Apollo has left the building! And he took the little pink mouse with him! Might have to try and find another of those before our next scheduled departure. Great send off and second visit with Yvette and Robert. I love getting to know my pup peeps!
Please click the link below to "request" to join... I set the groups up as "closed" so each has their own individual page. Once on board you can add family members as you see fit.
www.facebook.com/groups/1439385579541808/ I suppose we're all preparing... to some degree. Or should be. My major concern is always loss of power and with it, water and many animals in need of hydration. Simple things such as lighting a non issue for a historically primitive camper such as myself. A little inconvenient maybe but manageable. Food the same.
Yesterday included a trip to town for the basics... Several bags of dog food, another couple bags of dog treats, a few bags of shavings, a bunch of batteries, another tub to add to the mix for water to be stored in each bathtub, some propane and of course a few of my favorite non perishable's. Worse case scenario, as far as water goes, I'm pretty sure from the forecast available, Lake Irma will once again be topped up. I prefer the dogs not go there but it's proven difficult to keep them out of it. Availability of fresh water or not! So that water, though I'm sure not the best quality would be better than none and would likely have to suffice for Rhyzja. All buckets and troughs outside will be full prior to Monday... or is it Wednesday now? And in the end, hopefully, all prep will be for not... the storm will miraculously make a sudden turn in the Atlantic and affect none of us! To be honest, I still have work to do... I'm sort of laying low, waiting to decide how much effort I want to put into securing things that could become projectile. Did I forget anything? Originally, when I first looked at the approaching storm, once making landfall, it appeared progress would bring it directly over the top of me. Always nice to have some buffer miles... but still didn't give me an easy feeling. If it weren't for the trees! So many trees! Now though, it appears it's projected path has taken a southward turn and I'm much more worried about some of you than for myself. It comes with the territory I guess, living in Florida and all we can do is set ourselves up to be as safe as possible. If that means leaving the homestead that's what it means. While I hope to get all pups out on their expected departure date, I realize the storm could place a monkey wrench in things for a few of us. Hopefully that wrench won't include my plans going forward. I've got to admit, I was freaking out a bit yesterday after glancing at my calendar. I flipped to September and said, oh no!!! it's very likely that Tuesday cropping appointment is going to happen. Later I realized the first appointment isn't until Thursday the 5th. The Tuesday appointment, one of the two original I had scheduled but cancelled, in Georgia. Phew!!! Even so... I have some concerns about this storm stalling and affecting our Thursday the 5th appointment! My fingers remain crossed!!! Lets all hope for a speedy exit of Hurricane Dorian!!! The pups are doing great! Have had some pretty good weather! Finally!!! The other day, a few of them organized their own adventure. Had them penned up in the small dog run outside the mud room while I was cleaning their indoor habitat. They enjoyed their breakfast as is typical but once done they apparently devised an escape hatch. I opened the door to retrieve them and five came bouncing in. I waited a couple minutes for the final four to no avail. Found them back by the banana trees having a grand ole time. Clever little buggers. I did the required adjustments and none have figured a way around it yet. This morning included a trip to the Vet to secure Apollo's traveling papers. Decided to combine a few others into the appointment so I'd not have to take so many at a time. I grabbed whoever was easiest to grab at the moment of grabbing. Todays winners were, Apollo, Buddy, Greta and Nox. All officially ready to go. The others will go for their health certificates tomorrow. Apollo's scheduled for his departure late this afternoon. Always a little bitter sweet for me... but after having a chance to meet everyone I'm excited for them to begin their new adventure! It's been a long wait for some of you, and thankfully no surprises for me!!! And we're getting close. Looks like there's strong interest, based on comments, for a FB litter page and I'll put one of those together. Historically, they've been great! A good source of support for everyone, a spot to bombard with photos and an awesome way to update me on the progress of your pups. I try and stay out of everyones business but if I see something particularly concerning I may say so... If really concerning, which is rare, a post may prompt an email or text. On the flip side, if any of you have concerns along the way... pipe up. If you're having challenges, it's likely some others are experiencing the same challenges. And as always, I'm available nearly 24/7 via email or phone for any concerns that are of a more personal nature regarding any particular pup. I'm here for each of you, today, tomorrow and for the life of your pups. I want nothing but great success for each of them and you. Get ready to batten down those hatches pup pals. I wish the best for all of you!!! Photos for the week are uploaded and each pup's page updated. I'll try and post a few of the weeks extras from our photo shoot in slide show fashion in the coming days. For the most part the pups were fairly cooperative and I devised a new trick to simplify the act of obtaining photos. A challenge for them, and quicker for me. All pups excelled. But it's my trick and a secret. lol As is typical at this age it becomes difficult to get any space between the pups and camera. They're becoming quicker by the day and Amelia especially seems to have developed a superb tracking ability. All of them have actually. Even when I can manage to lose them they are pretty quick to find me. A few were more inclined to seek the porch, a familiar spot and well known, apparently their safe zone if they looked around and didn't immediately see me. All are smart! All are sweet and loving and all will make awesome companions.
This morning I took a look on the back deck to see their swimming pool was flooded from last nights down pour. Bowl still semi floating in the middle. I'm guessing roughly 3 inches came down in short order! I laughed actually. And the thought of a new challenge came to mind. The idea to make them swim for breakfast. Thought better of it of course... but I'll have to admit the idea intrigued me. Got a wild hair yesterday and allowed Shine to have a romp with Fancy. Supervised of course within the confines of the bedroom and mudroom. They did really well together. Afghans are frolickers and very light on their feet. In general very gentle. The two did great together!! Fancy happy to have a new play mate and Shine too.... Absolutely no fear demonstrated. I have no doubt they'll soon be great buds! And Have No Intention To.... Spent available time over the weekend and a bit more today snapping photos and I think I have enough on the camera roll to complete the pup pages for the week. Still need to get everyone weighed but no real initiative to do it. Maybe tomorrow. All are looking well though and the Probiotics seem to have been the cure for the poo situation. Thankfully. Reason and Luna already looking a bit less ribby!
Last night, in the dark, I threw a pork tenderloin on the grill and fed myself! Sometimes seems like such a treat! I always eat actually... but not always anything that takes any time to prepare. Tonight I owe some time to Fancy. Everyone got extended outdoor time and some recreation of their choice whether it be a ball, a frisbee or just hanging out... Nice the weather has improved. Even if only intermittently. I hear a storm brewing and approaching now... rain already with big boomers in the distance. But the day was good!!! Hope everyone is feeling great about decisions made over the weekend and from comments made and interactions noted over the course of the weekend I'm confident that's the case. While I'm not big of memes... sometimes they're appropriate. Food for thought. And I have one to add. It could not be more true. But... if you want the best dog possible, much of it is left to you. Do right by them and they'll do right by you. As the old story goes, the end product is dependent on the time and energy invested along the way. Doesn't matter what we're talking about... it's nearly always the case. Especially were dogs are concerned. It's always fun! Shelly and Jimmy arrived first to meet Mr Blue aka Navy... I realized a couple days ago that I've fluctuated a little when referring to this particular pup... Labeled him Navy but have always called him Blue. That's all in the past though as he's officially gained the new name of Nox. There was no selection involved here since Nox, despite his good looks, was never actually "chosen"... waiting for "his" people I think. Don't think there was disappointment for any involved. We have smiles and a happy looking pup to prove it. I think the same can be said for those up next on our list and the two girls who officially received their "real" names today. Jason arrived along with a couple family members (mom and nephew) who assisted, or at least offered some input, regarding selection. It seemed Hot basically claimed Jason as her own right off the bat. Regular Pink was paid somewhat equal attention... and offered herself up. Jason's nephew it seemed would have chosen her hands down. That often happens when multiple family members arrive to view the pups. Sometimes people and pups just click which is what I think happened between Pink and our visiting nephew. But.... there can be only one. That one, Hot, won in the end. Jason has named her Amelia. Next up, rain or shine, Haley and Ken arrived to meet their girl. And... we almost made it through our meet and greet under fair skies. Almost. The four of us had a quick escapade on the green before, once again, the sky opened up forcing us to the porch. And again, no selection was necessary but some quality time spent with the pup who will join their family in a couple short weeks. I always encourage that 1st encounter and Haley and hubby, anxious to meet their pup, were more than happy to oblige. Regular Pink, while not afraid of the downpour, was happy to spend the time in Haley's arms. A great early bonding experience. They've named their girl Greta. And with that our meet and greets for the litter are complete. It's been an enjoyable few days and really nice to meet everyone!!! A long... but really enjoyable day. And again a perfect day for picking pups!!! Some appointments overlapped a bit both because we scheduled selections for a female as well as a male at the same hour and because playing with pups is just an enjoyable way to spend a day. No reason to rush it. I have no doubt fun was had by all... including the pups! Lots of interaction for them, some new toys (thanks Lisa and Mike) and a mid day snack on the green. The babes are currently zonked, lounging in their happy place of indoor habitat. And amazingly their bed remains clean and sleep ready since AM! I think they're getting it! I'm sure a few are anxiously waiting to find out who was selected and who remains. I started the process by claiming Yellow girl as my own and and have decided to call her Shine. Next up, Lisa and Mike set claim to White and have named her Athena. Shortly thereafter Purple received the name of Apollo given by Robert and Yvette. I don't think the choice was an easy one for either couple. It absolutely can be tough. And truth be told, I had a little back and forth when deciding on my own pup. I get it! Next we had a visit from Autumn and Jason and almost immediately Green latched on to Autumn. Took a liking to Jason as well and that initial bond maintained and stuck throughout their visit! Green, now Luna, showed all her stuff!!! Energy, enthusiasm and her love of her little pink mouse which she claimed as her own early on! She's the small and mighty of the pack... the little firecracker. Next up Cydne and Buck made a repeat visit to claim a companion for themselves as well as for Jade, a pup they claimed from me a little over three years ago. I love it when I have repeat customers. It lets me know I've done a good job as a breeder as well as a good job selecting family for my pups. Both Pheonix, Mike and Lisa's pup -and Jade, Cydne and Bucks pup have wonderful homes with people who adore them and have done right by them. And that my friends is what I strive for. So to wrap things up, Tan, "Tan Pants", as Lisa calls him has earned the new name of Buddy given by Cyd and Buck! Congrats all on your new family members! At the end of the day we're left with Blue, Pink and Hot. Tomorrow we welcome Jason, Shelly and Haley. All three of them!!! And some kids that are in for a sweet surprise! Fun time today with Jennifer and Wes but I'm telling you, picking a pup is no easy task! At the end of the day though, Grey is the pup who won their hearts... the boy they'd been watching from the early days. But... as usual, once here the decision wasn't nearly as clear cut as they, I think, had secretly hoped for. It was a bit of, "we've been watching you", a bit of "well, seems he's picked us", and a bit of who knows what exactly. They left here with a bit of an unsure feeling but I'm confident in their decision and I'm sure it's a good fit. I love the name they've chosen! Grey is now officially "Reason"! Welcome to the family Jennifer and Wes!!!
And today we get the ball rolling!!! Excited to finally get to meet everyone and I'm thoroughly looking forward to being a fly on the wall, or more accurately me lounging on the lawn, as the selection process begins. Today Jennifer and family arrive to select their boy and the rest of you will finish things up over the course of the weekend. As predicted, and as is usually the case, once it starts things move rapidly. I sit here wondering, who will go first... and second and on down the line as the pups work their magic on those who come to visit.
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