2007

10.2007 :: CGCs, Hiking and Sheepies, OH MY!

We are pleased to share the news that both our Shiloh boys have passed their AKC Canine Good Citizenship [CGC] tests this past October. It was part of our family "doggie" camping vacation in Virginia. Hamish has already passed and received his certification of temperament testing via the ATTS in March of 2006. Personally, I like the testing variations and differences of a CGC type testing which shows nerves and basic training on your dog, as well as the nerve/stress threshold test of a temperament test. I look forward to having Gareth also take the ATTS, when I can find a test date and location convenient for us here at Mac Shilohs.

We also were able to introduce the boys to some sheep as they took a beginner lesson at Keepstone Farm in Berryville, VA. Keepstone is where many of the Fab Five Shilohs trained in their pursuit of getting AHBA recognition for the Shiloh Shepherd in 2004. I've read about Shilohs herding, always wanted to see how the boys would react, but we've never had an opportunity or facility near us to try it. So when we knew we were going to VA on vacation, that HAD to be on the list. Our good friend Marti at Nottingham Shilohs set it us and also took the boys in for their lesson and introduction to sheep. Gareth was a bit tentative but as soon as the sheep started moving and Gareth looked over and got permission from Dad, he was off and it was great to watch. Marti was in the ring with him, as was the trainer Susan, and they just let him do what comes naturally to see if there is instinct there. We were told there is and that he hangs back and is respectful of the sheep. Then it was Hamish's turn, he just blossomed in that ring, I have NEVER seen him so happy in my life doing something. He was wide eyed and grinning from ear to ear -- with a willingness to work and listen and take corrections, yes he did try to take a bite out of the back of a woolie! He came back for more even after a pretty harsh correction, but he shrugged it off and it was just so wonderful for me to see him running, trotting and letting instinct take over. To watch the natural instinct kick in was a joy to watch. We were told we HAD to keep working them because they showed the instinct and the willingness. Still, I'm sorry to say that his own flock of sheep will not make it onto his holiday wish list, another trip to VA sometime maybe, but not his own flock. We also had the pleasure of watching one of the original Fab Five, Nottingham's Friar Tuck, do some training for his next herding level as well as watch Marti work with Nico, Abba's Nicodemous of Zion. Our boys watched Nico intently in the ring — almost studying his every move if not jealous that he was still in the ring!

Another day we took a walk on the Appalachian Trail and Gareth can proudly say he pooped on the Appalachian Trail and James can say he picked it up. LOL! We managed to get down to the rivers edge of the Shenandoah River in Harpers Ferry WV, even in a low water condition it's simply breathtaking. it is really pretty country down there.

We attended our first ISSDC SE Picnic and had a good time. We had the chance to meet and/or re-meet a decent amount of Shiloh folks and their owners. There were some fun and funny games that I hope to share pictures of soon, food and just a nice time socializing folks and Shilohs. Lori and Gary from Braveheart Shilohs made the trip down and Lori put her stamp on the doggie relay games, and I haven't laughed so hard in a long, long time.

Gareth also showed in the Rarities Virginia Classic II show for one day and we're proud to say he came home with a Reserve Winner's Dog thanks to Gary Runyon of Stardust Shilohs taking him into the ring. It was nice to see Catoctin's Peaceable Luke do so well with two Winners Dog wins, SMOOTHIE'S UNITE!

9.2007 :: Just got back from a Sunday in the Poconos as I went to visit the Rarities Pocono Classic today. I was lucky enough to see Sage — Beloved Zoey's Legacy of Frack — take his second ever BIS! Beloved Shilohs is part of our extended Shiloh family as they own Hamish's brother Tylor, so it was so exciting to share that with them! Congratulations!

5.2007 :: We made the trip to Brookville for the ISSDC National Specialty and Rarities Shows over Memorial Day weekend. What a great time. We didn't show but we did socialize, tailgate and test out the new travel trailer! We endured some thunder storms and tents flying over on Saturday and a few gusts on Sunday that could have been a scene from the Wizard of Oz. When I saw our well staked blue tent get pulled out of the ground and flung around and float away like an flimsy umbrella my jaw dropped. Luckily it ended landing on top of our camper and not on the ground with some ruby slippers peeking out from underneath. LOL!

It was our "maiden" voyage with our new camper and it worked out wonderfully providing air conditioning for the boys [who happen to really love their new rolling kennel], offering up a place for us to "stage" some tail gaiting out of and most of all, a bathroom that isn't the next town over. LOL! It is always nice to be able to roll out of bed and be AT the show grounds.

But what always makes Brookville a joy for me is the wonderful people and the dogs, and they were both in abundance this weekend. I can't thank everyone enough for the camaraderie and friendships they willingly offer at these events. Seeing old friends, making new friends and meeting folks I've only ever had contact with online is such a gift.

And the dogs — what can I say, gorgeous! I always enjoy the puppies and they were there in varying ages and stages. There is nothing quite like the exuberance of puppyhood to make your heart smile. The Open class in every show was outstanding, and the Breed Ring was very competitive. I didn't envy the judges at all during the weekend and all of the judges seemed to weigh their decisions with much care and thought -- you could almost see the cogs turning in their heads. It was nice to see them having a hard time deciding because the dogs were especially nice as opposed to the opposite scenario -- there were several comparative run offs and it was interesting as well as nerve-wracking and we weren't even showing!! I especially enjoyed when the judge in the ISSDC specialty opened up the rings and we got to watch the dogs move out -- I'm not so sure the handlers appreciated running a ring the size of two but it was an awesome sight to see.

Somehow I missed the ISSDC awards but saw some of the lovely trophies afterward. Congratulations to al those receiving awards, quite the accomplishment! It was a wonderful surprise to see the TSSR's GV Caly from Stardust Shilohs also take home the ISSDC GV title.

It was great for me to see my dear friend Ellen awarded her first ever BIS with their boy Sage -- I can only imagine the joy of walking away with a BIS with a dog you bred and whelped. It was an accomplishment for Ellen, Murray, mama Zoey and papa Noah. Sage and Beloved Shilohs had quite a weekend as he also took some BOB, BOS and a RBIS.

So thank you to everyone who showed, to everyone who visited, to everyone who planned and put on this wonderful event. As always I wish I had more time to spend with everyone but there is always SO much going on! I am grateful for any few minutes folks share with me as I understand how hectic and tiring a show day and weekend can be.

4.2007 :: We just received Hamish and Gareth's OFA Thyroid Certs in the mail, both classified as normal. I'm guessing they will show up in the OFA database shortly.

We're trying to finish up Gareth's health testing over the next few months. And we'll certainly keep our website updated with the results as they come in, keep your fingers crossed.

We are also making plans to attend the Brookville, PA Rarities show over Memorial Day Weekend as it is usually a big ISSDC function as well. We're looking forward to it as it's always such a great show to meet Shilohs [and their people] at!