Windward's Lorelei

Vera since March...

2011-10-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

Somewhat out of order, but fun anyway. Vera had a summer full of running, swimming, retrieving, and tending the garden. Since the weather has cooled off, we're looking forward to fine tuning our birdwork, agility, and hunting.

Sunday afternoon nap.

2011-03-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

2011-03-03T19:18:00.001-08:00

Next on this mornings agenda: teaching Vera to use her powers for good, not evil.

2 more points!

2011-03-03T13:47:00.001-08:00

2011-02-19T18:59:00.001-08:00

Today is Vera's 3rd birthday! Happy birthday to one of the smartest, sweetest, and versatile girls I've had the pleasure of living with and working with. Vera oozes with the confidence, attitude, and ability that I've always wanted in a Weimaraner. She's loves to train, loves to hunt, and loves to be mischievous. THanks to Pat and Ken for trusting her with me and for giving her such a good foundation. Happy birthday sassy pup!

Vera's weekend.

2011-02-13T15:55:00.000-08:00

Vera had a wonderful weekend at the Indy Winter Classic, here are a few highlights!

*Thursday Vera went Winners Bitch for 2 points, then went on to gain Best of Opposite over 2 specials.

*Saturday Vera went Reserve Winners Bitch and earned her first Rally leg with a score of 96

*Sunday Vera earned her second Rally leg with a score of 94!

It was a good weekend!

2011-02-06T08:31:00.001-08:00

Vera, the snow Queen...

Vera, the bumper maniac.

2011-02-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

Vera warned Punxsutawney Phil that every action has consequence...

Spring is right around the corner!

2011-02-01T18:49:00.001-08:00

The wind is a howlin' and Ver is a growlin'

(guarding the house, you know...)

2011-01-29T11:47:00.001-08:00

Move it, Neva! Trash bird has been sighted!

Needless to say, Vera didn't get to it in time!

Leaps and bounds.

2011-01-27T19:02:00.000-08:00

"I'm a lady for goodness sake!"

2011-01-23T08:47:00.000-08:00

I don't think the words "innocent" and "Vera" will ever be able to be uttered in the same sentence. I took this photo of her this morning after I yelled at her to stop whining at the door to the boys room... She quickly ran to the stairwell and struck this poise... "What? Who me? I would NEVER do anything like THAT! I'm a Lady for goodness sake!"

2011-01-20T17:26:00.001-08:00

Go ahead, try to say no...

2011-01-06T10:03:00.001-08:00

"Will this get me a cookie?"

the game continues...

2011-01-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

The pile. When she's brought me all the toys from the basket (we're now on our second time around and I've only been sitting for about an hour!), she starts searching for other stuff to bring over- see the tiny pink heart? Yeah, glad she didn't choke on that! She's bringing everything to hand each time, but I'm having trouble getting her to understand how to sit and "hold" at the same time. Any suggestions?

Whew.

2010-12-31T16:26:00.000-08:00

WHEW! What a busy and fun way to end the year! We've been running around in manic mode, but couldn't be happier. Christmas came and went with our hike, some rabbit hunting, and some birdwork. Ver's grown into such an enthusiastic bird hunting machine this season and I'm super excited to see how she'll grow and change this coming year! She's such a fun and sassy little thing- I'm sure she'll be keeping me on my toes!

Cat hunting with the cat.

A moment's pause to watch Zig bound through the snow.

Tracking a rabbit.

Checking out the old squirrel tree.

Sniffing out the squirrel den.

Checking out the furthest point on a fallen tree.

"See ya!"

"Did you hear that?!"

Right before Sylvie jumped the fence.

Pointing a rabbit that was in some thick sticky bushes.

Not so BFF, Ada.

A beautiful swing into point.

And a well deserved retrieve!

2010-12-31T15:40:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

Vera's fetch game.

2010-12-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

Since Ver has been rockin' our new fetch game, and actually inviting ME to play, I thought that it was time to up the stakes a bit. While I've introduced all my girls to the concept of "hold" in the past, Vera has been the only one who will play without throwing a fit. This morning I started out by putting an apple on the other side of the living room and sending Vera for it. She promptly brought it back to hand. We did this a few times to get the groove on and her super excited (Vera loves to show off) Then we switched paces a bit and I asked to to "take" the apple from me, which she did. This was about a 5 second hold until she hit me with it, like "what the heck?" It took a while, and several tries, but she's now consistently holding the apple for about a minute. I know, I know, holding an apple seems like total torture, but I figure if she can hold an apple and adjust her bite accordingly and hold it through the waterfall of drool- we can move to birds relatively easy... we shall see! I should add that Vera has always been a reliable retriever of birds and critters since she was a puppy, I'm just fine-tuning it now for future hunts and endeavors!

Ver's second hold lasted about 20 seconds. Yes, there was a puddle of drool.

Ver waiting semi patiently for me to ask her to "take it"

The last hold- ONE MINUTE of total torture.

CH Silversmith Ethan Allen JH, NSD, BROM

2010-12-27T19:08:00.000-08:00

Though she never got to meet him, Vera's Grand Sire passed away today. He had an active show career, and had fun in the field in his "retirement." He sired many litters and has some beautiful and talented get and grandkids out there strutting their stuff.

2010-12-26T18:41:00.001-08:00

Holiday card outtakes...

2010-12-24T13:34:00.000-08:00

Wake up!

2010-12-19T07:08:00.000-08:00

"Let me know when the coffee & eggs are ready"

2010-12-19T06:59:00.000-08:00

typical.

2010-12-18T08:23:00.000-08:00

ooo baby it's cold outside...

2010-12-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

Vera is never one to shy away from the camera.

2010-12-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

"But I thought you WANTED the ornaments off the tree?"

soul patch.

2010-12-02T11:44:00.001-08:00

Vera gives Thanks...

2010-11-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

For the birds in the field, the cats that wander the streets, for the cookies at bedtime, and for the Chili she just helped to make...

2010-11-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

Neva loves, loves, loves Vera. But, I think that Neva annoys the hell out of Vera. She's like the little sister that follows her around and tries to do everything first. Vera yells at Neva for this kind of stuff all the time- yet, still allows her to snuggle up with her and drape herself across her for an afternoon nap.

2010-11-13T17:07:00.000-08:00

swamp thang.

2010-11-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

2010-11-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

Ver's first point of the morning.

Vera on point after relocating the bird.

Vera had a nice, nice turn into this one. She was the only one that held after the bird was shot and the only one I LOST afterward.

I love it when you loose your dog then find them doing this.

Don't walk away when I'm talkin' to you!

2010-11-13T16:53:00.001-08:00

2010-11-05T17:13:00.001-07:00

It's tough being a sun worshipper...

2010-11-04T19:39:00.001-07:00

Vera tours Ball State

2010-10-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

Vera loves tennis!

and is becoming a thoughtful patron of the arts.

Vera poses for some passerbys- they thought she was a statue at first, then immediately grabbed their phones to take some photos.

Vera attended a tea ceremony...

and played tag with the many chipmonks-

and squirrels.

the mighty hunter...

2010-10-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing we have such brave hunters around here, you never know when a leaf may need to be "taken care of"...

2010-10-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

Found it!

This bird was actually planted for Neva so I could work with her some, but Vera had something else in mind- like jumping out of the car window, finding us in the field, and swooping in to steal Neva's point. She looked so good, I couldn't call her off of it. Of course, she got the retrieve too.

Yes, Ver- there are birds in the box...

it's an honor!

2010-10-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

2010-10-14T20:16:00.001-07:00

This is what a good girl looks like.

2010-10-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

"Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you..."

2010-10-03T12:59:00.001-07:00

2010-10-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

Vera's lookin' good on point!

Find Vera, then find the bird...

Vera stays steady through the flush, only moving a little to mark the bird!

And has a wonderful retrieve to hand. Good girl!

She's also learning how to stay put for a runner... easier said than done!

And another great retrieve by Vera, too bad she wasn't sent for this one! Instead she listened to the snakes in her head, broke, and took off like a maniac-- pay no attention to the collar, Vera! Sheesh!

I love this girl.

2010-09-26T16:27:00.001-07:00

So much attitude in such a little body...

2010-09-19T13:32:00.001-07:00

'nuff said.

A Weavin' fool...

2010-09-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

READY?

"Oh, you pretty things, Don't you know you're driving your Mamas and Papas insane"

2010-09-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

Vera went Reserve to the Cinci Weim Club major under judge Bill Geshweiler.

Vera's show weekend.

2010-09-11T23:07:00.000-07:00

Vera had a wonderful weekend in the prissy prancy dogshow world. She went Reserve Winners Bitch at the major pointed Cinci Specialty on Friday and went Winners Bitch/Best of Winners for her 2nd MAJOR on Saturday. So proud of my little spitfire! Only a few more points to go...

Camping & Dogshow

2010-09-11T23:03:00.000-07:00

The gang thought it was extra awesome that a bunch of turkeys, 3 deer, squirrels, and stray cats decided to visit our campsite...

2010-09-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

While camping at StoneLick, we were fortunate enough to have some turkeys come into our camp. Vera went insane inside the camper, so as soon as the turkey's made their rounds, I took Vera out so that she could have a little fun scent tracking them.

Mouse hunting on the rocks.

2010-09-11T22:53:00.001-07:00

2010-09-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

2010-09-11T22:45:00.000-07:00

Ready, GO!

Vera heading into a nice point!

Lookin' good while tracking rabbits, too!

2010-09-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Sylvie's 6th Birthday, I threw a party. Vera was not happy that Sylvie got to clean everyone's plates.

But, she had fun tugging with Zig.

And being the "play police" by making sure no one got away with things that weren't allowed. Though, she did let Bayley show his trick of opening coolers and finding alcohol...

Freestack.

2010-09-11T22:32:00.003-07:00

2010-09-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

I found this little creature on some dead flowers I was getting ready to toss into the compost.

As with all bugs and flowers and critters I try to photograph, Vera insisted that she needed to check it out.

She also insisted that I took too long photographing the little guy and got sleepy in the process...

2010-09-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

Lounge lizard.

2010-09-11T22:23:00.001-07:00

What do you get with a terrier and a Weim?

TROUBLE!

2010-09-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

What makes Vera happier than chasing cats into trees?

Why, gardening of course!

2010-09-11T22:17:00.001-07:00

Itch.

Apple games.

2010-09-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

Ready?!

2010-09-07T18:41:00.001-07:00

Dear Vera, you were right! The world DOES revolve around you...

2010-08-30T09:41:00.001-07:00

Am I the last to realize that Vera is THE definition of a Type A personality?

Deep thoughts.

2010-08-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

Vera can't help wonder if this is what heaven tastes like...

Down on the farm with Vera.

2010-08-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

"Hey buddy! Didn't mean to chase you up the tree...Wanna come down and be friends?"

CH Windward's Ride Captain Ride JH

2010-08-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

"Rio" (CH Windward's One Man's Dream X CH Tsuru-Tani-Nani Smartasawhip JH), a loved member of the Windward pack, passed away earlier this week. Rio was a superb counter-surfer and always knew when dinner was ready and when the dishwasher needed cleaning. I also believe that Rio is the one that taught Vera how to beg with her head resting on the table and the merits of drool. Rio finished his Championship easily, obtained his JH, and had a few wins towards his AFC before becoming a certified and dignified "Spoiled Weim." Rest in Peace, Rio. I'm sure there are plenty of deer, bunnies, birds, and squirrels to chase wherever you are.

*Wotan, Windward's Standing In Motion JH, AX, AXJ, NSD, CGC, V, another Windward dog, recently passed away too. You can visit his blog and enjoy his adventures here: http://weims-wotan.blogspot.com/

Farmers Market.

2010-08-28T23:07:00.000-07:00

Vera loves to strut her stuff at the Farmers Market. She especially likes to frequent booths run by innocent little boys... "mmm, I'll take that one!"

Needless to say, she's a good trainer and got more than her share of tomatoes.

Dear Vera-

2010-08-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

I hope the sweet strawberry bread and bible verse you ate this morning settles well with your soul.
Love,
Sara

2010-08-15T08:55:00.001-07:00

another reason why Vera loves summer.

another "bring it on" moment...

2010-08-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by Vera and Geese.

2010-08-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

Though Vera wishes their relationship could be more, she'll settle on Zig being her BFF.

Visit Zig's blog to see why he's so cool.

www.zigzaggins.blogspot.com

2010-08-11T20:17:00.001-07:00

"That bitch did WHAT!?"

All for a baby bird.

2010-08-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, Vera is THAT talented. Or determined. Or something.

2010-08-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

Part of the pack.

Right before the mouse pounce.

Yes, Vera decided to pee in the water barrel AFTER she laid in it. Nice one, Ver, nice one.

I also think that the above photo is the perfect definition of a Weim Bitch.

2010-08-11T19:58:00.001-07:00

"Yeah, I helped."

2010-08-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

Vera looks away in disgust as that Labradork, Quinn, takes over HER sprinkler.

Vera goes herding?

2010-08-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

"Sheep? Huh?"

"mmm... YES PLEASE! I'll take three...

This chicken sat outside of Vera's crate and drank out of the dogs water bowl. You can imagine the sounds that came out of Vera.

Well, not really. Rather, she went to a photoshoot with me at StockDog University. I'll just say that Vera wouldn't make a very good herding dog and leave it at that :) She did get a nice field romp in though!

Rainy day fun.

2010-08-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

Groundhog number two.

2010-08-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

Gee... thanks Ver.

Vera's recipe for good morning:

2010-08-05T06:47:00.000-07:00

Cucumbers from the garden, and yummy birds from the bush.

Vera 1 - Groundhog 0

2010-07-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

Vera tackled this guy this morning and brought it to me BEFORE I had my morning cup of coffee. A groundhog this size (or any) can be a somewhat formidable foe, but from what I could tell, Vera- then the rest of the gang- handled him well. So far, just in our yard, Vera has tackled birds, squirrels, cats, Opposum, gave a good chase to several raccoons, and now has had her very first groundhog. Did I mention I live in town?

Bark for Life

2010-07-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

Vera, Sylvie, and I spent our morning at the American Cancer Society's Bark for Life shindig. We got to hang with other dogs and people from our training group, and have fun practicing weaves, jumping, and going through the tunnel. The parks squirrels were a HUGE bonus!

romp.

2010-07-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

As with anything, Vera likes to make an entrance.

She also likes to hunt bunnies.

and dragonflies!

Last Thursday's mini adventure.

2010-07-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

The girls and I have found a "secret" place to romp and swim not too far from our house. It involves a little trail, a fun water area to swim, and lots of huge trees to climb around on- a great place to romp in the middle of the week!

Saturday morning romp.

2010-07-10T20:11:00.001-07:00

Vera's 4th of July!

2010-07-10T11:28:00.001-07:00

According to Vera, no one understands what it's like to be a true sun worshipping beauty.

Except for Cat, she understands the pressure.

Fine, I'll swim if you want me to but there aren't any birds so I don't see the point. Let the other heathens be slaves to the stupid bumper.

This is more my style.

Vera insists that something lives in the top of this tree...

2010-06-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

Vera vs Chipmunk

2010-06-17T19:21:00.001-07:00

2010-06-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

Goodness knows that if Vera were a human, she would be head of a roller derby team. But... a pretty girl has got to flaunt her stuff (and attitude) every once in awhile!

One less opossum in the garden!

2010-06-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Don't worry, it's already dead.

After I got the critter away from Vera and Neva, Vera refused to come back inside like I asked. She insisted on watching over her catch. I had to literally leash her and bring her in- she's now pacing nonstop.

Maybe this is who has been digging up my plants!

2010-05-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

Vera had a kickass first National! She spent the first weekend busting birds and clearing out the birdfields, she ran in agility (finished a course, almost! Silly goose poop and geese!) and competed in her Maturity and the Specialty. Vera made me so proud by going 4th in a large Maturity class and was soooooo close to placing in the open bitch class at the National specialty!

Practicing for Nationals!

2010-05-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

While I'm not sure if Vera will Q in anything at Nationals, I bet she'll put on a good show!

2010-04-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

"What? I didn't do anything wrong?"

"See, totally innocent...just minding my own business..."

2010-04-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

my stick.

my butterfly.

my squirrel.

2010-04-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

I was told there was a squirrel around here somewhere?

2010-04-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

Vera enjoys a good game of laser pointing at work.

A chilly spring walk through Minnetrista

2010-04-23T13:35:00.001-07:00

Vera says, "you owe me a cookie for this."

"Did you say SQUIRREL?!"

"I'll jump, I swear I will!"

2010-04-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

Is that a duck I smell?

Dude, I found it!

2010-04-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

2010-04-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

Vera & Zig