Riley and Tegwen of Oregon

After 20 dog-less years, Barb M.’s search for a rescue Corgi ended in 2008 when a newspaper ad led to the cutting horse farm where Pembroke boy Riley’s parents lived and worked with other stock and buffalo. After watching Corgi mom Sarah Jean tending her two tri pups and dad Yul jump into his owner’s arms, Barb chose the friendly male pup over the dominant female and was soon on her way back to the city with 13 week-old Riley on board.

 
“Riley and I went to a puppy class, and more classes, and then we began learning agility from a wonderful instructor” writes Barb.  “Over the months, Riley proved he was fast, smart and agile. Together we walked and exercised 80 pounds off Barb, and at just over two years, Riley brought home his first two blue ribbons and became Rocket Man Riley!”

“Around Thanksgiving 2009, I heard that a local rescue group had taken in a young Corgi female. We made the contact and a few days later drove across town to meet the 8 month-old sable and white girl who had been found wandering by animal control. She was little but determined, had one brown and one blue eye, and soon she added her own Tegwen spiciness to our blend.”

 

“Riley lives life with gusto — he’s always ready to dive in and go full speed. He is his Mom’s boy and my heart Corgi. At meetups, he charges in and gets things moving. In agility, he has great focus, speed and drive. He’s done some herding and has a natural gift for moving livestock. Riley is happy,  confident and very vocal. He sees himself as equals with me and doesn’t hesitate to let me know when he wants, or approves or disapproves. His vocabulary includes a response that’s more of a sneeze when he answers me, but the neighborhood knows he’s a Corgi with a big presence and voice!”

“Teg loves people and is always ready to cuddle. She is serious about vermin control and also makes sure our kitty Henrietta gets play time. At the dog park, she goes from person to person, getting pets and adoration. She owns all the toys but loves nothing better than a game of tug or frapping with Riley. Tegwen may be a Pem/Cardi mix, but her personality is pure Pem.”

“She also takes agility lessons and did one competition run last summer, where she stopped mid-run to stare at the judge and had to be picked up, redirected, and put back down to finish. Teg is still challenged by fears and anxieties. She tells her stories with her eyes. Luckily, she smiles a little more each month. Teg is heading toward becoming a therapy dog as she nears her third birthday.”

“Our shared days are busy, with lots of walks and hikes, protecting garden vegetables and berries, herding the hens, practicing agility and playing. The Corgi alarm rings early but tired Corgis rest well at night! It’s a wonderful Portland, Oregon life!”