Blog Archives

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.

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An exercise in patience....

3/29/2018

Photos are not getting any easier! I'm sure the wait is not easy either.
Stay Tuned!

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Another Name...

3/28/2018

Welcome Syna and Keith with your pup Arthur- aka Tan Man to the GMBD's family!

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Another full day...

3/28/2018

This morning I had the pleasure of meeting with Keith and Syna who arrived to choose their boy from the three remaining. I think a great visit was had by all including the pups but it was Tan man who stole the show.... the pup most eager to explore when given the opportunity during their first outdoor adventure. I was also, and I'm happy to report, successful in recruiting yet another to the litter page. We're getting there slow but sure! Following Syna and Keiths visit I ventured off to the airport to collect my sis who will be spending the next couple weeks with me. She immediately fell in love with Irish but in general all the pups. Honestly, I think it's impossible not to fall in love with them. They had a great and long run on the range but we were finally able to wear them all down to the point of submission as their need for sleep outweighed their desire for play.

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Trees..

3/28/2018

Remember what I said about the pups loving the trees? Guess it carries through into adulthood. Squirrels and trees... Hope she knows they land more softly than she. "Happy" Yellow girl- now just shy of a year.

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No Words Needed...

3/26/2018

Showed up in my Facebook newsfeed... Seemed appropriate to place it here!

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A Few More Names Added

3/25/2018

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So we had another full and enjoyable day and we're narrowing things down. Things were a little out of order but easily enough remedied. Sometimes life throws us a curve ball and plans meet a change.
Xavier, originally scheduled to select yesterday found the curve ball and needed to reschedule his turn @ pick-a-pup. I, just as well as the next know things come up and appreciate understanding when they do. I like to play fair and fair in this case was to request Lisa and Thomas select not one but two pups and allow Xavier to maintain his position for selection. As I expected they would be, they were understanding and proceeded to make their selections. Their choices though, I've decided will remain a secret between they and I, unless they themselves choose to share them.

Anyway this is how the day played out.... Lisa and her hubby arrived early this morning for the first round of puppy play. Lots of cuddles happened and lots of photos were taken. I always find it funny, despite all the photos I post, everyone seems to want to take their own. It's basically universal. Also, it always kind of amazes me that no matter how many pups are in the pot to choose from, the challenge of choosing just one carries about the same level of challenge. Doesn't matter if there are eight or two. While I know it and have said it in the past, the difficulty observed in itself proves there isn't a bad pup in the bunch. At this age they're really very similar and truth be told they tend to grow up fairly similar too. At least that's been my experience with previous litters.

After Lisa and Thomas left I set the boys up in their little outdoor habitat to rest up while I did a few outdoor chores. Xavier arrived about an hour later but the pups were still somewhat in siesta mode. They were wakeful but far from fully animated. One pup in particular though kind of seemed to engage and then settle with him. A couple hours later with all pups settled Xavier informed me of his choice. Just before leaving he bent down to give Irish some love. And up rears Blue to attack his hand. I watched and said, hmmm, I think he's saying, "hey wait- I thought you said you chose me." Xavier said ha! yeah!, or something to that effect. It was noticeable. And that's how it came to be. Blue collared boy became Bronx and Xavier, like the rest of you, is anxious to get his pup under one roof. The roof they'll share.

With Xavier's selection behind him, I called Lisa and the next pup of the pack to be selected was Orange whom will carry the name Bose!

Roughly half hour after Xavier left, Jon and Lindsey arrived to entertain the pups. They had their job cut out for them though as the pups, now with full bellies and the day growing long, had ventured from siesta mode into a state of deep sleep. Jon and Lindsey's visit reminded me a bit of Jordan and Daimeun's visit of yesterday. The same challenge. Trying to select from a pile of sleeping pups. Fortunately though, no one has been in any particular hurry so we've spent quite a bit of time talking, watching and waiting. Historically pups only sleep so long and as they went down, together as a group, they spring back to animation. The past couple days have taken their toll though and their stamina... well lets just say it isn't yet quite what it will be a few weeks down the road.

Finally, this evenings exercise in patience paid off and another selection was made. Black collared boy has been given the name Zeus! Zeus IV -and will soon be warming the hearts and home of Lindsey and Jon with his presence.

I'm happy to report my recruitment efforts paid off today too. Our litter page is growing with todays addition of Jon, Lindsey and Xavier. Lisa who doesn't carry a facebook account says she'll look into setting one up for the purpose of the page.... It's happened before and I hope it happens again. We're getting closer to having a representative or two for each pup of the litter. A good day!

Doberman people, I decided long ago, are good people. And with each passing litter, through the people I meet, that observation is reconfirmed. Below are pics of todays selections as they occurred. Missing is one of Bose and his people but we'll have another chance the day he joins his family.

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Pick's In Progress....

3/24/2018

What a great day! Always one of the most enjoyable aspects of raising pups comes when I get the opportunity to meet the people destined to become their caretakers going forward. Today the pups and I welcomed 3 families. First- Peter, Annette and their daughter who are waiting for a pup from an upcoming litter but have watched our current litter grow along with us. A lovely family who are no strangers to the world of Dobermans. They remain, at this point, in the preparing for incoming phase.
Next up and coinciding, arrived Jason and Tiffany to set claim on their new addition. The pups thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the extra attention. And they got a lot of it throughout the day. I knew the selection process wasn't going to be easy but I think it proved to be down right difficult. After much contemplation it was Purple who won the hearts of Tiffany and Jason and officially became our pick of the litter male. They've named him Loki and will welcome him to their home with a couple kids as well as a fur kid of the Dane variety that has very recently joined them. I'm guessing the the two pups will have a blast growing up together and my second guess would be that Tiffany and Jason will have their hands- and hearts very full. Sounds as though they've done considerable research though and have a great game plan in place. I very much look forward to watching the two pups grow up together and hope we'll see much of them, including Cole their Great Dane on our litter page.
Next, after a brief rest, we were joined by Jordan and Daimeun. Again, another tough choice was made. After much contemplation and some studying of the pups behavior and reaction to Daimeun's attempt to engage each of them, they narrowed things down to three... or maybe four. It was a start! But in trying to choose among the final four it seemed there was a bit of back and forth going on. In the end it was our Brown collared boy who came out on top. He has been given the name Ryker and will join their family, which includes Kaya, a four legged playmate and gorgeous specimen of the breed. Kaya is obviously much loved and I have no doubt Ryker will be too.
Tomorrow we're set to meet Xavier, Lisa and John and will be close to wrapping up selection of the boys with just three of eight remaining.

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Wrapped in Love!

3/24/2018

Week 5 Extras

3/24/2018

Week Five Photos...

3/23/2018

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Finally complete! Would still like to add a side show for the week but always about this time and age I need more hours in the day. So we'll see.

It's incredible the changes made in the course of a week when comparing photos... I first noticed it when posting Purple's pics but now that I'm done, quite a few of them have really gained a much more mature look. Looking like little doggies now instead of roly poly puppies.

Such Sweet Babies!

We enjoyed a nice day after a brief, I wish more brief, trip into Gainesville for supplies. The pups had another outdoor dining session followed by a photo shoot of the girls and a romp as a group for all. Their follow me is getting better- some better than others and they're really getting inquisitive and playful. They all tried to climb aboard the big blue ball you see in a few of the photos. Most failed miserably. I've got a tether tug too that I tried to engage them with but for the most part it was ignored. I found Irish going to town on his own playing with a rope toy. He seems to really enjoy the toys. I often find him playing with the ball and dumbbell they have in their indoor habitat. Occasionally I'll hear a squeak. But the trees... they all seem to especially love the trees and are bent on climbing them.
As far as food goes, they're eating like champs. Pink girl routinely jumps out of the pot for a minute follow me but as I get out of her reach she always jumps right back in. They're doing a good job of consuming calories for upcoming exponential growth! I'm feeding in groups of two now. The black and rust girls along with the four smaller male pups comprise group one- and the gluttons the other. It's funny to watch them. I set the littles up with their food first today and then immediately thereafter set the gluttons up for their feast. Not surprisingly the gluttons, even with a delayed start and additional food, finished their allotment first. Then looked longly over at group one, still eating, wondering why they couldn't jump in there and help them finish.

The look of defeat!

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Photos...

3/22/2018

As mentioned on the litter page, for anyone who doesn't have Facebook, I completed the weekly photos of the boys today. Wanted to make sure I got them done so the people coming over the weekend would have a chance to see another set before they arrive to make their selections. I'll photograph the girls tomorrow and get their photos uploaded sometime throughout the course of day or evening tomorrow. Hopefully I'll find some time to put together a slide show of extras for the week too. It's sometimes hard to select between them which to highlight on each pups page. I really need to spend some time outside with them though. They missed a good chunk of it this past week.

Fortunately it looks like the nasty weather is behind us. Should be an absolutely gorgeous weekend and week ahead to play with and choose puppies.

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Check In...

3/21/2018

Fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you look at things there's not too much to report. I wanted to at least get a start on weekly photos today but unfortunately it was still too chilly and windy here for unacclimated pups. I took one out but it was pretty obvious after just a few minutes he wasn't much enjoying himself. I think without the wind, kept in the sunlight they would have been fine. Maybe tomorrow it'll be less windy and if not, Friday's supposed to be back up into the 70's. Back in the thirties tonight! Ugh!! But at least we're not in the North East.
I'm happy to report the pups have transitioned from mash to kibble and are doing well with it. And so am I. Much more tidy and less work. So far, and I'm amazed, there's not been one mess on their bed. At least not of the number 2 variety. Number one would be a little harder to spot but their blankets seems dry when I change them. Can't say the same for their eating station though. They'll get there. For the most part they picked tight up on the shaving being the place to go.
I'll get everyone weighed and results posted this evening but I don't foresee any surprises. They each seem to be staying on track with their individual norm. If theirs a surprise I think Irish will win the title for the week. I think he's finally experienced a bit of a growth spurt. He's looking better too. More conformationally correct.
I've been playing with and handling the pups quite a bit in lieu of outside time. This week has been some what of a bugger for pups as far as outdoor adventures go. I expected weather per the forecast Tuesday but it arrived very early Monday morning. There was an amazingly loud- house shaking- pop of thunder around 4am that woke the whole house which is unusual. First we had barking and then everyone howling in unison. I closed all the blinds so the lightening was a little less obvious and everyone settled pretty quick. Storms don't generally bother my dogs much but that one pop put them all on edge. May have even jostled the mortar. Honestly amazing! Power was sketchy throughout the day Monday with multiple brown outs and an eventual loss of power for about 45 minutes to an hour just as I was getting ready to feed the pups. That was their first meal of dry kibble. No power equates to no water here and since my intention was to feed them I thought I'd give the kibble a try. Tuesday, when I really expected the weather, all we sustained were the leftovers of Monday- general nastiness with off and on rain, wind and chilly temps. At least today it was pretty.

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Well, Well!

3/19/2018

I have to say- I'm impressed with AKC's quick response to my email. I assumed I'd have to call Monday AM and try and get my faux pas straightened out. I'm actually surprised they work weekends as their phone lines are only operational via voicemail.

The good news. The litter application for registration has been corrected and is in the process of processing!

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Schedule of Events:

3/19/2018

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I'll be speaking about dates with each of you as the time nears. Pups will be cropped to coincide with your schedules enabling the majority of pups to be claimed the day following surgery. If anyone has a specific day that will work whereas the other won't please let me know in advance.

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A room of their own...

3/18/2018

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Your kids graduated to a new space today... A space they'll share with Getka looking in on them from the privacy of her open door crate. It's an area the pups will call their own until the day they leave me. Later, once used to their new quarters I'll train them to follow me out to the deck and small dog run which is attached via the back door. From there we can venture out the back gate into the wilds. Their new indoor habitat is equip with a small feeding station, a sling bed and shavings for their potty area. The beginning phase of potty training. It usually takes them a few days to figure out the configuration and I often have a few messes to deal with on their bed but they figure it out pretty quickly. Very rarely will they make a mess in the little area where they eat and drink.
Getka will likely be relieved as I start the weaning process in earnest. She's hasn't been eager to get in with them the last few days but continued to do so briefly. It's pretty obvious she loves her pups though. She's been really sweet with them lately. I provided an ottoman for her when she was hugely pregnant so she would have a soft step up to the bed and then the same step leading to her box. Recently, rather than laying on my bed, I'll wake to find her laying on the ottoman which is flush to her whelping box. From there she looks down on her pups and watches. Frequently she'll put her head down from there or from the side of the whelping box as she stands and lets them chew on her nose and ears. She kisses but sometimes noses them over too. Getks's a really sweet dog. Gentle by nature and I see that in her interactions with her pups. Haven't seen her reprimand any of them yet but goes on alert if she hears one getting the better of another. My last litter I did some mom and individual pup photos that turned out great and which I really had a good time doing. Going to try for a repeat with this litter when her schooling of them begins.
I've got to say, there's really something about the orange collared pup... He's not standout as far as his look is concerned. Pretty average there but his brain is working. He literally draws me in with his eye contact. Nearly every time I pass the pups he's looking at me... and I mean truly looking to gain eye contact. And he almost gestures when he achieves it. Kind of runs his nose into the air. Amazing for such a young pup. He seems unbothered by the other pups seeming to command my attention. Very people oriented. Not sure if he'll turn out to be super or super needy. I will say it's amazing. He's got a little something special. Something unique.

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Small Faux Pas...

3/17/2018

So... I decided to get a little paperwork done today and wondered why they were charging me a late fee... Never had one of those before. Figured they had some new rules to go along with their updated website. Fortunately I did a little investigating on rules and found I was completely within their allotted time... but if you notice, I entered the pups birthday wrong. Ugh! I'll call AKC Monday. Should be a quick and easy fix and hopefully there won't be any delay in processing. Usually only takes a couple weeks to get papers in the mail so all should be OK. Just wanted to put this put there. For the sake of transparency if nothing else.

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Happy St Patrick's Day!

3/17/2018

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The Group.. Well Half Of Them- Acknowledging My Request For Their Attention

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Finally!

3/17/2018