Been on a hiatus because the parents took the camera to South Africa... what is blogging without pictures? But, they're back now, and so am I! Here are some of the pictures they took. I definitely didn't think a few short lessons about their camera from me would make a difference, so I was pleasantly surprised. :)
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| Photo credit: Mama. |
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| Photo credit: Mama. |
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| Photo credit: Mama.
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| Photo credit: Mama. |
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| Photo credit: Mama. |
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| Photo credit: Mama. |
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| Photo credit: Mama. |
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| Photo credit: Mama. |
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| Photo credit: Mama.
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In other news, Elli's been working as a decoy dog for a reactive puppy and she's been exceptionally well behaved aside from having to be tied out to a tree and away from me. I realized that the only reason she passed this part of her CGC test was because there was another dog with her in the pen. It wasn't until I sent my client's son out to treat her for quiet behavior that she settled down. He exclaimed, giggling: "She really likes the bananas! When I run out of them, she stops sniffing my hand." Oh, Elli. :)
When we go to the park, I'm not comfortable letting her off-leash when we immediately get there anymore. She's gotten way more investigative as of late and would much prefer rolling in a sun-dehydrated dead squirrel than coming when called. That's fine. Oh well. The recall was from 200 feet away, I really should've known better. So she's been on a long-line every time we go until she tells me she's ready to work (aka, tricks/heeling plus fetch off-leash). It's worked out quite well. If I ever work on the recall away from rolling-bliss, I'll start much closer than 200 feet.
I made her a new collar;
the old one I made in November is falling apart. I love this one way more anyway.
It looks fantastic with such a thick line of beads, and, so long as I thoroughly stitch the beadwork to the material, there aren't any problems with the beadwork coming off or being destroyed.
Here's another piece I've been working on. It's actually driving my perfectionista personality a little insane -- all the beads are slightly different in width and have made it less than perfect. I've decided to finish it just to make sure I can finish it. I probably won't make it into a collar because it's just so imperfect. But, when I can afford higher quality beads, I will be doing this pattern again.
We leave for the next lure coursing event in Redmond on the 28th -- 10 days!! I'm
super excited.
Elli's prey drive has skyrocketed
since the last event. She's crazy for squirrels these days; she recognizes the word and gets all stiff as she scans the horizon looking for the slightest hint of furry movement. If she spots it, I'll tell her, GET IT, and she's off. She'll recall off the chase only if the squirrel escapes up a tree. We're working on total recall off the squirrel. Oh, and, she'll chase birds now... which was totally out of the question prior to coursing. I remember, as a puppy, she used to watch them and walk slowly when she saw them. Her eyes would dilate and her ears would prick but she wouldn't chase them or lunge at them. Now she's full out sprint at any movement. I think I triggered the sighthound in her. Oops? Not. All this practice is good for her if she's going to ribbon in Redmond. :)
Over the weekend, Cleo managed to fool my dad and escaped outside. I forgot that she was still out later in the afternoon and went out with Elli. Elli spotted Cleo and, because Elli has legitimate traction outside and not indoors, Cleo was at a total disadvantage. Elli was low to the ground and moving like a blur as she chased Cleo smack into a fence and then out of the yard. For the first time ever, I was actually fearful for Cleo's life. All I could picture was how Elli grabbed and shook the imitation bunny... *gulp*
I bought a dehydrator and have been making jerky left and right. I started with buffalo, then some lamb, then I dehydrated all those rabbit organs Elli was refusing to eat and now she'll eat them. :) Silly mutt.
