Closing in on 6 months!

Within a week our M&M litter will be 6 months old!  So far for me it's been a fun journey which began with the road trip to Knoxville to pick up the crew.  And look how far everyone has come since that time.  All pups are doing some form of obedience work, a few have started foundation training in agility, tracking and conformation.  Of course they've all become wonderful companions and family members, right?

Turning 6 months old means that our guys are eligible to show in a couple of disciplines and Swing will be taking her first step in to the breed ring on Dec. 15th at the Timacuan Weim Club Specialty in Orlando FL (Dodge will be showing in obedience and at the Eukanuba show that weekend).  I'm rather excited and a little apprehensive about her debut, I want it to go well for her so that she has a good time.  We'll definitely report on it afterwards.

Swing got to meet up with her brother Milo at the Turkey Cluster dog show on Sunday.  These two had not seen each other since they were 9 weeks old and the reunion was filled with lots of horseplay.  I had to put Swing away during breed judging because they were rolling in to the ring gating and I didn't want to bother the dogs that were showing.  And poor Milo was finding it hard to lay quietly with his sister nearby so during breed judging she sat in the van with the boys.  Afterwards we took both of them out for Michael to work with.  Milo has not had the convenience of going to a breed handling class so Michael had to work extra hard getting him to stack and stand still.  And when it came to gaiting, oy vey!  He was able to put in one or two strides and then it was off to the races!  I really liked the expression on his face in this shot...

 Seriously dad?  This is kind of boring!

You "gait", I'll RUN!

Milo hand stacked, good boy!

For someone who hasn't been worked with Milo did fairly well and didn't embarrass Art that much.  Amy sent them home with a list of things to work on and after talking to Art I know he'll dive in to it with determination and purpose!  Art did inform us that he and Milo are taking TWO obedience classes a week, way to go boys!

Swing has had a show handling class, and after explaining the one or two things on how to stack her, she did quite well for Michael.  Hopefully she'll be ready for her debut next month!

 A little free stacking

 Moving

Yes, she can be goofy too when the cameraman is the owner!

Swing's best stack of the afternoon

When we were done at the show site we headed up to the Anderson's to visit and let Swing and Dodge play with Rosey.  The girls enjoyed tumbling with one another as well as schmoozing for treats from Michael...

One for me, one for you!  Swing (L) and Rosey (R)

 We'll come at him from both sides!  Teamwork!  Rosey (L) and Swing (R)

C'mon, give it to me Michael!  You can't resist the Swingster!

Of course I had to take a picture of Dodge's mom (and Swing's niece, figure that one out)  Yankee.  Is that the sweetest face or what?

Yankee (another dog with cute feet!)

It was a beautiful day, mostly sunny and comfortable (not too warm and definitely not chilly).  We were able to spend time outside with the dogs allowing everyone to stretch their legs.  And the mud was kept at a minimum (albeit short lived since it is suppose to rain this week).  A visit to GraytSky is always a treat for the dogs and I and the bonus was seeing Art and Milo again.  Perhaps we will see the boys over the winter and take Art up on his offer to stop by for a hike along the Potomac.  As always, I'd love to hear from the rest of the gang since this blog is all about them.  We hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving.