The Sparkler formerly known as Tweedy…
…and now Tika sends us this birthday report:
THANK YOU, Team Tika and the Happiest Birthday to Sweet Tika!
Birthday Week: Kiri
Our Sparkler Birthday Week continues — today we hear from Kiri, who lives in New Hampshire — the Sparklers are everywhere!
“My year started with lots of agility and breed games. I made Mom happy by finishing something she calls titles. I like helping Mom to be happy.I also like all the extra treats and loving. I can wiggle/wag with the best. Then, abruptly, no shows, no trials, no classes, no car rides. Why is life so quiet, Mom? Thank goodness cuddles haven't gone away.
Once the snow melted we started going on many really long walks, all four of us, Mom, Dad, Tristan and me. I love stretching out and racing Tristan through the woods. There were lots of Spring puddles and pools for wading and flopping. I learned to behave very well on the rare occasions we met others walking on the rail trail. Usually they had dogs too and I was sorely tempted to join them for a rollicking romp. What's wrong with a friendly butt sniff?
When mud season was over we started playing agility games again in our yard. Then the rains stopped and someone seriously cranked up the heat. Thank goodness the house stayed cool and comfortable. Walks and yard excursions got shorter and shorter. Then agility classes restarted in mid July so I could see some training buddies again. All the people are huffing and puffing more than usual because they have covered their faces. Huh? Sometimes people are just plain odd, but we dogs have learned to be tolerant. Class is still fun and energizing and I am learning sooooo much.
During the summer Mom gave us home grown string beans in our meals. Yum! We even played micro obedience games for our beans.
As Fall rolled around with cooler temperatures I finally got to play at October and November agility trials, after 8 full months! Where did all the people go? They are certainly not inside cheering for me : ( Each time I ran happier and faster. More happy Mom! Then we stopped going, again. What the heck! 13 inches of snow perked life up a few days ago. I raced full speed yard circuits for the pure joy of running in the glorious fluff, then snow wrestled with my brother for a long, long time.
I made an intriguing discovery during our quiet year. I have a unique canine skill. I purr!!!!! Mom loves my purring and calls it purrdles or puppy purrs. I may not be up to feline standards but when I am content and happy I can purrdle for quite a while. I must be content and happy as my inner purrdles have blossomed.
Happy Birthday, Sibs and Happy Holidays, All. We're all at our best when we love each other!
SO so true — togetherness and support and love make everything better. Even a pandemic! Thank you, Team Kiri, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIRI!
Happy Birthday: Claire
Nine tiny puppies in tiny pussy hats. Sparkler Puppy Activists protesting that it was acceptable to brag about sexually assaulting women.
That is how we roll.
We continue the Sparkler Birthday Week with Claire…
As you know, I made a choice to breed Claire — again. It was the third time. She did not get pregnant in the first two attempts. SO disappointing but undaunted, I changed things up and tried again.
I have had my eye on a young male since Kris O. put him on my radar last year. The way she described his working ability and attitude were exactly what I thought of his father when I watched him in Novice A obedience at the Monterey Specialty. I loved him! His son turned two in July and with his health clearances done, I got serious about him for Claire.
Two things have happened as we waited for Claire to come in season. First, I got to know his people — as represented to me by Kris, they are terrific. Dogs gift us with new friends.
The second thing that happened as we waited is that the dog starting showing a bit and in just four months, he hit #1 Berner in all-breed points. How is that for a sign from the Universe that one has made a good decision?!
Without further ado and on the occasion of her fourth birthday, Claire has a special announcement to share…
Words cannot capture how much this means to me.
ClAIRe
Happy Birthday Claire!
Unfortunately, Claire has terrible morning (aka all-day) sickness and so her special birthday dinner will likely just be more goldfish crackers. We hope her siblings will enjoy something a bit more festive on their special day. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPARKLERS!