My Say
One of my favourite topics for conversation is the weather. Likely because I am not that good at chit-chat, the weather is an easy fallback. Most have an opinion about the weather and all are powerless to effect any change. I think we have had more days of rain than snow, more days above freezing than below, more days of cloud than Sun, more days of poop-scooping than snow-shoveling. Willy says an early Spring, but if Winter hasn't started yet I wonder what are considered the terms of reference.
- Papa e-mail
Things you'll learn if you live long enough
Love your critics. Without someone saying that it can't be
done, there is no joy in demonstrating that it can.
- Papa
New Product News
- Question: What do you get when you cross a dog-walk with a travel plank?
- Answer: Why a Dog Plank, of course. A training aid for the dog-walk that is portable, easy to set-up and eliminates the dangers of a fly-off from on high.
A 12" wide sectional plank constructed from the same high quality MDO plywood (aka Crezon) used for our A-frame and dog-walk skins. The upper surface is primed, anti-skid textured and painted white to enhance focus on the training task. A complete set replicates a full 36' dog-walk, using four each 5' and 4' plank sections that are drilled for ground anchors if used outdoors. The short planks are easy to handle, and offer the option of adjusting the length to the available space, or training in progression to the full 36' length. Ideal for developing drive to the end, creating rhythm and reinforcing footwork, or re-shaping behaviours.
Price: $125.00 for the complete set. Please e-mail Alan if you would like an alternate configuration to suit your specific needs.
A Prize for Perfection
For 2012, we have instituted a program where we offer a reward for
being perfect. CARO competitors who score 200 while competing at The
Poodle Farm will have there name entered in a draw for a prize
totalling over $200 in value. The Grand Prize includes 4 "VIP passes"
and a prepaid Esso gas card. The more times you compete and score 200
at The Poodle Farm, the more times your name goes "in the hat" for the
Prize. For more information on how to qualify, click Here.
Also, with the new CARO Working Class, we are presenting a workshop on February 25 covering an introduction to this new class, and the 5 requirements necessary to complete Novice. Working. Instruction will be provided by Debby, who is a CARO Judge with Working Class certification. For details, click Here.
Foreshadowing
In August, 2010 an announcement was made that U.S.-based multi-national Caterpillar was buying Electromotive Diesel, a manufacturer of diesel locomotives, and rolling it into one of their wholly-owned subsidiary companies.
In October 2010, an announcement was made by Caterpillar that they were investing $50 Million to acquire and build a new facility in Muncie, IN including a test track to facilitate the assembly and manufacture of diesel locomotives.
At the end of October, 2011 the first production locomotives roll off the assembly line from the new plant in the U.S.
In January 2012, Caterpillar locks out the employees at their only other diesel locomotive assembly plant, in London, ON for failing to accept a new contract with 50% wage concessions and elimination of benefits. One month later, an announcement that the plant would be closed.
And we are going to do what? Dalton McGuinty and the provincial Liberals are probably quite happy to see these old-fashioned 'dirty' manufacturing jobs move south. Now they can make some new "High-Tech Jobs" happen in our "Green Economy". You have to break eggs to make omelets. Yeah, right.
Friday the 13th
The next Friday the 13th is in July. That means there will be a LOT of visitors to Norfolk County, and Port Dover in particular. Hotel and motel accommodations far and wide will be booked solid with motorcycle enthusiasts. We are aware that Simcoe motels are already filling or already full, Brantford will also see a high demand.
Also on July 13th, there will be a CKC Agility trial here at The Poodle Farm, held by the Canadian Nat'l Australian Shepherd Assoc. in conjunction with their National Specialty show. Those planning to attend are wise to note the conjunction of these events and plan their stay accordingly.
Funny Stuff
- Question: What does a dog say when it gets sick?
- Answer: "Barf, barf"
- Question: What does a dog say when it sees a tree?
- Answer: "Bark, bark"
- Question: What does a dog say if the ball is on the house?
- Answer: "Roof, roof"
- Question: What share of your food does a dog want?
- Answer: "Arf, arf"
- Question: Why do dogs stay inside when it rains?
- Answer: They don't want to step in a poodle.
Okay, enough already. I think everyone has been punished enough by my juvenile humour. I'll try and have more for next month!
(Poodle) Farm Fresh News
Website - The big update continues, as we refine and optimize some more. The pricelists are being updated and converted to soemthing other than .pdf format, since that is not quite so widely supported by mobile devices. Tests are being done to see if it is practical to offer the pricing as an e-book, so you can read it on a SmartPhone or tablet like an iPad. It is the way of the future, and we are all about looking ahead. Just because Papa doesn't own a cell-phone, doesn't mean he won't build a mobile-friendly website for the 99% who do.
Papa is learning how to use a Canon digital camera, one a little
fancier than the one he got 6 years ago. The result are some nicer
pictures, such as the new picture of the Class Room which I took. I
also got some proper photography lights for Christmas, so we can
re-shoot some equipment pictures as time goes along. The new, larger
website format has shown some obvious flaws in the existing stock of
photos.
We have been showing P2 and Krystal in CKC Conformation of late. P2 is a whisker away from her Ch., and Krystal has already scored a few points, winning "Best of Breed" coming from the 12-18 month class. Both of these "Blues" are fantastic in the ring, even when someone has the bright idea to get Papa to handle. Being a Reserve Winner is still being a Winner, right? The ribbon says "First". That means "we are №1" … with a bullet maybe.
As
always,
check in with our RSS Feed to stay on top of breaking news. It will be
pretty active as we unveil new for 2012 programs.
