Instead, I found myself faced once again trying to deal with and heal from yet another tragedy. Lexi, who as many of you know was due to have her pups in mid November lost her litter. And with that I lost Lexi. I was and remain devastated though each day is slightly easier. Staying busy helps and for a change I've been happy to go to work in order to keep my mind busy. My life basically came to a standstill for a few days with the exception of doing that which had to be done... Honestly, I wasn't sure if I should share my heartbreak or not. I'm still not sure sharing is the right step to take but in the end, and keeping with transparency, I decided each of you should probably know. While I and her Vet aren't sure exactly what what happened, it is known that her death was a result of both acute kidney and liver failure. Why her organs failed is not known but is assumed, due to the rapid course, to have been related to some sort of toxin. Unfortunately I have no idea what it could have been. My other dogs who travel the same circles are perfectly fine. There was some concern due to her symptoms and the course of her illness that it could have been Leptospirosis. For that reason alone, as well as the obvious, I found it difficult to blog. Unfortunately, Dr McBride isn't in the office on Wednesdays... when I noticed Lex spotting Wednesday morning after a non specific but "off" day Tuesday I immediately called the office. I was referred to Dr McDaniels, another reproductive specialist, in Lake Alfred. Unfortunately I had to wait until the afternoon to be seen and once there, it was obvious Lex had declined dramatically through the course of our trip. She passed quietly as I stroked her head and gently massaged her ear just a few short hours later. At the end of the day I was left to wonder and to suffer the loss of a very much loved member of my family who's life at just 4 and a half was cut way to short. I was also left to question whether or not the cause of Lexi's death could in any way have implications that would impact my current litter. Regarding the Leptospirosis, the original lab work at the clinic was positive. Having been vaccinated against the disease though, a positive would be the expected result. Considering all other animals in the home, a decision was made to send a sample for differentiation. Fortunately that report came back negative for the actual disease and as I write tonight, I've been advised and assured by both Doctors McBride and McDaniels that I can feel confident in releasing the litter. I'm sorry I've had to post this news. When adding a pup to ones home, the last thing people want to think about is death and now we've had two. If anyone has any concerns, I feel ready now to talk and would be happy to address any questions you may have. Just know, I would never release a pup for another to grow to love if I had any concern regarding it's health.
Hello puppy people. While I've grown to know each of you through conversations as well as most of you in person it's just so much easier to address you as "puppy people". I'm a puppy people too. I started writing this post last night but ran in to some difficulty completing it. We'll see, if tonight I'm able to finish things up. With less than a week to go, it probably seems I've all but deserted you. I've not... I've thought of you often and figured I better get on here and at least assure you your pups are doing great and have grown leaps and bounds since you last saw them. And they're so eager to play it's becoming apparent they want more time than I as one can give them... even on the best of days. It's apparent they're anxious for lots of one on one or several to their one attention. Seems there's a good reason the magical time of transition is set at 8 weeks. They're eight weeks old today and they're ready! Dallas had a short trip to the vet for a parasite check on Thursday. Since he's scheduled to fly I wanted no surprises when it comes time to obtaining health certificates. I'm happy but not surprised he's clear and therefore I have no doubt certificates will be issued along with the crops for each pup. Blue found his home and will be heading to Louisiana to join his very own uncle and Steven. Steven owns a dog who is littermate to the pups' sire, my Boy Serious. That's about it for news in the land of pups as far as the pups go anyway. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get another set of photos and another set of weights to add to their pages this week. Honestly it seems meeting their daytime needs and talking to them at bedtime and in the morning was about all I could muster. I missed my opportunity to spend my final week with them in play.
Instead, I found myself faced once again trying to deal with and heal from yet another tragedy. Lexi, who as many of you know was due to have her pups in mid November lost her litter. And with that I lost Lexi. I was and remain devastated though each day is slightly easier. Staying busy helps and for a change I've been happy to go to work in order to keep my mind busy. My life basically came to a standstill for a few days with the exception of doing that which had to be done... Honestly, I wasn't sure if I should share my heartbreak or not. I'm still not sure sharing is the right step to take but in the end, and keeping with transparency, I decided each of you should probably know. While I and her Vet aren't sure exactly what what happened, it is known that her death was a result of both acute kidney and liver failure. Why her organs failed is not known but is assumed, due to the rapid course, to have been related to some sort of toxin. Unfortunately I have no idea what it could have been. My other dogs who travel the same circles are perfectly fine. There was some concern due to her symptoms and the course of her illness that it could have been Leptospirosis. For that reason alone, as well as the obvious, I found it difficult to blog. Unfortunately, Dr McBride isn't in the office on Wednesdays... when I noticed Lex spotting Wednesday morning after a non specific but "off" day Tuesday I immediately called the office. I was referred to Dr McDaniels, another reproductive specialist, in Lake Alfred. Unfortunately I had to wait until the afternoon to be seen and once there, it was obvious Lex had declined dramatically through the course of our trip. She passed quietly as I stroked her head and gently massaged her ear just a few short hours later. At the end of the day I was left to wonder and to suffer the loss of a very much loved member of my family who's life at just 4 and a half was cut way to short. I was also left to question whether or not the cause of Lexi's death could in any way have implications that would impact my current litter. Regarding the Leptospirosis, the original lab work at the clinic was positive. Having been vaccinated against the disease though, a positive would be the expected result. Considering all other animals in the home, a decision was made to send a sample for differentiation. Fortunately that report came back negative for the actual disease and as I write tonight, I've been advised and assured by both Doctors McBride and McDaniels that I can feel confident in releasing the litter. I'm sorry I've had to post this news. When adding a pup to ones home, the last thing people want to think about is death and now we've had two. If anyone has any concerns, I feel ready now to talk and would be happy to address any questions you may have. Just know, I would never release a pup for another to grow to love if I had any concern regarding it's health.
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And I think we've got another good fit! Dave has some experience with big male Dobes of the rambunctious variety and I believe he'll have what it takes to harness Easton's energy.
With that, it's nearly a wrap for the litter. I still have Blue, a sweet and gentle soul of a Dobe, who waits for a home and human to call his own. It'll be the first time since the beginning of time... my 1st litter, that I'll have a pup with me beyond the 8 week mark. It's kind of sad when I think about it really, with just over a week to go, but I hold hope that his status will change before his brothers and sisters leave the nest. But if not, Blue's my boy and will remain with me as one of the pack until his day arrives. Most likely I'll team him up with Ritz until he's a little bigger, stronger and wiser. We'll work on all things puppy; the sit, the lay the walk nicely on the leash and on his off time and the days I work I'm sure he and Ritz will enjoy each others company. They're not perfect yet but they're getting close! Fortunately it looks like the wound I accidentally gave her will heal fully with no lasting effects.
Phew! I am one happy gal!!! Slow goin'! I did manage to add to Zuma and Green's pages this evening and as I did with the others added a few of each to the last slide show. That leaves me to complete Rebel, Duke and Diesel's pages tomorrow. I'll do my best to get another set of photos next week but last weeks shoot was very challenging so we'll see how the next attempt goes. Maybe I'll settle for one good photo of each. I really try and just enjoy my last full week with my litters simply loving them up and watching them play rather than trying to run away from them in an attempt to get photos. The running away part does tend to create a pretty solid follow me and as far as that goes most of them are pros already. Back to work for me tomorrow and it's time once again to call it a night. Your pups are growing; beautiful, sweet and cuddly! And almost ready for you.
:-) In the process of updating pages I decided to do Tan and Navy Blue's tonight so Dave could have a chance to look them over in preparation for Monday. It dawned on me while looking at the headers on their pages that it would be rather ironic if Tan ended up being the pup that stays with me. It's not my intent to keep a pup from the litter but until he finds his forever home, he will be incorporated into the pack as one of my own and for now he'll be my dog. Guess I'm a little anxious for Monday to roll around myself.....
With just one more person to select their pup, I'm calling it a night so I can be in reasonably good shape or better for work tomorrow. While I didn't get all the pup's pages updated tonight, I do have the photos required to complete them installed on my computer. I'll continue to work on them in the evenings as time allows. I added the photos I didn't use on the pages to the tail end of the last slideshow and will do the same with each pup as I finish their page.
We had a fabulous week and met a great group of people. I hope each of you will remember me and send updates on your pups as they settle in to their new surroundings and as they mature. I care about these babies and it's always a treat to see some photos and hear how and what they're doing. With that said, Mary Jane and her husband will be welcoming Green collared boy into their home. His name at this point remains undecided. That leaves Dave to choose between Tan and Blue. With the exception of Sky, now Linus, he couldn't have been left to decide between two pups that are more unlike each other out of the whole litter. They differ greatly not only in personality but also in size and shape right down to the shape of their head. I look forward to watching him make his decision. Again, I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend! The extras are by far easier to come by than the keepers! Still taking photos.... Lots of blur, lots of tails and a few lucky shots... Mainly I was simply enjoying the pups as they played while we waited for Brenda to arrive to choose her Boy. I've gotta tell ya, these little ones are active. I'll commence to taking the individual photos in a bit but wanted to let everyone know how todays selection process went. It seems I've got another happy puppy parent on my hands. Brenda tells me she's been watching the blog keeping her fingers crossed in hopes that her boy, Brown would still be available when her turn to choose came. She has named him Rebel. Another nice name, another great home waiting and I think another perfect match! Next up: Mary Jane! Who's it going to be?
Well, in review of today's slide show it seems Dallas is all but missing. Sorry Courtney and Lorenzo, I'll get more of him tomorrow. Duke isn't very well represented either as far as that goes. I assure you though all pups had their chance to romp around a good bit today. They basically had a free for all for a good hour or two. And Jana and Stephan, think nothing of Diesel hanging in the corner in what appears to be an attempt to chew through his confines. When I took the photo he was actually just resting. He looks kind of sad in the shots I got of him... maybe just missing you. In actuality I think he was just tired. He's a happy go lucky guy!
I've decided I will redo the slide show of the 16th. I'm going to set it to load and hit the rack. Hopefully this time around it will load properly while I and the gang sleep! It was brought to my attention tonight while speaking with my sister that the slide show I put together on the 16th couldn't be viewed. I too noticed something odd about it a few days ago but when I went in to try and correct it I wasn't able to open any part of the post. While I was able to see several photos, my sis says she was able to see none, just a grey strip in the center with some letters and or numbers. Another weebly glitch I'm afraid. I've considered reloading all the photos and still may... I fear going through them might be just a little painful though, so for that reason I may not. My apologies. There were a ton of photos uploaded to the post titled "the weeks extras"! They just didn't post!
As far as todays photos go, not only was it overcast, the pups were being horribly uncooperative! It seems they've got their "follow me" down way too good. My intention was again to jot down some notes about each pup but in the end I couldn't get any of them far enough away to get a shot. After spending the bulk or the day trying I think I finally wore Tan out well enough that he finally settled. I got some good ones of him and managed to get a few of just a few of the others. Another attempt will be made tomorrow. Wish me luck! Just as I knew he would when I elaborated on the name Sharon chose for him, my littlest boy, "Rough Enough" aka Sky Blue, turned out to be just that... rough enough! He's a fighter and a survivor. He's already proven that. And once he no longer had to rely on mom he really began to take off. Maybe that in part is what drew Jeff to take a closer look at him but in the end, I think it was his personality that won Jeff and his wife Suzy over. The two of them, Jeff and Sky seemed to form a special bond as can be seen in the attached photo. Rough settled not at Jeff's feet but on them as Jeff was trying to ready his phone to camera mode. I think Sky has chosen his human. He was interactive with Suzy as well but spent a great deal of time with Jeff during their visit. Jeff tells me he's had his eye on Rough since seeing the first of his photos. Interestingly enough, they had yet to see the post I published earlier today so they weren't aware I'd taken him off the bench. As soon as I made mention of it, Jeff responded "I think he's a ****** (their last name). Knowing what I know of Suzy and Jeff and their life at home, I don't think a better match could have been made! Now the pup with many names has just one! They will call him Linus! :-) It's a little overcast so we'll see how things go... But here's our little runt pup, Roughy making great strides! He's showing off his big burly foot and I'm happy for him! :-) Not sure if anyone has an interest but as of today he's officially off the bench and entering the game.
All is well tonight in the land of pups... still missing my little girl but she'll always be somewhere in my mind. As I suspected the others give me a lift anytime I interact with them. They're so sweet and happy it's hard not to smile. These pups like Majestic's last litter are pretty cuddly. I think she does a fair job of instilling or passing on her "Melt Into You" trait which is a quality I've always loved about her. She can be hyper like any other Dobe but she's extremely quick to calm when drawn near.
I'm happy to report, the pups poo is normalizing. Perfectly normal Monday morning but a little loose again Monday afternoon following their outing which was pretty long. Things were basically normal again this afternoon and evening so I think I've narrowed down their bout of diarrhea to them getting accustomed to the outdoors. They naturally want to pick at the grass or should I say weeds and I'm sure took in some dirt as well. I think it was just something their bellies had to get used to. I'm very happy with Rough Enough's (Sky Blue's) progress this week. He's come so far. He's still small but he's filling out in all the right places and basically looks like all the others now; just a little smaller. I was beginning to wonder if his muzzle would ever broaden to fit his skull but it has. He's got a cute little head and face now and the rest of his being is following suit as far as proportions and conformation go. I no longer have any concerns about him and don't think, when it's all said and done, he'll be a small dog. Everyone was finally weighed again today in order to dose their wormers correctly. For the most part the litter is running fairly close in weight for age as litters past. Roughy of course remains by far the light weight and Tan is closing in on Red. Navy's a little smaller both in size and weight but I think that has to do with being hit the hardest with the bout of diarrhea they experienced last week. He's no longer rib-by. A little pudgy in fact so he's doing well. And another lucky pup has been chosen! Orange will be joining Linda and Ed in a couple short weeks. She will have an opportunity to show their Corgi how to play with the big dogs while giving their elderly Min-Pin a break from puppy antics. Again, as it frequently does, the question or comment came up that it must be really hard for me to let the pups go when the time comes. And again, I was able to say, "I know they're going to really fabulous homes". Orange, whom Linda and Ed have named "Penny" will be no exception to the rule. I say that with no doubt. I will also say, and said, I would have absolutely no problem turning someone away if I felt it was in the best interest of a pup. And while I can't say that it's never happened, I can say that scenario is extremely rare. There's something gained by working with the public for 30plus years that promotes the development of an awareness of character of those around you. And while my dogs and I as a breeder am frequently screened by prospective puppy parents, I myself begin my own screening process beginning with the very first contact. I grow very attached to my pups over the course of eight weeks and only the best will due. I hope for and always appreciate updates on my pups as the months and years pass. It helps me to know I've chosen well for them. With that said, we're narrowing things down. Pink will be heading home with Kalie and her husband and another male will be chosen tomorrow by Suzy and Jeff. Brenda will be here Thursday to choose her pup and that will wrap things for for this week. It's likely to be a long weekend of not knowing for the rest of you. Or not... Mary Jane and her husband may potentially choose via photos and descriptions as their schedules and mine as well as a fair distance to travel may prevent a visit anytime soon. Still waiting on confirmation there. As things develop, I'll notify those affected by any decisions made as soon as I know of them. Between visits, outings and pup care I'll work once again on this weeks individual photos. I'm hopeful I'll get them completed. The pups and I had a good morning and an opportunity to meet yet another awesome family who wait patiently for the weeks to pass. Katie, Rich and their darling daughter arrived this morning and after some deliberation came to the conclusion that "Tank" was the boy for them. They chose Red and have named him, not Tank but "Zuma", a name selected by their four year old daughter. Once everything and all things settled, I realized I'm still feeling rather melancholy... This too shall pass but I'm going to give myself the afternoon and a nap I think. Later, some Chinese take-out is a strong possibility.... and maybe a movie with my pack. Next up Linda, who informs me she's excited to arrive tomorrow and claim one of the girls as her own. More of what I need! Visits and puppy playtime never fail to give me a lift! :-) Something Tells Me These Guys Are Going To Have Fun!
I sit with deep sorrow as I write this post and deliver some heart wrenching news. Last night our litter suffered a huge loss. And with it, my personal favorite of the female pups. Yellow was discovered lifeless when I entered our room to call it a night. My discovery left me shocked and broken hearted! The evening began as all evenings I work do. A quick check on the pups when I get home followed by dinner for the rest of the pack. Once the adults are set up and settled I return to tend to the pups. I've been leaving them with a full bowl of kibble and a good sized pot of water when I leave for work in the morning and I generally come home to much of both food an water consumed. Inevitably though there's always some kibble strewn around the area thats been set up for sleeping and eating. With so many pups eager to get their share, there's always one or two that dive in the food bowl with all fours. Last night was no exception. And while there's always some food in there it seems they are always excited about getting a fresh supply. I generally feed them first thing, let them eat and then clean the corral and add fresh shavings an hour or two later. Again last night was no exception. Once the pups were settled for the night I returned to my desk to complete the slide show I'd promised and to finish up my online CPR course. I've never really thought it dangerous leaving the pups unattended with kibble strewn around, or a full bowl for that matter, but I fear now the kibble was likely the cause of the loss of the pup. Since she was perfectly healthy and playful two hours prior, aspirating some kibble and thereby blocking her airway is the only thing I can think of that could have happened. The position in which I found her leads me to believe it was the cause as well. I've seen my adults choke on kibble numerous times and a good cough or several clears it. I can imagine however, it not clearing especially with such a young pup. The thought haunts me but again it's the only explanation I can think of. I envision a pup with a mouth full of food being knocked over by another in play and ending in disaster. I wish I would have known... wish I could have been there and I wish I could have done something. And I'm sorry I've had to deliver this news. I felt an explanation was in order. :-( I'm happy to report the puppy belly's are stabilizing. They don't self regulate very well yet when it comes to eating though. They eat till they look like they might pop. Green looks more like a Hippo in one of the solo photos in the slide show I posted tonight. And Yellow has somewhat of a similar look. Fat puppies are good though. They'll start to lean up soon enough. It seems they're getting used to the kibble and processing things better which is a huge relief.
Regarding the selection process, I've got a slight change in the schedule from that which I posted yesterday. Things will be moving along a bit quicker with Katie arriving Monday to claim her boy and Suzy on Wednesday. Linda remains unchanged from Tuesday to get things rolling with the girls. That leaves a bit more wiggle room to get the rest of you out for your visits. That's about it for now... I'm still keeping the girls under wraps. Not intentionally of course. Just limited time. I was informed today my CPR certification had expired so that unfortunately had to take priority... right after puppy care. lol |
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November 2015
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