4th Annual Cattle Dog Campout and Picnic (3rd year of attendance)

Photo by Laurie Sydorowicz

CATTLE DOGS EVERYWHERE
Another year in the books folks.   This past weekend we attended our 3rd Annual Cattle Dog Picnic.  Mama in her cast and all.

Angelyne

This year was by far the largest attendance. Additionally there was a guest speaker and performer with Eric and Angelyne-The Amazing Deaf Cattle Dog.
 http://www.amazingangelyne.com/.  Amazing!   

Cooling down in the pool

This breed is definitely like no other.  As I've mentioned in a previous post or two, I have always loved dogs. Day 1 of my life there was a dog.    When it came time to get my very own, I had always thought I'd end up with a Golden Retriever.   Alas that's not what happened.  When it came time for puppy child number 6, it wasn't planned to get a Heeler, that was just the breed of the puppy we were getting.   





And that is all they wrote.   Nothing against any other breed, but this sweet, faithful, incredibly smart, and loving breed is the best.   This weekend there were close to 100 cattle dogs and while each is different, the similarities are quite obvious as well.

The one down side of this trip was my cast.  Last year we walked around and spoke to so many different folks.  This year I was stuck in my seat and was lucky enough to talk to a few that stopped at our tent to chat.    

My favorite part of the whole time is watching my kiddoes play in the water. I've been wanting to take them to swim for weeks, but the cast limited my being able to go.   So it brings me such great joy to see them have the time of their lives playing fetch in the water.    Little Girl didn't quite get as into it as Baby Boy because Mamma was on the outside of the fence, but she did have fun.

I really get a great sense of joy watching my little ones have so much fun.

It would have been fantastic if my older 2 could have been with us, but they are not travelers and the ride down would have driven me insane.


And they're not as comfortable around a large number of people and dogs as the others are.  There would have been lots of barking. 

I'll need to take them all to the dog beach nearer to us.

Should you ever consider adopting or going to a breeder for an Australian Cattle Dog, I beg of you to do your research.   These 2 have been the toughest to adjust to, but OH SO WORTH it.   (when I don't want to kill them).

If you stumbled upon this by chance and have a Cattle Dog, definitely look up the Annual Cattle Dog Camp out and Picnic.   It really is wonderful to meet up and talk about this breed with those who understand.    Oh and the dogs you meet.   

I loved loved cuddling with this girl

Most of the sweetest ACD's I've encountered are the deaf and blind ones.  Oh, they melt my heart.   If you don't fall in love with them after cuddling with one of those....you're a lost cause ;)


CATTLE DOG RESCUE
Speaking of, a few things before I end ...First check out this wonderful organization.   If you have a few extra bucks, donate.  For $20 donation, get their 2018 calendar. My kiddoes make an appearance.   

This is a wonderful organization and when the time comes, we'll most likely go through them or a similar one to add to the family (Four is our hard limit..so this won't be for awhile)

Second, our kids are up for June 2019.  If you have Facebook, follow the link to vote for them. Voting ends midnight of June 30.
https://www.facebook.com/OCDRTeam/photos/a.983423788499686.1073741954.328089074033164/983436778498387/?type=3&theater

Also above I gave you the link to Eric & Angelyne's webpage. Here's the link to their Facebook page as well.  Seriously check them out.   Angelyne-the Amazing DEAF Cattle Dog


And finally if you're interested in attending a future Cattle Dog Picnic, follow here : Annual Cattle Dog Campout and Picnic.    Now let's check out some more photos...

Lada says SMILE!!!!!

Peryn

Loves that ball!!

This little dude -too cute

making new friends

ABSOLUTELY GOREGOUS.

This crew was pretty awesome.

Skye and Millie

This breed....

Hey! Before I post updates on the puppers goings ons, I wanted to talk about something we've discovered.

We've had our numerous fur children since 2000 when we first adopted Galen.   We adored the Old Guard very much and still miss them so freaking much.   Because of them, we've always talked about getting another "Eskimo/Collie" mix or Dutch Shepherd, but it was in the 'only if we find the right one' type of mindset.

Before we brought home Peryn, our knowledge of the Australian Cattle Dog was very minimal. We were aware of the breed and the very basics, but that was it.   Since bringing him home, we've done our research and joined the numerous groups to gleam as much information about him and now of course Lada.   

One thing we've come to discover, we love this breed.    Prior to Peryn, Rich had wanted a Husky, so having our half husky  half boxer mix was pretty close to it.  However after hanging out and learning from other Husky owners, we're quite happy with our half and half.  
We're totally in love with the Australian Cattle Dog.

Peryn has a lot to do with that, of course.   Lada as well, but Peryn is a character all his own.   He owns Mommy's heart.  Additionally, there is just something about this breed. They are so freaking smart and loving and I don't think I've come across one ACD that I do not like.

We attended our 2nd Annual Cattle Dog Cookout in June.  It was quite a blast and we got to interact more with everyone than we did last year.  Cattle dogs are just so regal and intelligent and..PSYCHO...or maybe that's just Lada.

Don't get us wrong, we still love all dogs and when and if the situation is right for it, we'll adopt another in need...but don't be surprised if it's another ACD.

We love all our kiddoes, but since Peryn & Lada are younger and have so much more energy-we play with them a lot.  I think that interaction has helped build a bond.

Sadly, I see so many re homing posts about these guys (and Huskies too).  I really wish people would research a breed before bringing them home. No matter the breed, each dog is unique in their own way. However there are big parts of their personalities and mannerisms that they inherit from their breed.

Heelers, another name for ACDs, got that nickname because they tend to bite and nip at the heels of the cattle they're herding.  My dogs are nowhere near cattle, but watching them play with others you will see them go for the heel.  It's in there genes.  Additionally as puppies they were very nippy.  We've been able to get Peryn to stop his nipping and for the most part have it almost gone from Lada, but it's still there.  

Almost every re-homing post mentions they're being given up for nipping and biting. Education people!  This goes for EVERY dog you adopt.  That's another reason I will always highly recommend dog DNA tests.   Sometimes you need to know what you're working with. 

Lil ms Lada

Duchess for example.  She was adopted to us as a "Shepherd Mix".   After her DNA tests, she was discovered to be 50/50 Boxer/Husky (Boxsky).   This is important to us to know how to deal with her in certain situations and daily life.

For example,, she's s rough player.  We discovered this early on at the dog park and unfortunately scared away man other dog owners.  Through North Ohio Husky & Malamute Enthusiasts, we found a group where she can be herself and everyone understands. 

Additionally we can watch out for typical behaviors of the other breeds.   
I think EVERYONE should get to know the dogs they're bringing home. It can make all the difference.

So, as I said...we're in love with ACD's and while we know they're not for everyone, we love ours to death!

If you want more information, look it up or feel free to contact us with specific questions.

SO So SO much

Hi!! Peryn here. My first time. Isn't it exciting. I have so much to tell you about. Really it's all awesome. I am so glad you're here. I can't believe I get to tell you all about it and did you know I love my Mommy? She's the bestest.  She is awesome. I hate when she leaves and I can't go with her.  I can't keep her safe if she's not by me.  It sucks. It really does.
I love life. I love my Mommy. I love my sissies.  Athena is awesome. Duchess is cool except when she tries to get on the bed at night. I don't care if she's been sleeping there since day 1. No one can be there except ME!!

I love balls and playing fetch and playing with other doggies and playing in water. I love water. I love to swim and I love to chase other dogs in the water and I love to splash. It's so much fun.  Mommy and Daddy take me and my sisters to the parks where I can do all of this.   It's just awesome!  I love to ride in the car and I just love it.

Mommy says I'm real big now.   I'm still much smaller than Duchess and Athena and most other dogs I play with, but I'm not as small as I was.     r
I met my Grandma & Grandpa . Duchess said they're cool and pawesome, but I don't know yet.   They didn't play with me much.

I just wanted to tell you that I love my life and my toys and my sisters and my Mommy.......
~~~~~~~~~

Sorry it's been awhile to post an update on the dogs.  Been pretty busy the past month or so.
July 23 we drove down to Columbus to attend the Annual Cattle Dog Cookout.   Peryn travels so well. He slept most of the way down. He got to meet his "peeps".  MANY MANY ACD's were there. It was super hot and he loved swimming (big surprise. He loves water).

We try to get the kids to the park once a week (at least). We've been taking trips out to Canine Meadows to let them run, play, splash, swim.  In fact, we did that today. The kids are POOPED.

Peryn's about 45 lbs now.  Heavier, longer than tall. He's a pain in the butt, but he's a loveable guy.
Duchess tolerates him to a point. Athena and Peryn still love to play.  Peryn also loves playing with Athena's friends: MC & Bridger.   Let's be honest, Peryn loves playing with everyone and every dog.

Duchess is definitely a lot more affectionate these days thanks to her jealousy of Peryn.   Very interesting.

We're still here

Hello.  It's been awhile. I've been busy and so have the pups.  We've been taking them to parks to get a workout and the Man has been taking them on walks.   Didn't mean to neglect the blog.

They're doing quite well.  They're looking healthier than they have in ages. They're definitely happier and more relaxed over all.

We went to 2 Husky meets (an official and an unofficial) this month.  Both were held at this fabulous dog park a bit of aways drive.   It's beautifully upkept and the gating is great.  Plus....the best part...it tires the little blue monster out.     Love it.

Turns out Peryn REALLY loves water and playing with other dogs. Oh and fetch....oooh does he looovvveee fetch......a lot.  Like A LOT.   ;)

Peryn got to meet his grandparents earlier than planned. It was an unfortunate situation that made it happen, but he got to meet them and see Uncle Davey again.

Next week we will be attending a Cattle Dog cookout /meet up.  The girls are staying here as they do not travel well and we'd rather not have to deal with them that day. They'll be taken care of so no worries there.

Peryn is the chillest of passengers in a car.   Love that little dude.  He's a joy most days. He's also a little monster..

so handsome

Duchess

Duchess and Atlas playing

Brother & Sister

Having a blast

Oooh Look, I can dig!!

MINE!

Mommy! Stop ignoring me!

This is comfy

Just let me sleep

I love the park!!

Was my good summer dress shoes

Pawsing from play 

What?!