Shepherd Sight

Dirty puppies and Ukraine

The dirt on Clyde makes his coat look dull. (Not a big problem, if you read on.)

What in the world do dirty puppies have to do with Ukraine? PLEASE read to end to find out! About six weeks ago I decided to have my shower enlarged because it is too small to give a dog a good bath in it. So I called Aleks, who manages Oz Granite in the South End of Richmond. He came by to give me an estimate. Turns out his family is in Ukraine. So he’s gathering donations along with other people from Ukraine in the Richmond area. He sent me this flyer so that people can make donations more easily. The supplies will be taken to Poland where they will be used to help people coming from the front lines of the war. THIS IS LEGIT. THEY ARE NOT ASKING FOR MONEY. THEY NEED SPECIFIC SUPPLIES!

PLEASE DONATE! ANYTHING HELPS! PASS THIS ON TO ANYONE WHO MIGHT HELP, ESPECIALLY MEDICAL WORKERS. SOME THINGS CAN BE PURCHASED AT WALMART OR DRUGSTORES

Clyde went to Brown’s Island in downtown Richmond!

Clyde did great on his walk across the bridge. There is some movement in the surface of the bridge when walking across it. Some dogs panic. Clyde walked a little funny but he did fine. He very cleverly sought the sections of the bridge that were braced the best. I don’t recommend walking across the bridge with smaller dogs. There are spaces between the slats of the metal, and smaller dogs could get their toenails stuck in it. Also the roar of the rapids is disconcerting. Some dogs really don’t like that loud sound, plus the wind makes a sound. Lots of people, dogs, bicycles, strollers, etc. It was a good test of Clyde’s temperament. I’d say he passed with flying colors! I am especially proud because he has grown up in the country, and I have still managed to get him well socialized to unusual urban environments.

Clyde on the T. Tyler Potterfield Bridge

It was hard getting good pics. So many people around and other dogs. Also, I had to carry Clyde’s poop in a bag all the way back across the bridge because he very politely waited to get across before he pooped. Not all dogs could wait, I noticed!

Diagnosis: nothing!

I love it when I go to the vet and nothing is wrong. I thought See See was having a split heat or an infection, but she had neither according to the vet. A vaginal culture was obtained and it was all normal. The discharge that she had was considered normal in accordance with when she had her heat cycle. Apparently her brothers are immature and don’t know anything about what a true heat cycle is. Many young dogs will react to anything unusual and think it’s time for sex!

The vet really loved See See’s temperament. See See was very loving to the vet and her assistant before and after the vaginal culture. When she came back in the room with the diagnosis after looking at the microscope See See ran up to her and wanted to be petted.

See See waiting in the lobby, listening to the receptionist

See See sitting beside me on the bench in the exam room

Another visitor, and what is going on with See See?

Winston and Clyde interacting with my friend Claudia. Claudia is a true warrior.

I had to separate See See from her brothers again. The boys say she is in heat again. They won’t leave her alone! She is either having a “split heat” or a mild vaginitis. She sees the vet tomorrow.

Claudia took this close-up pic of See See

Waiting to be fed

When Winston, See See, and Clyde come inside and I start preparing their food, of course they just lay around expectantly. This is when they seem the prettiest to me.

Clyde and See See go to Crump Park

Crump Park, also called Meadow Park, is in Glen Allen, VA. It is historic, has farm animals, and is open to the public. And close to my house! Here is a link to find out more about it https://henrico.us/rec/places/meadow-farm/ The best parts are the trails and the sheep!

Trails

Sheep

Winston at dog class

Winston needed to brush up on his dog show skills because it’s been awhile since he has been shown. He needs one set of major points to finish. Special thank you again to Michael for taking pics and video.

Winston is holding his “stack” while the “judge” touches his nose.

Doesn’t he have a cool white spot on his chest?

In this video, Winston doesn’t have room to show off his nice gait. What is notable is how he is at ease with the nearby dogs of various sizes, and with the “judge” who he approaches on the return.

Visitors!

My friends Sam and Leslie visited this evening. They brought their boy Corbin. We had dinner and played Scrabble, but first we had to pet the dogs. Corbin wanted to see Winston and the puppies, who he had met once before.

Winston’s toy rolled under Leslie’s chair

Clyde is talking to Sam. Winston is in the background watching from the other room with his toy

Winston and Corbin are checking each other out

Corbin is slightly intimidated by three big dogs milling around

Corbin leaned against the wall to stay out of their way

Then Corbin just sat in the floor and Clyde and See See investigated

Corbin’s comfort level increased around the dogs after a few minutes

Clyde and See See went to Three Lakes Park

It was beautiful day today with temps in the high 60’s. My friend Sharon and I met at the park just to walk and talk.

Three Lakes Park in Henrico, VA has fishing areas, trails, and a nature center with native wildlife. There’s a place inside where the fish in the lake can be seen through glass like a big wild aquarium. Very cool for grown ups and kids.

Clyde and See See got to see geese and ducks, and they got petted a lot by kids there.

Happy Birthday to Winston

I spend a lot of time with the puppies, and sometimes Winston feels left out. Today, Winston is 3 years old. So to celebrate I took just him with me when I went out to run errands.

I spent a long time at T Mobile, so Winston had to find ways to make himself comfortable.