Five days among 70 dogs. For most of concerned dogs something like dog's paradise :-) For us very challenging time both physically and mentally. However, very edifying and helpful in understanding world of dogs more. This session full of common time with dogs and their owners, lectures and training led us to start work on our own authority and right hierarchical positions in relationship with our dogs. Also, I would like to thank Mrs. Jana Horinková for her kindness for taking me and my dog by her car.

Gallery: FALCO TRAINING AND LEISURE SESSION 2.–6. 6. 2010

Today is Aldi two years old dog. I hope, he's happy dog. We prepared very tasty cake with various fruits topping for him. Some pictures from our family birthday party are here:

Gallery: ALDI'S BIRTHDAY 18. 3. 2010

Second february weekend I spent with my ex-colleagues and friends in the middle of Slovakia - small but long village Liptovská Lúžna, and nerby beautiful sport and culture centre Donovaly. During this weekend there was European Championship of Sleddog Racing - I wanted see it so much some years ago. Now, it was reality. Some pictures from our common weekend and Championship atmosphere you can see here:

Gallery: WINTER HOLIDAY IN DONOVALY AND LIPTOVSKÁ LÚŽNA 12.–14. 2. 2010

Cold winter days brough us time of freezing and snowing, too. This white land called us to cross it over. I took some walks, some trips during this winter with Aldi by my side. Some pictures are here:

Gallery: WEEKEND WALK WITH ALDI 23. 1. 2010 | 30. 1. 2010 | 21. 2. 2010

Last day of this year is here. It was really long day. I spent it on the trip with friend Robo and Aldi to the Pajstun ruin castle. Hard ascending to the top of the mountain, where this ruin was builded told me bad news about my physical condition :) But weather was kind to us. Way home was long, and I was tired, and about three hours we walked in dark forest having just our headlamps. Very challenging for me. I was unabled to do anything next day. But I think, this day was worty of its hardness. Pictures from this trip are here:

Gallery: HOLIDAY TRIP PAJŠTÚN 31. 12. 2009

Winter has come in the early december days with snowing. My bike is stored in the basement, and we take again simple walking through our usual trails. Some winter galleries are here:

Gallery: WEEKEND WALK WITH ALDI 12. 12. 2009 | 19. 12. 2009

My favourite season is here. Warm days with various colours of surrounding landscapes pleased my both heart adn eyes. Also, cold misty or raining days have its own magic atmosphere. Some pictures contains these both sides of autumnal season you can find on pictures from my biking walks with Aldi, at these links:

Gallery: WEEKEND BIKING WITH ALDI 31. 10. 2009 | 1. 11. 2009 | 2. 11. 2009

So awaited world dog show in Slovakia is here. A lot of people, a lot of dogs, somewhere chaos and mass. But I have seen some kinds of breed I have never, yet. Pictures from this huge show you can find at this link in my gallery:

Gallery: WORLD DOG SHOW 2009 IN BRATISLAVA — 8. 10. 2009

Most of our weekend walks led to pools because of summer's hot weather. Aldi has new gummy duck toy, and it is really only one kind of fetch that is interesting for Aldi and he is able to bring it more than twice time :) Anyway, all suggest to fact, Aldi loves water and playing there. During August we visited my good friend Maria in Ivanka pri Dunaji, and took there some bathing in the near gravel deposit lake.
And at last, I took one week of holiday in the cottage of Aldi's breeders in Slanské Nové Mesto (it is about 28 km to Košice). It is very beautiful place with gorgeous surrounding nature and I want to thanks to Peter and Julia Suvák for their invitation, time and care during my being there. Pictures from this holiday you can find in the Gallery section.

During these months, there is typical summer weather, hot days followed by thunder storms in the evenings. So, for Aldi is better to take a longer walk in the evenings. In June, we tried for the first time Aldi's running along my bike. It was very good and Aldi is really clever. Also, Aldi took some swimming in the fish ponds, it is for him very refreshing.
Moreover, we knew some new dog friends, during our weekend walks across our dog walking place. We have more chances to play with large breed dogs, because owners of small dogs are afraid for Aldi more than their dogs with brave terrier heart. And one great news at the end: Aldi reduced his weight to 26 kg, and now he is slim and gorgeous smoothie.

When Aldi was 7 weeks old, he had undergone an eye examination. The vet determined the lightest version of Retinal Dysplasia (RD) and then there were advised no sport activity and also no breeding by him. But, also, there was mentioned posibility to get it into normal state after achieving physical adulthood. So this was reason why Aldi's breeders ask me to take one more examination after Aldi's one year old. I visited one of the best slovak ophthalmological specialist Dr. Miroslav Faga (thanks to him for his nice and very professional access) in the Vet policlinic in Trnava. The result is so wonderful: Aldi has very good sight, and there are no defects or anomalies in his eyes. This was the best news I could hear and everyone, who knows Aldi was happy, too.

One of another hot May day. But, at last, I met with Rasty and spent nice day with our dogs. Rasty has a white shepherd Alan, 9-years-old dog. Unfortunately, he has problem with his nervours system, what affects his hinders coordination. He was excited by Aldi, so we had to take only short walk with them. Also, we visited Rasty's neighbours, who have Aldi's cousin Mighty's Spring Meadow Even Eve, alias Even. There was really hot windless weather, Aldi wasn't able to play much with him, therefore. And great reward was afternoon bathing in nearby fish-pond.

Gallery: WEEKEND TRIP WITH ALDI 10. 5. 2009

This was very nice day. But, also, every dogshow seems to be good occasion to meet some Aldi's relatives. Today, we met Aldi's brother Arctur Jantárová hviezda, very calm and patient dog. He's so much resembling to his mum Amber Rise. Also, Aldi met here another smoothie girl Rozárka (Flying Heartbreakers Famous Rose), and they took fantastic playing time during our being outdoor.

Gallery: SPRING DUODANUBE DOGSHOW 9. 5. 2009

Today we visited our vet for re-vaccination against to Lyme disease (borreliosis), what is useful when you visit places of ticks frequent occurence. First vaccination was made two weeks, ago. Also, I consulted with doctor about Aldi's weight problem, so I bouht for him weight reduction dietary food Specific. I hope, it will help Aldi. We will see. My next plan is to change a food to the light version.

During April, Aldi and Easy (Mighty's Spring Meadow Easy Ecstasy) met togehter for the twice. They love common playing and chasing, they are very cute in that time. First meeting was nearby Easy's home town Báhoň, very nice and quiet place. Both of them took first spring taste of forest brook, and obtained some ticks, unfortunately. Second trip was at the top of our Small Carpathian hill, named Veľká Homoľa, where is wood view-tower. Aldi and Easy were there with us. Some pictures from these trips you can find in the gallery.

Gallery: WEEKEND TRIP WITH ALDI 4. 4. 2009 | 13. 4. 2009

In Nitra there was first dogshow, that I visited with Aldi this year. I was looking forward to meet Suváks family, breeders of Aldi and also, Aldi's brother Antares Jantárova hviezda (on the picture with Aldi). Also, nice surprise for me was Aldi's girl-cousin Easy (Mighty's Spring Meadow Easy Ecstasy), very nice smooth female, and from that day forth, they became friends and thanks to small distance between our towns, they can meet together again and again, and spend great common playful time.

Gallery: NITRACANIS DOGSHOW 28. 3. 2009

Yes, this was really great day. Aldi achieved his 12th month of life. Because I was at work that day, I prepared just very quick birthday pie. This pie contained: base was his pet food, covered by two light white yoghurts, around of all, side by side arranged diabetic biscuits, all covered by pieces of apples, mandarines and oranges. And in the middle, there was put one light bone-shaped cracker. I hope I spend a lot of next happy and peaceful years with Aldi. God bless us.

Gallery: ALDI'S 1st BIRTHDAY 18. 3. 2009

In the beginning of February, we ended Aldi's digestive diet. But at the end of February he had small accident during walking with my sister. He had cut his paw pad on the piece of glass. So some days after this, we visited our local vet to consult what we can do for the best healing of this wound. Because cold and wet weather, Aldi wore special dog paw shoe to protect his pad agains to any kind of mess.

Photo: Detail of Aldi's wound on his pad during the healing process
© Sue Nagyová

As I mentioned my discovery of "Psí stránky FALCO" website, there are some workshops made by Mr. Viktor Dostál. One of them was in Havlíčkův brod (Czech republic), and I've decided to go there with Aldi and with my good friend Baška, too. This seminar met my expectations, and I think, that these important things and facts about dogs life and common life with humans are needed to be heard by most of dogs' owners. I'm so glad, that Mr. Dostal do this mission and I hope a lot of people will change their minds about dogs behaviours and try to understand them for their better and happier coexistence.

Gallery: THE NATURAL COMMUNICATION WITH DOGS 5. 2. 2009

During January we visited our vet for two times. First time was ordinary control and regular keeping (wormer tabletes aplication). Aldi is also 30 kg weight, it is for immature smooth collie dangerous, so we had to started reduce his feeding and provide more chances for excercises. Second time, there was some days with digestive problems (laxations and sickness), so we visited our vet, and we taken some special dietary food. On the other side, this was helpful for better start of his weight reducing.

I tried to spend the most of time I had with Aldi during my christmas holiday. Everyday we walked somewhere, and Aldi explored what is the snow, because he saw it for the first time. Also, Christmas and New Year's Eve we spent together, and now, with our new member of our family. I have some galleries from this two weeks, that we spent together. It was very nice time for me, and I hope, for Aldi, too. Also, at beginning of new year 2009 we ended attendance of our local dogs' training center, because I rather put Aldi into center with more suitable access to this kind of dog.

Gallery: CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS WITH ALDI 25. 12. 2008 | 29.-31. 12. 2008 | 5. 1. 2009

I think this day will stay unforgetable for a long time. It should be just walking before sleeping. Aldi was running free, and after some common signals with dog, who walked alone near us, he left me and ran with that dog across streets and far and far... I didn't want to believe that this happened... I was crying, and asked my family to help me find Aldi - and they did so... That cold, and rainy night was the worst one since I have Aldi. Everyone, who experienced this, wish it never more. That day I prayed to God for my dog for the first time... And then... my sister called me, that she found him and they are at home. I wept again. But this time it was joyful tearing. That night I was happy, that he is with me and lies next my legs.

Attending our training place became standard of our every weekend. But these two last months I took my dog for some more walking through our surrounding wineyards. Also, at the beginning of December, I found on the internet very interesting and so illuminative website about coexistence of dogs and people. And this site completely changed my look to this kind of relationship. As creator of this pages - Mr. Viktor Dostál says: "You must nurture dogs as dog, not as man." I know... simple sentence, but very very deep, and sometimes, very challenging to bring into real life. I try it every day.

You can visit this page at this link (some parts in EN): I Psí stránky - psí škola Falco

Some new facts about Aldi: He is 60 cm tall, and his weight is 25 kg. This month had Aldi several digestive problems. Most of them were because of his gluttony. One case needed our visit of vet - he had ate some grains of rats' poisoning, but it turned out well after all. Also, during this month Aldi started lift up his leg during peeing, so Aldi is getting pubescence. I love to look at him when he plays with other dogs. He looks so didactic for other ones - for youngers, puppies, or older ones; he leads the game and shows what to do. It is really lovable for me. Also, we still attend our dog training club, and I have no pictures from this time, unfortunately.

When autumn began to follow summer I visited my good friend Ana in Trstená, what is town at the nothern Slovakia. Also, then I visited my brother and his family in Bytča–Hrabové (about two hours by train from Trstená). The weather was really cold, but sun still sent its warm rays and thanks to this surrounding nature got special golden overlay, especially in the mornings and evenings. And Aldi was with me.

Gallery: HOLIDAY TRIP WITH ALDI 26. 9. 2008 | 27.–28. 9. 2008

First swimming pictures are here! :) Today was very hot day, and swimming in the water was good idea to spend pleasant afternoon.

Gallery: WEEKEND TRIP WITH ALDI 7. 9. 2008

On this day I started periodic training of Aldi focused to basis of obedience. On our local training place in Pezinok, most dogs here are breed of German shepherd. Training is every weekend (both of days), so sometimes my niece Laura helped me to manage it if I couldn't get there. In the gallery you can see some pictures taken there.

Gallery: DOG TRAINING 14. 9. 2008 | 18. 10. 2008 | 19. 10. 2008

This two-day exhibition was good occassion to meet Aldi's breeder family and talk together about our life with dogs. Also, we met there with Aldi's brother. I've been at dog exhibition for the first time, and it was really fascinating experience not as for photographer, only. But, also for as new begginer with dog keeper. First day of show, I was there with my Rusty, my good friend, who has White shepherd dog. Next day I was there with my niece Laura, she wanted to see Aldi's mother Amber Rise, so much.

Gallery: DUODANUBE 16. 8. 2008 | 17. 8. 2008

I travel with Aldi to my work by train. We also use Bratislava's urban mass transportation like trams, buses or trolley buses and getting on/off by Aldi is very good. But this moving was problematic for Aldi, till this day... I didn't expect it, but when I leave Bratislava's main station, and thanks to my good friend Rasty (he awaits Aldi in the train and call to him to get on) Aldi get on the train... I've been so happy for this... Aldi is really very smart boy. ;-)

Today we've visited our pet doctor for the first time. It was preventive control and also, there's time to make vaccination against rabies. Aldi has felt dull, but he's been really brave and I was proud of him.

I've got invitation to spend time with my friend Alis on her bungalov surrounded by trees garden and gravel deposit lake. And... it is something, what is in hot summer days very in demand. This place is near Nové Košariská area, and I didn't have my digital camera, so these few pictures in the gallery are taken by Alis' camera.

Gallery: WEEKEND TRIP WITH ALDI 2. 8. 2008

First half part of summer is going to be behind us, and I bring you new photos from our next weekend trip. I've been here with my niece Laura. Enjoy.

Gallery: WEEKEND TRIP WITH ALDI 26. 7. 2008

Today was our first weekend trip. Very hot summer weather during day, but later afternoon was the right time to get a walk. Aldi is now 4 month-old collie.

Gallery: WEEKEND TRIP WITH ALDI 19. 7. 2008 | 20. 7. 2008

I think, it will be unforgetable day forever... In this day Aldi left his native pack, and became member of our family's pack. Since that day, life of our family was turned upside-down. No one has anticipated, that he's going become our new, most beloved family member.

Gallery: DAY OF THE MEETING

Days full of discovering, scrambling, playing with mates and mother, resting... Happy childhood and life full of energy and desire to learn every day something new... That's dog life...

Gallery: ALDI'S EARLY CHILDHOOD

Maybe one of the most regular days... but... not for Amber Rise, Aldi's mother... Because she delivered 8 awesome puppies, on this day. New life became its existence, and fight for every possibility to get mum's milk and her gentle care. Aldi came to this world as last from all puppies. So adventure of his life can begin...

Gallery: ALDI'S BIRTHDAY — 18. 3. 2008