It seems appropriate to re-start this blog the way it began a year ago: with a Christmas visit to a nearby wildlife recreation area for a dog run. Cherry Valley is much wetter than last year, but still a joy for some muddy, wet dogs:
This trip is also Gael’s first free run in a wildlife area. Before letting her loose and keeping in mind her setter’s need to run, I first made sure we had a good recall on our property. I’m happy to report that at 8 months old she is quite willing to respond to my come command and check in for cookies:
Kani spent the entire time hunting like her old self. This has been a worrisome year of health issues with her, that are thankfully now identified and treatable. I have high hopes that this will be her year in the obedience ring. Here’s a brief moment where she slows down to see where I’m at:
At last we head home for some Christmas music and knuckle bones for all the dogs.
This has been a tough fall for me, with too much stress at work revolving around state budget cuts, and health concerns with Kani and Reardon that are happily resolving. On the very bright side, we also spent a week at the ESSFTA National with great results, especially with the younger dogs Rozzie and Reardon (more on that in another post). Gael is metamorphosing from an awkward, gawky demon-unleashed-from-hell to a pretty young girl with some glimpses of obedience. On an even brighter side, Journey, the talented Irish Water Spaniel, is with us again for training in Open and Utility. While I sometimes feel overwhelmed with all the demands of training, exercising and spending time with five dogs, I’m thrilled to have Journey back in my life. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Merry Christmas and here’s to a wonderful 2011!
The Spaniel Annals 
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