The Gems are ONE!

As I get these updates ready to share, I am so struck by the reality that each of the Gems landed in the most magically perfect home for them.

Han Solo Sapphire is living his best life in Minnesota with his grandfather, Ferguson, his Aunt Halley, and his wonderful human family ❤️

Tricia shares,“Han is the happiest puppy. He always seems to have a literal smile on his face. And he loves to cuddle. The perfect pup-pup!

We have been stepping back into tracking training, he is so proud of himself when he reaches the end and finds the “Jackpot”. Mainly, I think, because he loves the treats. He has also started some more beginner drafting practice by wearing his harness and walking next to the big dogs. He is a natural brace partner already.

He was a joy to have on the trip out west for the Nationals. He loves car rides and meeting people. The picture of him and Starry with their New Title Ribbons is one of my favorite pictures of all time. Sooo happy ALL the Time!

He continues to grow and to be healthy. His next ECHO will be this fall.”

Thank you, Tricia and Dave, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAN SOLO SAPPHIRE! 💙🎂

Next up — Oregon Boy Tommy Topaz 💙 Jennifer writes,”I truly don’t know what to say about Tommy. 

I’ve wanted another of my very own Berner boys since losing my Kaibab boy Cooper years ago.  Cooper was my heart dog and although I never thought anything could fill the hole he left, I never imagined how close Tommy would come in one short year.  He is so special.  Genuinely a gift.  I can’t imagine loving a dog more.

Without taking anything from Cooper, he’s become another heart dog.  He’s the kindest most trusting puppy.  He has an old soul with patience that goes on forever.

He wants to be friends with every animal he comes across and his disappointment when something doesn’t want his attention is like a physical thing. 

Named after my dad, who passed away very unexpectedly almost two years ago and carrying the weight of a past Berner boy who was so perfect in my heart, Tommy has healed in such unexpected ways and as though he knows that was why he’s here. 

Thank you so much, Mary-Ann, for trusting me with this beautiful boy.”

Much gratitude to Jennifer and family, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMMY TOPAZ 🥳💙

Perfect homes for those puppies, who both so deserve all the love they live with each and every day 🩷

Tomorrow — Jasper and Starry G 💙🩷

Birthday Overload

Okay — I just realized that we have to wrap-up the Wildflowers b-day because we start another one tomorrow! I will add Zeus to this post when his update arrives — Penny let me know they have been very busy but it is coming 🥳

Lisa shares: “Lucy is just as amazing as always, and hasn’t slowed down a bit! 

Her favorite toys are still hide and seek, the latest is a carrot with bunnies inside. 

She has Berner friends in Driggs and the humans and the dogs love having her when we can’t take her with us on a trip. 

She’s never been one for dog beds but she loves the big poof at the cabin. 

She’s always as close as she can get to her humans and we love having her!”

Thank you, Lisa and family, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCY!!

Pozy at six!

She is recovering well from her recent meniscus tear/surgery and is back to being my best early morning walking partner 🩷

Pozy is kind, devoted, and a super picker-upper of all things.

She has been with me through thick and thin — I adore her and celebrate Pozy every single day 🎂

❤️

Points and a Big Ribbon and KIDS

We have three more Wildflower birthday updates and I know they are on the way — and that Pozy is great! — so we will wait and do all three at once 🎂

I did a quick trip to Missoula where Capella and Starry were THRILLED to see their favorite kids again.

Capella got a second Novice B obedience leg with another High in Trial and a score of 197.

I had hoped we would get that third leg on Saturday but instead I asked to be excused from the ring. Capella was not engaged and as I have reflected on this, I think it was because of me.

About thirty minutes before the run, someone said something to me. I see now it was a passive-aggressive, said with a smile, comment that got in my head and upset me. Like someone from another team trash-talking in a basketball game but sneaky and unsettling because it caused me to think, “Wait — was that as mean as it felt?” and “Did that person intend to be so insulting?” and so on.

And so I was in my head trying to decide what was meant and how to feel about it all and clearly Capella felt that. Being in a ring is already a lot for a dog, and when your human is not being a good partner — well, Capella didn’t want to play that day.

Fair enough. I learned some good lessons and how can one be disappointed about another Novice B leg with a super score and a second High in Trials?!

I am not sure if we will have a chance to get that third leg anytime soon because I intend to stay home until it is time to travel for Capella’s breeding (likely July but 🤷🏼‍♀️) and if that works, the fall will be all about puppies.

Capella also picked up more points towards the Bronze Grand Championship.

And Starry G is now pointy! She was Best of Winners one day and Reserve Winners twice. It was a small show but the competition was very nice so I am darn happy with how the beauty pageant side of things went as well.

I was gone 13 nights in May — I am officially traveled out!

Happy Tuesday!

❤️