Sunday, June 28, 2009

Black Labrador Tallulah Earns a Rally Title

I am pleased to announce that my "Bearcat Woman" has earned her second title and my first ever Rally title. She is now officially Whitsprgs OtterTail Tallulah, CD, RN. Tallulah earned her first AKC rally obedience leg back in March with a perfect 100 point score and first place in her class. She finished this week with two 99 point scores - one for first place and one for second place. All in all I was very proud of her. Since we have done almost all of our training at home by ourselves, I am proud of myself too. The rally signs do make me nervous! There is lots of information online about Rally (or Rally-O, as it is often called) to help you get started and a nice Rally Group on Yahoo if you would like to discuss questions. You can download the official AKC regulations too. There are other clubs that offer competitions for mixed breed dogs, so everyone can play. Mostly it is another fun thing to do with your dog and leads to nice days out together when you are ready to compete. The more you teach your dogs, the smarter they become! So, happy training everyone - keep it fun and your dogs will work hard for you.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Happy Birthday Yellow & Black Labs

Happy Birthday Marius and Eponine!! They are 12 yrs old today. Named for favorite singer/characters in the celebration concert of Les Miserables, my Marius and Eponine are the last babies from my last litter. They are beautiful with soft temperaments, bidable, smart, loving and the sweetest Labs you might ever hope to meet. It has been my joy to spend the past 12 years with them and I hope for many more. Big Marius was squishing sister Eponine in the womb and he still squishes her now -- but she seems to like it and be comfortable with his big yellow body draped over hers. They have always been good friends. For a time Marius became best buddies with Obi and Eponine was very close with their mom, Gwendolyn. But with Obi and Gwen both across Rainbow Bridge, Marius and Eponine still have each other and still enjoy each other's company. Marius is a mild mannered gentleman who follows my every move. His silliest trick is one he invented - a Stevie Wonder immitation (clicker trained with the cue "Stevie"). Eponine was my first to learn to shake her head "no" on the cue "You wouldn't do that, would you?". She announces every important turn of events with a "roo roo" and has long been the head of fashion police. Every morning she comes to inspect the clothes I am putting on to see it they are "play clothes" or meant for going out and she reports to the rest of the pack. There is no fooling her with my plans for the day! Both are excellent at keeping everything off the floor that does not belong there by retrieving it to me - no matter what the humans may have intended. They have accepted many foster dogs, a few long term adoptees, a stray cat, and a couple of new puppies. They welcome everyone with their gentle spirits and help me teach the new dogs the ways of the pack. I have been blessed to know and share my life with these 2 wonderful souls - descendants of the beauties that came before them.

Now it's time for the party. We had a good dog walk and play at the pond despite the rainy, cool day. A carrot treat and a nap -- now it's time for riping open new nylabones (unpackaging can be more fun than the bone itself!), rawhides, liver with dinner and whatever else makes them happy on their special day. Happy Birthday my dears - I love you!!! XOXOX

Marius and Eponine are my Lab puppies from Gwendolyn, daughter of Birdie, daughter of Tegan, daughter of Leela - who started the love with her perfect Lab soul. Thanks again for everything "Mud".

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Fun Yellow and Black Lab T Shirt

Here is another fun Labrador Retriever T shirt to brighten your collection of summer clothes. This colorful dog tee shows my original black and yellow Labrador painting titled "Labs Like to Share" which was inspired by my own 2 Labs who were best buddies. They did everything together including sharing drinks from the hose. The design on t-shirts is from my first version which was one of my small, fun paintings on silk. Later I recreated my black and yellow Lab painting as an acrylic on canvas. Fine art prints of this painting are available in my Labrador Art Gallery. Many more styles of t-shirts, sweatshirts, kids shirts, home and gift products with this Lab design are available from my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop. Spread the spirit of harmony and happiness shared by Labradors when you wear this light hearted design - make people smile. Buy It Now!