Go Forward and Prosper My Young Son... Make Me Proud!!!
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It's amazing what a good nights sleep will do for the body and soul. I'm up and at 'em once again with a fresh new outlook. The final four have been fed, potty'd and have received their meds so they're ready for their next big adventure... acclimating to their homes and families. I've already received updates from those who have gone before and it warms my heart to not only hear but also to see them settling into their new surroundings with ease. Thanks pup pals for those updates!
I've got some updating to do but for now I've got some much needed rest to catch up on. I am officially physically and emotionally exhausted. Today went without a hitch though. A smooth drive to Wildwood and back. Pups are fed medicated and settled and I'm about to be too. The updates on the litter page brought a genuine smile to my face. Looks like everyone's settling in well so far. Keep up the good work. And I'll see the rest of you tomorrow! Sweet dreams!
We're home and settled but I with a heavy heart. I'm sorry for the late post... it's not an easy one to write. Unfortunately I'm devastated to report our Valentine litter lost a piece of it's heart today. I'm told Valley received a clean bill of health pre-operatively and her crop as scheduled but unfortunately didn't fully recover from anesthesia. Her Vet was devastated when she called and tells me it's likely been 5 years since she's lost a pup to a crop. Like humans, I guess, some dogs react poorly to anesthesia. Fortunately I've never before suffered such a loss during or after a crop or from any surgery as far as that goes... ever. The loss of Valley is such a shame... a robust and gorgeous pup that held great potential. And she had become very sweet... not quite the bully she once was. I take some comfort knowing Valley passed peacefully in caring arms. I've arrived early to collect my pups on several occasions to find them wrapped in warm towels, held by staff as they slowly come to a state of full wakefulness. I'm heartbroken for Ellie as I would be for any of you. And I'm heartbroken Valley's life was cut so short. The rest of the pups are doing fine, fed and settled now in their own corral to protect them from the antics of the un-cropped. They'll once again spend the night with me in my bedroom while their siblings remain in the old and familiar. RIP Valley You were loved!  With preparations complete, I'm nearly ready to call it a night and set the alarm for an early day tomorrow. Tomorrow marks a big day for half the pack.. a major milestone in the life of a Dobe. Included in group one for breed specific beautification we've got a nice even split with 3 boys and 3 girls. Bose, Zeus, Arthur, MoJo, Athena and Valley have been selected, based on everyones schedule, to be the brave soldiers to venture into the land of the thus far unknown. I have no doubt they're up for the task but as always I ask that you keep each in your thoughts. Dr McBride is a fabulous Vet and Cropper so I can assure you they'll be in good and capable hands. I'll sit down for a quick update as soon as we get home and settled which I anticipate will be around 5 to 5:30.
 To date each of my litters has had a chance to experience a bout of severe weather including a thunderstorm in the company of many. Goes with the territory when living in Florida I guess. Today the Valentine litter got their opportunity. Location on the map... between Gainesville and Ocala.
The pups were enjoying a pleasant afternoon on the back deck after lunch when the skies began to darken and the winds kicked up. I left them out under some gentle rumbling and a light drizzle while I finished some outdoor tidying nearby. Allowing them to experience a variety of weather patterns is something I do whenever I get the chance. Seems pups in general are a bit hesitant with their first experiences but when they're in a group they're quick to forget or disregard the encroaching darkness and drizzle and simply get back to playing. As long as things don't get severe. This afternoon, as always, I ushered them in before that point. And shortly thereafter, hammered we got! Tired from play, they slept through a pretty nasty storm unfazed as did my adults. Personally, I enjoy the storms but with the threat of tornadoes in our forecast today I'm happy to say the bulk of our weather for the day seems to be behind us. Looks like most of the state got a taste of what we received. Hope all weathered well. Our first pup has left the nest! Daimeun and Jordan decided they'd enjoy an opportunity for some pre-crop bonding. Ryker received his health certificate on Wednesday making him officially legal to begin his journey through life. His spoiling began today when they presented him with his first gifts. A fancy new collar and personalized tag that he obviously wears with pride. He'll join the group next week to receive his pre-scheduled breed specific beautification. But only for the day... Rykers departure leaves me with a twinge of sadness and one pup short of a twelve pack.... Takes a little getting used to. I'm used to counting 12... But I'm happy for him. And for them. Anxious to hear how things are settling with their little pack of Dobermans!   Individual pages have been updated. This week it was Orange who was most uncooperative for the camera. Just can't shake that guy in the field!
Ugh! What a time consuming project. Each week it is increasingly more difficult to get good shots of the pups. They want nothing more than to follow at your feet or climb up and become one with your lap. I did manage to get everyones photos today but uploaded they are not. That part remains a work in progress. Hopefully by tomorrow evening. I attempted to get mom and pup photos today but Getka isn't quite the same dog as Skye and things didn't go as smoothly. Seemed Getka just wanted to play and plays too rough in my opinion. When she started scaring her pups with her zooming around I thought better of the plan. Rather than individual mom-pup shots I turned her loose once again with the full pack. I got a few cute photos as they slowly wore her down. At that point she was happy to lay down for a rest giving them a chance to nibble on her or stroll around allowing them to follow. Individually she sent pups scurrying for shelter. She did better with them as a group.   Pretty much status quo in the land of pups. Got everyone weighed again today and administered their first round of puppy shots. Finally, a few of the boys have surpassed the red girls! Valley is loosing her edge- surpassed now by Mojo as well as Ryker, Caesar and Bronx. Loki's going for the challenge too equaling her weight this week. That's closer to what I would expect... just took longer than usual. Stuka is doing good... gaining 1 pound 4 ounces since last weigh in 5 days ago. The pups in generally are looking great but slightly ribby so I've gradually increased their intake again. They're really puttin' it away! The pup I mentioned in my last post, Zeppelin, is doing much better! Unfortunately it took a few vet visits, persistence of a very concerned owner, a barium swallow and eventually surgery. Unfortunately he had eaten an unidentified object (photo left upper corner) that created a blockage. He's home now with plans in the works for a late birthday celebration.  I picked my cousin, Mary Anne, up from the airport yesterday who will stay and play for a week. She jumped in with both feet as far as puppy rearing goes. Ellie arrived shortly after our return from the airport to visit with Valley. Her wish to hang out with the entire litter was fulfilled and she left with some souveniers to hold her over as their nails and teeth met with some fragile skin on more than one occasion. It's becoming a challenge to guard from their advances. Especially with twelve of them, full of energy, coming at you! Today I had planned to get started with another round of photos but decided it was time for a break. Once the pups were fed, had their outdoor time and were resettled Mary Ann and I loaded a couple Kayaks in the back of the truck and headed for Newnan Lake. I think she was a little apprehensive with knowledge of some undesirable encounters with alligators as well as never having been kayaking before. It was an easy but pretty brief paddle. We didn't see any alligators but we did find ourselves in the middle of the lake when one of our all too familiar rapidly approaching rainstorms approached and hit. She was a good sport about the whole thing. I think I've been forgiven and I'm pretty sure she'd be willing to give it another go. Next time I'll check the forecast before heading out. We finished up the evening with a much needed home cooked meal of excellent quality and head for bed with a commitment to completing the task of acquiring photos tomorrow. Sometimes breaks are necessary! Even for me...  Wow. People.... have kept me busy today. A group of pups with their humans celebrating birthday number one... A reservation and the full conversation that goes along with that. The type of conversation each of you are familiar with. Mid day I had a discussion with an individual about a sick dog that also happens to be one of the birthday boys. Not eating or drinking. Has had some intermittent explosive diarrhea and now throwing up. A couple Vet appointments and an X-ray that led so far no where. They gave him some sub-q fluids for dehydration and some anti nausea meds and began phase one of a barium study. A follow up X-ray is scheduled for the am to rule out an obstruction. Our conversation prompted me to do some research on the type of barium study... a Bip test. I Googled it but didn't immediately find anything. Determined as always though, I switched up my search words and came across the Bip via the back door route. People, dogs and google... my life. But today... for me, the highlight came via a meet and greet between myself, Sandra, her hubby Ozzie and Mr Green- formerly known as Irish. Sandra has been with us since day one. Watching. She hung in there as each of the pups were selected waiting to see which pup would eventually become hers. As the pups were chosen, one by one, she had the opportunity to speak with her circle of friends and acquaintances and naturally did so. She came to the the conclusion Irish was just too risky. Seemed those she spoke with, including her vet, advised against accepting him. As a result and as I posted earlier, she declined him. But during the course of our conversation, I apparently said something to put her at ease. In the end, she decide to place her trust in me as his breeder. I've watched him grow... slowly but grow none the less. And I've watched his behavior since day one. He's a robust, smart and very loving little pup and always has been! And he's guaranteed to grow! In the end he may be a little smaller than some of the others. Or maybe not. I've had a couple pups in the past... Precious Purple, aka Noble and Sky Blue aka Linus who followed a nearly identical path to that of "Irish". Both pups grew into beautiful and large... not huge but large specimens of the breed. One owner is now a repeat customer. She came back two years later when she decided it was time to present her original GMBD with a playmate. I personally had a chance to see and interact with Linus, at approximately one year of age, when we all met for a lunch date in Ocala. He was stunningly handsome. The few photos I'd seen of him hadn't come even remotely close to capturing his being. I also had an opportunity to see Noble at approximately 9 months of age when a group of us met at Ravine Gardens in Palatka. She too was beautiful. Not huge but a very respectable size for a Doberman of the female persuasion. While I can't guarantee health and longevity on any pup, just as our Doctors can't provide guarantees on our own health, I can go by experience. I stand behind Mr Green as I would stand behind any of his litter-mates. Equally. As I explained to Sandra today during our visit...I love dogs too much. And I know how it feels to loose them. I would never... ever set someone up for that. I wouldn't sell a dog I felt was questionable. Period. So today, after another long and really enjoyable visit, I was left with the feeling I'd gained another friend and "Irish" gained one awesome name! Sandra and Ozzie, following a suggestion from their son have named their boy Stuka! A strong German name for a strong pup! I love it!!! And with the addition of that name our litter is complete. The one post I had time for earlier today was that of the Peacock. Today, although he was facing away from us when I noticed him was the first time I'd seen him in full fan! He too, it seemed, was celebrating! Peacocks... in my opinion one of the most fascinating of all birds! And one I'd not seen the last of for the day. I mentioned a reservation earlier in this post. When I opened up my email late this evening I found a note from Michelle- the newest addition to the GMBD extended family. In it she mentioned loving the peacock photo I had posted. Attached, along with her note she sent a few photos of her current dog. And one recently lost- "Mr Big" standing at attention in none other than her "peacock room". Below Stuka with his people- Sandra and Ozzie. And a slide show compiled from the brief photo shoot that occurred right after they left. My little buddy is getting more photogenic by the day. Will get started on the rest of the litter tomorrow!  Our neighborhood Peacock made an appearance to help us celebrate the naming of our last pup of the litter. My little Irish now has a proper name and I've got to say, while I like all the given names of the litter, the name given to Mr Green is hands down my favorite! Gotta run now but stay tuned for a more fitting update.  Enjoying a beautiful spring morning and post breakfast romp in the big dog run while I clean their neighboring indoor habitat. They love the freedom and ability to explore as a group... In the dog house- out the dog house. Playing with the empty (for safety) water bucket. Just pups being pups. Getting used to another means of confinement. Learning about boundaries and to be ok with them. Will try and upload a few more to capture each a little more closely later today!  A bitter sweet day really... Sweet in that I had a chance to meet four additional families and added five new names to the litter. Sandy and Vickie arrived shortly after Jorge and his wife left and set claim to our Blue collared girl. They have a Min Pin at home but are far from strangers to the Doberman breed. They're excited to once again welcome the breed, and most specifically their pup, whom they've named "MoJo" to the family. Despite having a good idea who they'd choose before arriving and sticking with it, we had a fairly long and enjoyable visit- much of which included an expected visit by Gretchen and Cathy. They arrived on schedule to select one of two black girls. Following some deliberation it was Miss Pink who won their hearts! They've named her "Tessa". Unknown to either Gretchen or Cathy, that's Tessa number two for me. Interestingly enough "Tessa The First" wore a pink collar too. She was known as "Hot Pink". Tessa II has a fur-sibling of short stature awaiting her arrival and I look forward to seeing photos of the two acquainting and acclimating to each other. Blade arrived next... not to select but simply to meet Yellow collared girl whom he's named "Athena". Once things settled down, in an attempt to wrap things up, I notified Ellie how the day played out via messenger. She was ecstatic to hear she can officially claim Miss White as her own. She's had her eye on her, like Sandy's had any eye on Mojo, all along. Ellie commented sometime back at first mention of Miss White being a bully that she needed a strong female to compliment her current Doberman, Batman. I think she's acquired herself one and plans to call her "Valley". Sometimes things just work out. Unfortunately, when I called to notify Sandra II that Irish was the last of the boys she declined him. That's a first for me but I'm aware it happens. The main thing I'm concerned with is that whoever sets claim to my pups does so with open arms and an equally open heart. Most often things happen for a reason and in time I'm sure that reason will become apparent. For now Irish is mine and will remain mine until his perfect family comes calling. His day will come. And... as I sit here preparing to post the photos of the day... I realize I failed to snap a shot of Blade and Athena! Dang!!! Sorry Blade. But Like Lisa and Thomas we'll see you again and have another opportunity. Ellie too, will come for a meet and greet with Valley upon completion of her pet-sit gig. The wait, she says, is driving her crazy! Well I had hoped to get all photos posted last night but as I worked to that end last night quickly turned in to today. With a long day ahead and final puppy selections set to begin I had to acknowledge my own limitations. Only so many hours in a day. I did manage to update the pup pages of the pups awaiting names and hopefully those arriving today have had a chance to view them. Today begins and ends selection of the girls. We got an early start this morning as Jorge and Carol arrived around 9:30 to choose their boy. Their selection, as I assumed it might, leaves Irish as the last pup in the litter to receive his proper name. Carol and Jorge chose Red who will carry the noble name of Caesar. Weights- a couple days late have been posted. Blue collared girl creates the upset this week as she has surpassed White collared girl for title of heavyweight pup of the litter! I'll get the remainder of the pup pages updated this evening. I know each of you are anxious to see them and to get a glimpse of the changes they've undergone since selections began.  Photos are not getting any easier! I'm sure the wait is not easy either. Stay Tuned!  Welcome Syna and Keith with your pup Arthur- aka Tan Man to the GMBD's family!  |
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