Well as the title speaks for itself! After a long wait, she finally came into season after our trip to Windsor - seeing Alfie again certainly seems to have done the trick.
We started to progesterone test on day 8, anticipating a retest on the following Monday (day day 12) and a trip to Alfie mid week. Sean had as soon as she came into season that we'd end up visiting Alfie on the Saturday. The children were going to Caldey Island with the youth group that morning, and it was the NSDTR breed seminar that I was booked onto. We had already organised for Sean to take the children and I was car sharing with Gerald (Cooper's dad) to the seminar. I had spoken to Gerald as soon as she came into season letting him know that there was a very slight possibility that I might have a problem as we were planning on mating her, hence I might need to change plans regarding the trip.
Well the progesterone test (Thurs pm) came back at 6.5 ng showing that she had just ovulated and was ready to go!
Panic stations then ensued with a host of phone calls, quick trips to town for last minute supplies for the children and packing.
We had kindly been offered the opportunity to stay with Meg's (Tilly's daughter) owners, and I had packed the tent to camp in their paddock. All was then organised to travel to Lincs to Alfie, then on to Nicola & Charlie's for the night before heading to Leics the following day for the seminar and then home from there.
Gerald sadly had to travel on his own, and I certainly missed his company on the long journey to Lincs.
The journey to Lincs was long and hot, and took several hours - but eventually we did arrive. We didn't get the mating that we had hoped, despite the blood results she just didn't appear ready and it was agreed to try again the following day after the seminar.
A lovely meal with Nicola and Charlie, and a good catch up and they were very persuasive in having me stay in a bed and not the tent for the night! It was certainly more comfortable, and Trio was happy being in her crate in the same room as me.
I travelled to Leics the following day and Nicola and family kindly minded Trio, much nicer than being cooped up in the car for the day. She certainly had a lovely day from what I was told on my return. The seminar was really interesting, and with a morning exam and afternoon of critique writing was quite taxing on the old brain.
It was agreed to meet again with Alfie, which we did after I'd collected Trio. Sadly I didn't get much chance to catch up with Nicola and Charlie, and the cup of tea from Charlie was much appreciated before I headed off again. To our relief we managed to get a mating, and a tie of 15 mins!!
A long drive home then to finally reach my own bed shortly before 2am!
Our local club show took place on the Saturday, sadly we had to miss this as we had already booked the seminar which was such a shame as they now put on classes for both breeds. We were delighted to be told that Eve's sister Bron - Seahaven Gloriana won BoB (only entry) but then went on to be placed in the gundog group!
We now have to be patient and wait to have Trio scanned at 4 weeks, at least it's nearly one week down.
Home of the Large Munsterlanders and NSDTRs.
Friday, 24 July 2015
Tuesday, 7 July 2015
Windsor Weekend
A busy but very enjoyable weekend spent firstly at Windsor Champ Show, and then the LMC Working Test.
An early start on Saturday enabled us to miss the heat whilst travelling, but it was incredibly hot there. We did manage to find some shade, and with a breeze blowing and cool coats managed to keep the dogs comfortable.
The day started with the Junior Handling, where Tasha and Eleanor were both entered. Both gave good performances and Eleanor was shortlisted and placed 5th in a really strong class. Trio wasn't keen on moving in the heat, and this may have contributed to Tasha not being shortlisted - though she did get more enthusiastic in the breed classes.
In breed Trio had a Reserve in Limit and then a 3rd in Open - a placing that we were delighted with.
In no time at all we were back in the ring with Eve, where she came away with a Reserve in Limit.
We left the showground mid afternoon and made our way to Hall Barn, where we were staying for the night. The tent was put up swiftly, and we were soon able to give the dogs a swim in the lake to cool off. A very pleasant evening was then spent with others camping there from the LMC, with a BBQ and general get together. Dogs and owners happily mixing together in such a pleasant location.
The Sunday started with an overcast sky, which was quite welcome considering the dogs would be working for the day. The girls were working on different tests, which made for interesting discussions on the differences in them. I was given the task of booking handlers in, which meant a very busy start, but then the opportunity to watch some of the tests. I managed to see some of the Puppy Water, Puppy Hunting, whilst the girls saw the Open Blind Retrieve & Novice Retrieve. We all managed to watch the Open Dog Water at the end of the day.
We didn't stay (although we would have loved to) for the final results and prize giving as we had arranged to stop and see Fenway and her family on the way home.
A fantastic weekend, great company on both days and two stunning venues!
An early start on Saturday enabled us to miss the heat whilst travelling, but it was incredibly hot there. We did manage to find some shade, and with a breeze blowing and cool coats managed to keep the dogs comfortable.
The day started with the Junior Handling, where Tasha and Eleanor were both entered. Both gave good performances and Eleanor was shortlisted and placed 5th in a really strong class. Trio wasn't keen on moving in the heat, and this may have contributed to Tasha not being shortlisted - though she did get more enthusiastic in the breed classes.
In breed Trio had a Reserve in Limit and then a 3rd in Open - a placing that we were delighted with.
In no time at all we were back in the ring with Eve, where she came away with a Reserve in Limit.
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| Eleanor recalling Eve |
The Sunday started with an overcast sky, which was quite welcome considering the dogs would be working for the day. The girls were working on different tests, which made for interesting discussions on the differences in them. I was given the task of booking handlers in, which meant a very busy start, but then the opportunity to watch some of the tests. I managed to see some of the Puppy Water, Puppy Hunting, whilst the girls saw the Open Blind Retrieve & Novice Retrieve. We all managed to watch the Open Dog Water at the end of the day.
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| Eve watching in the shade |
We didn't stay (although we would have loved to) for the final results and prize giving as we had arranged to stop and see Fenway and her family on the way home.
A fantastic weekend, great company on both days and two stunning venues!
Sunday, 28 June 2015
Playing the Waiting Game
Well we are trying to be as patient as possible with Trio, her season is now overdue!
She really is enjoying keeping us on ours toes, but we are all ready and set for when she does decide to come into season. All health tests have been done and she passed her annual eye test in May.
We haven't done a great deal, we have had some school commitments over some of the weekends and GCSE exams to contend with recently. Now things are starting to settle down and we can get to a few shows over the summer. We are off to Windsor Champ show on Saturday, and helping out on the Sunday at the LMC working test. Hoping that we get the predicted good weather as we're taking a small tent as it's only one night away!
Agility training has been going well, Eleanor tried Eve out at the 4th height jumps last week and she exceeded our expectations with her jumping ability. So impressed that we put up some of the jumps to full height to see how she would cope and she sailed over them. Giving us some hope that she might manage on the KC full height that she has measured into. We've only entered her in anysize classes for the one agility show that we have entered so far, so will have to see how this goes. We don't intend to rush her anyway.
Fingers crossed here for Trio, maybe if she sees Alfie at Windsor this weekend it might remind her what a handsome chap he is.
She really is enjoying keeping us on ours toes, but we are all ready and set for when she does decide to come into season. All health tests have been done and she passed her annual eye test in May.
We haven't done a great deal, we have had some school commitments over some of the weekends and GCSE exams to contend with recently. Now things are starting to settle down and we can get to a few shows over the summer. We are off to Windsor Champ show on Saturday, and helping out on the Sunday at the LMC working test. Hoping that we get the predicted good weather as we're taking a small tent as it's only one night away!
Agility training has been going well, Eleanor tried Eve out at the 4th height jumps last week and she exceeded our expectations with her jumping ability. So impressed that we put up some of the jumps to full height to see how she would cope and she sailed over them. Giving us some hope that she might manage on the KC full height that she has measured into. We've only entered her in anysize classes for the one agility show that we have entered so far, so will have to see how this goes. We don't intend to rush her anyway.
Fingers crossed here for Trio, maybe if she sees Alfie at Windsor this weekend it might remind her what a handsome chap he is.
Thursday, 11 June 2015
Cooper's latest exploits
Hi to all my friends out there. Just a short update on a couple of the last shows I've been to.
On 29 May I went to the Southern Counties Show held in Newbury. I can tell you - the air in the car turned blue. Tollers were scheduled as first in the ring so we all set out on the M4 bright and early. By early I don't mean Seahaven early which is like 4 a.m. but Neath early, 5.45 a.m. So - with that early start, why did we have to sprint to the show ring? Well, you can put the blame squarely on my Dad's shoulders, who, because there was no postcode on the printed Schedule, was convinced it was held in Newbury Raceground. The actual road to the raceground was shut off for roadworks anyway, so at least three circuits of the centre of Newbury were done, taking us back via sat-nav to the same closed road, before Mam realised what was wrong and phoned Sean Black (he's always on the computer) and he looked it up for us. A mad rush then out of Newbury to the SHOWGROUND (not Raceground, right, Dad?). Mam got her asthma pump into her, a quick brush for me, then we were in our Limit Class, where I got a Second place. Panic, and the day, over by the time I'm usually going out on my walk with Dad.
Then, on 7 June I was in Three Counties Show, Malvern,but we can get there without the dreaded sat-nav. Due to paranoia after what happened in the previous Show we set out early and were the first tollers at the showground. It was a glorious day and we all sat on the grass outside. In this show I was in Open and got First place, then even better was awarded Best Dog. I couldn't do better than that on the day, a lovely bitch being awarded Best of Breed (she was actually Best Bitch in Crufts this year).
Bit of a break now until early July but I hope to spend it with a few doggie meets, so watch out Newgale!
On 29 May I went to the Southern Counties Show held in Newbury. I can tell you - the air in the car turned blue. Tollers were scheduled as first in the ring so we all set out on the M4 bright and early. By early I don't mean Seahaven early which is like 4 a.m. but Neath early, 5.45 a.m. So - with that early start, why did we have to sprint to the show ring? Well, you can put the blame squarely on my Dad's shoulders, who, because there was no postcode on the printed Schedule, was convinced it was held in Newbury Raceground. The actual road to the raceground was shut off for roadworks anyway, so at least three circuits of the centre of Newbury were done, taking us back via sat-nav to the same closed road, before Mam realised what was wrong and phoned Sean Black (he's always on the computer) and he looked it up for us. A mad rush then out of Newbury to the SHOWGROUND (not Raceground, right, Dad?). Mam got her asthma pump into her, a quick brush for me, then we were in our Limit Class, where I got a Second place. Panic, and the day, over by the time I'm usually going out on my walk with Dad.
Then, on 7 June I was in Three Counties Show, Malvern,but we can get there without the dreaded sat-nav. Due to paranoia after what happened in the previous Show we set out early and were the first tollers at the showground. It was a glorious day and we all sat on the grass outside. In this show I was in Open and got First place, then even better was awarded Best Dog. I couldn't do better than that on the day, a lovely bitch being awarded Best of Breed (she was actually Best Bitch in Crufts this year).
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| A pose for the Judge to take a Photo |
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| Someone attract his attention so he looks forward! |
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| Showing over, just chilling. |
Bit of a break now until early July but I hope to spend it with a few doggie meets, so watch out Newgale!
Sunday, 24 May 2015
Hope You're All Enjoying The May Bank Holiday!
First of all an apology! I had said that not a lot had been happening in recent weeks. What I did forget to mention was that Ziggy came to visit a few weeks ago. Ziggy is Trio's sister and although we've been in contact since she left all that time ago, we hadn't actually seen her and her owners since she left as a eight week old pup!
We had a lovely time, lots of kisses and then a good romp on the beach with sister Trio, and mum Maddie. She is so much like her mum! in looks and personality. We'd arranged a latter meet as the girls were keen to come along too and see them all again. I had hoped to meet up again later in the week but what had originally been a quiet week turned out to be exceptionally busy so this was difficult to fit in.
Will have to wait for the pics off Tasha's camera - and the reason I didn't remember (I use the pics on the phone to remind me what we've been up to!)
The bank holiday started with a beautiful day on Saturday, and with the children away for a few days we made the most of it. We took Eve out to town and the car boot sale, where she took meeting some rather strange young people in the form of the YFC (Young Farmers Club) who were dressed up in some amazing costumes in her stride. Lots of people and dogs to meet, so quite a pleasant morning.
We had planned on taking the dogs out in the afternoon but were surprised at how hot it had become so decided to wait until later in the day. We had been talking about going around Llysyfran reservoir for some time, but it's a long walk, and we knew that the children would want to go too. Anyway we decided to go ahead anyway! The dogs had a fantastic time, taking the opportunity to cool down in the reservoir or streams along the way. The whole walk is six and a half miles, and we have commented on the need to fix the GPS on the phone on to the dogs collars just to see how far they go. They certainly do at least twice as much as we walk and at a much faster pace. They only slowed down for a short period about half way round and were still running at the end. Not bad considering Maddie is nearly nine, she certainly keeps up with the younger dogs.
We had a lovely time, lots of kisses and then a good romp on the beach with sister Trio, and mum Maddie. She is so much like her mum! in looks and personality. We'd arranged a latter meet as the girls were keen to come along too and see them all again. I had hoped to meet up again later in the week but what had originally been a quiet week turned out to be exceptionally busy so this was difficult to fit in.
Will have to wait for the pics off Tasha's camera - and the reason I didn't remember (I use the pics on the phone to remind me what we've been up to!)
The bank holiday started with a beautiful day on Saturday, and with the children away for a few days we made the most of it. We took Eve out to town and the car boot sale, where she took meeting some rather strange young people in the form of the YFC (Young Farmers Club) who were dressed up in some amazing costumes in her stride. Lots of people and dogs to meet, so quite a pleasant morning.
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| They couldn't wait to go and have a dip! |
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| Having a break on the way around |
We had planned on taking the dogs out in the afternoon but were surprised at how hot it had become so decided to wait until later in the day. We had been talking about going around Llysyfran reservoir for some time, but it's a long walk, and we knew that the children would want to go too. Anyway we decided to go ahead anyway! The dogs had a fantastic time, taking the opportunity to cool down in the reservoir or streams along the way. The whole walk is six and a half miles, and we have commented on the need to fix the GPS on the phone on to the dogs collars just to see how far they go. They certainly do at least twice as much as we walk and at a much faster pace. They only slowed down for a short period about half way round and were still running at the end. Not bad considering Maddie is nearly nine, she certainly keeps up with the younger dogs.
Saturday, 16 May 2015
Nothing exciting!
Well the weeks are passing us by and summer seems just around the corner for us now!
We took all of the dogs to Aberystwyth Show on the bank holiday weekend and were delighted to be awarded Best of Breed in both breeds - Eve and Trio doing exceptionally well in their respective classes. The girls did well in the handling, we didn't stay till the end for the stakes classes as these would have been quite late in the day.
Off to the National the following weekend, a very early start due to the YKC stakes beginning at 8.30 am! It was a show with very mixed results for us, but that dog showing for you - win some, loose some. For the first time in ages Eve left the ring without anything!
However we were there to support two of Tilly's puppies making their showing debuts. Tegan (Seahaven Bewitched by Cedarlake) and Pippa (Seahaven Magic Spell) both qualifying for Crufts 2016 at their first show! Tegan with a 2nd and Pippa with a 3rd in minor puppy and then a 2nd in puppy! It was a lovely day seeing these two again, and they seemed to enjoy the show environment and especially the chance to have a romp together after they'd finished in the ring.
We fared slightly better in the Large Munsterlander ring! Trio (Seahaven Borrowed Heaven) was awarded Res in Limit Bitch in a really strong class. Tasha also had her entered in the handling where they were shortlisted from a good entry and came away again with a Reserve.
We also took the opportunity to have Trio's eyes tested in preparation for mating her last month (hopefully she comes into season as planned!) where she passed.
It was a lovely day catching up with some of the Seahaven family and friends, we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
We took all of the dogs to Aberystwyth Show on the bank holiday weekend and were delighted to be awarded Best of Breed in both breeds - Eve and Trio doing exceptionally well in their respective classes. The girls did well in the handling, we didn't stay till the end for the stakes classes as these would have been quite late in the day.
Off to the National the following weekend, a very early start due to the YKC stakes beginning at 8.30 am! It was a show with very mixed results for us, but that dog showing for you - win some, loose some. For the first time in ages Eve left the ring without anything!
However we were there to support two of Tilly's puppies making their showing debuts. Tegan (Seahaven Bewitched by Cedarlake) and Pippa (Seahaven Magic Spell) both qualifying for Crufts 2016 at their first show! Tegan with a 2nd and Pippa with a 3rd in minor puppy and then a 2nd in puppy! It was a lovely day seeing these two again, and they seemed to enjoy the show environment and especially the chance to have a romp together after they'd finished in the ring.
We fared slightly better in the Large Munsterlander ring! Trio (Seahaven Borrowed Heaven) was awarded Res in Limit Bitch in a really strong class. Tasha also had her entered in the handling where they were shortlisted from a good entry and came away again with a Reserve.
We also took the opportunity to have Trio's eyes tested in preparation for mating her last month (hopefully she comes into season as planned!) where she passed.
It was a lovely day catching up with some of the Seahaven family and friends, we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
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| Dogs being dogs! Amazing how they can attend a show the following day! |
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| Cooper keeping a watchful eye on proceedings |
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| Pippa and Tegan! |
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| Such well behaved puppies! |
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| Now we want to have some fun! |
Sunday, 10 May 2015
Just a Few Pics!
I don't have anything remotely interesting to update with, just wanted to share some photos of Rookie from the last couple of months!
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| Seahaven's Celtic Commander of Hartenziel, 3 years old |
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