LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Friday, March 9, 2012

Fridays are Golden

Last week I mentioned that Ellie and Lucy are not litter mates.  I thought you might like to see the difference.



Little Lucy, always the pesky one and Ellie, always the patient one.




Even when she was tiny, Lucy liked to cuddle next to Ellie.  Quite a size difference back then!





Our dogs are from better gene pools than either of us.  While I do admire people who give their hearts and homes to rescue or shelter dogs, I make no apology for purchasing our dogs from a wonderful breeder.  These were to be our "retirement" dogs and we wanted as healthy a blood line as we could find.  Both dogs have five-generation pedigrees and their eyes, hips, elbows, etc.,  have been certified.




(All of the five following photographs are from Dichi Golden Website.)
Ellie's father Kona



Ellie's mother Star



Lucy's father Chance



Lucy's mother Annie




They share a common ancestor;  on Lucy's mother's side and on Ellie's father's side.  That makes them cousins of some sort.

Their common ancestor:
American and Canadian Grand Champion
Amberac Dichi Face the Odds
"Gambler"

No doubt you can see that all of the dogs are very much alike.  That is because the breeder (Dichi Goldens here) is very selective and ethical.  Dichi dogs are often show dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs.

We never cared as much about beauty as we care about health and temperament.  While they have very different temperaments, both Ellie and Lucy are very sweet and gentle dogs.  Lucy is a bit more high-strung and Ellie is much more mellow.  Lucy always looks smaller than Ellie but there is usually a pound or less difference in their weights.  Lucy is more solid while Ellie is bigger-boned.  Lucy has shorter hair while Ellie's is much longer and fluffy.


Lucy was born in 2005 so they have been together six and a half years.
And I really mean "together."

So far March has not come in like a lion in our neck of the woods.  But who knows what is in store for the rest of the month?  Certainly not the meteorologists.

I've been reading Tina Fey's book, Bossy Pants which I am finding quite amusing.  While I cannot quote exactly (and I'm too lazy to look it up), she suggests that when we are irritated with someone else and their actions we should look at the situation and ask the following question.  Does this interfere with my ability to achieve my goals?  If the answer is "no" then let it go.  There's no need for confrontation.  The key words are LET IT GO, something that is surprisingly difficult for some of us.

Advice columnist Ann Landers put it this way:
"Hanging on to resentment is letting someone you despise live rent-free in your head."

So this week, lets make it a point to let go of things we cannot change.


HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND, EVERYONE!


And don't forget to turn the clocks ahead one hour tomorrow night.

31 comments:

Karin said...

Just one look at your dogs and I could see they had a regal lineage! They are gorgeous! - And, I don't know a blessed thing about dogs! I have a dear friend who breeds chihuahuas but those are toys and not dogs, lol! They are sweet for our nursing home residents to enjoy as lap dogs though! Have yourself a great week-end!

Rae said...

Lucy and Ellie come from some very regal looking parents. Nothing wrong with wanting healthy pets.

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, I love your two goldens-they are so beautiful and I love how they snuggle together. We have always rescued dogs but often there are issues with behaviors that are difficult to break. I would love to have a pure bred, a good one from a good breeder but hubby simply won't put out the money and since I'm not working I can't argue. Actually I tried to get a job so I could get a pure bred next time but there is age discrimination here in Co. so I'll wait and see, when the time comes, what we end up with.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs, Noreen

Tucker The Crestie said...

What beautiful girls! Every day is a Golden one in your house!

Barb said...

A fun post Carolyn! I liked learning about Ellie and Lucy's roots. I also like the idea of Letting Go - why give irritating folks real estate in our minds? Hope you can have some outdoors adventures this weekend.

Carolina Linthead said...

Back in the day, my father bred beagles. His claim to fame was Riverside Dan, who sired quite the lineage of rabbit dogs. They were bred for field trials and/or actual hunting, not necessarily for show, but Dad let us keep one of Dan's pups, named Deacon, as a pet. That was too many decades ago, but he remains the most beautiful beagle I have ever seen. Dad was a small-time breeder, but his dogs were pedigreed, and he had connections throughout Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia, that I know of, mostly because of Dan's prowess in field trials and, one should add, his prowess in siring. We never tried to breed Deacon, which makes me sad...he was so beautiful. Celebrate your gorgeous girls and their ancestry. Thank you for the message about letting go...I needed to hear that message this week!

My Mind's Eye said...

Now we know why Lucy loves Ellie so much...Ellie is her adoptive Mom.
Girlfriends you have beautiful DNAs running through your veins...
Happy Weekend
Hugs from your BFFF,
Madi

Ms. A said...

The photos are adorable and I would consider myself lucky to have their pedigreed bloodlines. (rather than all the inbreeding from mine, LOL!)

Love the quotes! I so wish I could let my resentments go. I think I hold onto them because I'm afraid I'll have nothing much left, without them, since they've been around most of my life. I've even acquired new ones along the way.

The Bug said...

Oh little Lucy is TOO CUTE next to Ellie :)

I had something happen just today that I need to let go. This is easier for me than for many people because by Monday I'll be trying to remember why I was upset with J. And even if I remember I'll go, eh, no big deal this week. Which is good because she's a friend and we work together.

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

While I have never had a Golden, I have always thought they were the perfect dog. Sweet through and through.
Tina Fey is a wise woman.

kks said...

As you know, Tahoe is a Dichi, I can't find my records, so I don't remember who the dam and sire are....
Dichi's are fairly easy to recognize...I see them on occasion at work, and at the dog park. I had been admiring them for years....Tahoe turned 6 last month. I remember when we went to see the puppies, we were "interviewed" for two hours! Saw the entire facility, which is quite nice, met all the dogs.....
Haven't seen the Dichies for years...took care of one of their dogs in CCU years ago....

love the quote at the end!
xoxo

Nancy J said...

Lovely dogs, gorgeous coats.No wonder you chose them.I came to your blog via a comment on Romping& Rolling.I so enjoy reading about life in your country, and each stat is so different.My Map of USA is open most days now. Cheers from Jean in NZ

Arkansas Patti said...

My what handsome parents you pups have. You are right, health trumps looks but your girls have both.
I am basically too lazy to carry a grudge. Does that count?

Ginnie said...

I love the picture of Lucy cuddling next to Ellie...adorable.

troutbirder said...

They are such a beautiful pair. My Chessapeakes were well bred for waterfowl hunters. Unfortunately I was less selective with my GSD and suspect arthrites is alread setting in...
I try to avoid toxic people before any personal resentment sets in. Oh well.

Bird Freshwater said...

"The Goldens Rule" They are the most wonderful dogs!

KB said...

What wonderful puppy and grownup snuggle photos! They are such a great pair, so loving to each other.

We also have chosen to buy from breeders... using the same standard as you, a long pedigree of good health and temperament. I like supporting good breeders. And, I like knowing that we will get relatively healthy dogs who are capable of the vigorous lifestyle that we espouse.

Of course, having said that, I have read that osteosarcoma is genetically based... There are no tests for it yet but dogs who lack a particular "tumor suppression" gene tend to get it.

It looks like a fun weekend of basketball. Even the Colorado team is playing for a championship for the first time in more than 12 years!

Taradharma said...

that photo of little lucy jumping up on ellie is so sweet. patient ellie.

how come all those thoughts that I've managed to 'let go' of come roaring back when my head hits the pillow at night? Obviously, I have not let them go!

Cheryl said...

Hi,

You should not apologise for your choice, I quite agree. Lucy and Ellie are perfect for you.
You did not have to give their history, it shows, by the way they stand, run etc. They are a beautiful pair of goldies....did I tell you how much I like them :)

Nella loves to play with labradors and goldies. I believe she may have been connected to them before you came to me......

Golden Samantha said...

So glad you make no excuses for desiring healthy girls! They are beautiful - it's too cool how wonderfully they get along. I felt guilty for a while after we got Avalon, who, unlike Sammie, comes from a long line of English and US goldens, but she and Sam get along wonderfully too, which is always heartwarming! Beautiful pix of the girls' pawrents! Haven't read Bossy Pants, but love Tina Fey - developing that ability to "let it go" in the right circumstances is a great thing!
Hugs xoxoxo
Sammie's and Avalon's mom

Rudee said...

I had the option of buying a dog when I adopted Leo. He won my heart and though overly spirited and with some personality flaws, I do adore this guy. He's very healthy and I think we got lucky. I don't think there is anything wrong with buying a dog from a reputable breeder. Your dogs are both beautiful!

I've always agreed with looking at problems and asking myself, do I own this issue? If not, I let it go. Sometimes it's easier said than done, but always wise not to feed the drama if possible.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Your girls are just beautiful, and I've loved getting to know them a little bit better!! As you know I fully support rescue. But I also fully support those who are dedicated and breed dogs responsibly, producing gorgeous, healthy girls like yours!!! :-)

Tracy said...

ahhh, I love your blog...who can resist goldens? I have to tell you that when we bought our golden, Hurricane many people also talked to us about getting a rescue dog, etc...but our son was terrified of dogs and we didn't want to risk adopting one that might have a tempermental streak and hurt him one day so we bought a golden! They are lovely....

My Mind's Eye said...

Hi Ellie and Lucy....if you have a golden moment today hop over to see me...I'm celebrating my 10th bday.
hugs Madi

Janie said...

Your dogs and their ancestors are all beautiful. Love the first 2 photos of your pair bonding.
I agree with the "let it go" idea. I think it's one of the major secrets to happiness.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Your dogs also have a better pedigree than I!!! Of course, you already knew that.
I love seeing the early photos of the two of them; so darn cute.
I love the Ann Landers quote....and I must read Tina Fey's book!

Cicero Sings said...

I love that second picture of Lucy cuddling next to Ellie. Sweetness.

My sister-in-law had a golden once and they are lovely dogs. If I were to get a big dog I'd get a Golden. But I'm ever so happy with my rascally terrier Mingus ... less food and littler poops! He is also a healthy little guy and we want to keep him that way with good food and exercise.

Berts Blog said...

My Vickie was ooing and awing about your parentage. They are so handsome and beautiful.

Your Fridays are Golden posts are our favorite. and it was really fun seeing you in your earlier years.

So so beautiful

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

NanaNor - Our next dogs (and it pains me to even think about losing either of these) will likely be rescue or shelter.

Linthead - My uncle had 'coon hounds. He used to give the pups away but then his sons started winning trophies and he realized what a treasure he had.

kks - The first time I saw a photograph of Tahoe I thought it was Ellie. Keep the fire on Walker.

Nancy - Thanks for dropping by.

Patti - Whatever keeps you from carrying a grudge is just fine.

KB - Sadly true. Years of good bloodlines cannot guarantee anything, just gives better odds.

Tracy - You did the right thing. With a reputable breeder you are almost certain of getting a good temperament.

Cicero - These girls will be our last large dogs for all the reasons you mention.

LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE said...

Hi! haven't stopped by in awhile...always love to read about your "golden girls"!

Mary Lee said...

Lucy's mother's PORTRAIT is so elegant!