Friday, October 18, 2024

October: Happy Halloween!

 


October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came—

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.

The Chestnuts came in yellow,
The Oaks in crimson dressed;

The lovely Misses Maple
In scarlet looked their best;

All balanced to their partners,
And gaily fluttered by;

The sight was like a rainbow
New fallen from the sky... 
~ George Cooper

Here it is: The end of October already! I am packing for the trip to PA for the American Lhasa Apso Club's National Specialty. It is always a nice week, especially seeing Lhasas and their exhibitors from across the country. Deacon is blowing coat and is staying home. I am looking forward to giving the Lhasa Judges Education seminar.

Results of the Survey of Lhasa Owners Who Purchased Their Dogs As Adults

My September blog post resulted in an additional survey return. So...here are the results. Twenty three people were emailed the survey. Two emails were returned as not deliverable. Of the 21 who received the survey, 10 (48%) responded by the end of September.

Four of the 10 (40%) had purchased more than one of my adult Lhasas. Those people filled out survey forms for each of their dogs. Altogether, I received responses for 15 adult Lhasas, 11 females and 4 males. The ages of the dogs at time of purchase ranged from 1.5 years (youngest) to 16 years (oldest), with the majority between ages of 3.5 - 6 years.  All ten respondents reported this was not their first Lhasa.

Regarding the dogs' preference for a family member in the new home: 12 dogs had preference toward the female in the family, 2 had preference for the male, and 1 was reported as preferring both equally.

In response to the question "Based on your experience with buying an adult, would you do so again?" the majority (11) said "Yes"  and 4 said "No," but three of those explained that it was only because they were getting too old to get another dog.

The question regarding the dogs' ease of integrating into the household routines resulted in 10 responses from "fairly easy" to "easy" and 5  from "tentative" to "challenging." Four of those 5 qualified their statements by writing that it was nothing that time and trust did not take care of.

Responses to a question asking how long it took the dogs to "settle in" ranged as follows:
Right away (2)
A week (4)
3 weeks (1)
2 months (1)
3 months (1)
6 months (2)
Over a year (1)
Hard to say (1)
No response (2)

One question asked respondents to describe the dog's personality and/or favorite activities. Here are some of the responses: 

About Flame: "She was so outgoing but sweet. The sweetest Lhasa we have ever had. She loved to give kisses and snuggle. She was just as sweet with other animals. I can’t recall a time she ever growled outside of play. She enjoyed walks and hiking and being outside in general. Her favorite toy was a cat wand."

About Baron: "Watching for squirrels on the ground out the patio door.  Even the birds on the ground will get a “Wuff” and scratch at the door.  What a joyful run he has across the yard to stand and be disappointed the fence or a tree took his critters."

About Maggie: "little bit sassy, extremely loving, gives sweet kisses, loves cuddles, gives high fives and does wonderful morning stretches on her front
and back legs. Favorite toy:  her toy you sent with her (it was a frog).  Favorite activities: being with her people.


About Izzy: "Izzy loved everyone. She never met a stranger. She was a showoff in the agility ring, and chose the obstacles she wanted to do, so I tried rally with her and at her first trial she laid down at the start line. I got the message."

About Raven: "Raven loves to race the inner perimeter of the yard when I arrive home. She is the fastest runner of all the Lhasas. She can leap/fly/ through the air for maybe 4-5 feet. She is so graceful and confident in her movements. Raven doesn’t really play with toys – no ‘baby’ held in her mouth."

About Belle: "Belle had many “little buddies”:  The stuffed toys were placed in the bars of her wire crate. She would pull one out, play with her. Lamb chop was probably her favorite."

About Winnie: "Pretty laid back, just wants to be near us, mainly wife."

About Onyx: "She loves going to rally and agility class. She greets everyone and their dogs. She loves her walks.  She never pulls and changes her gait perfectly in rally class. Going to the garden center is a favorite spot to walk the aisles and get treats from the employees. We have “Schwan Service” (ice cream and frozen food) stop every 2 weeks. She sits by the truck and patiently waits for her treats."

About Rafe: "Rafe is some lazy; does only a trot for his fastest movement outside.  We do some tricks before mealtime.  He loves the tv room, stretched out, snoring.  His favorite toy right now is a stuffed animal “sloth”;  “monkey” is a close second. He will play fetch with his stuffed animal.  He likes to raid the toy bins and return to his crate with a prize.  He likes his kong with treats.  He now gets excited when we get ready to get in the car. "

About Chewie: "Chewie loves his walks.  We go for 3 long walks a day which is good for me since I retired last year. He has a toy bin in the family room and loves to grab a toy for us to play fetch. He loves to chew on his non rawhide bones and he also likes puzzles with treats. He’s pretty good with those puzzles. He also loves to watch TV.  He actually watches the shows. If an animal or minion or something he doesn’t recognize pops up he runs over to the TV and barks.  He also loves watching football.  He is a big Packer Fan."  

About Willow: "Any of the toys that you sent with them she loves.  She likes to shake them and growl, bop them on the floor!  Baron is also a favorite “Toy” of hers."

About Winter:"She is a high energy dog with an over the top personality. She is active all day, and when it’s Wednesday she  knows it’s rally day. She loves to practice  the rally signs and run the agility course in the backyard."

About Cinder: She is loving and very smart, and very funny. She learns quickly and easily. She relates very well to our 16 year old Scottie. As you know, her favorite toy is any AFLAC duck that talks. She loves and plays with the ones that don't talk any more, but she goes quickly to the others if they call her  - "Aflac!!!"

Cinder's newest procedure is a morning ritual. Janice rises before I do and goes into the office. Cinder gets up with me. When we go into the office, I say, "Go get Mama Janice!" and with that she runs across to Janice's desk, jumps up on her and greets her with joy. Then, when she's finished, she comes back to me to get her morning hug. 

 

The survey asked "What advice do you have for someone who is considering buying an adult Lhasa?" Their responses follow. 

CD: "I would just say to be prepared to have a dog that might already be set in their ways. Lhasas are stubborn so it might take a while to adjust certain behaviors to your lifestyle. Not having to go through the puppy phase and worrying about making sure I did all the right things to create a well-rounded dog was nice. I got a young dog that was already well socialized, potty trained, and trained to behave during grooming."

MS: "Be patient. Know and understand the situation from which the dog is coming to your home. If you can find a positive reinforcement trainer close to you, take advantage of that opportunity to bond with your dog! Books by Patricia McConnell and Pat Miller are especially helpful to help with acclimation, bonding and training."

R&CF: "Maggie was our first adult dog purchase. Prior to her purchase, we had only purchased Lhasa puppies. We really didn't treat her any differently than the puppy purchases. Only difference [is] you skip the potty training and training overall, but the playfulness is still there.
We spend a lot of time with our Lhasas so we get to know each one's personalities and treat them accordingly. Our advice would be to enjoy them and get to know their personality."


JL: "Buy your Lhasa ONLY from a reputable, responsible, preservation Breeder who’s breeding program has proven that the dogs have a good temperament. Talk to the Breeder and ask questions about the adult dog(s) and which would the Breeder feel would be the best fit for your family/household, especially if you have or will have a multi-dog household. Breeders know their adult dogs. They would not place a dog in a home if they do not believe it would the best environment for the dog. Know that an adult Lhasa is not a puppy. Adult dogs from a Breeder mostly likely is a Conformation Champion, and was used for breeding purposes to continue the kennel’s line. Unless they are Obedience/Rally, or Agility Lhasas, they probably won’t know obedience commands. You certainly don’t want a show dog doing a sit or down when they are in the ring. Let your adult dog relax and feel at home. Boundaries are necessary, but you wouldn’t treat an adult human like a child (well, some people do). Make sure that you are gentle with your new adult dog when you are demonstrating what you expect of them. Praise and lots of tasty treats really help."

MR: "Understand the breed; no 2 dogs are “the same”:  train, train, train…….and be patient with new surroundings."

JM:"Be careful around young children. It took our dog a while to warm up to them."

JG: "Please consider adopting an adult. They are accustomed to traveling in crates, adjusting to different facilities, meeting new people, adjusting to your schedule and loving you unconditionally. They are healthy dogs and have all their shots."

T&SB: "Be patient when integrating them into the household. 

Don’t get discouraged if they take a bit to acclimate to their new environment. They may prefer one person more than another.


JG: "If you are interested in an adult Lhasa you need to purchase from a registered ALAC breeder. If you are looking for a quiet Lhasa who will sit and watch TV with you, or a high energy Lhasa,  the breeder will help you find your perfect choice. The breeder will have all the medical records and know the parents of your dog. Lhasas can live a long happy life with you and love you unconditionally.


GL:Listen to your  dog. It will tell you what is good and what is not. Make it easy. Don't have too many rules. And mostly, enjoy getting to know your Lhasa.


And Finally:

JK's comments are a fitting way to close this article: "Breaker and Shadow are the most wonderful dogs and I have enjoyed them so much. Thank you for allowing me to have them as part of my family. They give me a reason to get up every day and are the biggest blessings I have."


Indeed, "Life is Better When You Have A Lhasa to Love You!"


My thanks to the ten people who took the time to participate in the survey and to share their love of the breed and information about their dogs. You and your Joyslyn's Lhasas are in my heart. Your Lhasas were born here and I was first to touch them. I entrusted them to you. Thank you for loving them.


Courtney - Flame

Robert & Catherine - Maggie

Judy G - Izzy, Onyx, and Winter

Mary - Rafe and Belle

Jim - Winnie

Jill - Shadow and Breaker

Marsha - Baron and Willow

Todd and Susan - Chewie

Judy L - Raven

Gigi and Janice - Cinder


Joyce Johanson

Joyslyn's Lhasa Apsos

--------------------------------------------

Deacon and I went to our last show of the year at the end of September. On Saturday, he placed Best of Opposite Sex (meaning a female won Best of Breed). On Sunday, he won Best of Breed and went on to place 4th in the Non-Sporting group. I was very proud of him. He was iffy at the start, never having participated in regular group judging - the crowds, the cheering made him anxious. He pulled himself together and did a great job of presenting himself. 



Notes and Photos From Others


Courtney sent photos of Amelia. This is Amelia when she graduated from her advanced training class.

This picture shows that Amelia's coat is in the process of changing color!

 
Pam and Paul sent this picture of their Lhasa trio (Rusty, Squirt, JoJo) sitting on the dash and mesmerized by something they see outside the window of the RV.

Rusty -- evidently so tired he has decided to lie down to eat.


Gayle sent this photo of her Gabby, all pretty in pink. So cute! She almost looks like a stuffed toy! Gayle wrote, "Gabby!!! We love her, just an incredible puppy, spunky, happy, responsive, playful...she  is perfect, thanks to you, You two are exceptional and we're so thankful!"



Lisa sent this photo of Duncan on the occasion of his 2nd birthday.



Sandy, Millie's new owner, wrote, "Millie has bonded with me.  We are best friends...She had some time figuring out stairs, if she does not think about it she just does them. As you know, she is smart.  Her new favorite treat is peanut butter.  
I love how her personality is coming out with her being more comfortable.  She is a great watch dog.  She sees everything. She loves to do flying leaps, from the floor to the couch and into my lap.  Her energy is amazing.  We walk everyday and she has found “pee-mail” at the fire hydrants.
Thank you for sweet Millie."



Lynn K, Autumn's new owner wrote, "Now to my favorite topic:  AUTUMN . I love her sooo much!  We are working through some normal transitional issues and will be fine. But I do wish she’d eat regularly...I guess she’s devouring her bowlful when she is hungry. I’m mixing it up with a bit of hot water too. Anyway she weighs 15 lbs and is Spritely and full of energy so I’m not too worried."

Later, Autumn (via Lynn) sent a note about their walk to Lake Michigan. "Autumn" wrote, "I enjoyed our walk and we even ran a bit. I am adjusting well but I will always miss you."




Nanda sent pictures of Ty and Gigi, full siblings from different litters (Gigi is the younger).




Here is Shelly's Tucker. He just had his 4th birthday!


Michelle sent this picture of Sunny when they visited the castle-like Clark Tower in Winterset, IA. She also sent this photo they took of the northern lights. Beautiful!




Judy G sent an update about her Lhasas. It sounds like she and they have been busy training and earning titles! Congratulations Judy!! "...On Saturday, October 19, we will be at a rally trial in LaPorte. If Onyx receives 2 qualifying scores she will  have her Rally Novice title.
Winter will be starting her Rally Excellent A title. The A  stands for I have not titled a dog in rally excellent before. She is working very well off lease and is very showy. 
Of course!! I think they will both do very well as they have been in the building before. Two years ago, Ty received his Rally Novice title and last year WInter received her RN at the show.
I just mailed to AKC all of the paperwork for Winter, Ty and Winny to receive their Fit Dog  Bronze titles."

This picture is of Judy L's Lippy and Gus.


Many thanks to all who sent photos and updates. 
---------------------------------------------------------

Other Stuff

Here are some links to websites that may be helpful or of interest to you.
 
The first is to a site that has some great Lhasa history and many photos.


The next two offer general information about vaccinations and calming treats.
 
Can You Over-Vaccinate Your Pet? 

---------------------------------------------------


Thanks for reading the blog and thanks again to those who participated in the survey and those who sent photos and updates about their Joyslyn's Lhasas.

Until next time...

Joyce 










Saturday, September 14, 2024

September - On the Road Again

"There is a time in late September when the leaves are still green, and the days are still warm, but somehow you know that it is all about to end, as if summer was holding its breath, and when it let it out again, it would be autumn." -Sharyn McCrumb

While I am writing this in mid-September, I do want to address happenings in August. First, thanks goes out to all who sent birthday good wishes via mail, email, and Facebook.

I'm sharing one gift, a coaster that goes on an easel,  that I think is "words to the wise" for us all:


Thanks LaVonne!

While September 11 rememberances have passed already this year, I wanted to share something I ran across as I was paging through some files trying to find something I had misplaced. Many of you may remember reading it shortly after the tragedy took place. 

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were.

At issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them.

What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?

We don’t talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.

Last Tuesday morning, a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment. An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.

They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over 4,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready.

All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans’ pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring amount them – “May I have one to comfort?” – “I’ll take two, I have a big heart.” – “I have been saving kisses forever.”

One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, “Are there any children coming? I would be very comforting for a child, ’cause I’m soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged.”

A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the Firemen and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home.

Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss.

Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, “I will love any human who needs love.”

Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share – each tail wagging an American Flag.


Okay, I'm crying now...


On The Road Again

So, what have I been up to since I last posted? A lot of traveling! Deacon and I went to the Twin Cities Lhasa Apso Club specialty show in Lake Elmo, MN. It was fun to be with friends from MN but the trip was a bust for us. No placement for Deacon. I did not even win anything in the raffle! Darn.
LaVonne did some winning with Misti though.


GCHB CH MonAmi ‘N Joyslyn Shades of Summer


The next trip was to Amana, IA for four days of showing, this time outside. The night we arrived in my friend Jane's RV there was a thunderstorm, so of course the grass was wet in the AM and the dogs' hair had to be dried. Each day offered different weather: rain, blistering heat, strong winds, and a lovely fall day.

There were 3 Specials vying for Best of Breed. That honor was passed around with each of us winning one day and LaVonne and her Misti breaking the tie on day 4. Misti has been doing very well in the ring this year. She is 9 years old and in her prime. She loves showing! I am proud to be her co-breeder. Some of you reading this probably have one of her offspring.

So, Deacon came away from that show with 1 Best of Breed and 3 Best Opposite Sex and a few points toward his Grand Championship.

Here are some photos taken by Ronnie Crowder (ring shots) and me (at the RV). Thanks Ronnie!

The first two are Deacon in the wind.




This is Ebony and Deacon in the exercise pen.
Ebony likes going along to shows. 
She does not like showing!
That makes me sad.
She is a beauty with lovely movement.

This is of Deacon and me on casual/Hawaiian day


Deacon at the RV after being groomed on a calm day.

Deacon with me and LaVonne with Misti

Lhasa exhibitors:LaVonne, Sue, Jan, Polly, Karen, Me, and Jane (a great friend whom we have adopted into our group even though she shows Shiba Inu and a Norbottonspetz!). Missing from the group is Tami who left before she knew we were going to take a group picture.

Deacon again



We were all very tired! We got home late afternoon of Labor Day and on Saturday morning at 2:30 AM (Yes! AM!) I left home to meet Jane on the road so we could travel to Des Moines for a show. In our defense, when we made the entries, we had no idea that Jane's ring time would be 8:00 AM. 

Deacon was the only Lhasa there and was not at all interested in showing. I took him into the Owner-Handled Group and he totally bombed. So much for that!

Apologies to Michelle, who owns Sunny, because I invited her to visit us at the show since she lives close to Des Moines and I told her the wrong date! We had entered only on Saturday and I gave her the Sunday date.

There Really Are Good People in The World

So, if getting up at 1:30 AM then being disappointed in Deacon's performance was not enough to make me wish I had stayed in bed, the next awful thing was that when we got to the gas station to fill up before heading home to Illinois, I discovered my wallet was missing. I knew it had been in my purse and I knew I had not taken it into the show site, but it was nowhere to be found. I called home and asked Lynn to look around, just in case I was mistaken about having it with me. No luck.

Of course, when Jane dropped me off at my car, I had to drive home without my driver's license. But here is a funny thing: As soon as I got in my car and started it, what was playing on the radio but "I still haven't found what I'm looking for!" I had to laugh.

At home after unloading Deacon and getting him settled, I found out from Lynn that someone had called and said she had found my wallet on the ground of a parking space at the show. Relief! But how to get it from her to me. A young handler lives in a small town near Macomb, so I called her mom and her mom called her and explained the situation so she met up with the person who found my wallet and brought it home with her and Lynn drove me to her home so I could pick it up. Ta Da! Then I called my credit card company again.

Back in the Car
I returned yesterday afternoon from taking Monkee (see below) back to his owner. The drive was 6 hours each way so I stayed the night and drove home the next day. I am so sick of traveling. Thank goodness for audio books!


Puppy News
I know that a few of you are waiting for our next litter.
We recently did a breeding and if all goes as planned, puppies should be born in early November.

Here is a picture of Monkee, the sire:


And a picture of Pearl, the dam:




New Homes
Millie and Autumn are now in their "retirement" homes and, by all accounts, settling in and becoming used to a new environment.

Sandy sent this picture of Millie all comfy on the sofa.


And Lynn sent this of Autumn


It seems weird and "empty" not to have them here, but after meeting their new owners, I know they will be well-loved and well cared for.

Project Progress
In the August post I wrote about a survey project I had in mind regarding adult Lhasas going to new owners, as just happened with Millie and Autumn. My goal was to come up with information that might be helpful to people thinking about "adopting" an adult Lhasa and to post the results in the September blog.

I went back 9 years in my records and sent out invitations and survey forms to 22 people. Some had purchased more than one adult Lhasa from us.

I heard from a few people right away and am so grateful to them for their responses. I knew that not everyone I invited to participate would choose to do so, but admit to being disappointed in the return rate. I am sure that some email addresses have changed, although only 2 of the 22 addresses I used bounced back. That means 20 people should have received the survey.

From my previous work I was aware that for surveys, a response rate of  15% - 30% is considered "good." "Excellent" is 50% or more.

So...I had responses from only 7 people (35%); however, those 7 people gave responses for 12 dogs (52%) of the 23 dogs. Even though I wanted more people to respond, because I think it is an important issue, all things considered, the response rate for people falls within an acceptable rate.

As a former co-worker was fond of saying, "it is what it is."

But, since I have been on the road and then trying to catch up/keep up with grooming and household chores, I have not yet compiled the data about the 12 Lhasas, I am posting the survey and again inviting/urging anyone who has purchased an adult from us and who has not already filled out a survey to copy and paste it and respond. You are not required to write an essay! I hope to get results to you in October. people had some good suggestions.
================================
Survey of Lhasa Owners Who Have Purchased Their Dogs as Adults

 Name:______________________________________

(note: I will use only first names & last initials in the article unless you give permission for using your last name also)

 

How many adult Joyslyn's Lhasas have you had/do you have?         ________ Please use a separate form for each if you have had more than one.                                                

Dog(s) names:_______________________

 

Male or Female? ____________________

 

How old was/were the Lhasa(s) when you got him/her/them?  ___________________________

 

What year did the Lhasa join your household? __________________________________

 

Was this your first Lhasa Apso? 

 

There is a "3-3-3 Rule" that says for older dogs and puppies it takes 3 days of feeling nervous and overwhelmed in a new home, 3 days to settle in, and 3 months to build trust. Did you find this rule to be true in your case? ________________


Describe how easy (or not) it was to integrate the adult into your household and routines. What were the challenges (if any)?

 

Does/Did the dog have a preference for a particular family member? _______________

If yes:    husband      wife     child

 

Describe the dog's personality/favorite activities/favorite toys.

 

Based on your experience with buying an adult, would you do so again?  Yes     No

 

 What advice do you have for someone who is considering buying an adult Lhasa?

 

Add anything else you would like others to know about your experience.

 

Thank you for participating in this survey.

===============================

Notes and Photos

Celine sent photos of Dora





Courtney wrote about Amelia: "Amelia has blossomed in the last month and suddenly is very outgoing. I'm not sure what prompted this but she has always been relaxed around people, kids and other dogs, she is now seeking out attention from them. We have been working on polite introductions in obedience and she is doing great but I need to transfer that to stacking on the table because she has suddenly decided that people coming up to the table want kisses."

Later she wrote, " I have received a few comments on her coat color from show people but most people on the street comment about the length and the ponytails when I have her bangs pulled up. Little girls love her...She graduated from her intermediate obedience class last Friday and I have attached a photo of her from that and a couple from this morning."




Sally sent a picture of Ginger on her 6th birthday. She wrote, "Queen Ginger wanted me to send you her photo from her 6th birthday can you believe it already!!!"

 
She went on to say, "I talked to the vet about our flea episode. ( I haven't found any more) and she said rabbit fleas cannot live on dogs so even though they jump on dogs they don't stay. That's interesting anyway. Not super comforting but still. I have spread some oregano leaves and also a few citronella plants on the yard so I hope it deters rabbits." 

Thanks for sharing about rabbit fleas not staying on dogs. But still...ick!!

And I received a happy surprise when I got this letter from Eddie (via Sally and Bill). I had not heard from Eddie for quite a while. 
Eddie "wrote,"Hello Grandma Joyce!
It's been a long time since I have written you. I am very healthy and happy. I love my Mommy (Sally) and Daddy (Bill ) very very much! I am incredibly intelligent and it only takes a single word most of the time and I know just what to do. Mommy and Daddy have to be careful not to mention their grandchildren's names out loud because when I hear them I go bonkers excited thinking they are on their way to visit me and play. 
My Mommy and Daddy couldn't love me more!!!
Love and Licks (kisses),
Eddie

Marsha, whose arm is in a cast, tried to give her Lhasa, Willow, a haircut. According to Marsha, things did not go as well as usual. Marsha wrote, "I was looking at her last night and the bushy eyebrows, mustache and puffy hair on her head, I just thought of Albert Einstein." 


She sent me this picture labeled "Alberta Einstein."
 

Later she sent another of Willow and described her as having an "order in the court" personality.

Shelly posted this cute picture of her Tucker.


Thanks to you all for the pictures and updates!

Back to the Beginning
The August blog featured Bo Jangles, the first Lhasa we bought to show. I thought it only fair to go back to 1973 and our first Lhasa pets.

Here are Buffy (left) and Phoebe (right)

Phoebe was our first Lhasa, purchased with my second paycheck as a high school English teacher. (The first check bought a refrigerator. We enjoyed Pjoebe so much that we bought Buffy with my third paycheck. And the rest is history. Phoebe eventually went to live with my sister and enjoyed hanging out with her farm dogs. Buffy was the dam of our first Champion, Rocky.

Another Plug for the 2024 National Specialty

If you are a Lhasa fan, come to see the Lhasas. A Lhasa Specialty is only for Lhasas. (No show on Thursday -- that day is set aside for meetings.)


If you live near Gettysburg, come to watch and talk to others who love the breed!

Books with Dog Characters
You might like The Dog Master: A Novel of the First Dog by W. Bruce Cameron

Steven N. Lee's As the Stars Fall, When the Skies Cry, and Where the Echo Calls,

Thanks again for reading this blog!
I have more travel days ahead - to Nebraska for Mom's 92nd birthday and to a show in Freeport at the end of the month. Plus I signed Deacon up for some refresher classes - one a week for 4 weeks - in Peoria, about a 3 hour round trip.

Regards,
Joyce