are motivated they will make sacrifices. I think of this every time I am awakened in the early hours of the morning by gunshots. Duck season has begun! Down by the river, the men sit in the cold and damp of first light, and shoot at the ducks. Yes, some are shot cleanly, but others are merely wounded and left to die in misery. It stands to reason, all will not be found. Hunters will argue for this sport. Do so, but is it sport to leave animals clinging to life in pain?

How can one reconcile these results of hunting with a love of nature?

Do you agree?

DO WE REALLY CARE ABOUT OUR WONDERFUL, NATURAL WORLD?

Some years ago--birders will remember--a lack of food in Alaska for Great Gray Owls forced the young males to fly further south in search of food. A number flew as far south as the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River to the delight of many. This occurred in the winter while we were cross-country skiing.

We had traveled around three or four miles, and as I came over a rise and down a small hill, there before me, on a young tree, sat a Great Gray Owl. We were both stunned. He recovered before I, lifting off the tree in a slow, graceful movement, to fly to a nearby wood. I had never seen such a magnificent bird before. One of the largest owls in the world, its wing span is five feet. Also a harrier, it feeds during the day. Some of the birds were seen in other places around the area, until they presumably went north again. A number of sightings were made to the local agricultural college. You may learn more about this bird at "Great Gray Owl".[Online]. Natural History Notebooks. Canadian Museum of Nature. http://nature.ca/notebooks/english/greatgrayowl.htm

I would not have had this memorable experience if all-terrain vehicles were as rife as they are today. I often think that some people go from A to C without seeing B. How conscious are we of what is in our natural world, or is it all cars and sidewalks? Although I am privileged to live in the country, even in the city, as long as there are trees, birds live and thrive, some in protected areas with special walks set aside. Take a pair of field glasses, and go on one ot these walks. Look down as well as up and around you. You will be surprised at how wonderful God has made our world.

Can we protect it? Can you?

HOW CAN OUR WILDLIFE SURVIVE "PROGRESS?"

I dislike all-terrain vehicles.

Some years ago, when I was not quite so busy, I walked the fields from spring through fall with my dogs. I took along sketching materials and field glasses. As I sat sketching, the dogs lying quietly beside me, I saw many interesting birds. I also saw on my walks a number of large hawks, such as the red-tailed, and smaller species. I had the privilege of seeing a harrier, a male snowy owl, swooping low, for his dinner, since they are day feeders. Nyctea scandiaca. I remember, because I did a water color painting of a beautiful female.

Then all-terrain vehicles came. The birds played least-in-sight, and I no longer saw them. The larger hawks left the area altogether, except for several smaller varieties.

We saw the odd fox, summer, and winter (while cross-country skiing), and a neighbor's son, walking some distance from home late one evening, was followed by a coyote. With the all-terrain vehicles, these animals disappeared, from our view, at least. I miss seeing the animals and birds.

Most sad of all has been the highways built for "progress," which cut off the habitat of deer, moose, and the smaller animals who must cross these roads and highways to their own destruction, bringing harm often to motorists as well. Signs are up for the motorists, but the animals cannot read them.

All-terrain vehicles, and new roads and highways and more? What can we do to help these wild animals faced with progress?

Your thoughts?

WILD ANIMALS WE LOVE WITH BANDIT EYES, No.2

After the new roof went on, and the stairs were removed, serious problems with our raccoon family arose. During the winter, they pushed aside the board covering the crawl space vent, and poked a hole in the screen, taking up residence under the house. The noises we had heard above were nothing to the noises below, as they huffed, wheezed, and chewed. (My wires???)

Research confirmed I could not "turf them out." They were protected by law until the "young" could leave in the spring. I monitored their comings and goings by leaning a large board against the opening. The banging became so loud, I foolishly banged on the floor to shut them up. Wrong thinking there. The "male," no doubt, took exception, and banged back. His chewing increased, to get to his rival?? From then on, I crept about. The noises and chewing continued, but never at night, since the male was gone.

When breeding took place, all became quiet. They stayed inside for 3-4 days, again with the birth. I found it difficult to tell exact times, missing much of the comings and goings. Presumably, when the pups were born, or whelped, the parents came out for food. The large male I would see at dusk, leaving for the fields. He was back next day, at first light? I saw the smaller female only once, and never saw the pups. They moved about at late dusk, so it became difficult to see them come and go. By late spring, when I knew our wild little bandits had gone, I had the area boarded up. The solution, I found, was a heavy mesh screen, dug down one foot, and nailed tightly with boarding all around. The relief I felt was overwhelming.

I should have solved this problem sooner--what we all must do to be responsible members of our community and environment. The raccoons must live in the woods. It is only people like me--and perhaps you, who make animals take the easy way out.

How would you have handled this?

WILD ANIMALS WE LOVE WITH BANDIT EYES, No.1

A young raccoon headed down the pine tree outside my window as I sat at my computer the other day. It brought back memories. Raccoons are truly bandits. They look for food--and often a warm place to stay, or breed. The garbage can, unless clamped tight, is prey to their little "hands." This young one, out at mid-day, must have been hungry since one sees them usually only at night. I looked outside, but he had gone.

Living in the country, with older houses, encountering raccoons is inevitable, but even city dwellers have found these roly-poly creatures, masks in place, toddling along near their garbage cans, or trying to get under houses or porches.

One day, while cleaning out poison ivy from my absentee neighbor's yard (so the seeds would not blow into mine), I heard mewling noises. I crept closer to the sad looking shed at the back of the yard, and there in the long grass, were two baby raccoons. I looked around--but no mom or pop. Wisely, I retreated, and next day when I looked, the pups were gone. Perhaps I had surprised the seniors?

Before we put on a new roof, we had an outside stairway to our attic. These creatures had pulled open the bottom of the locked door, and squeezed through. For several winters we heard the patter of little feet above us. One day in mid-spring, we surprised the family coming down the stairs. A squealing little one had fallen through the stairs onto our woodpile, and mom was trying to coax it out. Opening the screen door a little to see better, pop charged us, screaming and spitting. Of course we closed the door. Soon the little one got the hang of it, and the bandits all toddled off, no doubt to the woods for the summer.

Cuteness does not cut it. We must always remember there is little doubt these animals are wild.

Have you had such an experience?

A Challenge with Nature's Grackles and Blackbirds

Do you have problems with these birds? I have two bird feeders, a larger shelf type, and a smaller hanging one. Since we are on a flight path, being near the St. Lawrence River, we see migrating birds, especially the Canada geese, and the Snow geese, spring and fall. The flights are high, heard before seen, but when they settle here, we often see them flying low to the fields to feed, then to the river at dusk for the night. We see various smaller, interesting types in the garden. Unfortunately, when the grackle and blackbird families find our feeders, the food is gone within a week. Usually, I feed only after they have gone south in the fall--but they are back.

We often walked, or cross-country skied for several miles near our house. In the upper woods in spring and fall, the blackbirds mass in the trees by the hundreds--getting together with their friends, no doubt, for the long trek--or just arriving. We have several acquaintances who live and garden near the River. In the spring, when the breeding is on, my friends are dive-bombed, and cannot work in their gardens. One said he was glad of a cap, or he would have been pecked badly. Shades of Alfred Hitchkock. When these birds come to my garden, they chase the other birds away. Talk about gimlet eyes. The creatures make me uncomfortable.

Watching birds in nature brings many great pleasure. Yet, how can we enjoy the less aggressive birds with beautiful plumage and oh, so charming manners?

Any ideas?

What Can I Do to Help the Environment?

Feral cats wandered about when we first came to live in my area. It is country, near a large city. I had a cat of my own and did not wish him infected. My neighbor and I decided to try and trap the cats, to have them spayed and neutered. We lured them nearer with food. My vet was willing to perform the surgeries if she could determine they were not rabid. After some difficulties, and lots of patience, we finally got most of them. Eleven. They appeared to be related. Two were extremely ill, so were put down. The veterinarian then went ahead. The kittens stopped coming, and eventually I was able to lure three cats into the house. Frightened of man, they suffer touching poorly, or not at all. They also suffer dreadfully through a cold winter, lose parts of their ears, and have an early death. My three lived into their twenties.

Before these events, I fed them all at a raised area. I tried to play with them by dragging a stick along the ground. They had no concept of play-just sat and stared at the stick. One day a worker came for the furnace. I opened the door to his stunned expression. "Do you know you have six cats on your roof?" I smiled. He had no idea. Another day, an old, long-haired male came, and sat in the next yard. The two older females went directly to him, rubbing sides and noses. There was an answer to the burgeoning population. He had come to say goodbye to his family. We never saw him again. All of the other cats who refused to come in, gradually disappeared.

I imagine a few of you who live in the country have been faced with this dilemma. Back when I was uncertain what to do, the local vet suggested trapping them to put them all down. I could not. A woman who had a shelter further into the country, said, they are God's creatures; you must feed them. I did. These are sad situations, and we must do what we can to help these unfortunate animals who are innocent victims of their environment. We must take a higher ground.

What would you have done?

Someone, one day, had abandoned a cat.