I've not had a chance to write up the blog this week as it has been so busy. We had a smattering of snow one day which the dogs thought was great fun but of course it made the mud worse once it melted. Basil and Udall spend most of their time pulling each other upside down through the muddiest bits and come in plastered--not that they care! Cello went to his obedience and is really getting the hang of it-his favourite is his dumbell and he is putting the present and holding the bell together nicely. He is beginning to get a steady position in his heelwork too so we can start to bring him in closer soon. I took Vogue up to Obedience on Thursday night and was pleasantly surprised that she wanted to work despite not having been there before. Bad news is we have a GCits next week and we haven't mastered the stay yet !!!! Martin came up for the weekend as we had an eye testing session at Newark on Saturday and had booked hip scoring on Monday at my vets. Femme had a clear eye test and the plates looked good too. Chili and Tier had hip scoring too and both looked good. Chili is Rustys' sister and I am hoping to mate her to Cliche, so hopefully the pups would be good for agility homes. Chamonixs' puppies are looking very good and I have put a couple of 3 weeks and 4 day photos on here but there are some up to date ones on the Witherbark gallery, which you can access from the links at the bottom of this blog. I went over tonight to do nails and worming again and spent ages just having cuddles and Malikisses. Their personalities are staring to emerge now and they have waggy tails. Chamonix spent most of her time with a smile on her face,a very proud Mum.I will try and put some up to date pics on asap of the pups. News from Yvonne from Wales and Brye (a Brizo pup) passd the GCits Bronze test. Brilliant!! (we must sort the stays out for next week Vogue). Christine took Soli to an Open show and was 2nd in AVNSC Puppy and had a 2nd in the Puppy Stakes too under Ann Arch, Well Done!

The weather stayed fine and the paddocks wre dry enough for the dogs to have an afternoon out. They made the most of it racing up and down barking and generally having a good time. The upside of living out on the fens is the wonderfully different sunsets we get. It is a strange landscape, especially in the winter months, and the large amount of sky takes a bit of getting used to. The sunset yesterday was absolutely stunning, colours you couldn't imagine, if someone painted it you wouldn't belive it. I stood and watched it for ages and didn't have my camera at the ready for once, so I thought I would put this one up which I took out on Bicker fen earlier in the summer just after the wind turbines had ben put up.

The new kennel block is up and we are just waiting for the matching one to face it now. The dogs seem to like it and the kennel space is big and roomy but warm with covered runs.

I went up to Newark to see the flyball where Ronnie and Keisha were running. It was really noisy inside but the dogs were having a great time. Pudsey was enjoying his day out and was pleased to see me, I took Brizo and Vogue, Psyche and Rhodes with me and they had a wander round with me. Not sure Vogue was too impressed with all the barking collies but once she realised this was another of those free hand out days she was getting treats from everyone.

Jo came up today to see the puppies. Chamonix was very proud of them and let Jo pick them up for a cuddle. They had their first solid meal today and tucked in well.

We took Ronnie, Keisha,Kody,Keisha, Pudsey and Vogue up the field and they played in the new lake. Keisha decided to beat up Pudsey whilst the others looked on.

It was lovely to see how they are all maturing. Ronnie has a flyball competition at Newark on Saturday so I am hoping to go and watch---but I shall be buying some earplugs this time as it is indoors!

The weather has been so wet and miserable for the last few days and the wind is so cold. It speaks of fine weather tomorrow and then MORE rain. The yard is still a quagmire as are the paddocks so the dogs are fed up not being able to stay out for long.

Discover Dogs and it was really busy, I had to wait to take some pics until after 5pm when the place was closing and we were taking the stands down. The Laekenois were a great hit and Antar, Martins' Brizo puppy, took most of the fuss on offer. Femme was rough housing with Brizo, and Zinka was trying to ignore such uncouth behaviour. Calla, Lexi and Cougar manned the Malinois stand and I must say I wasn't too sure if Cougar would enjoy it as he doesn't usually do the "mauled by children" thing. However he was kissed to death by quite a few and was very well behaved.

Frank Kane came round with the film crew at one point and we had one of each variety for the cameras and a brief spiel by him on the breed. To my horror he wanted me to talk about the Belgians but, thankfully, it was very short and I think it will be on Sky, Horse and Country Channel sometime.

Vogue took most things in her stride and did a lot of sleeping, ignoring the noises around her. She walked through the streets from the carpark between her mum and dad as if it was an every day occurrence. The dogs have been very tired today as have I, that's the trouble with DD it mentally wears you out.

Chamonixs' puppies are 2 weeks old now and I went round to see them and cut their nails. All their eyes are open at last, they were very reluctant as they were so content. Chamonix has taken after her Granny Cachet and has full cream milk and they are like little seal pups.

They will soon be charging about.

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Zippy mated Celine tonight, his first in almost twelve years, and was far quicker than some experienced stud dogs. I think he will sleep well tonight!

Cello went to his obedience class this week and thoroughly enjoyed himself, we had to work really hard and both had brain ache by the end of it. He is learning really fast, no class next week so we have two weeks to crack that dumbell.

Discover Dogs in London tomorrow so I should really get some sleep as it will be an early start. Travelling up with Jacqui and Sue and I shall take my camera and see if I can get a few pics for the blog.