The four o'clock sun

I love the golden light of the winter sunset even though it is at 4 in the afternoon. It warms the world around me inspite of the temperature. This was the last sunset of 2015. While taking the dogs out for a run I had one of those quiet moments that marks some point in your  life that you know you will never see again. It is that time of year when you reflect and make plans for the new year soon to begin. Looking back I have had a great year and I have some big plans  for 2016 so I can hardly wait to get started on it. I hope all of you who read this blog find a little peace , inspiration and inner strength each and every day this coming year. Namaste

Cancer Detecting Dog, Comet

We are so pleased to find out that one of the golden retrievers we bred has a very important job. Comet has been training and passed the testing and has been identified as a dog capable of detecting lung cancer. He works several days a week training and working. What a wonderful job his owners have done with him to devote the time required for this specialized work.

If you would like to see him at work, there is a short video at this link below:

https://clevercanines.ca/canine-cancer-detection

Comet

Golden Retriever
DOB: February 15, 2012
team member since August 2014

A graduate of clevercanines pupstart and core programs, Comet has been in the cancer detection program since August 2014. His favourite reward is treats. Comet’s natural alert is to drool excessively while licking the correct sample, which through training, he no longer does. His trained alert is to sit in front of the correct sample. Comet is incredibly thorough, often going up and down the row of samples several times before selecting the correct station to ensure confidence in his decision. He is incredibly diligent and has a strong work ethic.

It was a heartbreaking yet joyful day filled with emotion as Kameo's litter arrived. Live pups born then still borns and so many questions. Why? What is wrong? As I held my stillborns I could not help but question why I would continue to breed knowing the risks and pain. However, this is also the week that I was informed that Kameo's brother Comet has passed the testing and has been identified as a dog capable of detecting cancer. He works and trains several days a week identifying lung cancer. What a noble task this dog has and it was because I do what I do and so many wonderful families have my dogs and pursue such things that I will continue...even when some days are so very, very difficult.

Road Trips

I love road trips with my dogs. This was shot after their annual trip to have their certifications done for eyes and one for her heart clearance. It is a two hour drive and the day was beautiful with a kaleidoscope of colours around me as autumn sets in. The drive gives me time for reflection but also inspiration and planning. The drive through the city is not pleasant but I am rewarded with the drive through the landscapes that detox me on the way home. Here is hoping you can find a little detox space for your spirit this week too.

Selfies

I've been listening to some great podcasts this week while creating glass landscapes. Today was an interesting one about stepping out of one's comfort zone and taking a selfie to help express who I am as an artist and how and why I create.
 I don't like 99% of the photos of myself, let alone a selfie, so doing this first exercise like she suggested was a first step out of my comfort zone. It was however, what I spent hours looking at today...my very own hand in this position, creating art work I am constantly rethinking as my career moves forward this year.

Dependent

 I was fortunate to watch an excellent film this week on HBO about the life and work of Temple Grandin, a professor who has changed the way we handle animals, especially prior to slaughter. She emphasizes that if we are going to take the life of an animal we at least owe it the respect of treating it better while it is in our care.

 Every week, I shuffle the sheep to another pen so we can bring a new big round bale in to encase in netting for them to feed off. They stand eagerly waiting for the gate to open to enjoy more hay..same hay quality as the day before but new to them....but they get so excited all the same! These creatures depend on me to keep doing this, and I am happy to make them happy