Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward. ~ Henry Ford
As January draws to a close, I reflect on the last few weeks comprised of cold weather, out-of-town meetings, a GPS that took me in circles, definite worry about Mom's sudden illness and hospital stays (she seems okay now), the fun of a staff Christmas party that was delayed because of a December snow storm, the pressure of revising one of the grant budgets at work to determine how to best spend an extra $30,000 (It would have been easy to do had it been my own money!), the joy of meeting new friends who came to pick up their puppies. It's been a full month for sure.
Since we have no puppies, I don't have puppy pictures to share, but I do have some notes and photos that others have sent that I would like to share with you.
Denise wrote, "Cooper/ Enzo had his checkup today and the last vaccination. We will wait until he is about a year for the Lepto vaccine, as he does not go outside. The rabies will be in 2 weeks. She said you had very good records. All is well. We are enjoying Cooper very much. We are trying to teach him to come, since he is hard to catch and scoots backwards and he is quick! So playful, and he loves that crushed water bottle. Thanks again."
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| Enzo (now Cooper) |
Sharon wrote about Giza: "Another year has passed us by and my Giza is 14 years old now. She is definitely showing a little age for the first time…She likes sitting outside in the summer on the patio furniture and checks to see if the neighbor’s dog is out…We have a good groomer that loves her and grooms Giza every 3 wks. I could go on and on. We love Giza and can’t think of life without her. She is as sweet and beautiful as ever. Loves everyone and everyone loves her."
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| 14 year old Giza |
Violet wrote, "Shadow just loves watching TV. Yesterday he was by the coffee table in the living room, the TV is always on here. Roman found him just sitting there looking up at the TV and just watching it for quite a while. Do your dogs do that?"
The photos above are of Shadow. He is a litter brother to Chance and Bekka. Chance loves to lie on the sofa and watch tv! Bekka? Not so much. Must be a "guy thing!"
Mark wrote, "YoYo spends her time keeping track of LiLi, her shadow, they get along so well. I don't know how but LiLi is so patient with her, YoYo is relentless, they have their routines, play time, lay down time, nap, YoYo knows when it is bedtime, exhaustedly walks right in her kennel, but then when we go upstairs she still yips for a bit?? They are both a non stop entertainment show.
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| YoYo - a Greta and Josh puppy |
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| YoYo sharing a bed with LiLi (also a Joyslyn's Lhasa) |
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| YoYo pestering her big "sister" LiLi |
From Sally: "I just finished catching up on your blog and looking at all the photos of your puppies and everyone's beautiful Lhasas. I have to agree with Kathy~ you have made quite a difference in this world. I am so thankful to have found you and been lucky enough to get one of your puppies.
"News of Ginger- she had her one year check up and weighs 17.5 pounds..... I'm hoping that is it for her. ha! But she is beautiful and in perfect health. The vet and her techs were in love with her and said they wished I could've bred her so they could have her puppies. ha!
"I am sending you a few pictures~ sorry so many. One is of snow pants I got her for the sticky snow as she hates it forming balls on her fur, however she is not a fan of the snow pants either as you can see. Then a couple fall pictures and one of her in the hole she dug for herself to cool off. Then of course after grooming with her little red bow in her hair and then climbing a snow bank in front of my apartment. She loves that so much. She isn't fond of her grooming table but it makes it much easier for me. We are doing good with grooming now."
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| Ginger, all groomed and gorgeous |
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| Ginger modeling her snowpants |
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| Queen of the Snow Mountain - Ginger! |
Michele wrote: "Enclosed is a more recent photo of Trinket taken right before Christmas straight from the groom shop. She is growing up quickly and has made a remarkable recovery from the spaying procedure. Trinket absolutely loves the snow and is enjoying the outdoors and experiencing lots of new things. She has a high energy level much higher than the owner. I am teaching her how to jump over small plastic blocks slightly above the ground in the back yard in order to provide her with additional exercise. We need to enroll for another obedience training class. We are adept at sit, down, some heeling but we are having some difficulty with the “stay” command. Practice makes perfect. One day she will surprise me. She is such a great pet, I love her dearly and could not have had a better choice. So many thanks to you Joyce and all your years of professional experience for breeding such a wonderful Lhasa Apsos. I must tell you that keeping the longer hair free of tangles is a real job. Will transmit another photo in February right after the groom session. Take care and good luck in the future shows."
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| Trinket - all decked out for Christmas! |
This is a photo I received of Davy, who passed away at age 12, still in beautiful full coat. He was spoiled and much loved by his owner. He had over 100 toys!
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| Davy |
Davy was one of our retired Champions that we placed in a pet home when he was 3 years old. His owner opted to keep him in show coat (with the help of a willing groomer).
From Mary: "Belle turned 11 years old on Christmas Day. Of my 3, she has the softest personality; always wants a peaceful atmosphere. She is fun when motivated to run, play, outside. She beelines it like a locomotive when I call her across the yard. She has a silly nature at times, brings a smile to all who meet her. She will protect what is hers but doesn't look for a confrontation with the other two. Well, sometimes her and Moka do a pony tail pull and body slam girl interaction. Her love of life is food, as long as it suits her tastebuds. She always finds the squash in her morning meal, pushes it aside, but will reluctantly eat once I put it in my hand. She is always looking for the "cookie" dog treat. Her idol I think was Roman. She followed him anywhere. She is soft with Rafe, able to put her face close to him, inspect for any crumbs he left behin. She and Moka have a sisterly bond, will snuggle together, crate together without a fuss. Belle makes life happy. Thank you for such a great girl."
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| Belle (aka Joyslyn's Beauty Secret |
Mary bought Belle as an adult when I decided (well Belle decided) that she did not want to be a show dog. So I sold her to Mary, who magically turned Belle into a dog who loved rally and agility! Mary also owns one of our retired Champions, Rafe (GCH CH Joyslyn's Inherit the Wind), who happens to be the sire of our Autumn.
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| Rafe |
Here is a photo of Mary's three Lhasas.
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| Belle, Moka, and Rafe |
Pat wrote, "Enclosed are pictures of my "sweethearts." They provide an abundance of Joy & Love!"
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| Baron and Willow |
With the aid of his owner, Eddie sent me and email: "I apologize for not writing you sooner but I have been exceptionally busy with the holidays. Playing with all my nieces and nephews and spending time at my favorite activity, fetching. Boy oh boy do I love to play fetch! At the risk of tooting my own horn, I am great at it too!
Mommy and Daddy love me and snuggle with me all the time and I return the favor. Mommy refuses to feed me at the grown up dinner table but Daddy sneaks me a tidbit once in a while as long as he knows it is nothing that can make me sick.
All in all I am extremely happy here and I get along with everybody around me.(Even the Cats!) I remain very healthy and well cared for."
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| Eddie |
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| Eddie |
Something that might be of interest:
Here is the link to AKC’s online Jan/Feb 2020 issue of Family Dog.
Finally for today's post, an article written by Cathy Blatz of Summerhill Dachshunds
In Honor of Breeders
In the not too distant past the dog Breeder was held in high esteem. It was an honor to be considered a Breeder. Pedigree Dog Food advertised as the food of choice of Top Breeders. The AKC touted the Breeder as the BACKBONE of the pure bred dog sports.
There were always puppy producers out there but they were never considered Breeders. Breeder said it all, the word needed no qualifiers.
Slowly, over time, the Animal Rights (AR) extremists changed the language of the dog world. Pets became companions. Owners became guardians. People were told they bought from a a Breeder, but adopted from a shelter or rescue.
The AR movement found the worst of the sub-standard puppy producing kennels and labeled them "Puppy-Mills." Pictures of these sub-standard kennels proved to be a tremendous money maker for the AR Movement. Rescues and Shelters joined with the AR movement trying to convince the pet loving public that buying from a Pet Store or Hobby Breeder increased the suffering in "Puppy Mills." Adopt don't Shop became the new mantra.
True breeders tried to distance themselves from "Puppy-Mills." They called themselves responsible. They raised their puppies with love and care. Puppy's parents were members of the family, were show champions and health tested. These breeders were always available to their puppies and puppy buyers.
Today even the most dedicated breeder is hounded by the AR extremist, whose ultimate goal is the elimination of all companion animals. Organizations like PETA and HSUS campaign for legislation to make any breeding illegal or to make permits so expensive that very few can afford one. AR organizations want all companion animals de-sexed so there will be no new pets.
True breeders, who pour their hearts and souls into their dogs, struggle to survive the AR onslaught. True breeders still breed the best to the best. They stay up day and night with their moms and new babies. They spend hours, days and weeks handling and socializing their puppies. They agonize to find just the right home for their precious pups.
These Breeders need no qualifiers, they need not make excuses. They are BREEDERS. They provide a valuable service to the future of their chosen breeds and to the pet buying public.
Will these wonderful home breeders survive the AR agenda of eliminating companion animals? Will the minds and eyes of enough animal loving people open to see the truth behind the AR propaganda?
That is up to you. It is up to each of us to learn the truth behind the slick ad campaigns.
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Thanks for stopping by to read this! Until next time!
Joyce
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