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December - What a year it has been
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Heartfelt sympath to Deenie and family on the passing of their beautiful back Labrador, Onyx, on December 5th, he photobombed many a Border Terrier picture.
We had quite a hectic household while Anna took a much needed trip to Poland to help out with aging (and ailing) relatives. When felek and Lola went home, Tinker stayed an extra day and made it quite clear she enjoyed having two homes to rest her head (or rule the roost).
We were treated to a wonderful visit from Mark, Michele and Tank before Christmas and were thrilled to see that Boomer's peacemaking with Robyn also extende to Tank. The joy of not having to play musical dogs made the visit extra special.
We look forward to welcoming many more visistors next year.
Our first Christmas in our new home had its ups (company) and downs (disappointing Turkey and a bit of a relapse for Chris) but it was no less special. We were thrilled that Jenny drove the extra distance to continue the tradition of Christmas chez Dyer.
We are now looking forward to what the coming year will bring, knowing it will not all be good but friends and family make all the difference.
December saw a veritable bevy of birthdays:
Rollie and Casey turned 12 on December 4th.
Amanda and Marg's Avery turned five on December 7th.
Bindi, Colin and Teddy who achieved driving licence eligibility on December 11th with heartache for bridge sister, Hazel.
Dot celebrated venerable veteran status turning 15 on December 14th. Bridge brothers Baxter and Bonus are sorely missed.
Bertie, the baby of the bunch celebrated his second birthday on December 16th.
And last but not least, Jane's Schemer turned 14 on December 22nd.
Click here for our annual Christmas Greeting and slide show
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Onyx
January 03, 2006 - December 05, 2019
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Bertie and Rollie, two December birthday boys
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Colin enjoying a peaceful birthday nap
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A grand (but chilly) day out in Kingston
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November - First canine event and first JJ visitors
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At the beginning of November, Anna and I attended our first dog event together (AWTA Den Trial) that did not involve one of us doing a 12 plus hour drive. We had a great, if chilly, time at the Central Bark AWTA Trial. Meeting up with lost of familiar faces.
Sarah's Rollie had a serious health scare and was ultimately diagnosed with Copper Storage disease, a condition much more common in Bedlington Terriers than Borders. Strong vibes continue to be sent Sarah and Rollie's way as they deal with this tricky diagnosis going forward.
Celebrating birthdays in November:,br>
Shari's Parker became a teenager on November 8th and Finlay turned eight on November 16th
An unexpected but oh so welcome side effect of our new home has been the cessation of hostilities between Boomer and Robyn.
They will never be the fast friends they were for the first 18 months of Robyn's life but their new found mutual respect is the icing on the cake in our new home.
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Happy 13th Birthday Parker
Welcome to the teenage years.
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Rollie recuperating at home
The best place to heal
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Jo Ann's Saluki, Cotton. celebrating the return of cooler weather in Arizona.
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Robyn and Boomer, up close and at peace.
A first in many years
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Touzie reminding us, that despite the challenges, we all still have much to be thankful for.
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October - Sensei takes his leave and we celebrate a poignant birthday.
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The month started with Anna making the move from Halifax to her new home in Kingston. It has been amaxing to be this close after so many years of 12 plus hours between us. We look forward to many shared dog events.
On October the 6th, Pippa and Aram made the heartbreaking decision to help Sensei leave on his "Big Adventure". There are no words to adequately express my gratitude to Sensei's breeder, Liz Faber, for being there when he needed her and to Pippa and Aram for the amazing life they gave him, the life he so richly deserved.
On october 16th, against all odds, Boomer celebrated her 17th birthday. The last of the " Maginificent Seven".
The litter that was the inspiration for this web site and the Jansim Jotting group.
Needless to say, the day was also filled with memories of her siblings: Archie, Midge, Sophie, Gremlin, Henry and Geordie.
Also celebrating birthdays in October were: Ruby, Emma and Lola who turned two on October 3rd and Fells who somehow made it to nine on October 12th.
Another high point in October was the short but very enjoyable visit by Jacques & Jocelyne and Fred & Marnie. We look forward to sharing our new home and chosen city with many more visitors |
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Happy 17th Birthday Boomer
Never forgetting your beloved bridge sibs
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Happy 9th Birthday Fells
Hope one of those is for Colin!
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"Where did he go?"
Gryzia on high squirrel alert
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The first of what we hope will be many JJ get-togethers in Kingston.
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September - Another Difficult Month
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On September 4th, Ines Wessman's beloved husband, Kit, passed away after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. The journey from diagnosis to sad conclusion was none-the-less filled with countless special moments. The family made new memories and there can be little doubt that love played an extraordinary role.
On the home front, Chris continued to make an incredibly slow recovery, but their was shared joy in seeing our home come together. Robyn, who had gone to stay with Fred & Marnie while Chris was in hospital continued her vacation.
Derek and family had to say goodbye to sweet Baxter on September 14th. Baxter had been a constant in their son Sam's life from the time Sam was born when Baxter was three, so we imagine how hard it must have been.
It is a hard reality to swallow, but life does go on and this month's birthday celebration is a good reminder of that:
Abbey, Digger, Keltic and Loki all turned six on September 1st.
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Robyn enjoying the lap of luxury with pal Teazle chez Fieldings
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August - Off to a new start, but not quite as expected
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August 5th was our planned first sleep over in our new home. However, I had to drop Chris off at the Kingston General hospital on the way and there he stayed for just over two weeks. Once again, friends and family came to the rescue. By the time Chris came home, the house, upstairs at least, was pretty much "ship shape"
Anna arrived shortly after I moved in and within the space of a week she had sold her house in Halifax and had made an accepted offer on a home in Kingston, just 3 kilometers from our new home.
Chris's condition on being discharged precluded any thoughts I might have had in regards to the Border Terrier Canada Specialty in Manitoba. Plans were changed and Anna flew to the specialty with Lola.
After two months with no losses (though quite a few scares, two-legged and fou), August saw the resumption of "Rainbow Bridge" activity when Marg and Amanda's had to say goodbye to DJ on August 9th.
The only JJ birthdays in August were those of Hermit, Tumnus and Maisie (NB) who turned 11 on August 4th and Deenie's Pippa who turned 5 on August 11th
The month ended with this sad news from Jane and Bill
"Our beloved Suki put her head down on Bill's shoulder one last time and peacefully went for her forever sleep.
While the stool at her window where she sat on guard is empty...and we miss her incredibly, we are at peace that she is no longer struggling.
We are so grateful to have had this spunky, sassy little Miss in our lives for the past 5 years...thanks to the incredible efforts of all the amazing folks at Canadian Border Terrier Welfare.
And more specifically Pam Dyer, Isobel McGowan and her amazing foster parents Mike and Megan Crane. Thank you for everything you did for our girl!
Suki wasn't everyone's cup of tea but she was ours and she was loved by everyone in our family including her best BT buddy Morgan (14 years) and our 3 kids, from the moment she came through our door!
Run free sweet girl"
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Happy 11th Birthday Freddie....
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...and brother Hermit, (not forgetting Maisie in NB)
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Ellie rocking her new wheels.
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Ch Bandersnatch Rhapsody in Blue BN CD RN ME CA CGCA Cornell Companion BTCA-VX
October 3, 2004 - August 9, 2019
Run Free sweet DJ, RUN FREE!
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Teazle supervising Fred & Marnie with "some assembly required". They, Anna & Veronika as well as Robert & Amber were key in getting our new home ready for Chris's homecoming.
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Brookhill Brrams Best Wishes (Suki)
June 25, 2002 - August 29, 2019
Thanks to Mel & Marion, Mike & Megan, Isobel and of course Jane & Bill for turning this little dog's life around
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July - Milestone birthday...with a catch
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The excitement and anxiety of a new home (signing scheduled for July 22nd) and Chris's milestone 70th birthday were quickly overshadowed by the start of his reoccuring, serious health issues. A saga that need not be retold here. Suffice to say it was a reminder not to take anything for granted. We are indebted to family and friends who stepped up in an instant.
Birthdaywise in July: Scout Mary-Ellen & Jon) and Ivy (Dora) turned 4, and Pippa's Rupert celebrated his 5th birthday.
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Officially ours though we won't fully move in until August
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Abbey in the flower garden! Barb takes the most beautiful photos
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Happy 4th Birthday to Ivy...
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Bertie and Rollie looking very smart
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June - The Hunt is Over and a Surprise Visit
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At the beginning of June, I made the tough decision to skip the BTCA National Specialty. Boomie was struggling with camper life and good houses were being sold withing days, if not hours, of coming on the market. Thus it was on June 6th, we viewed a home at 4:00pm, instantly fell in love and heard that our offer had been accepted at 8:00pm that night. Barring unforeseen circumstances, we had a home.
Aside from missing so many friends from across two countries, my deepest regret at having to skip the BTCA Specialty was the lost chance for one last "go round" with Zeke. So you can imagine my surprise and delight when Mel & Marion called to ask if they could come East and drop by instead of heading West and home. There are no words that can express my gratitude for that visit. Fred & Marnie also dropped by with Teazle so it was a real oldies get together (the dogs of course LOL)
Sarah Mouri welcomed a new family member with the addition of BT puppy Neville to their household. I have no doubt that Touzie will set a fine example and lay down the law.
Just two JJ Birthdays in June: Jane's Didi, a baby at one! and Amanda's Canaan Reen hit double digits at ten. However, honorable mention goes to ex-CBTW foster dog Suki who celebrated her 17th birthday with Jane and Bill, to call Suki a lucky dog is an understatement. |
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2019 BTCA National Specialty, good friends, good times, great dogs
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"Are they ready yet?" Boomer on a good day supervising the BBQ and chef
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A surprise visit from Mel, Marion and Zeke! Memories are made of this....
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...and this. Boomie, Zeke and Teazle on the scrounge. Three oldies just doing their own thing.
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Welcome to the JJ Family, Neville
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Happy 17th Birthday, Suki
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Boomie in need of a cuddle, some days were tough
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May - Looking for a home.....
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We settled into the camper at the Mallorytown KOA at the end of April, and while we had previously done extended trips in the camper, they did not quite prepare us for the new challenges of "static" camping. The weather was far from seasonal. rain, cold and more rain.
On the plus side, visiting homes in Kingston was a whole lot easier though interesting properties were few and far between, but at least the hunt was on.
On the 14th May we received the sad news that Simon, the last of the Roger/Copper pups, had left on his "Big Adventure" at the venerable age of 17 plus
I took time out in the middle of the month to attend the Earthdog Association of Ontario Trials. Wile in PA, Abbey earned her AKC Utility title and out west, Loki finished her CKC Championship.
On May 5th, Zeke became eligible fo his driver's licence turning 16.
Also on the 5th but down in Florida, Donna M-L's Fiona turned an unvelievable 9.
The following day, May 6th, our Robyn turned 11.
Cole the Canaan celebrated birthday # 3 on May 18th.
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Gryzia, queen of all she surveys
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Maisie enjoying creature comforts
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Rosie resting on her laurels
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April - End of an Era
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The JJ group and this web site has been in existence for 17 years which is a tad more than the average BT life span. This makes the almonst monthly losses understandable but no less heartbreaking.
The month started and ended with two such losses. On April 4th Dora made the tough decision to give her sweet Bonus his well earned rest.
Then, on April 28th, Sarah's beloved Henry took the hardest decision out of Sarah's hands and slipped away dozing in her bed in a patch of sunlight to start her "Big Adventure".
Another tough loss, was the sudden passing of Jo Ann's Lurcher, Rigby on April 18th. She had been battling lymphangiectasia for the best part of a year.
Amongst the losses there was a gain or perhaps a relocation describes it better. Early in April Jack McCullagh made the long trek from New Jersey with Declan and Teazle to visit Fred and Marnie in Ottawa. When he left the following day he did so without Teazle who graciously offered to keep Fred and Marnie company (and busy). Not everyone understands the concept of loving a dog enough to give them up. Thankfully Jack does.
One of the high points in April was Boomie earning the third leg of her CKC Rally Intermediate Title at the venerable age of 16yrs 6 mths. All three legs were earned after she turned 16.
On April 26th, after 33 years in our wonderful Ste-Marie-Madeleine home, we moved out heading for a new future in Ontario.
On April 8th, Sensei (Pippa and Aram) celebrated his 16th birthday, while Amanda and Marg's Pipit turned 8 on April 17th.
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Teazle settling in at Fred & Marnie's. A big but positive change for all
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The last of the packing "You're not leaving me behind"
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Farewell to Ste-Marie-Madeleine. "BBC" pulls out for the last time
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March - Heartache once more
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Jo Ann had to let Beamish, one of her mini-wire Dachshunds, leave for his "Big Adventure" on March 10th. To say that he lived a long and full life is an understatement. He was 17-1/2 and still had his mental faculties--but his body failed him and it was time. For those who had the privilege of hunting with Beamish in his younger days, it was a privilege indeed
Then, barely a week later, heartache struck deep with the sudden loss of Anna's beloved Hazel. Uncontrollable seizures left Anna no choice but to free her sweet little red head from her earthly trappings. We welcomed Anna to Ste-Madeleine for a final visit the following day but doubt we could provide much solace.
With our move barely a month away, there was little time for anything but boxes!!!
Celebrating birthdays in March:
The Zeke/Hazel kids, Tank, Geordie, Touzi and Bramble who turned 10 on March 3rd
Gryzia who officially became a veteran at 7 on March 7th
Gator the CBTW dog adopted by Helen Blake turned 14 on March 9th
Ida the Canaan grand dame became a teenager at 13 on March 12th
Rosie, also adopted through CBTW turned 3 on March 15th
and, at the end of the month, Tinker marked a milestone with her 16th birthday on March 31st
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Tinker and Boomer, two silver ladies in search of early Groundhogs
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Loki and Beth trying out a "Game of Thrones" scavenger hunt throne.
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Comfort is how and where you find it, Jessie has it down to a fine art.
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February - More of the same....sadness
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February saw a continuation of January's sad losses.
On Valentine's day, Fred and Marnie said goodbye to their beloved Archie, he fought so hard to stay but the challenges were unsurmountable and Fred and Marnie did right by him as they did throughout his life.
He was a wonderful ambassador for the breed, not in competition so much but in every day life and his interactions with people and dogs.
Just one day later, on February 15th, Mel gave her sweet Molly rest from the tiresome trappings of this world.
Thankfully, there were also dates to celebrate
Maisie, Teazle and Dundee officially became teenagers turning 13 on February 9th, never forgetting Bridge brother, Pip.
Ellie became a Venerable Veteran, turning 15 on February 13th.
Jink and Karma hit double digits turning 10 (how did that happen) on February 21, never forgetting Bridge sister Mimi |
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Happy 15th Birthday Ellie
Anne Geall, NS
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Happy 10th Birthday Jinx
Lee Shuman, PA
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Happy 10th Birthday Karma
Tina Jaillet, MA
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January - Say it again! Where has this month gone?
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Given the age of our family members, two-legged and four, it is little surprise that 2019 started in the same way that 2018 ended, with losses
On January 4th, Gwen McCullagh passed away after along illness. Jack was by her side throughout her illness, visiting every day. And perhaps she stayed longer than she should have just for Jack as she chose to leave in the short hours between his visits.
Harry - officially known as GCH/CH Rosendog's He Who Must Be Named, RN, CGC, CDCA-HC, V, ROMX left to be reunited with his brother, Amanda's beloved Peter on January 10th
Ricky, the old rough Collie Jacqueline and Clay took in several years ago, left on his “Big Adventure” on January 14th after a long, well fought battle with a nasal tumour.
Jacqueline and Clay went above and beyond to make his last months comfortable and meaningful.
They also recognized when that was out of reach and put his needs first and foremost.
On January 18th, Mel McCarthy's dad passed away, to say he will be missed is an understatement, his obituary was but a hint of the incredible person he must have been.
Bebe (Lorien Back To Bandersnatch), grandmother to Donna Sapp's Fells left this world on January 23rd 3 months short of her 15th birthday
In addition to the losses endured, the JJ family faced other challenges. Fred and Marnie came so very close to losing sweet Archie and, at months end, he is still struggling with pneumonia and mobility issues.
He is such a little trooper and Fred and Marnie are dedicated to supporting him as long as he chooses to stay.
Celebrating birthdays in January:
Simon - 17 on January 3rd (never forgetting Maggie and Lexi)
David & Lisa's Jessie - 4 on January 19th
Anna's Felek - 6 on January 24th - still a goofy puppy at heart
Marg & Amanda's Devlin - officially a teenager turning 13 on January 26th |
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Harry was a wonderful ambassador for the breed and connected to the JJ group through his bother Peter
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Bebe and her beloved "mom" Genie. Genie gave Bebe the best life imaginable.
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For one of her birthday treats, Jessie got to visit the Dyer family... and have her hips X-rayed
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Devlin may be taking it easy on his birthday but you can be sure he will be an active teenager
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Hazel, Lola and Felek. Easy to spot the birthday boy. As goofy at 6 years as he was at 6 months
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Simon (Roger-Copper) at 17 years loving snuggles with Gloria
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Two exhausted "troopers", Archie feeling safe with Fred
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Molly catching some ZZZZZ's under the watchful eye of the "Swiffer"
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