Viktor, was a Polish Lowland Sheepdog who shared his views on life and had a following of loyal readers from around the world . He sadly left all of us us way too soon. He left his PON brother, Frodo and his Berger Picard “brother”, Elroy to continue his “legacy.” We now welcome a new PON brother to our story- Wojtek- who in many ways, has the very same “bigger than life attitude” as Viktor. So we know Viktor’s spirit lives on, as does the spirit of Paxton, his Bernese Mountain Dog…
Howdy blogaroos! Greetings from construction central. Our household has had a steady stream of work people in and out the past two weeks – and I am utterly exhausted. My work routine includes the arrival warning alarm, the intense interview process (involving more barking and continual air scenting), the non-stop scrutiny as they do their jobs and the loud farewell when they finally leave. The assorted cast of characters has included a washing machine repair man (whose service was paws down, the worst EVER), which next lead to the new washing machine delivery men, the dryer vent repair men and the multiple men who have been replacing our deck for over a week now. They are of course the most interesting – because I am able to carefully inspect their work through the glass patio door. And trust me, I tell them if I don’t like how they are doing something. A LOT.
Meanwhile, we are watching with excitement as the Muppets continue to grow. They are now 4 weeks old – and are beginning to show their personalities. Several people have asked the Warden if she knows who will be joining us here in the asylum. I’m afraid it’s still too early to tell. So much depends on personality. We are looking for an outgoing, buddy who is keen and interested – but who also likes to snuggle – and who has an “off” button. While the Warden once upon a time, always requested the “baddest” in a litter, she’s actually looking for a boy with a bit more “moderate” behavior this time. She said having one wild shaggy shark is enough – a happy-go-lucky Muppet with normal energy will be just fine!!
If you’re following the Muppets, you know that their breeder posts updates frequently. In addition, the Warden has weekly video chats with them- so she gets to see the gang in action. And holy chaos- there’s a LOT of action with 11 wiggly butts climbing, beginning to wrestle, exploring, barking, walking through food bowls, squeaking, rolling….it’s a Muppy Puppy Happy Schappy circus!
If you missed the link to the Muppets, you can watch them here:
Please feel free to comment as to who YOU think should join our household. Only restriction – it must be a boy. You have SIX to choose from!!!
Besides ongoing construction, early morning walks, and lots of training time – we are awaiting a visit from Aunt Sue!!!! She’ll be here in a few weeks – just in time to go with the Warden to pick up my new buddy. Jane and the Shaggies will be staying home with me – as we await the arrival of the new inmate. So much to get ready!!
Anyway – the deck guys just arrived, so I have to go. Gotta supervise. I THINK today MAY be the last day. But we thought that two days ago…..
OK. We were going to post tomorrow- but we’ve had LOTS of good guesses – so figured we should no longer delay our announcement. Some of the guesses included Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, Tibetan Terrier, Portuguese Sheepdog, Pumi, Catalan Sheepdog…. ALL great breeds. But congratulations to those who guessed Schapendoes! You are right! We are getting a Happy Schappie!!!!!!!
Right now we know some of you are quickly Googling the breed! Check them out!
The veterinarian we once went to (who is now retired) joked that the Warden must read Rare Breed books before she goes to bed. She was owned by her first Bernese WAY back before they ever became popular. Then there were the PONs – who people cross their eyes when she tells them what we are. And Elroy? Well lots of people thought he was some gorgeous coyote cross.
So now – she will again be introducing people to a kinda uncommon breed. But just take a look at them- they look SO much like PONs!
Our puppy is here in Canada and you can follow along with all the puppies as they grow!! They are 2 weeks old – and there are 11 in the litter. Yes. 11. Six boys and five girls.
This will be the Warden’s 11th dog – from a litter of 11. We’re not really sure what that means – but we figure it’s an omen. A good omen!
The litter is called the Muppet litter and the kennel is aptly called Messy Hair! You can follow them at:
For those who wondering if we know which boy will be mine….no we don’t know yet! We need to wait until the little personalities start to emerge. I want the baddest one. The Warden is looking for somewhere between Holy Terror and Total Marshmallow. Oh – and he has to like treats!
And do we have a name? We have about a dozen possibilities. The breeder has also given each puppy a temporary Muppet name – which, if it fits, might be the final choice. Time will tell.
So follow along as we watch them grow. We actually got to meet each one last week – via a video chat!! How cool is that? We’ll be doing another one soon!
We are VERY excited – and we hope you’ll share this journey with us!!
Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here with updates from the asylum.
Hot enough for you? We have officially entered dearly departed Frodo’s most despised time of the year. While so many look forward to sunny, hot summer days, he preferred the joys of a winter wonderland.
And I can’t say I disagree with his preference . I mean WHO likes to feel like they are walking in an oven? Add to that the joys of daily summer tick body searches and one wants to move to Antarctica. Do they have ticks in Antarctica? I need to know that before I go all that way.
As some long time blog readers may recall, our house is not air conditioned. That’s because the Warden moved here before Global Warming. She’s that old. And back in those olden times, air conditioning wasn’t needed. Fast forward several decades, and we are melting. But not to worry – she has officially hauled out our ever growing collection of fans – several of which sound like jet engines. And they are powerful enough to throw a chihuahua into the next room. We need to wear ear protection to preserve our hearing.
But besides feeling like an ice cube on a frying pan, things are actually looking up around here…
I had a vet visit- for a general check up and that went well. Here’s me waiting excitedly for the vet…
I got my Lyme vaccine to keep me more protected from the terrible ticks. I also take a tick preventative. AND I wear a spray to repel them when we go for walks. AND the Warden puts me on the grooming table after every walk and blows my hair around to check for the freeloaders. And ya know what? She still finds the odd one – on the move. She then, rather ceremoniously, removes the intruder, calmly puts him between a piece of paper towel and she proceeds to smash him with a hammer on the garage floor. She says it’s cathartic. No catch and release for those guys. Can ANYONE tell me what they are good for? Do they have ANY redeeming qualities???
In other news- I finally passed another obedience trial to earn my second leg of Open. I need 3 passes to put more initials after my name. In most double trial weekends, I traditionally bomb the first trial and then I look like a different dog in the second. But this time I decided to mix things up – just so I’m not so predictable. I passed in the first trial. And I did pretty well. In fact – my score was good enough to earn me the title of the Highest scoring dog in the trial with a 195/200. The Warden almost started crying. She’s the sappy type sometimes.
In the afternoon, I was cruising through the exercises (even a bit better than the morning), but when the Warden threw the dumbbell over the jump – and it rolled far right – I jumped over to get it, decided to take the shortest distance back – and went around the jump. That’s when the judge says “I’m sorry.” Less dramatic than “You FAILED.”
So now we are practicing our jumps again – with crappy throws. I just can’t rely on the Warden to toss it straight out. Truth be told- the judge should REALLY be wearing a helmet for her own protection when the Warden makes a throw. People in our class wear helmets. Just kidding. But they have threatened to do so.
Here’s the Warden and I after the first trial. That’s one big beautiful ribbon – that’s for sure. I’d like to wear it out on walks. The Warden says no. As if she has fashion sense. I mean seriously – who wears bright orange sneakers to an obedience trial? What was she thinking?! I guess if the power had gone out I might have easily been able to find her. Go figure.
Finally, our last bit of news is a biggie. Well – actually it’s little right now- but it will get big. We’re getting a goldfish!!!!!! Just kidding. Nope. We will be adding another canine kid to our household!!!! Yup. A baby brother that I can train to be just as naughty as me!
The decision about who would join us was complicated. Elroys’s breeder is no longer breeding, and neither is Frodo and Viktor’s breeder.
As you may recall, I came from a great breeder in the US. But due to a number of reasons, getting a dog from out of the country just isn’t in the cards for us right now.
So. That meant looking for a different breed. Initially, the Warden was looking at a Sporting breed. Which would have been super cool. But alas, that didn’t work out.
The Warden was feeling pretty depressed – as she knew we BOTH needed another barker in the household. So in conversation with our trainer/friend/dog sitter Saint Jane, they came up with a possibility…Let’s see if you can figure out who is coming…
Note: Those who already know- we ask that you hold back from participating in the guessing game. You know who you are.
Here we go…
This breed is in the Herding Group. Got it now? Just kidding – I think you may need a few more clues….
This breed was recognized by the CKC in 2005. It is not yet fully recognized by the AKC.
The breed is described as cheerful, funny, clever and brave and they make very good family pets. They also have a strong desire to please.
The breed is related to the Bearded Collie, Puli, PON, Briard and Bergamasco. So that eliminates some breeds. Note – they are related to the PON.
According to the CKC standard, all colours are permitted, but preference is given to shades from blue-grey to black.
Their thick, medium-length coat is lightly waved and about 3 in (7.5 cm) long. Boys range in size from 17 – 19.75 inches.
OK. That’s all I am divulging for now. Let’s see who can figure out my future brother from these clues. The prize for the first correct guess is ….knowing you are a smart dog person. It was either that or $1000 – but we decided the accolades about intellect would be prize enough.
Once we get a correct guess, we’ll do the big reveal – and you can follow along watching the puppies (who are now 2 weeks old) grow on Facebook. It’s pretty exciting!!!
So that’s all from us! Some pretty big news – and a whole new chapter soon to begin. We hope you stick around for the ride!
Viktorsviews. The Next Chapter. 