Happy Independence Day!

 "We, the People, recognize that we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together; that a freedom which only asks what's in it for me, a freedom without a commitment to others, a freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideals, and those who died in their defense."~ Barack Obama

 

Okay, Okay....I know the 4th of July was two days ago, but we can still celebrate, right? I hope you all had a relaxing and patriotic holiday to celebrate our freedoms.

I actually spent a good portion of July 4 at one of Macomb's Coin Operated Laundry facilities. Ugh! Our washer started leaking, probably a result of over use when we had all the puppies here and three or more loads of laundry each day were the norm. I have a Sears maintenance agreement on the washer but getting a repair person here took ages. He discovered the problem (a $3 gasket was shot), ordered the part, set up an appointment (for two weeks later!!) on July 1 and left. The day before the appointment, I received an email saying to call to reschedule. Over 1/2 hour on hold, a dropped call, another 1/2 hour wait, dropped call (yes, again!), and, I am serious here, a 20 minute wait and another dropped call. It was not my cell phone, I was using a land line. 

While I was waiting, I followed the advice of the recording that kept telling me to go online and chat with a representative. Well, I  tried. Even online "All representatives are currently helping other customers. Please try again later." The 4th phone call was the charm. A new appointment was scheduled, this time for July 11th. It was not even 15 minutes before I received an email saying that appointment was cancelled and I needed to call to reschedule. By now, I am basically beyond my boiling point. 

Skipping over the resulting wait and conversation with yet another customer service person (to whom I was very nice--it was not his fault!), I now have an appointment for July 16.

Thus the trip to the Coin Operated Laundry. We were out of clean clothes! It was a lovely, clean facility that was used by some really strange people while I was there. Enough said. 

I am eagerly awaiting having a working washer at home again.

Show Results
Finally after a month of not attending shows (too much work and time needed for the two litters of puppies), I was able to get to the Kettle Moraine show in West Bend, WI, the last weekend of June. The Greater Milwaukee Lhasa Apso Club was hosting a designated specialty show. My granddaughter was visiting from IA that week, so she and I went to the show and stayed the weekend with friends Jan and Karen in Jan's motorhome. 

I had entered Autumn, hoping she could earn some points toward her Grand Championship. Winter went along with us so she could get used to the sights, sounds, smells of a show. Her first point show is coming up on July 20.

Winter 5.5 months old

I do not have the pictures from the weekend because my granddaughter who took the informal photos has not sent them to me and because the show photographer has not yet sent the formal photos. However, just as a reminder of what Autumn looks like, here is a photo of her taken in early May when she finished her championship.


She had a great weekend, coming away with new letters in front of her name. She is now BISS (Best in Specialty Show) CH Joyslyn's Wind Song! Autumn won over 3 other champions on Saturday and repeated that win on Sunday over 5 other champions. It was an exciting weekend for me, for sure. On Saturday she made the cut in the Non-Sporting Group and on Sunday she was awarded a Non-Sporting Group 2 and a Non-Sporting Owner Handled Group 3. You can bet that I am proud of her. She has earned two majors toward her Grand Champion title and has defeated champions twice. She has a way to go yet. She needs to earn one more major and to defeat another champion at a show and to earn 15 more points before we can add GCH to her name. She will have a chance to earn more points at the next show, the Burlington Kennel Club show on July 20-21 that is being held here in Macomb.

It was great to be at a show again, especially because there were Lhasa exhibitors there from so many states (IL, MO, MI, MN, WI, OH). We Lhasa exhibitors are few and far between any more, so traveling long distances to shows is becoming more normal. We are all looking forward to getting together again in Albuquerque, NM, at the end of October for the American Lhasa Apso Club National Specialty week. Another nice surprise at the show was that Barbara from WI came to see me and brought her Joyslyn's Lhasa, Daisy (Joyslyn's Heart's Desire), with her. Daisy is 9 years old and has been a great companion for Barbara through the years, seeing her through illnesses and the loss of her husband.

Puppy Photos
The Breaker x Onyx puppies have all left for their new homes, but here are some photos of them, the last ones taken before they left.  

Iris

Lexi

Pearl

Pippi

Rosie

Eddie

Cooper

In addition to Winter (Joyslyn Mon Ami Winter Wind), we have a new up-and-comer in Millie. She does not yet have an official AKC name. Sometimes a name will come to me out of the blue. That has not happened yet with Millie.

Millie practicing to be a show dog

"Stop taking pictures already! I'm serious! Just stop!"

 This is Joyslyn's Moonstone (aka Stone). Love that face! This guy is in need of a special home. If you know someone who has no other pets and few visitors, and who loves to sit in a recliner watching tv hours on end, this is the dog for him.

"Who me?

We recently took some photos of Chance (CH Joyslyn's Moon Shadows). Here is one of them. Chance has such a beautiful coat! He is sort of a dope that mostly wants to lay on the sofa. We are debating about trying to find a pet home for him, but it would be hard to give him up, thus the debate. Pros and cons, pros and cons...

  Notes and Photos from Others

Mary sent 4th of July greetings and photos. Here is one of Rafe (GCH CH Joyslyn's Inherit the Wind). He is Autumn's sire. 

Rafe

Jim sent photos of Daisy and a funny video of her watching cartoons and ignoring Jim's mother-in-law as she tried to get Daisy's attention. She must be quite a character! Here are two of the photos he sent.

 I know she is yawning in this picture, but it looks to me as if she is laughing!
 

The joke's on you!

Judy G sent an update about her Izzy (Joyslyn's Is It The Wind). "Izzy will be 13 on December 15. She attends rally class with Winny, and could be just as good IF she wanted to. In November, I may take her to a WCRL rally trial. You can bring treats in the ring with you. She will do anything for baked liver sausage. She's fun in the ring and a show off!…She's our entertainment. She was my doctor and comforter for years, but since the procedure, she no longer checks my face. I had a miracle performed on me and she knew it right away."


Debra wrote about her Seng Kye: "He is frisky.  He loves to play with balls and squeaky toys.  He sleeps the entire night.  He is very protective of me.  I have made an effort to get him socialized and he is responding beautifully. When I take him to Lake Cumberland, people can stop and pet him. He is incredibly beautiful. The groomer handles him without a problem. He is not friendly to strangers at the house but with reassurance he warms up to them and remembers them. He is unbelievably bright. He understands many words. He knows what "puppy prison" means and I put him in his cage (which is very large, padded and contains a bed) for his safety. He understands "comb out" and jumps into the chair. He comes when he is called. He understands "to see Jenny" and many other phrases.  He likes to tear up magazines. He has almost housebroken himself. He is the wonderful companion I was hoping for. He rides quietly in the car for five hours.

Seng Kye

Carolyn wrote about Paddy: "He is growing into a strong healthy Lhasa and I want him to have a long and healthy life…Paddy exhibited fear of many things early on. We worked through his discomfort and he would be back to a happy,playful, energetic puppy. Then, something else would unsettle him…I will also comment on his adult hair; there is no courseness to top layer. His hair is soft, cotton-like, and extremely thick, which mats so easily. I've never had a Lhasa with this type of coat. Regardless of bouts of timidity and different grooming methods, we love our Paddington and wouldn't change a thing…This wonderful, mischievous, intelligent, playful being is very much an important member of the family."

From Judy L about Gus: "Every day it is a challenge to help Gus learn something new. He is enjoying exploring things in the big yard with Whisper and Raven. Sophie remains aloof. Gus is so funny when he now takes GIANT leaps off of the sidewalk. He nails the landings. But jumping UP onto the sidewalk is still a challenge for him sometimes.  He is such a boy. It cracks me up. Nothing girly about Gus. He moves with purpose and curiosity about everything he comes across. Best part? His tail is always up and over his back, except when he is eating or sleeping. That means he is one happy boy. I plan to nourish that happiness…"

In addition to Gus, Judy owns two other Joyslyn Lhasas, CH Joyslyn's Midnight Enchantment (Raven) and Raven's litter sister, Joyslyn's Midnight Confessions (Whisper). Raven is Gus' great grandmother.

Here are some photos of them:

Gus sporting his first topknot

Gus

 
 

Whisper with her favorite toy, a tennis ball

Raven

 Raven's daughter, Luna (CH Joyslyn JaMa Dancing By The Light of the Moon) is Gus' grandmother. Luna recently left us to live in her "retirement" home with Molly Ann in Arkansas. Molly Ann recently send me a list of all the things that Luna has been experiencing and learning since she left us. Luna loves sleeping on the bed and exploring her new environment. Here are two of the photos Molly Ann sent.

Violet keeps in touch regarding her dog, Shadow. Shadow is a littermate to our Bekka and Chance. Here is a recent photo that Violet sent of him. She describes him as devoted and quite, seldom barking. He enjoys meeting and playing with other dogs. He gets carsick!

Shadow

I have received a few updates and photos from owners of puppies from the Josh and Bekka litter.

From Stephanie, "Addison is adjusting well. We thought about keeping [the name] "Pippi" but "Pippy" and "Tiffy"sounds too much alike. To incorporate Heart, we were going to call her Addison Sweetheart. Watching her play with the others we decided she’s fearless so we were thinking more on the lines of Addison Braveheart. But, since Lhasa Apso translates to bearded Lion dog, we’ve decided her name is Addison Lionheart ❤️...Here she is cuddling with Tiffy."

Addison cuddling with her new friend, Tiffy, a Havenese

"Eddie" wrote me: "Dear Grandma, I am settled in very nicely and bonding with Mommy.  I am a little bit  standoffish with Daddy, but we will get there. I object to being in my crate if Mommy and Daddy have to leave for a little bit but my objections are becoming less and less each time I go in. I had my appointment with the Vet today and he says that I am
a really great puppy and he also loved my name."

Eddie

From Kathy: "Jampa is doing great. The routine for feeding and going potty is getting better and better…He seems to like the grooming. Getting him to lay quietly on his side is another story!  Once in a while, now, he will relax almost on his side.  It will come. We've been to a few puppy classes locally, and in early July we start an 8-week puppy class that is more structured.  He will already sit, lay down, "speak", (and sometimes, "leave it". :-) at home. Loves to chew on his toys, and always wants one of us around!"

Jampa

Michele wrote, "Trinket has really captured my heart and is a very sweet, sociable, playful and happy dog. Everyone who meets her instantly falls in love with her."

Trinket

 Janet wrote about Pebbles [aka Gracie here], "Good morning Joyce, Thought this was way to cute not to share with you. She is doing great.  We are so PROUD of her.❤️ Hope all is going well with the rest of your puppy’s. More later."

Pebbles

Nick wrote "My parents and I made it safely back to Indiana with our new puppy, who we have named Zoey. [formerly Rosie]  Zoey was an amazing car rider and slept most of the ride except for a few times she woke up and wanted to play.  She had a good first night, too, as she seemed exhausted...Zoey is doing great. She and Lilly (our existing dog) are getting along great and pretty inseparable. We are so happy that we picked her—she’s a personality and a half."

Lilly cuddling with Zoey

That's it for the updates! As you can see, a lot has happened since I last posted in mid-June -- not one free weekend...and this weekend is my only open one in July. People ask me, "How do you do it?" I respond, "Ask anyone who is busy how they do it. You just do. You do what has to be done and then go on to the next thing. Sometimes you regret your choices. Sometimes you congratulate yourself on being so smart! Sometimes you wish things were different. Sometimes you would not have it any other way."

 

Joyce 

 

 

 

Puppy Photos and News from Others

Already this week I have driven miles and miles, first to Clear Lake, IA, to meet a friend and return her dog, then to Galena, IL, to go to a work-related meeting.

If you have never been to Galena, you should add it to your Bucket List. Pass through the flood gates and you are on a street that is lined with about 100 stores selling all kinds of things. The Galena River, now more of a creek, used to be a waterway for steamboats and the town with booming with water traffic. For history buffs, this is a great town to visit. (Home of Ulysses Grant, for example.) For shoppers, it's a paradise!

Anyway, walking down the sidewalk and doing some window shopping while waiting for my meeting to start, I stopped in front of a store called New Earth Animals. Intrigued, I went inside and found all kinds of things for dogs, cats, and the people who love them.

I found a coaster that made me laugh out loud because it is so true. So I bought one for myself "Dog Mom" and another for my husband "Dog Dad" because of what was written on them. 

For us "Really Freaking Early" is 5 AM.

Maybe some day when we are fully retired we can finally teach the dogs what a "reasonable hour" is.

Puppy Photos

Little Millie is the only one left here from her litter. She keeps occupied playing with the puppies from the younger litter. We hope that she will become one of our show dogs. She certainly appears to have what it takes.

Millie 10.5 weeks

 The following photos are of the younger litter, almost 8 weeks old.

Cooper

Eddie

Iris

Lexi

Pearl

Pippi

Rosie

Their new owners are eagerly awaiting  the day when they can finally come to get their puppies.

And here is a picture of Winter with an attempt to put her hair in a topknot to get it out of her eyes. It did not work! Winter will be 5 months old on July 4th.

Joyslyn Mon Ami Winter Wind

 Photos and Notes from Others

Violet sent a photo of Shadow with a blanket that I made for him when he was a baby. She wrote that he loves that blanket and carries it around with him frequently so he can lounge on it.

Sally sent four cute photos of her Ginger. Here is one of them.

Sandi sent a photo of Stone after he'd been to visit his groomer.

Kathy wrote about Jampa: "We are thrilled with Jampa!  Still a ways to go with house breaking, but that is progressing well.  I'll probably start him in puppy classes this week or next.  Wherever we take him, he walks up to (almost) anyone he sees for attention.  People all ooh and aah over him.  Everyone has been polite, asks to pet him, and sometimes to pick him up and hold him.  Jampa takes it all in stride and seems to enjoy all the attention he can get. 

Jampa napping with his beloved Crinkly Chicken

Renee sent a note saying her two Joyslyn's Lhasas (Jet and Dalai) traveled well to Carcassone, France, with her. She sent this photo. What a beautiful setting for a photo.

Dianne and her daughter had a long drive here due to a GPS that decided to take them on a late night "scenic route" trip -- two lane roads and DIRT roads! They made it here and back and sent a photo of Xena playing in her new yard. Dianne has some chickens and Xena is curious about the noises they make.

Jan wrote about Pebbles (formerly known as Gracie): "Just wanted to give you a heads up on how Pebbles did yesterday and last night.....She slept almost all the way home without any problems. And last night she went to bed with no problems. She only woke up twice... Potty is going about normal for a new puppy and in a new place.. Three times on the paper, and twice without paper(on the floor). LOL How can three and a half pounds steal your heart so FAST..  Thank you so much for letting us be a part of the WONDERFUL Lhasa world again."

Judy wrote about Gus: "Gus is the most fabulous Lhasa Apso EVER. ...Gus is fearless. After the first day here (Thursday), I have allowed him out of his yard into the larger fenced yard, under my immediate supervision, of course. Gus has been following the Girls around, especially Raven. It has been fun watching Gus as he tackles a new challenge - getting up and down from the concrete sidewalk, finding his way in and out of the gate to his yard, improving his perception of length necessary for a successful "landing" from the sidewalk to the sand. Also, perception leaping UP onto the sidewalk. He had a couple of major crash and burns, where he fell short collided a bit with the sidewalk. Now he can stand next to the sidewalk and take a short leap up - where previously, when not trying to fly, he climbed up one foot at a time. He is building up lots of muscle and endurance as he races around the big yard. Last night Gus was running the Lhasa 500, or Lhasa Zoomies. He was having so much fun! Long twigs are interesting and he carries them around, very proud of himself..."

 I think that's it! My apologies if I missed some one's photo. I appreciate them all so much! Keep them coming and I'll try to keep better track of them!

Joyce 

Just Puppy Pictures

 Pictures of  the Nine-Week-Old Litter

The Josh and Bekka litter are looking great. I think they are tired of cooperating (or not!) to have their pictures taken.

Millie 9 weeks

Gracie 9 weeks

Trinket 9 weeks

Xena 9 weeks

Gus 9 weeks

Jampa 9 weeks

Izzy 9 weeks

Pictures of  the Six-Week-Old Litter

 

 Not to be outdone in "squirmyness" and not wanting to look at the camera, the Breaker and Onyx puppies tried their best to compete with the older litter for being uncooperative this week!

Here are the best efforts!

Lexi 6 weeks

 

Iris 6 weeks

Pearl 6 weeks

Rosie 6 weeks

Pippi 6 weeks

Eddie 6 weeks

Cooper 6 weeks

 I hope you enjoyed the photos. If you are interested in the puppies, we have 2 of the females left from the Breaker x Onyx litter and one (Xena) left from the Josh x Bekka litter. Xena's potential owners' son had a medical emergency, and they decided (rightly so!) this was not a good time to get a puppy.

 

Joyce