March 2025

 

“The stormy March has come at last,

With winds and clouds and changing skies;

I hear the rushing of the blast

That through the snowy valley flies.”

~ William C. Bryant

Better Late Than Never...or Not

Thanks to all who sent emails asking if everything was okay because I had not yet posted a March blog. Let's just say that I have had better months. I will not bore you with the details. (You are welcome!).

When I last wrote, I was getting ready for our first shows of the year. We went to Madison, WI for 4 days. I enjoyed seeing friends but was disappointed by Deacon's performance. He did not show with his tail up. A Lhasa with tail down is an ugly sight.

I recalled the slogan I saw on someone's t-shirt:

Dog Showing

When Ordinary Humiliation is Not Enough

We were supposed to go to 4 days of shows in Louisville. My friend Jane had packed her stuff, my stuff, and her mom's stuff in the RV and we were set to go. Then Jane called to tell that she and her husband had just received news that her father-in-law had passed away. I thought about getting my show stuff from her and driving to Louisville anyway but then disaster struck at home when one of our dogs needed emergency care. I was not going to leave him.

A bright spot was our son's wedding. It is great to see him so happy. The couple had a quiet ceremony and then planned a big party for the weekend.

Puppy News

There isn't any puppy news. But here is a picture of Haven. She is a mommy's girl.

Photos and Notes from Others

Renee wrote, "Rio is doing great - although he’s starting to tear up his piddle pads . . . solved by removing right after he’s used.  He knows he’s not supposed to, but the devil makes him do it!!!"

Stephanie wrote about her Augie, "...I couldn't pass up sending a picture of his beautiful eyelashes!  He is as sweet as he is handsome - but he still has his mischievous side, too.  He loves to go to Grammie's house (my parents') who keep him and Lady Bug while I'm at work each day.  He is a treat hound - he prefers his treats to his meals and will sometimes stage a hunger strike until my mother hand feeds him (which I have implored her not to do) or gives him treats to "tide him over."  Yep, he's smart and manipulative!  But, he's fun-loving, playful, and sometimes a cuddle-bug (on his terms).  He is just a precious little soul and a very happy-go-lucky pup.  Thank you for all of your efforts to preserve this wonderful breed!..." 

Nanda sent this photo of Gigi and Ty. I finally had to break down and ask her to remind me which was which. Ty is the one with the big white chest! Thanks for clearing that up for me, Nanda!! She wrote, "Thanks to you and the wonderful lineage they came from, Ty and Gigi are healthy and have endearing personalities."Later she sent photos of the dogs playing with their niece and nephew (ages 5 & 6) and wrote, "Ty and Gigi are friendly with every single creature on this earth. They love cats, dogs, birds and turtles. A friend of ours has a parrot named Goonie and the dogs are great around him. We actually have to keep on Goonie because he does snap once in a while."

Lynn K sent photos of Autumn. And I got a message from Autumn herself! She wrote, "I went to the groomer this week and want you to see how I look and I feel so soft and silky!..I was such a good girl for the groomer. (I guess I learned how to behave from the best —people and dogs!)...But oh wow did I impress Lynnie! She said we were going downstairs and to maybe bring LambieChop with me. So I did. I brought my LambieChop to the kitchen and put her on my kitchen blankie and lay down then with her.  Lynnie looked pretty amazed for some reason and took our pictures... Lynnie wonders how you ever trained/train Lhasas to exhibit. Seems we take turns being Alphas and when we walk, I can be pretty stubborn. And she’s pretty patient… I have really transitioned well to my home here. Lynnie says before me she’d never experienced a dog who didn’t jump on furniture, beg for table food and get into the garbage. You’d be proud of me!I miss you but I am happy!" 

Jan sent this photo of Aasha (Haven's sister) playing with her friend Bubbles (a Josh daughter). Jan tells me that, like Haven, Aasha is very demanding, thinks she owns the place, and has a LOUD and annoying bark. I wonder it their brothers inherited those traits also?

Lisa wrote, "Duncan is sporting his new winter jacket from Talbots. He does not like things pulled on and over his head, but he likes this little jacket. He wears it all the time." Later she wrote, "Duncan is a delight. He is very well named as he is a good little hunter. I can give Duncan and Dresden the same treat or identical toy and Duncan always wants Dresden‘s. Duncan lies very still, concentrating and staring on one spot. When, all of a sudden he will spring and pounce and grab Dresden’s item. I remedy the situation immediately afterwards Dresden is very good natured. Duncan is very intelligent and cunning.Traits appropriate for my little “dark haired warrior.Duncan continues to snuggle with me and follow me from room to room.  He and Dresden are playing more than ever now that Dresden is healed from his recent maladies."

The Carpenters sent this photo of their beautiful Harper. Prayers for her as she is quite ill.

Judy L posted photos of Raven and Lippy. She told me Raven has really come out of her shell since the death of her litter sister Whisper. Raven has taken over Whisper's spot on the bed.

Lippy is sporting his crazy new "do."

Raquel sent this photo of Minnie, who loves to cuddle and really loves tummy rubs!

Thanks to all who took time to share their photos with all of us. I get comments from followers who say they enjoy the photos.

And if I forgot anyone, I apologize. From mid-February to mid-March has not been great around here.

Looking Back

More pictures from the 70's, 80's and 90's albums. The first is from the late 70's and is of 

CH Joyslyn's Clown Prince (Clown) shown with a handler whose name I cannot remember. He looks better in this picture than he did in the one I posted in February. Better coat and more mature. He was sent from Nebraska to a handler in New York. We got a frantic call...they had gone to the airport to pick him up and he was not there! Panic time!!! Long story short: my husband sent him to the wrong airport.

Clown finally got to where he was supposed to be, but I don't think that handler ever forgot or forgave. 

Here is one of me with CH Joyslyn's Elfin Magic of Jokang (Elf) -- a beauty and a winner!

This is CH Joyslyn's Promise, ROM (Promise) 

She holds a very special place in my heart. She was a beauty inside and out. The ROM is short for "Register of Merit," based on the number of champions she produced.

This is Promise's litter brother, CH Joyslyn's Rachmaninoff. His call name was "Screamer" because from the time he was born, when his mom would leave the puppies for any reason, he would scream for her to come back. We started referring to him as "that screamer puppy" and the name just stuck. He also answered to the name Murry (based on the "mer" syllable of his name). His handler was Marge Lewis.

Screamer and Promise had a half sister whose call name was "Hexie." Her AKC name was CH Joyslyn's Enchantress. Marge handled her also. Like Promise, Hexie wa a gorgeous Lhasa.

Two of Promises's 9 champion offspring are pictured below. We kept and showed "Fancy" -- CH Joyslyn Tammering Fantasia and the co-breeder chose to keep and show CH Tammering Joyslyn's Bucklea (Bucklea).

Here is Fancy, handled by C.L. Euty.

And Bucklea, who was handled by Carol Smith.

Finally, for this month anyway, we have CH Joyslyn's Masquerade. His call name was "Bert," given to him  because he was a fat, roly poly puppy and, at the time, there was a cartoon featuring a character called "Fat Albert." Our kids wanted to name him that! I refused the Fat Albert name so they decided Bert would be his name. Here is Bert with me in the 1990.

Do you and your dogs walk a lot? AKC has announced its second annual2025 Spring Scurry 5K. Find out more below or go to akc.org and search "Spring Scurry."

What is the AKC FIT DOG Spring Scurry?

The AKC FIT DOG Spring Scurry is a virtual 5K (3.1 miles) that people do with their dogs. The non-competitive 5K Spring Scurry can be done all at one time, or in smaller segments on multiple days so that everyone (people and dogs) can participate at their own pace. This can be a walk or run activity.

Details

• Starting on March 1, 2025, you and your dog can begin walking/running towards your 5K.
• The 5K (3.1 miles) can be walked/run all at once for people and dogs who are fit, or you may break your 5K into as many days/sessions as you need to keep you and your dog safe.
• You and your dog can do the Spring Scurry on your own, with a group of friends and their dogs, or with your AKC FIT DOG club.
• This Spring Scurry can be done anywhere that you and your dog are welcome to walk/run – in a local park, on a trail, or in your neighborhood.

Registration Fee

• A $20 fee that includes the attractive 3” AKC Spring Scurry medal with a ribbon.

How It Works

• Between March 1, 2025 and June 1, 2025, complete the 5K (3.1 miles) with your dog. This can be all at once, or in as many days/sessions as you need.
• Document your distances and times on a smartphone, smartwatch (or similar device), or on an AKC FIT DOG Documentation form.
• Order your AKC FIT DOG Spring Scurry medal.

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That's it for now. Thanks for reading and following my blog. Remember...

Please appreciate and love your Lhasa while you have him/her. They give so much and their lives are too short.

Happy Spring!

Joyce

Valentines, Presidents, and Snow -- Oh My!!

 

I realize that Valentine's Day was yesterday but I wish you a life filled with love of family, friends, and Lhasas!

And that wish is for the whole year, not just February 14th.

We in Illinois celebrate two President Days. One covers them all, and the other honors President Lincoln, him being an Illinoian and all that. Government offices, banks, and Schools are closed; parents wonder what to do with their kids while they are at work, teachers get a day off, and (IMHO) they would all be better off a day in school was devoted entirely to the person/people who are being honored, so the kids can actually learn something about the country's history.

That goes for Memorial Day and Veterans Day also. 

Now I am off my soap box!!

So far, February has been a dull month around here, unless you count my dryer breaking (again) and the resulting purchase (ouch!) and delivery of the new one. The old one lasted 20 years and I am willing to bet the new one won't come close to that.

Confession: A dull month and boredom led to a jelly bean and chocolate binge.

We celebrated Lynn's 75th birthday, went to dinner with friends, and made numerous trips to the vet for meds and appointments for a sick dog. She is doing much better now.

The frigid weather makes staying in and reading or watching TV very inviting. As for TV watching, I try to steer clear of the news channels. It's all so aggravating and depressing. But the video about the guy who was swallowed and spit back out by a whale was amazing!

Things will get busy soon. We have a 4-day show next week in Wisconsin. Temps are supposed to be in low or single digits with minus zero degrees at night. I am taking Deacon. The last time he was shown was at the end of September. I hope he remembers what to do! And I hope I am still able to get up and down in the ring! 

Some of you have already seen my favorite of Deacon, but here it is for those who have not seen it yet.

It was taken by a ringside photographer at the show in Des Moines last fall. I had no idea she took it, and it was much later and only by chance that I found out when a friend told me to check out her photos that were taken at that show.

Anyway, wish us luck! It will be fun to be in the ring again and to see friends I have not seen since fall.

Other major upcoming events are shows in KY, our son's wedding and reception, and another cataract surgery for me.

Speaking of favorite things, last month I meant to show you one of my favorite Christmas gifts. Here it is now--A welcome mat! I laughed so hard when I saw it.

It now sits in front of our door to the dogs's room.

Some Photos of The Last Litters

I did hear from a few people who bought puppies from the fall litters. This first one is from the Josh and Ebony breeding. His name is Rio and he was a single puppy. His new owner flew here from CA to get him. Jim wrote, "He did really well on his car ride in his sherpa bag to Peoria and then on his 45 minute flight to Chicago and then the 4.5 hour flight to San Diego." 

Rio is the 4th Joyslyn Lhasa this couple has had. Rio has made positive impressions on his new people, their friends, and the vet. These photos were taken of him before he left here. Age 10 weeks.

I wonder what color(s) his coat will be??

Puppies from the Monkee and Pearl litter were named Henry:

Aasha (the black one) playing with her pal Bubbles :

Haven (the one I kept):

Louie's and Pepper's owners did not send pictures, but let me know that all was going well.

Notes and Photos From Others

I did not get many emails and/or photos from others, but want to thank those who took the time to keep in touch.

 

Lynn K, who now owns Autumn, wrote, "This little girl sits politely through the washing and conditioning and is patient throughout the drying process as well!  Did you train her to behave so wonderfully or did she learn it by being there observing other dogs.. or what???  It’s a joy to bathe her!"

Here is Autumn after her bath:

Paul wrote, "Rusty is sitting in front of the heat duct. He makes sure to prop his head against the cabinet before he goes to sleep. He amazes us every day."

And wonder of wonders: Paul also told me that now Rusty will actually accept a treat! When he was here, he never would. Just turned up his nose at whatever I offered. 

  

Lauren E wrote, "Henry and Charlie are best friends already. We love them both so much. You guys do an absolutely amazing job with these guys!"

This is a picture of Charlie, whom DJ and Lauren bought from us a few years ago. The Henry she refers to is the puppy pictured in the previous section about the Monkee/Pearl puppies.

Michelle wrote about Sunny's dog cart and the trip to Florida. "...we are really enjoying this weather, Sunny has been out every day and we have walked at least 5 miles or more each day...here I am walking my dog in a cart because obviously he can’t walk several miles at a time. ...He has far exceeded my expectations with everything on this trip. He has begun to like car rides, riding in elevators, being fairly good or at least better around strangers, he is certainly getting a lot of attention from people who say he’s a lucky dog indeed!" 

They are enjoying the sunny beaches and not looking forward to coming back to the frigid midwest weather!

Lori Mc posted this picture of her Fin.

Nanda sent this of Ty and Gigi.

In my last blog I wrote that Judy L's Whisper had passed away. Judy wrote about Whisper: "Whisper was such a wonderful and always joyful girl. She loved to play, and especially with her tennis balls. She would always have one with her, and occasionally she would leave one in her feed dish when she was done. 

I have 14 years of good memories of life with Whisper. She definitely was a girl who knew what she wanted. If I gave out treats and she wasn't in the kitchen, she would soon show up and look at me with, "Where the hell is MY treat?" 

Judy L. also owns Raven, Whisper's litter sister. She sent this photo of Raven, who at first was taking her sister's death hard. Judy wrote, "Raven is going to be fine. I believe that without Whisper as her focus, she is going to be bonding more with me. She is already spending more time near me. When I am watching TV or on my iPad, often Raven will be up at the top of the bed, lying/sleeping on the pillows/towel I had set up for Whisper."

Sally sent these of Ginger (gold) and Jaxon black & tan). 

I love Jaxon's fluffy paws.

Thanks to all who took time to write and/or send photos. I enjoy getting and sharing them!

Something From My Archives!

I ran across this piece that, given where I found it, probably was something that appeared in a magazine in the 1980's. It's a bit of fun about being involved with breeding and showing dogs. If you can't read it well, clicking it will enlarge it.

Looking Back

Here are some photos of Joyslyn's Lhasas that were shown in the 1980's and early 90's.

This is CH JaMa Joyslyn's Blaze of Glory. He was bred by my dear friend and mentor, Janet Whitman, and co-owned by Janet Whitman and me. In this photo Blazer is pictured with a handler, whose name I have forgotten because I failed to write it on the back of the photo!

This is CH JaMa Joyslyn's Star Bar. She was bred and co-owned by Janet Whitman and me. She is pictured with Janet.

This is me with CH Joyslyn's Clown Prince.

This is Joyslyn's Flash of Gold. Again, I failed to note who was showing here. I am sure that at the time, I thought I'd never forget.

This is Joyslyn's To Be or Not To Be. We called him Toby. He was a beautiful boy, shown here by his handler. He did not finish his championship because we just could not get that last major win we needed. I ran out of money for the handler even after I cashed in a life insurance policy to his handler. So he came home and later was sold as a pet to some people in Texas.

And finally, for now, this lovely black Lhasa is CH Joyslyn's Mirage, whose call name was Raj. This is Raj, pictured with me, after winning Best of Breed.  Note the permed hair-do and the 1980's earrings.

Miscellaneous

Mats? If you are grooming your own Lhasa and having problems with mats, I recently discovered a product that works nicely. Here is a photo. I found it on Amazon and have been happy with the product.

Lepto Vaccination. As all of you who have previously bought a Lhasa from me know, I have always cautioned you to avoid the Lepto vaccine because the Lhasa is a breed that often has a negative reaction to the vaccine. Until recently, not one of my own dogs had been given the Lepto vaccine. With the increase in the number of dogs getting Lepto and either dying or going through long, expensive recovery AND with the news that the new Lepto vaccine is much safer now AND the knowledge that people can get Lepto from the dogs too, I vaccinated my dogs. Yes, I was nervous about it.

The process is this: 

An initial vaccination followed by a second vaccination (my vet says) three weeks later.

Then annual vaccinations.

It should not be given along with another vaccination.

A puppy should not be given the vaccination until age 12 - 14 weeks

I kept a close eye on my dogs following their vaccinations.

An Article That Might Be Helpful

Training for Groomingby Joyce Johanson

Regular grooming is a necessity if you plan to keep your Lhasa Apso's coat free of mats and tangles. Therefore, it is necessary to teach your Lhasa puppy--when he is young and before he really requires a lot of brushing--to accept grooming as part of his routine.

First teach him to lie on his side or back while he is being brushed. So many of the trouble spots for mats, such as the insides of the legs, the chest, the "arm"pits, and the stomach, are difficult to reach unless the Lhasa is on his back or side.

Begin your grooming training as soon as you get your puppy. Hold him on his back on your lap and gently rub his tummy until he relaxes. It's best to do this during the puppy's quiet time and not when he is full of boundless energy and wants to play.

Yes, the puppy may squirm and fuss about being on its back. That is, after all, a submissive position! Keep calm, be determined, reassure the puppy with a calm voice, keep the sessions brief but do them often. Praise and treat the puppy when relaxes on its back on your lap.

Even though the puppy has little coat to brush at this age, accustom him to the feel of the brush by using a small pin brush to groom his legs, feet, chest and stomach. Then allow him to lie on his stomach, sit, or stand while you brush his sides, neck, head, and face. Constantly reassure him and praise him when he is still. Be sure to tell him how gorgeous he looks when the grooming is done.

Keep these sessions short. Their purpose is to familiarize the puppy with the routine of grooming and the feel of the brush.

Of course, not all puppies tolerate lying on their backs or sides and cooperating with you. At times you will be amazed at how stubborn and strong a puppy can be when he is determined not to lie on his back! Be persistent and patient. Do not strike the puppy. You are training him for future grooming sessions that both you and he should come to enjoy. Don't spoil the future by letting your temper flare when the puppy gets uncooperative.

Some puppies will try to convince you that you are "killing" them by making them lie on their backs. Don't be taken in by a con artist. These same puppies are the ones that you will later find sleeping soundly on their backs in their crates with all four legs spread wide.

Once the puppy accepts lying on his back or side, move him from your lap to a grooming table. The transition may cause some regression in the puppy's behavior since he may feel less secure on a table than he felt on your lap. Again, be persistent and firm. Don't be abusive, but insist on the behavior you want.

From the age of six months on, your Lhasa puppy will need grooming on a regular basis. That's when your early training sessions begin to pay off. Depending on your puppy's coat texture and stage of development, mats and tangles will begin to develop behind the ears and on his underside. You're in for a terrible ordeal if you have not taught your puppy what grooming is all about. Sometimes it hurts when mats are taken out. Sometimes you need to use both hands to loosen the mat and remove, and if you have to hold the puppy down, try to reach one of those hard-to-get-at mats, and remove the mat all at the same time, you are in for an unpleasant grooming session. Neither you nor your puppy will enjoy it. And, for the puppy at least, the unpleasant experience will be remembered the next time and the struggle will begin again.

Both you and your Lhasa will enjoy the grooming sessions which will be so much of your lives if you take time now to teach the puppy what is expected of him when it comes time for grooming. The younger you start, the more accepting the puppy will be. The old sayings about an "ounce of prevention" and a "stitch in time" may be trite but they are certainly true in this situation.

Now, I know most of you who are reading this either already take your Lhasa to a groomer or plan to do so. Most of you keep your Lhasas clipped and that is okay! Unless mine are being shown, they are clipped too. However, your groomer will appreciate you a lot more and welcome your Lhasa with open arms if you have trained him/her as suggested in this article. No groomer appreciates a dog that does not sit still, fights being combed or brushed, and growls and snaps because it is frightened. Train your puppy BEFORE it needs a trip to the groomer. I have 3 friends who are dog groomers and the stories they tell about the behavior of some of the dogs brought to them to groom are not good ones. Training your dog to be groomed is not your groomer's job. It is yours and it is part of being a good Lhasa owner.

Please note: Permission to reproduce and/or circulate information in this article is granted. However, the article must be disseminated in its entirety and credit must be given to Joyce Johanson, Joyslyn's Lhasa Apsos. Thanks!

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Finally: What About the Next Litter?

We have plans to breed a couple of our girls in the spring. My "guess" is April. So plan on about 2 months gestation and then another 9 weeks until the puppies can leave.

If you are on the waiting list and have not been in touch with me recently, please email me at joyslynslhasas73@gmail.com either to let me know you found a dog from another breeder or to confirm you want to stay on the list.

Thanks for reading!!

Joyce