Introducing Nikki

Introducing my newest PBGV, Nikki. Her AKC registration name is CJ's Nicole's Its A Vie De Chien and comes from sire, Ch Polygor Cj's Walkabout At Celestial, and dam, Ch Celestial CJ's Shall-Bee The One. Breed by Jeanne and Charles Hurty and Pam Helmer she came into this world on October 11, 2011. Nikki is a full-throttle Peeb who is either playing with all her toys, running like a wild women, or haunting the old girl, Eve.

Northeast Snow Storms

My Peeb made it through the Christmas snow storm when just on the horizon was yet another snow storm that brought a foot of the white stuff. And then lurking in the new year was the big storm dropping some 20 inches of snow. We made Peeb trails, which Eve quickly traversed jumping up to see over the wall. It was like her own private lug course.

Almost a Peeb Christmas

It is a cold, blustery day here in the northeast and my Peeb loves the breeze running through her hair. Nose is working overtime trying to catch all the smells flying by at mach speed. She has a new stuffed toy, another dog, that she proudly drags along the floor.

Twas almost the night before Christmas, when all through the doghouse,
Not a creature was stirring, not even the cats.
The dog bowls are stationed near the chimney with care,
In hopes that Dog Nicholas soon would be there.

The puppies were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of dog bones danced in their heads.
And mamma in her crate, and I in my bed,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I ran like a flash,
Gluing my nose to the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny dogdeers.

With a little old Peeb driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be Dog Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he barked, and shouted, and called them by name.

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the doghouse-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and Dog Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The pawing of each little dogdeer.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney Dog Nicholas came with a bound.

His hair was a muss from his head to his tail,
And his coat was all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of dog toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his Saber tail standing tall!
His nose scenting as Peebs can do!
His stately little stance would make any judge proud,
And he held his head high just for the crowd.

The smile on his face melting the snow,
And the smoke it encircled his head with a glow.
He had a proud face and a little black nose,
That wiggled with joy running down to his toes.

He was perky and just right,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the dog bowls; then turned with a jerk.
And laying his paw aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a yodel,
And away they all flew without the slightest rustle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Woof, Woof, Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.

Summer is going fast!

June has been a busy month for both Eve and her mom! We started an exercise program and it was one of the highlights of the day. Would try to go to the local track and walk a mile or so and Eve would march in true Peeb style, head high, quick pace, tail up and that little smile on her face. We had to break our pace constantly so Eve could meet anyone walking on the track not to mention the kids playing in the fields. For the last week we have been grounded due to extreme heat. Eve is bored but comfortable in the air conditioned house. We get out early each morning and she inspects the entire yard. So far she has run up to two deer, yeiks, they were big and just starred her down; then there is the local snake who will dive in a hole to avoid Eve; and all those bugs. She has become an excellent fly catcher; almost cat-like.

Vichon's PBGVs

In 1995 the first PBGV arrived. Tory was apricot and white and what an attitude. Training her was a snap and she loved everyone. Through those wonderful eyes, she read me like a book. Coco was next to arrive and was black and white. To cut down on wind resistance, she ran flat out with her tail tucked under her. Coco easily got her championship at the age of 8 months with a 5 point major! Her very special gift was being a therapy dog and my shadow. She reached Alzheimer patients in a way no human could. Last to arrive was Eve a.k.a. "Little Girl." She is truly petit and has a special gift of gab. Being the last one in, she worked extra hard to gain attention and could carry on a conversation with a flip of her head and a long, rolling stream of chatter. Today, only Eve is still walking among the grass at the house; both Tory and Coco have gone to that special after life and will live forever in my heart.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is the very long name for a very cute hunting hound. Sometimes called "Happy" hounds, Peebs, and just plain adorable. Don't let the adjective, adorable, fool you. These hounds are strong hunters with a keen sense of smell. They love working in a pack and will zig zag across the lawn catching all the daily scents. My first Peeb arrived in 1995. I named her Tory and never looked backed. She was smart as a whip, precocious, stubborn and the love of my life. More to come tomorrow...