This Belated Family Birthday Event, I Hope You Will Still Experience With Me, As Being A Special Way, To Wish A Rather Beautiful Lady....
Not Just a 19th of June 2011 Late Happy 15th Birthday....
But Also To Wish My Felicity, Continued Health To Reach Her 16th Birthday. Then, When 19 June 2012 Arrives, I Will Have The Opportunity To Do A Whole New Family Birthday Celebration Posting For Felicity... And Maybe Even Be On Time!
First, I'll include a photo of Felicity I did a few days before Boxing Day 2010. At the time she was 14yrs6mths....
Except for now being 15yrs 2wks and therefore 6months older, there is not a lot of change you would see if I had a present day photo to share with you. Felicity can still see and hear. Still manages stairs. Enjoys her prepared meals of mainly, for Human's to consume type, chicken meat, rice and vegetables. With the meat being as free of hormones, preservatives and additives as I can procure... no tin stuff. I really don't believe in those mass prepared, what I consider as imitations of food.
Though my Felicity is not always willing to have photos of her done, there are others to follow that go back a few years. This photo of Felicity I achieved with my phone "Vivaz". The black background I achieved with the help of the Paint Programme with Windows 7. The result looks heaps better I assure you, than the inclusion of the various Kitchen items that are now hidden behind the black fill.
My Felicity was born on 19 June 1996 in Queensland Australia. Her Kennel name is "Dobian Funin Dasun". Her Dad's (or Sire's) name was Dobian Dark Czar. Her Mum's (or Dam's) name was Aargus Hurricane Gemma. I write was, because both are deceased.
Dark Czar's colouring was Black with Rust. Hurricane Gemma's colouring was Red with Tan. Felicity as you can see, inherited her Dad's colouring of Black with Rust. Though Felicity's Rust is flecked now with White.
Felicity's Great great Grandfather, from both her Paternal and Maternal Parents, was from Spain. I mention this, because Felicity is not a large Doberman, rather from what I have learnt, Felicity's build follows the smaller Spanish Line of Doberman.
Now that I have mentioned a little about Felicity's Ancestry, I hope you won't mind reading something about the Doberman's emergence into being part of the World of Dogs.
Many of you will probably already know what I'm writing about, but for those of you who don't, you may find the History of the Doberman as interesting as I have in learning of it....
The Doberman is a young Breed. They do not have lots of History to draw upon to guide them in all they do and are. The combining of various Dogs to bring about what we know today as the Doberman are of themselves a mixture of older and younger Breeds, but within them, each held the necessary traits the Breeder was looking for to become enmeshed into one Breed... The Doberman.
What were the qualities needed in one Dog, not available amidst one of the Dog Breeds already thriving.... Strength, Loyalty, Intelligence and Ferocity.
With my experiences with Felicity I'll add... Agility, Speed, being Non-Reflective even in Full Moonlight, imbued with incredibly good directional instincts and probably also excellent at night.
Felicity being my first Journey in sharing my Life with a Doberman, her non-reflectiveness at night when we were out Walking was rather eerie in the beginning.
During Free-runs at night I could never see her... I would hear her light rhythmic thudding steps as she ran across the Ground, but I would never see her. I learnt to listen carefully to know the direction Felicity was heading or arriving from, so preventing my self suddenly being surprised by her presence. Her Colouring is so Solid, not even Moonlight reflects off her, yet during the day her coat shines. Even now in her elder years this applies.
I also learnt that night-time is her favourite time, especially when Felicity was younger. Sunny days to be out exploring she was not as comfortable with for any length of time, so usually early mornings were our day time walkabouts through the Bush or Canefields, depending where we happened to be living. Actually, I walked and Felicity mostly ran at full gallop.
I also learnt, no matter which direction I went in, Felicity always found me. I never called, so my voice was not the clue for her to know which direction I had wandered off in.
I discovered I had this Freedom and Security with her, when I realised off-lead for Felicity meant, bounding off any which way at full run, and I'd be left to find my own way about. I was at first concerned. Especially the first time she disappeared through fully-grown Cane. I stood still worrying, listening, calling, watching for Cane movement and waiting.... her arrival from a completely different direction with a look of utter delight on her face had me decide to have faith in her.
From then on I wandered about walking... Felicity, nearly always in run mode, disappeared and reappeared regularly... and together we would have a nice time during early mornings and also on Full Moonlit nights... each doing the Journey as we both liked best to do it.
Returning to the need a Doberman fulfilled....
Karl Frederich Louis Dobermann was the Man who needed a specific type of Dog to assist him during his Journeys, in particular when Tax Collecting. The time-frame is around the 1890's, after the Franco-Prussian War.
Though that War was short. War is War. The aftermath would be taking its toll, so one can see the atmosphere of the time. Herr Dobermann's job would neither have endeared him to Folk, or enable him to be safe when he travelled the Countryside laden with money, I'm sure Folk desperately needed or were simply greedy for.
Herr Dobermann's area was in the German State of Thuringia, in a Town called Apolda, where he was Keeper of the Apolda Dog Pound as well as being the local area's Tax Collector. Having to travel through dangerous bandit-infested areas, the idea of a Dog suitable to help him be safe formed. Then, with the help of the Dogs from the Apolda Dog Pound, Herr Dobermann bred the first Doberman type Dog.
To the left is an outline Map of Germany showing the State of Thuringia in Dark Green.To the right is an outline Map, also of Germany, this time indicating where the Town of Apolda is located in Thuringia. Though both Maps are present day representations of the area consisting of Thuringia and Apolda, they still show where the Doberman began its existence during 1890. I read there are Monuments dedicated to the Doberman in the Township of Apolda. The Doberman's emergence is still meaningful for the People of Apolda.
I feel Herr Dobermann had knowledge of Dog Types and their genetic compatibility in order to attain his goal for specific qualities to become amalgamated and emerge True.
By True, I'm referring to the Traits Attained will successfully re-emerge with each successive Breeding. This success was attained... and the Doberman still Breeds True.
My other reason for feeling my suggestion Herr Dobermann was knowledgeable in Dog Matters, also stems from him having died by 1894.
The Title "Doberman", is more recent. Originally the Doberman's Title was "Dobermann-pinscher", given to the Breed by the Germans in honour of Herr Dobermann after his death.
About 50 years later, the word "Pinscher", German for 'Terrier', was deemed unsuitable in defining the Breed by the Germans and discontinued. Some years later the British did the same.
Otto Goeller and Philip Gruenig continued refining the Doberman Breed after Herr Dobermann's death, bringing the Breed away from, I presume, a more Terrier appearance into being the elegant, sleek, clean-line look of the modern Doberman.
Modern Dobermans, are now also Bred with Temperaments suitable for living with Families and Children.
I really do feel the need to express the following words I write, with having included the last outline...
I believe, it is always important to remember, when considering a Doberman, what Herr Dobermann originally intended a Doberman to be. The Doberman Bred True very quickly.
Therefore, I believe that the True Inner-essence Herr Dobermann successfully Bred to be the Dog he needed is still a Doberman's core and will always be so.
To choose a Doberman is to respect why it is a Breed of Dog. It is also important to recognise and understand the responsibility you have in the way your Doberman will behave once is part of your Life.
The word "Doberman" is now generally spelt with the single 'n', but "Dobermann" with the double 'n' is also used.
I hope you have enjoyed reading the outline I've put together about my Felicity's History. If you would like to continue and view some photos of Felicity, of Felicity and me, with probably some word input.... please....
The first few photos are from my then VGA phone "Blacky". Blacky's photos give me the impression someone painted them...
They were both done in July 2008. I'm nearly 57 and Felicity a month past 12. We had that year moved into the rental where we still are. We were out in the morning Sunshine... we're both rugged up... it is was Winter and cold, even with the Sun's Light warming us. It was fun attempting to do these photos of us while I held Blacky the phone out in front.
The next photo, only a couple of weeks later, is about Felicity having survived Poisoning from Cane Toad Toxin...
The next photo is towards the end of August 2008....
Felicity enjoying some warm Sunshine to help her heal. Both photos certainly contrast from the joy she emanated with the first two in July 2008.
Looking at the the two photos of Felicity from August 2008 reminds me of that time of trauma and how lucky we were. The end of that Winter was quite warm during the day and early evenings. Cane Toads were out and about sometimes in the evening. As I would discover... Felicity had harassed, not one, but two very large ones....
I had not realised what had happened. The trauma began on a Friday night in the first week of that August. Felicity had evening till dawn as her free time outside. Our two Hens and two Ganders had the yard to themselves during the day. So was the routine since moving into our present rental during the January of 2008.
The first sign something was not right with Felicity was with her not feeling like eating dinner. Later that night she went for a run. Within a very short time afterwards our Trauma began. In hindsight, the adrenaline rush linked with that late night run, would have coursed the Cane Toad's toxin through her blood stream very quickly. The poison had already been in her body for about 6hrs by then.
It was around midnight, continuing regularly until nearly dawn... blood and faecal matter poured from her bowel. Yes, poured. Thankfully the blood was dark, not bright red.
Toxin of some kind I knew was causing it... I just broke open as many Charcoal capsules as I dared, made a thickish paste, began syringing large doses down her throat, followed by warmish water and continued to dose after every outpouring. Desperately hoped I could neutralise the poison flowing through her system. I had to wait until the day to obtain Slippery Elm Bark Powder to include to help reline her gut.
By Dawn the worst seemed to be over. I was wrong.... by nightfall the real trauma began. I knew by then too, Felicity's condition was the result of her interaction with two Cane Toads.... large and rather chewed when I saw what was left in the morning. So with Slippery Elm Bark Powder to now mix with the Charcoal, dosing began again.
Felicity was exhausted, so was I. With repeatedly needing to mop up the floor and Felicity after each happening, I began to wonder if my nostrils would ever again be free of the scent of blood. Felicity groaned when again her bowel had to let go. She wanted to go Bush .... I presume to lay down and die ... I decided to keep her on the lead, after twice tracking her down, in the dark of night, through the bush, in the cold, with just a very old phone's torch to light my way.
I felt pure joy, even through my numb tiredness, when finally, on the Tuesday, what began emerging from the rear was black as the charcoal going in and seeing black jelly looking stuff, as the Slippery Elm Bark Powder joined in.
Next came the rebuilding process of boiled chicken broth in small doses every half hour. Increasing the amount and time space until she began lapping it her self. Then adding shredded chicken meat into the process until she was able to eat a small meal a few times a day.
Even though we did have two set-backs during the Healing Time, as you can see between August's first and second photo, we did okay.
Do you wonder why didn't I just take her to the Vet!! My simple answer is lack of money. But you may also have noticed how I went about doing what I could to help and rebuild her.... I have been through similar situations with Felicity, which included Veterinary time... experience does teach. Though I do feel we were also given a Miracle with her surviving.
With the next two photos, Felicity, still travelling 12 at the time, has progressed further into being well....
The first is in October 2008, two months after our August 2008 ordeal...
The colouring you see represents what was occurring that afternoon. The time was nearing Sunset. The Sun's Light bathed everything in a golden glow. Even when I looked at my skin, it was gold. I know Blacky's photos are not wonderful, but they still hold a Story and retain the Memory of a Moment in Time. I feel that is really what matters. Also, you can see Felicity is steadily gaining weight. The lead is present more times than not now... Short Story... Safety!
Next is in December 2008. Another two months has passed....
Felicity is looking good. Natural surroundings suit her. Summer was good that year. Our early morning Bush Walks at the time did her good. With the Sun's first Light being our Ally, we wandered about the Terrain of the adjoining Land to our Rental, discovering different sights, sounds and scents. Those early morning walks compensated Felicity for no longer being allowed to wander about the Yard on her own, without a lead on.
Next we are in February 2009, with my new phone "Viewty", I have photo type photos of Felicity...
12yrs8ths is Felicity in those. Quite speckled with white round the the mouth now. It is a little sad that Felicity never again regained her joy levels like they were before August's 2008 trauma we survived. To me, Felicity often seems to be in reflection. Happiness and pleasure will still show... but always there is also a slight reserve.
Next we are in May 2009, one month before Felicity's 13th Birthday....
I certainly would not have been able to achieve that photo with my previous dear little "Blacky". My "Viewty" gave me some lovely photos to Treasure like the one I have included here with Felicity.
When we were unable to benefit from wandering amid our Rental's adjoining Land due to vegetation becoming overgrown, and then due to the Land being leased for Ponies to graze upon, we began going for a drive to a nearby Park...
There I enjoyed new photo opportunities, and Felicity enjoyed the different scents... her nose was rarely in any other position than the one you see in the photo.
Do you notice Felicity's ear flipped up, showing the pink underside? Often happens. I have concluded it is a way to assist her in maintaining her body temperature. I also feel that when her ear is in that position while she is occupied, she is ensuring her hearing is at maximum.
Am so thankful, the Kennel from where Felicity was bred did not believe in, what I regard, as the horrendous practise, of forcing and cutting a Doberman's ears so they eventually remain erect.
With the years I have shared with Felicity, and observed how she uses her ears, I cannot imagine what Doberman's with Cropped Ears would feel with never being able to modify how sound reaches their ear-drums, nor being unable to change their temperature by flipping their ears over like Felicity does.
Controversy did exist with docking a Doberman's Tail, which is now banned in Australia. Yet I feel Tail-docking, done by a Veterinary, is far less disfiguring or cruel, as is the act of crippling a Doberman's Sensitive Ears over stages to reach a desired look.
Leaving that Subject behind.... isn't the Tree Felicity is infront of magnificent? Also, Felicity looks simply beautiful amid Nature with no lead. It's moments like those, one can appreciate how wonderful and privileged one is to see Animals moving about Nature's Landscape, even when Domesticated and doing no harm.
To close this Journey for Felicity's 15th Birthday, I decided to step back in time and include a photo of a 'rhyton', which is a drinking vessel of Ancient Greece. It has a hole in the bottom for drinking from.... which I find rather an interesting interpretation for one's imagination to consider for being a way to drink from something!
But that is not the reason I have included an image of an Ancient Greek Rhyton.... the reason is the shape....
 |
| Ancient Greek Rhyton In The Shape Of A Dog's Head, By Brygos, Early 5thCentury BC. |
Looks a lot like a Doberman to me. What do you think? Dobermans have only been around since the 1890's, just over 100 years. The rhyton was made around the 480 - 470 BC time span. A few thousand years difference. Interesting I feel.
Maybe Herr Dobermann was interested in Ancient History, had seen this particular Artefact from the times of Ancient Greece, and felt inspired by the appearance of the Dog portrayed. Such things are not impossible.
Brygos the Painter is the name inscribed on the Vessel which was made during the early 5th Century BC. Brygos the Painter, is named after the Potter Brygos, whom the Artist worked for it seems. Though it is unclear to those in the know, whether both were actually one Person.
Whether achieved by one Brygos or two, it is a beautiful item. "Brygos", specialised in Cups and is noted for the Style of Craftsmanship of many such Artefacts unearthed by Archaeologists.
I had an interesting and challenging time searching for information to clarify what I already had. Nothing with my Felicity is ever simple or easy, so I should not be surprised I had an adventure in order to achieve some clarity.
The Artefact was photographed by Clio20 on 4 September 2006, at the Jerome Carcopino Museum's Department Of Archaeology located at Aleria, which is sort of on the North East Coast of Corsica, a tiny Island sort of South of France, where was displayed at the time.
Simply from interest....
Hopefully you can read my input on the Map. Since joining Blogger... where somewhere is... has become a thoroughly interesting exploration I also like to share. Hope you don't mind.
Jerome Carcopino - 27 June 1881 to 17 March 1970 - was a noted French Historian and Member of many Archaeological and Historical Institutions in Europe.
Again from my searchings, I think I have resolved, that the Ancient Greek Drinking Vessel by Brygos, is Housed in the Department of Archaeology named in honour of Jerome Carcopino, not the name of the Museum it self. But if you went to Aleria, I am sure you would not have too much difficulty in finding which Museum. If I eventually resolve, which Museum, I'll add the information to this Post.
Gosh, I think I have reached the end.
Thank you, if you have managed to reach this sentence. I am deeply appreciative.
Amazing, I am finally succeeding in Posting this for Felicity's Birthday and am still in June 2011. I've had a thoroughly fascinating and challenging time putting this Story together. But that has been what living with Felicity has been like over the 15yrs we have shared. Never easy or simple, but always educational.
Interestingly, I am Posting this for Felicity on the very day that is a close friend's Birthday. The very Lady, who on the day of my Birthday in 2008, arrived to spend the day with me. Our Friend knew nothing of what Felicity and I had endured and survived. I was filled with emotion with what she unknowingly gave me that day with her surprise gift. So in essence, today, 30 June 2011, is really a special day to have achieved Felicity's belated 15th Birthday sharing with you.
I also thank B & Mrs B Collecott for having Bred my beautiful, even if challenging Doberman, Felicity (Dobian Funin Dasun). To extend the credit they deserve for having bred excellent Dobermans... a Policeman once asked me where Felicity is from... when I said... his comment was simple... I'll not have a problem with her, she's been well bred.
Nearly forgot to mention.... a Doberman's general life-span is about 10yrs, sometimes to 13yrs. So me and Felicity are really doing very well. Just as an added interest... with a Dog's year being 7 for each Human year, means an equivalent Human would be 105yrs! Amazing!
Introductory Image is from -
http://www.animated-gifs.eu
For the History references:
For the general information about Dobermans...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Frederich_Louis_Dobermann
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doberman_Pinshcer
The two maps showing Thuringia and Apolda -
Thuringia....
David Liuzza 15.10.2006
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thuringia
Apolda...
Nord Nord West 30.06.2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apolda
Information for the Ancient Greek Rhyton By Brygos in the early 5th Century BC...
Photo -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogs
Various information for Brygos -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brygos_Painter
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brygos
The J. Paul Getty Museum...
http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artMakerDetails?maker=34
The Museum, where at the time the Vessel was being shown...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Departmental_Museum_of_archaeology_Gilort_(Jerome)_Carcopino
If of interest to you, Jerome Carcopino's name Googled, will provide you with some interesting connections for discovering the many written Historical Papers he wrote during his life. From my brief look, I would regard the French Historian, Jerome Carcopino, as being very dedicated to his research and understanding of History and its importance in our Present Times.
World Map -
http://www.freeworldmaps.net
Locating Aleria was rather interesting... eventually I was successful. I have not listed the paths I travelled. I did not realise I would include the quantity I have. But I'm sure from the information I have included, locating Aleria, if interested, will not be difficult.
All the other photos are by me and my phones.... "Blacky" an Lg VGA mobile phone 2008-2009. "Viewty" an Lg 5megapixel mobile phone 2009-2010. With the 1st photo of Felicity being from my present "Vivaz", a Sony Ericsson 8megapixel mobile phone 2010 -
If you would be interested....
Amid the Labelled Collections....
Being a Family Inspires - "Boxing Day Encounter" 16 Jan 2011... is a Story which includes Felicity.
Photo Journeys - "Flood Waters and a Park" Parts 1 & 2 - 9th & 10th Jan 2011... are two Stories
of the Park I mention with the beautiful Tree Felicity is standing infront of.
My appreciation to you for sharing this time with me for my Felicity, with good wishes to you from Magda.
Felicity... may we still have another year and another Story to share for June 2012. Hugs filled with love for you Felicity, from your Friend and Carer, Magda...
Happy Belated Birthday Story Felicity.
What a gorgeous girl Felicity is. Here's hoping that she has many more birthdays that you get to share in.
ReplyDeleteKIMMIE, you are a Treasure... and a beautiful little cup-cake with that exquisite Rose to Celebrate the Occasion.... thank you.
ReplyDeleteYour words are deeply appreciated by me and my Felicity Kimmie.
She has been beside me during this rather strenuous and challenging putting together and getting out here Post for her. Now she has her first response to have read to her. VERY SPECIAL, very rewarding.
Hugs of appreciation from Magda... and Felicity... and each of my wondrous Critters who have shown heaps of patience in this Post's eventuation.
wow Magda!! what a a tribute posting to Felicity! Happy Birthday to her!!
ReplyDeleteshe has been through a lot...but obviously...you and Felicity are on the same path...there for each other.
may you have many more birthdays pass by together...
thanks for all the info you gathered...and i have to say...i LOVE that picture where Felicity is up close to the lens!!
she's beautiful!!
I too Love the photo of Felicity getting up-close and Personal with the lens. It is one of my favourites of her, simply because she was being her self when she did it.
ReplyDeleteOh yes... I do agree with you... this is a full-on Tribute to Felicity. Didn't realise just how much I had written until I sent a Copy to the Breeders of Felicity... I was shocked when I saw the quantity I had written, and that was without the photos!
The information was interesting reading, and I found it intriguing noticing the emergence of the Doberman coincides with the establishing in America of a 'Mother's Day' Day after the Franco-Prussian and Civil Wars....
From both Wars emerges the need for stronger Protection and Loyalty and the need to Honour the importance of Mothers.... Fascinating.
Thanks immensely Laura for acknowledging this Post for Felicity.... special for me and for her.
Hugs of love and appreciation to you Laura, from your Friend Magda
Happy Birthday Felicity! May you have many, many more to come xoxo Magda I love, love, love your blog. I could sit here for hours & read what you've decided to share. Thankyou for giving me the chance to be a part of it. Much love Maria xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh I am pleased... you made it MARIA.
ReplyDeleteMy thanks multiplied indefinitely.
Thrilled plus that you love my Blog... makes me feel good with having asked you to Visit, I discover this way, you've really enjoyed your time here.
Heaps of thanks on behalf of Felicity for your good wishes to her... she's rather curled up on her bed with 2 rugs and a windcheater type one over both at the moment... it is a crisp morning... breakfast is next and should warm her.
With appreciation and Friendship, wrapped in a big hug to you Maria, with love from Magda xxx also