Wouldn't You Know

Just a little over a week ago, I posted that I was NOT going to be doing Double Doodles, the Labradoodle/Goldendoodle cross, and Ost and Wombat were for sale. Well, that just goes to show how much I know about anything! Oh, Ost and Wombat were for sale and they've been sold. They've found a new home with a well established breeder in Florida (although they are still here with me right now.)

But, my beautiful silver Goldendoodle gal, Keogh, came into season practically as I wrote that post. And this weekend, Ost had his first taste of... connubial bliss (much to his surprise!) Now, Keogh is 7 years old and has had only one litter, mainly because her cycles have been a real puzzle for the last few years. A year ago, in a last ditch effort, we put her on thyroid. This is the first time she's cycled since and I won't know for weeks... at least 6 of them... if they've had any effect. But I got to tell you, I'm rather excited!



All the Double Doodle pups I've seen have been stunningly gorgeous and Keogh's pups (Goldendoodle backcrosses) were also incredibly beautiful But more than that, SHE is one of the sweetest dogs I've ever had and she passed that on to all her kids. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but I'm going to be really, really disappointed if she isn't pregnant!

Please, EVERYONE, fingers (toes and eyes) crossed!

Dog Parks - Not a Fan

Let me start by saying I understand that many dogs could never be off lead outdoors if they didn't have a dog park to visit. It IS important for dogs to have a chance to run and sniff without the interferrence of their humans. However, it is YOUR responsibility that the dog be safe while it is doing that. The problem with dog parks is... other dogs. And, even worse, other PEOPLE. Unfortunately, people are just as clueless about their dogs as they are their children. Ours is not a large family considering the number of dogs living in the US, but in the last TWO years we've had pups injured while playing at dog parks, one by accident and one because of a deliberate attack. We've had one PERSON biten while trying to protect her dog. We've had one dog killed because it escaped from the dog park when someone didn't close the gate properly. Any number of pups and dogs have been exposed to viruses carried by unvaccinated canines. And the latest problem is a case of "puppy warts" picked up from an infected dog at the dog park.

"Puppy warts" is an easy way to say canine papilloma virus. Which is closely related to the family of papilloma viruses that plague humans. It is highly contageous and dogs with it MUST be isolated from other dogs. While it usually disappears on its own in about 45 days, it can require various degrees of treatment including surgery. Here is a website, if you'd like to get more info:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4772024_treat-dog-puppy-warts.html

Scared Puppy, Surprised Girl

Yesterday, I shipped a Cotton/Brogue puppy to Colorado. And he was not pleased with ANY of it! To say he was scared to death may be a little exaggeration as he is still breathing (if shallowly!) but he was very intimidated. And he was a huge surprise for the family's older child who has been asking for a puppy for "a while."



Both made it through the night. Here's hoping they become best friends forever!

What's Happened to Girl Scout Cookies?

It's been a couple years since I bought my last box of Girl Scout cookies, but I got way laid at Lowe's... well, the kids were outside the exit door and that's all it took. I bought a box of Thin Mints and it was an extreme exercise in self control getting home with the box intact. Which is why it is so sad to report that I just tossed the box and 3/4 the cookies in the trash. They were absolutely TERRIBLE! I can get better... MUCH better... chocolate mint cookies at the dollar store. And for a lot less money. I will not be buying any more from the Scouts!

Sweet letter
Got this "thank you" note in the REAL mail today. That is so unusual and the letter is so nice, I'm posting it...

Dear Sherry,
Two years ago Zoe came to us in a crate on an airplane and I never would have guessed how much I would love her! Thanks for breeding such a sweet dog. We went to the vet today and she was just so friendly to every person and animal there.
I hope your life is getting a little less hectic and wishing you an early spring. Thanks again.
Love,
Kelly
P.S. Murphy (not to leave him out) is just the best, easiest dog in the world - love him!

Just so you know, Zoe is from Emy and Shadow's first litter and Murphy is from Emy and Sparky's second litter.

Puppies' progress
So, I still have 4 pups available... a female and 2 males from Emy and Shadow and a male from Cotton and Brogue. And there are 2 of Jennifer's pups here as well.
All have just turned 4 months old and next week, weather permitting, I'm going to start working with MINE on lead. It's pretty much a "have to" rather than a "want to." They are getting so big... over 20 pounds... I simply don't want to be lugging them around in my arms any more. Once I get into that, the price goes up... they've had ALL their shots (a BIG financial savings for their new families) and are well started on house training (a BIG time and frustration savings for their new families) and lead training/early obedience work is also a huge plus.

The gist of this is... if you know anyone who is thinking about getting a pup you might want to tell them
NOW is the time to make their move!

Beach Bunny

No snow dog here! This is Samson (Cotton/Brogue) who lives in southern GA and is glad of it!

Samson spends his days walking his kids to school, hanging out with their mom and then supervising them at soccer. He and his family were made for each other!

No News

Everyone is healthy and seems to be getting along with everyone else. It looks like Boon has convinced Jennifer's pups that HE is boss and now that they're all back in line, he's reverted to his old sweet, calm self. Interestingly, Peri (my Di/Brogue keeper pup who is VERY small compared to all the other pups) is still his second in command even though I never saw her get snarly with anyone. I wonder what it is about MY subconscious attitude toward the pups I'm keeping that tells everyone who is staying.

More snow dog pix


Still Winter in Utah!
Beckett still lovin' it!

Natural Instincts

The two litters of pups are now together all the time, inside and out. They get along fairly well although there have been a few dominance tiffs between Boon (my Wheaten pup) and the new guys. No real fights, just some sparring. This IS Boon's house and I think he just figures he's in charge.

The whole gang is going outside every couple hours... thank goodness for the great weather we've been having... AND it is making a HUGE difference in my "new newspapers for used newspapers" workload. Generally, I don't have to change any during the entire day and even in the morning, things are not terrible. The babies are growing up! It is interesting that they just "know" the outdoors is the better place for some things and are making the effort to wait on their own. They will be really easy to housebreak in their new homes.

Also, they are eating just adult food. No more puppy food. Maybe their growth rate will slow a tad!

Another Snow Dog

This is Luna in MD. She is perfectly at home outside in the white stuff although she is not particularly fond of meeting strangers. Some pretty strong "home body" tendencies coming from the Wheaten side of the family tree.