WAGs For Wishes

This weekend I was involved in the annual Arizona WAGs for Wishes event which raises money for the Make a Wish Foundation.  This is the dog community's chance to make a difference.  Lots of dog events are available for the competitors as well as the general public.  It's a lot of fun and for a good cause. 

Dock Diving or Splash Dogs is always popular.  The handler throws the toy as the dog is running to the edge.  The dog dives in and retrieves it.  The distance is recorded.  These dogs love the water and it doesn't seem to matter how cold it is.  Lots of cheering from this event and lots of fun.

Agility competition was the main draw with three rings running at the same time.  We started around 8:00 and finished at 5:30 each of the three days.  Competitors set up in what looks like tent cities.  Everyone has a great time running, visiting and cheering on their friends.  The dogs love it!

Lure Coursing was another public event.  Dogs chase a target which is mechanically drawn along the ground over a specified course.  Some of the dogs really got into this while others had to have some help from their handlers.  Again, lots of fun.

In addition to these activities there was Flyball, Dog Dancing, Sheep and Goat Heading, Police Dog Demonstrations, Dogs looking for a Forever home, training demonstrations and suggestions, Delta Dog certification, vendors, photographers and other activities.

We all left covered with dust and exhausted but everyone had a wonderful time and a lot of money was raised for a worthwhile event.

The Amazing Work of Laurali

When I first found the Promotional Frenzy thread in the forum and checked in to say hello, one of the first people to welcome me and to give me some suggestions was Laurali. I found her shop and was amazed by her work.  You really need to go to her shop and feast your eyes on these fantastic pieces.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/laurali?ref=seller_info

Laura's visionary aspect is reflected in a closeness to nature and shines through all of her pieces. Her talent, expertise and professionalism show not only in the wonderful artwork itself, but in the finishing and presentation of each piece.  Autumn Peace Tree is one of my favorites. \http://www.etsy.com/listing/28494740/autumn-peace-tree-10x10-original

Laura also makes Art Pendants handcrafted from her work. http://www.etsy.com/listing/60440047/shinto-lantern-in-bamboo-forest-pendant

Mermaid at Santa Cruz is a wonderful example of some of Laura's Fantasy work featuring Mermaids and Ghosts.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61493088/mermaid-at-santa-cruz-original-fantasy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64975408/lenore-by-an-olive-tree-5x7-print-ghostAnd the Crows...I love the Crows.

Some of My Favorite Things...

These are a few of my favorite 'wish list' items...things I love...things that make me curious (how did they do this) and things that touch my soul.

Galla15  and her button necklaces...fascinating and beautiful.  Who knew that buttons could be so glamourous?







Giftbearer with her fantastic and unique metalwork.  Out of this world!

JQJewelryDesign whose work takes my breath away with its beauty.

Thank you all for enriching my life.

Herding Reunion

I went out to a ranch today to visit with some old herding friends who were there for a seminar.  I hadn't seen many of them for ages and it was great fun visiting and catching up on everything.

I wish I had taken my camera.  There were lots of different breeds of dogs working sheep, ducks and cattle.  The cattle were pretty young and hornless so it wasn't so scary.

The instructor was very good and shared lots of information about the way the different animals reacted to the presence of handler and dog.  If the handler did as she said, the dog was able to move the stock where it was supposed to be without confusion.  It's not supposed to be a rodeo but is supposed to be done quietly and efficiently.   Of course, this was 'dog broke' stock and wild stock can't be depended up on to be quite as cooperative. 

Here are a couple of pictures of Tuff working some ducks nicely and calmly and then one showing what happens when he pushes them too hard and too fast.  The ducks start quacking and flapping.  If they get too irritated, they will run at the smaller dogs.  Very funny.  Attack trained ducks.  These ducks are not abused.  The dogs are not allowed to hurt them.

This picture shows Rooster doing a good job of bringing a set of sheep to the handler as part of his competition run.  This was last March when we did have a camera.

While we were at the ranch today, one of the ewes (not being worked, of course) gave birth to twin lambs.  They were light brown and very cute.  I wish I had remembered that darned camera.

I had only gone up for the day so had to leave mid afternoon but it was worth the trip.

Promises, Promises

I promise to get busy on this blog.  It has been seriously neglected, poor thing.  I'm home this weekend and will get busy.

I promise.  

While you're waiting, you can look at this cute Pembroke Welsh Corgi youngster.  Isn't she darling?  She thinks so, too.

Marianne