Saphira's Collies

03/08/2023

Here’s to the dogs we got in our 20’s.

The ones with yards smaller than they deserved. The ones that moved with us from state to state and that watched us advance in our careers and mature into real adults.

The ones that traveled with us everywhere, whether it was a weekend staycation or miles away to see your best friend. Ones that watched friends come and go but also the start of new relationships.

The ones that brought us such joy and comfort during the heartbreaks and also kept us young at heart as we grew up. The ones we told all our secrets to and were always there at our best… and even at our very worst when we didn’t want anyone to see.

So, here’s to the dogs we got in our 20’s.

They’re truly so unique.

12/28/2022

09/20/2022

If I passed before my dog(s), I would ask for permission to return just to say goodbye; to let my dog(s) know that God called me, and that I didn't abandon them.

I would tell them I want them to take care of themself (and each other), and that in the meantime, I'll be waiting for them.

I would give them one last kiss, one last hug, and tell them that they are the best things that have ever happened to me. That I have loved each with all my heart & I've loved them the most.

If I pass first, give me permission to tell them that. And especially to tell them that when we finally meet again, it will be forever.

- Anonymous

08/15/2022

03/05/2022

The Queen herself (Saphira) had her 11th birthday today! We did a dog friendly cake for all 3 dogs to enjoy!

02/03/2022

One day I will do this! I get enough snow here!

She is really talented. This is awesome!!

01/04/2022

Mr Oppenheimers 20 basic breeding principles.

1. Don't make use of indiscriminate outcrosses. A judicious outcross can be of great value, an injudicious one can produce an aggregation of every imaginable fault in the breed.

2. Don't line breed just for the sake of line breeding. Line breeding with complementary types can bring great rewards; with unsuitable ones it will lead to immediate disaster.

3. Don't take advice from people who have always been unsuccessful breeders. If their opinions were worth having they would have proved it by their successes.

4. Don't believe the popular cliché about the brother or sister of the great champion being just as good to breed from. For every one that is, hundreds are not. It depends on the animal concerned.

5. Don't credit your own dogs with virtues they don't possess. Self-deceit is a stepping stone to failure.

6. Don't breed from mediocrities; the absence of a fault does not in any way signify the presence of its corresponding virtue.

7. Don't try to line breed to two dogs at the same time; you will end by line breeding to neither.

8. Don't assess the worth of a stud dog by his inferior progeny. All stud dogs sire rubbish at times; what matters is how good their best efforts are.

9. Don't allow personal feelings to influence your choice of a stud dog. The right dog for your bitch is the right dog, whoever owns it.

10. Don't allow admiration of a stud dog to blind you to his faults. If you do you will soon be the victim of auto-intoxication.

11. Don't mate together animals which share the same fault. You are asking for trouble if you do.

12. Don't forget that it is the whole dog that counts. If you for- get one virtue while searching for another you will pay for it.

13. Don't search for the perfect dog as a mate for you bitch. The perfect dog (or bitch) doesn't exist, never has and never will!

14. Don't be frightened of breeding from animals that have obvious faults so long as they have compensating virtues. A lack of virtues is far the greatest fault of all.

15. Don't mate together non-complementary types. An ability to recognize type at a glance is a breeder's greatest gift; ask the successful breeders to explain this subject - there is no other way of learning. (I would define non-complimentary types as ones which have the same faults and lack the same virtues.)

16. Don't forget the necessity to preserve head quality. It will vanish like a dream if you do.

17. Don't forget that substance plus quality should be one of your aims. Any fool can breed one without the other!

18. Don't forget that a great head plus soundness should be another of your aims. Many people can never breed either!

19. Don't ever try to decry a great Bull Terrier. A thing of beauty is not only a joy forever but a great Bull Terrier should be a source of aesthetic pride and pleasure to all true lovers of the breed.

20. Don't be satisfied with anything but the best. The second best is never good enough.

12/29/2021

Baby, it's cold outside!

12/18/2021

This is my absolute favorite childhood Christmas movie!!
Can you name another movie that a Collie has made its appearance?

08/02/2021

"Oh! Boy! A huge sprinkler!!! Let's get it!" *coughs* "Got it!" *coughs*

05/29/2021

With Summer 🌞 quickly approaching, I thought I would share this information. Many people think that shaving will help with cooling there dog. This breed is built for heat just as much as its built for the cold. The BEST thing you can do for your furry friend is give them a GOOD grooming! If you can't do it, then make sure you have them professionally groomed! Your dog will love you for it! ❤

05/26/2021

Introducing 🥁
Caradilis Warrior ⚔ aka Atreau ❤ He is going to be my stud dog, moving forward! Isn't he handsome! Now if we can just get to some dog shows! Nani still needs to finish and she's coming up 3! 😳