A Corgi Fairytale...

from Heartbridge on Etsy

I recently found this theory of how Corgis came to be and wanted to share it with you. It was written by Kim Campbell Thornton. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Queen Mab clapped her hands.  "I am bored," she cried. "Let us take our steeds and go for a ride."

Instantly before the fairy queen appeared a small red and white dog wearing a gold collar and bell. On his back was a tiny saddle made of the finest leather and chased in silver. Similar dogs appeared to other members of the fairy court. They each mounted their enchanted dogs, and led by Queen Mab and her huntsman, Dark Edric, they rode out of the hollow hills. By the light of the moon, they flew through the forests of Wales.

Suddenly, one of the fairies gave a cry. His steed had brushed against a trap set by poachers. Made of iron, its touch was deadly to fairy folk, and both the courtier and his little dog were laid low by its power. The other fairies gathered round, yet keeping their distance lest they too be struck down by the cold bite of iron. "What shall we do?" said Queen Mab. "We cannot leave them here to die."

A small, hesitant voice broke the silence that followed her question. A human boy peered from behind a tree, his frightened sister at his side. "If you please, your majesty. I can move the trap away so that it won't be touching them anymore," he said. "And my sister knows herbs. She may be able to ease their pain."

"What are you doing out at this time of night, boy?" the queen demanded. "Do you not know that the night holds many dangers for mortals?" 

"My father is a shepherd," the boy replied. "Our best ewe is lost, and without her we shall surely starve."

"Heal my friends," the queen said,  "and I shall repay you many times over."

The boy and his sister tugged at the heavy trap until it was far enough away to do no harm. Then the girl gathered white oak bark and blackberry leaves. Wetting them in the stream, she made a soothing compress. With their rapid healing powers, the fairy and his dog steed were soon well again.

Fezzik

Taggart

"I promised you a reward, boy," Queen Mab said. Twice she rang the golden bell that hung around her dog's neck. Two red and white puppies appeared. They were low-set, strong and sturdy, with dark eyes that gleamed with intelligence. "These are fairy dogs," Queen Mab said. "They are swift and clever and true, and they can herd cattle, as well as sheep. Treat them well, and you shall never lose your livestock again." Then she clapped her hands and the entire fairy court disappeared, leaving behind only the two pups.

The shepherd's family prospered, and the fairy dogs gave birth to puppies. The Corgis as they became known - from the Welsh words cor meaning "dwarf" and gi meaning "dog" - were highly prized throughout the land for their herding ability. As a mark of their fairy steed origin, they all bore saddles or harness marks behind their shoulders. 

And on Midsummer's Day, if the dogs were a little tired for once - as they so rarely were - the shepherds simply nodded their heads wisely. They knew that every Midsummer's Eve, the fairies returned to ride the Corgis so they would never forget where they came from.

My Last Fezzik Friday...

June 4, 2010 - April 29, 2011
"Never did so much personality walk on four tiny feet.
Your were greatly loved and will be sorely missed.
Goodbye, Little Boy."

Fezzik died in my arms at noon today...complications from his surgery. I'm going to take a break from blogging for a while to try to heal my broken heart. I'll be back again when I can find new words.

For The Love Of A Corgi...

(BW file photo)

Thank you to everyone who sent get well wishes and prayers for Fezzik's surgery. I was so nervous about the little guy going to the vet yesterday, but your notes helped bolster me as I awaited results of his procedure.

I want to tell all of you that he is doing just fine and I'll be heading back to Sarasota this morning to pick him up and bring him home. I'm sure he's going to be a little uncomfortable (the vets had to make two incisions to complete the surgery), but he'll get a lot of TLC while he recuperates.

After dropping off Fez for his surgery, I ran a few necessary errands, and then had a delightful time lunching and visiting with my friend Carol from Serendipity. We agreed to both wake up early (in our own homes), make a cuppa tea, put on a pretty hat and watch the royal wedding of William and Catherine. (A guilty pleasure...please don't tell anyone! We can keep it a secret just between us.) I'm sure we'll compare notes soon! Thanks, Carol, for such a nice day. I'm really going to miss you when you head north again for the summer.

My friend, Sue from Granny's World sent me a link for a free pattern to knit this sweet little corgi. Thank you for thinking of me, Sue! I have been quilting a whole lot more than knitting these days, but I'm going to have to get out the needles to make at least one of these little darlings!

If you're interested in downloading your own free pattern of the royal corgi, just click on the photo of the little guy so you can knit one up before Wills and Kate celebrate their first anniversary!

In keeping with the last paragraph of Lynn's post on Lily Quilts (click here to read), my Royal Wedding name is...wait for it, now...Lady Irene Wonser-Bannor. What's yours?

(BW file photo)

Back to quilting after I've brought Fez home again today. I won't be a lonely nursemaid. I'm sure Kessie and Handsome will help me take care of him, too! He'll be right as rain before we know it.

Fezzik Friday On Thursday - 45 weeks...

Anybody know what today is?

No. It's not Fezzik Friday, but I really wanted to say "hi" to you this week...before I go to the vet's office today.

Who's nervous? I'm not! I'm a big boy, and I'll be just fine. Right? Yeah, Right! I'll be back before you know it, but I think I'll just take it easy for a few days after the big surgery, so don't be lookin' for me tomorrow.

Mom wouldn't let me model the bowtie and hankie pocket insert that she made for a local young man to wear to prom. Looks a little girly for me, but I'm told it's this color because he wanted to match the dress his date is wearing. He'll be wearing it this weekend, and I'm sure his date will be impressed.

I'm impressed with Mom. She hasn't made one of these before. Now, Dad wants her to augment his performance wardrobe with new bowties and cummerbunds. She said she's looking forward to doing that for him.

Mom is going to take me to the vet's office this morning, and then she's off to have lunch with her friend, Miss Carol from Serendipity. (She said she's sorry Miss Rett from The Gazebo House isn't here to join them, too.) I'll have to stay with the vet overnight, so I'm hoping Mom comes back to get me early on Friday. I'm not going to like staying away from her, Dad and Kessie overnight! Mom will write a post tomorrow to let you know how everything went. Think good thoughts, ok? Thanks! 'til next week

"More wagging, less barking."
Fezzik Inconceivable

Fezzik Friday - 44 Weeks...

Hi, everybody!

Hope you're ready for another Fezzik Friday.

You may notice I'm spending this week lying low.

First, Mom told me that Miss Shell
lost her beloved Sugie this week.

Miss Shell, I hope you feel better soon. I'll miss hearing
Mom read your stories about your sweet girl bunny.
Mom and I wish we lived closer so that
we could come over and help you feel better.

We're all very sad to hear this news and Mom, Kessie and I
send love and hugs to Miss Shell and Harrington.

On Tuesday, Mom told me that she made an appointment with my doctor for a little operation next week. Something about the "family jewels" and jokes about my voice changing. I don't think that's funny! I've been awfully proud of my Big Boy voice, and I don't want to end up with a little, yippy voice...ever. Woe is me. (Or is it, "woe is I?")

My surgery is scheduled for next Thursday, and will be a bit more extensive than a run-of-the-mill neutering. Mom said we can thank my greedy, disreputable, selfish breeder who knew she was breeding boys that don't drop their little boy hardware. Mom said that my doctor is going to have to look a little harder to find them so they can be removed.

Mom said she's having this done because she loves me and doesn't want me to get sick when I get older...and because she loves corgis, she doesn't want me contributing a breed flaw to the gene pool. We're being responsible pet and owner.

All that being said, it's still a major surgery , so it means I'll have to stay overnight at the clinic. I won't be home in time to write my own post next week, so I hope you'll come back and read Mom's post-op report. I promise I'll be back as soon as I can to let you know how I'm feeling. Wish me luck! 'til then,

"More wagging, less barking."
Fezzik Inconceivable

PS. Mom asked me to add this little reminder for everyone, too:

MONDAY, April 25th is our next Memory Lane Monday. We hope you'll have a story to link to the party. Mom will have her post up around 10 pm on Sunday to make it easier for you to link up and join in the fun.

Fezzik Friday - Ten Months...

Hi, everybody!

Guess What? I'm officially ten months old!
(Well, actually ten months and five days to be exact.)
Thanks for joining me for another Fezzik Friday!

"Hey, Mom! What's that?"

It's a big bird called a turkey vulture, Fezzik.

"That bird is really lucky I'm inside the screen
house, and not running around outside!"

"I can be pretty fierce if I have to, you know!"

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll tell you when the coast is clear."

You're a good boy, Fez. Thanks for making sure your mom is safe.

Well, everybody. Guess I'll be on patrol for awhile. Thanks for stopping by again to visit with me. I'll see you again next week. 'til then...

"More wagging, and less barking!"

Fezzik Inconceivable

Fezzik Friday - 42 Weeks...

Hi, everybody!
Time for another Fezzik Friday.

I thought you might like to see one of my favorite recent photographs...me contemplating my next impressive pool moves, and showing you my cute corgi pants.

I've been thinking a lot about what I might like to be when I grow up. Thanks to all the caveats tendered by my blog fans, I've decided that running after goats in their "littered" goat fields really isn't my style. Of course, I don't want to just mooch off Mom and Dad, so I want to keep my options open for a job that might be perfect for me.

Why, just this week I was reading Mom's computer for inspiration, and look what I found...


I asked Mom what a pre-rinse cycle was, and she very patiently explained it to me. (She's really good that way.)

I asked her if I could be her pre-rinse cycle and she laughed and then quickly said "no".

I had to wonder if she thought I might be too sloppy, or I wouldn't take pride in my work. I know I have to show up every day and put in my full shift. I guarantee that I wouldn't slack off on the job.

"Wait. Wait! Is there something good here on the door?
(I'll be right with you. Talk amongst yourselves.)

"Hey, Good Lookin'! Come here often?"

"Mom. Do we always have to put this many dishes in the box?
I don't know if I should try to load your pretty blue and white dishes."

"Ok. So here's my proposal.
Mom, you put all the dishes on the floor and I'll
pre-rinse them for you. Sounds fair, doesn't it?
What, Mom? You don't think so? Well, how can
I pre-rinse the dishes if you don't put 'em on the floor?"

"That settles it. I quit!
What do you mean, "I can't quit if I
hadn't been formally hired yet?"
I think that's just a technicality, isn't it?"

Back to the drawing board. Anybody have any ideas for a meaningful pursuit for me? I've been thinking about this for quite a while. I know there are a lot of jobs out there that would be perfect for me. I'd sure appreciate it if anybody had a real lead. Let's talk again very soon. 'til then...

"More wagging, and less barking"
Fezzik Inconceivable

Fezzik Friday - 41 Weeks and Winners...

Hi, everybody!

It's time for another Fezzik Friday!

Everybody has been asking how Kessie is, so I thought I'd share my post with her this week. I know. "Another pool post", you say, but really. If you had a full-time fur coat, lived in 80º weather and had your very own pool as a way to stay cool, what would you do?

The other exciting thing is that Mom let me click the Random Number Generator (twice!) to pick the two winners of our Second Blog Birthday celebration. Now, don't peek ahead. I have a story to tell you first!
It all started with one of my favorite toys. The blue rubber ball. I was rolling it around on the pool deck, like I usually do and sploosh! Right into the pool. Kessie was standing there watching it, and being the retriever she is...
into the pool we both went! I'm not much for water retrieves (yet), but I just couldn't resist when she jumped in.
Of course, Kessie got to the ball first and then the two of us swam to the stairs. I promptly took the ball away from her, but she didn't really seem to care.
As long as I was already wet, I figured I might as well enjoy a little swim. I think Kessie agreed.
She jumped onto the swim-out with me, and she decided to go in while I watched. She really has that dog paddle down pat!
How can a corgi compete with that technique? I mean, look. She steers with her tail!
And, while I was showing the proper respect. Yup! She walked off with MY ball. Man! A corgi gets no respect around here!

Guess, if I want some respect, I should choose the winners of Mom's Second Blog Birthday giveaway. No April Fools around here!!!

The winner of First Choice from the mug mat gift packages is
#169
Miss Judy
of
Prim2Pink

The winner of Second Choice in the giveaway is
#53
Miss Sue K.
of
Beyond The Cellar

Please contact Mom and tell her which mug mat you'd like so that she can put together your prize packages. (Just go back to the giveaway post here and choose which one you'd like. Miss Judy gets to pick first, so Miss Sue, please give first and second choices in case Miss Judy picks the one you like.)

Well, time to end another week's adventure. See you again next week! 'til then...

"More wagging, and less barking."
Fezzik Inconceivable

Fezzik Friday - 40 Weeks...

Hi, everybody!
Welcome to this week's Fezzik Friday.

You know that so far, I've had some pretty exciting adventures to share with you. Today is no exception. This week, I got to meet some of our new neighbors, which leads me to my newest career aspiration.

Do you think you could envision me as a goat herd? I know some of you might be giggling right about now, but I'm serious. Let me explain...

When Mom walked me past one of the neighbor's houses, I really had to use my Super Corgi Vision to see across their yard and pond. I knew there was something interesting, but at this point, I wasn't sure what it was. I was certainly curious.
Apparently, they'd never seen a Super Hero before either, because before I knew it, they were all coming over to check me out!
Goats, large and small, were trotting over to me. The big goats were much larger than I am, so I might have barked at them a little. I wasn't afraid, but I wanted them to know who the boss was.

I might have been glad that there was a fence between us for our first meeting, too. That big one in front was certainly an interesting chap and wanted to get to know me better!
I just quietly stood my ground as they all got closer and closer. I think I had them all mesmerized with my corgi-ness.

I'm hoping that Mom might talk with these neighbors to see if I could visit them on their side of the fence some time. (Mom said I'd have to stay on a leash so that I don't scare the little ones.)
At one point, I thought they might be impressed with my Show Dog pose. I know Mom was impressed, 'cuz she said so. Frankly, I think she's easily impressed. It doesn't take much to make her giggle. I guess it's another of my Super Hero talents, but I digress...
I stood still for quite a while as I contemplated this career choice. Hmmm. A lifetime of chasing and herding goats?
Mom. Can we go home now? I need to think about this some more. It was my first exposure to these critters, after all. I think I might take a little time before I make a final decision. I'm looking forward to visiting them again in the future. Maybe that will help.

What do you think? You know how much I appreciate hearing from you every Friday. Thanks for visiting again. 'til next week...

"More wagging and less barking."
Fezzik Inconceivable

Fezzik Friday - 39 Weeks...

Hi, everybody!

Time again for another Fezzik Friday!

My friends, Freddy Bumbles and Lily Dawgins are two really handsome corgis that we met through The Daily Corgi blog. We're soon became friends with them on Facebook. Yesterday, Lily posted a pretty photo of herself on her FB page, and it got me to thinking. I decided this week that maybe I'd like to be a male model!

I told Mom about it, and she liked the idea (thinking I'm quite the attractive lad, after all). Mom grabbed her camera and she and I had a little photo shoot in the afternoon. I'd like to share a few of my personal favorites.

Looking "rugged, yet vulnerable"...

I think I do "haughty" pretty well.
Besides, it shows off my chiseled features,
don't you think?

This is me doing "alert" - in a covert kind of way.

You can see in this photo, that I'm emoting
"happy and ready for any adventure".
I hear that's an attribute that
photographers really like in a model!

What I learned yesterday is that modeling is really tiring! I might have to rethink this career path. Between swimming, playing with Kessie and being a good dog for Mom and Dad, I'm not sure I'd have enough energy left to be a profitable male model. (Yeah, right! hee hee) Corgis are always full of energy. It's the Corgi Way!

Well, we've got a lot of fun things planned for the day and our whole weekend. I hope you have a nice weekend planned for you and your families, too. I'll see what I can come up with for next week. 'til then, remember...

"More wagging. Less barking!"

Fezzik Inconceivable

P.S. Don't forget about our Second Blog Birthday celebration. Click here to enter if you haven't yet.