Not so Wordless Wednesday - dog show edition

This past weekend we attended a collie specialty show.  I know I promised to do a post where I describe a day at a dog show, and I will be doing that soon.  I just want to wait to do the post until we are going to an all breed dog show or until we are entered at an outdoor collie specialty show, so that we can get some really interesting pictures.  So many of the indoor collie specialty shows are held at hotels, and the lighting makes it difficult to get good pictures.

This weekend, the show was held in Maine, at a nice hotel.  This show is actually one of our favorite shows, as the location is awesome - you have to love a hotel with feather beds and warm chocolate chip cookies!  But what makes the show special is that the Collie Club of Maine has some of the nicest club members you will ever meet.  They really make an effort to make their show a wonderful experience for the exhibitors.  They have a huge raffle, where everyone walks away with a prize.  (We won a new dog bed, which Abby has claimed as her property.)  And then they do a free champagne toast with hors d’oeuvres.  And this show always falls on my birthday weekend, so I was able to spend my birthday surrounded by collies and the people who love them.

Scarlett waiting for her ring time.

Friday, after Ryder and Kori had their baths and nails done, we loaded up the van.  I always have to laugh, because 99% of the stuff we pack is for the dogs, but that is typical of all dog show people.  We have crates, so the dogs have a safe place to rest while waiting for their time in the show ring.  We pack bedding, so they are comfy while in their crates.  We have water buckets, and gallons of water.  We have their dog food, and their food bowls.  We pack up treats for use in the show ring, which is called “bait.”  We pack the grooming table, and the grooming bag/tack box.  We even pack their favorite toys, so they can play in the hotel room at night. 

Ryder gives this hotel 4 sleepy paws up!

The drive took us about six and a half hours, but we finally arrived at the hotel.  We unloaded all the dog stuff, and set up our grooming area.  Then we walked the dogs, unloaded our stuff, and headed up to our room.  The collies were so happy to play and then stretch out on the beds.  They really enjoyed staying in a hotel!  At one point I was walking Ryder though the lobby, and a couple of men, who were staying at the hotel with their kids, asked if they could take a picture with Ryder!  And if there is one thing my collie boy enjoys, it’s being admired and photographed!

It was Ryder’s first experience at a dog show, and since he doesn’t have a whole lot of coat right now, we didn’t expect that he would win.  We just wanted to introduce him to the show ring, and the sights and sounds of a dog show.  He loved every minute of it, and we received many compliments on our boy.  People were constantly telling us what a great temperament Ryder has, and one woman asked if we were going to breed him.  She is looking for a collie with his personality to be her next therapy dog.  And when Ryder went in the ring, he had fun.  He learned that dog shows are a great place, where a collie can get lots of attention, many treats, and everyone wants to pet him.  Every time Ryder stepped in the ring, his tail would start wagging, and it didn’t stop until he left the ring.  He made both the judges and the people watching the show smile.  So we consider the weekend to be a huge success.

Ryder, doing his Lassie impression for the show photographer.

Scarlett did great too, she is very showy and loves to compete at shows.  And she was so funny back at the room, as she and Kori would jump from bed to bed, like small children.   

Kori, sleeping after a busy day.

Abby and Scarlett stayed with my family while we were at the show.  And my two older girls showed just how bonded they actually are, they never left each other’s side at night.  They slept together on the couch, curled up as close as possible to each other.  They are related to all my sister’s collies, and enjoy playing with them.  But when it’s time for bed and they are separated from me, Abby and Holly prefer to snuggle together, which I find terribly sweet.

Where is Spring?

We are still waiting for Spring here, but with yet another snowstorm due to arrive Sunday night, we aren't sure when this Winter will end!

Somecollie is very happy with all the snow!

Of course the collies don't mind the snow, they love it!

And Kori, even though she is a smooth coated collie, is taking up Winter sports.  Maybe it's the Olympics that are inspiring her, but she is definitely on her way to earning the Gold in the "Snowball Catching" event!

You go, Girl!

Little sister, Scarlett, has been paying close attention, I wonder if she hopes to give it a try someday?

But she is going to have to practice long and hard, to beat Kori!





Holly loves playing in the snow at the park, but she wants no part of catching balls of frozen water in her mouth.  She thinks some young collies are out of their minds!

How about your dogs?  Do they love winter and snow?

Follow up Friday

This week we decided to join the Follow up Friday blog hop!

First - thank you to everyone who sent good wishes for Lad, we are happy to report that he is doing much better!  He has had two surgeries now.  They had to remove most of his lower jaw, because of necrosis.  He is in Kentucky, and being cared for by the awesome veterinary staff at Blue Pearl.   This is the latest update from The Arrow Fund, the rescue organization that is responsible for saving Lad, and getting him transported to Blue Pearl.

The Arrow Fund
Update- "Lad" - Today "Lad" is bright and animated ! He is doing well with his tube feedings . He does want to be up and out a bit more . Once his mouth heals we are going to try feeding him through his mouth (wet food) - very excited about this ! Many Arrow Fund supporters went to Frankfort today for Humane Lobby Day to try and get some laws passed in Kentucky. Kentucky is the ...worst state when it comes to laws to protect animals ! So today we were fighting and speaking for "Lad" and the many other animals that need better protection. We are their voice ! Thanks to everyone for your support for "Lad" and The Arrow Fund. We truly appreciate you all ! www.thearrowfund.org

You can find more updates on Lad by going to The Arrow Fund's Facebook page or by clicking here:
http://thearrowfund.org

Flea said "That snow looks like SO much fun! I'm so jealous. It's in the 60's here and winter seems to be gone."

Yes, the collies are loving it, and they make me smile and laugh when I watch them playing in it.  But we have had 1 - 2 snow storms every week for the last month, and I am ready for Spring to arrive!

Our friends at Cowspotblog said "Ryder has stolen my heart :)"

And we feel the same way about Reilly and Denny.  There is just something so endearing about a fluffy herding dog, isn't there? :)

And they said "I will never understand how part of the human race can be so giving and part can be the cruelest of cruel. We will help."

thank you, the way everyone has helped this boy is amazing.  Animal lovers are truly the best people in the world!

Jodi from Heartlikeadog said "Beautiful photos, so sad about Lad. I do hope his abuser is prosecuted and that Lad can recover to lead a good life." 

We really hope the abuser is prosecuted for what he or she did.  The police seem to know who did this, and we can only hope the laws in Kentucky will allow them to punish this individual with more than just a fine.

Spotty spotty polkadotty said "Collie's were definitely built for snow, weren't they? :) 

Oh wow - poor Lad! Who could do such a thing???? "

We have read rumors on Facebook, but the police haven't officially said yet.  The most heartbreaking thing is that another dog was recently found in Kentucky, also shot in the jaw, and sadly this dog didn't make it.   We haven't heard if both cases are related.

Stellroselong said "It is so hard to understand the meanness in the world. Sending him our prayers."

Thank you, all the prayers seem to be working for this collie boy.  He is slowly recovering, and even though he will have to be hand fed a special soft diet for the rest of his life, he still loves everyone.  Dogs are so forgiving.

Diane at colliesandlife said "I shared the post about Lad on FB, and I have donated. I am praying very hard that he pulls through. He deserves to have a long and happy life, all the more so because of this horrible event."

I am so impressed how the collie community, all over the world, has pulled together to help this special boy.  Thank you for helping him!

Onecollie said "will share as well, and will donate too, I am so sick about this, my heart is breaking for him, thank god he is safe now & on pain medication."

Thank you!  My heart is breaking too, even though he is recovering, I get sad everytime I see a picture of him.  He was such a pretty boy, and he is obviously going to struggle with eating and drinking the rest of his life.

Phyllis said "I saw this also on facebook,& couldn`t believe how cruel this was to hurt him like that.He reminds me so much of my Max with the extra long nose & face I so loved about him.Praying for healing"

Thank you!  He reminds me of my Ryder too.  And when I imagine someone doing this to Ryder, or any collie, (or ANY dog) it breaks my heart. 

 Scottiemom said "Oh my goodness. Poor Lad. This really and truly is heartbreaking. How can anyone do that to any creature? The really sad thing is I just heard of a very similar story about another pup who was also shot in the face and brought to the shelter I found Mr. K. Of course, we donated right away. These poor pups. Thank you for letting us know about this baby. I look forward to hearing he has fully recovered. Much love, The Scottie Mom"

Thank you!  And we just read recently that another dog was found, also in Kentucky, and also shot in the jaw.  Sadly, this one didn't make it.  We are wondering if it was the same sick person, who shot both dogs. :(

Milo and Jet said "Oh poor lad :( What horrible humans that have done this too him where sending Lad all the power of the paw we can muster for a quick and speedy recovery. Milo & Jet"  

Thank you so much!

And to everyone who commented - thank you, from both me and the collies.  The outpouring of love and good wishes for Lad really is making a difference!

Snowy Valentines!

This post is a day late, but we wanted to share our Valentine's Day pictures!

Ryder and Scarlett, and all the rest of our collies, want to send love to Lad, the collie from our earlier post.  He had surgery, and sadly they had to remove most of his lower jaw.  He is currently being fed through a feeding tube, and he is trying to drink.  But he is healing, and it's hopeful that he will be ok, once he gains weight.  The police know who shot Lad, so we are all hoping  Lad's abuser will be prosecuted.

And it snowed here, again, and another storm is about to start.  The collies are Loving all this snow!

With the snow just starting to fall, we decided to head to "our" park, so the collies could get some exercise. As usual, we had the park to ourselves, they had so much fun!

He needs your help! (warning - graphic pictures)

I had another post I was going to share today, but something happened yesterday, and since I can't stop thinking about this dog, I'm going to post about him.  His story is heartbreaking, and it makes me so angry that anyone would do this to a defensless dog. 

I apologize for the graphic images, but they are the only pictures they have of this collie.  He has been given the name "Lad."  Which to collie lovers is a special name.  We named our first collie, "Lad," because of what this name meant to us. Albert Payson Terhune wrote many stories about his collie, the very first collie named Lad.  These were mostly fictional stories about Lad's very real characteristics - loyalty, bravery and love for his family.  So we as collie lovers, and Terhune fans, use this name for our special boys.  Just as the name "Lassie," brings to mind a heroic female collie who loved her boy and saved him from many dangerous situations, the name "Lad" reminds collie lovers of all the wonderful traits we find so endearing in this breed.  So it is a fitting name for this collie, who has suffered so much at the hands of humans, and who in spite of this abuse, still loves us.

Lad is an 8 month old rough collie.  He was shot in the face 5 or 6 days ago.  This broke his jaw in two places, and since he has been wandering alone and in pain for the last 5 - 6 days, his wounds have become infected.  And because of his broken jaw, Lad has been unable to eat or drink.  He is emaciated, and even though he should weigh between 70 - 85 lbs, this poor puppy weighs only 41 lbs.

Lad is safe, but needs help.  You can read more of his story, and updates on his condition on Facebook, by visiting "The Arrow Fund."  You can also make donations, to help this poor baby recover from this horrific ordeal, the info on how to donate is below.  No donation is too small, as ever dollar helps.  And if you can't donate, a prayer for Lad's full recovery is just as valuable!

Update: Lad now has his own page -

Lad's page

THE ARROW FUND - COLLIE SHOT IN FACE -

UPDATE -WE NAMED HIM "LAD" - HE IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION

"LAD" IS IN BAD SHAPE - HIS INFECTION FROM THE WOUND TO HIS ...MOUTH AREA IS SEVERELY INFECTED. THIS WOUND FROM A GUNSHOT HAPPENED ABOUT 5 TO 6 DAYS AGO. SO HE HAS SUFFERED THAT LONG UNABLE TO EAT . PERHAPS HE GOT SOME LIQUID FROM SNOW - WE ARE UNSURE. HIS JAW IS BROKEN AND THERE IS DEBRIS OF BONE AND TEETH EMBEDDED IN THE GUM AREA. HE WILL REQUIRE SURGERY WHICH WILL MOST LIKELY INVOLVE EXTERNAL FIXATORS ON BOTH SIDES . THIS SURGERY IS NOT POSSIBLE UNTIL THE INFECTION HAS CLEARED SOME. HE IS SEVERELY EMACIATED - HE IS A LARGE DOG AND ONLY WEIGHS 41 POUNDS ! HIS FUR IS COVERING UP -WHAT LOOKS LIKE A SKELETON ! HE IS A 1 ON A BODY SCALE OF 1 TO 9 . 1 BEING THE ONLY NUMBER HE COULD BE AND STILL BE ALIVE ! HE WILL BE SEDATED LATER TODAY AND A FEEDING TUBE INSERTED . HE MUST BE FED SLOWLY - HE IS SO BAD HIS BODY NEEDS TO LEARN HOW TO PROCESS FOOD AGAIN. FOR NOW - HE IS ON PAIN MEDS - (WHICH HE WAS PUT ON IMMEDIATELY AT BLUE PEARL ) , IV FLUIDS , AND IV ANTI BIOTICS. THE SHELTER WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH US - AND THIS CASE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION . OUR THANKS TO THE SURGEONS AT BLUE PEARL AND THE STAFF . "LAD" IS JUST A BABY - HE IS ONLY ABOUT 8 MONTHS OLD !

"Lad" was picked up last night by animal control in Davvies County. I commend the shelter- they sent him directly to a Vet. Sadly, when I called and asked what he had been given at the Vet . The answer I got shocked me - he was NOT given any pain meds, IV Fluids , or anti biotics. Very sad because this could mean life and death to this boy, as critical as he is.

The Arrow Fund will need your help - you know we want you to send love, light and prayers to "Lad " . You also know that this case is going to be costly . We would really appreciate any and all donations ! You may donate on our website at www.thearrowfund.org and checks may be sent to The Arrow Fund P.O.Box 1127 Prospect, Kentucky 40059.

 Thanks for supporting The Arrow Fund - we appreciate you all !

Working together we can make a difference.......

 ~Peace~The Arrow Fund~

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=593964904020119&set=a.369891666427445.88338.369877699762175&type=1

This link might not work, so you can search for "The Arrow Fund" on facebook, and find Lad's story there.

Google Awesome is pawsome!

Google awesome took my pictures, and made this!

Throwback Thursday - Kori edition!

This week we decided it was Kori's turn to be featured. 

 

She sure was a cute little puppy!

 

 

Also, Scarlett has a crush!  She thinks Typhoon is the cutest!  Look at the Valentine she sent him!

 



 

And finally, while I was making chili during the cold, snowy day, my daughter made the collies their very own snowfort!  Before she even finished making it, Kori was running in and out of it!  Silly girl!

It was a snowy day here, so I was playing around with this new App, Flipagram.  If you haven't seen it yet, you should take a look, it's very easy to use.  I created this video of the collies:

http://fgr.am/f/lDbOiaTI0F