More than a few surprises ...

This Holiday season....

Worked at the hospital all through 'Christmas' and hope to spend some family time in a few days coming up here...looking forward to that. In the mean time have a few 'unexpected ' expected events. We usually start calving right after the New Year and have had one calf already ...with another cow presently pacing the pasture in obvious labour.....I've been up since yesterday am ( came off Night Shift this am) so will be glad when calf is born and I can flip into the calf sled and skid the new born into the barn with Mom following. Already having problems with the diesel heaters, even after everything was just serviced. Thank goodness for a stretch of decent weather...the early weaning of lambs last summer created some ewes cycling on me sooner than expected....so looks like I will be wintering lambing a few ewes on top of winter calving. Wasnt expecting any lambs until abit later this winter...Just want to get them through the cold snap that will be bringing in the new year for us...then looks like an ok stretch of weather...

Breeding Principles, genetic diversity etc

Decided to 'park' a few links on the blog to articles worth reading...breeding principles and strategies coming from different points of views....

http://webcanine.com/2007/17-points-to-consider-when-breeding/

http://www.tybrushe-boxers.com/20_Principles_of_Breeding.htm

http://www.pawpeds.com/pawacademy/genetics/breedingstrategies/chapter6.html

and one on puppy development
http://nwk9.com/dehasse_pupdev.htm#5

The Girls , pics taken today

Gunny

Always great to see the youngsters in training and then coming back to see them later on down the road. Short clip on Gunny...he's looking just fine Jo :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFKBxVmFg4o&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

1 Week old

Derby x Dare litter

The 'Girls' .....` 3 Red Tri's have arrived safe 'n sound.

2 NBT's and 1 Full Tail

Out of the blue...

Some times a perfect home comes up out of the blue for an adult dog that may be sitting in the wings 'waiting' on me. That home came
along a few days ago for Ms True. Thanks Phyllis for taking her on and good luck with furthering her education as a chore dog for the
cows there. Know she will be in her element there.

Breed Standard Update

My comment...please put on your blogs and websites to get the word out.

Cathy

Breed Standard Petition update

Just an update on how the project to follow the ASCA by-laws and allow the membership to vote on the Breed Standards Review Committee revisions is coming. I also need to answer some of the questions I am getting. For those unaware of this effort, there is information and the downloadable petition here: http://users.htcomp.net/slashv/breedstandard.htm

There is also more information on the Facebook group here: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=100001755880633

The suggested revisions written by the ASCA Commitee after 7 years of work and membership input are on the first link above. The ASCA Board of Directors stopped the revisions from going to the membership for a section by section vote in 2007. The by-laws allow a revision to go to the membership for vote only with a petition of 20% of the ASCA membership if the Board will not approve it. That is about the percentage who vote in an election where ballots are mailed to each of our homes with an addressed envelope to return them! At this time we have nearly 400 signatures but need close to 1400 to submit the petition. Remember, this petition is NOT a vote to approve the revisions. It is simply a vote to allow membership voting.

Only with a huge effort by the membership will YOU be allowed to vote on these very important revisions that CLARIFY the 1977 Standard.

Some of you have asked:1. Do I have to print this out and mail it or can I do it via the internet? Answer: it must be signed in person and mailed2. Is there a deadline? No, the only deadline is when 1400 signatures are received.3. Must I be an ASCA member to sign? Yes, per the by-laws one must be a member in good standing.4. What else can I do to help with this?a. You can take the petition to shows, trials, and club meetings to get signatures.b. You can write to the ASCA Board of Directors and again ask them to allow the membership to vote. executive.secretary@asca.orgc.

You can send the link to the revisions and petition to all of your friends who are ASCA members.d. If you are on Facebook, join the Group and invite your friends to join.

The letters and notes sent with petitions that I am receiving make me believe even more that Aussie lovers in all venues from conformation to working to obedience to agility to pet owners, believe this is a worthwhile project for this breed we all love.

The Standard now does not, and the revisions do not, favor anyone's dog(s) or bloodline but rather are the written blueprint of the dog that the present 33 year old Standard and annotations was written for.

The revisions CLARIFY the present Standard to ensure that judges and breeders alike totally understand it, because that is NOT happening and some of the fads and trends are alarming.

Thanks to all who will stand up to the Board and tell them that we want the right to vote on this very important document.

Feel free to ask any questions that you might have either privately or on this list.

Terry

permission to cross post and forward

Terry Martin

Slash V Australian Shepherdshttp://users.htcomp.net/slashvhttp://americanssupportinganimalownership.com/

La Nina...

Follows the El Nino effect we had last winter/spring....what that means for those of us on the Western Prairies is...an early winter with above average snow fall...colder temps...and a late wet spring again. Already getting a good taste of it.
I'm already tired of shoveling a corner lot in town, dog runs, sheep gates, barn gates and feed bunks to name a few that take most of the day
when we get snow. Glad to see the pigs left this am to the abbatoir, hauling water and keeping them warm without freezing ears etc not fun for
both human and the animal.
Cows brought home from the pasture early ,so chores take longer both morning and late afternoon and with the time change
always in the dark/ yard lights....adds to the grumble of getting 'winterized'.
Ram leaving this wk to his new flock/home. Really like his lambs so looking forward to his next lamb crop late winter.
Hunting season wrapping up soon. Guys bagged a Moose last wk to fill the freezer...yes, seems ironic that we raise good 'ole Alberta beef but have a freezer
filled with assorted wild game as well farm raised meat.
Havent really worked dogs outside of doing chores.

Knocking on the door...

Congrats Jyle & Jerrie with Slayte ( Derby x Desi ) going RWD in 2 of the 3 ASCA shows. Not bad out of the 6 - 9 class!

Derby,,,

Desi ( Walker x Jinx )

Thanks Jerrie for new pictures of Desi!

Colt

9 month old Colt is maturing nicely.

Thanks Sandra!

Cadence...

Thanks Erika! Growing up and looking good.

Tray x Meg litter

Congrats Jackie with your Tray x Meg litter....6 females, 1 male !

Cant wait to see them.

New HOF Sire *

Congratulations to Saskia & Nadya in Germany on Walker aka *HOF Spring Fever's Walk About JHDs HS STDsc OTDd DNA-CP
recent HOF sire accomplishment !

Walker left 'here' for Germany in September 2005.
http://www.swirling-brook.de/deu/walker_pedigree.html

Offspring with ASCA titles:
Caitland's Leap of Faith STDds GS-O JS-E RS-O
Loyal Spirit Be my Glory GS-E JS-E RS-E DNA-VP
Loyal Spirit's Lone Star GS-O JS-E RS-OA
CH Loyal Spirit's Windwalker CDX GS-N JS-O RS-O
Caitland Double the Pleasure GS-E JS-O RS-O DNA-VP
Miakoda Believe OTDsc ATDd
Swirling Brook's Prairie Crocus STDsc CDX GS-N JS-E RS-O DNA-VP

It should be noted that Walker is ' HOF' sire several times over considering his many titled offspring ( limited breeding ) in several countries / different registeries/ venues.

.... and I see girls rule in the line up for getting him there :)!

* ASCA pending

Abit of warmer weather to tease us

Think we are suppose to get a few days worth of 'warmer' weather...kinda a teaser before winter lays in....predicted to get lots of snow this year. But one thing is certain...we are enjoying the 'sunshine' which we havent seen much of ,all year long.

Denver ( Ice x Faith )

Thanks Taunya & Larry for sending pictures of Denver with your daughter. She is growing up on you!

Denver is an Ice x Faith son...sibling to Ralf and Fly. He's busy with agility in Ontario and laying down some nice runs.

Snowed during the night...

Miserable wet cold weather with snow fall overnight....makes for bedding wet cold miserable animals in the morning. Suppose to get a few days of this stuff then warms up 'abit'..probably just enough to make more muck and mess. Dogs are incredibly muddy, esp True who has been helping with the cattle chores. She's picked up the routine pretty quick and isnt phazed one bit with the odd kick she's gotten while figuring things out. Tends to go the head and has gripped a nose a few times....she is a nice combination of both parents. A winter's worth of chore work will see how she develops.
Picture of True from last fall.

Late afternoon...

Days getting shorter with Moon quite visible when doing chores...Geese busy with consuming calories in the farmers crops for the trek south.

Hanging around the 'lake'...

Snow Geese are gathering for the trek south.With the loss of leaves on the trees, this guy was easily spotted from a 1/4 mile away...patiently waiting

for his next meal.

A few in the area...

Came home from town and had this youngster in the tree by my house...made a quick scramble to grab the camera and change lens.
He stayed put long enough for me to get a few shots off before flying away. There are a few in the area , but a person doesnt get many opportunities to see them this close.

3 & 4 Generation Family Shot

Not bathed/groomed here but taken while the weather was half decent.

We actually have 5 generations of 'Caitland' bred dogs. Brooke is 15.5 yrs of age in this picture.( Her dam Rhondee & Aunt lived to over 16 years of age ) Deuce is well over 13.5 yrs with daughter Jinx at 8 years.

Dare just turned 5 yr old.

The Generation Photo Shoot...

Roughrider Photo contest

Thanks Lynde for sending this great picture of Cosby

( Roughrider/pet photo contest/ sent them Crosby eating his Fantuz Flakes )

Good Luck with the contest and enjoy those Agility classes with Alanna!

A Salute to the VETERANS here

My intentions this week was to get caught up on grooming and take some over due ...very overdue pictures of my seniors here...time marches on and it certainly wasnt waiting for me to get my act together...ended up on being rained on the family day picture but had taken these pictures past couple of days between other fall jobs.
Now if I can keep these dogs clean here on the farm..might just get another crack at it before I'm back to work....

2010 CNASA National Agility results

Results of the CNASA 2010 Nationals Agility
ALL BREED AWARDS:
High Scoring Novice in Trial
Caitland's Exactor Double Down CD HT TD AGN - Zack

High Scoring Intermediate in Trial
PCh Caitland's Having a Hey Day CGC CGN TD HI AGN CDX AGNJ AGNS - Whoopie

High Scoring Excellent in Trial
Ch Maplemor Bring It On To Evrmor CD RN HS SKS AGIJ AGI - Brita (Rottweiler)

High in Trial - Trial 1
Summerlove's Prince of Troy - Paris (Shetland Sheepdog)

High in Trial - Trial 2
Malpaso Closin'n on Los Suenos CD AGN AGNJ- Spyder

High Overall All Breed
Ch Maplemor Bring It On To Evrmor CD RN HS SKS AGIJ AGI - Brita (Rottweiler)

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD AWARDS
Highest Scoring Novice Australian Shepherd
Caitland's Exactor Double Down CD HT TD AGN - Zack

Highest Scoring Intermediate Australian Shepherd
PCh Caitland's Having a Hey Day CGC CGN TD HI AGN CDX AGNJ AGNS - Whoopie

Highest Scoring Excellent Australian Shepherd
N/A

High in Trial Australian Shepherd - Trial 1
Ch Uproar's Too Hot Too Handle HS - Scorch

High in Trial Australian Shepherd - Trial 2
Malpaso Closin'n on Los Suenos CD AGN AGNJ- Spyder

High Veteran Australian ShepherdDe Barge R U Ready for this PCD - Shock

High Overall Australian Shepherd
Caitland's Exactor Double Down CD HT TD AGN - Zack

His Eviction Notice....

Well his eviction notice has been served...the Ram that is.
Knew the day was approaching when he'd be challenging anyone entering his domain....tried launching me from behind during feeding time.
Once I know all the girls have been romanced, he'll be taking a one way ticket to Tofield Sheep Sale with the rest of this years lambs.
He produced a great lamb crop for me with no lambing problems, so will look forward to another super lambing crop early spring.
Will find another one like him for next fall.
I've been around bulls a good part of my life including showing them at Exhibition years ago when we were showing our cattle. Never
had one issue or problem with a bull, or pen of bulls here....but rams a different story...they don't stay here for very long.

MSCC Letter published in CVMA Newsletter

Permission has been granted to cross post.
Well worth reading! Cathy

I've not seen it yet myself, but today we learned that our letter to theCVMA and other vet councils in Canada was published in the CVMA newsletter. You can read it here: http://www.mscc.ca/news_events.html We received a reply from a veterinarian in Manitoba, who stated that theletter made her "angry". Apparently, she was offended that she might bearsome of the blame for the consequences that rigid selection for new traitson our already limited gene pool. I wrote the following back in response.

**** Speaking for myself and no one else: In 2011, for the first time in 30 years, there will be no puppies born here. One of the little understood facts of show dog breeding is that it'sdecidedly unprofitable. The sale of puppies sometimes offsets the costs of bringing that litter into the world, but most of the time, we breed dogs at a loss and support our hobby through outside income. We breed show dogs for the love of sport, and the love of our breeds. This is also the reason that we support veterinary research programs through financial contributions and direct participation. Many of the treatments youuse today were developed in whole or in part, by funding from dog showbreeders and the organizations they support.
You feel passionately about what you do, that is clear, and I have no desire to force you to perform any procedure with which you disagree. But it is deeply disrespectful to me, as a breeder, and as "your" client,that you cannot extend the same generosity to my passionate beliefs, or to those veterinarians who do not agree with your views.
In 2004 I helped co-author this paper with Dr. Bruce Grahn at the Universityof Saskatchewan. The research was based upon my dogs, my records, and thebreeding colony I maintained. Research into identifying the gene responsiblehas been ongoing since then. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15091321 I have already notified the Dean and Dr.Grahn in writing that myparticipation in this research ends the day that the SVMA decides theirjurisdiction extends to my breed standard. I have no desire to walk away from important research. For Dr. Grahn and histeam, it will amount to a tragic waste of professional resources andresearch grant dollars.
For me, it will have been a waste of time and finances, but most painfully, a waste of the puppies who were bred, and then euthanized to have their retinal tissues harvested. But as the veterinary associations seem poised for a full frontal assault on show breeders and our breed standards, my participation in veterinary research has become moot. If I can't show my dogs at the highest levels, I don't need veterinary opthalmologists, much less dna testing.
Back to my decision not to breed next year. While I have a wonderful relationship with my veterinarians, I am truly conflicted as to whether I want to place puppies in homes where they may be brought to be treated by people like you - veterinarians who are actively working to end my lifelong enjoyment of competition in the show ring. So, should the day come that you or one of your colleagues learns that the clinic can no longer sustain its operating costs, I sincerely hope that the first person you think of is me, and the puppies I will not sell next year.
When a profession that I have supported for upwards of three decades decides to "put me out of business", know just this one thing: I - and others likeme - will make every effort possible to return the favour.
-- Kate McMillan http://www.katwerk.com

Calves weaned...

Calves are weaned and in the yard....makes for a few days of bawling for their moms and watching them carefully with reducing as much stress as possible to make a smooth transition. In the mean time the cow herd is walking the fence line and coming back to the location where they last saw their calves.
Now we have some 'real chore work' for the dogs...starting with dog breaking the calves with Quade.
Have been wearing my chore toque alot lately , not sure when we had summer but we are definately in fall. Leaves starting to turn, blankets covering garden rows a common sight to see through the cool nights...the threat of frost in the air.
Harvest sitting at a stand still waiting for some hot dry days...really need a few of those days...tough for those that have only one pay check a year ( crop )
Alot of hay not able to be taken off...means cattle will have to come in graze down if the fields are fenced...otherwise a royal mess for next year.
Think the entire year has been overcast...no one really sporting a tan...not even much of a farmer tan. Alot of growth noted in the trees this year and hopefully most of the water table's are up.
Porcupine tangled up in my electric fence and totally trashed one section trying to get out...making himself really hung up...certainly not an easy critter to
dispose of and remove so the sheep or dogs don't find any stray quills....but better than a skunk if looking for any bright notes :)
Back on a stretch of night shifts this wk.

Eye Exams in the city

Trip to the city for eye exams today.
Dare, Fly, Derby and Quade all clear....now to find another day to get away with a few more dogs for another eye exam day.
Back to editing pictures from the Herding Trials and catching up the Herding Council meeting.
Congrats to Jackie on your upcoming Tray x Meg litter....should be a great cross for work ethic ! ( might have to double knot those laces tho' :)

Best Laid plans...

Best laid plans getting set aside for more than one person unable to attend the Canadian Nationals, including myself.
Was able to keep my committments as Herding Chairperson for the Trials, but had to pass along the baton for MVA to Jackie Tomayer to see it through. Thanks a million Jackie, certainly appreciated.

Pictures will be posted over the next few days on the 2010 CNASAWebsite for all venues.

We saw some lovely dog/handler teams step up to the challenge on a large trial field ( 200 x 400 ) and not timeing out while negotiating both the arena and the stockdog courses. Received alot of compliments on honest stock / great venue as well how smooth things ran with Special Thanks to Irene Manley CD and Jackie Tomayer Trial Sect the rest of the Trial Committee who were a big part of the Nationals Trial success.
Thanks to all the competitors who stepped in to help...all sincerely appreciated.

*OVERALL Winner ( 4 Herding Trials ) at the Canadian Nationals
JUSTUS 8 THE MIGHTY QUINN
Breeder: Marti Parrish
Sire: Temptations Tidal Wave
Dam: Justus One Tuff Cookie
Owner: Irene Manley
Crescent Valley BC

Top Advance Aussie :
*ACH WTCH CH A LITTLE FLASH OF TUCKERCREEK HX RN AGIV RTDcs SDA CD
Breeder: Tanya Wheeler
Sire: HOFX WTCH CanCH Las Rocosa Tom's Thunder HA RTDc CD
Dam: Diamon Aire Tucker's Grace HI OTDscd
Owner: Tanya Wheeler
Thunder Bay Ont.

Top Intermediate Aussie:
*L BAR J'S REDI OR NOT
Breeder: Joan Holmes
Sire: Pincie Creek High Plains Drifter
Dam: Windsongs the Ever Redi Kid
Owner: Joan HolmesBig Valley AB

Top Started Aussie:
*JUSTUS 8 THE MIGHTY QUINN
Breeder: Marti Parrish
Sire: Temptations Tidal Wave
Dam: Justus One Tuff Cookie
Owner: Irene Manley
Crescent Valley BC

Four Aussies also won the All Breed Herding Trials listed below:

All Breed HIT at the Nationals:
*AQUAROO SUMMER SANGRIA
Breeder: Bernadette Daniels
Sire: Supreme's Ketchum If You Can
Dam: Aquaroo Holiday Punch
Owner: Charmain Traverso
Victoria BC

All Breed HIT at the Nationals:
*JUSTUS 8 THE MIGHTY QUINN
Owner: Irene Manley
Crescent Valley BC

All Breed HIT ( 2 trials ) at the Nationals
*ACH WTCH CH A LITTLE FLASH OF TUCKERCREEK HX RN AGIV RTDcs SDA CD
Owner: Tanya Wheeler
Thunder Bay Ont.

Judging the 2 Arena Trials and the 2 Stockdog Trials
Heather Forbes from Ontario
Dave Viklund from Washington
Location at Dog Tale Ranch in Sask.

MVA winner:
*AQUAROO SUMMER SANGRIA
Owner: Charmain Traverso
Victoria BC

MVA Conformation Judge Ken Silveria

Unselfish gifts...

Marie K's lost Blaze to cancer earlier this month after his valiant fight with chemo treatment. (Blaze's sire & dam are well aged dogs with one of them over 15 yrs of age ...there is no rhyme or reason with how cancer shows it's ugly face )
Received a note from Cathy K that she lost her Jypsy...another fighter to the end.
Both able to give their dogs the kindest most unselfish gift when they were faced with that decision we all hate to face.
Feels like the end of an 'era' when people say farewell to their old sidekicks.

...and more rain

Mosquitos are horrid this year...making both animals and humans miserable.
Just nicely got caught up with the grass cutting on the two farms and in town...cycle starts over again as soon as it's dry enough. Purchased a few loads of hay bales so we are stocked up for a grace year of feed
like all the other farmers do in trying to stay ahead of the feed game to tie you through when things are sketchy with a poor year of growing. Alot of areas having problems getting the hay done with excess moisture...glad we finished up with what we did and is hauled all into the hay yard. Think the last load crippled in when the tire on the hay wagon snapped off...ended up unloading bales into the ditch and reloading again. Nothing like extra work when a person is in a time crunch in the first place.
Enjoyed grandson Cohen's visit when he was down. ( The farm such an adventure for him ) Picking peas a novelty and mastering how to pop the end & shell a pea pod bringing a few chuckles.
Makes for another generation finding out first hand what garden fresh really means....or should say tastes like.
A few bags make the freezer. Pea patch almost finished producing. Tomatoes plants heavy with green fruit.Corn coming along nicely. Cherry tree is so loaded with fruit the branches are drooping ( cant keep up to it )
One of the highlights this month was getting in a few hours visit with Lisa and Steve Dahr on their visit to Alberta from Nova Scotia
( both had qualified for the AAC Nationals in Calgary with their dogs Paris & Ziggy )
We've visited via email or on the phone over the past 6 years...nice to finally meet in person.
I havent seriously trained dogs all summer and summer is slipping away quickly. Stella better find her groove again as fall is right around the corner...

Reba

Picking Peas at Grandmother's house

Cohen turning 3 years old this month. Always enjoy that sunny face of his.

Austin...a dog who was all heart

Sincere condolences to Dianne and Don on the loss of
" Austin' aka
WTCH ADCH-S ATCH-SP MACH NATCH Caitland's Hear Me Roar RTDsc RCH-S SCH-G TM-G GCH-G SACH-G JCH-S LAA Bronze 2007-2008 ASCA Merit #8 Advanced Sheep 2007 ASCA Agility Finals Top 10 2007 ASCA Nationals MVA Qualifier Major Pointed ASCA Altered http://www.crowshillfarm.com/

For more information on Cancer Research:
http://www.ashgi.org/research.htm

http://www.breenlab.org/recruitment.html

Month of July...

Past month supper time is 10 pm by the time we get in the house after trying to catch up on farm stuff as well keeping on top of the 3 yards.
Hay season has been frustrating with the amount of rain we've been getting....the hay rake has been doing a lot of overtime this year. I've had to use my 4 x 4 to pull out our swather a few times after getting stuck in a low (wet ) area. Some of the hay is going to end up being baled on the tough side which means it'll have to be fed right away. The old square baler has gone through a lot of sheer pins when a gob of tough stuff causes things to snap.
It also means that everything gets shut down so you can reach in and unplug the baler..which cuts into a lot of down time when there is a race on to beat the weather.
Mix in the on going problem of trying to keep my sheep in their electric fence ( once they learn they can jump it..the grass always seems to be greener on the other side ) So they were brought home and all loaded on the trailer with a few sorted back to keep. I find this the easiest way to sort sheep...is to back sort.All the lambs went except the last few born as too young to wean. The ram stayed with a few ewes. They are all in the permanent fenced sheep pasture until I get a chance to put up the electric fence again for grazing. With the problem lambs gone , things should go smoother.
Nationals is coming up too quick and I haven't found time to seriously train for any event....now to make the time to train without the feeling like the clock is ticking and putting un-necessary pressure on the dogs.

New Skate boarder...

http://www.youtube.com/user/sumac0413#p/a/u/2/ZfRuB6sFbMw
Shaping behaviour with a clicker...Ms Dazzle hops right on and takes off.
( Derby x Sting daughter )
Thanks for sharing that clip Anne, made my day.
` Cathy

New ATChC in AAC

Thanks Janet with the recent update on Jesse ! ( Walker x Jinx )
Congrats on first place Q in Gamblers yesterday finishing her Agility Trial Champion of Canada title
(ATChC in AAC). As well her Excellent Regular and Excellent Jumpers titles ( AG.X and AG.X.J. in CKC) earned in May.
Thrilled for you Janet, enjoy the glow from all that great team work!

Hay season & rain continues...