I finally added information on the individual pages of our three dogs, including Silva, who passed away in 2008. It was lovely to go trough old photos of her and this one is definitely one of my favourites.

Silva was as much a couch potato as a border collie can be. If it was a rainy day, she just yawned on the couch and didn't bother to come out for a walk. I dig in to the archives and post more memory-filled photos later.

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It has been wonderful four days, even if both us and the dogs thought that the weather has been a bit too warm. Sepe has been crawling in our stream cooling himself and catching bubbles. Syyti has mostly just kept eye on him, except once, when he reached a bit too far and fell into the water. As water is very shallow, he climbed up fast, and has stayed on the shore ever since.

Today, Syyti started his training for a tracking dog when Pasi made a first "sausage square" for him. Syyti ate about half of the sausage pieces before Pasi took him away. Sepe got to eat the rest of the treats.

Posted in: Sepe, Syyti, tracking | 0 kommenttia | |  

Sepe and Syyti are getting better and better along every day. For a couple of days now, Sepe has played with Syyti even indoors, not just outside. We are truly greatful that he takes care of Syyti's morning and evening hullabaloos, and thus saves our nerves.

From time to time, Sepe seems to treat Syyti quite roughly but, occasionally, the little one gets on the top, too.

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Syyti had a lot of new experiences during the Mayday weekend. On Saturday we first met his "granny" Pirkko and "aunt" Maija at Haukipudas market place. There were a crowd and log of noise but gradually Syyti got used to them. Later, when we went to Muhos to see the motorcycle parade, he was not at all frightened by the roar of the bikes, nor the crowd.


On Sunday, we were visited by Noppa the Finnish Lapphund and her family. Syyti and Noppa rallied around the yard and the house for a couple of hours, and besides playing, Syyti got a chance to practise big boys games ;) Noppa got tired first, but after she left, Syyti slept through the afternoon and night. More visitors like this, please.

Posted in: friends, Syyti | 1 kommenttia | |  

At the same time when I cry for the loss of a dear friend, Nasta, I also cry still for our beloved Silva, who we lost more than a year ago. I do miss her greatly, but at the same time, I can remember all the good times we had.

Silva photographed by Katja Sulkala in September 2008

It's so, so very hard to let go our dear friends and family members. But what could be the greatest way to love than to do them the last favour and let them go. It's us who suffer when we can't keep them with us forever. I'll rather suffer myself than let my love to suffer. This poem puts my feelings into words.

From friend to friend

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.

- Karen Clouston -

Posted in: relatives, Silva | 0 kommenttia | |  

Syyti's granddam and Sepe's aunt Nasta "Pikkupaimenen Creme Vanilla" left us today to join other dear dog friends already at the rainbow bridge. Kiss Silva for me, Nasu.

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Today, the dogs and I walked to the upstream of Vänttilänoja to see the rapid. To see it flooding, I should have go there a week earlier. The current was quite fast still so I didn't dare to take dogs too close.

There's not that much snow left any more and Syyti finds it a bit hard to pee on bare ground. But running along forest paths is super fun.

Posted in: Sepe, Syyti | 1 kommenttia | |  

It was about to time for Syyti to meet some new dog friends. Saku, who's a bichon frise mix was a bit cautious, but Rölli, a young Tibetan Terrier, played with Syyti so furiously that my camera couldn't follow... Finally, Syyti fell asleep, but only to gather strength for the next session.

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Posted in: Sepe, Syyti | 4 kommenttia | |  

Sepe has finally budged, even if just a bit. He has now started to play with Syyti a few times. A couple of days ago, after we returned for a morning walk, I caught one of their playtimes with my camera.

Posted in: Sepe, Syyti | 0 kommenttia | |