Inkwell Aussie News

2012-02-05T15:45:00.003-05:00

Thumper (AKC/ASCA Ch. Inkwell's Tom-tom) will have puppies due out of Poudre's Silk n' Satin at the end of March..


Sadie (Poudre Silk n' Satin) pictured with Thumper in late January.Litter due late March.

Thumper will also be bred to Milwin Bayshore Wild Flower in the coming weeks for another springtime litter. Both litters should produce athletic and well made puppies with terrific temperaments. All colors likely. Companion and possible performance homes hoped for in these litters. For more information you can contact me directly at inkwellaussies@comcast.net.

Happy New Year to all!

2012-02-04T00:19:00.000-05:00

Started off the year with a 4-show weekend at West Friendship where I showed Luster and Thumper. Luster, in his first shows as a class dog, showed well but was a bit unhappy with the judges' hands-on exams. Despite this he was able to garner a RWD ribbon under Judge Linda Robey.

After the weekend (and while he was still clean!!) I got some glamour shots. So this is Luster at 7 months.

Last week Debbie (his owner and co-breeder) had him back home and showed him at the Doswell AKC shows where he was much better with the judge exams and garnered RWD at both shows, one of which was a major. So onward and upward for Luster! His next public appearance will be in 2 weeks back up at the February W. Friendship shows where his siter Satin will debut in HER first big-girl shows. Here are a couple of glamour shots I got of her right after Christmas when she was 7 months old.

But I also showed Thumper as a Special all 4 days and all 4 days we were handed a ribbon: 2 selects on Thursday and Friday, and 2 Best of Breed on Saturday and Sunday, a weekend that got us halfway toward Thumper's Grand Championship. What a GOOD Toompers!


This is the better of the judge-with-ribbon shots. Judge Barbara Capstick. Our other judge for	a Best of Breed was Nancy Bodine.

2011-12-26T00:23:00.002-05:00

Satin decorates the big chair on Christmas Eve

Little Miss Sunshine

On Christmas Eve the camera came out. First some shots indoors for Christmas. I never did get a card done this year--I suppose these will suffice!

What a morose looking collection of dogs. Cute but not into photos this day!

Satin is small enough to fit nicely on the hearth.

Ribbon leads the way

Then we went outside to play in the mud. The yard is hopelessly defoliated by heavy dog traffic so it is all dirt all the time,


Noisy yard!

Ribbon states her mind.

Ribbon drives her point home.

All teeth accounted for.

Got the piktchah

2011-12-13T23:55:00.003-05:00


The win-to-finish photo of Thumper making him an AKC Champion.

Announcing....

2011-11-29T13:47:00.001-05:00

Thumper finished his AKC championship this past weekend by going Winner's Dog and Best of Winners on Friday and Saturday for back-to-back majors under judges Monica Canestrini and Joan Zielinski, respectively. This is my first Champion out of all Bred-by classes and Ribbon's 2nd AKC Breed Champion. In addition, his littermate Sammy (Inkwell's Imagine That) is now Inkwell's Imagine That RX as he completed his Rally Excellent title with a 2nd place finish with his owner Donna Johnson. A good weekend for the Inkwells!!
Multiple Premier, AKC/ASCA Ch. Inkwell's Tom-tom !

2011-11-12T22:33:00.001-05:00

It's been a busy few weeks for the dogs here, with some ASCA shows for Thumper and the puppies Satin and Luster.

First up was the MidAtlantic ASC show weekend in October at Point of Rocks, MD. Luster garnered a Best of Breed Puppy and Satin a BOSP under Breeder judge Kelly English.
In later shows Luster went BOBP also, with Satin BOSP to him.

Later on Thumper went Best Opposite Sex over a nice entry. We didn't end up getting photos on the puppy wins but at the next show, under judge Whitney Coombs, Satin was handled by my friend Tyler for her first time in the ring and she did a nice job.

Satin with her afternoon handler Tyler for Tyler's first time in the ring.

Last weekend I took Luster, Satin and Thumper down the road to Georgia to the Greater Atlanta ASC shows in Cartersville GA for a 6-show weekend. Over the 6 shows the puppies went BOBP or BOBP for 11 (I think!) ribbons.

Luster BOBP under judge Trisha Herring; he went BOBP 4 of the 6 shows and BOSP the other 2.

Satin under judge Lynda Shackelford; she went BOBP twice (under :Lynda and under Rosemarie O'Hara in the final show, and BOSP 3 shows. There were other puppies too!
.


Thumper with his rosettes and the handler who took him in the ring for the wins, Anna Tso.

Of course Thumper was at the shows as well and after the first show in an Olympic-sized ring I asked Anna Tso, just wrapping up a successful juniors career and without a Secial to handle for the weekend, if she would like to show Thumper. The result was 2 Bests of Breed (Lynda Shackleford and Chuck Quinlan) and a Best Opp win under judge David Clayton. All in all a nice trip south for us.

Thumper with Anna.

Luster is 5 months old her.

Satin also 5 months old, of course. She's a girly.

19 weeks

2011-10-22T22:32:00.000-04:00

Luster

Roka-was Smudge

Puppies got a photo shoot last week to assess their progress.


Satin

2011-10-12T20:31:00.001-04:00

Almost 2 years old now. Thumper's portrait session.

Win photos from Nationals

2011-09-30T01:12:00.001-04:00


Premier win under judge Carol Ann Hartnagle (with Maria Neff, of course!)

And the other Premier win with Judge Stephanie Shope-McDaniel and Maria.

Thumper's ASCA Nationals in West Bend, WI

2011-09-24T13:32:00.002-04:00

Well another Nationals is ending. I was unable to go to ASCA nationals but Thumper hitched a ride with a friend (thanks Kristina!) to West Bend to rendezvous with Maria Neff for the week, where he was entered in all pre-shows and at National Specialty, in Best of Breed.
Thumper had a good week with Maria, making it through first cut of boys at the first preshow under judge Nikki Marenbach.
The next day under Stephanie Shope-McDaniel Thumper stayed in great company garnering a premier 10 ribbon. Stephanie's mother Ann Shope had awarded Thumper's mother Ribbon a nice Best of Breed ribbon at a local ASCA show a couple of years ago, so nice to have a continuum!
The third Preshow had Carol Ann Hartnagel as judge and once again Thumper was a Premier 10 winner.
The actual Nationals Best of Breed competition was today and Thumper did make first cut but did not advance today, under judge Carol Earnest. The good news is, he is on the way home to me now!

thanks to Denise Ozyurek for both ringside shots

So a great week for his debut as a Special at an ASCA nationals and will plan for the coming year when he grows up a bit! Pictures will follow but a couple of ringside shots will suffice for now.

A weekend in the country

2011-09-14T21:01:00.001-04:00

I was unable to attend my own ASCA club's 5-show weekend but was able to send Thumper down for the shows. Luste and Satin are already with Debbie in VA so she brought them up for their first experiences in puppy classes.

It turned out to be a nice weekend for Inkwell and for Milwin as well. Thumper was Best of Breed over several other top specials 2 of the 5 shows, handled by Susan Speight.

The puppies did well too. Luster was Best of Breed puppy twice and BOSP once, as well as BOBP(young puppy) in Sweeps. He was not shown in the show immediately following Sweeps Saturday morning as he was pretty tired. Satin seemed to be more up to the task, showing in all shows. She traded off some wins with 2 BOBP's and a BOSP for the weekend. I understand both were sleeping well after their exciting weekend!


Sunday afternoon under judge Lynda Shackleford. Susan Speight	handled for me.


My favorite win photo of the weekend, Luster handled by Jane Moss under	Lynda Shackleford


Satin with one of her wins, under judge Andrea Blizard who awarded Thumper one of	his BOB's

Some glamour shots

2011-08-08T01:07:00.000-04:00

Beautiful view near the Virginia Tech horse area, so got a couple of glamour shots of Thumper. He is strarting to look all grown up.

Weekend in Virginia

2011-08-08T00:25:00.002-04:00

Zivalicious!

I never tire of watching them fly across a field!

.
Ziva strikes a regal pose. Yes she has to stand on a hill to have a level topline. Yes she has no hair on her feet, but she is lovely just the same.

I never tire of seeing Thumper fly towards me either. I DO tire of the
reverse view.

Ziva and her flowing locks

Went to the Salem Virginia AKC shows this weekend. First a stop at a community center field in the Shenandoah Valley for a good run.


Wish I had a 'heel' in Obedience that looked like this!

He was giving attention the entire go-around that time.


'Chin'

Then on to the shows where a friend got some ringside shots.

Gone home

2011-07-31T22:04:00.000-04:00

Julie loves on Favor, who was quite busy befor her trip to VT

Sometimes you have to just carry them!

Take this toy NOW!

And off she goes on her life's adventure.


Confetti (not yet spoken for) takes matters into his	own hands

Smudge is now 'Pinion'. He gets his own big sister in Quil

Pinion gives 'T' a kiss, the first of many, I think.

Em, Quil and Pinion


I had to give him a last snuggle along with Confetti,	though I know I'll see him very frequently. He might have a show career if he comes along well.

They're leaving home...

2011-07-29T13:20:00.000-04:00

Well, the time has come, the litter is 8 weeks old tomorrow and away they go. It has been a wonderful healthy happy outgoing litter with lots of visitors, lots of adventures. They traveled well in the car (noisy at first but no carsickness) they gained weight, tolerated worming, vaccinations, and microchipping, all eyes cleared CERF exams by Dr. Bromberg, and all have homes! (Well, ok, one needs placement but not sure which yet!). The spoken-for puppies go home tonight, tomorrow, and Sunday.

Last lessons from Mommy to Favor

Favor and Luster chat.

Luster gets some info from Mommy

Add captionSatin dispatches a stick

Dirty Snout Syndrome on Crescent

Dirty Snout Syndrome on Vivi

Future Olympian and all-around Career Girl Favor


Crescent is HOT!


Satin looking to the heavens


Yeah, Favor-tude again


Smudge and Vivi


Smudge and Crescent


Pretty-boy Confetti


Confetti and the poison ivy vine


Mommy says to leave her bodacious ta-ta's alone


Oh well...

Confetti, blue boy, might be available

Crescent, going to live in Bel Air


Career Girl Favor, headed for an agility career in Vermont. You can	follow her on her mom's blog http://www.vtdogs.net/


Luster (was Dusk) headed for a show career (we hope!) with	co-breeder Debbie Mills


Satin, (was Birdie) also going to Debbie's, hopefully to help	carry on her line.


Shiner, to live in Ft. Meade with a family including 3 kids! He'll have a	rollicking time!


Smudge, soon to be named (something else) will probably go to	the Powells for a possible show career on co-ownership. He'll learn about horses too.


Vivi, the little Ribbon look-alike, is headed for	Westchester Co. NY to live the life of a pampered pet.

Win photo from July 7 show

2011-07-19T11:42:00.000-04:00


a point (wow!!) under judge Dr. Robt. M. Brown.

6 weeks old now

2011-07-16T14:47:00.000-04:00


Smudge. Reminds me of Thumper, probably more becasue of head markings	than anything else.

Octomom Ribbon lays down the law

Shiner

Playing with her brood


They have her now!

Crescent. He's going to live in Bel Air, MD

Birdie. She'll go to Debbie in Culpeper, VA

Dusk. Fat tub.

Vivi. I think she is going to be a New Yorker.

Favor. Vermont-bound to live the hellish life of an agility star with Julie.


Confetti

Ribbon takes matters, and Crescent, into her own, um, hands?

Dusk, fat boy

Crescent and Favor.


Dusk again

And really wild and active. They are using the litter and outdoors exclusively for poops; pees still happen in a bit more well-distributed fashion.

Another win

2011-07-07T19:07:00.000-04:00

Thumper went Winners Dog, Best of Winners and Best Opposite Sex today for one mighty point at Catoctin KC show in West Friendship, MD today, judge Robert Brown presiding. This brings him to 11 points in his 9 times in the AKC ring. Really need a Major now!

And of course the obligatory Brag Photo

2011-07-05T00:36:00.000-04:00

Because, well, why not. Proud of my doggy. He was Winners for a 4 point major last weekend in Richmond as previously reported and the photo came (surprisingly quickly, I might add). So here it is, Thumper's first AKC Major under judge James White. Thank you Mr. White. Now on to another Major when we can find one so he can be an AKC Ch. as well.

Never too many puppy photos, right?!

2011-07-05T00:30:00.001-04:00


Dusk

First time outdoors for the puppies today at 30 days old. It was very warm and extremely humid, so even though there was high cloud it wasn't conducive to a lot of playing. Still, each one got to experience something quite new and nobody was fearful. I have a flat area next to the house and then the yard drops down pretty steeply (unmowable, has to be weedwacked) before falattening out again 10 yards below.. So as the puppies would get near where it starts to fall off they would stagger and never quite get the hang of walking across the slope. They couldn't figure out why their legs on one side were suddenly so much shorter than their legs on the other side. They'll get it soon, just like previous puppies have.(Nobody tumbled since it hasn't actually BEEN weedwacked in a few weeks so there is a nice heavy thicket of calf-high weed working as a fence against tumbles). Anyway it was a short trip outside, more tomorrow.

Dusk again

Confetti

Favor


Crescent


Smudge


Smudge


Hot puppies


Vivi


Vivi and friend Susan. You can see how hot we were today!


Blackbird


Shiner

Shiner

23 days

2011-06-27T17:22:00.000-04:00

The boys: clockwise from upper left: Dusk, Dusk, Smudge, and Smudge and Shiner, the spotty boys.

The boys, continued: Clockwise from upper lift: Crescent, Smudge, Confetti, Smudge

The girls, from upper left clockwise: Favor, Blackbird, Vivi, Blackbird.

Puppies got their first meal today and figured it out very quickly indeed. Thsi will help Ribbon out (and the puppies as well) since I think 8 puppies are only just getting enough from her now that they are 3+ weeks old. Now the work begins since they will get less cleaning from mom and I'll therefore be changing soiled papers several times a day. Next up: move them to the pen with a litter box of paper shred.

Fruitful trip to Richmond, VA

2011-06-27T15:01:00.000-04:00

Thumper went Winners Dog for 4 points on Saturday at the Virginia Kennel Club show, under judge James White. (We didn't enter Sunday). . This brings us to 10 points including his first major, in 7 times in the AKC ring (and aside from USASA Nationals, only the 2nd time in the ring when a major was available; he had RWD that day). So I am very proud of my pupper, all wins out of the BBE class. Just 5 points to go (but few majors likely to materialize locally...). We shall see!

20 days old!

2011-06-24T20:31:00.001-04:00

They are growing like weeds! Eyes are open, they hear, they run across the whelping box (not in a controlled fashion, exactly, but they do run). They range in size but everyone is sturdy and strong.
Here they are:

#1 girl Blackbird. Nice strong color and her nose leather is

filling in already, will probably be solid by 8 weeks.


#2, boy Confetti. He is not a burly fllow but very easy on the eye.

#3, Shiner, a boy. Strong big puppy (well they're ALL strong but he is one of the larger pups). Nice copper, a bit of dilute in his black body patches. Good clear merle.

#4, Smudge, aka Mr. Popularity. Those strong face markings and body spots ensure he won't go unnoticed. He is a bigger boy.


#5, Favor. She is so calm and relaxed, she goes all beanbag in my hand after a

yawn if I turn her over on her back in my hand. She is a larger puppy, with plenty of substance.

#6 Vivi, a girl. Glamour girl with her clear color, eye makeup and sweet face. A smaller puppy.

#7, Dusk, a boy. He has a deeper silverly gray merle than the others, and merle darkens
with age, so he should be quite striking. Nice copper and his nose, like the other puppies',is already
spotting in with black. Everyone here has nice pigment


#8 Crescent, a boy. He has beautiful rich deep pigment like his 'mates and his nose		leather is already black at age 3 weeks. Smaller size but good substance. These puppies' relative sizes are really not much of a predictor of later. final sizes. All have nice substance and I'll tell you in 5 weeks which ones look like nice 8 week olds!

More from the weekend's ASCA show

2011-06-21T13:52:00.001-04:00

Looking at his Auntie Raechelle,, behind the camera

Casual-cool look while awaiting his turn with the judge.

My favorite shot of him ringside, of any I've seen.

Got the other win shot from this weekend and also some wonderful ringside candids. Thank you to Raechelle Embrey for the photos, and again to Morgan Campbell for the handling.

The Local Dog blog by Alison Smith

2011-06-21T00:45:00.003-04:00

A good friend and highly respected breeder of Aussies, Alison Smith (Paradox Australian Shepherds, Massachusetts) has recently developed a blog The Local Dog in response to the growing negative associations being made about purebred dog breeding. As in any activity there is a continuum of ways of going about things from small-scale, careful responsible breeding (which I strive to do) through casual backyard-breeding-for pocket change, through to large corporate puppy mills. Unfortunately there is often no distinction made between these vastly differing producers of dogs. As a result the growing opposition to large scale puppy production and the growing animal rights movement that aims not to improve animal welfare but to restrict or end pet ownership, can sweep everyone with dogs up in their indiscriminate net.
Most disappointing on an individual basis is this: I can be called 'evil' simply by virtue of the fact that I produce purebred puppies (once every 2-3 years) and sell those puppies. I don't ship to strangers. I don't sell puppies via paypal or Visa?MC. I treat the decision on who gets a puppy much like a true adoption, doing vet checks and getting references on prospective buyers, using spay/neuter contracts, and by writing contracts that protect not only me but the puppy (most importantly) and the puppy purchaser. And yet I can be the subject of nasty tshirts that say how evil we breeders are. This sort of sentiment fuels anti-pet legislation. Make no mistake, the bills being brought up in various states are not written to protect animals from abuse (even if some of the lawmakers think that is what they are doing). They are written to reduce your ability to choose a carefully researched pet. The paradox here is that these laws will ultimately penalize MY type of breeder; mill breeders will simply do the costly licensing and continue to breed an THOSE are the puppies that end up in purebred rescue or shelters across this great land, the puppies sold to whomever walks through the pet store's doors, the puppy with no breeder support offered to owners when a problem or question arises, the puppy with the serious health issues that can result from the early environment or lack of health clearances on sire and dam.

This is also not about purebreds vs mixed breeds and certainly not about whether purebreds are superior to mixed breeds. They are not, they are simply different.

The Local Dog concept is basically this: If you are looking for a puppy of a specific breed, seek out the local breeder who welcomes you into their home to see the puppies and dam, who clearly is concerned with where THEIR puppies end up, whose actions and contracts endeavor to prevent any puppy bred by them from ever ending up in a shelter. The breeder who does not sell to or through brokers or other third parties, who expects to be a resource for the life of the dog. The concept also is intended to encourage breeders of quality dogs to reach out to newcomers and prospective owners when they come to dog events to learn about a breed or meet breeders. There is no question some people end up with milled puppies because of a perception of exclusivity, snobbery or arrogance on the part of show breeders they've experienced. These are the puppy buyers who want our dogs but can be easily turned away by a bad attitude from a careless exhibitor.

At any rate Alison can say it better than I and so I strongly suggest you look at her blog. (You can easily subscribe to her posts too). She is a good writer and not remotely reactionary. She is discussing a subject most of you who are reading this, should take some interest in since you are seeking out info about MY favorite dog, Australian shepherds. You too can be the subject of the growing negative feelings being pushed concerning purebred dogs and dog ownership in general. Please take a look!

http://thelocaldog.wordpress.com/

A Nice weekend in Pennsylvania!

2011-06-20T23:26:00.002-04:00

Thumper had a good weekend in Pennsylvania. The BVASC (Brandywine ASC) shows were held on a private horse farm in Pennsylvania. I ran up to show Thumper for one show in the morning but knew I couldn't stay for all 4 (ASCA shows usually allow for day-of-show entries and frequently have 2 shows per day like my club, BRASC, does). Puppies at home, you know. Anyway the competition was VERY strong with 5 point majors (I believe) in classes, all weekend long. Thumper has his ASCA Ch. so he is entered in Best of Breed for ASCA shows. Well, nice Specials entered too (Thumper-and any Champion showing in Best of Breed is called a 'Special'). We didn't win the morning show I showed him in, but there was such good quality there it wasn't terribly disappointing. Anyway Morgan Campbell, a Senior Junior Handler from Massachusetts offered to keep him and show him for me for the remainder of the weekend. I was home later in the day when she called to report he was Best Opposite Sex (to a gorgeous Red Tri girl I've always admired) in the afternoon show, under judge Kelsey Jones of MontRose. This would be his first win as a Special in his first full weekend as a Special.

The following morning she showed him in the first show and judge Andrea Torres awarded Thumper Best of Breed. The final show under Lori Acierto he did not win but once again, the dogs in the ring were so nice that we couldn't complain! Thanks to Morgan for handling him and to Raechelle Embrey for bringing him home to me after while I tended to the puppies, and for doing the photos!

Well, here is one photo from Morgan. I always like to decorate a crate in this manner.
Morgan sent this to me. Weird to be the Absent Owner of the Special. :)

Best Opp under Kelsey Jones, Mont Rose. Thumper's first Big Boy Ribbon!

Puppy mug shots!

2011-06-19T20:28:00.000-04:00

Thanks to a friend I have the 13-day photos of the puppies organized with names attached. You can click on each photo to view larger, like any photos on the blog.

They're here!

2011-06-14T17:39:00.001-04:00


A pile 'o puppies


Identified

The family today.

Well, Ribbon presented us with 8 fat shiny babies on June 4, a nice 1-day-post-birthday gift for me. 5 puppies before she got a bit too fatigued, followed by a c-section and 3 more babies (and a quick spay since this was always meant to be her last litter). So the count is 5 boys and 3 girls. 4 blue merle boys, 1 tri boy, 2 blue merle girls, 1 tri girl. I have not really gotten good individual photos but will put up some pile'o'puppy pictures and a few individual shots.

Beautiful weather for doggy fun.

2011-05-13T21:24:00.000-04:00

The Golden Boy Uno in his yard.

Uno and Thumper matched strides all evening; they must have run 10 miles while we sat on the top of the rise and watched.

Uno slapping himself in the face.

Run, run, run.

Beautiful evening light.

...run,run,run....

...run, run, run....

3 Ribbon puppies after running all evening.

Photo shoot in the front garden. Some buggy distraction for Thumper and Ribbon.

Son and Mother.

Ribbon with a maternal glow. Or a photographer's trick maybe...

Ziva with the azaleas.

The win from Timonium

2011-05-03T16:25:00.000-04:00


Thank you judge Robert Shreve.This win gives him 6 points.

Some wins for Thumper

2011-05-02T21:21:00.000-04:00

Got our win photos from Thumper's wins at Monroeville shows. In addition he was winners dog at the Timonium shows (Baltimore Kennel Club) on Sunday April 24 under judge Robert Shreve; he was RWD the day before under Houston Clark.

Beautiful evening for a photo

2011-04-23T23:16:00.000-04:00

Add caption

And since he was clean for the shows this weekend I took advantage. Thumper is 18 months old now.

Just some play photos

2011-04-12T13:42:00.000-04:00

Flat yard. Oh how I wish I had on

Nice weather finally (at least intermittently) in Maryland so no time was lost getting out the camera. First was a visit to friends (with a flat yard and 4 dogs to run with).

The Greyhound thing.

Abby and her friend Argos.

Cooling down, Greyhound style

Lisa gets everyone's attention (almost)

Abby and Merlin

Ruh-roh

Craig has everyone's attention


A breather taken.			Then an informal portrait of family. Ziva declined to participate at first but eventually she agreed to join us but only if she could sit.

Summer puppies hoped for!

2011-04-08T15:02:00.000-04:00

Ribbon has been bred to Ch. Paradox Precedent ('Press') for a very early June litter of blacks and blues. Press is a compact, substantial, highly athletic and biddable young dog with strong play drive and a terrific nature. It is anticipated that he will double her strengths and complement her in other areas. We are very excited about this cross! This is a co-bred litter with Milwin Aussies. I expect high drive biddable puppies.
He is pictured here from last week's visit to Massachusetts.

AKC debut for Thumper

2011-04-06T11:35:00.000-04:00


He was a good boy (at least until he fell in love with Winners Bitch and wanted to go back to her the entire time we were in Best of Breed class...)


Butt

Eyes on photographer and buddy Karryl


Still watching Karryl

Took Thumper to Pittsburgh (Monroeville) for his first AKC shows this past weekend where he went Winners Dog both days. The judges were Sulie Greendale-Paveeza and Evie Sullivan. Thank you ladies! Win shots will arrive in a week or so, I hope. Until then, here are some ring shots from our friend Karryl.

2 New Champions in one day at Inkwell!

2011-03-21T16:18:00.002-04:00

And I can assert with 100% reliability it will never happen again! (Well, not 2 in one day!).
Took Thumper and his 4 points (ASCA) down to the BRASC club's 5-show set this weekend where we went WD-BOW for 4 on Friday, and WD for 4 on Saturday morning. The afternoon show the judge saw things a bit differently so I left Thumper with my friend Raechelle Embrey to take back into the ring on Sunday in hopes of a final win (I had a professional obligation in Annapolis that day). . Indeed he went WD-BOW for the final major that morning, for his ASCA conformation Championship.
The OTHER champion is Painter, the tri boy from our first litter that belongs to Bev McWhirter. HE went WD for his final major to finish (AKC) in Kentucky, handled by Amanda Giles. Bev hopes to get him out to ASCA next and continu
es his agility training. Thank you Bev!

P.S. These 2 boys are my first homebred Champions, the first champions with the Inkwell prefix. Working on some performance titles next for these and other Inkwells!


So here is ASCA Ch. Inkwell's Tom-tom (Thumper) with one of his wins this weekend

And here is new AKC Ch. Inkwell's Paintbrush of Milwin (Painter) in an earleir win with Jess Plourde

Super-Thump!

2011-03-15T16:56:00.000-04:00

He just goes and goes.

16 months old

2011-02-27T14:38:00.000-05:00

Add caption

Finally had a calm (less than 60mph winds), bright (not snowing or raining) day that coincided with a relatively clean (not encased in mud) dog and with the help of a friend, got some formal shots of Thumper. My widdle baby is growing up.

New family portrait

2011-02-01T14:10:00.000-05:00

At least the immediate family...Flash was the object of their attention. Ribbon, Ziva and Thumper. More ice coming tonight.

Snow day!

2011-01-28T22:40:00.000-05:00

Saaammmoooochie aka Flash, preparing to play in the snow.

Ribbon getting ready for her Big Shed. In a week she'll look like a saluki, I believe.

The lovely sad-eyed Ziva


Ziva's bro Thumper, asking me to come play on the hill.

Flash on the search for hidden treasure.

Ruh Roh! Thumper talking back to his mother.

What happens when he talks back to his mother.

Mom and children

Takeoff!

Flash excavating a tennis ball carcass.

Thump!

Dogs had a great couple of days playing after the snow storm (12" between the morning 'clipper' and the afternoon dump on Wednesday).

My pooches this winter

2011-01-02T16:15:00.000-05:00

Wanted to put up some newer photos of playing dogs, cute dogs, muddy dogs, just the dogs.

My little Ziva, love this picture. She is so happy to just play with her housemates and sleep on my bed.

Thumper ball-watching

Still ball-watching

Ball-watching again

The object, a blue Jolly-ball

Off after the Jolly Ball

Wahooo!

ASCA Nationals Photos

2010-11-18T22:36:00.000-05:00

Hill Country ASC, judge David Clayton

All-Around ASC, judge Denise Creelman


ASC of Washington, judge Claire Thomas

Nationals Puppy Sweeps, judge Clarissa Shank

ASCA Nationals, judge Jasa Hatcher

Well the dog-and-handler-with-judge-holding-ribbon photos arrived today. Thumper won his class of 9-12 month puppies 4 of 5 times in the ring. Alas the most sought-after class win , in Nationals themselves, eluded us. Judge I believe preferred a bigger dog or simply couldn't adequately evaluate Thumper well due to his uncooperative behavior on his 9th time in the ring in less than a week. It was a lot for a puppy so I am happy with our take from the week. The bonus was, he won a little cash in Sweeps so he bought ice cream all around for the co-travelers on the trip.

Endless cycles of play, play, play....

2010-11-17T01:01:00.000-05:00

Thumper in flight with Newt

Newt the genius

Hopping

And racing...

What a strenuous and demanding life all these dogs lead....Over a period of 2 days Thumper and Ziva had 3 sets of visits and/or visitors. First off was my dear frind Lyna nd her BC Newt (truly the smartest dog evah). Thumper and Ziva had serious playtime with him for part of a day and he showed them some of his tricks like 'wave', 'flip the toy off your nose', and a few others. Neither of mine have learned any of these actions yet, but the challenge has been made. Look out next year, Newt!

Tache and Ziva racing Thumper

Tache walks upright!

3 Musketeers

Ziva's looking a little high in the rear, no?

A little kiss from a brother.

Tache's sweet face

The day Newt left Tache and Jane arrived for a quick visit; Tache is Thumper and Ziva's littermate from coastal Virginia and they picked up right where they left off with their play.
Tache is marked much like Thumper but is a bit taller with a bit longer coat. He has the perfect home and I couldn't be happier. His sis and bro were thrilled to have him visit.

After these three played for hours we decided to go visiting their sister Lila who lives just down the road with Teddy from Ribbon's fist litter. THAT was a rollicking session too, leaving everyone pretty much spent for the rest of the day.

Teddy and the ever-glamorous Ziva

Lila, Thumper and Tache

Tache and Ted

Lila and Thumper

All of 'em

Tache

Thumper in a hurry

Thumper still in a hurry

Tache getting to know, um, someone new.

Back from Nationals!

2010-10-30T22:57:00.000-04:00

Well Thumper and I went to Waco Texas on October 18 to participate in the Australian Shepherd Club of America National Specialty and had a great time. Entered in 9-12 month puppy class all week Thumper took first place in his class in all 3 'pre-shows' (Hill Country ASC, All-Around ASC, and ASC of Washington shows) in increasingly large classes. In the National show Thumper also won his class in 9-12 month puppy sweeps, winning a bit of cash and another blue ribbon. In regular class competition in the National Thumper placed 4th in a large class. He showed well all weak but definitely became weary after so many times in the ring on consecutive days along with being confined far more than at home. He did get some good playtime with his traveling companions and even celebrated his birthday and the completion of his week of showing by buying me ice cream with his winnings. (He turned a year old this last week). Overall he traveled like a pro and made many new acquaintances. I will post some win photos for his shows when they are sent to me in a few weeks. Meanwhile here he is runinng and playing with his travel mates at a play stop en route to Texas.

Family avisitin' and other stuff.

2010-10-11T12:34:00.000-04:00

Had a visit from Gracie the other day, the golden girl from the first litter. Much play ensued, though their mother could have been more lenient. (That is, I believe, why they are called bitches). But Gracie got some much-enjoyed exercise with brother Uno and half-siblings Ziva and Thumper.

Also in other news....Lila has moved back to Maryland! We decided she was not going to be a star in the conformation ring and so the decision was made to place her in a home not looking for a show/breeding prospect. It happened that Teddy's home had room for a little sister and so she is now living with her half-brother just down the road from me, interacting safely with Mary's free-range chickens, and having a grand time.

And last but hardly least, Painter (Inkwell's Paintbrush of Milwin), belonging to Bev McWhirter, won more points towards his AKC championship last weekend in Pennsylvania, going BOB/Group 3 one day and Winner's Dog/Best Opp the other, all under the expert hand of Amanda Giles. Congratulations to Bev and Amanda! Hope to be able to post a Group placing photo soon! Until then here he is from a recent portrait session.

New family portrait...

2010-10-07T00:05:00.000-04:00

Smaller than the last one, and not because I am not in it. The household is down to 4 dogs with Emma gone. Not any quieter, but definitely different. Miss you Mems.

Rest in Peace my sweet Ems

2010-09-25T22:33:00.000-04:00

I had to let my Emma go last week, as every day she was becoming less and less comfortable with her arthritis and other age-related creakiness; unable to lie down and get comfortable, unsteady on her feet, and without appetite for even the best treats. She was 15 years, 4 months, and hopefully she is playing with her brother Bobby, her housemate Ziggy, and all others that went before. I miss her, the house is much emptier, but there was no question that it was time to do her a last kindness. This is one of her last pictures, taken a week or so before her death. She looks in the prime of life here. What a good girl.

Family Portrait!

2010-08-19T13:04:00.001-04:00

In conjunction with a little feature being done about my artwork for the Bay Weekly, a regional newspaper distributed free to businesses around the Delaware/Maryland/Virgina region, I was asked to provide a photo of me with my dogs. Ha! Well, mission accomplished this morning with the help of a good photographer and friend. So here we are! L-R: Emma (15 yo), me (age undetermined), Ribbon (6 yo), Thumper (9 months old), Ziva (9 months old), and lying down is Flash (9 yo). Thumper and Ziva are out of Ribbon's litter of late last year. I should add that the feature is part of the Weekly's 'pet issue'. No idea how the writer found me, must ask her next time we speak!).

9 months

2010-08-15T22:46:00.000-04:00

Puppies are growing up. Got nice new photos from Virginia Beach of Tache running the beach with his buds, and Thumper spent the weekend at the Brandywine ASC shows in PA (at one of the most beautiful homes of any I have seen).

First Win!

2010-07-29T22:00:00.001-04:00

Thumper spent last weekend with me in Weyer's Cave Virginia at the Blue Ridge Australian Shepherd Club's set of summer shows, the Summer Sizzler. It was as advertised, a blast furnace there as everywhere in the Mid-Atlantic region. Fortunately the show site has a wonderful A/C unit and the manager allows the club a lot of privileges in using the building for our 3 days. Had a good turn out and saw Majors in bitches and dogs for all shows. I am happy to report that Thumper was Winner Dog for a 4-point Major on Saturday afternoon on his last day of eligibility for the 6-9 month puppy class. What a GOOD puppy!

Happy belated Birthday Ms. Ems!

2010-07-06T12:20:00.001-04:00

Somehow I forgot to mark the milestone here of Year 15 for my old girl Emma aka ELF Ms. Emma Peel aka The Magnificent Hound aka Queen Emteepha. Emma turned 15 on June 16 and while she is increasingly deaf, vision is failing and her arthritis challenges her ability to get up, she is still engaged and gregarious, and still has her appetite (most days, at least). Happy birthday my little sweetheart!!

Points happen!

2010-07-06T12:13:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Bev McWhirter on her recent wins with Ribbon son 'Painter' aka Inkwell Paintbrush of Milwin. Over a year ago he got his first points with Bev but has been concentrating on performance training since that time. Well his first weekend back out since that time he went WD on Saturday and WD/BOW for a major on Sunday in North Carolina, beautifully presented by Amanda Butts. Half way there Bev, way to go!

Back from camp!

2010-07-05T13:30:00.001-04:00

Well we and the dogs had a splendid time at Camp again this year; cool weather made it comfortable though the second half of the week was rainy or threatening to rain much of the time, but certainly manageable and the fact that a blanket was appreciated at night was a welcome one indeed.

I mostly concentrated on various aspects of Obedience training with Ribbon and Thumper. Thumper learned a lot about dealing with distraction and temptation and also revealed to me the areas I neglected to work on as a younger puppy, such as the insecurity he demonstrated when a dog and stranger would first appear on the walkways. Worked on that with copious tasty treats and a clicker, and by choosing not to walk him with Ribbon since they would back one another up in an annoying show of defensive barking when together. (On her own with me Ribbon basically ignored the same things). Got to go in with sheep though I must say Thumper was not a ball of fire with them, following them around at a lazy walk... Worked on Really Reliable Recall with Thumper as well, and he started some real target training and shaping. He is starting to do well with the dumb bell retrieve and was video'd by Bonnie demonstrating a portion of the dumbbell retrieve to be included (possibly) in an instructional video by Bonnie and Leslie Nelson (Tails U Win! training center) . My little star.He also mastered 'chin', a very amusing (in a n understated way, for sure!) 'trick' whereby he would purposefully place his muzzle onto my cupped hand and leave it there in anticipation of a click-treat. Just funny how a dog doing 'chin' just suddenly goes very still in your palm while waiting the release, reward, or both.

Here is a picture of Teddy doing 'chin' in the dorm room.

Ribbon started some scent discrimination and continued target and shaping as well as specific Obedience exercises.

The other Ribbon sons had a good time as well with their people. Teddy learned a lot of shaped and targeting behaviors so he was quite well-versed in great tricks. He and the other boys all tried herding some sheep and he did well; also showed great interest in agility, as shown here.

Banner was a whirlwind of activity with his dad Nick, who sampled almost every single activity camp offers including, but not limited to: agility, frisbee, flyball, herding, obedience, Really Reliable Recall, Obedience, trieball, and I am sure I left something out! Here he is sitting with agility instructor Jenn, who took him in for tunnel games the last day.

Tache had a good week as well doing sheep (in a BIG way: still waters run deep I guess, since he seems the most low-key of the puppies but was insane in the sheep pen, absolutely predatory! (No injuries to hoofed stock were reported). He worked on Recall, some target and shaping, agility, and a variety of other activities.

We'd have liked to let everyone off lead together for some rough play but there is a limited amount of real good off-lead space at camp (250+ dogs on a small campus) and the boys showed signs of fast escalation of excitement that didn't bode well for safe play so in the end, a couple at a time would get some time together in an isolated corner of the campus. But all got plenty of exercise and oddly, none really showed much interest in playing with their mother after the first couple of attempts. (She is the epitome of 'bitchy' with all of them, it happens).

Anyway that was our camp, good friends and good dogs and great teachers and excellent food. Will return next year for more!

Family visiting!!!

2010-06-17T20:10:00.007-04:00

In preparation for going to Vermont for Camp, Banner and Tache arrived and promptly commenced playing in the yard with their brother Thumper, sister Ziva and mother Ribbon. Ziva is the shorthaired one, being kept in short hair due to skin problems she was born with. She feels fine however and was quite happy to rough-house with the boys.

Tache negotiates Mount Inkwell aka my back yard.

Ribbon dishes out a can of whoop-ass on her #5 puppy Tache.

Banner has a scratch as Thumper looks on.

Tache wearing the spirea 'Mello Yello'.

A quick smooch between the blue boys

We're going to Camp!!

2010-06-01T16:14:00.000-04:00

Last year I went to Camp Gone to the Dogs (cue up corny music on their website and click on 'skip intro' to move along) for the first time and took Ribbon. My sister went too with her Poodle Deja. I wasn't there 2 days before knowing I'd want to return as the instructors are world class, the atmosphere is completely positive, and it is a truly nothing-but-you-and-your-dog experience. It also made me realize I hadn't had a real vacation in years. Sure I take some trips but virtually always to sell artwork at a dog show but that is work and creates a lot of work leading up to it. This, on the other hand, is all about having fun and learning tools for better communication and training. All with your best friends.

So I had decided to return and told friends about it, including my friend Mary who has Teddy from the first litter. She was immediately interested and talked about going.

Then Ribbon had her litter in October. In the course of conversation with Jane who took Tache, I told her about CGTTD and she became interested.

Meanwhile I'd decided I would take 2 dogs to camp this year, Ribbon and the puppy I kept from this litter, Thumper.

I had Banner, one of the tri boys, for a long time before his right home came along and it came along through the new owner's friendship with Tache's Jane. So when Jane told Nick about her plans to go to CGTTD, HE became interested.

So the outcome of all this is that CGTTD will have more Aussies there than ever before and 5 of them will be Inkwell dogs: Ribbon and 4 sons. Camp will never be the same! We will post pictures and try to get some family portraits during the week and will hope for nice cool New England weather. Hope to see you there some time!

7 months

2010-05-26T13:47:00.004-04:00

Thumper is starting to give me an idea of what he'll look like as an adult now. I don't think he will be very big (about 36 pounds now and about 19.5" at the shoulder). He has the most wonderful, confident and biddable personality, truly the puppy I always wanted.

I saw Lila for the first time since she left home in March and she looks very good too. Didn't get great photos but here she is; I will get better ones next time, some stack and portrait shots.

Sammy is looking great too, progressing well with his mom as he trains toward a great Obedience career. Thanks Donna for all the wonderful work you are putting in to him!

Tache is having the perfect life with Janie in Virginia Beach. He gets a lot of playdates with Banner, who lives in the neighboring city of Norfolk.

Tache and Banner are joining Thumper and their mother Ribbon, along with Teddy from the first litter, at Camp Gone to the Dogs in less than 2 weeks and we cannot WAIT! The invasion of the Inkwell Aussies will be unprecedented in the history of the camp!!!

Haven't any really recent photos of Syd but this one says it all.

Thumper is 6 months old now, the age of majority!

2010-05-03T11:32:00.000-04:00

Ducktail top line on this humid day but wanted his monthly photo so I got his monthly photo. At least he is clean.

Glamour shots

2010-04-16T12:34:00.000-04:00

Took advantage of a clean dog and a helper to get a couple of 5.5 month shots of Thumper. Boy, they grow up fast.

5 months old.

2010-04-05T22:57:00.001-04:00

Thumper at about 5 months now on the first really warm day of spring last week.

Moving

Smoochie.

2010-03-19T14:10:00.001-04:00

Thumper at about 5 months. Love this puppy's head.

His Group win at the Mason-Dixon "B"match a couple of weeks ago. He was a good boy.

Growing Up

2010-03-15T09:20:00.000-04:00

Thumper is 20 weeks old now. Would post some playing outdoor shots but it has been 3 days of heavy rain and it will have to wait until things dry out a little.

Banner demonstrates in this photo just what rain does to 4.5 month old puppies. He sends this from his home in Norfolk VA.

Lila goes to the beach!

2010-02-25T13:45:00.000-05:00

Took the puppies along on a business trip to New Jersey and gave them their first ocean experience. Alas I did not carry my camera when I took all 3 puppies to the beach, but after rounding them back up I got my camera and Lila and we just walked the sand flats around the Wildwood boardwalk and amusement park. I love places like these out of season when there is NOBODY around and nothing open (though a little seafood shack would have been a welcome exception).

A boy and his dog...

Wahoo!

Cute Butt

A first win picture for Thumper!

2010-02-16T18:49:00.000-05:00

Thumper was BOBP and won a group placement in his first competition, a small match put on by Northeast Maryland Kennel Club in January. He was a good little boy.

Happy Birthday babies!

2010-02-13T14:10:00.001-05:00

For any really responsible dog owner or breeder, there is nothing more important than finding good loving and permanent homes for our puppies, as new members of great families. Today is the 2nd birthday of my first litter (Ribbon x Bayshore's Paparazzi) and I am forever grateful to those wonderful people who give 6 puppies the greatest homes I could ever wish for. Thanks Stephanie (Gabby), Mary (Teddy), Jill (Gracie), Debbie (Mandi), Bev (Painter) and Christine (my firstborn Uno). Happy birthday, kids!!!

From the current litter, I just got this photo sent to me by Syd's mom which prompted my mention of great homes. This is a beautiful picture on every level.

27" plus 27" is......

2010-02-11T11:52:00.001-05:00

Oops, poor ear set on that one.
An awful lot of snow in my yard, on my roof, my deck, my dog paths, etc. Sun is out now and I am doing some clearing but it is all a bit overwhelming. I need to get new photos but these will suffice for now, when there was a mere 27" on the ground rather than 50+.

Banner arrives at The Beach!

2010-02-07T14:06:00.000-05:00

Banner was welcomed to his new state of residence by litter mate Tache, who wanted to show him all about the ocean. H arrived in the Tidewater area of Virginia just ahead of the snowstorm (mostly rain there) and got his play date with Tache this morning. He will only be living a few miles from Tache and hopefully they will get to play together frequently.

14 weeks old

2010-02-04T18:28:00.000-05:00

I knew there had to be a reason I liked this puppy. He loves hydrangeas. Thumper pruning. Annabelles can be pruned any time and still flower the same year, fortunately.

Ted in snow; he staycationed here last weekend.

The bunch of them (minus Ziva). They are getting bigger....!

Ted is very patient with Banner (who leaves for home tomorrow, just ahead of our impendin huge snowstorm!

Another one of Banner. Bon voyage!

12.5 weeks old!

2010-01-20T23:30:00.000-05:00

Sit happens when you have some currency, in this case Charlee Bear treats.

The lovely Ziva

Banner left and right

Lila left and right

Thumper left and right

They are getting bigger!

2010-01-09T12:05:00.002-05:00

Haven't posted lately, they are 10.5 weeks old in these photos and there are many inches of legs there. Won't really wantt o LOOK at them critically again for a couple of months at least!

Lila

Ziva

Banner

Thumper, the tough guy

Sit!

2009-12-24T00:38:00.000-05:00

Down to 4 puppies in thee household now; I will grow out the 2 blue puppies. They automatically sit when they crowd around me, fun to see how quickly they all figured out that good things came if they just slammed their butts to the floor and looked at me, and how no fun things would come their way if they didn't. They are on their way to developing good habits and I am too, after having been so lazy the past several years in shaping puppies to keep their feet on the floor and to pay attention.
From left to right: #1, Thumper, #3(Ziva) and Lila.

Let it Snow!!!!

2009-12-19T13:08:00.000-05:00

Some last pictures...

2009-12-18T20:32:00.002-05:00

Before the big snow and before puppies start going home.

Syd and #1 (2-Spot). Syd goes home to horse country in Virginia early next week.

2 Spot again

#3, Ziva girl

#6, Inkwell's Imagine That. He is going to Northeastern Maryland for an Obedience career and he might spend some time in the Breed ring with me. He left today.

Two of #7, Inkwell's Gift Wrap (Lila). She is staying here.

Tache, aka Inkwell's Abandon, gets to go to Virginia Beach to run on the sand and eat gourmet food.( I think I will try to go with him.) Tache is French for Spot and is pronounced Tash. And he already knows it.

#2 is Inkwell's Jackrabbit, or Thumper. He is staying here.

Painter at 1 1/2 years

2009-12-15T23:09:00.000-05:00

A Ribbon son from her first litter; I haven't seen recent pictures of her first puppies in a while and will try to rectify that soon. Painter lives in WV and is busy with agility and obedeicne training and will probably be back in the Breed ring in the coming year.

7.5 weeks old

2009-12-15T23:04:00.000-05:00

Between cloudy chilly and rain, occasional dry days. At least dry enough to go watch puppies play in the back yard.

"Please just make them all leave....."

2009-12-12T19:28:00.000-05:00

Puppies love snow

2009-12-06T19:42:00.002-05:00

Snow Day!

2009-12-05T12:15:00.001-05:00

Mr. Independent. Might have to watch him for fence climbing...!

Syd and mommy

Uncle Encore talks snow

More at 4.5 weeks of age

2009-11-27T09:58:00.001-05:00

They were all over the basement today and several found the oversized dog bed after they'd had their fill of exploration. Little angels (NOT). Not evertyone is represented in this bunch of shots as I went strictly for the cute factor this time!

4 weeks and counting!

2009-11-24T09:08:00.005-05:00

And of course as cute as ever, growing like mad.

#5, #2 and #1

#6, #4 and #5

The pigpens #3 and #4

#5 among various other blues

Christine with all 7 puppies just to give some sense of scale. They were all in her lap a couple of seconds later but black puppy on black slacks is a bit difficult to decipher.
They are very bold and nobody ever hangs back to see what is going on, they all just charge in. They are using the litter pan for poops at least, playing, fighting, ankle biting, the works.

Well, maybe not Inkwell AUSSIE news this time...

2009-11-18T13:18:00.000-05:00

But here is one of Encore's daughters from his breeding to Ch. Sunebank's She's the One. Wendy tells me she is too small to be competitive in the ring but she sure is pretty. In a companion home.

3 week pictures

2009-11-15T19:30:00.001-05:00

They sure grow fast....but it is all so exhausting...

#1 (boy)

#2 (boy)

#3 (girl)

#4 (boy) (facing)

#5 (boy)

#6 (boy) (left, with #4)

#7 (girl)

Their adoring public is clamoring....

2009-11-09T20:49:00.001-05:00

....so here are 2-week pictures of everyone. Little girl #3 is thriving (calling her Ziva, why not?!) and all are growing fast. Today they started barking, rolling over purposefully in order to sleep on backs, and eyes are opening and they are reacting to loud noises like clapping. Amazing, all at once. They have been wobbly but standing a little for a couple of days.

a pile of puppies

2009-11-04T17:11:00.001-05:00

All arranged by themselves. Now they are 9 days old, starting to be up on their feet; the smaller the puppy the more easily they can stand up (sort of). Their eyes will start to open soon. They get bigger every day. Forgive the typo within the image; $5 boy is actually #5 boy and will probably be a little more than $5 :)

All seven babies today

2009-11-01T22:25:00.003-05:00

pup #1, boy

Pup#2, boy

Pup3, girl

Pup#4, boy

pup 5, boy

pup#6, boy

pup#7, girl

A week old...

2009-11-01T16:06:00.001-05:00

And growing like weeds.

This, and all the photos on this blog can be viewed in a larger form by simply clicking on the photo itself.

Today's offering

2009-10-30T16:34:00.001-04:00

Not sure what the little blue boy on the left is doing, seems pretty happy with his meal.

All puppies have now been positively identified!

2009-10-28T21:18:00.002-04:00

They are here!

2009-10-27T18:23:00.003-04:00

Ribbon had 7 fat healthy puppies on Sunday October 25. 5 boys and 2 girls. 4 black tri's and 3 blue merles.
Individual photos will come but here are a few to start with, at 2 days old.

This is 6 of them. The girls are 2nd from left and the 2nd from the right.

This is all 7 puppies.

This is puppy 6, a boy This is puppy 5, a boy This is puppy 2, a boy

Launching the Inkwell Aussies News Page!

2009-10-03T23:35:00.001-04:00

I have decided the easiest and most immediate way to keep news up to date is to have this Inkwell Aussies blog. Much of the news for the next few weeks at least will be Ribbon's impending litter, due some time during the week of October 20. She is doing well and looking very pregnant.
Today she accompanied me to watch a few hours of competition obedience at the Catoctin Kennel Club building. Ribbon has been training with me in preparation for the Obedience ring next year.
But first she will have her puppies, several of whom I also hope will experience the performance rings in some form. All will go to active homes at least, as the sire and Ribbon are both pretty high-drive. I hope to keep a girl ou of the litter and will see if I like any boys as well.

As soon as this litter is born I will post photos and other news about the puppies and dam.

If you are interested in a puppy please contact me for a questionnaire and a conversation.