It's Summer 2021 Already--What happened to Spring?

 

It's amazing how time really does fly by! I do my share of procrastinating, but I generally succumb to achieving certain goals...like keeping this blog updated. Well, better late than never...

In many ways this passed year has been anything but calm and uneventful. But with so much negativity behind us, hopefully a glimmer of a brighter future is before us. 

Since things have opened-up (and that may be tentative) life has resumed outside the little world at 47 Forest Street here in Danvers. I've been to dog shows--without masking! And after more than a year, puppies have graced the yard. And with the help of local gardening centers, I have flowered-up the new area I cleared last summer/fall with much effort. So I have been busy...in a way of an excuse.

The veggie patch was packed full with lettuce, spinach, tomato, broccoli, eggplant, bush bean, kale, and zucchini  plants. I have been enjoying home grown salad since May. Waiting still on a ripe tomato, but every other plant has fed me well!

I wished for puppies all last year...but all came to not.

It was a bleak, endless, isolated summer/fall/winter...and much worse without little ones to care for. 

But this Spring the cycle was broken and little Ryder, Milo, Leo, Tashi, and sis Gabriella helped me smile everyday.

They all have wonderful loving homes to go to...and that too makes me happy. 

And there have been dog shows to attend! The first ones...a few in dark building with few people standing yards apart as you could enter the facility just before your ring time and leave immediately after. But Spring brought us outdoors; still had to mask at first, but exhibitors were able to say hello and enjoy the experience a bit more. 

New Champion Kiara This Girl Is On Fire

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Specialty was fun. Keys, Miss Monroe, and BB (Baby Bolt) traveled with me and my friend Jeff to Delaware. Overall it was a winning event! 4 days of dog shows and 5 majors earned by the team. Keys cleaned up winning 3 of the majors offered out of 4 and BB took 2 majors out of 4. Miss Monroe went Best Opposite Sex in both puppy Sweepstakes! No one could have wished for more...and it's never anything I expect when I go to such an event. 

The following month, Keys finished her AKC championship during the Bay Colony Tibetan Terrier Club Specialty weekend. She finished with  four majors!When we came home, we stopped to celebrate at my friend Carol's. In her exuberant way, Keys, my little tom-boy, celebrated by rolling in the newly laid mulch. Oh well...she cleans up well!

New Champion Kiara L Lucy's Lucelina

Another winning girl, Tsarina, got her last few single points. All her first points earned before the pandemic. 

Hearing about the TT family has been well appreciated this passed year. The photos, emails, FaceBook postings, all made my days! Always love knowing how the little ones who leave here fit into the lives of their new companion families. Whether its just out for walks, joining in on TT group meetings, or celebrating milestones...it's always great to hear about. Thank you for sharing with me.

Some days are really just special days! Like Cooper's birthday.

It's Sir Cooper's 10th Birthday Celebration Day. Today we honor Ch Kiara Ewok Among Us CGC, BN, RAE, THDE, and BTTE (Best Tibetan Terrier Ever). We went to Penwood State Park, sat and looked around, took a bit of a walk, had a picnic lunch with watermelon, a Sir Cooper favorite. Did all the things he likes.

Jane

 

 

Dennis,

 

Bodie is almost 9! and still a good looking dude! 

 

Phil

 

 

Hi Dennis,

 

We’ve been keeping up with you through your blog post – – hope your left hand healed without too much trouble and we are curious to know how your garden veggies turned out! 

 

A little over four years ago, I lives are changed in the most incredibly wonderful way imaginable – – Chaplin came home with us! 

 

I can’t remember if I updated you but a few years ago, we moved from Manhattan to Spain and the dogs have loved the change. 

 

Chaplin is eternally happy and spreads his muddy paws and cheer is to all that meet him. He’s occasionally bossy but his sister Zelda keeps him honest. 

 

Here are a few photos of our recent adventures.

 

Thank you for providing such a wonderful addition to our lives.

 

 Happy Independence Day and all the best!

 

Angela, Eric, Zelda, and Chaplin

 

Hi Dennis, 

 

Today is Kooper’s 10^th birthday although he acts like a two-year-old most of the time. He has brought us joy and happiness throughout those years but especially the last year of lockdowns and isolation. His major accomplishment has been to mold us into the perfect owners that cater to his every whim and peculiarity. He is directly responsible for 6 TTs in our area (two from you) due to people he meets falling in love with him. 

 

Forever thanks for this wonderful Animal.

 

Jeff & Cheryl

 

 

Hi Dennis, 

 

Hoping all is well with you. Today is Dudley 2^nd birthday and we wanted to thank you for bringing him into our life. Once this awful pandemic is behind us, we would love to get him a little sister. 

 

Take care and stay safe.

 

Ronnie

 

 

Dennis, 

 

Celebrating Toby’s birthday – – she is the sweetheart of the neighborhood, and goes out with her pack three times a week for exciting adventures on the trails. Pictures of Toby with Kate and Evan. We love our girl. 

 

Thinking of you – – hope all is good.

 

Charley & Cam

 

Hey Dennis,  

 

A happy fourth birthday to our girl Jai Alai! You teach us every day what it is to live in the moment! 

 

We always say to her that you were the first person she ever saw!!! 

 

Thank you so much for sharing her with us! 

 

Bobby & Gracie

 

 

Happy birthday Obi!! May the 4th be with you!! 

 

He is truly the best dog! Everyone that meets him LOVES him!!

 

Jill

And I also appreciate being included when the time comes to say goodbye. Each of these older TTs was once a wee one in the palm of my hand as I gingerly rubbed them to deep clear breaths of life. Something I never forget. Helping you see them to the Rainbow Bridge when that time comes is appreciated as well. I hope I offer some needed consoling words. Goodbye to some loving furry companions who gave so much.

 

Hi Dennis,

 

We wanted to let you know we put Duncan down yesterday. We are absolutely heartbroken. He was such a wonderful dog. He was a vital part of our lives for 15 ½ years! He was smart, bossy, affectionate and an incredible companion. 

 

How do you say goodbye to a dog that you have loved for so long? I have no idea. 

 

Thank you for not only Duncan but also for Cooper. We will never forget either of them.

 

John & Bob

 

 

Dennis,

 

I wanted to let you know that our dear, sweet Tristan has come to the end of his journey. He’s a strong boy, but the cancer has made him very weak, and the vet is coming to our house on Tuesday to put him to sleep. We are heartbroken. My life won’t be the same without him. Thank you for the gift of our sweet boy. We were meant to have him in our lives. He gave us a lot of joy.

 

Lorraine

 

 

Dear Dennis,

 

The time has sadly come. We are taking Félix to the rainbow Bridge tomorrow evening. He decided it was time…so we will let him go. 

He was deeply loved.

 

Karissa & NIsha

 

Jean and Jill also called about saying goodbyes to their loving companions Daisy and Doc. The hole left in their hearts will take time to heal. But as time passes, remembering many happy moments shared will replace the pain of those partings.

💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖   💖

I am looking forward to helping Doris bring her next litter into the world. The photo below was of her first litter...two years ago. Miss Keys is one of those squirming wee ones tucked under her momma.

Good to have something wonderful to look forward to!

Now I'm ready for a lazy afternoon nap like Maxwell is enjoying.

 

More later....

It's A New Year -- 2021 Gotta Be Better!!!

AJ in Wyoming Winter

 

Goodbye to 2020! 2021 has got to be a better year. Someone new is in the White House who is trying to catch up and correct all the failings of "the other guy" who knew nothing about governing. I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling like I was unmoored in an oarless rowboat. 2021 has got to be a better year! 

Winter has been pretty tough in a number of ways. Cold, wet, sometimes snowy...relentlessly trying to make isolation seem like a prison sentence. But a few days of sunshine with 50 degree temps makes Spring finally seem
inevitable. I've placed a tarp over my raised bed to help melt the icy snow and eventually warm the earth enough that I may plant lettuce and broccoli. (Thinking ahead!)

With all the wet snow we had here, the snowblower didn't always do its job without intervention. I guess I never learned when my mom scolded me about touching the stove top.

Because on one occasion my snow blower bit me. That was followed by a trip to the emergency room and ended with fifteen stitches and a broken fingertip bone. Yes...ouch!!! 

It's amazing how important the middle finger of a left hand of a right handed person really is.

I'll just point out --grooming a TT. At first I thought I would have to cut everyone down. There are three girls I haven't been able to show all last year because of the Covid situation. All kept in show coat. A new pup learning all about grooming on a table and a finished dog I was planning to Special. I thought maybe I should hit on my friends...plead my case for grooming help. 

Eventually I resigned myself to cope with the situation my dumb-ass self put myself in and learn how to groom without my left hand. Not as easy as one might think. 

And without dog shows to attend (and the very few local shows opening with limited entry requirements and closing  before you even get a chance to key in the info), I am happy to receive emails, cards, with and without notes and sometimes videos from all the TT friends and especially the TT family. Like the photo Susan posted of Miss Monroe's bro, AJ, that opened up this edition. Winters in Wyoming are snowy!

This cute one Christine sent me of the last pup who left, Miss Ditto. She's all grown up now looking different than her wee self...but still as appealing and impish.

Dennis watch,

You can see it's very stressful recovering from a bath.

Christine and Ditto

I've received lots of photos as Ditto has grown in a beautiful young lady. This is one of my favorites. It captures her essence.

 

I welcome all the up-dates...the birthday wishes as well as the funny stories. It certainly made 2020 much easier to get through. Sharing their milestones with me...whether happy or sad, makes me feel part of their lives. I appreciate it.

Snowy had a birthday.

 

Snowy's 6th birthday --he shared with his mom, KDEE --2020!

Deborah

 

 

 

Dear Dennis,

It’s been a long time since we checked in with you about our Tinley. We’re looking forward to his sixth birthday party next month. He is the love of our life, the center of our attention, our best friend and companion, and a family comedian who keeps us laughing constantly every moment. A large presence indeed! 

 

We have come to agree as a family that Tinley --and we-- would love to have a little sister or brother. They sure are enough toys here for five or six friends! 

 

What do you think? Could you add us to your list? 

 

I attached some recent pics of him getting caught opening one of his Christmas presents early. 

 

Hope all is reasonably well. Looking forward to a healthy or new year. 

 

Cheers, 

 

Michael

 

 

 

Hi Dennis,

Panda will be 11 years young on Valentine’s Day. He loves living in Maine with the occasional foray to Massachusetts and Vermont to visit his “fan club”. 

 

A loyal hiker, reliable off leash and our dearest companion, Panda is always on the lookout for voles in the snow drifts and especially for “Mr. Fox”.

 

 

Thanks for bringing him into our lives. 

 

Judy and Bob

 

 

 

Hi Dennis,

Hope you are well. Our TT, Lucy, was part of the Valentine’s Day 2010 litter. She’s doing really well --although she doesn’t appreciate being disturbed during naptime. She essentially grew up with our son who will turn 23 soon. He’s been home this year due to Covid which made Lucy very happy. 

 

Take care, 

 

Mike

 

 

 

 

Dennis,

Ziggy has been enjoying a wonderful life with us in Scottsdale, Arizona and on Martha’s Vineyard despite the pandemic. He really enjoys his longer walks now having Dick and me home every day and not traveling to visit grandchildren! Did you know that I’ve seen Ziggy’s photo in Pinterest! It’s a photo I sent you when Ziggy was one year old. I hope all is well for you and your puppies! 

 

Best, 

 

Debbie

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Sue and Dennis,

I am very sad to inform you that Sophie passed away on Sunday at the very ripe old age of 16 ½! Recent photo from August. She had her quirks, but she was a wonderful dog for all those years and I thank you both for bringing her into my life. Right now the hole left in my heart is too raw to let another dog in, but I know that there will be a time when I am ready. Because I have done well with Tibetans, I figured I’d see if there was a new batch of puppies on the horizon or if you knew of a young dog that is looking for a home?

 

Thanks, 

 

Karen 

It has been an exceptional beginning of 2021...with too many "oh my!" moments already. I'm looking forward to more calm and hopefully to one of my girls deciding to come into season...it's been a long lonely winter, especially without puppies. Until then, I'll enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows or a glass of wine.

More later...

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays 2020!

 

I reviewed the past "Happy Holidays" editions of the News & Reviews looking for inspiration...or maybe because I was just looking for "happier" holiday remarks. With all that has happened this year it's hard to be celebratory. Not seeing much of family and friends...but I guess happy that covid hasn't touched my life in any harmful way. So I just couldn't repost remarks from previous years; instead just trying my best to look forward to a better year.  And not making too much of this one.

There have been a couple dog shows, believe it or not! Bolt was shown at the Albany Kennel Club weekend and completed his AKC championship. It is a win I will never forget the "when" as judge and handler are masked! So CH Kiara Lightning Does Strike Twice makes it into the Kiara Hall of Fame.

At home newest addition, Miss Monroe, is growing up quite nicely. She is a real athlete. Playing with a Norfolk Terrier in an agility set up, she easily glides up and over jumps. Amazing me!

I tried to capture a single motion from that vid. Not exceptionally clear. But it captures the form and grace TTs have.

Getting news from the TT family always is appreciated.  Just hearing how everyone is doing...young or old...always makes my day. So many celebrated birthdays! Making me grateful for the love these little furry TTs get. 

 

 

 

Hi Dennis,

I wanted to reach out and let you know how our sweet Daisy is doing. She still has her puppy energy and is about 16 pounds. Potty training went well, she still does a little inside if she is super excited to see anyone. Who can blame her with the limited interactions this year?! She loves chasing birds and squirrels in the backyard, hiking and is an avid digger. She is a adored by us all and she is wonderful with the children. She has never shown any signs of aggression at all. We think she is very intelligent and is getting more snuggly as she gets older. The trainer said she is an ideal family dog who aims to please and loves to learn. Not to mention that she is the cutest dog imaginable! We are so very grateful to you for her!

 

We hope your health is good. 

 

Warm regards, 

 

Molly

 

Dennis,

My heart could not be fuller as she is the sweetest and quirkiest being I have ever loved 

 

Happy Holidays

 

Gerald

 

 

 

 

Dennis,

Lulu is for today and she’s so excited! 

 

Mary Beth

 

Apparently we have become the type of people who have a doggy birthday party, with a homemade doggy cake and all. Our little Rocco is two and we are so happy he’s a part of our pack. Thank you so much. Rocco has been a wonderful addition to our family.

 

Carol

 

 

Happy sixth birthday to my boy chance today. He joined our family for years ago. Thanks to Dennis for thinking of us when she answers first home did not work out and to Camille for her great advice and settling him in alongside an older rescue boy. 

 

Laura

 

 

 

 

 

Happy 12th birthday Mallomar!! Best puppy ever!!!!

Michelle

 

 

 

Dennis,

 

Happy birthday to our fur baby Miles Davis. Seven years ago, he forever stole our hearts! 

 

Patricia and Tim

 

Happy seventh birthday to Lark! (And to her littermate Miles Davis too!) 

 

Laura

 

 

 

Seeing them...when the time comes... to the Rainbow Bridge is our hardest, most painful obligation. I have brought them into the world...a wee 6-8 inch newbie, squirming in the palm of my hand bringing that smile to my lips. Life is so precious. But each one of them grows and leaves to make a wonderful life elsewhere. So someone else sees them to the Rainbow Bridge, but I am there with them. And eternally grateful for the life they offered each one.

Dennis,

 

Our wonderful dog, Baudelaire, died this morning of congestive heart failure. He was with us for 13 years. 

 

He  was a wonderful dog. I have always appreciated that we got him from you. He was so good and kind and smart and sensitive. 

 

Paul

 

 

Pat Sutton called and told me about Zack's passing. He was one of the pups from a co-operative breeding Pat and I did with her Josh and my Sophie. Zack, CH Khyber's That's My Boy, was the proud dad to several litters from the Khyber Kennel. He was 17 and a quarter years old when he passed. This is a photo Pat sent me many years ago while Zack was being exhibited.

 

And although there haven't been any newbies born here at Kiara since the last N&R, Ditto, the little singleton photographed with her soon to be new person, Christine, in the last N&R left for her new home just before Thanksgiving.  Left photograph when Christine came to say...yes, this is my new precious girl. Right photograph the day Christine took her home.

Ditto filled my days with puppy joy and antics for the twelve weeks she was here. And yes...I get attached...so I miss her. But it's been wonderful to see the videos Christine has shared with me. She is so loved in her new home.

Since 2008 I have prepared a YouTube video of photos I have received from all the wonderful TT families who have made a loving home for a Kiara Tibetan Terrier. I saved them all, scan the holiday cards, and try to include most of them. This year is no exception. I hope you take a moment to view the YouTube video to help celebrate the Holiday Season and this exceptional breed.

Wishing everyone 

the merriest...the happiest

...the peacefullest Holiday Season...

and the happiest New Year!

Open the card!

More later...