Merry Christmas!

"For somehow, not only at Christmas,

but all the long year through,

the joy that you give to others

is the joy that comes back to you."

~John Greenleaf Whittier

Christmas is approaching quickly but, except for a huge and expensive grocery run today, things are ready at the Johanson house. My 13-year-old granddaughter is coming a few days early. We'll be baking together (if I can get her away from her phone, that is!)

Thoughts of last week are blurry. The days flew by quickly. I left home at 5:30 AM on the 10th for the trip to Orlando, where I was giving the the judges' education seminar on the Lhasa Apso during AKC's National Championship Show week. I met my friend Sandy near St. Louis and she traveled with me to help navigate and to assist with the seminar. We arrived in the late afternoon on the 11th, gave the seminar on the 12th, left on the 13th (got stuck 2.5 hours in traffic south of Atlanta) then hit rush hour traffic even on the Atlanta by-pass, then hit rain all the way to Chattanooga. Ugh! I arrived home on the 14th about 7:00 PM. The scary part was that I was so tired I had no idea how I made the last hour and half. I told my husband the angels must have been driving. Even a Red Bull had no effect. 

I have become passionate about judges' education and really enjoy giving the seminar, answering questions, and helping judges understand the Lhasa Apso. 

Photos of the Puppies

Since I did not post photos of the puppies at 4 weeks old last week, I decided to show you how much they have changed in just a week. So below are photos of each at 4 weeks and 5 weeks.

Female at 4 weeks

Female at 5 weeks

Male #1 at 4 weeks

Male #1 at 5 weeks

Male #2 at 4 weeks

Male #2 at 5 weeks

Male #3 at 4 weeks

Male #3 at 5 weeks

Cute, right?

Below are some candid shots of the puppies. They all have new homes waiting for them. I hope their people are buying early Christmas presents - beds, bowls, treats, toys - in preparation for bringing their puppies home later in January.

Jenna kept photo bombing so I finally just took a picture of her and she was happy.

Jenna

And here is a picture of Enzo. His favorite toy is a crushed plastic water bottle. He plays soccer with it, throws it and chases it, carries it around, plays fetch, and crunches it -- all under supervision of course!

Enzo - almost 14 weeks

Notes and Photos from Others

Marilyn wrote, "Maci and Hunter wish you and Lynn and your family a very merry Christmas. I’m sure Hunter is wondering if he is on the naughty or nice list, while Maci is hoping Santa brings her something Hunter doesn’t like!!"

Kathy wrote from New York, "Below is a photo I took of Jampa this morning.  He's looking pretty unkempt, but happy with his "Mr. Red Bear"! When he wants me to play, he carries the bear from the living room to the kitchen and stands and looks at me, then turns around and trots back into the living room.  If that doesn't work, he comes back and lays on my feet until I get up.  If he doesn't have the bear with him.  He knows "Go get Mr. Red Bear" and brings it to me to play.  He's very smart! :-)"

Jampa with "Mr. Red Bear"

Janet wrote about Pebbles, who happens to be Jampa's litter sister: "Sorry it’s been a little while since I sent you an update on Pebbles.. We have been very busy.. First picture is of course (how ADORABLE) Is her First Christmas. I had them taken at our local Vet. I’ve never had pictures taken before of our dogs but I couldn’t resist and neither could the girls at the vet. 2nd picture is just because she is cute and she is very proud of learning the down command. The third picture is to show how much she has grown.. We tried to catch the same pose as the first day we had her.  I would also like to let you know that Pebbles has done very well with her training classes. She passed the first round no problem.. We then started the AKC Canine Good Citizen training.. We BOTH learned SOOOOOO much. And I am very proud to say that Saturday we took our test and she passed.  She did great on all the hard stuff and the easy sit and down(which she can do in her sleep) almost got us😂😂. We were on our final try..Mike and I laughed and said “THATS A LHASA FOR YOU!!”

Hope you have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Great New Year.."

Pebbles

A third littermate is Judy's Gus. Here he is with Santa.

Gus and Santa

Colleen wrote, "Biscuit is doing really well.  She is just a joy to be with.  She's so energetic and spunky, but then she'll cuddle up nicely at the drop of a hat.  She's really growing fast, enjoys being outside in the cooler weather, and gets super wild in the snow.  She's bonding so nicely with everyone in the family, and she really seems to be settling in perfectly."

Biscuit (she is Enzo's litter sister)

And just when I needed a "pick me up," I received this from Kathy in Missouri: "Just a quick email to wish you and your family (human and canine) a wonderful Christmas and a 2020 filled with life’s many blessings.  You are certainly a remarkable person.  Most of us would like to leave behind a legacy that says, “She made a real, positive difference in so many lives.”  You have truly succeeded in doing that—both through your teaching career and your providing Lhasa love to so many people.  You should be very proud.  I know all this would not have been possible without the help and support of your very special husband, Lynn.  Applause to him, as well!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!"

Thanks again, Kathy! 

Thanks to all of you who read the blog, to those who have trusted us to provide them with their family Lhasas, and to those who continue to promote the Lhasa Apso. May you all have a blessed holiday season, no matter how you celebrate.

Joyce!

Welcome December!

“I wander forth this chill December dawn: 

John Frost and all his elves are out, I see, 

As busy as the elfin world can be, 

Clothing a world asleep with fleecy lawn.” 

~Robert Buchanan, “Snow"

So...Do you have all your shopping done yet? I can brag and say "yes!"...plus (don't hate me) all the gifts are wrapped. I had to get myself (and the family) in gear this year to get it all taken care of before I left for the AKC National Dog show in Orlando. I am not showing but am driving down to present the American Lhasa Apso Club's judges' education seminar on the breed. I enjoy giving the seminar and telling people about the breed I love.

Helpful Link

I found this on the internet: The 12 Days of Christmas Pet Hazard Series.

The series is from the Paws & Play newsletter, which introduces it as follows: "12 common Christmas pet hazards that we feel belong on Santa’s “naughty” list — after all, St. Nick is a huge pet lover, right? Each hazard is listed below, along with some important quick-look information and awareness. And there's more in-depth information in the article, so you’ll have all the awareness and tips you need to ensure that your pets receive the greatest present you can give them… a happy, healthy, safe time with you and your family."

This Boy Needs A Home!

We have one puppy left from the Josh and Greta litter. He is now 11 weeks old. When his sisters left, we had to listen to very mournful crying one entire night. Then he decided that being an only puppy was not such a terrible thing. Best of all, he taught himself to use the newspapers and piddle pads when he had to potty! Smart puppy! He was originally spoken for but his potential owners had a change in their schedule and decided to take a puppy from the Jenna litter instead. So if you or someone you know wants to fall in love with a great puppy, get in touch! 

We call him Enzo

Speaking of the Jenna Puppies...

Here are photos of the four puppies at age 3 weeks. They are getting more photogenic! 

Male #1

Male #2

s

Male #3

Female

Other Notes and Photos

Our Winter (Joyslyn Mon Ami Winter Wind) was 11 months old on December 4. She had a spa day, with grooming and bath, so we took some photos.

Mickey wrote, "Happy Thanksgiving to you & Lynn. Love your blog & the informational links. Biddy & I just saw there is a dog show in Co. Bluffs on the morning news. She is not a TV watcher so I couldn't get her to watch the dogs. Love the puppy pictures. My kids keep on trying to get me to get a second dog, they each have two dogs. They think Biddy needs a playmate, but I remind them they would have to babysit 2 dogs when we are gone. hahahahaaa"

(Mickey: Tell them to buy you Enzo for Christmas!! LOL)

From the Johnsons: "Here’s a photo of Snickers.  He is just the love of our family. He is just amazing and so full of love.  We again can’t thank you enough for giving us this blessing.  Very thankful for you and Snickers. Hope you are doing well and we wanted to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. We watch your blog and truly are thinking of getting him a sibling. Thank you again!!"

Tom wrote on the occasion of Griffin’s 8th birthday: 

"Joyce, Griffin sends greetings on his 8th birthday.  For some reason I have been unable to send/attach pictures, but I will when my tech consultant -- my grandson --  visits next.  Griffin is in excellent health and still generates smiles and hugs from family and new friends.  He has been a joy to us.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving."

Mary, who owns Griffin’s litter brother, Rafe, sent a photo of Rafe for his 8th birthday. "Rafe" wrote, "It’s my birthday tomorrow. Mom says I am getting 13 inches of snow. Hope there’s some cookies to go with it!!"

Rafe - now 8 years old

YoYo and Biscuit are both doing well in their new homes. Colleen wrote about Biscuit: "Thanks so much for checking in. Biscuit seems to be settling in just fine here with us. She's been teething pretty hard, since a day or two after we got home with her.  She wants to chew on almost everything!  She goes through moments when she is pretty wild and runs around a lot and is quite playful.  She sleeps well through the night, with the occasional potty accident. ...we're very happy with her and think she is a sweetheart.  Bridget is getting along great with her too."

Mark wrote about YoYo (we called her Sassy): "She has me, Collin, and Lili at the beck and call. She already does so many funny things. She loves  going outside, we have a two  level deck, with one step each, from day one she crawled up the step, and on the way down she leaps like superman, all four legs in the air, everything is new, the yard the grass, she brings in a leaf every time. Lili has a bed in the family room, she [YoYo] drags it around by the White tag on the bottom, turns it over, that is where she naps during the day. So Lili is finally getting used to her. The first day was contentious, lots of growling and snapping hair standing up on her neck. Lili gets jealous when the puppy gets too close to Collin when she is in his lap. Yesterday they actually played with a tennis ball together, there is a piece of the cover torn off, so Yoyo can pick it up and run with it. Lili still doesn’t know what to think of her, she has to watch where she’s at all times, especially in the yard. Lili  has gotten smart she goes on the couch to get away from her. Yoyo forgets and gets over rambunctious. Lili has to put her in her place , once again .....doesn’t faze yoyo too much, she just desperately wants  to play with her…She is more than content to have anybody hold and cuddle her, will fall asleep while you are holding her."

YoYo sleeping off a day of hard play!

That's it for today. Thanks for reading!

Joyce

Dog Body Language, Photos, Early Thanksgiving Greetings, and Lhasa Christmas Ideas

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know it is still early for a Thanksgiving post, but it'll be a busy holiday, so I am getting an early start. I hope you enjoy today's post. There are puppy pictures, information about dog communication, photos from friends and puppy buyers.

We have a dog named Henri. Henri is not a Lhasa; he is an Affenpinscher (but we love him anyway!) He is our granddog who came to live with us because he did not appreciate the new human addition to the family that had previously been his and his alone. Henri was a spoiled “only child” and about 6 years old when his human “brother” was born. 

Henri is not too fond of being the odd dog out among our many Lhasas, but he has learned to cope and has maintained his personal identity of being top dog (i.e., he is a legend in his own mind). That is to say, his inflated ego is intact. For the most part, the Lhasas ignore him, mainly because when they were puppies, he managed to cow them in no uncertain terms!

When it is time for me to go to work (or really, anywhere), I tell the dogs, “I’m leaving. It’s time for me to go to work.” They know the word “work” and resign themselves to not seeing me for a while. Henri, however, does not want to give up his resting place on the sofa or in one of the many dog beds that are scattered around our family room. He finds it demeaning that I would relegate him to the same room as the Lhasas.

“Let’s go, Henri!” I tell him. He knows the routine but day after day, he moves oh so slowly toward the door to the dogs’ room, like a reluctant fourth grader who dawdles each morning when it’s time to get out the door to catch the school bus on testing day. When he does not move quickly enough, especially when I am running late, my voice gets louder, harsher, more insistent. “Move it, Henri. I need to get to work. Hurry up!” (Like the mom who is trying to get the fourth grader out the door so he does not miss the bus!) 

Henri continues his slow walk to the door, head down, tail down, ears back. I know what he is trying to tell me, do you?

What is Your Dog Trying To Tell You?

We all know a happy, satisfied, carefree, confident dog when we see one. Likewise, we recognize the message communicated by an angry snarling dog. But a dog’s body language can also tell us other things a dog may be feeling. See if you can figure out from the following descriptions just what your dog is trying to communicate.

1. Dog’s ears are pinned back.  

a)Dog is excited. b) Dog is relaxed. c) Dog is submissive or fearful.

2. Dog is calm and confident .

a) He looks at you with a hard stare. b) His eyes are open wide, probably making eye contact. c) His eyes are averted, making no eye contact

3. Dog’s front legs are flat on the floor, butt in the air, tail wagging.

a) He is inviting play. b) He is being submissive. c) He is being aggressive.

4.Dog is yawning. a)He is tired. b) He just woke up and needs some oxygen. c) He is feeling stress and is trying to calm himself.

5.Dog turns his head away. a) He is watchingfor the mail carrier. b) He is pretending he is not there. c) He is trying to avoid a source of stress.

6. Dog’s lips are pulled back; teeth are showing.

a) He is being assertive, threatening. b) He is inviting play. c) He may be showing submission.

Answers:

1. C

2. B

3. A

4. A, B, and C

5. C

6. A and C

Actually, there are numerous ways dogs show fear or stress in situations they perceive as threatening. These include yawning, turning their heads away from a source of stress, licking their lips, freezing upon perceiving a threat (before going into a fight or flight mode), pinning ears back, pulling back lips to show teeth, and slowing their walk.

Your dog can also demonstrate submissive and appeasing behavior in a number of ways: avoiding eye contact, squinting, pinning back his ears, lowering his body or cowering, slowing his walk. 

What about dogs that are confident. How do they behave? Their eyes are soft and open wide. They willingly make eye contact. They are relaxed as they survey or move through their environment. Tails are wagging. Ears are relaxed. Heads are held high.

For more complete information about how to understand what your dog is trying to tell you, google “understanding dog body language” and you will find many sources of information. Here is a good one to get you started: Canine Body Language by Victoria Stillwell.

Puppy Photos

The Josh and Greta puppies are growing so fast. They are almost 10 weeks old. They are in to everything now. Nothing at puppy eye level is safe from their curiosity. Puppy battles are short lived. Attention spans are brief...too many things to explore. If one finds a toy to play with, the other two leave what they are doing and try to take it away. Ornery! They make me tired, just watching them! Oh, and did I mention how fast they can move from across the room to under my feet?

This is the female we call Sassy

This is the male, Enzo

This female is called Biscuit

I was up all night last Wednesday/Thursday, waiting to serve as midwife to Jenna as she had her puppies. The first was born shortly after 3AM on Thursday. She has four puppies, 3 gold boys and one cream girl. Their sire is Breaker, 

BIS-Veteran, GCH CH Joyslyn's Heartbreaker ROM.

The new babies, 2 days old

Notes and Photos From Others

Vivian wrote, "LiLea is doing stupendous!! Her stance shows her superior breeding every time she stops and stands. I love her to pieces."

Dan wrote, "Hi Joyce! Hope all is well. Dalai was actually spayed last week and the paperwork is attached. She has been such a joy and fit right in with our family."

Dalai -- with the unique one white and one black leg

Chuck and Steve sent greetings and two photos of their Cooper, who looks very much like Rafe! "Just wanted to hi from Southern Illinois.  Cooper is doing well. The love of our lives. Happy Holidays to you and your family."

Jan sent a photo of her dogs, Lilly and Zoey and wrote about Zoey, "Zoey goes to obedience kindergarten 3 days a week and is of course doing very well.  They say she is very bright , alert and gets along with her other puppy friends well.  They say she is slightly a little too enthusiastic but I think that is a great trait to have in the long run! She gets along and loves Lilly so much!  Lilly mothers her when she is over zealous or rambunctious but is so much happier now that Zoey is part of our family!"

I wrote her saying that the two reminded me of salt and pepper shakers and also of those magnets of a white dog and black dog we kids played with so long ago. I think one magnet was a Westie and the other a Scottie. Memories!

Jan wanted to know if I had heard from any owners of Zoey’s littermate. That would be the Breaker and Onyx puppies born 4/21/19. I heard from Dan about Dalai. So if any of you others are reading this, please send some information and a photo for the blog!

I bit the bullet this morning and got out the clippers. Autumn's beautiful long hair ended up all over the floor. She was not particularly happy, so I did not take her picture. I also clipped Chance. He was happy to be rid of his heavy coat. It made me sad though, his long black hair was a pretty shiny black.

Lhasa Apso Article

The November issue of ShowSight Magazine has a very nice article about the Lhasa Apso, titled "The Almost Perfect Dog." Go to https://www.showsightonline.com/2019/2019_11/mobile/

and flip through pages until you get to page 365, where the article begins. The article is toward the back of the magazine, so start flipping pages from the back. You'll find the article faster. 

Lhasa-Inspired Items for Christmas

If you are looking for a Lhasa-themed gift for a friend for Christmas, the following links should be of great help.

If you are looking for Lhasa-themed apparel, welcome mats, tote bags, note cards, or Christmas cards, you can find all at the McCartney website. He has drawings of many breeds, so it's also a great place to find a gift for a friend who has a breed other than a Lhasa. 

You can also find Lhasa-themed Christmas cards by going to

https://www.google.com/search?q=lhasa+apso+christmas+cards&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=7ZTJ7SPgLl4oxM%253A%252CsJE1K-mvQCgtPM%252C%252Fxc%252F%252Fm%252F016vt9%253A%252Fm%252F03vrbz@en&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kSYhz8AC1E3Mq_dpjZ6Aj3B5AOTDg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj_4Y7hmuzlAhUKA6wKHZGDAkQQ_h0wC3oECAwQBA&biw=1357&bih=910#imgrc=7ZTJ7SPgLl4oxM:

Just a hint: Many of these cards look great in a matted picture frame!

Also check out Pipsqueak Productions. The site has products for many breeds, including the Lhasa Apso. There you can find cards, stationary, dish towels, pot holders, Christmas ornaments, tote bags, apparel, key rings, garden flags, mugs, trivets, picture frames, mouse pads, and magnets.

Happy shopping!

Canine Chronicle Rankings - September 2019

For being shown only sparingly, the three Joyslyn's dogs that I showed managed to hang on to the rankings through September. Chance's points came from two weekends of wins. Josh's came from one weekend. Autumn's came from three weekends. Not too bad...

So, since they might be deleted from the rankings when the October numbers come out, I decided to take screen shots of the charts and post them here!

Here is how Autumn sits in the All Breed Rankings.

Autumn #7 and Josh #20 in  the Breed Rankings

Chance ranked #15 in the National Owner Handler Series


Autumn again. #17 in Grand Champion Rankings

Yeah, I know it's bragging...but I am really proud of my dogs and their accomplishments. Those of you who have puppies from Chance and Josh can bask in some of the spotlight too!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

Here is a Thanksgiving Blessing recipe that I thought was kinda cool. In a large bowl, add the following ingredients and mix it all up. No cooking or baking is needed.

• Bugles that are shaped like a cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, a symbol of our nation's abundance.
• Pretzels representing arms folded in prayer, a freedom sought by those who founded our country.
• Candy Corn that represents the sacrifices of the Pilgrims' first winter when food was scarce and settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn a day.
• Nuts or Seeds to represent the promise of a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence. 
• Dried Fruits that represent harvest gifts of our bountiful land.
• M&Ms in Fall colors of yellow, orange, and brown to represent Memories of families and friends who came before us and the Miracles of life and love.
• Hershey's Kisses to represent the love of family and friends that sweeten our lives.

Mix together. Package in 1 quart zip top bags. Add a tag that explains the meaning of each ingredient. Give to friends.

Until next time...

Joyce