Miscellany

 

"The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous."~Fredrick Douglass

Even though I am writing a week after the celebration of July 4, I cannot just skip the fact that it was and should be celebrated. The Johanson dogs did not mind the fireworks. I always enjoy re-visiting the musical "1776." The songs stick in my head!

Otherwise, looking back, I seem to have only nothings to report lately. For instance, just lately we had no wins at shows, we've recently been through the experience of having no hot water, and the other day we had a big storm (a derecho) that left us with no power for days.

We were among the lucky ones in town who did not have tree limbs or entire trees that fell down. Our neighbor lost a huge limb from his maple tree. Thankfully, it fell toward his house, not ours! Some friends had an entire tree fall near their house and across the street into a neighbor's yard. 

One thing we did that worked well for saving food was to layer ice and food in our washing machine. We added ice daily. When we got the power back, we took out the food and let the ice melt. I just added clothes and more water and did some laundry!

One good outcome was that I cleaned out the empty refrigerator and its freezer. Always look on the bright side, right?

Ebony received recognition from AKC for being a "Puppy of Achievement."

She started her show career with group placements in the 4-6 puppy competitions and with taking Winners Bitch at two shows for points. Then, for some reason known only to her, she decided dog shows were scary places and that she did not appreciate the judges (strangers to her of course) putting their hands all over her! It is so darn depressing. We have a few more shows coming up. If things do not change for the better, I suppose I will have to either find a pet home for her or send her out with a handler to see if she will show for someone that is not me. Or not.

Speaking of pet homes, I think you all remember Rusty. His breeder/co-owner and I have decided to look for a pet home for him. It makes me cry to think about it but I know that logically it is necessary. Logic and heart are two different things. If you are interested, get in touch with me at joyslynslhasas@outlook.com and we'll talk. Rusty is currently with his breeder/co-owner in PA, not in Illinois with me.

Rusty, the day he became a Champion

Those of you waiting for puppy news: Puppies were born on Thursday (6th) by C-section. None weighed over 5 ounces. It's been touch and go for them, but (knock on wood) I think things are looking up. We are supplementing with a goat milk formula and they are also nursing. Millie is feeling better now and being a good, caring momma. I just wish they would gain weight faster than they have been.

5 days old

Let me tell you that being a dog breeder is not all sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows. 

If you belong to the American Lhasa Apso Club, you probably already read  the June issue of ALAC Online and saw the ad I put in for Josh. Here it is for those of you who did not see it:

We are so proud of Josh! He is very special to us.

If you do not belong to ALAC and want to join, it's not hard. I am the membership chair, so get in touch at joyslynslhasas@outlook.com and ask for an application. Dues are just $35 a year (that is less than $3 a month).

Notes and Photos From Others

Sharing the pictures and notes I've received is a favorite part of this blog for me. I've been told that readers enjoy it too! Thanks to all who sent pictures and notes.

Larry and Marilyn wrote. "Hi Joyce, Thought you might like this picture. Marco is officially 1 year old today. He has been a pleasure and has really cemented his membership in the family. He is a very lovable, playful and sociable puppy and it has been a great pleasure having him this past year. He has brought many hours and laughter to our lives with his antics and I'm sure he will continue for many more years to come. I don't think there is any way that he is spoiled. No way!!! ps. Don't worry, the candle is photoshopped in."

Lisa sent an update about Duncan (Ebony's litter brother). What follows is some of what she wrote: "...He has little blonde highlights on each side of his ears. Happy to see his light eyebrows are still visible. He has a little grey in his tail...His headstrong days and testing in late April/May are hopefully behind us. He loves to pick up a toy and run back and forth in the family room and hall. He and Dresden are inseparable...One time when we were on our way back inside after a walk. I picked Duncan up in my arms and was about to carry him inside. Dresden gently tugged on the ankle of my pant leg letting me know he wanted me to put his little brother down so they could continue playing. Duncan is increasingly becoming more demonstrative in displaying his affection. He will let me know when it is time to end my work day when working from home. He will stand on top of the chair behind my home desk and try to jump in my lap...He cuddles on the sofa and in bed...He is very interested in other dogs. He is not afraid of them.  He wants to go meet every single one - which I do not allow.  There are several small dogs in our neighborhood that I am comfortable with him interacting. He is still cautious around humans. He jumps outside at time due to loud or shrill sounds. Much like the fictional character of Mary Poppins he is “practically perfect in every way.”

I wish I could say that about his sister. I am about to let her go to the highest bidder. (OK that is maybe a joke, or not)

Jim wrote, "We moved back into our home after a lengthy renovation. Daisy found a bag of her belongings and was not subtle about wanting her stuff to be unpacked…"

Sally wrote about Ginger and Jaxon: "On July 8 I will be celebrating 2 years of having Jaxon. He is my shadow I have to say he follows me everywhere. He is a very lovey dog and some of that has rubbed off on Ginger- she now spends some time on my lap and getting her fair share of petting and belly rubs. She will always be #1 of course. Just sending you a couple photos - the one of Jaxon's tummy- no matter what I want him to do he must have a tummy rub first- he is quite the boy. They are both a delight to me every day. I have some barrettes ordered for Ginger so we can grow out those messy bangs they drive me nuts! And that bed head stuff that I told you about doesn't work that well."

Interestingly, on the same day within an hour of each other I heard from Nanda, who owns Gigi, and Maggie, who owns Gigi's litter sister, Mila. Gigi is black with white markings and Mila is gold. Nanda sent photos of both Ty and Gigi, and if you think it looks like 2 pictures of the same dog, look again. One of those pictures is of Ty, who is a full brother to both Gigi and Mila, just from a previous litter.

Maggie wrote about Mila, "Mila is doing great.  She is sassy and bossy.  She thinks she is in charge of the house.  She is friendly and social.  She loves going for walks and going to neighbors houses to say hello."

Paul wrote, "We three went for a ride on a Gator this morning. Squirt has ridden before in the right seat. I put Jo Jo in the back, not knowing if she would be okay or not. Well she just loves it in the back. When we got back home, Jo Jo was riding on top of a stool.  The photo will help."

Raquel sent this picture of Minnie.

Finally:

A good news announcement from AKC: :

"On Monday, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will announce an extension of the temporary suspension of dog imports from countries classified as high risk for rabies.  The extension will not make changes to the current rules and will remain in effect through July 31, 2024. 

The CDC believes the suspension remains necessary to protect the public’s health against the reintroduction of the dog-maintained rabies virus variant into the United States.  Insufficient veterinary controls in high-risk countries to prevent the export of inadequately vaccinated dogs, and persistent veterinary supply chain and workforce capacity shortages continue to be factors that require the extension."

And if you wonder why this is good news, think back to the outbreak of a new strain of rabies brought in by dogs from another country. Think back to the terrible dog flu strain that caused many illnesses and deaths. Our laws have been lax regarding imports of dogs from other countries and, as a result, many of our own have become sick and/or died. This extension will help curb some of those problems.

That's all I've got!

Enjoy the rest of your July!

Joyce