"BIRCHBARK USA" birchy99's Profile

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Home on the Range for Bearded Collies

We have truly gone to the dogs!! My wife grew up in the ticky-tacky houses of Daly City, California and didn't have room for a family pet. So, I introduced her to dogs. She was overcome.
Our first dog was Tut, a spaniel mix. He lived to age 16 and would die for bananas. He loved them.
Next came Barnaby, a Bearded Collie. We chose his breed after scouting a local dog show. We fell in love with their gentile nature and beautiful long, flowing coats. We were fortunate to find a puppy, Barnaby, who was with us for eight short years, succombing to cancer.
Next came Rosie, a pet, from Washington State. She ruled the house, but needed a companion to play with. So we found Adam, a rescued "Neardie" from Arizona. Unfortunatly, Adam has never learned to play and Rosie found him to be a Dud. But we love him as he does us.
We then became interested in conformation showing. We brought home CeeCee from Ontario, Canada. And what a wonder she was earning her championship very quickly. But as fate would have it, she became stricken with an auto-immune disease which took her to death's door twice. Thanks to courageous veternarians and lots of help from friends in the dog world she has survived and is still with us.
Meanwhile, we brought a boy, Colm, home from Scotland to be CeeCee's beau. However, she became ill and cannot be bred so we imported CeeCee's grand niece, Aria, to take her place. And, Aria and Colm together produced a litter of 6 beautiful puppies. Three of them, George, Sam and Opie have wonderful homes in Austin, Texas, Monterrey, California, and Los Angeles, California respectively.
Somehow we came to keep three of the puppies which brings our grand total to 8 dogs. Fortunately, we have room for them all but sometimes time for them becomes short.
Miles is the sole brown puppy and he was my choice to keep. Keeley was our sole female and she was Joanne's choice to keep. Then there is Dizzy. Dizzy is a miracle, born not breathing he was brought to life and hand fed for three days. He survived and was sold but was returned as it became apparent that he was born with less than normal kidney function. So, he will be with us for as long as he can hold up. No doubt that will be for a long time as he is very active, hyper even, and quite the character. No one would ever guess he had a disability.
So eight is enough...no mas...as if my calculations are correct I'll be in my 80's by the time these pups are ready to leave this world.
So there you have the story of the BirchBark Beardies. See the chapters for more pictures and information. Thanks for your interest.

Intro Updated Aug 17, 2008
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Comments (89)

Airpunk Aug 18, 2011 at 12:06 PM Report Abuse

Belated happy returns... sorry for being late. Hope you had a wonderful day!
All the best - Karl
deecat Aug 5, 2011 at 4:20 PM Report Abuse

wishing you a great year and a fabulous birthday. Hope it was quite special.
olja1234 Aug 5, 2011 at 12:44 PM Report Abuse

A very Happy Birthday to you, Mart.
AngMimi Aug 5, 2011 at 7:47 AM Report Abuse

Happy Happy Birthday Mart...
Greetings from Malaysia
Donna_in_India Aug 5, 2011 at 5:01 AM Report Abuse

Hi Mart - have a very happy birthday!
iandsmith Jul 30, 2011 at 2:50 AM Report Abuse

Gives a whole new meaning of "gone to the dogs"!
Have a happy birthday!
850prc Jul 29, 2011 at 9:03 AM Report Abuse

I was late last year, lemme be early in 2011... Happy Birthday, Mart. Hope it's a heck of a day for you.
hunday45 Aug 22, 2010 at 11:32 AM Report Abuse

Belated Birthday wishes to you, Mart. Hope your day was great. Greetings from Slovenia
amandajayne81 Aug 5, 2010 at 12:51 AM Report Abuse

Have a happy birthday. All the best for the year ahead.
thecatsmeow Aug 4, 2010 at 8:34 PM Report Abuse

Hi Mart I hope you have a wonderful birthday tomorrow. Give the pups a pat from me. :) Joyce