OK. I've allowed myself to be sucked in. (Thanks, Kim!) Join me as I attempt to blog every day for the month of November during NaBloPoMo (see http://nablopomo.ning.com/ for details). Here's hoping the dogs will provide lots of material; otherwise, I may have to resort to blogging about other, less interesting topics.
I'm sure comments would help me stay motivated during this adventure...
C'mon...don't you want to know if I make it?
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Countersurfing and Other Clumber Pastimes...
Well, in Kim's recent comment, she asks whether "Mr. Woo" is leaving the cords alone. The short answer is...yes. We have not lost any cords to Wooster in the 4.5 years he's lived with us. This is a good thing. That being said, however, although Wooster did not introduce us to that Clumber spaniel phenomenon called "countersurfing," he does elevate the sport to new heights!
I distinctly recall Jenni telling us, upon transferring Wooster to our care, that countersurfing was "not his first love." Perhaps not, in a land (such as I imagine Jenni's kitchen) with clean and empty counters. However, in the land of Jennifer & Michael, not so much. In this land, Wooster takes every opportunity to explore the great expanse of my countertops. I do notice a decided drop in such visitations during phases where the countertops are emptier (thus less tempting), presumably since there are fewer rewards awaiting during those times.
Since Wooster's arrival, we have lost innumerable sticks of butter and loaves of bread along with various utensils (one of which we later pieced together CSI-style to make sure no pieces were inside the dog).
Then there were Wooster's other food-related exploits. Like the time I hid a bag of ground coffee in my briefcase, since it would have given away the imminent arrival of guests for an upcoming surprise birthday party for Michael (we don't drink coffee). We arrived home from the party to find most of the coffee spread over the dining room floor and Wooster high as a kite. Fortunately, we determined he had not ingested enough of it to harm himself. I'm also fond of recounting (in retrospect-- though quite terrified at the time) the time Wooster opened the lazy susan cabinet to find the large canisters of flour that I had stored there. Who knew that flour mixed with Clumber drool makes quite a sticky dough that can coat any surface, including Clumber whiskers and laminate flooring? Well, we do now. Needless to say, the flour now lives above the counters, out of reach of Clumber paws (even though Woo likes to extend his paw and then hop, thus extending his reach all the way to the back of the counter-- he's both determined and industrious!).
Wooster at least mostly-- though not entirely-- confines his tastes to food and food-related articles. (Underwear fetish? Yes, this is the dog that has to buy me new underwear every year for Christmas. If only he could actually pay for them himself, we'd be all set.) Unfortunately, Watson is not so choosy. (More on this some other time.) And why does he (Watson, that is) never seem to chew these objects before swallowing?
(Anyone with the answer to that question should feel free to comment...I could sure use the insight.)
Wooster's surfing activities have been severely curtailed since the arrival of Watson, since both dogs are now crated during the day. No doubt he's sad about this, but it is a relief to us. My new mantra is: A supervised Clumber is a healthy Clumber! Nonetheless, as Kim's comment shows, Wooster's exploits continue to be the stuff of legend among those who know him.
I distinctly recall Jenni telling us, upon transferring Wooster to our care, that countersurfing was "not his first love." Perhaps not, in a land (such as I imagine Jenni's kitchen) with clean and empty counters. However, in the land of Jennifer & Michael, not so much. In this land, Wooster takes every opportunity to explore the great expanse of my countertops. I do notice a decided drop in such visitations during phases where the countertops are emptier (thus less tempting), presumably since there are fewer rewards awaiting during those times.
Since Wooster's arrival, we have lost innumerable sticks of butter and loaves of bread along with various utensils (one of which we later pieced together CSI-style to make sure no pieces were inside the dog).
Then there were Wooster's other food-related exploits. Like the time I hid a bag of ground coffee in my briefcase, since it would have given away the imminent arrival of guests for an upcoming surprise birthday party for Michael (we don't drink coffee). We arrived home from the party to find most of the coffee spread over the dining room floor and Wooster high as a kite. Fortunately, we determined he had not ingested enough of it to harm himself. I'm also fond of recounting (in retrospect-- though quite terrified at the time) the time Wooster opened the lazy susan cabinet to find the large canisters of flour that I had stored there. Who knew that flour mixed with Clumber drool makes quite a sticky dough that can coat any surface, including Clumber whiskers and laminate flooring? Well, we do now. Needless to say, the flour now lives above the counters, out of reach of Clumber paws (even though Woo likes to extend his paw and then hop, thus extending his reach all the way to the back of the counter-- he's both determined and industrious!).
Wooster at least mostly-- though not entirely-- confines his tastes to food and food-related articles. (Underwear fetish? Yes, this is the dog that has to buy me new underwear every year for Christmas. If only he could actually pay for them himself, we'd be all set.) Unfortunately, Watson is not so choosy. (More on this some other time.) And why does he (Watson, that is) never seem to chew these objects before swallowing?
(Anyone with the answer to that question should feel free to comment...I could sure use the insight.)
Wooster's surfing activities have been severely curtailed since the arrival of Watson, since both dogs are now crated during the day. No doubt he's sad about this, but it is a relief to us. My new mantra is: A supervised Clumber is a healthy Clumber! Nonetheless, as Kim's comment shows, Wooster's exploits continue to be the stuff of legend among those who know him.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Happy Birthday, Wooster!
A belated but very happy birthday to Wooster, CH Clussexx Shining Star JH, SH!
We celebrated Wooster's 7th birthday yesterday. It's easy to remember his birthday, as it is only 1 day before our wedding anniversary. I think Michael was happy to have finished Woo's senior hunter title before his 7th birthday. I've been looking forward to this birthday myself, since 7 years is the minimum age to show in veteran classes at conformation shows. That is the only class Wooster is eligible for in AKC shows as a neutered dog (and only in specialty shows, at that!). There won't be many shows we can do, given the restrictions, but there will be a couple a year. We may also be doing some UKC or international shows, too, just for the fun of it (and assuming they don't involve large travel expenses, at least until we move the condo!).
Wooster is not your average dog. He's extremely smart-- you can always see the wheels turning in his head. Our vet says he is a "fire sign." (Kipper was an "earth sign," according to her, and I think Watson is an earth, too.) Wooster is also very busy and extremely athletic. All this means he needs a job like nobody's business, which is why it's great that Michael has done so much with him in the field!
We love you, Wooster! Looking forward to many great years together!
We celebrated Wooster's 7th birthday yesterday. It's easy to remember his birthday, as it is only 1 day before our wedding anniversary. I think Michael was happy to have finished Woo's senior hunter title before his 7th birthday. I've been looking forward to this birthday myself, since 7 years is the minimum age to show in veteran classes at conformation shows. That is the only class Wooster is eligible for in AKC shows as a neutered dog (and only in specialty shows, at that!). There won't be many shows we can do, given the restrictions, but there will be a couple a year. We may also be doing some UKC or international shows, too, just for the fun of it (and assuming they don't involve large travel expenses, at least until we move the condo!).
Wooster is not your average dog. He's extremely smart-- you can always see the wheels turning in his head. Our vet says he is a "fire sign." (Kipper was an "earth sign," according to her, and I think Watson is an earth, too.) Wooster is also very busy and extremely athletic. All this means he needs a job like nobody's business, which is why it's great that Michael has done so much with him in the field!
We love you, Wooster! Looking forward to many great years together!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Return of the...
Well, last Saturday was to have been our triumphant return to the show ring, and I was hoping t0 get our last point and finish Watson's championship. (2 bitches were entered, so if Watson had gone BW, he could have had a crossover point.) Instead, it just goes to prove that old saying about "best laid plans."
We awoke early on Saturday to bathe Watson and finish our grooming. Michael washed the dog, then took a nap while I did the blowdrying and grooming. This is our usual division of labor. Washing the dog is one of Michael's contributions to our conformation showing (an activity that is more to my liking-- he'd rather be hunting), and I might add that it is much appreciated, since the washing is not an activity that I especially enjoy.
We then set off for Freeport, IL. This was, ostensibly, a trip of about an hour and three-quarters, according to the Internets. Unfortunately, the Internets did not account for us accidentally exiting early and going through downtown Rockford, adding at least half an hour to the trip. We arrived just in time for Watson and I to exit the vehicle and find out our ring had been moved. Thankfully, the new ring was not far away and they were running a bit behind schedule. I located one of the other Clumber exhibitors who told me that the other bitch was also her dog and would not be competing. So much for our point.
In retrospect, I should have realized that Watson was quiet while waiting to go in the ring-- too quiet. Michael said later that Watson wasn't wagging his tail when the judge came over to examine him-- a dead giveaway. Although I thought he was moving rather well in spite of his obvious (in hindsight) , the judge liked the girl better on Saturday. Watson went BOS (he was the obvious-- well, only-- choice) but made a complete mess of himself not 5 minutes later when I took him out to head back to the truck. Good timing, my poor boy!
So, between the beating, lack of points, sick dog and 8 am ring time on Sunday, we decided to skip the 2 hour drive the next day. I was not at all sad about this, under the circumstances. Add to that that it was the first weekend day that we had had, at home, to ourselves, in more than a month, and it added up to an OK decision.
No shows anywhere in Wisconsin for some time, though, unfortunately. Anyone for Michigan or Indiana?
We awoke early on Saturday to bathe Watson and finish our grooming. Michael washed the dog, then took a nap while I did the blowdrying and grooming. This is our usual division of labor. Washing the dog is one of Michael's contributions to our conformation showing (an activity that is more to my liking-- he'd rather be hunting), and I might add that it is much appreciated, since the washing is not an activity that I especially enjoy.
We then set off for Freeport, IL. This was, ostensibly, a trip of about an hour and three-quarters, according to the Internets. Unfortunately, the Internets did not account for us accidentally exiting early and going through downtown Rockford, adding at least half an hour to the trip. We arrived just in time for Watson and I to exit the vehicle and find out our ring had been moved. Thankfully, the new ring was not far away and they were running a bit behind schedule. I located one of the other Clumber exhibitors who told me that the other bitch was also her dog and would not be competing. So much for our point.
In retrospect, I should have realized that Watson was quiet while waiting to go in the ring-- too quiet. Michael said later that Watson wasn't wagging his tail when the judge came over to examine him-- a dead giveaway. Although I thought he was moving rather well in spite of his obvious (in hindsight) , the judge liked the girl better on Saturday. Watson went BOS (he was the obvious-- well, only-- choice) but made a complete mess of himself not 5 minutes later when I took him out to head back to the truck. Good timing, my poor boy!
So, between the beating, lack of points, sick dog and 8 am ring time on Sunday, we decided to skip the 2 hour drive the next day. I was not at all sad about this, under the circumstances. Add to that that it was the first weekend day that we had had, at home, to ourselves, in more than a month, and it added up to an OK decision.
No shows anywhere in Wisconsin for some time, though, unfortunately. Anyone for Michigan or Indiana?
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Iowa Hunt Tests - Success!
We spent this weekend in rural Iowa, at the spaniel hunt test sponsored by the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America. We had a great time. The weather was near-perfect. We saw lots of corn, of course, but also cows, sheep, horses, a flock of vultures, an eagle, and dogs. Spaniels, to be precise-- lots of them! Words used to describe the setting included "pastoral" and "bucolic." (Hey, I don't get to use these words very often, and they are, in this case, accurate.)
The club put on a very nice, well-organized event. It was obvious that a great amount of planning had gone into laying out the various courses on the field and in the water, and the forethought was much appreciated. Randy Capsel and test secretary Cheryl Clark also invited all participants to a turkey fry at their farm on Saturday evening, which provided (in addition to yummy turkey and trimmings!) a nice opportunity to socialize with the test crowd. Often there is no organized social event in the evening (understandably, given the amount of effort that goes into organizing a test and the amount of energy both organizers and participants put in during the day), and this gave everyone a nice chance to get to know some new people who share a common interest in field training their dogs. We enjoyed cheering on old friends and making some new ones, too.
Saturday, there were about 14 entries. I was a little concerned, because the course was bordered by a roadway, but they had angled the course away from the road, and it never was a problem. Wooster was near the front of the pack, so it was still nice and cool when he and Michael took the field. Wooster had two beautiful flushes, but for some reason, all of yesterday's birds flew toward the gallery, making it impossible for the gunners to shoot. Poor Woo! So, they pitched a dead bird for him, which he dutifully brought to Michael. Best of all, when Michael called him off on the 2 flyaways, he responded INSTANTLY! I didn't have a great view of the hunt dead, so it was a little nerve-wracking for me to see Michael directing him without being able to see the dog doing his thing. It was a great relief to see him heading back in to Michael with the bird firmly in his mouth. The water available at this test was beautiful. The entry was somewhat steep, and there were some decoys in the water (to simulate a duck-hunting scenario). Wooster went right in, ignored the decoys, got the bird and came back. Again, I didn't have the best view, and I thought he had come directly back. However, I later learned that there was a shoe sticking out of the mud that Wooster went to investigate briefly. However, he did finish the retrieve quite handily after that. Michael then "retrieved" the shoe (couldn't resist the pun) so that it wouldn't be a distraction to the other entrants.
Today they had a much smaller number of participants. the cover in the field they used today was somewhat heavier, and there were some trees. This was quite different from most of the tests we've been to, but I thought it also realistic (in that you might not always have a clear field). Wooster trailed the first bird a good distance, then put it up. The gunner, in what looked like quite a heroic shot from the gallery's perspective, brought it down right away, and Wooster easily retrieved it. He trapped the second bird, but fortunately, it did not try to "resist," as the bird in Michigan had done. I could see it flapping a bit, but he brought it back with very little hesitation and did not "chomp" it. (Good boy!) I didn't think his work today on the hunt dead was his best performance in that task, as I thought he might have taken a better line from Michael; however, he did locate the bird in short order. Finally, he had another beautiful water entry. The course was set up at a slight angle, so it was no surprise to me that he elected to swim the shorter distance to the bank and walk back aroun the pond to get to Michael. Again, however, he did complete the retrieve.
So, they ended up with "legs" on both Saturday and today, finishing Wooster's Senior Hunter title. Way to go, Michael & Wooster! Michael & I stopped for a celebratory dinner on the way home. We didn't go so far as to buy Wooster his own steak dinner, but we did each end up with a doggie bag to share, and the boys loved their steak treats!
This week, we'll be prepping for Watson's next appearance in the conformation ring, next weekend at Rockford/Freeport, IL. Tonight he had a bath and blowdry in preparation for the grooming the poor guy will be enduring this week. The Clumber entry is small (Watson & 2 class bitches), but we're also looking forward to having a chance to watch the larger Field spaniel entry. And best of all, it's within day-trip distance. Should be a fun weekend! Wish us luck...
The club put on a very nice, well-organized event. It was obvious that a great amount of planning had gone into laying out the various courses on the field and in the water, and the forethought was much appreciated. Randy Capsel and test secretary Cheryl Clark also invited all participants to a turkey fry at their farm on Saturday evening, which provided (in addition to yummy turkey and trimmings!) a nice opportunity to socialize with the test crowd. Often there is no organized social event in the evening (understandably, given the amount of effort that goes into organizing a test and the amount of energy both organizers and participants put in during the day), and this gave everyone a nice chance to get to know some new people who share a common interest in field training their dogs. We enjoyed cheering on old friends and making some new ones, too.
Saturday, there were about 14 entries. I was a little concerned, because the course was bordered by a roadway, but they had angled the course away from the road, and it never was a problem. Wooster was near the front of the pack, so it was still nice and cool when he and Michael took the field. Wooster had two beautiful flushes, but for some reason, all of yesterday's birds flew toward the gallery, making it impossible for the gunners to shoot. Poor Woo! So, they pitched a dead bird for him, which he dutifully brought to Michael. Best of all, when Michael called him off on the 2 flyaways, he responded INSTANTLY! I didn't have a great view of the hunt dead, so it was a little nerve-wracking for me to see Michael directing him without being able to see the dog doing his thing. It was a great relief to see him heading back in to Michael with the bird firmly in his mouth. The water available at this test was beautiful. The entry was somewhat steep, and there were some decoys in the water (to simulate a duck-hunting scenario). Wooster went right in, ignored the decoys, got the bird and came back. Again, I didn't have the best view, and I thought he had come directly back. However, I later learned that there was a shoe sticking out of the mud that Wooster went to investigate briefly. However, he did finish the retrieve quite handily after that. Michael then "retrieved" the shoe (couldn't resist the pun) so that it wouldn't be a distraction to the other entrants.
Today they had a much smaller number of participants. the cover in the field they used today was somewhat heavier, and there were some trees. This was quite different from most of the tests we've been to, but I thought it also realistic (in that you might not always have a clear field). Wooster trailed the first bird a good distance, then put it up. The gunner, in what looked like quite a heroic shot from the gallery's perspective, brought it down right away, and Wooster easily retrieved it. He trapped the second bird, but fortunately, it did not try to "resist," as the bird in Michigan had done. I could see it flapping a bit, but he brought it back with very little hesitation and did not "chomp" it. (Good boy!) I didn't think his work today on the hunt dead was his best performance in that task, as I thought he might have taken a better line from Michael; however, he did locate the bird in short order. Finally, he had another beautiful water entry. The course was set up at a slight angle, so it was no surprise to me that he elected to swim the shorter distance to the bank and walk back aroun the pond to get to Michael. Again, however, he did complete the retrieve.
So, they ended up with "legs" on both Saturday and today, finishing Wooster's Senior Hunter title. Way to go, Michael & Wooster! Michael & I stopped for a celebratory dinner on the way home. We didn't go so far as to buy Wooster his own steak dinner, but we did each end up with a doggie bag to share, and the boys loved their steak treats!
This week, we'll be prepping for Watson's next appearance in the conformation ring, next weekend at Rockford/Freeport, IL. Tonight he had a bath and blowdry in preparation for the grooming the poor guy will be enduring this week. The Clumber entry is small (Watson & 2 class bitches), but we're also looking forward to having a chance to watch the larger Field spaniel entry. And best of all, it's within day-trip distance. Should be a fun weekend! Wish us luck...
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wish us luck!
Tomorrow we travel to Dana, Iowa for the Welsh Springer spaniel club's hunt test. Michael & Woo will be participating in some training activities tomorrow evening. Saturday, it's on to the event. Besides attending the test (and we've heard it's a nice one), we're also looking forward to seeing our friend Ann and her Clumber Bozley (who we haven't met yet, although we helped place Boz with Ann and Bill several years ago).
Looking forward to next weekend, we'll be traveling to a show in Freeport, Illinois. There are only 3 Clumbers entered, Watson and 2 class girls. We're hoping for the crossover point, as Watson only needs one more point to finish!
Here's to a day off tomorrow! Wish us luck on Saturday & Sunday.
Looking forward to next weekend, we'll be traveling to a show in Freeport, Illinois. There are only 3 Clumbers entered, Watson and 2 class girls. We're hoping for the crossover point, as Watson only needs one more point to finish!
Here's to a day off tomorrow! Wish us luck on Saturday & Sunday.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Michigan Hunt Test Recap
This past weekend, we attended the Southern Michigan Springer Spaniel Training Club's (SMSSTC) hunt test in Highland, Michigan. Friday night we convoyed part way with friends who stayed with us at Michael's parents home, shortening the late-night drive. Saturday morning we made the drive to Highland, arriving at around 8:30. Wooster was entered at the Senior level.
Michael got the high sign to get Wooster to the line, but unfortunately they ended up waiting well over an hour at that point. By the time they actually got to the line, Wooster was pretty jazzed up. He worked the field pretty well and was listening to Michael. Unfortunately, he trapped his first bird. When the bird tried to resist (as Michael says), Wooster felt the need to teach it who was in charge, so he chomped it! Bad luck for the bird, and definitely bad luck for Michael & Woo, since that was basically an instant DQ. (For the uninitiated, hunting with a dog is partly about conserving game-- making sure you eat what you shoot. If the dog renders the bird inedible during the retrieve, that purpose is defeated...hence, the DQ.) Too bad, because he looked great in the field.
Sunday they thankfully had a much shorter wait by the field. Wooster was in good form, working and listening well. Unfortunately, his first bird was a flyaway. They reached the end of the field and replanted. On the second pass, the gunners shot at (and missed) a volunteer. Not sure why they shot at it, since it was nowhere near the dog. Almost immediately, Woo flushed a pheasant, which the gunners also missed. Wooster followed the flyaway briefly. Michael was able to get him back, but he was determined to get his bird at that point and was tuning out the handler, so Michael picked him up and that was that for the weekend.
Unfortunately, the Wisconsinites didn't have such great luck over the weekend. We did enjoy seeing some friends, though! Congratulations to Ann and Blaze on Blaze's new title! Thanks to the SMSSTC, who put on a quality event as usual.
There's always next weekend...quite literally, we'll be in Iowa for another test next weekend.
Michael got the high sign to get Wooster to the line, but unfortunately they ended up waiting well over an hour at that point. By the time they actually got to the line, Wooster was pretty jazzed up. He worked the field pretty well and was listening to Michael. Unfortunately, he trapped his first bird. When the bird tried to resist (as Michael says), Wooster felt the need to teach it who was in charge, so he chomped it! Bad luck for the bird, and definitely bad luck for Michael & Woo, since that was basically an instant DQ. (For the uninitiated, hunting with a dog is partly about conserving game-- making sure you eat what you shoot. If the dog renders the bird inedible during the retrieve, that purpose is defeated...hence, the DQ.) Too bad, because he looked great in the field.
Sunday they thankfully had a much shorter wait by the field. Wooster was in good form, working and listening well. Unfortunately, his first bird was a flyaway. They reached the end of the field and replanted. On the second pass, the gunners shot at (and missed) a volunteer. Not sure why they shot at it, since it was nowhere near the dog. Almost immediately, Woo flushed a pheasant, which the gunners also missed. Wooster followed the flyaway briefly. Michael was able to get him back, but he was determined to get his bird at that point and was tuning out the handler, so Michael picked him up and that was that for the weekend.
Unfortunately, the Wisconsinites didn't have such great luck over the weekend. We did enjoy seeing some friends, though! Congratulations to Ann and Blaze on Blaze's new title! Thanks to the SMSSTC, who put on a quality event as usual.
There's always next weekend...quite literally, we'll be in Iowa for another test next weekend.
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