A study reported on ​CavalierHealth.org states that ​Cavaliers have higher levels of deleterious genetic variations, compared to seven other breeds. This is a pilot study and the researchers do air caution saying, "... although cKCs have accumulated deleterious alleles that are likely to have large phenotypic effects, the total number of added mutations may be relatively low and it may hence be premature to use our results as an argument to discourage further breeding of cKCs."
The interesting bit for me is the bit about gene NEBL in papillary muscles, where they say, "The most common disease in cKCs is myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). To identify variants linked to this disease we next characterize mutations that are common in cKCs, but rare in other breeds, and then investigate if these mutations can predict MMVD in dachshunds. We find that variants that regulate the expression of the gene NEBL in papillary muscles may increase the risk of the disease, indicating that loss of papillary muscle integrity could contribute to the development of MMVD."
PLOS have published the whole study and you can read the study HERE

 Some may of thought that I had forgotten you Smudge. Smudge passed away the end of April suddenly, just as I was awaiting the arrival of Rosie's litter and just after losing her Mum Millie. So I mentioned her passing and said, I would mark her passing at a later date, because it had been a bit unexpected. Then we had the tragedy of losing her Granddaughter Teagol.

​Just a week before Smudge's death I had joked with a vet about seeing her in six months after her check up, as we had started her on heart medication. Although on heart meds, she was very well in herself. The old MVD can be like that though and having her trundling around happily that morning to then finding her collapsed in our utility room, a quick check of her gums. I new what was happening. Her valve had all but totally gone. I rung the vet for advice about whether I should let nature take its course and stay calmly with her. I was told to give her twenty minutes and if she had not passed, it may be best to come in with her and help her on her way. She remained amazingly calm and with my oldest son Bert, we took her to the vets. No crying I said. Not until she's gone. Don't make her think she has upset us.
It was a tearful burial. She was such an old softee, one of the gentlest, kindest dogs I have been lucky to have had in my life. I will always feel your warmth and whiskers against my face Smudge, never forgotten!

Covid has made its way through our home, with only David (husband) at the moment not getting it. He has been given a wide berth and it is weird staying at least 2 metres from your husband and if any closer I am wearing a mask and have sanitised hands. Being double vaccinated and flow testing negative with no symptoms. He has been able to keep working, although only on one farm where it is all field work at the moment. 
Our six children have all got over it, not much more than a cold for them all. Three of them had received one vaccination and nature decided to give them the other. David and me are both double vaccinated. As I am chief cook and bottle washer, it was going to be almost a given that I was going to come into contact with Covid. I spent a week testing positive with very mild symptoms and a couple days ago Covid decided to ramp it up, which did coincide with after me painting the utility room. It is so boring being confined to barracks, so I thought I would use the time to get some of those jobs done that you keep putting off. So a faint line on a rapid flow test, changed to a dark red line and I felt rough with a bunged up nose and a sore throat, which has now just gone to being an irritable throat. I'm hoping this is it and a few more days and our home will hopefully become Covid free. 
Well that's enough of my woes and what for the future of Poundlane. July saw the tragedy of losing Teagol (daughter of Blottie and Mum to Polly) and a few days after her death, I had her Mum Blottie booked into be spayed. Blottie (who is a first cross Brittany/Cavalier) turned six in April with having her daughter Teagol, and Teagol already producing Polly for us from her first litter. I did not see the need to breed from Blottie again. Losing Teagol suddenly changed things and I put a stop to have Blottie spayed the end of July. Giving me a chance to think things over. I did not want to base my breeding on grief. Only having Polly to carry on that line feels a bit precarious and once I had spayed Blottie, that would be that.
So after much thought, I have decided that Blottie will breed one more litter, her fourth and last litter.I have only bred four litters from two bitches in the past and this was because they were exceptionally easy whelpers and fertile girls. Blottie ticks both those boxes and  she will also have to pass a heart examination and other relevant health checks. All going well she will be paired with Ernest (our beautiful 3/4 Cavalier and 1/4 Poodle (miniature) boy), who also will have to pass his health checks as well. He turned five back in the Spring. Blottie is due to come on heat around December time. Hopefully a Spring 2022 litter. As soon as I get over Covid, I will get health examinations booked and start the ball rolling.
​So it's back to the future for our next litter!

Yesterday I tested positive. Six of us have now tested positive with two still negative David and our youngest child. I will now experience how well being double vaccinated works. Only mild symptoms at the moment slightly irritable throat and a bit achy. Fingers crossed that's going to be it.  
Dogs are enjoying so much company and yesterday did a bit of blackberry picking. Watch out for two very good catches by Polly. 

At the moment my home is under COVID-19 lockdown because our four oldest children have tested positive for it. No, they have not been to that Boardmaster festival in Newquay. We think our oldest brought it home with him, as he came home on leave recently and was the first to have symptoms. They are at different stages, coping okay and David and me are double vaccinated and thus far have been coming up negative using a rapid lateral flow test. 
We have shut the airbnb down until the middle of September and I will have to wait until we are all clear to start booking in dogs for doppler and MRI scans. So I'm taking a sabbatical and will hope to be back all systems go the middle of September. 

'When tomorrow starts without me, 
don't think we're far apart
for every time you think of me
I'm right here in  your heart'

Thank you for your kind words. When we know who we are, no names need to be muttered. Light in the darkness!

Possum left us today for her new home with Sally and Keith, who live at Heanton about 10 to 12 miles from us. They are calling her, "Poppy." After several applications to home her, I am pretty sure I have found the right home for her. Having recently being accused of running a first come, first served service. Which I found highly offensive. Especially as I am in the process of navigating the loss of Teagol.  Sometimes I don't think people realise how many tales I hear of misfortune. I can't help everyone, but I can look out for the pups I breed. They come first, I'm afraid. 
I wish Sally and Keith all the best with Poppy, who I no doubt is going to rock their world.

Possum was returned to us through no fault of her own. If interested in giving Possum her forever home click here to learn more about this beautiful little girl.

Thanks for all the updates I have received over the last couple weeks, but I think I may of accidentally deleted some or moved them where I'm struggling to find them, as with losing Teagol things have been a bit muddled and I'm sorry if I have not put up your update. Please keep them coming in as I am always glad to see them and future breeding plans at Poundlane we take into account the feedback we get from those who have our pups. 

Lovely update for Hope from Helen. Hope is from ​ ​Ernest and Rosie's litter of eleven

"Hi Jane,
I hope that Roxy arrived safely at her new home. Hope has now been with me 4 weeks and is doing incredibly well. She has been joining me on visits, we have started puppy classes, and she has met lots of people, including at a family party yesterday. Everyone comments on how beautiful, confident and calm she is (although she obviously has her moments with that last one!). She has won over a number of people who don't really like dogs, although unfortunately hasn't managed to win over my parents yet. Whether that will ever happen, only time will tell.
She has been okay left on her own for an hour, and after a couple of car rides where she got very anxious, she now settles down and sleeps. She sleeps really well at night. The cat is not too keen on her as Hope really wants to play with her fluffy tail. We have separate areas for puppy and cat, although the cat doesn't help herself by constantly jumping over the dividers, and waking Hope up by meowing in her face while she's in a deep sleep!
Thank you so much for such an amazing pup."

Photos of Oscar from Lynne sent to me the last week of July. Hope all is still going well with him. Oscar is from ​Ernest and Rosie's litter of eleven

Lucy sent me this lovely photo of Flossie with her daughter. Flossie would be Teagol's full sister, but not from the same litter. She looks so much like a young Teagol in that photo. Lovely to see her living on and bringing love and comfort to those around her. Flossie is from ​Ernest and Blottie's litter of ten again.

Kath sent me this kind Birthday greeting  couple weeks ago and I share the same birthday with one of her sons. She has the very handsome Murphy, who is Teagol's litter brother from Ernest and Blottie's litter of ten puppies.

​"Hi Jane,
​I remembered that you share a birthday with Laurie so just wanted to wish you a very happy day. Here are two pictures of Murphy living his best life - just out of the river and enjoying a belly rub! 
Take care
xKath"

Lovely update for Saffy and Lara from Kathy. Saffy is from ​Ernest and Bumble's litter of eight and Lara is from ​Ernest and Blottie's litter of ten again.

"Dear Jane and extended dog family
I don’t know where the time has gone but I am writing to update you about Lara - Blottie and Ernest’s last litter, and of course update you on Saffy. Not sure where to start - but what a live wire Lara is - playful, funny with an amazing jump and incredibly affectionate - and v v independent, which will get her into trouble or and a hole digger , looking for mice I think - has caught a few . So different from Saffy who is very quiet by comparison - but they both have the same sweet natures - Lara’s mission in life is to catch a pigeon (managed tail feathers only to date) or a seagull - getting v wet in the process and butterflies - which I think she eats. Saffy on the other hand is a squirrel chaser - but no chance there!
They generally get on well, increasingly so. I think there was some rivalry for my attention at first but now they play together happily and I am pleased to say that Saffy remains top dog even though she is smaller now. Both love the water, especially Lara.
Anyway I hope you enjoy the pictures. Maybe we can visit when passing by? 
Kind regards
Kathy"

"Hello Kathy,
Thanks for your kind message on my blog on seeing Teagol is no longer with us. 
I thought it would be interesting to hear about Lara compared with Saffy. Watching the bit of video above is like watching their Mum's together as younger dogs. Blottie has always been super confident, super agile and loves water, whereas Bumble is that bit more reserved about life. Both Mum's are super affectionate with Blottie maybe being a bit more demanding of affection than Bumble.
If you are passing one day. It would be lovely to see you all. 
Kind regards
Jane x"

Thanks for your kind message Helen and good to hear things are going well with Tilly.

Thanks Joan (Gwyn) and Gemma (Darcey) for your kind messages and photos of Gwyn and Darcey as they turned one year old.

Possum came back to us a couple weeks ago. If interested in giving her a forever home click here to learn more

Teagol's daughter Polly turned one years old on the 5th August. Belated Happy 1st Birthday to her litter siblings Darcey, Ted, Tamsie, Otto, Gwyn and Pepper.

I just want to thank everyone for all their kind comments and support since hearing of Teagol's death. It has been a real comfort as I move forward.