Folda is expecting!!

Hello Folks,

Well, just got back from the vets this afternoon and its confirmed, Folda, Aka Tera is expecting by Greenstone AJay, we saw anywhere from three to five puppies, it looks like a full litter..

Way to go AJAY, I'm so excited to see what will be born the first part of Aug!!

Have a great day...

Barks

New photos of Athens

Hello Folks

Had a wonderful visit with a puppy owner, and got to see Athens for the first time in over a year, he has grown so much its just wonderful to see.

He looks so much like his Great-Grandfather Kappi Fra Hvimmi, its just amazing, this is the line we line-breed in to, and while prehaps not being as typical to a Greenstone Icelandics, it is a good example of Folda lines, she has a slightly shorter leg set, 45/55 and Athens is the same. The bone on him is amazing and a true full coated long hair, lovely to see.

We enjoyed the visit very much and we wish both Athens and the family great luck in their new home in Alberta, Canada.

I hope to get to see Athens some time in the future when I go back home to visit family.

Valerie

Runa agility news

Hello Folks

Well last night was Runa's agility graduation, and her last class in beginners, so we had a fun trial, two Gamblers, and two course runs. Privates stay the same but advanced level one starts in two weeks on tuesday nights.

So Runa took Top Gamblers in the first round and second place in the second round with a combined score for first.. Way to go Runa, Jason played to her strengths, and she flew across the big pointed dog walk, A-frame, weaver and teeter like a dream.. You go little girl.

On the course, we were running, teeter, jump, dog walk, tire, chute, jump, jump, weave, tunnel, jump, (front cross) jump, A-Frame.

Time we were given was 1:30 and we had dogs go as high as 1:56, and as low as 41 seconds, Runa came in at 50 and 56 seconds, and she had clean runs!!! Way to go little girl, it was perfect night for it, somewhat sunny, not to hot, with a nice light cool breeze. Jason is so good with her..

Needless to say, out of all the runs tonight (eight dogs in class) there were three clean runs, and Runa had two of them!! She may not be the fastest yet but she is very focused and will get more speed with time.

Barks

doggy updates first of July

Hello Folks

Well, lets see what is new, Runa and Bjorn have had their prelim OFA x-rays taken and I am so pleased to say that both have very nice looking hips, we will have to wait for the offical results to come back of course, but there is no doubt in my mind or my vets mind that both of them have normal hips, and that we should get a OFA good to Excellent, however as always all I really want is a HD-Free.

This is great news, and I have three more of the young dogs booked in for x-rays, to get an idea of where they are at, I only ask my pet owners to do it once after the age of 24 months so only my own dogs are being tested at this time.

Folda (Aka Tera) is going in on the 12th of July for her ultrasound, but I still believe from all signs that she is expecting, and Tobba AKA Oppa is going in on the 15th of July to see if she is expecting, but I believe that she will be, but on her I will wait and see. This will be both girls second litters.

I believe that I have finally gotten a date and all my adult dogs (minus Vaskur/Oppa who have already had this) my other dogs are going in for their formal heart tests. Was waiting for Bjorn to pass the one year mark, so that they could all go together for the test. It will be a big trip but well worth it to have all the dogs in the kennel have formal heart exams by a board Certified Cardo vet.

The girls continue to have agility training, Dalla lately has been so on, its amazing, and she is just flying around that ring, I must try and get some photos of her in action.

We have cancelled our plans to go to the Limestone Kingston show due to the fact that if my math is right, I could have a female ready to have puppies while I am away, and that will not due, Jason is a sweetheart but whelping pups and helping mom is my job :)

Otherwise, nothing much new, have been working hard on the past newsletter, hope everyone liked it, please feel free to write me and let me know if you did, or please if you want to send photos of your dogs, stories of your dogs, we have had a request for a story about boating or fishing with ISD, is this done?? So folks, anyone taking their ISD out on the water, and got a story or photo to go with it?

Thats it for today, more information coming soon.

Barks

CERF Results

Hello Folks,

Well off to see the CERF vet this afternoon, picked up Jason after lunch and off we went to the vets.. its was a minor rodeo to get all the drops in eyes, and paperwork filled out and dogs in and out :)

So once again, was very pleased to see that my breeding dogs, both now and up and coming all have CERF normals.

Born in a storm, had a note on his eight Week CERF and we were not sure what it meant at the time, so even though he is altered, and not in a breeding program, I still felt it was very important to get his CERF done to see if anything was still there or not. Results is listed below. Both of Bjorns parents have CERF normals, in the case of his mother, four CERF normals.


Tofra Tobba Traustadottir- Normal
Pineridge Vaskur- Normal
Tofra Dalla Hektorsdottir-Normal
Folda-Normal
Greenstone Ajay-Normal
Greenstone Ada-Normal
Greenstone Alaxander the Great-Normal
Greenstone Born in a Storm- Normal right eye, Left eye Retinal dysplasia/retinopathy-geographic
Belglen Runa of Greenstone-Normal

Barks

Icelandic Sheepdogs -Kingston Show Results!!

Hello Folks

What a weekend! The Greenstone Icelandics were amazing, I am so proud of all of them, but once again Ajay stole the show when it came to group level, but both Belglen girls were simply stunning at breed level!!

So first off it was Hot! so we spent a great deal of the time trying to make sure that the dogs were comfortable, without melting ourselves.. and we also had a large rain storm on friday night that also created floods..

Ok, on with the show, Greenstone Ajay, Greenstone Ada, Belglen Runa of Greenstone and Belglen Roskva were at the show, all dogs were listed.

On Friday,
BOB - Greenstone Ajay
BOS- Belglen Runa of Greenstone
Reserve Winners Bitch- Greenstone Ada

Scott and Laura were just a touch to late getting to the show site and missed the group seven on Friday, but were there on Saturday and Sunday, as well as Friday evening..

Then came group and much to my surprise and great pleasure, Greenstone Ajay took Group 3rd! I was so pleased. What a great boy..

Saturday
BOB-Greenstone AJay
BOS-Belglen Runa of Greenstone
Reserve Winners Bitch- Belglen Roskva


and that meant that Belglen Runa was the second Iceland Sheepdog in Canada to finish her needed points to become the first female ISD Champion!!! WAY TO GO RUNA and BELGLEN Kennels!!

I have attached Runa's winning show photo to this email, if you would like it large enough to print off, then please let me know, and I will send it with a larger format so that it will look good.

Sunday
BOB-Greenstone AJay
BOS-Belglen Runa of Greenstone
Reserve Winner Bitch-Belglen Roskva

and then Greenstone AJay went on to take Group 4th!! Two group placements in one weekend, that is simply amazing.. Ajay has placed 3 times in two show weekend all under different judges.

On friday my favorite Judge comment, was that he was a very sound dog, with great drive and movement.

The Judge on sunday took more time telling me what he thought of Ajay, , Although young and needing to mature, he felt that he was wonderfully sound, great movement, good reach and drive, but the one that I loved the most was " this dog is in a class of his own, he says, Look at this breed" "Totally Eye catching" Got to love comments like that!!

It was a great weekend visiting with friends, enjoying fine but to hot weather, and wonderful times spent with my Icelandics..

As always there were many interested folks and lots of visiting about the breed..

Everyone have a great night.

Cerf exams booked for this year

Hello Folks

Well, it was a good day yesterday, I took the cutest sad photo of Ada in the tub and will share it here with you.. Forgive if it also ends up in the newsletter, I sent it to Laura for a grooming article that she is working on.

Otherwise, heard back from my CERF vet and its confirmed that all of my ISD are going on Tuesday afternoon to get their yearly updates, in the case of my older dogs they have been getting this done for years now, and it will be the first followups on some of my own first generation. They were all normal at pups, look forward to seeing if they still have good eye health.

This is one area that so far, I appear to have good lines across the board in, as Pineridge was kind enough to not only test Kolur again but also Lukka, and as the breedes in Iceland have been actively testing now, Greenstone Ajay, Ada, and Alaxander are third generation CERF normal so far, so Tera and Ajay's pups will be fourth generation on at least one side of the pedigee and third generation on the other.. which is really great, considering that when I started in ISD, it was hard to find a puppy that had one parent or one grandparent tested..

Everyone have a great day, off for agility classes tonight and then no updates for at least four days till I get back from the dog shows.

Barks

Dreaming Dogs

Hi Folks

Well, took three dogs with me for agility and to go pick up Jason last night, boy were they excited to see their dad :) For the first while, no one even wanted to notice that I was still there.. cracks me up, they get so happy when he comes home.

So off to the groomers in another hour but just watched something interesting and thought I would share.. I'm sure at some point or another you have all seen your dogs dream, I love it when they dream happy dreams, excited low woof, legs twitching or even running sometimes, rapid eye movement, I have always wondered what it is they dream about, is it a memory, the time I ran after the ball at the park, is it something they enjoy, and therefor create a new dream on what they have done in their life?

Anyway, the idea that my dogs dream has always interested me, but ever now an again, they don't just dream but they have a bad dream, and there is a difference, normally they seem upset and they cry out in their sleep.. I don't like it when the dogs have bad dreams and often will go over, and sit with them, gentle stroking their heads and talking softy to them till they wake up, I find they often will wake up wild eyed, and I again wonder, what in their life has ever been so bad that they would dream about it.

Needless to say, Lily just had a bad dream sleeping on the couch, and before I could get up to comfort her, her favorite girl Dalla, looked up, ran over, jumped on the couch, laid down beside her and started grooming her face, licking her eyes, muzzle and ears, and just as I normally continue to provide comfort after they wake up, so did Dalla, till it was clear that Lily was awake and fine.. Lily gave her a couple head rubs and the two of them laid down together to have a new nap..

There are days that I am amazed at the care that my dogs give each other...

Anyway, might be a slightly strange post, but I still thought it was worth sharing,

Barks

Jason coming home today/Agility training tonight

Hello Folks

Well, its been a busy morning already, and I'm taking a break while the floors dry from the daily washing..

The dogs are all good today, really love the new hotdog treats I made yesterday, and they thought their pizza buns were wonderful, Runa cracked me right up, she jumped up on top of the computer desk so that she was about three and half feet above the rest of the dogs so that she could ever so slowly eat her food without being bothered.

That little girl can jump, she reminds me of a cat somedays..

Otherwise, just doing training for both show ring and agility today, heading into town early to go to orleans for agility practise and then off to the airport for Jason..

Tomorrow, the three dogs go to the groomers in the afternoon, will have to see If I can remember the camera this time, I really wanted a photo of the dogs in the tub and being blowdried for Laura's grooming article.. see what I can do..

Barks

Soggy Doggies but O so happy!

Hello Folks

Well its Monday morning and I will admit to being tired this morning, between classes, dogs in heat, kittens and bottle feeding baby goat, plus all the regular chores, I sure do notice when Jason is not home.

So its been raining and raining!! I love it, we even had thunder, no lightening that I saw but I do so love storms, was interesting to watch the dogs, I honestly believe that most of the time if you love something the dogs will to, and that is sure what happens in my house, most of the dogs just relax and hang out, some look up as the thunder is overhead ect.

Well the dogs are all having to be kept apart as we have girls in heat and boys thinking that this girl is mine etc.. so not getting as much out time with mom as is normal, so I decided Rain or no Rain everyone needs a really good run.. So bundled up with rain gear and out we went.. well I tell you, it was a nice cool but fairly warm rain and the dogs loved it.. they splashed in puddles, rolled in the wet hay fields, and jumped all over their play partners, and by the time I was done my fifth set of dogs, I was just as wet LOL as they were.

But I have quiet happy sleepy dogs at the moment and that sometimes can be worth its weight in gold, got hotdog treats drying in the oven, morning housework chores are all done, just need to wash the floors, figured with the dogs all coming in wet, not much point in doing the floors yet this morning.

Looking forward to fresh bread later today, going to make pizza and buns, think I might make a bit of extra small buns for each dog, and put a little peice of meat inside as a extra special treat for them.

Otherwise in training, we are still working on "mark" and "table" this week.. Going out to do agility training tuesday afternoon, thursday afternoon and class Thursday evening and then heading off to the three day dog show Friday, Saturday, Sunday so it is gearing up to be a good doggy week..

Barks

Iceland Sheepdog Buttons are Available

Hello Folks

Well the Iceland Sheepdog Buttons are going to be made this coming week and will be available for sale at two dollars Canadian plus Shipping per button. We will be having Iceland Blue background and the Dark Brown Background made in this batch, as when we polled a number of CISC folks, we found that these are the two most popular colors to go with this dog.

We will be working on a Black Tri Button in the future, most likely with a green and red background. Updates to follow..

Well, other then that the honeymoon is over for Tera, and things in the house are somewhat settling down..

Very busy working on the different things I do for the CISC newsletter, running the farm without Jason as he is gone for a week, and trying to keep up on the dogs training etc..

Its been cool and raining for the last to days, which for me is lovely!, I am not a heat girl, I will take cool any day..

Barks Valerie

Agility Update June 9th

Good Morning Folks

Well, it was agility night last night, with Jason gone on a work trip, I decided to make the private an hour instead of one an half hours and we only worked two dogs instead of four..

So we had Ada and Runa out, Ada was on fire last night, she did everything we asked for her today in regards to contacts, etc.. but we found out that she is weak in "thinking " for herself, she really looks to me to find out what to do next, instead of looking a head..

So that is our current challange with Ada is to work on the "to bad" try something else, so that she can learn to think more about what is coming up, raither then freezing and giving me wonderful eye contact, in a coiled body waiting for the next command..

So this weekend we are a going to haul out a hay bay, that will be come "table" for her and we are going to see what we can do about getting her to think about it.. I have jumps and tunnels so will start doing a very short set with the table being the end.

Runa was havin a slightly off night, she came on strong and was doing well till she went up the teeter tooter to fast, and it went down with a big bang and then she was more concerned..we worked though it, the A-frame was fine, and we were working stays on two on two off mainly but she slowed down on the dog walk.. but by the end of class was more sure of herself...one step forward, two steps back appeared to be Runa last night.

Folda continues her honeymoon, which is great news.

Well I was to be at herding this morning but not feeling very well, so am staying home and doing housework instead..looking forward to the weekend, as we are to have cool temps with lots of rain, so will be able to keep working on spring cleaning of pens for the chickens/sheep/goats etc

Everyone have a great day..

Barks

OT-cute goat photo-Anna

Hello Folks

Ok, off topic of the dogs but to cute not to share, so I get up this morning to let dogs out for bathroom breaks and run to go to the ladies myself and the kittens have found the toliet paper and have the whole roll down and played with in bits all over the bathroom floor..hmmm

So I am working on cleaning the bathroom first thing this morning and little Anna baby goat is in the bathroom, and she introduces herself to the kittens and she is in love with the kitten size cat stands..

Well I started to laugh, and then laugh somemore..

So here is one of the cutest photos, its called...

You are the strangest looking kitten I've ever seen??

LOL

Barks

Honeymoon is ON!

Hello Folks

Well Folda Aka Tera and Ajay have started their formal honeymoom today, and they have been very good little love birds, so if all goes well, we will be looking at an Ultrasound in about 30 to 35 days from today, with little ones coming at about day 63.

They are so cute, Ajay grooms her ears and neck and they snuggle and flirt and she swishes her tail like a little feather boa, I'm so pretty look at me!!!

Ajay is quite the little gentleman, and is very sweet with her..

More updates to follow..

Barks

Ada Adopts Anna Anna (the Baby Goat)

Hello Folks

Well, much to my surprise Mimi decided this week that she only liked her son, and decide that her little twin doe was not to be part of the family so she is now living in the house with us being a bottle baby, as I have no one to put with her to keep her company, she is being crate trained at night just like a puppy, and has free access to the kitchen and I'm putting her out on the door for pee's in the grass as much as possable..

But she is still lonely, and so she goes from Dog to Dog saying, will you be my friend?? Bjorn as always likes all goats and so he is sweet to her but will not let her sleep with him.

However she asked Ada if she could sleep with her, and Ada just licked her head and ears and said, ok, I will share my sleeping space with you, so Anna laid down between Ada's legs and cuddled into sleep.. and now when she is looking for a sleeping spot she seeks out Ada and they curl up together, I really need to try and get a photo of it, its so cute.

Anna is doing well, and we hope she will continue to do so..

Barks

Fun runs by Iqaluit, Nunavut Canada

The dogs running up the ridge from the wallfalls in winter just outside of town on the Radar Road, in the summer time this is a favorite fishing spot, when the tide is in, its a lake, and when the tide goes out its a waterfall..

Barks

Old Artic photos

Hello Folks

I was visiting with a person on sunday and we got talking about the tundra and the artic, which of course is were we use to live with the dogs.. got me a little homeesick for the north, so I took a look today at some photos.. They made me smile, laugh and maybe a little wet in the eyes all at the same time.. So I'm going to post a few with notes on where there were at..

So the first one is a herd of musk ox that we saw out on one of our camping work trips.. Jason was filming then with the video camera and he was very quietly talking away, then realized that they were to close, and that one of the bulls had moved past his hiding hole in a pile of rocks and he could not longer leave at free will.

He had to wait there, perfectly still for over an hour before, the herd moved away far enough that he could get up and walk away. Still we have some amazing video of the whole herd including the new babies nursing on mom and musk ox doing what they do :) Hope you will enjoy seeing the photos, and if you want to picture yourself there, nice big outcrop of grey rock is where you are laying on the ground, spring time, 24 hour daylight, and you are out hiking, taking rock samples..

Barks

Heats are here!

Hello Folks

Well, the girls are in heat now, Runa was the first one in heat, then Tera, then Oppa, then Dalla and still waiting for Ada.. who has yet to start.

So it will be a interesting and busy next two weeks making sure that all the females keep away from the males, other then of course the honeymoon between two of them LOL but we have to wait for the right time for that.

Well, I have finally made the choice, and CH Greenstone AJay will be the male used on Folda Aka Tera, mainly for three reasons, first is that Ajay has the best Front of the two boys, and this is Folda weak area, the more we can improve this area on her puppies the better structually they will be, or at least that is what we hope.

Second, as Tera only carries (yellow Gene ) Red, and no recessives colors, it makes no difference in the litter if we use a black tri on her, Ajay carries Black tri and chincilla, so the recessives will still be in the pups but all puppies will be yellow gene, and as Ajay is a nice darker red color himself, we can up the odds of nice deep clean red pups with him.. plus he has amazing tight tail set, (better then Zanders) and so does Tera, so we should be super type to the pups heads, great tight tail sets and plush undercoats (from Tera) but a great top coat from Ajay, he has more longer guard hairs then Zander, ( while Zander has a bit more of a proper harshness to his coat) and third, as most of the folks waiting on the list are wanting both family dogs and active dogs, Ajay is a good choice, While I like Zander better for a therapy dog temperment, I think for working/busy folks, that Ajay will be just as good perhaps even better as he really thinks he is something special.. LOL

So that is were we are at right now... The breeding should take place within the next week to two weeks depending on when she is ready to stand..

Will keep you all posted, and then comes the count down to the ultrasound..

Barks

Icelandic Sheepdogs - Kingston Dog Show Booked

Hello Folks

The Greenstone Icelandics are booked for the coming Kingston Dog Show, June 16, 17, 18th. Shows to be at the Rideau Acres Campground and Resort.

Greenstone Ajay, Greenstone Ada and Belglen Runa of Greenstone will be there, Scott and Laura are bringing Belglen Roskva up from Toronto for the show as well.

Friday -Mrs K Guimond-Sask
Saturday-Mr T Nesbitt-On
Sunday- Mr W Pinsher-NB

I will be interested to see what the different judges from across Canada think of the dogs..

Updates as always to follow.

Barks

Icelandic Sheepdog Agility updated June 1st

Hi Folks

Well we just got back from three hours worth of agility training with four dogs, Bella my yellowknife rescue and oldest Agility star, for ISD, we had Dalla and Ada out in private and Runa in class..

It was a ton of fun and despite the heat, lots was learned.. boy can that Ada move!!

Sent Runa in with Jason for class, and she was such a good girl, she did everything he asked her to, and with grace and bounce to her step.. There was a contest tonight to see who could do the fastest time for the A-frame, clock started when dog went up, and stopped when dog was two on /two off..

Four runs, one warm up, and then the next three counted, Runa took 2.9 2.3 and 2 seconds, the fastest three runs and I will tell you right now, she was not at a full out burn, she was still in control and will someday be alot faster, but as the rest of the class of eight was in the 3 second plus mark, I was still very proud of her times..

She really seems to like the weave polls, not have that in a dog before, but will take it as good sign..

Great night had by all..

Barks

Greenstone Icelandic Sheepdogs Born in a Storm

Hello Folks

Well I made the hard choice to have Bjorn (aka Greenstone Born in a Storm) altered this week, due to the fact that he only ever developed one family jewal, and as this is a passable trait, and as the ISIC recommended that we do not breed with any males with this issue.. I decided to Alter him and I will be looking for a new home for him in the future.

He is a lovely deep red color and it truly was a shame to have to remove him from the breeding pool, but really didn't have a choice..

Barks

Icelandic Sheepdog Group Placements-Richmond May 2006

Hello Folks

Thought you might like to see this photo as well, we thought it would be a good idea to try and get a photo of BOB BOS and Best Puppy. It was plus 30 and at the end of a long three day show weekend.. the dogs were melting and so were we..

Its not a bad photo by any means :) but it sure would be great if we could have tweeked the dogs a bit LOL.. me and my fussy nature.. I look and wish the one leg was a tiny bit back or that runa's head was level etc, much harder to get three dogs all looking good at the same time, then one dog.

Enjoy the photo, I think its a good one.

Barks

Icelandic Sheepdogs at the Richmond Ottawa Kennel Club May 28th 2006

Hello Folks

Well its sunday evening, and we are just starting to unpack the truck after letting all the dogs have a good solid run in the fields, they earned it. With females in heat, we had to have three different running groups but everyone is happy and tired now. What a weekend, The breed booth was so busy saturday and sunday, its a good thing that we had two couples both helping out. The Ottawa Kennel club has asked if the CISC would like to have a booster next year along with our breed booth, certainly something to look at and consider.

So on with the news :) Once again, seven Icelandics at the show, and all dogs listed. Greenstone Ajay took Best of Breed today for a 3 pt win, making his total points won over the weekend a total of 11, which means that he has enough points to get his CKC Championship!!! A one Show Champion!! Way to go Ajay, handled to perfection by Linda Thompson.

Belglen Runa of Greenstone took Best of Breed for a 3 pt win, making her total points at this time seven, two 3pt wins and a 1 pt win.

In the Females, staying true to form
1st- Belglen Runa
2nd-Greenstone Ada- Reserve Female
3rd-Folda
4th- Tofra Tobba

I was very pleased to see that the judges clearly had read the standard, most having just taken the breed seminar in the last month, and it was nice to see them showing this by picking the top dogs out over and over again.

Greenstone Ada finished the show with six points on her. So we will be working at the Kingston show to finish Ada/Runa's championship.

We had two CKC judges come up and ask, if we would please consider taking Greenstone AJay out as a special so that the judges can become trained in what a really good Icelandic looks like.. What an honor to have judges come up and ask/tell you that your dog should be a special. So who am I to argue on this LOL, So Ajay will also be going to Kingston.

I had a new photo taking today in memory of AJay taking his points that put him at 11. Laura and Scott's little girl took Best Puppy of Breed and we have a family photo taken in memory of this wonderful show. Hope you will enjoy seeing the photos!

Barks

Icelandic Sheepdogs at the Ottawa Kennel Club Show May 27th 2006

Hello Folks Well it was a hot one today, but it was a great day. We once again had seven Iceland Sheepdogs entered in the show.. Results posted below. All dogs listed.

Best of Breed -Greenstone Ajay - 3pt win (bringing his total CKC points to eight)
Best of Opposite Sex - Belglen Runa - 3pt win (bringing her total CKC points to four)
Best Puppy in Breed- Belglen Roskva (who also took 4th best in group in puppy sweeps)

Females
1st-Belglen Runa of Greenstone
2nd-Greenstone Ada
3rd-Folda
4th-Dalla

The breed booth was busy, with lots of interested vistors but as lots of interested dogs breeders and number of CKC judges stopped by to leave their cards, and to get a chance to put the dogs on the table and get a chance to "lay" hands on this stunning new breed. Have to charge my battery before we can download photos.. Wish us luck tomorrow, and everyone send thoughts to Ajay to take Best of Breed once again.

Barks

Icelandics Sheepdogs at the Ottawa Kennel Club Show May 26 2006

Hello Folks

What a day!! I am thrilled to annouce that under renowned CKC judge Mrs Betty McHugh, Greenston AJay went Best of Breed in a class of Seven Icelandics Sheepdogs, and went on to make history with the first group placing in CKC, bringing home a Group Third. I can not begin to tell you how excited and amazed I am to have gotten a group placement on one of my greenstone Icelandic Sheepdogs at this time. I was told over and over again that it would take months to years before a new breed would place in group.

So here is the details

Best of Breed- Greenstone Ajay-3 pt win (Total of Five Championship points to date)
Best of Opposite Sex- Greenstone Ada-3 pt win (for a total of six championship points to date)

In Females
1st- Greenstone Ada
2nd-Folda
3rd- Tofra Dalla Hectordottir
4- Belglen Runa of Greenstone

Best Icelandics Sheepdog Puppy- Belglen Roskva

As Greenstone Ajay took a 3rd in Group, he maxed out his points to a full five point win day!! the most that anyone dog can win in a single day..

All dogs are listed at this time. In regards to what is required to finish a CKC championship, ten championship points, with a min of one two point win and must have points under at least three judges. I have attached the show photo.. Everyone have a great day, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the weekend brings!

It was a cool damp morning and a early one at that up by 5 am and out the door by 6:30 am to make it to the dog show by 8 am. The dogs were excited and it was controlled madness as I was handing out dogs and numbers to handlers, and everyone went off to practice with their own dogs, to find the right pace and movement for them.

So finally into the ring we went, I had to hide so that Ajay could not hear or see me, as like all my dogs, they are attached and the handlers say to attached. So after Ajay went, then comes female class, and as its a class of six females that is big, and I truly wondered who would be placed where, the judge is a known for being big on sound movement and structure as well as type.

I was so proud of my hubby Jason, I had given him Dalla because I didn't think she could place or win because of her loose more open tail etc, but I was so surprised, Dalla did her father proud and hauling Jason to handling classes did pay off, he did her down/back perfect and he moved her out like a dream in the around the ring, and she has really nice sound movement. Folda was being a bit of a brat in that she was sure that she should sit everytime we stopped moving and every time someone walked up to her, but to be fair to her considering she does therapy and that is what I ask of her, I can understand why she did so, still what a pretty girl she was in the ring, still has a weak front end so was pleased and a bit surprised that she took reserve female.

So here is the show photo, We were all so busy in the ring, that we never got a single photo of the group, there is no one left over to use the digitals..

Its been lovely to see Scott and Laura again and to meet their little girl, Let me tell you folks, that is a Icelandic to watch in the future, she is going to ROCK the show ring!!! She has "it" in droves, and her owners and Sharon of Belglen will be very proud of this girl both now and when she grows up. Kolur from Pineridge is her father and he helped give her the most amazing long hair coat, and wonderful black mask.

Respectfully a very excited Valerie

Pretty Icelandic Sheepdogs all ready for the Dog show

Hi Folks

Well we are back from the spa again today, we took Tobba, Dalla and Ada this morning for their show grooming, and it was a long but good morning.

The girls look amazing! I could not be more pleased with the grooming, Tobba was a total sweetheart as alway, it was the first time Kelly had meet Tobba and Dalla, and she loved Tobba, was just amazed at how pretty she is, and how long her long hair coat is..

I will take photos of all the dogs at the show, Dalla was not as sure, she didn't care for the blowdryer all that much but otherwise did fine, and Ada being the old pro at this now was just as relaxed as can be..

Its a good thing that it was Ada's turn today, not yesterday because Jason took her out for a run last night and she got into the mud, ahh, I had to bath her last night just so she could come back into the house, but she looks like a little lady again.

Will be off to set up the breed booth tomorrow night.

Barks

Icelandic Sheepdogs Day at the Doggy Spa/New Baby chicks born

Well, it was a long morning, first a good solid run as there will be no more runs in the fields until after the dog show this weekend for the dogs that have been bathed/groomed for the show.

So this morning I got Runa, Tera (Folda) and Ajay all loaded into the truck for the 50 min drive to my groomer and they all got bathed, blowdried, nails trimmed etc.

They look fabulous!!! What pretty dogs they are, Tera's coat is so deep red and her white is so white, its just a amazing combo, Ajay is starting to look like a man, and Runa came out looking ever so full of herself, she knows she is something special..

While I was waiting for the dogs, ran over to a friend of mine for a visit and got to see her new CKC Collie Champion, she had gone down to a show in toronto this past weekend and came home with the Best of Breed. What a lovely dog, I was so happy for her.

So three more dogs off to the groomer tomorrow, and I really should take some new photos of them while they are freshly groomed..

We have 13 new day old baby chicks in the big barn that have hatched, with four more hens due to hatch out their chicks in the next week or so.. I love to see the dogs with the new chicks, they want to sniff them but are o so gentle with them, so I'm going to send a very cute photo at least to me of Runa with a new baby chick..

Everyone have a great day..

Barks

News about coming Iceland Trip

Iceland, 19th May 2006


Dear friends,

We apologise for the delay in replying, we have been waiting for replies from the coach company and the guesthouse.

About forty people have registered to come to Iceland for the ISIC anniversary in September, this is many more than we expected and we are delighted to get such a great response. We are looking forward to seeing you all and sharing what will surely be an unforgettable weekend together.

Here is the itinerary for the weekend 15th – 17th September 2006:

Friday evening
We all meet in the evening at the guesthouse to welcome you.

Saturday
Depart from the guesthouse at 08.00 sharp. The sheep gathering is 90km. from Reykjavík, the sorting pen we will be visiting is called Reykjarétt and is situated in Skeiða- og Gnúpverjahreppur.

This sorting pen was originally built in 1881 from lava rocks and underwent extensive restoration in 1981. The gathering of the sheep from their summer pasture up in the mountains each autumn and sorting them out to their respective farms has been a traditionally celebrated for centuries by friends and relatives on the farms in the area.

We will be offering sandwiches and soft drinks for sale during the sheep gathering. Afterwards we will drive to a nearby farm restaurant called Húsatóftir where we will be served traditional Icelandic lamb soup. The prize for the soup will be ISKR 1.000 and you can eat as much as you want.

On the return journey we will be stopping at Thingborg, where they sell locally made woollen crafts and it is possible to see how the wool is worked and the items are made.

We will also stop at Kerið in Grímsnes, a 5000 – 6000 year old volcanic crater filled with water. It is a very beautiful area; there have been a couple of concerts held there.

Then everyone will be driven back to Reykjavík. There is nothing formally organised for Saturday evening as most people will probably be tired after the day’s activities and another full day planned the next day with the dog show.

Sunday
The DÍF breed club show in Ölfushöll at the farm Ingólfshvoll in Ölfus. The show hall is 50 km. from Reykjavík by coach. We have a judge for the show; Zindy Munsterhielm-Ehnberg will be coming from Finland.

The time the show starts will depend on the number of dogs registered for the show. In January there were 80 dogs registered and we started at 11.00.
After the show there will be an evening meal in the show hall dining room. There will be a set menu of roast Icelandic lamb with assorted vegetables, desert and coffee afterwards for ISKR 2.450.

There will be no admittance charge to the show and refreshments will be for sale in the show hall dining area throughout the day.

Transportation
The return coach trip on Saturday will cost ISKR 1.630 per person and ISKR 880 on Sunday. This is assuming there will be 40 passengers.
Please could you let us know if you will be travelling with the coach.

Accommodation
We have arranged a special deal with the Borgartún Guesthouse. The guesthouse has 22 rooms, all non-smoking with TV and en-suite bathrooms. There is a comfortable sitting room with TV and Internet facilities, breakfast buffet is included. There are a number of excellent restaurants nearby. The Borgartún Guesthouse is on the main bus route into the city centre or a 30 minute walk by the sea wall takes you to the centre. Reykjavik’s main swimming pool is only a 10 minute walk away with hot pots and steam bath.

Prices per night including breakfast:
Single room ISKR 5.850
Double room ISKR 7.740
Triple room ISKR 10.080

More information about the Borgartún Guesthouse can be found on their website: http://www.gjtravel.is/borgartun.asp?strAction=getPublication&intPublId=114.

We have made a block reservation but we need to confirm actual numbers as soon as possible. We would be very grateful if you could let us know if you will be needing accommodation at the guest house no later than 26nd May and the exact dates you would like to stay.

GJ-Travel’s offices are in the same building as the Borgartún Guesthouse so if you have other excursion arrangements while you’re in Iceland it could not be simpler. More information can be found on their website: http://www.gjtravel.is/

Hoping to hear from you soon.

With best regards on behalf of the DÍF board,

Þorsteinn Thorsteinson

______________________________
Brún
845 Flúðir
ICELAND
(+354) 486 6647 / 892 6647
E-mail: sunnusteinn@simnet.is / dif@dif.is

Belglen Runa of Greenstone-Agility Classes

Hello

BelglenRuna has started beginner Agility classes on thursday nights, and she loves it! What a good girl she is, she really liked the other dogs in class, we have a great mix, some big dogs, some really small dogs and a few in the middle. Like most Icelandic Sheepdogs, she is a natural at dog Agility..

Runa started her heat this week and so she will have to wear panty to come to class with for the next few weeks, this should be interesting to train with :)

Will keep you posted and updated on her progress in training. Jason will take photos of her in class next week.

Barks

New Greenstone Dog

Hello Folks

Jason came home from his work trip with a new Greenstone Icelandic Sheepdog to add to our home and hearts...

Please welcome our newest pup... LOL

Barks

Coming dog show-Richmond 26, 27, 28

Hi Folks

Just an update and reminder that the Greenstone Iceland Sheepdogs will be at the CKC Richmond dog show on May 26, 27, 28 2006.

The Canadian Icelandic Sheepdog club will once again be having a breed booth at this show, and its a fancy new one, we have a wonderful new white booth with a new large eight foot long white with blue lettering Banner for the front of the booth, so just look for the large Iceland Sheepdog Banner and you will find us.

We have eight Icelandic Sheepdogs booked into the show, seven are owned by Greenstone Icelandics, Laura and Scott are also bringing out their Belglen female pup, we are greatly looking forward to meeting her in person.

The Canadian Icelandic Sheepdog Clubs Breed booth will be up and running all weekend, we will be setting up Thursday evening and other then when we are in the show ring itself, there will also be someone there to answer your questions and introduce you to both adult Icelandic Sheepdogs and Icelandic Sheepdog Puppies.

We will be having some different Icelandic Sheepdog books available to be looked at, also with some lovely photos of different Icelandic Sheepdogs and Icelandic Sheepdog puppies for sale.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Show times for the Iceland Sheepdog
Friday May 26th 2006- Judge Mrs. Betty Mchugh-10 am
Saturday May 27th 2006- Judge Mr. John Ross- 1 am
Sunday May 28th 2006- Judge Mr. John Hodgkinson 10:30 am

Barks

Arnprior Show Weekend Results

Show weekend news May 12, 13 and 14th

Greenstone Ada took Best of Breed under CKC judge Mrs. C Haller for a two point win on May 12th 2006, Greenstone Alaxander the Great took BOS, and Belglen Runa of Greenstone took Reserve female.

Greenstone Alaxander the Great took Best of Breed under CKC judge Mrs. A. Gelinas for a two point win on May 13th 2006. Greenstone Ada took BOS for a one point win. Belglen Runa took reserve female.

Belglen Runa of Greenstone took Best of Breed under CKC judge Mr. E. Wild on May 14th 2006 for a one point win. Greenstone Ada took reserve female.

In total it was a wonderful weekend, and we are very pleased to have our dogs earn six new championship points and that everyone is well on their way to earning their CKC championships.

Barks