Calendar Stars

Mare Stare is where I host my web cam when we have pups. They also have a 501.c charity called Mare Stare Cares to help people with unexpected and enormous vet bills that arise from foaling. As a fundraiser, every year they do a calendar with photos of Mare Stare clients.

This year, the month of February features Visions Cardigan Welsh Corgis! We have three photos in a collage:

1. Our handsome Luther

2. 5 of the Dream pups at about 12 weeks old:
Star, baby Luther, Roxy, Destiny & Honor-Bug

3. Sabrina's last litter at about 4 weeks old, sleeping in typical Cardi fashion:
Magnet, Emma, Darla & Inky

Please click for more informnation and a preview of the calendar which also includes the most adorable mini donkeys, goats, and of course, horses of all sizes.

Thank you everyone

I want to thank all of you - your comments mean so much to us. It has been a crazy week, but good things are to come.

Hugs to all,
Holly

Very, very sad. Three weeks is way too short.

We are very, very sad. We helped Brandy leave this world at 12:30 am today. She was FINE this morning, but didn't want her pepperoni wrapped pills tonight or her dinner. When we were watching TV she never joined us but stayed in front of the fireplace. She then relieved herself without moving and could not get up. At this point I checked her gums and they were white. We had to carry her to the car in a blanket sling as she could not walk. The ER vet felt a mass in her abdomen and did a quick ultrasound to confirm her spleen was in very bad shape. We lost our last GSD 3.5 years ago to the same thing. And it happened just as quick.

Just two days ago she finally started to play in the yard and felt good enough to try to jump up on me. I am still in shock.

For this Thanksgiving we are so very thankful for knowing and loving such a sweet, gentle soul. I so wish our time together was longer. Three weeks was all we had together and my heart is aching.

Bette!

CT-ATCH Visions The Marked Woman OAP AJP NFP

Adored by Kris & Frank Jansen

What a FABULOUS team!!!!

*CT-ATCH is CPE's Enthusiast Agility Trial Championship.

A good day!

Not solid purple, but the purple & whites are very sweet when you have very nice competition and a judge who is really trying hard and making you work for your placing!

Magnet was 1st in BBE and RWD to a major. WD was a lovely red male from the open class, Suncliffe Nonquitt At Dirigo. We did get nice compliments from the judge, and I agree with her, that Magnet needs a bit of maturity.

Star was 2nd in BBE/RWB to a major. WB/BOW was a lovely Fudge x Wynona daughter, Puddleduck Solas Smoke & Mirrors. The judge had a very hard time deciding between the two.

It was a good day even though we did not get top honors. Reserve to lovely dogs does make it a good day.

Cardigans from 40 years ago...

A friend shared a 1969 issue of The Cardigan News Bulletin. I wanted to share a couple photos from that issue.

From an advertisement from Winsdown Kennels...


and in article regarding English Show News was this dog...


and compare them to present day...

CH Visions I Have A Dream PT CGC "Luther"

Remembering Dad

Philip "Red" Goldman
January 15, 1926 - November 17, 1979

It's hard to believe 30 years have gone by. This is one of the only photos of "just the two of us" as my dad was always the photographer. Our time together was way to short.

APPLAUSE to great repro vets!

I want to say it has been a pleasure to work with a GREAT repro clinic about an hour from my home.

I missed shipping to a bitch last year using a the local vet. We had a trial collection at this facility but it was in an exam room and that was fine. When it came down to "D Day", they put us in the euthanasia room for Luther's collection. Luther said "no way" and it was a nightmare.

So I found a repro vet. They are exceptional. Luther has been there twice for "trial runs" with no issues. Yesterday we went for the "real deal". Luther couldn't wait to go in the exam room and everything went fine. This facility uses Sperm Vision for semen evaluation. The resulting report is 4 pages long, and even has a photo of the spermies included! No mix up on males with this facility as THEY take a photo of the dog that is included on the report. They also kept a small sample of the extended semen in their fridge as a "control", to check if there was an issue with the shipped sample. As far as cost go, they were very reasonable considering the professionalism and attention to detail that the gave.

The receiving vet was beyond estatic with the "package" and report. The "Little Luthers" arrived in great condition and hopefully more Luther puppies will be arriving in 60 days or so!

Brandy is settling in...

I left Brandy home today all day while I had to take Luther to the repro vet, go to FedEx, etc. Brandy CRIED & HOWLED when I left the house. I felt so bad but I couldn't drag her with me today. Tonight, she offered me a PAW!! I am so glad she is settled in and bonding with me.

Photographing her has it's challenges.

She is always "in my face"

Or sleeping, on the new throw rug...

or on her blankie...

WOW!

The concert was AWESOME!!! If you love true a capella talent mixed with a dash of humor, you must see Straight No Chaser! All 10 came out and signed their CDs! We bought all three. The finale was a non-mic rendition of O Holy Night which was just... PERFECT!

They are a must see!

Straight No Chaser

Leonard bought us tickets for the concert tonight!

Here is a sneak-peak:

Luther puppies!!

Are expected the first week of January!!

Group Placer CH Visions I Have A Dream PT CGC, "Luther"

Visions Just Imagine, "Emma" 6 points, including a 4 point major & BOB win

We are SO EXCITED about this blue & black breeding.

Sweet Brandy

We are back from the vet. She is now on three medications which should make her feel so much better. She is resting comfortably.

I was able to contact the vet the rescue group used with her, since she was there 1 month ago there was no need to duplicate tests, etc. The surprise is Brandy is 14! We hope to keep her content and happy for quite a while longer.

I want to thank all of you for your comments. Your support means a lot. We are just so happy to be able to help another dog during their golden years.

Bringing Home Brandy!

Meeting Micaela & Brandy

It was a long day, and two long car rides for Brandy, but she is now HOME. I brought 3 of the short dogs with me to meet her at the neutral place. On the way back, Sabrina rode loose with her in the middle of the Element, sharing a dog bed. She is such a sweet, dignified lady!

Brandy is larger than what was originally estimated - my guess is a 65-70 lb dog when in good condition. She is a little thin, and with 3 small meals a day I think we can get her into a good weight. Her coat is gorgeous! And she now wears a beautiful Lupine collar.

I can tell she is VERY sore from arthritis. As soon as the vet clinic opens, I am going to see if I can get her in today. She needs something to make her more comfortable.

Everyone here accepted her. Not even a hiss from the cats. I have most of the corgis loose with her in the livingroom and they all respect her space. Baby Zsa Zsa has been trying to initiate play with Brandy, and seems quite confused when our old lady doesn't respond.

I am also working with the wonderful animal communicator, Sage Chapman, who helped when Eva was lost. I hope we can show this wonderful "old lady" love and happiness for the rest of her life.