Laura L

We are hosting another Patrick Shannahan clinic October 17-19, 2014 at the McLeish Farm in Portage, Wisconsin. If you're interested please email me for an entry form LauraLWentz at aol.com Thanks! Laura

What a beautiful tribute to Tex. It's obvious how much you both meant to each other. I've got tears in my eyes too. I'm glad that you had so many years together and it sounds like you met someone special because of him, what a wonderful thing! Laura

From the breeder's website: **Starting in 2011 I have switched our dogs and cats to an All Natural RAW (Prey model) diet.. I understand that this is not an option/decision for everyone. I will need to know ahead of time if you would *NOT* like your puppy exposed to a RAW diet. In the past I have had puppies raised on Blue Buffalo Wilderness/mixed with the puppy formula. This is my second choice and it is usually widely available at most Big Box Petstores** It does not say that she is only feeding chicken thighs and pumpkin. Lots of red flags though with colors of puppies and that "our dogs can do it all" bullsh!t without any proof that backs it up. Please take your puppy into the vet for a full check up and blood tests. eta: At almost 5 months your puppy should be a bundle of energy. Hopefully it's something that's easy to fix and good luck! Laura

Bottom of the Mountain SDT (Saturday) Nursery 6 runs 1. Jennifer Boznos & Tony 71 2. Ronnie Bingham & Cinch 61 3. Rose M. Anderson & Belle 57 4. Diana Antlitz & Brynn 52 Novice 1, 7 runs 1. John Kellner & Sam 65 2. Donna Huntington & Shae 41 3. Mike Poulos & Ridge 40 4. Hixie Bernardon & Tate 36 Pro-Novice 20 runs 1. Rose M. Anderson & Chaps 71 2. Chuck Hoffman & Sweep 70 3. Ronnie Bingham & Cinch 67 4. Samantha Jones & Meg 66 5. Nancy Flynn & Bruce 63 6. Merry Russell & Lilly 59 Novice 2, 5 runs 1. Donna Huntington & Shae 53 2. Mike Poulos & Ridge 42 Top of the Mountain SDT (Sunday) Pro-Novice 18 runs 1. Merry Russell & Lily 79 2. Rose Anderson & Bitti 73 3. Jennifer Boznos & Tony 73 4. Rose Anderson & Chaps 72 5. Hixie Bernardon & Lad 67 6. Paul Henning & Ken 65 Novice 1, 6 runs 1. John Kellner & Sam 65 2. Nicole Smith & River 52 3. Vicki Kreiter & Teak 51 Nursery 7 runs 1. Jennifer Boznos & Tony 77 2. Rose Anderson & Belle 74 3. Polly Simpson & Picca 70 4. Diana Antlitz & Brynn 49 5. Ronnie Bingham & Cinch 40 Novice 2, 5 runs 1. Hixie Bernardon & Tate 68 2. Vicki Kreiter & Teak 53 3. Janis Reuter & Bryn 44 We would like to thank everyone who came and ran their dogs. Thanks to John Wentz for judging, Marissa Wentz & Patti Wentz for the lunches. Vicki Kreiter and Sharon Woolman for scribing. Susane & Chuck Hoffman and Merry Russell for exhausting. A big thank you to Samantha Jones & Janet Henning for spotting on Saturday. Laura

Offering novice, pro-novice and nursery classes. April 7 will be at the McLeish Farm in Portage, Wisconsin. April 8 will be at John Wentz's in Portage, Wisconsin. Entries will open March 26. For more information or an entry form please contact LauraLWentz@aol.com Laura

If she seems to be in pain and you have banamine, I'd give her a dose of it (same as sheep). I'd give more nutri-drench and worm her too. The vitamins wouldn't be a bad idea. Sheep and goats would get the same dosages. Sounds like you're keeping her comfortable and hopefully she'll eat and drink on her own. Don't know what your temps are now, but if the stall is bedded she should be fine without a coat or sweatshirt on her. You're a good person for taking her in and treating her! Laura

I agree about the Zogoflex toys, except for the frisbee. Twinkie put a hole in that in less than 4 throws and if I hadn't thrown it on the roof of the shed it would have gone in the garbage. The 3 other toys we got from them though are tough and still being played with. Zoe especially likes the Bumi, it's great in the water. Laura

Antlers that the dogs have found in the woods or cow hooves (we actually buy those). Laura

Break out the box of Kleenex for me too. Tex has been an important part of your life, I'd say as long as he's eating and enjoying life do what you can for him. He'll let you know when it's time. A hug for you & Tex both. Laura

Congratulations to you all on your failure! It couldn't happen to a more deserving dog. Laura

This isn't one of those ones that goes on if you bump it and then off if you bump it is it? That's the only kind I've ever seen and hated them. I'd like to try these if they work better than that. Laura

You don't mean that seriously do you? I don't think I've seen a yappy, unruly dog under the handler's tent, although there have been a few dogs that have walked in with spectators over the years. Laura

I've never put a coat on a Border Collie, but I think that if I had an older one, who was lacking the proper insulation of fat & hair I might if they were doing anything other than going out for bathroom purposes. I've had several older dogs though and haven't done it yet. They're all house dogs too. The Bostons Lily & Izzy appreciate a coat if it's less than 30 degrees and they're out for more than 20 minutes. Katie is a pig and could probably go without one completely. Laura

Yes, to all the suggestions above. Soaking the food in some hot water and adding something like cottage cheese or yogurt to give it more of a smell helped for my older dogs. Also try a dish that isn't on the floor. With older dogs, it could be that it's uncomfortable to eat on the floor. We haven't bought a the raised dish set, but just put the regular dish in an ice cream bucket. It's the right height for a Border Collie sized dog. Laura

We got our tug from Mara last week and so far it's been a great hit at home. The Bostons play nicely with it and even though Zoe & Stella have tried to pluck fuzzies off it, they haven't been able to. It's frustrating for them but fun for me! Laura