In Fond Memory

Champion Joyslyn's Secrets of the Heart ROM

August 21, 2002 - March 15, 2019

Today Lynn and I mourn the passing of our beautiful "old lady", Secret. Secret was the daughter of our Champion Joyslyn's Rebel At Heart and Champion Joyslyn's My One N Only. She is the mother, grandmother, and great grandmother of many of our Lhasas.

Secret was one of three puppies (Piper, Secret, and Walker) we kept from three different litters, all born within a few months of each other, and all shown together until each finished. She was the second of the trio to earn her championship. She became a champion in May 2004.

Here are a few photos of her through the years.

9 weeks old

 

First major age 8 months

Taking Reserve Winners Bitch during National Specialty Week

A Head Study

In the show ring

 

Clipped down in her later years

Thanks for the love you gave, Secret. We'll see you at the Rainbow Bridge. Say hi to Walker and Piper for us.

An Essay By Ernest Montague:

DOGS NEVER DIE...

"Some of you, particularly those who think they have recently lost a dog to 'death', don’t really understand this. I’ve had no desire to explain, but won’t be around forever and must.

Dogs never die. They don’t know how to. They get tired, and very old, and their bones hurt. Of course they don’t die. If they did they would not want to always go for a walk, even long after their old bones say: 'No, no, not a good idea. Let's not go for a walk.' Nope, dogs always want to go for a walk. They might get one step before their aging tendons collapse them into a heap on the floor, but that's what dogs are. They walk.

It’s not that they dislike your company. On the contrary, a walk with you is all there is. Their boss, and the cacophonic symphony of odor that the world is. Cat poop, another dog’s mark, a rotting chicken bone (exultation), and you. That’s what makes their world perfect, and in a perfect world death has no place.

However, dogs get very very sleepy. That’s the thing, you see. They don't teach you that at the fancy university where they explain about quarks, gluons, and Keynesian economics. They know so much they forget that dogs never die. It’s a shame, really. Dogs have so much to offer and people just talk a lot.

When you think your dog has died, it has just fallen asleep in your heart. And by the way, it is wagging its tail madly, you see, and that’s why your chest hurts so much and you cry all the time. Who would not cry with a happy dog wagging its tail in their chest. Ouch! Wap wap wap wap, that hurts. But they only wag when they wake up. That’s when they say: 'Thanks Boss! Thanks for a warm place to sleep and always next to your heart, the best place.'

When they first fall asleep, they wake up all the time, and that’s why, of course, you cry all the time. Wap, wap, wap. After a while they sleep more. (remember, a dog while is not a human while). You take your dog for walk, it’s a day full of adventure in an hour. Then you come home and it's a week, well one of your days, but a week, really, before the dog gets another walk. No WONDER they love walks.)

Anyway, like I was saying, they fall asleep in your heart, and when they wake up, they wag their tail. After a few dog years, they sleep for longer naps, and you would too. They were a GOOD DOG all their life, and you both know it. It gets tiring being a good dog all the time, particularly when you get old and your bones hurt and you fall on your face and don’t want to go outside to pee when it is raining but do anyway, because you are a good dog. So understand, after they have been sleeping in your heart, they will sleep longer and longer.

But don’t get fooled. They are not 'dead.' There’s no such thing, really. They are sleeping in your heart, and they will wake up, usually when you’re not expecting it. It’s just who they are.

I feel sorry for people who don’t have dogs sleeping in their heart. You’ve missed so much. Excuse me, I have to go cry now."

Me too...

Joyce

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A Trip Down Memory Lane

"March is the month God created to show people who don't drink what a hangover is like." ~ Garrison Keillor

Happy March. We keep getting closer to spring...

It's weird to say, but this morning when I walked out the door to go to work, I thought, "Hmmm, it doesn't feel too bad out here this morning." The temp was 22 degrees - a veritable heat wave after the strong, cold winds we had earlier in the week!! The "in like a lion" wind came in late February for us and it was crazy for a few days. I kept hoping that the trees would stay rooted!

A few days ago I did something I had been intending to do for a long time. I purchased binders and sheet protectors and organized 20 years worth of monthly articles that I wrote for Dog World Magazine between August 1976 (appeared in the November 1976 issue) and August 1996. My goal then as now was to inform people about the Lhasa. At the time, Lhasas were fairly new to the scene but becoming more popular. The general public was attracted to them--although most could not correctly pronounce the name--and very few resources were available to teach people about the breed, especially about how to groom them. Since I was basically in the middle of nowhere in a small Nebraska town, I learned by trial and error (a lot of error!!). I eventually had some great mentors, even though they were "long distance" in Iowa, New York, and Missouri. I decided to share what I had learned with others. Among the topics I wrote about were grooming; ALAC activities; evaluating puppies; breeding practices; "miracle" recipes for growing coat and putting weight on a dog; training; new resources; Lhasa size; Lhasa Standard in general; particulars about size, topline, movement; co-ownership pros and cons; what to include in a letter of inquiry, and so on.

I would have liked to have taken time to read through all of them again, but I was in a rush to get the binders filled and cross the chore off my to-do list. A few articles did catch my eye.

One article was written as a result of a Futurity I judged. It included a critique of the entry and what I liked about the dogs that were my winners. Boy, did that bring back memories. I recall being so nervous about judging a Futurity. I had been in the ring many times as an exhibitor, but to be asked to judge was an honor and I wanted to do it right. I did! My Futurity winner went on to finish that day in the regular judging! Whew!

In another article I commented on people saying to me that I must have a lot of puppy sales as a result of my being a columnist. That was not true, as I pointed out in the article. No one really paid attention to the by-line as evidenced by a phone call I took one evening during which the caller kept quoting from a couple of my articles and explaining that the author obviously knew more about Lhasas than I did. So I asked him the name of the columnist. He responded, "Joyce Johanson," so then I asked him if he recalled to whom he was speaking. He started to say something and basically ended up with "oh."

Social media has, if nothing else, been a good vehicle for getting information from others quickly. (Whether or not they know what they are talking about, everyone has an opinion.) Back in the days when I was writing the columns, readers would mail letters or call me with questions about an article's topic or about anything they were concerned about regarding Lhasas. In the next article (usually published a couple months later), I would ask readers if anyone had advice on the subject of the call. More waiting for mail and phone calls, then another article would be written and submitted, then published a couple months later. It was the norm. We would not be able to be that patient for answers nowadays!

One funny thing -- I once received in the mail a plastic bag containing a huge amount of hair that someone had groomed out of their Lhasa during his coat change. She wanted me to look at the amount of hair and let her know if it was normal or not. I wrote back assuring her it was. I can't blame her for being concerned when I still get nervous when I see the mounds of undercoat coming out of some of my Lhasas when they are going through a coat change. 

Here is an interesting article from June 1987, titled "Life After Death:"

Remember crying when you watched "Lassie, Come Home?" Remember the tears while you read Incredible Journey?  How brave those animals were! What devotion they felt toward their owners!

Well, except for the fact that there was no one to chronicle her adventure, nine-month-old Lhasa Apso Chelsey, belonging to Bruce and Nancy Ritchie of Vinton, IA, has an equally amazing story. If only Chelsey could talk.

On December 16, Chelsey died. Nancy let her outside for a quick run and Chelsey ran right into the path of a pickup. The truck struck her and its wheels ran over her midsection, killing her instantly.

As Chelsey lay motionless in the street, Nancy examined her carefully for signs of life. Chelsey neither breathed nor moved. There was no doubt--the little dog was dead. Distraught, Nancy wondered how she'd explain to her five-year-old son Bobby that his puppy was dead, and when the truck driver offered to take Chelsey's body, Nancy agreed.

Bobby got a new puppy -- a Shih Tzu.

Bruce, Nancy, and Bobby Ritchie now own two dogs. Chelsey came home!

No one knows how or why, but somehow the little Lhasa survived the injuries to her mid-section, survived being "disposed of" (Nancy surmises Chelsey was thrown into a ditch.), survived the December/January temperatures, and returned to her home in Vinton exactly four weeks after her "death." She was dirty, somewhat underweight, but obviously alive and glad to be home.

Nancy, who had worked six years on an ambulance crew, has had to take some good-nature teasing from townspeople about declaring a live dog dead. Her husband also has remarked that if he drops dead, he'd like a second opinion!

The mystery remains. Where were you for 30 days, Chelsey? What did you have to go through to get back home?

If only Chelsey could talk. 
================================================================

Judge's Critique

I mentioned that I wrote a critique about the Futurity I judged. A critique is not required of judges so I was both surprised and pleased when I was looking through the American Lhasa Apso Club's website a couple weeks ago and ran across the critique the 2018 National Specialty Judge wrote about her Specialty winners since my Autumn was included in the critique. Here it is:

A Few Notes and Photos from Others

Lynn wrote about Stone, "Here’s a few photos so you can see Stone’s coloring. The gold is mostly around his nose and you can see he’s getting more white, as well. He’s got two spots of white on his right ear and on his legs, they’re starting to get white and “lighter than black” hairs. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t eventually end up with gold on his legs, as well, as they’re starting to change, just like his face. Although it’s not showing up very good in the photo."

How interesting! As a puppy (and he still is just 8 months old) Stone was black-black! We generally do not see what is called "silvering out" until the dog is older. I told Lynn that even for myself I preferred the term "silvering out" to "getting gray!" 

Stone

Judy shared news about Ty and Izzy, her two Joyslyn's dogs: "Hi Joyce."WOO HOO!  Ty finally completed an entire agility course at the Lhasa Apso trial I was in charge of  Feb. 8,9,10. On Friday the temperature high was Zero!! Many of the dogs did not show up. Saturday Ty jumped 7 jumps and then decided to quit.  Now on Sunday he completed 15 jumps, refused the 6th weave pole, but finished up with the tunnel..He did not make time, but I was on cloud 9.  We drove home in the snowstorm, but I was so happy. We  finally reached our goal of finishing a course.  Since he was the only Lhasa running he received a standing ovation. Lots of good memories…Izzy is my forever student. Three years of agility training and then 3 off courses. She does what she wants to do. Two years of rally and I don't think I will ever put her in another trial. She ran all over the course and then sat down!  She enjoys training with Winny so she will continue going to class."

Izzy, Izzy...definitely a Lhasa with a will of her own!

From Lisa: "I hope all is well with you! What a brutal winter!  Of course, my sweet puppy doesn't care. She loves the snow… I named her Tilliebelle. She is spunky, sassy, and cuddly when she wants to be, and everything I could have ever hoped for. She has become my shadow, and has gone a long way to fill the empty shoes left by my senior Lhasa."


Sally wrote, "Ginger finally got a bath and out of that dumb blue cone around her neck. She doesn't like the hair dryer but that will come along.We are starting to get some longer walks in and she loves being outside…She weighs 11 pounds. I'm glad you like her AKC name. She is so sweet and so good. I'm so happy to have her."

Ginger

Violet sent a photo of her Shadow and his favorite sleeping position.

Announcements

We should have puppies during the first week of April and the last week of April, if all goes as planned.

Also, if you are interested in being on the list for a retired adult female, we will have two of our girls available by fall.

That's it for now!

Stay warm!

Joyce

February!! Winter Weather! Show Results! Pictures!

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says 'Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.'” ― Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There

Happy February! It's a month full of special days--Groundhog Day, Lincoln's Birthday, President's Day, Washington's Birthday, Valentine's Day...

For me it is special because it brings us one month closer to Spring! I am so sick of cold, snow, freezing rain, slick streets, wearing layers of coats and scarves and boots and gloves, not being able to let the dogs out for any generous length of time to potty and play because of the extremely low temperatures...

I am enjoying a nice warm day at home today because it is Lincoln's birthday, and I work at  a state university so it, like all state entities, is closed to honor our 16th president. Springfield, Illinois, hosts the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, a really wonderful place to visit. So hats off to Honest Abe and his place in history.

"We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution." ~ Abraham Lincoln

I am also enjoying a day away from the office. Things have been in a constant state of stress at work as two HUGE changes took place in the last three weeks. Both arrived with no warning or little warning. In one case, notice was emailed that the university was reducing reimbursement for use of a personal vehicle for university travel from 58¢ a mile to 20¢ a mile (!). That was bad news because 8 of my staff are located in different cities in Illinois and their job is to travel around 54 Illinois counties providing services to preschool teachers and families of children 3-8. No fleet vehicles are available to them so they are forced to use their own cars.

We received a 3-day notification of the other change which arrived via email on the MLK holiday week. This change required everyone who was not already Civil Service personnel to undergo procedures for conversion to Civil Service status. We administrators and supervisors had two days to get the paperwork done for all our staff members. Of course such a change means a change in status, benefits, time reporting requirements, etc.

What a zoo--resulting in headaches, employee concerns, unrest, stress, and feelings of unfair treatment. It's not over yet, but at least a day off gets my mind off work for a while. (Yet here I am complaining about it, so obviously...!)

Show Results
In spite of weather warnings, Autumn and I went to Indianapolis to a dog show last weekend. I have to admit that I was happy to be at a show in spite of the cold and wind (and the snow that came later). The January snows and ice storms kept us from attending any training classes (the closest one is about an hour and a half away), so Autumn was not as well behaved in the ring as she was last fall. She hates to have her head and face messed with, probably because I constantly have to put up her pony tails since she rubs them out as quick as I put them in and because she has tear stains that I am trying to overcome so I wash her face and clean her eyes a lot too. Anyway, she was not keen on the judge touching her head.

We totally lost on Friday, took Reserve on Saturday, and won 2 points on Sunday, bringing her point count to 7 including one of the necessary two majors. Here is a photo that our friend Mike took of her in the ring on Friday.

Sunday was a 'hurry up--show--pack up--and leave' kind of day. A snow storm was coming in and indeed managed to hit before we left. We packed the car while dealing with wind and heavy snow. The drive home was treacherous with a snow-packed slick interstate through Indiana. Once we got to Illinois the roads were clearer and remained that way for the rest of the drive to Macomb. Whew!

Our next show will be in WI at the end of March and I certainly hope we can make it to some training classes before then.

My Good Luck
So...it looks like out of the blue I may be able to retire as a millionaire after all. I can go to more dog shows, hire expensive professional handlers, kick back and relax, stop worrying about bills...the possibilities are endless! What a dream come true! How did such a thing happen?

I will share the good-news email I received yesterday: "We are pleased to inform you of the result of the just concluded annual final draws held on the (8/02/2019) by Coca-Cola in conjunction with the British American Tobacco Worldwide Promotion. Your email was among the 20 Lucky winners who won one million Dollars,{$1,000,000.00 Dollars } each on the COCA`COLA COMPANY PROMOTION!"

 How nice of them. And I don't even drink Coke! LOL

Photos from Others
Lynne sent a photo of Stone.

Sally wrote about Ginger, "She really is so adorable. I can’t believe how fast she’s growing. She’s so nice too.... everyone does love her :)" 

Here is a photo of Rita's Penny. Penny is a full sister to Autumn but from a previous litter.

From Victoria about Stella: "I am working on an update with pictures. I will send it soon. I just remembered I never sent you a message after Stella's appointment with her vet. Her vet says Stella is in excellent health; she was so good with everyone there! She and I have been working very hard on the grooming process. I have kept the pads of her feet and nails trimmed, as well as clipping around her eyes. She just needs a full trim…I truly cannot thank you enough for all you did to give us THE PERFECT PUPPY!!!"

Mary sent a photo of her two Joyslyn's dogs, Rafe and Belle, both of whom went to live with her as adults. Rafe has been with Mary for a year now. She wrote, "I think it is coming up on Rafe’s first year anniversary with us. Lots of learning on his part, on mine. I think the best attribute bringing him to live with us is his non-aggressive nature with the girls. I am amazed how Rafe strives to be part of the trio....Rafe starts a tricks for fun class this week. Should be fun for him...I did resort to booting Rafe for some subzero temps. He is not fond of me putting the boots on, even less fond of them coming off, but once he is outside, he prances like a pony, no hopping on 2 or 3 legs from feet freezing. I threatened to leave the boots on during his grumbles; he wasn’t impressed. I hate putting them on, really tough to get on the girls, just making sure they don’t pop off, but below zero is almost a must. Belle will stop if one comes off, like to show me…MY BOOT!"

What's Next?
Well, if the breeding between Josh and Bekka resulted in puppies, we should have a new litter around April 5th. We have a breeding planned to take place between Breaker and Onyx this coming weekend. Those puppies will be born in late April. Color-wise, we expect both blacks and golds. Each sire is gold. Each dam is black.

Josh also sired a litter, now about a month and a half old. The dam is a champion co-owned by LaVonne Bennett and me. There are a couple of gold puppies in the litter but most are an attractive tri-color (black, tan, and white). Here is one of the boys.

 

We will have one, perhaps two, adult females (our retired champions) available for new homes sometime this year. Please contact me if you would like to be on the waiting list for one of them.  

Finally, Happy Valentine's Day to you all. 

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

~1 Corinthians 13:13

Joyce 

 

January 2019!

"The Old Year has gone.  Let the dead past bury its own dead.  The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time.  All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!"  ~  Edward Payson Powell

Happy 2019, Everyone! Since I have not posted much during the holidays, be prepared to read! This post has some advice, a book review, and a lot of notes and photos from owners of our puppies.

Let's get started:

Grooming Your Own Lhasa 
What's that? Why would I want to groom my own Lhasa when there are groomers for that purpose? Grooming your own Lhasa may seem like a challenge, but if you begin when your puppy is young and get him used to the procedure, you can save yourself a lot of money over the many years you have your Lhasa. Here is how to get started. At the minimum you need the follow grooming tools: a pin brush (not one with those little round tips at the ends of the pins!), a greyhound style comb, a face comb, and a spray bottle filled with grooming spray.

If you plan to groom your own Lhasa, it is necessary to teach your Lhasa puppy--when he is young and before he really requires a lot of brushing--to accept grooming as part of his routine. Begin your grooming training as soon as you get your puppy. Hold him on his back on your lap and gently rub his tummy until he relaxes. It's best to do this during the puppy's quiet time and not when he is full of boundless energy and wants to play.

Teaching him to lie on his side or back while he is being brushed is important because so many of the trouble spots for mats, such as the insides of the legs, the chest, the "arm"pits, and the stomach, are difficult to reach unless the Lhasa is on his back or side.

Even though the puppy has little coat to brush at this age, accustom him to the feel of the brush by using a small pin brush to groom his legs, feet, chest and stomach. Then allow him to lie on his stomach, sit, or stand while you brush his sides, neck, head, and face. Constantly reassure him and praise him when he is still. Be sure to tell him how gorgeous he looks when the grooming is done. Keep these sessions short. Their purpose is to familiarize the puppy with the routine of grooming and the feel of the brush. 

Of course, not all puppies tolerate lying on their backs or sides and cooperating with you. At times you will be amazed at how stubborn and strong a puppy can be when he is determined not to lie on his back! Be persistent and patient. Do not strike the puppy. You are training him for future grooming sessions that both you and he should come to enjoy. Don't spoil the future by letting your temper flare when the puppy gets uncooperative.

Once the puppy accepts lying on his back or side, move him from your lap to a grooming table. The transition may cause some regression in the puppy's behavior since he may feel less secure on a table than he felt on your lap. Again, be persistent and firm. Don't be abusive, but insist on the behavior you want. 

From the age of six months on, your Lhasa puppy will need grooming on a regular basis. That's when your early training sessions begin to pay off. Depending on your puppy's coat texture and stage of development, mats and tangles will begin to develop behind the ears and on his underside. You're in for a terrible ordeal if you have not taught your puppy what grooming is all about. Sometimes it hurts when mats are taken out. Sometimes you need to use both hands to loosen the mat and remove it, and if you have to hold the puppy down, try to reach one of those hard-to-get-at mats, and remove the mat all at the same time, you are in for an unpleasant grooming session. Neither you nor your puppy will enjoy it. And, for the puppy at least, the unpleasant experience will be remembered the next time and the struggle will begin again. 

Both you and your Lhasa will enjoy the grooming sessions, which will be so much a part of your lives, if you take time now to teach the puppy what is expected of him when it comes time for grooming. The younger you start, the more accepting the puppy will be. 

And, honestly, if you don't want to do the grooming yourself, by doing this early training with your puppy, you will make your professional groomer a much happier person, AND your well-behaved puppy/adult Lhasa will be more warmly welcomed at the grooming salon.

A Book Review: Designer Dogs: Inside the Criminal Underworld of Crossbreeding
Before I begin the review of Madeline Bernstein's Designer Dogs: Inside the Criminal Underworld of Crossbreeding, let me explain a few things about me and my beliefs:

1) My beloved childhood pets were basically terrier "mutts," wonderful dogs and I loved them very much. I have nothing against people who prefer "mutts" and nothing against people who get their pets from an animal shelter. However, I do have a problem with those who criticize people who prefer to buy a purebred.

2) When it comes to dogs, 46 years of my life has focused on the pure-bred Lhasa Apso. I have spent untold hours learning about the breed, teaching about the breed, writing about the breed, showing my Lhasas, studying pedigrees, all in an attempt to breed to the Lhasa Apso standard and produce quality pets and show dogs. There have been a few failures, from which I have learned, and many more successes of which I am very proud.

3) I abhor the whole idea of designer dogs. Why? Because (and this is my own opinion so you can like it or not) I have always felt that the unsuspecting puppy buyers have been taken advantage of and fallen victim to a scheme that has cost them a lot of money and in some cases emotional pain, while at the same time filling animal shelters with unwanted 'designer breeds' that just did not  live up to the hype. I care because I feel sorry for the dogs. I care because the poor breeding practices of those involved in get-rich-quick puppy breeding practices cast all breeders in a bad light. I care because laws that have been passed to stop the bad breeders are also limiting those of us who are not bad breeders. I dislike being "painted by the same brush!"

So, what exactly is a 'designer dog?' Basically, it is a mutt, a crossbreed. Designer dog breeders take a purebred of some breed, breed it to a purebred of another breed, stick a fancy sounding name on it -- usually one the ends in "doodle" or "oodle" or "poo" -- then add really high price tags and market the dog as a "purebred designer breed." The claims are that these dogs are healthier, allergy proof, better behaved, easier to potty train, etc. When they prove not to be so, they end up in the neighborhood pound or dumped along the roadside. 

When I was at the library, I noticed on the Bernstein book cover the words "Designer Dogs" and "Criminal Underworld" so of course, had to pick it up. The first to check it out, I was intrigued by the title and the blurb on the inside front cover. I noticed the author was affiliated with spcaLA so what I expected to read was what I got...and more. Aside from the "get a shelter dog" angle, the book was worth reading. Bernstein provides a history of how and why "designer dogs" were created, noting (as most of us now know) that the creator of the designer dogs now wishes he'd never started the endeavor. She writes about the impact of designer dogs on the numbers of shelter dogs and points out that a cute combo name of two breeds does not make a perfect dog, even if a person paid thousands of dollars for it. 

The book contained a great deal of information about the problems with international dog sales, smuggling, and theft, as well as focusing on health problems brought to the US by people importing dogs from other countries. She referred to puppies' bodies being used as ways to get drugs into the country. Of course, the puppies are killed after arriving so the drugs can be removed from their bodies.

She points out what legitimate purebred breeders know (and the public should also know): There is not such thing as a "purebred designer breed," even if both parents are purebred themselves. She mentions that something similar is now happening to cat breeds, as some cat breeders are picking up on the money being made on designer dogs and wanting to jump on that bandwagon.

Bernstein provides a history of dog laws and offers explanations of how and why these laws were passed. She describes the horror of puppy mills and provides stories of rescues. She debunks common myths such as (1) a registered facility is not a puppy mill; (2) designer breeds are hypoallergenic; (3) mixing breeds results in best traits of each being passed forward; (4) teacups, micros, and mini dogs are smaller versions and just as healthy; (5) designer dogs are better behaved.

Actually, the book made me think of the poem "Designer Dog Lament" that I wrote in 2007, posted to the blog, and posted a few months ago to my FB page. It especially reminded me of the line in the poem "The unsuspecting public has fallen for a scheme. They pay big bucks to buy a dog that's not what it may seem...".
 
All in all, the book was well written and might be an eye opener to some readers. Maybe not. The reputable breeder will suffer through some of the chapters that take aim at "all" dog breeders. Those who are creating the designer breeds won't read it because they are busy laughing all the way to the bank. The criminals won't read it because they don't care as long as they don't get caught. People who buy designer dogs won't read it because they don't want to know. People who are into shelter work will read it because it promotes shelter dogs. Others, like me, will read it because they find the title intriguing. It is worth a read. I would not buy it, but checking it out from my library worked well.

Time to Get Back to Lhasas
In the previous section, I referred to breeding to the Lhasa Apso Standard. Some of my readers may not know what a breed standard is. Think of a breed's standard as a picture in writing that explains the characteristics that make a Lhasa a Lhasa, or an Affenpinscher an Affenpinscher, or a Boxer a Boxer, etc. The breed standard describes how a particular breed should look. It explains the temperament of a breed. It is important for two main reasons: (1) Reputable breeders use the breed standard as their pattern or guide for breeding typical representatives of the breed. They study the standard. They consider the traits of their breeding stock as compared to the standard. The purpose of every breeding should be to produce puppies whose structures and temperaments adhere to the standard. (2) The breed standard is also the basic tool a judge uses as he evaluates each dog exhibited and compares that dog's traits to the standard.

The current Lhasa Apso Standard has often been criticized by judges who think it is too brief and does not present a whole picture of the dog. They are right that structure is not completely described. The same is true for movement. The Lhasa Apso parent club, the American Lhasa Apso Club, has addressed these issues in two ways: (1) In judges' education seminars, we point out that if something is not addressed in the standard, judges should rely on "normal canine" movement and structure. (2) Club committees over the years have written documents that clarify and illustrate the breed standard. These documents are the Annotated Guide to the  Breed Standard and the Illustrated Guide to the Standard. If you want to learn more about the breed those links plus this one will be of great help.

At the end of 2016, the ALAC Board of Directors passed a motion that allowed a committee to use the new AKC template for breed standards and to "authorize the Breed Standard Committee to add to the current Lhasa Apso standard by using sections from the already member approved Illustrated Guide and/or the Judges' Education slide show script in order to enhance and improve breeders' and judges' understandings of the desired structure and physical traits of the breed."

The revisions have been made; the results sent to AKC for approval and for publishing for comments. Once any comments have been made and addressed and AKC gives permission, the revised standard will be sent to ALAC members for their approval (by ballot).

In my opinion, the committee members have successfully revised the standard by including the current standard and using descriptions from current ALAC publications to create a better picture of the Lhasa Apso in words to help future breeders and judges more clearly understand what traits make a Lhasa Apso a Lhasa Apso.

Notes and Photos from Others
The holidays resulted in a lot of photos and emails from our puppies' owners. As always, I was thrilled to receive them and so very grateful for people keeping in touch. It is always nice to see photos of the "kids" - young and old alike. Thanks again to all who took the time to send a note and/or a photo of your Joyslyn's Lhasa(s).

Tom and Diane wrote, "Greetings from Kuper, It’s been a busy year for us but the one thing that affected Kuper was a move from our home to a side by side condo. Although he no longer has a fenced yard he still loves being outside, taking long walks and meeting both two and four legged friends. Two girls in the neighborhood were calling him “Chewbacca” when his hair was longer. He is still very attached to Tom and drawn to any black dogs. We’ve found a great dog sitter when we need to be away and he was quite taken with a baby kitten there, along with her menagerie of pets. Enjoy your time your family!"

Kuper

From Mary: "I was hoping to have some descent pics of the dogs to send.  I just can’t seem to get all 3 in a good pose. Attached  some not so good pics. Rafe was taking Belle’s little cat bed in the tv room, upsetting her, so I got him his own; still doesn’t fit him great but bigger. Gabby the ragdoll likes it also—when Rafe is in his crate!! Rafe tolerates the cats as long as they show him no affection…All dogs are doing well. I can say I finally feel like Rafe is becoming my dog. It’s taken longer than I thought—personality, being intact, not sure. He has had time to develop the trust he needs; he is smart but serious about new encounters which is very Lhasa as you know. He loves being part of the trio. Belle actually bosses him in the yard, barks, pounces toward him. She and Rafe decided to stalk Moka in the yard this week—crouching, creeping—fortunately Moka has them beat in speed and cunningness..."

Rafe enjoying his own dog bed - no more stealing Belle's!

From the Adcocks: "Hi, Joyce, Here are some darling photos of our beloved Amie with her (& our) beloved best bud, Poppet! They are such joy to us. Amie is such a character, so funny....a constant source of entertainment😍 Poppet is the anchor, keeping her feet on the ground. Though I’ve said it so many times....just one more THANK YOU for this divine little girl."🐾

Amie (right) with her buddy Poppet.

From Stacey and Lisa: "Hi Joyce,Lola is as silly, sweet and social as ever! Merry Christmas!"

Lola

From Mickey and Charlie: "Merry Christmas Joyce & Lynn. I am sending you two pictures.
One is of Biddy in her Christmas scarf from her latest grooming.  I can't believe she has kept it on now for almost two weeks. The second is a little sign I found at Scheels. I thought you needed to see it. I will have to watch my daughter doesn't steal the sign.  Her mamma dog Kenzie is a real butt wagger.  She is a big dog so her wriggle is big."

(Note here from Joyce: Biddy's mom is Luna. She is definitely a "Wigglebutt" -- as a matter of fact, that has been her nickname since she was a puppy. She seems to pass the "wigglebutt gene" to her offspring.)

Biddy

I LOVE this sign!

John wrote, "My dog Lucky I got from you is doing great. He is a wonderful watch dog and not afraid of anything.

From Mike and Kathy: "Hi Joyce! It sounds like you had a busy 2018, and are headed for another one!  We wish you a happy and healthy new year! Here is a pretty photo of Sophie.  She goes well with the hardwood, don’t you think?  LOL
This is always a special time for us because we always remember, three years ago, driving up to Macomb on a cold New Year’s Day, after narrowly avoiding the terrible flooding, and picking up Sophie on January 2. What an exciting week that was! We sincerely hope that you and your family have a very good 2019."

Sophie

From Jim and Cristina: "Happy new year! Daisy got some great gifts for Christmas and celebrated New Years in Miami (where she took part in a Colombian tradition of rolling out luggage down the street to wish for lots of travels in the new year). I am currently studying for the bar exam and she will often sit under my feet to keep me encouraged! "

Daisy rolling luggage in Colombian tradition

Daisy

Vernita wrote: "Happy New Year Joyce. I’m glad everything went well for you. Livvy has grown so much and took quite a liking to my Christmas tree. All things that glittered stayed on the floor…I again want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to have such a sweet girl, even though she still wants to play when it’s time to go to bed. She gets along much better with the other dogs when they come over now because she has grown so she can keep up now with the whole running around the pool. Her personality is really starting to show and since discovering her barking skills, she now barks at any and everything going by when the front door is open. Because I only allow family to pet and play with her, she’s not very friendly with outside guests, which is the way I want it…I will send updated pictures when I get the chance."

Lynne wrote, "Stone does just fine interacting with Lizzie and me. Any strangers, different noises, any changes, voices on the TV, vehicles driving by, all scare him…He has his own crate, but prefers to lay in Lizzie’s or between my feet. He and Lizzie get along well, they play together and they’ll sometimes lay in the crate together, although Stone is getting big enough there’s not much room to do that…Other than the fearfulness, he’s a joy to have around. He’s very smart, loving and silly. He loves to chase his own tail!…"

Jill wrote, "It has been a great year. Having 2 Lhasas has been a blessing. Shadow shows me so much love. She is protective in the house but goes to strangers on walks & outside. I am sorry she didn't go to you--but she loves you! I am thankful for good health and good healthy dogs."

(Note from Joyce: Jill bought Shadow after we retired her. Shadow is the dam of our Onyx. When I visited Jill in October on my way to MD to the National Specialty, Shadow wanted nothing to do with me! I did not feel sad about that at all. It is obvious she loves Jill. Shadow was probably afraid I was going to take her back to Macomb with me!)

From Barb: "Hi Joyce, Sounds like you had the perfect Christmas.  Ours was nice too. Lovie is getting so big – it’s hard to believe sometimes.  She is just the sweetest little girl…I have sent a few pictures of Lovie and her partner in crime (they are glued to each other all day long) 😊. "

Lovie

From Debra: "Happy New Year. My little Seng Kye is afraid of nothing.  Not noise, not riding in car, not the television.  He has found a chair he can jump up into.  You gave me the perfect companion.  In fact, he is a wonderful guard dog and very protective.  He is beautiful and enjoying being brushed.  I worry about the pain of the surgery.  Is there anything new to neuter him?  Technology is always advancing.  I am going to ask his vet in Indianapolis also."

(Note from Joyce: There is actually a chemical neutering process called "zeutering" since it uses a chemical called Zueterin.)

Carolyn wrote, "Paddy is doing beautifully.  We had a house full of friends and family, and Paddy and the standing rib were hits of the gathering. He is such a love and everyone just adored him…Paddy is healthy,happy, and full of fun and energy.  He and his two pals, Morgan and Marshal play, run, eat, then snooze together. He is a joy and Loves everyone, including his groomer.   promise a picture{s} soon. How are his litter mates doing? Well, I am sure.  Happy New Year to you and your. Many good wishes for your upcoming shows and puppies."
Krista wrote: "Hi Joyce, it's been awhile since I have sent an update on Winston so here we are.  He is now an uncle to my daughter's new baby.  See attached he loves her very much!  We have to watch him though tends to get a little too close as you can see lol…He's a beautiful dog and I get compliments on him all the time. He is a big clown and chicken butt when it comes down to it. There isn't a day that he doesn't make me laugh and smile. The cat still isn't a big fan but she plays slightly with him.  She's the boss and let's him know when enough is enough though. He's been a very good boy and loves his mommy maybe to much, ha ha ha!  He's really getting spoiled now though because I started working from home this summer so he's so used to me being around.  He does go to day care in the mornings 3 times a week so he has play time and we go to the dog park often.  His health has been excellent and he's doing good with grooming as long as he doesn't see me.  I tried doing it myself a couple of times but the booger keeps laying down and falling asleep and I had a hell of mess with the hair so I just take him to groomer now it's worth it. Well I hope you enjoyed the e-mail and pics!  Just know he is well taken care of and loved very much!"

Winston with his new love

From Barb and Kevin:  "Yep, Ryder (changed his name from Ridley - people kept thinking we were saying Wrigley) is scheduled for his neutering on Jan 16.  I’ll send you the paperwork after it’s complete. He and Kamper have become great buddies! Ryder really looks up to Kamper - they love to play and follow each other everywhere. They’re both just finishing up doggy classes and have done very well with learning all the new commands. Ryder has a really great personality - very social and playful. Kamper is more reserved, but he’s definitely our snuggler. So thankful we added another puppy to our clan!"

Ryder

Ryder with Kamper, both Joyslyn's dogs

Sally wrote. "I wanted to send you a couple pictures of Ginger. She's growing like a weed, she weighs 8.6 pounds…She is really so much fun and she likes the snow still. She & Bob's dog Dixie get lots of playing time in. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!"

Ginger the Snow Bunny

Ginger

Mary sent a photo of Gave in her Christmas card. Gabe is Rafe's litterbrother.

Gabe

Violet sent this photo of Shadow (littermate to Bekka and Chance):

Shadow

 Sharon sent a photo of her Giza, who must be at least 13 years old now. She is the daughter of our Secret who was 16 in August. Sharon wrote, "Giza got an ulcer in her eye last Jan. We took her to a pet vet eye doctor in Crestwood (up north). The eyes are clear now but she gets drops for dryness several times a week. She is getting older which makes me sad but she has not lost her spunk. As always, I don't know what we would do without her. So I put coats on her to go outside and give her lots of kisses!"

Giza

Thanks again to all who wrote and shared photos. I love posting them and sharing them on the blog.


Other Things
To those on the waiting list: It is hard to be patient, but please bear with me. We have breedings planned but all the girls are late with their seasons and that has really thrown the schedule off for the spring. If you are on my list and find a puppy from another breeder, please let me know. I totally understand.

My friend, Mary, has a four year old Champion female (spayed). This is Riley. She has had one litter and Mary is seeking a pet home for her. Riley does not like to share her space with other dogs, so the new home must be one where Riley is the only pet. Riley is clipped down now, but here are photos of her when she was being shown. She is Ch. Joyslyn's Wind of the Spirit. Her sire is Ch. Joyslyn's Highly Classified (Duncan) and dam is Ch. MLS Dakota Dancing in the Wind at Joyslyn (Windy). Send me an email if you are interested.

Riley with me at a show

Riley in Mary's yard

And with that I will close. Thanks for sticking with it today. I know this was a long post! Let's end with a smile.

Joyce