Spice Adores the Pups

The Spice almost looks evil coming out behind Abby.

When I hear the name Abby I think of our Abigail who is in heat at this moment and when she is in heat, oh boy is she a demanding thing. It's funny what hormones can do to someone. Oh she isn't bad - she just wants what she wants when she wants and this is the only time when she is like this. Usually she is a laid back, easy going soul that is a calming dog.

Where Wasabi who is also in heat is simply a food hound. Ladies, can you relate?

Hormones, who needs them?

Like the Wind

I bet you that you are wondering how Treasure is doing. She's fine. She's taking it much better than her first litter. Yes she was a bit sullen but today she is running up a storm and trying to tell Abigail and Wasabi what to do.

Abigail and Wasabi are in heat and she (Treasure) thinks she is the boss. She was playing up a storm with Abigail and Abigail was looking at her trying to figure out what she was up to. You could see the wheels turning, I swear.

I adore the interactions between the dogs.

When gals are in heat, they are usually top dog for the moment and Treasure thinks she is always top dog. hahahah

Treasure also tried to take over Fiona's pups and Fiona said, no so now she is treating Spice like her own. That works. You don't let go of mothering so easily. All of you that are moms and your kids fly the coop know what I mean.

Hairy Subject

Spice's brother was hanging out with us and I took this photo of him before his mom took him home.

It reminded me of Breeze's hair. We managed to have Spice, Doozie and Baxter siblings all playing here.

I just had a great time watching them.

But looking at this photo, I thought of the Breeze.How interesting.

I also managed to get a few of the other dawgs playing. It was a delight.

Rain is a coming tomorrow - sigh and I am overdue on baths. What am I to do?

Last Moments With Last Son

Well, Treasure's pups have flown the coop or is that x-pen and now she is barefoot and fancy free. She seems to be doing okay though a little bit of a funk but she seems to know what happened.

She loves the pups so.

Funny thing happened last night. I left the garage door open and the neighbour rang the bell at midnight. So, the dawgs woke us up.

Today we have been slowly going through the motions today. Can I go to sleep now?

I do believe I am tired. Along with Nathan's uritis and a son that decided to clean and throw things away that he thought I didn't need, well we won't go there.

No, it's not the dog son who has a b-day today.

Well tomorrow, it's just Fiona's pups - oh my... I wonder how Fiona will adjust come morning.

Spicy in Crate

We had Spicy, Fiona, and 6 pups in a crate at the vets today and they all fit with plenty of room. I just love this crate for all of them together but I wish I had a smaller one for just the pups. One day...

Spicy went to the vets to have her rabies shot. She was great. We waited to avoid any reaction and it worked doing it at the same time as the rest.

We have had a very long day and it hasn't even come close to ending so I will make this short.

We went, we survived and we are back. hahahaha

More tomorrow.

Abs & Fiona's Pups

 As the pups get older, we allow the other adults to help socialize them. Many ask why we don't do this early on.

Moms are usually very protective over their crew when they are vulnerable and rightly so. But as the moms see they are able to handle themselves, then she stands back and lets the others help her teach them manners, how to play and much more.

It's wonderful having more helping paws.

Wouldn't you have liked that when your kids were small? I know I would have especially without the complications that humans would have.

Sophie Liking Her New Digs

We have been hearing from Sophie's mom and it's wonderful.

Karen wrote:

She's a lot of fun and she's very curious.  It's so cute to watch her explore.  Her new favorite place is the lower shelf on my living room coffee table.  I still have to catch her with the camera.  She's a hoot when she tries to empty her toy box and she's loving the little Terrabones I bought for her at Global Pet Food.  She's finally figured out how to lie on the floor and hold it up with her front paws to chew.  Mind you, one will last her for weeks!!

Me again:

I have to look for these Terrabones. I love it when someone tells me what works for them then I get to try them. Thnx!!

Gad Sophie is so cute!

Windy Times

 I love the females when they watch the pups from above and let the wind blow through their hair. You would think I never brushed them but I did and do.

But I let them be dawgs too. That is ever so important.

Abigail watched Treasure and Fiona's pups with much interest. We can always count on her to mother and play and teach.

Once a mom, always a mom?

Bad Hair Day

Spice was one of the last I got to today. Yesterday I actually groomed half the dogs out thoroughly and thr other half probably as good as most new puppy owners do and time was out. I simply had too much to do and that's mighty unusual but when do I ever go away? Never, I am afraid.

PS: I usually line comb all - ratyher crazy but then they never have a knot except on rare occassions. I know how knots feel on my long hair so I try to avoid such.

So, today I got through all the crew and pups and visited our son and our daughter-in-law. They are real dawg people so that makes this socialization stuff way easy when you are visiting and socializing at the same time. It works.

What's a gal to do about a bad hair day? Enjoy it, smile and take a photo to remember.

Mother's Watch

I had Fiona out watching her pups play along with Treasures. After some real vigorous play, especially with one of Treasures she then laid down on the deck and just watched half falling asleep.

She was truly glad to see me home. That warmed my heart.

It's been a long day for both of us but tomorrow I will fill you in on the seminar.

Till then, please understand that the dawgs and my visiting son and wife is keeping my attention vs. the blog but they are out and about part of their day tomorrow so I will be able to get back to my usual.

Till then...

The Sound of Mud

It was a nice lovely day with an overcast sky that quickly turned to rain. Then it started pouring followed by a very loud banging, vibrating through your teeth kind of thunder storm. Let’s not even talk about the mud and the subsequent tracking through the house. Don't tell Darlah. Let her see for herself, tomorrow. No one was afraid of the storm but Spicy started to challenge the sound. Thunder, bark, thunder, bark. “Spicy, SHHHHH!” I said. “But daddy, someone is barking at us so I have to back them off” she responded. It was a lovely day. Meanwhile I hope Darlah enjoyed the seminar. Maybe I’ll have a big surprise waiting for her upon her return first thing tomorrow morning. In fact, I'm positive that I will. But I’ll let her tell you about it.

In the meantime, here's one parting photo of Sophie from yesterday. I'll call this Deer Caught in Headlights.

Teaka's now over at her new home playing her heart out with her half brother Dash. 

It is a beautiful day for it. I know we have been in and out since 6am. I wonder when Teaka thought it was time to wake up? Terra is just lying in the sun soaking it up. Doozie, Daisy and Spicy are doing a little run like hell.

I’ve glanced at Darlah’s list a few times and checked it off in my mind. Oh yes, Raylan and I went outside to welcome visitors from Fort Eerie. Raylan decided he was thirsty, did not recall when I asked him to come, and promptly fell into the front garden pond. No, sorry, I didn’t have the camera handy. Dennis actually rinsed Raylan off while I was out back with our guests. Add note to self, self, suggest to Darlah she do something about the garden waste smell now permeating Raylan’s legs upon her return. Anyway, Sue and her family came to visit to see Havanese and to determine if their youngest daughter will get an allergic reaction to them. Remember, there is no such thing as a dog that cannot cause allergies in someone. Sure, Havanese are one of the so-called hypoallergenic breeds because they have hair, not fur and do not shed. But all dogs have dander and all dog’s saliva might cause a reaction. These people were possibly interested in a pup next spring and doing their homework. That is a good thing and to be applauded.

Meanwhile, Darlah is attending an intensive two day course in genetics, breedings and such with Yvonne. I get the rare pleasure of being the center of the dog's attention in my wife's absence. And for an added bonus, which I know those of you that follow the blog regularly will appreciate, Wasabi is now officially in heat.

Teaka & Her Forever Home

Teaka had a bath tomorrow before I head out. Here she is under the dryer with the blown away look.

I was by myself so it was interesting to try to get photos and do everything else.

Teaka is a dream in the bath but she has had a lot of conditioning.

Today she joins her half sibling (Kat's the dad of both) and become the best of buds and they will.

There may be some jealousy with Dash at first perhaps or maybe not of 'it's mine but they will figure it out and then they will be the best pals ever.

It's going to be fun in that house to watch the run like heck game.

I will miss the Teaka as she has a real love of life attitude.

I hope they come to visit after she settles in. We don't usually do it too soon as we do not want to confuse them but after a few weeks, it would be grand to have a visit and see the duo after they have bonded.

Me, I am off to the seminar late this morning so it's up to Nathan to update from here on till Monday.

You'll enjoy his style. I do.

Graduation & Fun

Spicy had her last class of her 1st round of obedience. It was a fun night but there is a reason why they say LEAVE YOUR TREAT in your bag vs. in your hand and this is it. She grabbed the treat and kept heeling after and until I showed the photo to Nathan he hadn't a clue she grabbed a piece of the treat as it was so seamless.

She's trouble. heh

She got a ribbon last night and won a prize for getting so many dog bones from all these games we played. We were hoping Frannie would beat us but we know all the tricks like getting one to hold a down from musical mats by plying with treats. Frannie did amazing too and ran faster than Spice. Spice tends to prance and hop and Frannie runs like the wind.

Before class Spice had a bath and then suddenly she had blood on her paws and on her beard. That mommy of hers was worried and checking all parts of her and then realized Spice has teeth dropping and I bet all her siblings and half siblings from this crew do too. Happy chewing. Tell your mom and dad to give you some cool soothers and if you are not eating well, this too will pass.

The Teaka heads to her forever home tomorrow to join her half sibling Dash. They are going to have a grand time together. I just feel it. They are both so full of life.

Mommy also vacates the house for the weekend tomorrow so Nathan is it till Sunday or Monday. We shall see how he juggles it all. Me, I will be soaking in all this genetic data, sipping gin and tonics and doing nothing.

Seeing I got most of the dogs washed it should be a piece of cake for Nathan but then again, maybe not. Will he love me on Sunday? Time will tell. Yvonne says if Nathan doesn't want to come get me, I can return on Monday Oh boy...

Class and Bloody Times

I washed Spicy for class tonight and she had bloody paws and a bloody face. I went oh my gad where is that coming from and started checking her nails. They hadn't been cut recently. Hmm what did she get into?

I went over her body completely and she opened her mouth and blood drooled out.

She just lost 2 teeth. hahahaha

So, she is clean but a tad tinted on her beard and paws. I could bathe her again but.... I am all bathed out. I did take a wipe to it and it is barely noticable but I see it. But I can be picky. heh

Class tonight is games and its her last class in this session. We will miss seeing Frannie.

Tonight's Exhaustion

Let's talk about the dawgs with no photos or maybe me. What did I do today? A lot and I am exhausted. This getting ready to go away is getting crazy but can I go to sleep now?

Everyone is having a blast. I am not sure if I am totally awake but I was wise and brushed one here and there till I finished.

I also had the pups out a bunch and had to get paperwork ready for Nathan as Teaka is going to her forever home. She's from Paula's Teaser and our boy Kat. She sent her down for us to check out and find a forever home. She is heading to a home that has a Kat and Lola pup. Half siblings together - what a fun duo these two will be.

We also have Sophie from Treasure's pups heading home so there is a lot to prepare for Nathan. It will be the first time he is doing this alone. I sure hope he or I don't forget anything but if I do, or he does, I am sure it's due to all this sleep I am getting -meaning it's me.

It's bitter cold out. I have mixed feelings. I will miss Sophie going. Teaka maybe not as she goes Friday perhaps before I leave and I will miss the pups and yeah Nathan too. But a part of me is looking forward to the seminar. I never go out by my lonesome for a weekend no less so I am excited too just wish I wasn't missing Sophie. I will also be able to catch up with a dear friend and learn more about genetics. All of this is good. I hope Nathan survives but with Dennis' help I am sure he will.

He will also be updating the blog so I will be reading along with you as I will have my ipad in tow. Then Sunday night he comes out to get me with dawgs so they can run at Yvonnes and socialize till we get back in the van and come home totally exhausted, I imagine. The dawgs, they will sleep in the car. Such a life - to be a dawg especially here.

I decided due to the weather Teaka, Sophie and maybe one more dog wil be bathed but the rest when I return.

Okay, It's Tuesday and I am already talking about this but it actually took me hours to do the CKC paperwork, get the bags together and do the rest. I can be excited too - can't I?

Exhausted

Yes even older pups need to snooze after mad crazy play.

Spice loves to play with the little ones and is now quite gentle with them though she didn't start out that way but today after playing with Treasures and then Fiona's she laid down and crashed in the midst of the puppies playing. I laughed.

Would you like to be able to sleep whenever and wherever you are inclined? I wish I could. Heck, I would like to just sleep. hahahaha

Spice's hair is getting long and I have been conditioning her to laying on her back to allow me to do her tummy. She hates it. She doesn't trust me but after weeks of this she now allows. The goal is by the time she is ready to show she will just trust and lay there.

Right now I sometimes have to remind her by holding her in place. That's a far cry from when I had to always hold her in place. It works and when they relax on their back to groom, it is easy to clip their hair around their pads, shave their tummies if you wish and get rid of any knots. It's worth it to condition them even if it is a struggle at first.

Who Are You?

 It looks mighty - well strange but dawgs sniff each other to get to know where that other dawg has been, who they are and what their emotional state is like.

Sebastian came over with his humans and got to have a Hav-a-nice day moment. We rather missed his family and the Sebastian. The weather cooperated. I just wish I wasn't so exhausted after puppy visits and laundry and grooming and.... well now this blog.

But still, sometimes we need a kick in the pants and enjoy despite being exhausted. It ends up worth it.

Thanks!!

Mother's & Daughters

Miss Abigail heard that her daughter had her first zip, zip hairdo at the spa.

So, I took Abigail up in my lap and showed her the photos and she barked at it.

I had to laugh as Abigail doesn't bark but something about her visual on a screen made her.

Thanks goes to those that sent puppy cuts. I will be using them. I appreciate it!!

This way it will help others when figuring out what they want.

So, are you curious on what Breeze looks like?

Here she is. Do you think she looks like her mom above? Do you like her new clip?

Of course you can never see Abigail's eyes. They are beautiful but she loves rubbing her head and not allowing you that fresh washed photo but that's just her and that's quite okay.

Puppy Cuts

I heard today Breeze was getting a new hairdo - a puppy cut and I can't wait to see it.

I love the long hair but if you don't have the time or desire to maintain it, there are so many cute puppy cuts and hey if you don't like it, guess what, hair grows.

As soon as the weather gets nicer, I will be shaving tummies and thinking about shortening a few myself. We shall see.

Do you have a cute puppy cut? If so, please send it to me in mail. I am working on an article that I wil be putting in the tips with fab puppy cuts. This way people can see the possibilities.

So do share!