The Daily Q: Shipwrecked

Jack and Kathy officially live in two places but found themselves unexpectedly living in yet a third place — Kathy sends us this report:

“We came to San Diego for a two day trip on January 31, and  we got caught up in a family emergency.  Like Gilligan’s Island,  we are still here three months later with no immediate end in sight. Now we are on strict stay at home orders.  Fortunately we have these two guys who manage to brighten each day.  

Zimmer (Sparkler) and iPup, Ava

It’s nice because when you are stuck on “ground hog day,” they bring a little bit of diversion and calm.  They brighten each and every day.  At a time when we must count our blessings, they are certainly right up there at the top.

Ashlee leads us in yoga three times a week by FaceTime.  The dogs participate a little too actively.  Then I read stories to Hal.  He loves it!  We also play family games via Zoom once a week and have a family get together once a week where we have celebrated four birthdays this past month.  The dogs even talk to one another from house to house.  They are especially interested in Abbie (Sparkler).  We are so fortunate to have means of getting together virtually.”

Thank you, Kathy!

I LOVE the idea of virtual family yoga and am going to suggest it to our family yoga instructor. Sharing ideas about how we are coping is what this community series is all about — keep those updates and photos coming!

Monday Round-Up

I always hesitate to overly recognize a dog, fearing that others will think ribbon-related accomplishments are what matters to me.

How can I adequately convey that what I value for our Kaibab dogs are interesting lives, and that I know well there are so many ways that can be achieved. I fear that my words may not be adequate — but I mean that most sincerely.

Abbie’s interesting life involves being a canine big sister to Hal, and being loved to pieces by her humans. Ze.D is beloved by his two dads and has an extended canine and feline family as well; he also gets more exercise than most of his littermates — or any of us! Abbie and Ze.D’s lives as valued family members and companions are not less-than simply because there are no ribbons or recognition for their accomplishments.

Creating puppies that have the abilities needed to fit into family and community life is no small feat, and the measure of our success in achieving that goal is in the charmed lives those dogs live as beloved companions to wonderful humans. There may not be ribbons for those dogs — but just know there is plenty of appreciation for their wonderful lives.

Ruthie, Jordan, Zimmer, Lucas, and Tika are leading their humans on wonderful learning adventures. Each of those teams will be reflecting their interesting lives through continued participation in dog events.

Every Sparkler is in his/her perfect home and living his/her perfect life.

It is also true that as a reputable and ethical breeder of Bernese Mountain Dogs, the dogs who are actively competing are our “face” in the larger breed community. The competing dogs are the more visible proof in the pudding, so to speak, about how we are doing in achieving our commitment and responsibility to produce Berners who accurately reflect the Breed Standard.

Kiri is one of the Sparklers who carries a particularly heavy mantle in this regard. Actively competing in both the breed ring and performance events, Team Kiri represents us as breeders, and our larger Kaibab Community — especially, the Sparklers (our J Litter).

Team Kiri is giving our community much to celebrate together, and she is representing Team Sparklers well. Over the weekend Kiri (always owner-handled) picked up six more points towards her Bronze Grand Championship — only nine more points to go (a dog needs 100 for Bronze).

Last weekend Kiri earned her AJP (an excellent level agility title) plus her first PACH points.

And we recently learned that Kiri is the BMDCA’s Top Novice Agility Dog AND the Top Open Agility Dog for 2019.

WOWZA.

This is Kiri and her uncle Tristan (iPup) in their holiday photo showing off their excellent core strength…

Congratulations to Team Kiri — and thanks for making the rest of us look good from the comfort of our pile of snow…

Claire resting after hearing about her sister’s recent activities!

Happy Monday doing whatever fun and interesting things you have planned for today.

A Sparkler Birthday!

I thought it would be fun to see the Sparkler photos in a slide show — and it is! But I cannot figure out how to label with names so you will have to guess!

Lori sends us this Ruthie Update: “Ruthie has grown into a lovely, loving, sweet and versatile girl. This has been a busy year for her, learning new skills and having fun adventures. In April she earned her Novice Draft Dog title in her first ever draft test. We have been training for obedience and hope to enter our first trial early in the new year. 

She became quite the swimmer this year at "our" lake in Maine. She is seldom on leash when we are there because she stays with me and has a reliable recall. I love being able to give her that freedom.

Her temperament is outstanding, being particularly kind to timid dogs and puppies. Ruthie is incredibly snuggly and never misses an opportunity to climb into my lap, where she is most welcome.

We wish all her Sparkler siblings a super happy 3rd birthday!”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUTHIE!

Ashlee sends us this report about Abbie: “We can’t even believe that Abbie is 3!!! Happy Birthday sweet girl!!  She is just the best!! She loves playing with her little brother and is quiet the babysitter.  She’s always up for a romp, a walk, a snuggle, a snack or just a good lean.  We love her so!! She keeps us company, she keeps us safe and she makes us laugh.  What would we do without her.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBIE!

Kay and Sue report about Lucas: “How can our baby Lucas be 3 already? He’s such a sweet boy and lots of fun. He loves to spin and twirl. His favorite game is bringing me leaves and sticks as presents so I will give him a weenie treat. Unfortunately, Lucas lost his playmate and best friend Micah this week so we'll be busy keeping him entertained. We're spending the holidays at home (and I do like a green Christmas). We wish all of the Sparklers and their people a wonderful holiday season.”

Condolences to them on the loss of sweet Micah and HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCAS! Bittersweet indeed.

Alison sends us this Kiri update: Kiri reminds us daily of how much practice she puts into perfecting the essence of being adorably cute. Her specialty is upside down with a toy in her mouth, a huge grin and a wagging tail. She LOVES snow, the deeper the better, and Mother Nature indulged her in early December with 28" through which she bounded, tunneled, pounced and bounced with unbridled joy.  Her regular indoor wrestling matches with Uncle Tristan reliably rearrange both furniture and rugs. Outside, they target and chase each other with astounding speed and athleticism. Kiri is a dedicated bed puppy and frequently joins us for most of each night. She is a superior heater puppy whether curled close in bed or on my feet in the evenings. Cuddle dog deluxe. We will always be delighted that Ms Chalice Peak came to NH to remain close to Tumble Mountain.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kiri!

Kathy sends us our Zimmer report: “Zimmer is a goofie, freckle-faced boy.  We have had a very eventful year and consequently formal training has taken a backseat.  We have retired, sold our home of 45 years, and moved to two different states.  We split our time between Wickenburg, AZ and Kansas City and have driven between them many times.  We are in San Diego for Christmas.  Luckily Zimmer is an excellent traveler and has been a wonderful companion to our 7 year old, 5 year old, and 18 month old grandsons.  What a wonderful temperament.  We look forward to a New Year with more time spent on training and fun.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Zimmer!

Tony sent along photos of Ze.D — can you tell which ones are him? HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ze.D!