Mayor Pete

Is this about dogs? Yes, because if dogs could vote, they would vote for Pete Buttigieg. Just look below. Dogs know!!

Pete is what America needs. The best of his generation. A unifier, who knows how to get things done (as Mayor of South Bend, IN and US Secretary of Transportation), tells the truth, cares about ALL Americans, lives and exudes unfailing optimism about the true ‘American Dream‘.

Mayor Pete with my (old) dogs in Nov 2019: Bryn, Ffansi & Seren
Photo from the front page to The Guardian, USA edition

Pete Buttigieg gave his farewell address — his final speech as Transportation Secretary — earlier today.It's definitely worth a watch.

Keith Edwards (@keithedwards.bsky.social) 2025-01-18T05:32:06.889Z

Llangwm Bryn

An absolute prince of a dog (2013-2024)

Llangwm Bryn

Training

For many people new to working dogs, online training is the best option. For those looking for online training courses and on-going support in their training programs, I recommend Julie Hill’s courses, ‘The Natural Way’. A former international champion, Julie is a now a full-time shepherd and trainer in Scotland.

Courses are £500 (~$625), a good value compared to in person training.

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Julie also has training video and book for sale.

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If you can make it to Scotland, this is what to expect.

Clwyd Bob – World’s Best Stud Dog

The results are in from the 2025 All Wales Nursery Finals.

  • Dewi Jenkins and Cass are Welsh champions.
  • 6 of the 10 Welsh Team nursery dogs are sired by Dewi’s Clwyd Bob
2025 All Wales Nursery Champions Dewi Jenkins and Cass
6 of 10 members of the Wales Nursery Team are offspring of Clwyd Bob
(L-R) Idris Thomas, Osian Willimams, Dylan Davis, Dewi Jenkins, Daniel Rees

Nico Thrives on the Farm

Young Nico was the runt of the Gail x Jimmy litter. He contracted a terrible gastrointestinal disorder, stopped gaining weight and was in excruciating pain …all the while being picked on by the bigger pups. He was a wisp of a thing who grew more vulnerable every day.

Somehow, Nico recovered enough with the aid of dewormers and metronidazole to stabilize him. But he needed to be away pronto to a place where he would get dedicated love and care. In stepped Lucy & Jim, empty-nester grandparents with a micro-dairy in Massachusetts. They were JUST what little Nico needed: love and care in abundance.

Nico at the barn door

Nico with his blue eyes and winsome nature has thrived at the Herb Hill Micro Dairy. He is a shining example of the wonders humans can work with dogs.

Nico is healthy and incredibly happy following the geese and chickens around. Lucy is going to begin his sheep herding training shortly …something I never thought he would be healthy enough to do. Lucy believed in Nico and her optimism was not misplaced.

Nico and his geese and chickens

Just look at that form! Nico looks so engaged in Lucy’s video. He’ll be full-on ready for sheep.

All the 2024 pups from Thundering Paws Farm placed so far are immensely fortunate to have found superb new homes.

THANK YOU TO ALL THE 2024 NEW OWNERS WHO HAVE MADE HAPPY TRANSITIONS FOR YOUR PUPS TO THEIR NEW LIVES !!

Accidents Happen

Oops confirmed …week 3, and Sue’s gone off her food. A 7-mo-old male isn’t supposed to be able to do such things …I thought (incautiously).

So, $#it happens! Unintended line breeding. At least it is nice Jenkins-McCloskey lines + a shot of Hutchinson. I was hoping for / needed a break. Not going to happen. Termination can impact future fertility, so I deal with it.

Fluff to the Maine Coast

Stunning looking Fluff, by Caolan Byrne’s Jack out of Martin Feeney’s Meg, went to a new home on the Maine Coast (Blue Hill Bay) for Christmas. Fluff’s human companion is Tony is a retiree who still coaches football locally. He keeps in shape with the help of a series of border collies. Tony has had 3 rescue collies over the years and is indulging himself with a pup this time.

I turned down something over 20 people interested in Fluff before said yes to Tony. It has to be right, for all.

In an update from the trail, Tony reports Fluff is learning to ski with him, still on a lead until he can be sure of her recall, but what a happy life for Fluff! A person all her own to do things with. That’s what it is all about.