As March is wrapping up, there are a few recent bits of news. For one, I've been updating the blog even though this site isn't even public yet. The reason is because I'm still waiting on the official return of our kennel name registration with FCI. The application was finally sent in at the beginning of March, so there's still a bit to wait (estimated 4 months..), but it is what it is.. Fingers crossed that our first pick does turn out also to be FCI's pick as well.
In other news, Rōnin went to a veterinary ophthalmologist for his OFA eye clearance last week. Although he did get a passing evaluation, the veterinary ophthalmologist noted (as we had suspected, too) imperforate lacrimal punctum - lack of a sufficient opening to the tear duct. It's why Rōnin has had persistent unilateral staining from his left eye. It's a congenital disorder that OFA classifies as passing with a "Breeder Option" code A-6 for the specific condition: "Imperforate Lacrimal Punctum: Entity is suspected to be inherited but does not represent potential compromise of vision or other ocular function."
Rōnin is due back to the ophthalmologist's office this week for a small surgery to correct this defect. We're glad he passed his eye exam despite a little hiccup! His PennHIP and OFA hip and OFA elbow evaluations have also been scheduled in for the end of May. Those are the biggies, so.. fingers crossed all comes back alright.
Over the weekend, Morrow also went to an Introduction to Tracking workshop hosted by AKC-VST tracking judge Pia Paulsen and the Hollywood Dog Obedience Club. It isn't our first venture into tracking, as several years ago we also started Ghost on it, but Morrow is so much more enthusiastic and a natural at it, so... The 3-hour workshop was really interesting, and had a really nice demonstration of a Versatile Surface Track by one of the other instructors, Susan Bagley and her Beagle, and many opportunities to run beginners' tracks. Morrow ran a few and she loved it, and we were able to make some contacts and will begin regular weekly tracking sessions starting this coming Saturday. She enjoyed it so much that I've been laying out short tracks outdoors since yesterday for her to practice on with start and end leather articles we received from the workshop.
Plans for the summer are also coming together nicely. So on this first day of Spring, we look forward to many exciting events and watching the pups learn about their world.
