Monday, June 02, 2008

How an Australian Shepherd came to my life

How an Australian Shepherd came to my life


The decision to keep an Australian Shepherd was more driven by love then by rationality.

But let star by the beginning. A friend at a time ask me to keep a small Aussie until a owner would be found for the puppy.


As a favor I accept her request and driven by curiosity I start to google search what was the characteristics of the breed. I would have to stay that I was scare by what I read and my first feeling was to help this friend to find has soon as possible an owner to the puppy.
I have to add that the main thing that scare me was the time needed to take care of this working breed and the tendency that they had for destruction when didn’t get the attention.
At the time I was out of home about 12 hours a day, so for my point of view was quite impossible to fill the Australian Shepherd request for attention.


When Teco came my first thought was that he seamed a pom-pom or a teddy bear all full of fluffy hair. I carefully introduce him to the two Golden Retriever that I had, since it would be their task to take care of him when I was away at work.

This small Australian Shepherd was a patience test, since he was full of energy and every thing was good to play, steal and start a game (see this story that I did at the time).
But little by little this little Aussie enter my heart with is adoration eyes, will to play and always good mode that made me laugh.

The games and little commands that I started to teach him were always eager and joyfully accepted. He was always hoping, asking and happy for a little of attention and always giving a big reward with is happiness, following me everywhere.

Also it isn’t a breed that drives away when call. Wanting and keeping always close to the owner when in big walks and giving his full attention in training or in games.

Well after about two months I was surrender to this puppy and for my big happiness my friend allowed me to keep the little Aussie and he becomes my working companion.

Teco today I considered my DOG, the one that I trust and enjoy to take every place with me. He only fails a little in that period of the females when his male hormones speak louder … but oh well a men thing …



After three Australian Shepherd later and big changes in my life, I still consider that a Australian Shepherd is a dog for a special owner. I don’t personally advise easily an Australian Shepherd and requests a lot for possible owners.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

What happens when you have one toy and 5 playing dogs ?

I am lucky to have such wonderful four leg family of Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd.

In the video below you can see why I think that way ….


Monday, May 26, 2008

Our Golden Retriever, Brad,made 3 years this weekend - Happy Birthday !!


Happy Birthday Brad !!

Friday, May 23, 2008

Taking a Golden Retriever to the fortress of Sagres

Sagres, Algarve
Golden Retriever in Sagres, AlgarveBri, my Golden Retriever in Sagres, Algarve
Sagres is a memorial place, with it’s high rocks, scary sea fronts and position in the most western point of Europe.

In nice calm days a walk to the fort of Sagres is recommended to the all family and allows us to go back in time to the glorious discoveries times.

I took my son and my Golden Retriever, Bri, to a visit in this remarkable place and my son love the sea views, the fort high walls and canons.

So it was a well spent day for all of us !


Golden Retriever in Sagres

Me and Bri, my Golden Retriever, in Sagres, Algarve


Golden Retriever in Sagres
Golden Retriever in Sagres

Other trips and travel:





Monday, May 19, 2008

A walk with my Australian Shepherd through Luz, Algarve Portugal

australian shepherd in praia da luz
This time me and my Australian Shepherd, Cookie, went to visit the famous Praia da Luz, located in Algarve Portugal.

This area is known by the famous Black Rock formation that is believed to be created by volcanic activity from Monchique.






australian shepherd in praia da luz
australian shepherd in praia da luzLuz has a pedestrian walk around the beach that we went through and were we only hear the English and German language. Makes us wondering if we are still in Portugal.

australian shepherd in praia da luz
australian shepherd in praia da luz

The beach is surrounded by palm trees that complete its oriental beauty. All access to the beach are forbidden to dogs and so we stay on the side walk (the funny thing is for loose dogs this forbidden sign wasn’t well respected).


australian shepherd in praia da luzAnd that is it, a positive experience for Cookie and me, since it was first walk made for just us two.

Other trips and travel:





Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Canine demonstration in Externato da Torraltinha

australian shepherd in a school

On the 7 of May, Teco, my Australian Shepherd, and me went to a demonstration organized by our Canine Training Center of Lagos, were we learn and practice agility and obedience.


australian shepherd in a school

The demonstration showed to the children at the school Externato da Torraltinha, obedience, search and rescue and gave the children the chance to touch and pet different type of dogs.


australian shepherd in a school

I hope the children love it, since I know we did !



Other activities:




Monday, May 12, 2008

Aussies and Golden in Dog Show at Elvas 2008

australian shepherd and golden retriever in elvas dog showaustralian shepherd and golden retriever in elvas dog show
On this weekend we went to Elvas, Portugal, for the 20º International Dog Show, where I token the 3 Australian Shepherd: Teco, Angel and Cookie and Golden Retriever, Bri.


All the Australian Shepherd behaved very well, with natural and joy, achieving very good classifications.

To Cookie, being her first time, deserves a special congratulations, since she was in the same lever as experience dogs, showing good movement, standing and patience to be still until the end.

australian shepherd and golden retriever in elvas dog showaustralian shepherd and golden retriever in elvas dog show
Teco and Cookie also had the chance to be in young handlers competition.





australian shepherd and golden retriever in elvas dog showWere Cookie and her young handler, Ana Pombeiro achieved a excellent 6º place.

Pretty good for the second handler time and first dog show for Cookie.

My Bri, Golden Retriever, had the judgement were the judge give her the remark of excellent temperament, very good colour and coat, an excellent family dog.

Other activities:




Monday, May 05, 2008

Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever playing in the middle of flowers

On this weekend I lost a special person in my life, my father, that teach me the love, respect and special care to all leaving creatures.

In one of his last days, his thoughts were for the creatures, that he took care and the request that we would keep take care of them.

For this special men, witch was a great lost to all of us I dedicate the following sequence of spring pictures and the movie below of pure joy of life.


Friday, May 02, 2008

A walk with Brad, our Golden Retriever through Lagos

Golden Retriever in Lagos, Algarve
Brad, my Golden Retriever, in Lagos, Algarve

In a beautiful sunny day I decide to take a walk in one of our Portuguese historical towns with my Golden Retriever Brad.

Brad behaved perfectly and received a lot of complements of the British tourists that visit us at this time of year. I can say he is a very lovely and tender representative of his breed in Portuguese lands.

I hope you can enjoy the video and photos of this walk.

Now a little history about this town - Portugal, Algarve - Lagos:Golden Retriever in Lagos, Algarve

The city of Lagos is an ancient maritime town with more than 2,000 years of history.

It is known by it’s important strategic point during the 15th century period of Portuguese exploration..

It was also through Lagos that the first African slaves entered post-mediaeval Europe. There is a 17th century building standing on the exact site where the first slave maGolden Retriever in Lagos, Algarverkets were held in the 15th century. As the major sponsor of these expeditions, Prince Henry received one fifth of the selling price of the slaves. After his death the town began to slumber as the Royal family lost interest in the Algarve. All major trading houses then took up residence in Lisbon.

The old Portuguese town was a very beautiful city with many monuments until it was destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami of 1755. But it still preserves some rebuilt walls from the 16th century, a governor's castle from the 17th, and the site of what is believed to have been the first black slave market in Europe (the Mercado de Escravos, opened in 1444).







Other trips and travel:





Monday, April 28, 2008

Herding with our Australian Shepherd in Montemor-oNovo

herding with australian shepherd

On the Last Weekend there was an International Meeting of shepherd dogs in Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal, and we had the chance to go on the 25 of April to try out the initial herding with our Australian Shepherd.

So we pack everything in and there we went for about a 4 hour drive.



herding with australian shepherd
We went through beautiful green fields and could enjoy our Alentejo after a rain season that left full of yellow and purple flours in the meddle of green plains and oak trees.

Herdade do Freixo is a big ecological farm and in the words of my son was full of animals, like pigs, sheep, donkeys and a few horses that gave a characteristically smell.



herding with australian shepherd
After a small debate about the state of herding initiatives and schools in Portugal, a nice couple of Trás-os-Montes (way north of Portugal) that has a hotel and farm, Quinta Equestre da Sardoeira ,by them self were kind to give me and my Australian Shepherd an introduction to herding.

herding with australian shepherd


As expected, Teco who had the chance to try and enjoy before herding, was exited enough to jump over the gate near the sheep and show what is truly brave full heart of an Australian Shepherd. This is my BOY !!!

Angel was interested but thinking, what is intend to do with this ? and she just kept looking at me for a hint and I was like “how can I explain …”

Cookie was also interested but she thought that they were to big … I suppose they are for a 6 month puppy.



In the end, like always I just had the feeling if I had the chance of go to a school I could teach my aussies to herd, since they have the interest and the feeling in the right place.





Other activities:




Monday, April 21, 2008

International Encounter of Shepherd Dogs

To not be missed : International Encounter of Shepherd Dogs

Friday, April 18, 2008

Punchline Australian Shepherd herding with Cows





The Australian Shepherd, has a natural versatile stock dog, is a breed promoted by the Australian Shepherd Club of America. They encourage the beginning dog and handler to start training herding and go further in trials and competitions in order to keep the genetic heritage and balanced versatile dogs.







This is the testimonial and photos gently provided by Kelly Hughes, of Punchline Australian Shepherd, that took one of her boys to a first lesson in working with cows.

Here are a few shots of JR working cows. Since he's just beginning to learn how to drive, most of the session was spent teaching him how to push from behind, but also hold their heads..

Monday, April 14, 2008

Portugal Algarve, Amado Beach with our Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Amado Beach, Algarve

After a week of being closed at home I decided to take my children to a different walk.






Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Amado Beach, AlgarveBrad, my Golden Retriever, in Amado Beach, Algarve


In an adventure in Western Algarve, I, my son and my Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever went to visit the famous surf beach, Amado Beach.








Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Amado Beach, AlgarveMy son runing after the Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd dogs, in Amado Beach, Algarve


Located in the road to Aljezur it is a lovely beach surrounded by amazing rocks, wild sea and green fields.

I can really see why it was chosen by surf schools, tour guide visits and surf teams and competitions.

I leave you with the amazing photos.




Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Amado Beach, AlgarveAustralian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Amado Beach, Algarve



Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Amado Beach, Algarve

Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Amado Beach, Algarve
Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Amado Beach, Algarve
Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Amado Beach, Algarve

Other trips and travel:





Monday, April 07, 2008

A careful planning

On this weekend I learned a hard lesson! It is difficult some times just to predict and go, even after all carefully planned and even carefully booked.

I supposed this could use an explanation … so lets explain then …


Even to start planning a dog show, I usually make a mental list :


1) Vaccines


2) Ring training


3) Inscriptions on the most early time to pay the most possible low feed


4) Champôs, hair softeners and conditioners


5) The day off before the dog show to wash, dry and prepare the dogs that go to the dog show


6) Money for the trip


7) Route map to the dog show


8) Ring number and hours to enter


9) Food and water


10) Boxes, blanket, chairs, bowl


11) Brushes, towels, wipes, medical kit


12) Leashes, collars, scissors and biscuits


13) Car cleaning


14) Clothing and presentation


Ok, after all is set up and planned we aught to think, just remain to go …


This weekend I learned a lesson, never say impossible not to go … since life teaches us the lesson in the hardest way.


About two days before my son started to feel abdomen pain with high fever and we went to the hospital emergencies were appendices was diagnostic. He was admitted into the hospital, operated, treated and medicated during three days and now he is at home recovering of this enormous scary event.


And all the carefully months planning’s and money spent on inscriptions were down the drain just has a life lesson teaching us not to be that confident and to be humble with life.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

My first pedigree dog



Many ask me how did I start to have Pedigree dogs when I was raised to believe that dogs aren’t bought since there are so many abandoned.

Well my life changed a lot when I was divorced !

At that time I had two street dogs, Roxy and Sininho, that to respect my husband and his family wishes lived only on the yard. The first thing I changed at home !

One month later I started to notice there was a Golden alone on the street were I lived. Since the dog had leash, I thought he had an owner, but I couldn’t believe who was so irresponsible to leave a Golden alone wondering.

One day I came back from work and the Golden follow us, and got in with us.

I warned my sun, in the time with 3 years old, that the dog was probably lost and that we should find the owners since they miss him.
I started phoning the vets and animal shops. One of the vets had a poster and we went there.
Wasn’t him, so we check for Chip. Nothing ! So we vaccine him, made a check-up and left my contacts.


In that complicated moment of my life, Rufus, has we call him, was a blessing. His calm and patience of a 7 year old dog, give us a reason to go out and the patience to allow my son to lay on his bally and speak about everything.

Rufus was one of that special dogs, witch we trust our home and nothing was touch. That we take on a walk and he walked easily and calmly. That ride calmly on the back of the car. So one of those dog models.

His bigger joy was to go to the beach, were we walked and play. He loved to swim and go to people on the water.
Only the smell of the sea, still in the car, tacked several years and he seams a puppy again.

In the end Rufus was all that was expected of a Golden Retriever dog and has was going to know him and read about the breed more I love it.

After 6 months, in the first time I was without my baby, Rufus owners appeared and after a lot of photos and asking for the returning of Rufus I let him go. I spent the rest of the 15 days alone without my two boys.

When my son came back I gave the news and made the promise to get a Rufus that no one could take back.
The pour child for every dog that he saw on the street or in the balcony that seamed like Rufus he started to say that it was him left alone.

Like most people I did the easy way, went to the Internet found a selling add that say excellent line, all exams and easy payment, the one I choose to call.

Of course they say the dogs were wonderful, with all documents and even good for show. A meeting was schedule and me and my son went to see the dogs.

The site of two puppies were enough for us not to leave without one. And I left the payment and left with promises of papers.

There was my first Golden Retriever dog, Brad.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Have a nice Easter !