MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL from LIGHTFOOT WEIMS

Hoping you all have a very Happy Holiday season. Sky is wearing her sleigh bell for the occasion!

Snow Day in Western NC - Sky and George

Sky and George get to play in the snow, we don't ususally see this much in Dec. Sky adores playing in the snow, George is not too thrilled about it, but likes less being left at home so he braves the wet and cold to walk with us. Since my car is stuck in our driveway, I guess I'll be doing a lot of walking the next day or two lol!

Hunt Test at Walhalla SC - Dec 5 2009

Joe and I had the privilege of judging at the Dec hunt test in Walhalla SC. This is one of our favorite tests to run at and judge due to the wonderful grounds, super gunners, and especially the friendly club members and participants. We had some marvelous dogs presented to us, and Joe and I both agreed the overall quality and ability of dogs and handlers has improved by leaps and bounds. 3 master dogs, 5 senior dogs and numerous junior dogs earned legs and titles on this day - which is a judges goal, to pass deserving dogs. Thanks to Kevin Cragg, gunner extraordinaire, who captured these moments on camera to share with us.

Sky's Tracking Certification Map

Today Grayhart Lightfoot Early Morning Rain JH, Sky, was certified to be able to enter an AKC Tracking Test. Our friend and tracking judge Dolores Brigham braved the 26 degree weather to lay a track for us at Vance Memorial in Weaverville, NC. Spots in tracking tests are very limited so to be able to enter a dog and handler team must first pass a track laid by an AKC tracking judge to show that they have the training and ability to pass an actual test. I've included a copy of the track that Dolores laid for us this morning. A Tracking Dog test (TD) is 440 - 500 yds long, with 3 to 5 turns. There is an article at the start flag and an ending glove which the tracklayer leaves. Except for a 2nd flag at 30 yds to show the direction of the track, there are no other marks or flags to indicate the direction or turns. Sky ran her 35 minute old track this morning in 7 minutes. She worked the 2nd turn to verify the direction by checking all around after losing scent, then took off again and never looked back until she pawed at the glove at the end. My sister Pam from Colorado was with me this morning and always brings good Karma. Dolores has certified 3 of my dogs now for tracking and is also a good luck charm for me. I thank them both for being there! Now to enter a tracking test!

Crime Scene

The crime showing the evidence and suspect caught red pawed after multiple Woobie deaths were reported. At least 10 long time friends of the suspect have been brutally mutilated due to late evening arrival of the suspects owner and lack of exercise. It is a sad, sad thing to resort to violence when too much energy meets lack of time! Suspect's owner has vowed to monitor the situation closely to prevent subsequent mass dismemberments.

George - the best feline friend

Our cat George surveying his kingdom and taking in the sun. George is quite the hunter and we often have "rodent rodeo's" trying to hem up his "prisoners" and release them outside to be hunted again. It is a new version of Catch & Release - kitty style.

Sky and her Yorkie pal Ian

Anne & Furman Owen visited last weekend with their two Yorkies, Emma and Ian. Ian and Sky like to play, and Ian does not mind helping himself to the "big dog" toys. It is a testament to Sky's stable temperament that she loves all creatures of all sizes. Ian likes to play tug with her especially, and it helps to dust the floors lol!

Congratulations to Grayhart's Purple Haze JH NSD CGC aka Jam earning her 4th leg on November 2nd and her Junior Hunter title!!! Jam is the second Trixie x Parker puppy to earn the Junior Hunter title, with more in training. Jam is already working toward the next level, Senior Hunter, and will be showing in obedience and conformation in December and continuing her agility training. Busy, busy Jam and Linda!

The following shots were taken by Sararenee on September 17, 2009 after the Central Futurity. Grayhart Early Morning Rain JH NSD CGC aka Sky was a wonderful model and had lots of fun showing off her "bonnet". Sky is a great sport and Sara a stellar photographer. We thank her for use of the shots on our blog, and highly recommend her for any of your photograph needs. http://www.sarareneephotography.com

Beautiful view looking toward Graveyard Fields

Sky is wearing her blaze orange mesh vest for higher visibility. The area we are hiking in is open to hunting, and it is bear and deer season right now. While we were hiking we heard a pack of bear dogs "strike" (locate game, possibly treed) and later on heard shots not far from where we were. It is always best to make sure you and your dog are highly visible.

Whitetail Deer on the Blue Ridge Parkway

We came across these Whitetail deer driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway, note how long the tail is on the deer on the right

Switchback on Black Balsam Trail, Sky says hurry up Mom!

Sky probably traveled a mile going back and forth from me to the next turn on this series of switchbacks that took us from the top of Black Balsam Bald, down to the Graveyard Ridge Trail and Ivestor Gap Trail intersection. This is where Sky's breeder Linda and I along with Trixie and Jam stopped for a snack when they were out visiting in July. On this day Sky discovered people in a tent, and was none to sure about them to start with.

Sky rock hopping over creek

Sky is becoming a more experienced hiking companion. This particular walk was 3 1/2 hours and probably 6-7 miles or more. She use to avoid all water puddles and hop on rocks across the creek crossings, she is beginning to see the wisdom of the shortest distance is the direct line. Sky also learned how to cross bridges with vertical gaps between the boards (think of a dog walk with long slits in it). She wasn't too sure at first but gained her confidence quickly, good girl Sky!

Sky discovers ice on the trail

This was fun, Sky had not encountered frozen water before, but once she learned to paw at it and break off some ice to eat she thought it was a wonderful thing. We were hiking around 10:00 am, but it had been in the 20's at this elevation overnight (5000 ft) and while the air was warm we came across a lot of frost and ice on the north side of the slopes.

Shining Rock Wilderness

The Shining Rock Wilderness is part of Pisgah National Forest, it is a designated wilderness area where there are no trail signs or improved camping areas. It is truly back country and should be respected. I will venture in at some point, but not without a compass and map to be on the safe side.

Sky and the Carolina Blue Sky - Nov 2009

Right side up, Sky taking in the scenery

Quail's Eye View

Thought we'd have some fun, a quail's eye view of Sky and the beautiful "Carolina Blue" sky, the picture is right side up, I was lying back in the grass and Sky came over to see what I was doing, silly girl.

Trail intersection, Art Loeb and Ivestor Gap

Shot taken from Art Loeb train looking back down the trail where Ivestor Gap splits off, heading to the top of Tennant Mtn.

Sky at 17 mos in Ivestor Gap Trail, this particular hike was 2 1/2 hours and we climbed two 6,000 ft peaks, Tennant Mountain and Black Balsam Knob

Trail break, Ivestor Gap Trail

Taking a break on the Ivestor Gap Trail, the frequent rains this season has left the traill very damp, but there are plenty of rocks to skip across and keep feet/paws dry

Sky on point

Grayhart Lightfoot Early Morning Rain "Sky" on top of Black Balsam Knob on a beautiful November day

This and following posts are from a wonderful walk/ride to the orchard from the Hemlock House on the mountain at Norton Creek. A group of 9 assorted dogs including 2 Weims (Sky and Rex) along with Henslee and Jeda's array of dogs and their two wonderfully sweet and tractable horses and 5 humans all enjoyed a wonderful 5 mile hike. Sky tried to engage the horses in play when we turned them all loose at the orchard to graze a few minutes, luckily the horses were bullet proof and ignored her play bows, though Sky showed her self by getting the zoomies and jumping over Henslee and Jeda while we sat in the grass resting. Impressive Sky!

Sky is showing off her mesh blaze orange vest which she wears for better visibility, not only to alert any hunters, but so we can keep a better eye on her. With other Weims walking with us, it was handy to spot her at a distance. The mesh keeps the vest cool and light weight for use in any weather.

Joe, Sky and I stayed over at the Gate House on our recent visit with the Worshams, lovely home that backs up to Norton Creek. A builder was brought over from Norway to install the slate roof on this home in the true Norwegion fashion, and materials used to build the home including logs and rockwork are all from the property.

Grayhart Lightfoot Early Morning Rain JH NSD CGC greeting us at the entrance to Norton Creek Park in October 2009. A flock of turkeys greeted us near this entrance earlier in the day.

Sky meets a bear in the sunroom at Norton Creek Park, home of Earl & Margit Worsham. This bear was harvested from their property located in near Gatlinburg TN and was auctioned as a fundraiser for local schools.