Bwana Kennel

Two major notes.... Zion finished on the first days of the Perry Ga show, could have knocked me over with a feather as he normally did poorly the first day of any show. More into the distractions than the work. But he was wonderful, moving powerfully about the ring. We kept him in classes the next two days to assure there would be enough dogs for the major and moved him up on Easter Sunday for his first foray in the BOB ring.

I would very much like to have a puppy to name Moet,   I am thinking something along the line of , Bwana's Silver Star ....Bwana's Reason to Celebrate.... Bwana's National Holiday...

I love to tie in both parents when possible.  The last name does that... and a Champagne litter would be great fun.  We also got Zion's HIC at Perry, he was strong in his approach to moving the sheep.  Mtzee tried but in all honesty she just could not get her heart into it. It was the first time I have ever seen her move with less than top speed. She is still so elegant I guess I forget she is not a spring chicken any more. The shepard was willing to continue allowing her to work but I could see not point to it. She would keep the sheep away from me, and move them as requested , but the look in her eyes was plain. They were silly smelly things why would she want to play with them?

 I wish I could claim it was a cold Christmas but it isn't . It is a typical Southern Christmas. In the 70s, a bit of drizzle and the only way I can have a fire is to turn the AC down lower so the meditating in front of a roaring fire is not happening this week.  ( I did score one night of crackling glory about a week ago  sigh........ good times!) ... 

So without the fireplace and a hot toddy I will have to wing it , just the glow of the keyboard as I manage my yearly reflections.   pause for dramatic effect and here we go...

In 2009 we are upping our game yet again.  Dreamer and Caine both acquired their Temperament Testing at the Ridgeback Rodeo earlier this year so we can check that off the potential breeding stock list.  They also got their Herding Certificates but that was admittedly more for fun and in the hopes I would find myself the owner of a large amount of mutton. Silly things behaved like ladies so the mutton dream dashed at least they got yet another set of initials to tack on behind their names on our paperwork.  Dreamer tried the lure coursing on the last day and easily picked up 1/2 of the needed runs for her JC.   So this year we will finish the JC when we return to the Rodeo for Dreamer and try Caine .  I will concentrate on finishing Dreamer and Zion in the conformation rings.  Zi only needs a major and a single or two , Dreamer needs her ever elusive majors. I believe if I get her out and on the road with a decent schedule she will relax enough to stop wasting the first 2 days of every show.  Her side go was breath taking from early on, so her relaxing and my getting back on a bike and working at my own movement should do both of us well for working the ring.  Zion is such a sweetheart, just getting him out will make a difference for him. 

Normally our kids are finished very young, in the puppy classes. But then normally we are at shows every month.   With the economy as stinky as it has been I have not excited about getting the dogs out and about. Then having Kota and his boy Nemo I found myself overwhelmed.  We could not leave the house without 5 or 6 dogs on board the RV. Walking that many and training too was , frankly a drag. I enjoyed the boys tremendously . While I felt guilty about taking a mental vacation from the ring, it was great fun to play with a puppy without having to deal with a litter. Fun to take hundreds of pictures of Kota in every costume or pose I could think of, and most of all important to spend the year with Jasmine.  I knew early on that it would be her last and was determined that we would not regret a day of it.  We did not.

So Goal Number One, finish the pair. Caine will wait till later in the year, she has 2 points from showing when she was younger.   Goal number two get the testing done.  Both will need to be OFA'ed for hips, elbows and patellas. Both will need Thyroid , Cerf and Baer,  and both will be our first to have the DNA testing done for the DM markers.  I realize many breeders have opted to take a wait and see positron , the study has not been published and they have nothing concrete to change the manner in which they chose the breeding pairs in the past. But Bob and I have hashed it over many times.  We feel very lucky to have been blessed with very healthy dogs. We have friends who on the other hand have been devastated over and over by dogs who's breeders find testing unnecessary.  Different breed but amazing how watching people you care for as friends hurt can make you decide you will never be one of those Breeders.  We will also get Zion temperament tested at this year's Rodeo. If Dreamer is finished we can go for her CGC.  Lure coursing the other two and I think this year we will even give  a Hunting Certification a shot.  The way in which Dreamer finds hidden treats assures me she must have a heck of a nose!

We know we have some family challenges coming up. well who doesn't ?  We are going to meet them head on as well.  No concrete plan just the assurance that if it is  meant to be it will be.  Until the new school year we will have one or two grand daughters tagging along. That should be good for a few giggles.  So I guess goal Number Three would have to be keeping life from getting out of hand.  Number Four , hmmm let's pencil in trying to finish Caine.   And if everything holds together then we can add Number Five,  a litter of Zion X Dreamer puppies....

Our prayers as always that life treats each person reading these words gently , treats them with dignity and that you have family and friends to help you over the rough times and celebrate the good times with.  Random Acts of Kindness.... I wonder why on earth that one always makes my lists ? Maybe because it is as big a plus for me when one works well as it is for the person who receives it.   Happy New Year Folks,  New President, New Economy and New Challenges....

Bonita of Bwana                 

Good Grief this rarely happens!  We are getting ready for the big Holiday, kids are out of school (and underfoot) and Caine decides to go into heat.....sigh just what I need.  Brings a whole new meaning to "Tis the Season" ! Zion, who is now 21 months old is feeling his potential. crooning and coaxing it is not blending well with the carols and Holiday music.

Our Dog Room is right off the kitchen. It was once an elegant Florida room, lots of windows and room but it somehow over the years became the" Dog Room".  Each of our hounds has a crate and then we have crates for our visitors, guests and rescues.  There are the normal dog equipment and feed bins. Tucked into one corner is the children's play kitchen . It is part of our home and life  set off to the side and out of the way.

Normally when you have a girl come in season she will draw any other intact female in with her. But this year the Raptors opted to split the seasons.... Dreamer had Halloween or as we now call it Howl-O-ween, and now Caine has Christmas ! Poor Zi ( pronounced Zigh ) will have to deal with 4 more weeks of pacing, crooning and being denied. 

Since we will not breed prior to either finishing our dogs as Champions and having the full battery of testing done he will have to learn to wait. Poor boy !  The girls are equally as funny, they alternate between flirting with him and threatening to behead him.  First thing he does when released from his crate is rush to Caine's. Jumping up he scopes it out , looking for a way to release her and bring her out to play.  She reacts to his romantic overtures by fussing at him, quick to set the record straight and assure him she is no body's  "bitch".  Her sister , Dreamer, crated to her right rushes to reinforce the female opinion that he is unworthy ...for the moment. The battle roaring rises to a peak and people race in to separate and calm the pack.  As dogs are switched in and out of crates he roars at Uncle Phelan , because he is wandering about while Zi is crated.  It is a time for great care and caution. Not only do we need to prevent an unwanted early breeding but we need to make sure the boys are never out together right now.  Without the hormonal complications they are good friends.  While Phelan is altered he is still a male and therefore someone to drive away from a potential breeding possibility.  A fight would ruin every thing , they would never be able to hang out together again.

Every one is walking on eggshells around here.  Worried that some one will allow the dogs out in the wrong combinations, worried someone will spill the beans about Santa to the younger kids, worried Zi will lose weight with his constant pacing and crooning, worried the kids will find hidden gifts.....  yippee a good time to relax and reflect on the meaning of the Season!

Happy Holidays to all of our Friends !

Bob and Bonita of Bwana Kennel

 Less than a week until Thanksgiving and the chaos is already beginning. In regular homes, well as I remember them it was all about a cleaning up for company. Getting the dust bunnies chased away and finding the holiday linens. At Bwana we know it will never be that simple again. Along with the routine cleaning we will pull out our decorations, get the turkey fryer ready, deep clean every dog crate and have our Christmas decorations waiting to be put up.  We feel very blessed to have a large family.  As many problems as the extra bodies can cause, how could we ever pick some one to do without? In every pack each member brings something to the whole. From the youngest to the oldest . You have the defenders and protectors, the comforters and the young.  You have the providers and the moochers. Both of our packs are the same in the manner in which they have developed. 

I look forward to the day , both my youngest and oldest Brothers will be here for dinner with us.  The  5 grandbabies, from 3 year old Alexandra to 9 year old Tristan, will all have a chance at a drum stick since Grandpa decided to buy 3 turkeys for me to fry . The Cajun Butter seasoning and rub will make the meat tender and moist. The Trimings will be fairly traditional. Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes with sour creme and bacon,  Gravy, The Sweet Potatoes will be a bit different, instead of the simple brown sugar and marshmallows that I grew up with this year we will try the casserole topping that is being discussed on several of my lists, A Simple Salad, something I am thankful all of my little ones love, Green Bean Casserole, Croissants made by the 3 girls with a fresh honey butter. My namesake who loves to bake will make 3 pies, Pumpkin, Deepdish Apple and a Peach just for her dad.

When every one is stuffed to the gills there will be 2 bowls, one for dog bits the other for the straight to the trash bin bones.  I will never forget the year Bo "rescued" the turkey carcass from the trash and devoured it blissfully. No horror stories about bones or upset stomach, no dog fights within the pack. Only a dog so filled with gas the air around him shimmered with each contented poot! Everything from bits of potatoes to salad will end up stirred into their dishes Friday morning. And they will scarf everything happily! We never intended to eliminate chocolate from our menu, but we managed to do so anyway. Less to harm the dogs in case of counter surfing and distracted 2 leggers.

About 4 o'clock family begins to wander away. For naps or football they will find the nitch they are most comfortable in.  And I will begin to drag out the Christmas Decorations. I realized many years ago, the world can change so quickly.  And some changes are so final. Why not embrace the Holidays with great gusto?  We will bring out the treasured Ornaments and set up the Forever Tree. Laughing and scolding it will once more take shape. Bringing deep, warm memories and loved ones into the moment. Watching the magic grow as the tradition unveils I can go to bed content. Knowing the hands of our Mothers touch us still.

Whew it is always great to get back home !  Bob and I decided that we would only show where we felt we could have a good time. Life is too short to try to make yourself more miserable than circumstances make you feel.  So we had chosen the Ocala show despite it going from a 4 day back down to a 2 day.  They throw a wonderful party,  have great raffles, it is an outside show in a pretty area. We managed to stay in the Ribbons all weekend which is a fun way to show. They were not the ribbons I wanted but heck it is better than being dumped. I am not complaining, mind you, The dogs and I are so out of practice it was lucky that we stayed in the ribbons at all. By Monday my shins were complaining loudly as if I had shin splints , yikes and ouch . When you don't run even a little every day , taking a couple of graceful and flowing dogs out and then trying to keep up is a sure fire way to end up in pain! My feet, my back, my lead arm, my hands ouch, ouch , ouch !! 

So today I sat around a good deal working in the Southridge website and my own, feet propped up and making plans to get back out tommorrow on my bike and start reclaiming the ability to move around a ring. I only have 3.5 weeks till Jackson and it should be majors as well . If I bite the bullet and work through the pain I will be ready in time for the  4 day show.  I also have to begin stacking and moving the dogs in the cul de sac again. They were nearly as lazy as I. Good news is they love to play and enjoy the individual time and attention.

I was really pleased with the outfit that came together for Saturday. I rarely wear skirts or dresses in the ring. Shoot I haven't worn in ages for anything. ( My ankles and feet swell from the meds and I hate the way they look.  )  But this weekend I pulled on a long black skirt , a long sleeved blouse with a soft ruffled trim that goes from collar to hem, and a tapestry patterned vest. With my black boots it really had a country elegance to it. I enjoyed the many compliments I was given.  Sunday I was back in my normal show gear, a tweedy blazer with black slacks and a light blouse.  Easy to move in and a ridgeback pin on the jacket gave it the right feeling for the show.

As soon as we showed I was limping back to the RV to put the dogs away and was soon asleep in the fold out while Bob began our drive home.  Dreamer laying hard against me, she is becoming a pain.  I think she has decided to promote herself to a position closer to the one her grandmother held. I am undecided about this plan.

We only drove for a few hours and then pulled over at a Wal-Mart near Tallahassee. I really enjoy parking at Wally Worlds,  It would make zero sense to check into a RV park for the night. We would not be swiming, playing minature golf, or chatting with other travelors.  We just enjoy putting up feet, grabing a quick bite to eat and then vegging out in front of the TVs. Bob watched some football and Nascar, I went on line and did some updates and email, then found myself curling up with a good book lent to me by my daughter , Bonita Amiee.  A wonderful Good Guy Vampire , Bad Guy the Evil Society out to rid the world of the romantic vampire warriors.... sigh. Lots of heaving this , throbbing that  and the necessary fang action , so I find myself able to stick to the story and exercise my brain cells!

Walking the dogs around the parking lot , even they are eager for time off to crash and snooze. calling to check in with the Girls and make sure the babies are fine.  It is amazing how easily Bob and I can both fall asleep in the comfort and security of certain parking lots!

The next morning all of us slept in and for a change Bob was up first to walk the dogs. He decided that he was in the mood for a Cracker Barrel Breakfast. Eggs, Ham, Bacon, Hashbrown Casserole, Bisquits and Sawmill Gravy.  I opted for the French Toast, Bacon , Scrambled Eggs, Fried Apples, Hashbrown Casserole and a diet Coke  hee hee Silly isn't it? But I only eat about 1/5 of my meals anymore.  I just have a very poor appetite. So I ordered knowing almost everything could be re heated Tuesday for Bob to have another great breakfast . Pretty smart don't ya think ?  While sitting there with Bob, I was enjoying as always the silly things on the walls, many very nostalgic and somehow familiar.  As always I found myself listening to the conversations around me. I have done this all of my life.  I am sure the result of being expected to sit quietly on the rare occasions we were able to go out as a family when I was younger.  One table really caught my attention and I finally shared it with Bob, asking him to carefully look over his shoulder in their direction. He did so and then looked at me puzzled. It was a trio of white haired folks,  plainly the Mother and Father in their late 70s early 80s,  and a daughter possibly in her 60s.  They sat happily together as the daughter read the days news to her parents. Commenting from time to time and nodding sagely.  When the daughter read something about Iraq and then the Ayatollah , the tiny Mom piped up, " "They really need to get him! "  sighing as she unfolded her napkin into her lap.  " I really think it would be a much better Christmas if they could catch and kill him, he really seems to be a most unpleasant man!"  Every one at the table nodded in agreement. The amazing thing about the Table and the folks sitting there was the news was being read not from a paper, but from the daughter's I Phone ! At 60 something she was whizzing right through it, no fumbling or losing her place... I wanted to give her an ovation. She was there , with old fashioned values, giving the gift of time and love to her elderly parents. Making sure they were enjoying the time out and were comfortable. Yet sure and confident using technology that makes my head spin every time I pick one up.

Arriving home later that morning the babies were thrilled ot see us, Ceattle ran to the RV yelling for her Zion. Boo was close on her heels  happy and beaming.  They helped me unpack the RV and after cuddles and hugs were exchanged and I gave Boo the enourmous stuffed horse that I had found at the show , it only cost $5.00 from the used toy lady I was not able to pass it up! With a bridle and saddle it will gallup my tiny Ali~Boo~Boo fast and far away.  Ceattle was content with the ToTo toy dog for her Dorothy costume.  I excused my self and went to my bed, just walking into the house left me exhausted. Curling up , for what was supposed to be only a minute I was quickly asleep.  Bob made sure I slept for several hours waking me about the time the older three were due off the bus. They raced in , dancing about everyone shouting they had a "G" for the day. After fast hugs and overlapping chatter about what they had done in school for the day, I called them all together in the front room , telling them to face away from me with their hands behind their backs.  With  a very solemn voice I explained only the kid who had tried really hard to help out would be getting the much coveted Zebra Gum, I told them I would be patting each on the hand and when I made up my mind I would simply put the huge pack in their hand, that they should not rub it into each other , that they got the prize and th eothers did not... a fast pat to each little palm.  They were  each holding their breath and hoping hard I would reconsider them.. The second pass down the line I placed a large pack of the gum in each hand. Each was almost overwhelmed that they had gotten the prize !! Then when I said turn back around... they spotted the gum in everyone's hands and the giggles began.

Life is pretty darn good.  You just have to look for the fun, a couple of  second place ribbons, A great party, winning a raffle of two lovely throw pillows and a coffee table book on Africa,  a $5.00 used toy, A good night's sleep, a great breakfast, conversations that are both touching and encouraging  and then of course the 5 packs of gum that I chewed when I was a kid that still are as magical and fun today....  Life IS Pretty Darn Good!

BMS of Bwana

     Sitting in our RV we have two promising young dogs curled up on the bed between us as we watch a favorite new TV show and revue the plans for the morning's early ring time. This is our second year in a row coming to Ocala, Fl. The rings are large and out of doors, the group throwing the show are competent and very friendly. And even more important, it is a supported entry!

     For anyone unfamiliar with showing a supported entry means bigger numbers for your breed, bigger numbers equal majors and every Champion needs two majors as part of the accumulation of  the all important 15 points. (A major is a 3, 4 or 5 point show) .

    Currently we are showing 3 young dogs, the Raptors, Dreamer and Caine who are just over 2 years old and Zion who turned 20 months old on the 8th. Caine has shown the least, a pretty and petite girl she is delightfully feminine.  I can take my time with her. Zion who has only been in a handful of shows and has a handful of points to show for them is a happy and often rowdy young male. All muscle and bone he has a lot to offer the breed. Dreamer is singled out, meaning she has 9 points and only needs 2 majors. At this stage a couple of 3 point majors would finish her Championship. So we are very excited about having majors at both this show and the one we have decided to enter next month in Jackson, Ms. If everything went exceptionally well, we are both on and the judges like what they see we could see the New Year in with another New Champion for Bwana Kennel!

     I am not familiar with either judge this weekend. We had to reduce our show schedule in the past year for health reasons. And then when the Gas prices shot through the roof everyone had to make adjustments!  The price of an entry has about doubled since we began our adventure in the show rings. Using a Professional Handler is an expedient way to finish a worthy dog quickly, but many owners like ourselves really enjoy taking our own dogs into the ring and taking our chances. It can be difficult since amateur handlers, like myself are not as disciplined as the pros. When we were in the rings 3 out of every 4 weekends it was fairly easy to keep skills polished and improving. With our schedule as lean as it has been, I am rusty and the dogs more inclined to play some days than work in the ring. It is all good though, you pay your money and you take your chances. Some folks will snark and gripe, it is always politics and blind judges putting up friends if you listen to them.  Staying positive and working hard , every good dog should be able to finish !