Rogue is not! all ears

Who knew way back then they'd cause a bit of trouble for some folks...

To make it more problematic they had the audacity to go and get spots...


So it's happened twice that I know of that people have expressed curiousity about these ears of Rogue's. She is not a mismark and she is definitely not a black brindle with blue merle points.

From a trusted breeder-judge: Rogue "has many good qualities - pretty head, good bone, full coat, good tail set and carriage, good side movement. ... You are much more fortunate than most breeders...." And he's not the only one. Another said, "Whatever you do don't get rid of Rogue from your breeding program." I hadn't even considered it!

The Illustrated Standard says: "Blue merle appears as gray with piebald patterned black patches, or a marbled effect of black and gray. And merling (marbling) other than blue merle is a disqualification. White markings may appear almost anywhere (on the ears, on the body, or on the sides as a splash) and are perfectly acceptable, but white must not predominate (greater than 50% of the dog). White should never surround the eyes. Freckles of darker color (ticking) may appear in the Cardigan's white markings and are perfectly acceptable."

I am not upset about it because I know how wonderful she is. And I won't dye her ears to make winning easier. They're just too beautiful. I just hope the judges who enter the ring with the Cardigans realize these are the ones with tails and they come in more designer colors (in Pems Rogue's coloring would be all wrong). I also want for them to be bold enough to recognize her many virtues in spite those audacious, and absolutely marvelous, ears.

So no, we're not all ears... but we are listening. ;-)

Sunday Sermon: The Bea-Attitudes

Bea says: "Let those who have ears, listen."


Kismet followed with "Amen."



In other news...

One of the reasons the blog has been so quiet of late is my oldest human kid has been busy growing up too. Chloë is a happy girl with a strong work ethic. She's been oh so helpful with chores while I have rejoined the workforce. This month she's received a heap of bounty for all her hard work. Some senior friends invited her to the prom. We bought her a sari to wear. Isn't she gorgeous?



And this last week she's been in New York with her Drama Club. Yes, she was near enough to the excitement of the bomb scare to get the full Big City experience.
She returns home tonight and will find what her poppa and I have been working hard on while she's been away.



It's not completely done but close enough for the time being. I only wish I didn't have to be at work when she comes home. I won't get to see the look on her face. :-(

And now back to our regularly scheduled program...
Tune in tomorrow when we find the canine furballs on their 7-week birthday.

Storm

She makes me smile every day.



Looks like she may have her ears popping up very soon. It would suit her. She's the smallest but easily the most precocious and assertive. This girl is so alert. That is to say, when she is awake. She is still a very young puppy mind you. She is going to need a job I think. She's very smart, wants to be your buddy but loves to keep busy.

Words defined as stronger than cute.

According to my thesaurus, synonyms for cute are attractive, pretty, delightful, charming, endearing, adorable, sweet, appealing, darling, lovable... hmmm... Some of those might also qualify as stronger than cute. But I like the following so much better. I've included photos in case you've never familiarized yourself with these terms before.

Charlie - 1 lb. 4 oz.





Rogue - 1 lb. 13.5 oz. (nearly tripled her birth weight!) I think it's clear I'm not the only one who thinks this girl is looking pretty good so far. Those markings are stunning.




Jeanie - 1 lb. 9 oz. "But I don't wanna do this right now!!"






Magnus - 1 lb. 13.5 oz. I think Jimmy Durante came back as my Maggie boy.




What that you say?



Oh that's goo-oo-ood. Don't stop. Whatever you do, don't ever stop.




Logan - 1 lb. 12 oz. He's the lightest brindle....


....with a bit of masking. Cool huh?





Remy - 1 lb. 9 oz.



Pure fortuitous circumstance that created a goatee for my Le Diable Blanc (one of X-Men's Gambit's nicknames as a street punk).



And I can't get enough puppy yawning pictures.





Storm - 1 lb. 4.5 oz.


I've been told over and over how smart their markings are. Photographing their show sides I think really shows them off. The big collars and nice angles on the markings on the shoulders. Every little bit helps right? But only time will tell which will ones will know the ring.

Ears are open now. I clapped and nothing. I squealed, "Puppy, puppy, puppy!" And OMG, how the raucous bunch went crazy. Started the noise socialization today with a recording of dog show noises (thank you!!). Complete with blow driers and dogs barking and people yelling at them to be quiet. Puppies slept through it. Kayla *eventually* calmed down. Of course in truth, with 3 kids in our home, noise socialization started with me yelling: "Would you shut the bleep up? Kayla's getting anxious." :-D