It's Been A Long Time! Much has Happened!

I am not sure where October went, but it is gone. I can best use the following words to describe last month: Busy, Enjoyable, Busy, Heartbreaking, Busy, Adventurous, Busy, Fun, Busy...

All of the puppies born in July and pictured on the blog the past few months have left here for their new homes. As difficult as it often is to see them go, I really enjoy meeting their new families and realizing what wonderful homes the puppies will have. I've heard from a few of them and will share their comments and some photos later.

I mentioned 'heartbreaking' and indeed I was/am heartbroken. Our Multi Group Winning GCH CH Joyslyn MiToya Wind Walker ROM passed away on October 17. Walker was born on September 22, 2002. Walker turned 14 just last month. You may have read about him and seen his photos on a previous blog posting celebrating his 14th birthday. All was well the October 15 weekend, when he suddenly went down. He was disoriented, unable to stand for any period of time. He cried when he was touched and could never seem to get comfortable. On the 17th, he could not stop moaning and crying out. He was in such pain. My heart just ached thinking about losing him, but I had to alleviate his suffering. There was really no choice, except the selfish one. He passed peacefully in my arms, my tears wetting my face and his coat. We had wonderful times over his career, from his first point as an 8 mo old puppy so full of coat no one could tell which end was which to Winners Dog at the 2003 National Specialty to his many Awards of Merit at National and Regional Specialties, to 8  Group 1's and many Group placements at regular shows, to the Top 20 competition to his taking Select Dog from the Veteran's class at the 2011 Regional Specialty. Walker loved to show and always knew just when to "turn it on," especially when liver was involved! He kept that smooth movement well into his senior years. He aged gracefully which is why his sudden turn for the worst was such a shock. He had not been ill at all. He was my boy and I loved him so much. "Rest In Peace my dear friend. The memories are many and are wonderful but they can't replace you."

We have only one of Walker's offspring with us. That is Rafe (GCh. Ch. Joyslyn's Inherit the Wind). Rafe was 5 years old this month.

Those who saw my FB posting following Walker's death, sent condolences via FB, email, and cards through snail mail. I was so thankful for the kind words and support. Julie send me the following poem, which I found very touching. It brings tears to my eyes whenever I read through it.

 Although when we celebrated Walker's 14th birthday, I posted some of his photos in honor of that day, I just have to post a few more to commemorate his passing.

Walker on the exam table at a show, waiting for the judge to go over him.

Walker showing off that beautiful movement.

My big fear is that we will soon lose Walker's lifelong friend and playmate/companion, Ch. Joyslyn's Secrets of the Heart. Secret, who was born a month before Walker, is very depressed by his absence. You know how you often hear of how one member of an older couple passes away and the other, heartbroken by the loss, soon follows? Well, I think that is happening with Secret. She is unhappy and goes through her daily routine with no excitement. She has also grown feeble of late. It is so very sad to watch. I know many of you who are reading this have gone through similar losses. It is never easy to see a loved one take a turn for the worse. I just don't want to give up on her yet.



Our precious Maggie will soon leave for a new home in South Carolina. Her new family consists of two Lhasas who just happen to be two of her offspring -- Mallory and Magoo. It just so happened that the day Walker passed was also the day Maggie had an appointment to be spayed. I received a call from my vet about mid afternoon telling me all was well and that I could pick her up after 9:00 AM the following day. The next morning about 8:45, the phone rang. It was the vet and, hearing her voice, I panicked. My first words after "Hello" were "Is Maggie alright?" My vet said yes she was fine but that I had a "very naughty dog!" It seems that Maggie decided she did not like her stitches and took a couple of them out during the night. A cone and a t-shirt, just to discourage any more naughtiness, solved the problem. Maggie recovered well and recently had her stitches taken out properly!

The remainder of that week was full of dog grooming and packing for the American Lhasa Apso Club's National Specialty week in Loveland, CO. I was so busy that I was able to put aside my grief, which was probably a good thing. By the morning of the 22nd when I left home, my car was full of things the dogs (Jenna, Greta, and Josh) and I would need for a week away from home -- plus a lot of "I'd better take this 'just in case' items that, of course, I ended up not needing. Nevertheless, I was glad to have them along 'just in case!' I wish I had taken a picture of the loaded car. I was proud of myself for fitting everything in.

Seven and a half hours after leaving, I was at Mom's house in Nebraska, where I met my friend Marsha Susag from Fargo, unloaded my car, loaded everything into her already full van, left my car at Mom's, climbed into Marsha's van's passenger seat, and set off for Loveland! As we traveled we bemoaned the fact that we had not taken pictures to demonstrate what a great job we did of fitting it all in and still having room for driver and passenger!

We arrived in Loveland on Sunday, after spending Saturday night in North Platte, NE. Unloading the van and organizing everything into some semblance of order in our hotel room took forever, and we were both really tired when all was said and done. Even so, we both spent most of the week searching for items we knew we had but could not recall where we'd put them. We were thankful we were at the Embassy Suites and had a lot of room for dog, their stuff, and all the things Marsha and I needed for the tasks we had during the week. We both serve on the ALAC Board of Directors. She was the week's Show Secretary, and I was giving a Judges' Education seminar that week.

On Monday I assisted with the ALAC-sponsored agility trial by serving as the leash runner for most of the trial's runs. When asked if I would help, I readily agreed as long as I was given that job. I figured it was something that would be pretty difficult to screw up! (I did just fine!)

Here is a photo taken of the people who ran Lhasas at that trial and those of us who volunteered to help with the trial. We are all holding Lhasas that participated in the trial. Cindy Brown and her Lhasa left before the photo was taken

Back row: Barbara Schwartz, Julie Timbers, Debby Rothman. Front row: Me, Vickie Kuhlman, Melissa Torgerson

Conformation shows took up the remainder of the week. I showed Jenna, Greta, and Josh on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. As I feared, Greta did not move with her tail up, although I think that by the Friday show, she had most of the spectators rooting for her to do so! She did not place on Tuesday or Thursday. On Friday she placed 4th out of 6 because the judge saw her get her tail up for a few seconds on the last go-around. Jenna took 3rd out of 3 each day she was shown. Josh was shown in Best of Breed but only got as far as the first cut on Tuesday.

After the Board of Directors' meeting on Wednesday morning, I spent the afternoon bathing and drying my three dogs. The dip and pour method of rinsing was definitely not working so I ended up getting in the tub with the dogs and holding them under the shower to make sure all the shampoo was rinsed out. They were definitely wondering if I had lost my mind! I often wonder the same thing. Nevertheless, my idea worked!

Josh was shown Wednesday night in the Top 20 competition. Lhasas that were ranked in either the Top 20 breed points for 2014 or 2015 and those ranked in the Top 20 Owner-Handled for 2014 or 2015 were eligible to compete. I am pleased to announce that Josh won the Judges Choice Award for Owner Handled. I hope the photo turns out!

It was a week of watching beautiful Lhasas from across the county (and Canada) and of seeing people I get to see only once a year. It was great to share in the excitement of my friends' Jan Graunke and Karen Schlais dogs' wins. All four of their puppies did very well, especially their Golden Tu Karlyn Brioni Tuxedo at Sashellie who was Winners Dog from the 6-9 puppy class two days. I was pleased to help Jan by showing Mo, Golden Tu Karlyn Code of the Cozmos in the Stud Dog competition, which her sire Ch. Sundance Sashelli Rhapsody Tryst won all three days. Mo herself was the Grand Futurity Winner!

Ron Crowder took hundreds of photos. The following pictures are ones he took of my dogs as they competed. Thank you Ron!!!

These three are of Jenna (Joyslyn MLS Dakota Je-Na Sais Quoi.

This is Greta (Joyslyn's No Regrets) on the table. There was no sense taking one of her moving with her tail down! Ugh!

Actually, she looked better before we left for the show. Here are photos taken of her at home the previous week.

Here are a few of Josh (GCH Ch Joyslyn MLS Dakota Wind Breaker).

This is Misty (Ch. Mon Ami 'N Joyslyn's Shades of Summer), owned by LaVonne Bennett and me. LaVonne is showing her.

And this is Deborah and Ron Hauck's Joyslyn's Mystic Wind with her handler Sue Cannimore. Mysti took Reserve Winners Bitch on Tuesday and Thursday.

And here I am in my pink grooming smock.

 Here is a funny (funny after-the-fact) thing that happened while I was gone. Our landline was totally not working, only I did not know it. I was so busy that I had time to call Lynn only once - on Wednesday to catch him up on the trip so far and let him know how the dogs were doing. Then, while I was on my way home from CO, I tried and tried to get in touch with him. I could not get him on the landline. The phone rang and rang. The voice mail did not even pick up! Lynn's cell was not being answered either. By Sunday AM, I was frantic and finally called the Macomb Police Dept. and they sent someone to our house to check to see if Lynn was okay. All was well, thank goodness, and that was how we discovered that our landline was not working and that Lynn's cell's battery was dead. The funny thing was that if the policeman had come to the door two minutes later, Lynn would have been in the shower and would not have heard the doorbell ring. I wonder if the policeman would have tried to break down the door or something, thinking Lynn was ill, unconscious, or just not able to answer it. That could have been embarrassing! The landline was not fixed for another two days after I got home. If not for the inconvenience of missing calls from people we actually wanted to talk to, it was sure nice not to get calls from political pollsters and telemarketers.

Since my return home from the specialty, I have spent time catching up on chores at home and at the office. It is amazing how things pile up when a person is gone. A 'vacation' is not so much fun when it takes forever to catch up after being away a week!

Notes and Pictures from Others

From Sarah:  "Oh, Joyce, we are so, so happy with Mick!  We just adore him!...He has been absolutely wonderful.  I told Brian the next day that I thought he was about 100 times cuter than I had thought the day before, and he was already adorable!  He laughed and said we are falling in love.  Already fallen, I say. He has been fabulous about sleeping in his crate at night beside my bed, …He doesn't cry or whimper in his crate, he likes it and goes in sometimes in the daytime too.   He does make a darling little noise to let me know when he needs to go out to do his business if I haven't taken him already, and we think that's great.  Also, Katie has taught him "sit" already.  She read about it in a book, and tried it, and he does it readily almost every time she takes him to the door to go out while she puts on his leash, and every time she brings him in and is ready to take it off.  Isn't that impressive?  He is so smart, and is already  learning words--I just know it!  Really, I can tell!"

Chuck wrote:  "Cooper is doing great...We have him on a  strict schedule and so far only one accident inside.  He goes to work with us everyday.  He spends most of his time in my office, but explores the showroom and the classroom.  Our customers all love him.  The first 2 hours of everyday he runs around the house like a Tasmanian Devil.  After he gets that energy out he settles in for a nap under the couch."



Here are some Cooper pictures:

Cooper taking it easy

His first walk

Mickey wrote about Biddy:  "...Biddy is doing well.  She is growing.  She goes to the vet next week for her 12 week shots so we will see how much she weighs then.  I judge her growth by the length of her tail & her tail has really grown.   She still keeps it up all the time and wiggles her hiney... She is also doing well with the leash.  She walks right beside me & keeps an eye on me the whole time.  Of course everyone loves her & thinks she is sooooo cute."



Some photos of Biddy:

Biddy and her mom, Luna, the day Biddy left

A close up of Biddy's face

Biddy just chillin' in the yard

Holly and Kyle wrote:  "Riley has been amazing! The trip was quite uneventful and since then we've been playing and hitting the puppy pads (mostly) haha. She has a great spirit and courage which is great. It’s been a lot of fun watching her explore the house and learn what’s going on around her."



Alicia wrote, "Joyce, Edison is bringing so much pleasure to our family. He is living up to his name and mastered many commands. He walks beautifully on his leash and impressed the neighborhood on Halloween when he was content to sit beside us as we passed out candy without trying to run away or chase after our many visitors. Here he is demonstrating Down and Stay."

Barb wrote: We had a very nice weekend. Sadie did great. She is a brave little soul. My Goddaughter has a puppy German Shepard (5 months) and Sadie didn't back down from him once. We want to thank you again and let you know that we are all in love with Sadie Sadie pretty lady.

Sadie on the ride to her new home

Gail wrote: "Thanks for posting Piper's pictures in May - what a beautiful memorial to her. I shared them with family."



Kathy wrote, "I love to open up your website and see a new blog, especially at “new puppy” time!  The puppy play pictures that you have put in the last two weeks (in addition to the individual photos) have been great.  What fun to see! I know you have some people out there who are very eager to get their hands on their new little family member.  I remember how excited Mike and I were last fall.  I can’t believe that Sophie and Greta will be a year old in just a few weeks!  I’m now calling Sophie my little shadow, because she follows me everywhere I go when I am home.  I’m not sure if it is because she likes me, or if she just wants to know what I’m “up to”!  LOL  We think that she is the greatest. Also, thanks for the update on Windy.  It was nice to be able to follow both of her parents to their new homes.  (And I laughed out loud at the story re: Yogi and his snack bag!)  Now that I have a Lhasa of my own, I can both understand and appreciate that! Have a good fall, and a good time at your Nationals.  I think you said you would be in St. Louis is 2017 for the Nationals.  Don’t be surprised if Marilyn and I show up!"

Another email from Kathy: "Well, it’s hard to believe, but they [Sophie and Greta and their brothers] will be a year old on Friday!  Where did the time go? I am attaching a “Happiness Is” photo of Sophie and Mike on the pontoon boat.  She has been promoted to first mate.  I have been demoted to swabbie! Please give Greta and birthday hug from us!"

Sophie, enjoying her new job as First Mate!

Marilyn wrote: "The puppy pics have been so darn adorable. Those Duncan/Windy offspring are amazingly cute as are Josh/Maggie. Wow, puppies puppies everywhere. Wanted to send this latest pic of Maci. She put all her toys in her bed, laid on some, and dared me to touch them!!! She does not like her stuff messed with. Take care, and Happy Fall!"

A later email from Marilyn: "Hi Joyce, Are you suffering from PPS (post puppy syndrome)? I know you will love this one. This past week I have had a sore throat and stuffy nose. I have been going to bed early. Dennis said he put Maci in her crate the other night, got into bed, and I was snoring. He said every time I snored, she growled. He kept saying "Maci, shhh", under his breath so as not to wake me. He said he doesn't know if I stopped snoring or he just fell asleep. Guess I am not the one who routinely snores. She must have thought a stranger was in bed!!! We're still laughing about that one."

Judy wrote about Raven's latest idea: "Lhasa Apso dogs are so intelligent. Tonight I was having dinner with The Bob's. I do not allow my dogs to be fed from the table. Raven comes out of the bedroom and walks into the living room. I hear crunching. And more crunching. I look over at Raven and see that she has brought out 5-6 of her dog kibbles (in her mouth) and dropped them on the floor, and proceeded to eat them one at a time. Obviously... Raven realized that it was dinner time and she brought her dinner out to where we were eating so that she could eat with the family. She repeated this maybe 3-4 more times. I watched The Munchkins take kibbles out of the "free feeding" dish before and place them a foot or so away and eat them. But this is the first time I've had one of them "join" me for dinner in another room with a mouthful of kibble.
Lhasa Apsos are amazing dogs.
Happy 6th Birthday, Raven and Whisper!!!"


And, finally, here is a link to a short article about Lhasas.

Life is Better When You Have a Lhasa to Love You!

Joyce