A Few Web Updates

This morning while walking down the driveway to try to spot a fat cottontail that Victor had seen when he went out to feed the horses, I came upon a sparkling, dewey spiderweb. Feeling the moment, I went and retrieved my Rebel from the kitchen counter where I had left it after taking new pictures of the "Boogie Babies" that remain here. I then promptly learned that it is a pain to attempt to take a picture of an arachnid's homey creation because the camera will not focus on its delicate filaments - but instead (in this case) the crape myrtle behind it. After a few failed attempts, I resorted to placing my hand in front of it and swiftly removing it as I snapped the shot - hoping autofocus wouldn't adjust again. I managed a few neat-o shots. I do have an album of non-dog-related shots on the Gryffyn's Aeyrie website that you can view here.


We also managed to update pictures of some of the dogs on our web site. Fawn (formerly known as "Pockets") was at the house visiting for a few days, so we took some nice new pictures. Also updated ones for Peepers, Zander as well as shots sent to us of Axl and Tripp. There is a list of updates with direct links here.

Potter Time

This weekend we got to be quaint and act like "normal" folks since we had no doggie events to attend (having missed entering the Longview shows before the limit was reached). Since the numbers are historically small we figured it was no great loss anyway.

Saturday I spent the day off. REALLY off. I had my nose in the most recent Harry Potter saga and am currently halfway through the tome. Even though I've already taken in the summary posted at Wikipedia - I just couldn't wait since Amazon fell down on the job getting the book to me close to its release date.

On Sunday, we opted to take in a movie for once! We were certainly overdue for one - and our natural choice was moviedom's latest Harry Potter saga. We even went overboard by heading to the Studio Movie Grill so that we could eat way too much food and take in some cocktails as well - it you can call a 20 oz. mixer titled "Miami Viced Tea" as well as a huge goblet containing a frozen Mudslide "cocktails". And they don't skimp on the liquor either! The movie was MARVELOUS although a bit too condensed - they really could have added another hour to it without it becoming excruciating - there's a lot to tell in this installment. I guess I can understand why many Potter-people are disappointed with this one - the story gets darker as it moves along in each book - so surely they would realize the movies will too! I think some people are expecting the shiny, happy wonderment of the first book/movie to continue throughout the entire series. I also think they just can't believe that the young stars of this story are growing up...especially the lead, Daniel Radcliffe who has branched out into more serious projects during his breaks from Potter-work.

Amidst all this, we did manage to get some updated pictures of some of the crew here, which I hope to post soon on the site. New pix include Fawn (formerly known as Pockets) spent several days with us while her 'mom' Susan travelled - so we got some nice shots of her; Zander, who will be heading to BC, Canada soon, and is now in the midst of a coat change and has oodles more black tipping; and Peepers, who is quite the elegant little black whirlwind, who still does not appreciate the ability to stand still and stacked! Much too serious work for her!

New Web Site - SCBC

I recently completed the redesign of the site for the South Central Bloodhound Club, a breed specialty club and rescue serving several states.


You can check their site out here.

Beware This Dog - the HSUS

Yes - I said beware of the HSUS. Beware of their fundraising tactics. HSUS is becoming more and more anti-breeder....even anti-pet-owner....as they become more and more like PeTA. I have even seen them referred to as "PeTA in a suit". They have a cleaner, slicker image than PeTA - but they are just as dangerous to dog breeders and pet owners - they are leaning more towards an animal rights agenda, as opposed to animal *welfare*.

Their latest cash cow - the Michael Vick indictment for conspiracy and accusations of dog fighting, and the seizure of his dogs, allegedly used in a dog fighting ring. I say "allegedly" since one is supposed to be considered innocent before proven guilty. I certainly suspect him of it personally - he's not exactly an innocent character based on past actions - and I've seen his kennel web site. HSUS is using this latest media blitz to line their coffers. They say it will be used to help in their campaign against animal fighting. That's what they SAY. Yah.....riiiiiiiight.

In their original plea for donations - they implied that they were directly involved in caring for Vick's dogs that were seized and needed money for that "care". The web site page has since changed, although one was found in the Google cache and a screenshot is available here. They have since been reported to the FBI for fraudulent solicitation.

When Katrina devastated the southern gulf coast, HSUS moved in and bullied private rescue groups who were present and working to assist pets and their owners who had been affected by the floods and other damage from the storms. They flooded the internet with requests for donations to "help these hurricane victims". They raked in millions. There has been no accounting for the almost $20 million that was raised for the Katrina pets by the HSUS in that fundraising scheme. The HSUS is currently under investigation by the Louisiana Attorney General for their handling of that situation and misuse of collected funds.

HSUS doesn't even operate a shelter! They DO have corporate offices in D.C. where they happily process their donations (obtained through false pretenses, it would seem) and work with lobbyists to get legislation passed that would eliminate dog breeding...one of the first steps in eliminating the ownership of animals as pets. PeTA at least has a shelter - although according to published stats they kill 83% of the animals their shelter takes in. Although keep in mind that apparently not all of the animals they pick up even make it to their shelter! Some are killed in the back of their van and dumped in the trash bins of local businesses! Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "Don't Litter", which of course is used by animal rights organizations to discourage breeding of animals!

If you are still contemplating writing that check in response to a fundraising plea from the HSUS, take into account the following quotes from Wayne Pacelle, president of HSUS:

"I don't have a hands-on fondness for animals...To this day I don't feel bonded to any non-human animal. I like them and I pet them and I'm kind to them, but there's no special bond between me and other animals." quoted in Bloodties: Nature, Culture and the Hunt by Ted Kerasote, 1993, p. 251.

"We have no problem with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of human selective breeding." quoted in Animal People, May, 1993.

When asked if he envisioned a future without pets: "If I had my personal view, perhaps that might take hold. In fact, I don't want to see another dog or cat born." Wayne Pacelle quoted in Bloodties: Nature, Culture and the Hunt by Ted Kerasote, 1993, p. 266.

I know I am putting my pen and checkbook away!

A Few Tidbits

Uploaded many many new pictures and some other updates to the Gryffyn's Aeyrie web site. A list of updates with direct links can be found here. Included in the new pictures is this fun picture of Missi, Isaak and Junior having a three-way tug-o-war.

As for this past weekend - our efforts in both Houston and Omaha were for naught. C'est la vie! At least the company and social events in Omaha were very enjoyable. Solo performed well for Jill in Houston...but I pretty much got what I expected from the judging panel (that would be....nothing) since the Reliant shows (and the majority of their judging panel) have just gotten to be nowhere near worth the effort to attend anymore. Although I certainly miss seeing some of the good people that attend as they live in the area.

I've received some fabulous updates from a few of our extended family members! Sharon wrote:

Just wanted to let you know that Layla passed her skills class to become a therapet. She has her temperment test to pass now. Not worried about that, though. Winni and Andy just passed thier CGC and now move on to thier skills class. They are doing so great! The instructors tell me that they will all be great therapets.

Layla and Andy are sired by Tyler. Their mother is Winni. Sharon's doing great work with them!

Pam, who has Tripp from our Bruce/Luna breeding sent me the following update:

The UKC club I belong to had shows last weekend and we threw together an impromptu puppy- match. We opened it to all breeds and had 13 entries. Mr. Tripp went Best Puppy in Show!!

I've been babysitting an italian greyhound for two weeks and Saturday night, Tripp apparently claimed him as his own. He walked up to him and lifted his leg on the poor iggy's head!

Apparently he's also quite the hunter and is a menace to wandering and inattentive birds. Could really use him for the grackles around here! Although Demi's been working on that for us! Sounds like he can be a little jealous of other puppies too - poor Iggy!

ALERT - Virus Warning

This virus is called Worm Overload Recreational Killer (WORK). If you receive WORK from any of your colleagues, your boss, or anyone else via any means DO NOT TOUCH IT. This virus will wipe out your private life completely.

If you should come into contact with WORK, put your jacket on and take two good friends to the nearest grocery store. Purchase the antidote known as Work Isolating Neutralizer Extract (WINE) or Bothersome Employer Elimination Rebooter (BEER). Take the antidote repeatedly until WORK has been completely eliminated from your system.

You should forward this warning to your best drinking friends. If you do not have
best drinking friends, you have already been infected and WORK is controlling your life.

UGH - I am sooooooo infected!

Quotes for Today

Seen on a bumper sticker while driving back from San Antonio yesterday afternoon:

Who Would Jesus Bomb?

This one had me in stitches - it was in an article about reversible birth control for dogs.

"You always run into people who have an emotional attachment to their dog's
testicles," said Dr. Marty Becker, a veterinarian working in Idaho. They think it's their dog's God-given right to have his hairy jewel bag with all the goodies in it."

Now there's a visual I didn't need...."hairy jewel bag"? Oh my! But....he does speak the truth!

Full article online here

Don't Eat It! Thanks Steve!

For the somewhat easily amused - this guy is hilarious, and crazy. I secretly wonder if he participated in or created the Fear Factor "eating challenges" that were beyond nasty.

He's pretty humorous writing about this form of self-torture in his blog:
http://www.thesneeze.com/mt-archives/cat_steve_dont_eat_it.php

Victory in CA!!

Hip hip hurrah! Ass. (you know....short for "ASSemblyman"....yah, riiiiight) "Lightbulb" Levine has withdrawn, for the time being, the travesty known to dog fanciers as the "Pet Extinction Act" (which he calls the "Healthy Pets Act"). Good riddance to bad rubbish - now throw Levine in the bin too!! Better yet - neuter him! We don't need him adding to our gene pool - he has a lousy temperament!

I am not even in California (although dogs of my breeding reside there) and got fired up about this bill. Its passage would have had far-reaching effects through the nation, and I've heard hints that similar legislation will be introduced to the Texas legislature in the near future. Here's hoping that's strictly rumor! Being a member on the pet-law list (http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/pet-law/ - get on board if you want to be kept informed!!), I hear all sorts of horror stories about abuse of the law by animal control officers, as well as the propaganda spewed by the PeTA and HSUS - whose goal is to end the owning of pets in any way, shape or form. I also get to see success stories as well as see folks in action and get advice on how to act and protect my rights as a dog owner, breeder and exhibitor. I saw the initial push to contact CVMA-member vets and watched as those vets come out and speak against the CVMA who had originally put itself on the support list for AB 1634. More and more spoke out against the organization of which they were members. And success was acheived when CVMA removed itself from the support list for the bill and officially announced itself as "neutral". I believe this ended up being the death knell for Levine's "piece of work".

So three cheers for the hard-working good guys who helped get this flushed! Hip hip hurrah.

And here's my fave poster from the whole debacle. Goodness does it get its point across!!

Site Update - Ayrshire Scots

Got some updates from Cliff which are now incorporated into the Ayrshire Scots web site. Lots of new pictures in the Gallery, as well as some new items on the News page. Check it out at http://ayrshirescots.com/

Talk About Fireworks!

Well....Solo has finally ventured into the realm of true "studhood". He has (finally) physically covered a bitch <vbg>. We had done an AI with Monkee, because I wanted to be assured of pups, and we couldn't get him interested in hopping on top. He would flirt and flirt and flirt....then come over to me as if to ask "did I do it?" Um....no.

Last night I turned him and Duri out in the yard to let them play and flirt. I actually had to go and retrieve them from the far corner so I could continue on with the rest of the evening's duties - but I considered it a good sign! Especially since Duri wasn't chewing on his head when he actually mounted! So we tried in the living room this afternoon...a whole lotta work (on their parts), and flirting, and drooling, and panting. Nothing. So we put them up for a while to let them cool down while we did other things around here. We postponed Solo's trip to Jill's tonight so we could try again. He has shows Friday through Sunday, and I'm going out of town Friday morning - so it was now or never!

Brought them back out for another try this evening - and it looked like it was going to be a repeat of the matinee. So much so that Victor went outside to handle watering the dogs in the yards. Well....Solo finally managed to hit the mark (or fall in <vbg> - she's not a dainty girl)!! I couldn't help but giggle that right afterward, the sound of fireworks came from down the street and then the dogs in the house setting off into a group howl after they tied. Ta-da!

Holidaze - How We Spent the 4th

We spent the day attempting to take care of things around the disaster we call home. Victor picked up some supplies at Home Depot to fix our dryer vent. For whatever reason, the Silkens in the yard by the house/driveway think that the outside vent was put there for their own enjoyment. The latest play session(s) once again obliterated the outside cover, then the removal of the hose and various other parts through the hole. They also managed to remove a big chunk of the inside drywall. The end result was a fine entryway for flies and mosquitoes to come in at their leisure. So at least it's plugged up for now! Hopefully it will last a good long time, considering the sauna I walked into this morning while checking on laundry.

Speaking of saunas - once again the a/c has gone out in the Sprinter, yet again causing me to cuss various converters (ok....THE converter), and now once-reliable mechanics. Timing is really bad too - as I am supposed to leave for Colorado Friday morning for a series of Rarities shows (as well as delivering some Borzoi to their new homes). So we will be attempting to cram 6 Silkens and the additional passengers into the Astro van for this trip. Thanks goodness it's the Silkens and not Borzoi!

Of course we were prepping for my trip as well. Tomorrow night will be bath night for everyone to try and get them spiffed up for the show. It's an ISWS Specialty Show at one of the shows - so I'm hoping to snag a needed ISWS win on one of my guys to put towards their ISWS championship. Taking Gabe, Trouble, Kandi, Luna, Ginger, and, of course, Tyler.

Also spent a good bit of time cleaning and disinfecting the kitchen where the pups are stationed. Steam-cleaned their area (and the rest of the floors afterward) and then went over it with Lysol. We switched out ex-pens as well so we could clean the old one. Of course, the one day we really wanted it to rain some (since the old pen is stationed in the yard)....it didn't. We really wanted the pen to get a soaking after spraying it down with Lysol. Oh well...maybe tomorrow!

Also working on getting my new laptop set up. I've been installing programs throughout the day, and setting up the extensions in the Firefox browser (after I installed the browser itself) and in the Dreamweaver program. I just had to bite the bullet last night and pick it up at Sam's Club. Another Vaio with more capability than the previous one...but cheaper. Wasn't too thrilled with the Vista OS being on it....but looks like it will do. So far everything installed on it without issue, including my pedigree software - we shall see. Now maybe I can get some things done around here as far as computer work!

New Site Design - BCOA 2008

Have pretty much completed the design for the BCOA's 2008 National Specialty Show and it's now viewable online at http://borzoiclubofamerica.org/2008/. This one was certainly an experience in CSS with a fixed header and footer and 2-3 columns on the pages.

Great Analogy Fable

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.

"What food might this contain?" the mouse wondered - he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning. "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house - like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.

The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital and she returned home with a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well; she died. So many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.

The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember - when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.

We are all involved in this journey called Life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Do you still believe that PETA and other animal rights groups' activities won't affect you? There is a mousetrap in the house!

Borzoi Central Updates

Trying to catch up posting various proposed legislation information on the Borzoi Central Forums. There has been such a steady rise in laws that affect pet owners and in many instances removes our rights as property owners. Although most folks like myself do feel they're a special kind of property, but property nonetheless.

New items posted include Dover, DE; Ohio (SB 173); and Lawton, OK (Advertising Permit).

Also posted updates for CA's AB 1634 and District of Columbia.

Also posted several new events to the Events Calendar (mostly in the month of July).

New link for the Sighthound Mall Yahoo group posted in Hound Clothing and Market - Arts links pages.

New links on the Health page - canine autoimmune thyroiditis, vaccination protocol, feeding sighthounds,

New link added to the Jewelry page (a GORGEOUS brooch/pendant of a running Borzoi - the detail is exquisite!).

OKC Finale and Puppy Party

The OKC show cluster ended with a sputter for us although Sassi took Best Opposite with Victor handling her. With an 8 am ringtime it meant Victor could get an earlier start home after visiting with his friends up there.

For the weekend I hadn't managed to be very productive at all - unless you call catching up on all the SYTYCD episodes that were tivo'd [sigh]. Couldn't hold a thought for more than a few seconds so did not catch up on any needed work, much less any cleaning. Yay for chronic fatigue!

That afternoon Missi, Isaak and Junior got quickie-baths as we were heading over to the Frey's to meet up with them and Sylvi. Took plenty of pictures, including some stacked shots and hope to get them edited and posted soon. Also have pictures from my friend Joyce from the Silkenfest specialty back in May I need to get posted.

No rest for the wicked!