Hi Rio!!

Belinda writes:
"Well I have managed to get some time at the computer. We went through a scare with the computer and Fred had to work on it for about 3 weeks, which really did not give me a chance to be on the computer.
"I hope you like these photos....some are with Alvin - it is amazing how much they look to each other. You will also get to see the "girls" Bea & Truedy, I bred them and they were born on Valentine's Day 1998. Bea is the brown one, we have also seen similarities between Rio & Truedy. The girl's grand sire is Elmo's half brother Percy...so still in the family to some extent.
Looking out the window a bit ago, Rio was playing with Bea - running around the backyard with some wrestling included. Bea has always been the greatest "Auntie" for pups. Rio is always wearing a smile, I am hoping he will get better with his vocabulary - in that he starts making sounds more like he is talking.
"Tomorrow I plan to take him to the vet's office to see how much he weighs, last time I took him in he was 25 pounds which was about a month ago.
"He is better on the retrieving, and has found the staircase - he gets such a sad face when I tell him he has to stay at the top of the stairs, almost as if I have broken his heart. But soon (about 2 months) I will be letting him go up and down without assistance. Also he has found out I keep the chow plus bone treats downstairs, but not the exact location. Alvin is also teaching him about the squirrels, the girls throw in their advice also.
"Yesterday I actually mistook the barking I was hearing as Alvin, to find out it was Rio ! Do hope that was only an one time deal .... don't need confusion on who I am hearing bark.
Enjoy the photos, stay warm - it is bitterly cold here AND Rio likes it (!) - I am going to go warm up under the electric blanket.
"I have plans on coming over to the Portland shows for a couple of days. Maybe we may see each other?"







Belinda, Rio looks great and happy. Yes, Rogue and I will be at the Rose City Classic. I look forward to meeting you in person!! -L

"Finally, I've found it!!"

Whiskers tries out a space where she can escape her own personal mad mob of Cardis and one Bulldog. Panda is their ringleader.

"Hissssssssss at Panda. Hiss, hiss. On her and all her kind."

Wee Bonnie Ice Storm

Angela writes:

"Hi Leo,

"Wow, what a busy December. Bonnie had her first day of snow and ice skating last weekend. She loved it! She is potty trained (most of the time) and is our constant companion. She is so smart, can sit, stay, shake hands, lay down and find the treat. Fiona will be starting 4-H classes with her in January. She also got spayed this week, and was not herself for about a day, but has bounced back and we have to keep her laying low for a few more days (it's hardest for her and Chloe not to be able to play normally).

"We are expecting a lovely Christmas with Bonnie, her stocking is hung! We wish you and your family a Wonderful Holiday and a Very Happy New Year!

Angela, Greg, Fiona and Bonnie"

Gail writes:
"I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and thank you for my wonderful Charlie.
He has the sweetest disposition of any dog I have ever had. It is a joy and pleasure to have him. He learns everything up so fast. He loves going with me everywhere and sticks pretty much by me all day long.

Best wishes,

Gail"

Thank you Gail for loving him so much. Makes the whole thing worthwhile.

Dropping the Ball: Clank's Testicular Testimony

I don't know how many of you readers follow the Clank's Adventures link. There was an interesting bit of news I wanted to be sure to point out.

Read the Ouch entry.

I asked Anne about it, particularly if there was anything genetic to be aware of.

She answered:

"I have no clue if this could possibly have any genetic basis, I’m personally of the mind that Clank is one of those enthusiastic guys who thinks overdoing things is always better than just doing them. Like the six-foot 1x4 he was dragging around the back yard this afternoon for no apparent reason. The kid has a lot of joie de vivre.

“The Ball” as it’s come to be known around our house caused quite a stir at the vet hospital. They had never seen such a large one inside a pooch, and Dr. Kienle was pretty amazed that it had managed to find its way up into the intestines, where it was just sort of floating around. The whole thing seems like a fluke to me, unless other boys in your batch come up with The Ball as well.

He’s recovered nicely and he and Ratchet have mended fences over the whole Ball-disparity issue (you know how men are). They are not only chasing each other around the house and great friends again, they were even wrestling in the back yard this afternoon. Usually they are too busy having opinions at the Chihuahuas in the yard behind us to mouth fence.

Hope all is well at your place and that you’re looking forward to a great holiday season.

Anne"

And if any of you readers have any information to share regarding such phenomena please pass it on.

buns a la chuck

Note from Gail's daughter Esther: "Leo

what a pain trying to get charlie to stop wagging his tail long enough to get a picture of his cute little pantaloons. I'm prejudice because I think his are the cutest. -Esther"

Oh, well, we all appreciate the prejudice factor, Esther.

Jasper pants

Once known as Logan, Jasper seems too mellow to be a Wolverine.

Momma Teresa writes:
"Jasper has the fuzziest butt of any corgi I’ve ever had. It reminds me of
dark chocolate dipped caramels with gray sea salt on top. Am I weird? Ah
well, that's not really news.
It is amazingly difficult to get a dog to pose for a shot of their rear end
without someone to distract them. He kept giving me the 'WHAT NOW?' look
and sitting down. I had to put peanut butter on a spoon on the ground and
sneak around him to get this one."

Thanks Teresa! He's a cutie-patootie

a gauntlet on pants

Anne Kauffman writes:

Hi Mommy Léo & all the family at Toreth,

My Mommy Shar took a really great picture of my fanny that shows my pantaloons off to great effect. How about a challenge to all the rest of my brothers and sisters to send in pictures of their fannies so we can see who has the cutest one? I’ve attached my picture to get things started.

Lots of love and laughs,

Clank

My beautiful baby

I love this girl. She's a beauty through and through. The best temperament I've ever seen in a dog.
Carolyn may laugh at this but a few weeks ago I looked at her and did a double take. She's got a lot of her mother in her face.
I love her coat. It's soft and luxurious. She doesn't seem to mind that I could pet her constantly. ;-) The color is rich and it's sooo shiny.
I love her bone. Her deep, dark eyes. She's going through a growth spurt and while she was a bit leggy/cobby for about a month I knew she'd outgrow that and she's starting to get long again.
And last but not least: Those ears! Gorgeous!

Her personality is the best though. I've never had a dog who naturally took to fetching. It's her favorite game. That along with face-fencing with her "sisters" Pan and Celie.

Charlie the Slugginator

Some of you may have read Caroline's post. She got a similar news report.
Here's what Charlie had to say:
"Hi Auntie,
I am sorry for not writing sooner, but Mom has been keeping me pretty busy. We have really been working on obedience and walking on leash so I do it properly. I have been trying to catch all the bugs around here, there are so many of them. I even met up with a slug the other day, that earned me the nickname of "Slugworth". Below is a picture of me before they got me cleaned off. The leaf is stuck to it.
They don't really want me to play with them. Luckily the my groomer came that day and got my face all clean again. It really was quite sticky. Oh yes I weigh 25 pounds now and getting to be quite a big boy. I am a really good watch dog. I make sure to let Mom know when someone is coming. Mom praised me for barking and chasing away the Kingfisher, so he wouldn't get into the pond. I do occasionally get into things I'm not supposed to because they look so inviting, I am slowly learning some things are not mine to play with.
Lovee, Charlie."

Charlie's a handsome boy isn't he? In spite of the gooey blob stuck on his face.

Kayla's saga as told by her new mom

My Little Miracle Dog

I had just recently gotten Kayla, a lovely little gal, from Leo Washburn. We bonded real quickly, enjoyed having her coddle in the evening and watch TV together. I am still working and one day had to be gone all day so made arrangements for a neighbor boy to come up and take her for a walk. He knew she had to be leashed, but she got away from him and disappeared into the shrubbery. I live in a very rural area, but near a very busy main artery to Jefferson County. The boy and his family looked for her, didn’t call me till I was almost home at 5PM. I spent the evening searching the local neighborhood with no luck. Friday after running flyers off we took off to flyer everywhere we could think. Late in the day I got a call that she had been running down the middle of Hwy 104 by the Hood Canal bridge. Several people stopped and tried to get her, but she headed into the woods. There are homes along the road and back into the woods which borders a large area owned by Pope Resources of some 400 acres with nothing, but walking trails. The next few days were a blur of walking,, calling, contacting any one I could think of, with lots of help from corgi owners as far away as California and Arizona. No words can ever express my deep gratitude to all those who helped. On Tuesday evening after going out again about dark with food and searching again the last area she had been seen, came home to messages from Petco that some ladies had brought her in to buy food after rescuing her running on the Hood Canal bridge. I had put a flyer up at Petco and the clerks recognized her and called me. I was down there in minutes, she was soaking wet, wagging her tail and barking at me as I got out of the car. They would not let me pay for the food or give them a reward. She was so glad to be warm and dry, and I am so blessed to have her back, having made all these wonderful contacts! I hope if anyone needs help with a lost pet they will call me.



... here is a picture. I think you should add something to the story
about you being willing to come up and search for her! She checked out fine at the vet's, .... She went to church this morning for blessing of the animals. So got to tell her saga! - Liz

Well, Liz, yes I was on my way but it would have been the proverbial needle in the haystack except for all the groundwork you and our friends, old and new, did. Fortunately, she didn't have to wait for me another night and was able to get home out of the cold, wet forest.

Thanks for loving her!! - Le'o

Kayla update, update

My birthday wish came true!!!

Kayla was found tonight. The rascal was on the bridge, a bunch of cars stopped and someone was able to get the poor exhausted girl. They took her to PetSmart and someone there recognized her from the flyer Liz put up.

She's safe and warm snuggled with Liz right now.

I am so relieved.

Kayla update

She has been seen several times in the Hood Canal Bridge area along the beach. I am told this is good news.

I really feel she will only come to me. I'm going up tomorrow along with Lexie who of my kids has the strongest bond with Kayla, Rogue Kayla's baby and Panda who tells every one "Let's play!!"

I'll have someone as my guide and go from there.

As I will be in touch with Liz and Kathy (of 4TheDogz fame) tomorrow any further updates, hopefully the best possible news, may be found on Kathy's site.

4TheDogz



Thanks everyone for your encouragement and support.

Kayla spotted

Many of you have already heard that Kayla was accidentally let loose and subsequently lost last Thursday. Her new mom is frantic and doing everything she can to locate her. Flyers and shelters, mail carrier and real estate agents have all been notified. She was lost in the rural area surrounding Poulsbo, WA.

If you don't know Kayla she is a reserved girl but playful with puppies and children. She is a very dark brindle, would look black in the shadows of the forest, mahogany in the sunlight. Amber colored eyes.

If you live in the area and you see her call her name gently and sweetly. Don't chase her. Hold out your hand like you have a treat. If you have cheese, cat food, bacon (think smelly and delicious to a dog) hold it out in front of you, call her name in a friendly way, get down on your knee. "Kayla. Come. Cookie."

I got an email from Kayla's new mom, Liz, that she had been seen in the Hood Canal Bridge area again. Let's hope they have success on bringing the silly girl home. If you live in the area and would like to help please contact me at imleo9@gmail.com with your contact info and I'll get you in touch with Liz.

Charlie at 4 months

Esther is Gail's daughter and they live on the same property in Glide OR. She writes:

"I just wanted to share some pictures of Sir Charles he is the best puppy! We didn't have to tape his ears they are perfect and freckled as you can see. He loves his new family and has mom wrapped around his paw. We started to teach him to open the door for himself today and after a half a slice of cheese and alot of Good boy good open he decided that he wouldn't come in unless he opened it himself so he could have another bite of cheese, he is sooo smart. I will send more pictures in a couple weeks, I am the official photographer since I just can't seem to get enough pictures of him. Thanks again for such a wonderful boy. Mom smiles all the time,and charlie is a joy to be around.
Esther"

Bonnie Sailor Girl

Angela writes: "Bonnie Storm is quite the sailor! She was alert, curious and has very good sea legs. She did well in her life jacket, and was able to run around in the cockpit....but not for long. She was already scamming on how to jump up to the deck that is way to high for her....except maybe if she uses Chloe's back as a step. She is so clever and listens well. We are very proud of her, and she is pure joy for all of us."

Storm-Bonnie photos redo

With a little help from Thomas I got the photos from Bonnie's new family up.

Thanks Sweetie!!

Isn't she looking great?

Clank update

"Just thought I would update you on Clank. We got his AKC registration and he
is officially Toreth C-Myste Secret Agent Clank (clank's only staring role
game). He is just a doll and has been a huge help in taking care of our old
Lab Jive while he was sick and in helping us get over his loss.

"He and Ratchet are getting along wonderfully and playing like maniacs. Clank
follows Ratchet everywhere. I have attached some pictures of him for you and
of course we will be updating the blog frequently.

"If he ever stands still long enough I will get a more formal portrait for
you.

"Thanks again for this wonderful boy.

"Sharon and Anne"

:*) You're welcome. Thank you!! for loving him. Very much thank you! But I think you need to buy him a few more toys. Not!!

With Jive. Even if they didn't know each other very long they look like they were very good buds.
Hail to the belly.
Hey.
Mine, mine, mine. Don't let Rogue see this pile. It'll take her all day to find holes for them all.
With Momma Anne.

Here to stay

Remember this girl?




Well, look at her now! At 14 1/2 weeks old...



Perhaps sometime I can get some help getting her movement on video. I am very excited about her overall. Those ears!! And her rear! Not to mention her bone! A very yummy puppy.

She is a happy, happy puppy. It's good for kids to have adventures outside of their home turf. I have a problem with Celie being too attached to me and learned that it's good for them to go to "camp" with trusted friends to have good experiences.
Rogue just got home from Camp Samhain and received rave reviews for temperament. "A very good, happy girl." She got along with the other kids well. Even though it turned out she is a bit of a hoarder.






Camp Director Kim Kiefer's report: "YOUR puppy... she is so funny! Yesterday we mowed the back... I put all the toys in the puppy yard and closed it up so they couldn't drag them every where. After Mark* was done I threw them all out into a pile. Rogue takes a toy and runs over to the wood pile and STUFFS it into a crack, throwing her body against it, nosing dirt over it, sitting on it and then goes back for another and another and another... not a toy to be found in the backyard unless you look in the wood pile." *I think Mark must be the maintenance guy. :-D

We went to a farmer's market where we found after being stopped every two steps the consensus was her new name should be "the cutest puppy ever."

Well, she's home now terrorizing Gus and Celie and having a blast with the Pan.

And is very, very good at napping.


Thanks to Traci for getting on my butt about updating about her. I'll try to take some stacked pics later. She so perty!

-------
And where's Momma? Rogue went with me to see Kayla to her new home in Poulsbo. A fine woman in a beautiful old country home with a garden had invited Kayla to come and live with her. Kayla immediately made herself at home.

Liz writes: "I can’t get use to how quiet she is, we had a couple walks. She seem to be fine with the crate. She did have an accident, but my braided rug has been christened many times and is very forgiving. .... She has one of the sofas staked out already!"