Dogs Puppies and Prose

My Seminar Nuts and Bolts of Good Writing

2009-04-04T19:18:00.002-04:00

I will hold a one-day seminar Saturday, April 18 at TCCC. We will discuss exciting beginnings, how to hold a reader's interest throughout the story, development of characters and much more. The workshop hours are 9:00 - 12:00 and 1:00 - 4PM. Bring your lunch. You must register with TCCC Continuing Education at 835-4313. The fee is $35.00.

Link to a chuckle

2009-04-02T13:05:00.001-04:00

For a pick-you-up in these depressing times, go to my friend's link, Jack Cassady, and his cartoon blog. Nice to have you aboard Cass.

Please don't touch my dog.

2009-03-31T08:17:00.002-04:00

I was recently reminded of a show my Yogi and I attended in Canada. (see pic of Yogi). An Old English Sheepdog takes a lot of precise grooming before entering the show ring. Every hair in place. A young boy and his mom came by us with Yogi on the grooming table. He came straight over, hand out to touch that mound of full, cottony hair.
I asked him to note touch him and why. I promised after showing he could hug and pet him all he wanted. But after he won that class the boy was ringside for his promised hug. However we had to go back in the ring for Best of Breed so no touch yet.
He won that at had to go directly into the Herding Group which he won. Again the young boy was ringside patiently waiting. I asked his mom if they could stay just a bit more and she said sure, her son would not be happy until he could put his arms around Yogi.
Yogi won the group and had to go right into the ring for the final judging that day, the Best in Show ring. He won Best in Show and was whisked away for pictures.
After pictures the boy was there and was allowed to hug and pet Yogi and I think Yogi was ready for a hug from a little boy himself. I sent them home with one of Yogi's ribbons and a promise for a copy of a picture to be mailed later.

The Big One

2009-02-28T14:14:00.003-05:00

For my followers who love dogs. If you thought Westminster dog show with 2500 dogs entered is big, think again. Starting next week Crufts in Birmington England is a three day show with total of 28,000 dogs. Handlers and dogs from America are frequent winners. In 2007 it was the Tibetan Terrier and last year it was the Australian Shepherd. At some point I am sure much will be televised on Animal Planet. At the end of the show, one dog will be crowned the best of 28,000.

Westminster Kennel Club

2009-02-13T16:44:00.002-05:00

Thank you Glenda and Brenda Kay for your comments. The Best in Show was probably a shock to many in the dog show public. This dog, a 10 year old dog, a Sussex Spaniel, is so rare that I rarely see t hem at a show. And it is the first time one has won the show. The entry of 2500 was packed with top dogs in many breeds with big bucks to compaign them, sometimes entered at a Saturday show on the west coast and Sunday on the East coast because the judges may be more favorable for a big win. Because I judge Poodles, every year at Westminster week, I am invited, as is every judge in the country who judges Poodles, with an embossed invitation, to a party at the Sonoffs who live in upper Manhattan. They are filthy rich. They own top winning Poodles. Of course, I never go.

Best In Show

2009-02-08T10:45:00.000-05:00

I agree with you, Glenda, that little Beagle felt he was as big as any dog in that ring and he would tell that judge "hey, look at me." We call it asking for it. Beagles were the first breed we bred and exhibited. I love the little guys but they need fields to run.

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

2009-02-07T18:00:00.001-05:00

The premier dog show, the Westminster Kennel Club show will be televised on USA Monday and Tuesday evenings. Only AKC champions may be entered, and the top 5 winners in the country in 2008 will be allowed to enter early. The balance of the limit of 2500 entries will fill soon after that. Unfortunately not all the breeds will be represented but given the potential for nasty weather, and the expense of traveling and room and board in NYC, an amazing number of dedicated dog lovers will be there to show, with pride, their special entry.
Watch for the Pointer, the English Setter and the Pug. A breed new to AKC recognition and one that will be entered at Westminster is the dog de bordeaux. A puss only a mother could love. Oh well, to each his own.

Possom Drop

2009-02-03T19:44:00.002-05:00

I just found this picture from the famous New Year's Eve Possom Drop at the Citgo station in Brasstown. My friend and I attended that year. It was packed as shown here...over 1500 people from Ga. S.C., Tenn and N.C. and farther. It was a blast. Hot cocoa and cider available free all evening. At a few seconds before midnight the count down began as the possom, in his gilded cage, was slowly lowered to the ground. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks. Only in the mountains.

Mozilla Firefox

2009-02-03T16:29:00.002-05:00

I have run into a problem with ebay. When writing for help IE wouldn't work. I downloaded Mozilla Firefox and that works like a charm. Once you download it you can use either one as a browser. You can go back and forth with no problem. I just thought it was worth a mention if sometime you are tearing your hair out trying to make something that should work but doesn't. If I can be of further help on this, just send me an email shirl@dnet.net.

Contributing Writer

2009-01-26T10:03:00.003-05:00

The Show Ring Online, an online magazine for dog show enthusiasts, has invited me to contribute articles on the handling of dogs in the ring. My tips will be offered by a judge, that person on the inside of the ring, for better success of taking home a winner at the end of the day/weekend. Newbies to dog showing need to be aware of ring procedure, dress and presentation of their dog.
It is believed that those who begin the sport of exhibiting will fall away within five years. They become disillusioned when they consistently don't win. Of course, it is important to start with a quality dog but even that dog may not win time after time without skillful handling. I hope this article will help those new to the sport and particularly to our young people who learn Junior Showmanship.

Home from the Frozen North

2009-01-22T10:51:00.003-05:00

One would think a judging assignment outdoors in sunny Florida would be a respite from our below 0 weather. The day started at a frigid 28. But, the sun did come out and by lunch we could take off our heavy coats and continue the day in the next layer. 4 for me. A nice entry. Many quality dogs. I saw a lot of old friends from when we lived in that area many years ago.
However, the reason I am accepting few assignments is the problem with traveling. The flight from Atlanta to Asheville was delayed for 3 hours. I got there after dark. It was snowing hard with high wind. Took a room close to the airport and drove, maybe 200 yards, to Ruby Tuesday's for a delicious dinner. The next morning I was so glad to be home.

Comment by Sam Hoffer

2009-01-20T14:07:00.002-05:00

Sorry Sam I should have thanked you for your comment on our stay here during the big one. The Poms were a little prissy of getting their little feet wet but Bunny, our 40 lb. Keeshond truly found the snow to be a lot of fun.

Isn't it Lovely

2009-01-20T14:01:00.003-05:00

Thanks for your comment. That surely was one winter story we will always remember. We were 3 days in our little vacation with no electricity. We went into town knowing the storm would hit soon. The stores were being stripped of propane lamps, stoves and heaters that didn't work too well. The local am radio WKRK stayed on all night telling of where we might get food around the county or roads closed or cleared. They did a great service.

Thanks Nancy

2009-01-13T08:08:00.001-05:00

Thanks Nancy for your comment on my snow picture. I really hustled out there to take the pic before it was all gone. That may be my Christmas card for 2009.

Sun on the Snow

2009-01-08T09:57:00.002-05:00

Somehow my picture did not go with my post. Let's try again.

Isn't it Lovely?

2009-01-08T09:45:00.005-05:00

The sun has just come out and it will probably be gone by noon. I remember back around 1994 when we were here for the big one...26". Bunny, our Keeshond, trotted across the porch as if she were on solid ground. Suddenly she disappered into the mass of snow. The it became fun for her as she jumped and jumped all around. Our 2 Poms had to be carried out to the van where they could do their business under the van.

Collie Lover

2009-01-02T15:54:00.002-05:00

Thanks Sam for your note about your father-in-law reading my book. We dog lovers lap up everything in print about our faithful and beautiful dogs.

My Journal

2009-01-02T10:48:00.002-05:00

I am using my blog as a journal, mostly about our dogs. Someday I may want to write a book about our years with our dogs. Unlike my book just out, I will concentrate more on each dog and of their lives and antics within the last twelve years starting with my Australian Shepherd, Fanci.

Equine Second Chance

2009-01-01T19:01:00.000-05:00

Kathy and I visited the farm with sixty abused or abandoned horses. We took a bag of apples which was appreciated by the horses. We met Chance, the namesake for the farm and Chief a paint turned over to the farm by his owners. They said they couldn't afford to have him treated after he got tangled in barbed wire. A handsome bay 17 hands high will go to W. Virginia as a jumper early this month. The pictures of this horse before coming to Second Chance were shocking. He was all bones.

Warren and I plan to attend the Lippizan Stallions at WCU on January 15. We never thought we'd have the opportunity in the mountains.

Bezerk Chipmunk

2008-12-29T19:37:00.000-05:00

I was nearly asleep when Joe crashed into the bedroom door. Normally he is a well behaved and quiet dog, particularly at night when we all settle down. I shooed him out and Warren said we had a Chipmunk in the house...streaking to the pantry, climbing clothes to the top shelf in the closet, down the hall and back again so fast Joe had trouble keeping up with him. Just then I heard a slight noise under the sewing machine in the bedroom. I yelled for Joe who tore in the bedroom and froze on the corner from where I heard the rustle. He stood like a pointer, barely breathing. Warren had opened the door in the living room. Joe routed him out and like a tiny rocket the chipmunk scooted down the hall and out the door. Don't ask. I haven't a clue.

Rabbit food, mailbox covers, jars of hot sauce and ladies clothes with a western flair.

2008-12-21T16:05:00.000-05:00

All of this and more at the Mountain Valley Country Store where Glenda Beall and I sold our books yesterday. She with her story in A Cup of Comfort for Horses and me with my book, My Dogs and My Friends. It was interesting how many people there for this Christmas extravaganza seemed to love all animals. Glenda and I spent the afternoon talking with customers listening to stories of their own animals. About 4:00 the party with music and food started. Unfortunately the music was so loud we could no longer talk with others and it was time to go home. A fun afternoon.

Jazzy

2008-12-16T13:52:00.000-05:00

Jazzy is the puppy in my book, My Dogs, My Friends, that went to a family in Connetticut. Her story is One Small Puppy. She couldn't have a better home, they love her dearly, but her litter will be our last as it is so sad when they leave us. We will always have at least one dog. Her mom, Fanci and brother, Joe are here at home with us.

Everything Old is New Again

2008-12-07T09:21:00.000-05:00

My New Year's Resolution! I am going through some of my older essays and fiction pieces and reworking them maybe coming up with a short story or a novella.
I tend to write too short so this will be a good exercise. I've had this little fictional story rattling around in my head for several years. It will most likely appeal to young teens as many girls at that age want a horse passionately.

A Special Christmas

2008-11-29T10:06:00.000-05:00

Our daughter, Kathy, will be here with us for Christmas. This will be hard for her as it is the first Christmas without her husband. He died Dec. 1 2008. We plan to visit the horse farm in the country where Equine Second Chance cares for approximately 60 horses. They have been mistreated horses or their owners can no longer care for them. We will take along a couple bags of carrots and, of course, a donation.

Dogs from all corners of the world

2008-11-20T07:57:00.000-05:00

I judged in Maryland last weekend. lst to that bulldog I liked last month. She keeps getting better. Second to Tibetan Terrier - tough little dogs. Third to a Keeshond, my once breed and fourth to a Sheba Inu the breed from Japan. I always love to be in the company of well-bred, quality dogs, some better than others, of course. We had Keeshond for twenty years. They are so sweet. This dog was heavily coated, ready for cold weather.
Wishing everyone a lovely T-giving. We must all remember and giver thanks for what we have. We are still the greatest country in the world. Save room for pie.

Acceptance of my story Yogi.

2008-11-17T09:38:00.000-05:00

A new and impressive online magazine for dog show enthusiast(ezine) has just accepted my story about my cinderella dog, Yogi that appeard in my book. Ezines are fast becoming the choice for circulating magazines. Nothing to throw out after reading therefore not in the landfill.

Bones in the water pail.

2008-11-07T09:55:00.000-05:00

Sorry, wrong title for previous post. This is for bones in the water pail. Fanci and Joe drink their water from a pail on the carport. When Warren gives them knuckle bones to chew (their teeth are beautifully white). They chew for a while and when they need a drink take their bone to the water pail, drop it into the pail so they can drink. However, they are not Labs and they don't retrieve them.

A Lovely Bulldog

2008-10-27T19:32:00.000-04:00

When I wrote my daughter about the show I judged last weekend, I told her I judged a champion bulldog bitch with profound quality. As I watched her gait away from me and back I said to my self, Honey, unless something else comes in my ring today that knocks my socks off, you're are my number one in the non-sporting group. I judged that group and she was my number one no question. She then went on to win best in show over 1200 dogs and with a different judge. Kathy replied, only a true dog lover would describe her as a "lovely" bulldog.

More from Chancey the Cat

2008-10-27T19:21:00.000-04:00

At last all the heavy machinery is off from his hind leg. The pins are still in and I think will always be, but he has resigned himself to his pen where he must be to keep him quiet. This once feral cat is indeed lucky he came into the path of daughter. By the way, it is illegal to feed a feral cat in Florida. Oh well, so much for laws that would have her watch the cat die of starvation before her eyes. In the future, however, she says she will trap them and take them to the shelter where they will be put down. It's better than for them to starve, spread disease and continue to multiply.

A Book to Keep you Up Nights

2008-10-14T14:37:00.000-04:00

Serena by Ron Rash is that kind of book. Serena is a cunning, scheming woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. The momementem builds through the story and crashes under its possibilities for ending. Make your own endings and see how close you come to the true ending. Don 't cheat. No reading the ending first.

My Daughter's Cat, Chancey

2008-10-03T19:49:00.000-04:00

Chancy, an indoor cat, had a terrible mangled leg from we don't know what. Vet said they don't see anything that bad except for a cat hit by a car. With high tech they put pins in his leg and a heavy bandage. Chancey was a feral cat that she tamed and now he is her baby...a very loving cat. She has no children and her husband died the first of the year. Of course Chancy doesn't like the bandage and except for when he is made asleep with pain med, chews at it. This is all so stressful for Kathy. I know all you dog lovers would feel as she does if he was your dog and I ask that you keep her in your thoughts for the next many weeks it will take to heal his leg, if that can even happen.

The prose part of my blog.

2008-09-07T17:35:00.000-04:00

I will conduct and one day workshop on the nuts and bolts of good writing to catch an editor's eye. It will be held on September 20 at Tri-County Community College Murphy 9:00 - 4:00pm. Beginners or experienced writers welcome. Call 835-4313 to reserve a spot or call me at 828-837-6007 for information. Bring your lunch. Shirley Uphouse

Equine Second Chance

2008-08-31T11:20:00.000-04:00

Heritage Day yesterday was fantastic. Crafts, music ,food. We set up under the big trees along the river. I met the above group that had ponies and horses to give the children rides. When I was a teen I nearly lived on horseback. Rode 2 miles to my friends then we went out to ride for 4-5 hours. Yesderday I met the above group. They take abused horses or horses owners can not care for anymore. I met Chief, a pretty paint with a sweet disposition. He tangled in barbed wire and hundreds of dollars was needed to repair him. Owners turned him in because they couldn't afford vet bills. Second Chance has 60 horses. I plan to visit them soon as they are not far from home. I may, even tho it's been 20 years since I sat on a horse, go on a trail ride with them. My passion for dogs equals that for horses.

I am pleased that my donation of a few of my books, helped a Keeshond (national dog of Holland)rescue group to raise money for much the same purpose as Second Chance. We owned Keeshond for nearly 20 years.

Book Signing Valley River Humane Shelter

2008-08-23T09:05:00.000-04:00

My book, My Dogs, My Friends has been well received. I will be signing my book on Septemeber 15 at the shelter's thrift shop. A portion from the sale of books will go to the shelter. This is a special day as all winter clothing will be on sale. I hope to see you all there.

Show Ring Handling Graduates

2008-08-22T19:35:00.000-04:00

Monday night was our last class for my students to handle their dogs in the show ring. I saw great improvement and confidence in the five of them. Little Sandy, a mini long haired dacshund who shied away from all of us giants, on his fifth night he boldly trotted right up to me, the judge. The clumber party, three of them, could not be sweeter. I'd never been close to this breed before and I was pleased to have the opportunity to learn more about them. Warren said that years ago he had hunted over Clumbers. Lynne's flat coat, a happy teen shows no hesitation in the ring. Andi's standard poodle puppy showed everyone what it means to be "poodly"...spirited yet mannerly. I wish them much success in the upcoming shows.