Clem and Iris on the road...

Since I managed to get some time from work, Jo and I decided to take the scenic way to Megan's house and the puppy party.

Clem and Iris watching, while we make a quick stop. You can just see the famous, "Well, are we there yet?"

Here we are up at Mt. St Helens, there is quite the view and you can still see the devastation after 30 years.

Here at Vista House is where Clem turned on her charm and had nearly every person who wandered by stop to give her attention, and there were a lot of people. More than a few had to have photographs with her. I have no idea how many photo albums Clem is staring in.

It was a good trip, a lot of beautiful county, and a great gathering at Megan's. Evil cute puppies, beautiful dogs and good people, what more do you really need. Clem did not make the return trip with us, she has located her new very bestest forever friend, Huxley. She has been staying with Carolyn until we pick her up this weekend. She is sorely missed by both Jo and myself, also by all the other residents of the forest retreat. so we will be pretty happy to get the adventurous young lady home, hopefully in a delicate condition.

Cardigans at play...

Lucy being adorable, don't let the look fool you.

Caleb, doing what he loves best, stalking

Clem, queen of the hill on her throne, the pumphouse.

As you can see, Iris's all time favorite game is keep away.

Hannah and Lucy actually trying to catch Iris and her toy. It's so much fun watching the kids play.

Portland Dog Show...

Lucy was remarkable this weekend at the Portland Rose Classic. The first two days she was awarded RWB over some great competition. That second day I watched as the judge came oh so close to giving her the prize. The next two days she was not what the judges were looking for, so got some much needed experience.

Saturday we brought Clem with us and it is good to know that she has not lost her magic touch. I swear she must have a "pet me I'm cute" sign that only others can see. She is a wonderful ambassador for the breed. Many I spoke to became very interested after she had her way with them.

I dont understand what happened to my picture taking skills(?), but I took over 200 pictures and most are so blurry that I can not make out who the dog is. After this, I think I will have Jo do the pictures, she seems to have a knack for it which I lack. It is pretty disappointing at any rate, I thought I might of had some nice photos.

Lucy did seem to have a lot of fun, so this adventure was absolutely worth it, because that was the main purpose overall. Everyone loves a happy puppy, maybe that is part of Clem's charm.

Birthday for the Freedom litter

Happy Birthday to the Freedom Litter, what a remarkable group they are! Each of the siblings remarkable in their own special and unique way. Clem has always been perfect for us. She is the first dog we have shown and given her "flaw" she was able to teach us so much about that aspect of having a special dog. Her losses will probably always greatly out number her victories, but that made those victories that much more cherished. I still firmly believe she will gain her championship, I know like me she will not stop trying. She loves the attention of the ring and under the sunlight, she glows. The princess does love the spotlight, whether in a show ring or at home. At any rate, to us she always was a champion, born of champions and a very special young lady. Without further ado, Clementine, then and now...

Clem, Iris and a Bone

Clemetine with her favorite toy, a bone... Little did she know she was being watched, another coveted her prize..

With fox-like agility Iris moves in...

The sneak attack not working as planned, Iris offers her favorite stick in trade...

This also failed... No pictures, but Iris did win in the end... They all got their own fresh bones... Our wonderful spoiled children.. Our bone littered yard, good for the grass, right?

Side Note: Caleb is hiding with his bone, knowing that the girls will gang up on him...

Clem's pretty papers...

Last August Clementine and Hannah took part in a sun-baked IABCA show. Both girls did very well, and this week we received the documentation for the ton a shiny medals she won. Under the IABCA guidelines Clem's half-mask is not judged as harshly. Mandy felt this would be a good start for her and probably for us as well. It was a bit grueling, lord knows Jo suffered, poor girl came out looking like a ripe tomato. I did mention sun-baked, right? At any rate, here are her pretty papers for being such a trooper. I wonder why we didn't get pretty papers for endurance...

Clementine in Oregon...

Here are a couple of pictures of Clem in Bandon at the show. Adorable as always, but then I am very biased. This girl firmly believes everyone should love her. Ask anyone at the campfire that evening as she slowly moved to greet person in turn around the circle, stealing attention and giving kisses to anyone she could. She is so charismatic that she always manages to gather strangers to comment and give her attention when ever we are out in public. You have to admire her personality, as she is not overt about it, she just sort of melts you with those huge brown eyes and gentle demeanor. Thank God Mandy is willing to show her, for I know I would not be able to do her justice.

Bandon Beach Party

First, a huge thank you to all for the wonderful hospitality! Seeing and meeting everyone in Bandon was great!


This a small sampling of the pictures we took of the kids playing on the beach. From how they acted, this is their version of utopia. I have to admit, watching their antics supplied Jo and I with some great laughs. Especially when they find themselves suddenly standing in the ocean, the look on Calebs face was priceless. It is so much fun to watch them play. One problem we did find with pictures on the beach, most show a wonderful view of their hind quarters, as they seem to be constantly running.



Caleb Surpised by the tide.


Daring Caleb...


Hannah!



Clem!

Caleb!

Which way do we go!

Clem, playing in the yard...

Well, I was trying to have Clem free-stack, which didnt turn out as she felt the game was much more enjoyable when running around weaving between legs and chasing Caleb. Still, the main picture on the page showing Clem was at Lewiston this spring, so figured a recent one would be in order. Also, she is one of the most loving dogs I have ever seen, but she can be subtle about it. Get her victims hand to petting her, then soon she is on her back with her tummy being rubbed, or sneaking into their lap. A very cunning princess. Yes, she firmly believes she is a princess. This is my brief warning about Clementine, so now if you meet her, well, you have been warned. Oh, as a side note, notice the bone pieces? They once belonged to our other dogs, but Clem is very good at gaining possession and fully understands the concept of ownership. Her explaination would be short and sweet, "Mine!" - Have a great evening!