Blog Archives

Extras... and "Stuff"

10/30/2019

So, I didn't get the extras posted yesterday as I'd hoped. But today. Well, today, I finally did. Late as it is.

Yesterday ended up being another long dog day! For the most part centering around my own.

I was lucky enough to be able to participate in a clinical trial at UF with Majestic and Ritz and get some free testing done at the same time! This particular trial, which I signed up for several months back, is studying a correlation between diet, specifically grain free diet, and DCM. Included in the study are Dobermans, Golden Retrievers and Schnauzers. I assume most of you have heard about the recent FDA reports regarding potentially harmful effects of feeding grain free. I for one, after reading the report was overjoyed I'd never jumped on that bandwagon. And I don't recommend feeding grain free. While it's known Dobermans are genetically prone to the disease there has been an uptick of DCM in some breeds that historically are not. There have already been a few studies documenting correlation. The one I'm most familiar with was Golden Retriever specific. But it serves to reason, if those foods weren't good for Goldens, they probably aren't good for any breeds.

www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davis-investigates-link-between-dog-diets-and-deadly-heart-disease

But, apparently the jury's still out. Or at the very least they feel there are enough unknowns to warrant additional investigation. Despite the long day I was happy to participate and the highlight came when I had a chance to speak with the cardiologist and receive my preliminary reports. Both Ritz and Majestic continue to have strong healthy hearts and normal echocardiograms. Blood was drawn as well for taurine levels BNP and genetic markers but those will be sent out and not available for some time.

www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davis-investigates-link-between-dog-diets-and-deadly-heart-disease

All in all it was a good day. While waiting for my dogs I had a chance to chat with one of my pup pals who had his girl, Libby, there for the same study. The conversation definitely helped pass the time and it was great to see Joe and one of my pups in the flesh. Have seen quite a few photos of her but it's just not quite the same as the real deal.
I wrapped up the day tending to the pups first- then moved on to my own who were happy to see me and eager to eat.

Then we opened the Chewy box! We have a tendency to move through toys pretty rapidly so when I buy I usually buy in bulk. The kids like their Hol-ee Rollers and I ike the JW products. I find most to be pretty Doberman worthy!

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Moving Right Along!

10/29/2019

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I'm happy to report I FINALLY got all the pup pages updated for a the week! My Mac is uploading slower than molasses!! And that's no joke! Doubt it's the computer actually... more than likely the supposedly, high speed connection I have here. I think high speed in the sticks falls into a slightly different category than high speed in the big city. I managed to get quite a few good pics of the pups on their individual outings and will try and post a few of the extras tomorrow.

Getting decent photos of them though, as expected, is getting harder and harder. They're getting amazingly quick... or I'm getting slower. Probably a combination of the two. Once again the tracking award for the week goes out to Pink. She's a tough one to sneak away from.

They're all getting super sweet! Cuddly and so far no biting to speak of which is awesome!!! They're also gaining quite a bit more confidence. Nearly no howling this week if/when they lost track of me. Just an obvious determination in their quest to find me. They're getting pretty good at it and always get loads of praise for a job well done when they succeed! Even if they found me before I really wanted them to. lol

Got a message from Shon today to let me know which boy they've decided to claim as their own. Seems Melissa won the battle and Mr Orange, now Butler, will be joining their family.

Things really begin to happen this weekend! We've got visits scheduled with Jace, Jennifer, Esmeralda and Caroleen! Should make for a fun Saturday!

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Another Day...

10/29/2019

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Hard at it again! Another pup and my props. Sign compliments of Lisa from my last litter. Thank you Lisa! I love it!!! It'll get hung but for now I'm liking it for photos! :-)

Hopefully the weather and light will cooperate long enough today for me to get week six pages wrapped up!

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Week Six! We're At It Again.....

10/28/2019

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A Few Shots From The Course Of Week Five...

10/27/2019

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Hi Pups pals... seems I've been a bit lacking on entries/communication for the week... In general just a busy week. Couple appointments for annuals for my dogs... and ordeal trying to shop for and secure flea prescriptions through my Vet to submit to Walmart Pet Pharmacy... who'da thought keeping your dogs flea free should be such an issue. Prescription required now for most everything that actually does the job.

As noted below, I've submitted the necessary paperwork to AKC to register the litter... Now it's up to each of you to come up with an appropriate AKC name so you'll be ready to register your pup as an individual! I'm still not solid on a name for Shine... but thinking something along the lines of "Got My Back's Starz That Shine" or "Got My Back's Bright and Shining Star". Or Maybe "Got My Back's Sparkle And Shine". Decisions... decisions.

Pups were weighed yesterday so I could accurately dose their wormers. I missed last week, mainly because they weren't due for anything and I'm not concerned about anyone. Each is basically stable in maintaining their position within the litter. Including Orange who is turning into a tank, mainly because he's a glutton!!! Pink remains the lightest but I have zero concerns for her. She's a feisty one and has always appeared conformationally correct to me.

My Affie Fancy is in the middle of coat change, having just experienced her first heat, and for that reason is requiring quite a bit of brushing. So that's how I've been spending my evenings. On the bed with a throw, brush in hand, dog in my lap and movie in the background.

Shine too has been getting her due time.... some basic training which she's eager and willing to pick up. She's a smart one! Nature of the breed. Also their nature to show happiness for a job well done! Most evident when they do right when offered a boatload of praise and of course, at this stage of the game, some tasty treats!

The others are happy with some love and an occasional run for the frisbee.

Outside of that not too much is new... Pups are doing great and looking phenomenal. Eating about 15-16 cups a day between them split throughout three meals over the course of the day!!!

Selections are in progress. Early! Red, as I mentioned, was selected a week or so back. And a few days ago Sean arrived to stake claim on his girl. No name yet for her but I have no doubt he'll come up with a great one! Needs to see her in action and get to know her first!

Today we will learn who claims title of pick of the litter of the males!

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Oh The Challenge Is Real!

10/22/2019

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Making good progress on weekly photos... but not done yet! Close. I think the only pup left to do is Hera.

Yesterday's weather caught me off guard. Had I known rain was forecast, I may have organized my day somewhat differently. Probably could have wrapped things up.

As it was, I got a good start toward completing my photo shoot during the morning hours. But mid day, I felt a need for a break and decided to take the opportunity for a photo shoot with my own pup, Shine. It's been a while since I've put any serious effort into capturing some great shots of her. And like the pups, she's growing and changing on a daily basis.

Then it was on to preparation for a fresh tape and post! Unwrapping... And of course a few more photos to document the progress we've made. Then the clouds came rolling in.

Next on the somewhat unplanned agenda for the day... a time for the pups to get some exposure to the elements while protected, if they chose, from direct elements. Most chose protection. I think it was only grey who ventured out into by then a drizzle and a mud puddle in order to bat at a plant. The pups romped and played on the porch unbothered while some distant thunder rolled in the background. Probably spent a couple hours out there with them before the masses began to disappear huddled in groups for warmth and a feeling of security. So, so thankful for large covered porches! Definitely helps when it comes to pup rearing. And weather.

Then it was back to Shine. First a romp with her best bud Majestic for a thorough wearing out and then to complete her ears with a fresh set of tape and post.

I wrapped up the day with a run and Friz for each of the adults. It was a big dog day here, not unlike many others. And for now, while you wait for weekly page updates, I'll share with you some shots of farm life. Lots of life. Life with Dobermans of many different sizes shapes and ages.

This morning after loading photos on the computer last night, it seemed I was a little short on shots of Yellow and ran out of time and energy while doing Pink. Most of the pups have a pretty good tracking device on them already but let me tell you Pink's abilities are amazing! And for a small pup of just over 5 weeks of age, she can cover a significant amount of ground quickly! I decided maybe I'd have better luck getting the photos I wanted if I took them out as a pair. Only borderline successful though as they aren't apt to venture away from each other. Got a few pretty cute photos of the pair though so will include those too.

Shine: Three Point Five Months

They Change SO Quickly!!!

Shine And Jess... Jess: Six Point Seven Five Years

Pink and Yellow

Rainy Day With Pups... Thankful For Covered Porches!

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Hello Week Five!

10/20/2019

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Pups are doing great! Upping their intake growing and tolerating their meals well! Between them they're gobbling up about 6 cups of kibble a day. Nearly ready for an increase again I think. Gave them the opportunity to try it plain yesterday, unblended and un-soaked. They're not yet ready to transition but it shouldn't be long as each showed interest and most gave it a go. The first day or so I fed them Victor Professional but after a near immediate response of loose poo, I've come to the conclusion the food's too rich for them... or something? As a result I've gone back to the previously tried and true IAMS Large Breed Puppy which they seem to be tolerating well.

Great day yesterday, despite the rain, as we welcomed Brendan and his daughter, Emerson, to the land of pups to get selections underway. And just like that "Miss Red" became Hera! The pups, most specifically the girls this time, soaked up all the extra love, attention and handling Em was happy to provide! Kids and Dobermans! A truly magical combo!

The rest of the day was spent with the big kids... frisbee for all who would entertain the game and just hanging out with those who weren't so inclined. They're all loving the cooler temps, drizzle or not!

Then it was on to some reorganization. The whelping box has been dismantled and I've once again reclaimed my bedroom! The pups are in the neighboring mud room in a corral that has seen much use and has worked so well for me and past litters. Their current housing which will remain up for the duration provides a potty area of shavings, a cot bed that they sometimes sleep on, sometimes sleep under and unfortunately sometime poo on. Next to the bed a food/water station. Hopefully they'll soon figure out what each station is best suited for.

While I always miss the presence of the pups as I retire for the night, it's also nice to once again open things up for each of the big dogs. Normally, all get their allotted rotations on and off the bed and some quality alone time with mom. Last night I wrapped up the evening with my Fancy Girl, the hairy one! Brush in hand and movie in the background. Multitasking as usual. Thankful for Netflix and the "rewind" button.

So, with week five upon us, it seems a photo session is is order and I'll get started with same today. Not promising how long it will take to get and post the photos this time. Seems it always takes longer than I anticipate. I think my brother had it right when he said many years ago, "regardless of project, assume it will take three times as long as you think it might". I've found that to be a pretty good way to approach "projects" in general! At least the project at hand is a fun one!

I'll be calling everyone on the list in the next few days to try and set up a time for everyone to come select their pups. But like I said, it's still early in the game. Lots of time!