There IS life outside my office

I think Summer has finally arrived. Of course, considering we’re now past the summer solstice of June 21, is it already on its’ way out, too? Pleeeeeeeze let us have a gazillion more weekends like this one. The weather was nice enough to demand my attention and .. I SHUT OFF MY COMPUTER. Nope that’s not a typo. I actually shut off my puter, stepped away from the desk, and closed the door to my office.

Spent (almost) the entire weekend playing outside.

We put a llama in the freezer on Saturday, so the dogs will now be enjoying a little llama variety in their menus. Little Glory and owner Linda, happened to drop by so were lucky enough to take a few big chunks home for dindin.

The kitchen was so warm yesterday the puppies couldn’t settle down, so I put them in the smaller pool in the garage with an expen around them and they slept like babies, baby puppies that is, all afternoon/evening. This morning, Granny’s Favorite Of The Day, went on a big field trip out to check lambs and even got plunked down on the freshly mowed lawn for a few brief moments (that was puppy Lee, BTW). They are changing SO much from day-to-day. Eyes are open and bright and they’ve lost the sleepy baby look. They’re really beginning to interact with one another and growl and attempt to play. I put them in an expen on the kitchen floor while I changed the bedding in their pool and, as they always do, somebody's got to immediately stick paws and nose through the wires.

Emmy obviously has a very good milk supply because these are some real chunky monkeys. As I told a friend this morning, they’re like little bricks with legs. With each puppy I pick up and snuggle, I utter the words, “this is the one I’m keeping”. It’s hilarious to watch my poor husband squirm. Then again, when I looked out the window this morning and saw Capri sitting up on the seat of the tractor! it was a quick reality check just how busy my own puppy is. She is a growing, going concern. I only wish as many puppy antics for you with your furkids. Still trying to figure out how she got up there and why, but at least she easily managed to get down, too.


Happy Trails ... Theresa

Two weeks and counting

The puppies have just turned 2 weeks old. As an owner and I were commenting on, it seems like it took no time at all until they arrived, yet this first 2 weeks is going by slowly. For me, I think it's because 2 weeks is really their first milestone ... when eyes open. But the 2-week mark isn't only about eyes opening, as all of a sudden they're soooo much more mobile, scurrying all over the pool like little cockroaches. No rhyme or reason, just all over the place. Of course, always in search of mama, whom they can now not only sniff out, but see.

They're beginning to interact with one another, making their first attempts at puppy play, baby growls, and a few little barky-barks.

Emmy is a wonderful mom, so relaxed, so proud of her little family. She has happily enjoyed showing them off to the few visitors we've had to this point. She's snarly with Capri if she gets too close, and watches the others quite closely if they approach. However, if Paisley comes up for a look, she seems much more tolerant of her sister coming to check out the brood.

Of course, 2 weeks also seems to mark the end of the end of the invisible potty business as they're now quite capable of doing it on their own, and they do, all over the pool. The carpet and blankie will now be replaced with paper and a blankie. Hmmmm, I think I can hardly wait until I can set up an expen outside and move the little critters out there to enjoy the sunshine and FINALLY the warm (and dry) days of summer, and also to learn to do their business outside and on grass.

I hope you enjoy the video link below. This was shortly after waking up this morning, with the duration of this burst of energy lasting about 5 minutes before they drop off for a nice long nap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ur8qy081Es

Happy Trails ... Theresa

The more things change ...

... the more they stay the same.

Here I am again, spending countless hours staring into the pool, pondering puppies. I always think to myself, this is the best litter EVER. This litter has that over the last litter, this litter has more of this, better that, blah blah blah. The truth is, there's always something I see, something I've improved upon, something I'd still like to see more of.

But one thing that never seems to change ... the froggy doggy.

The babies are only 6 days old, and this little naughty Miss has already assumed the position, flat out on her belly, legs extended behind her body. It really must be a comfortable way for a contented puppy to sleep.

They seem like a noisy little crew, with a few little baby barks coming out when they feel they're lost waaaay on the other side of the pool. If they're anything like their mother, they will be. If I remember correctly from "The Dirty Dozen", Emmy was by far the noisiest puppy. And definitely one of the most adverturesome. It will be fun and interesting to see how these babies take on the traits of their mother.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Day 4

Four days old this morning and already filled out, plump little puppers. Emmy is a wonderful mama, so relaxed with them and with us, too. She's not keen on Capri getting too close to the pool but doesn't seem really bothered with the others milling about the kitchen. Hannah and Paisley each got a brief turn in the pool yesterday, just long enough to sniff and snuffle, and determine these weren't their long lost puppies ... and to make sure Emmy is doing an adequate job. Em, of course, was outside and no where near when the other girls were visiting.

Shelley headed back to Maidstone this morning, but will return in a few weeks. In the meantime, the "other" Granny finally has the chance to really get in there and get to know these babies. We can already see a few snippets of personality starting to emerge, with little black girl quite a voracious eater (and the waistline to prove it); she doesn't often miss out on a meal. Little red merle girl always crawls across or sleeps laying across the rest of her siblings.
Emmy has a very good appetite and is enjoying all the variety I'm providing her with. As a result, she has plenty of milk and babies are taking full advantage of the full milk bar. She still really enjoys her walks around the fenceline and has no problem leaving the kids to join us on our walks, but is quite anxious to get back into the house on our return.
I'll begin today with the "Early Neurological Stimulation" program as recommended by Dr. Carmen Battaglia. Wouldn't want to change a thing as we strive for the most balanced, well socialized, roll-with-the-punches puppies on the planet.

http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/articles/early_neurological_stimulation_en.php

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Emmy ... always in a hurry

Emmy got a little impatient and decided she couldn't wait another day for Shelley to arrive. She spent most of Tuesday sleeping in a "cave", going from crate to crate, and frequently napping in the pool I set up for her just outside my office. Paisley got all excited at the sight of the pool and was gracious enough to hop in and share pointers for an easy whelping. After a bit of a restless day on Tuesday, but a fairly decent sleep Tuesday night, followed by an early wakeup call for me, Emmy decided that Wednesday June 9, would be a perfect day to welcome her new family. I had slept on the sofa knowing that I would likely be up with her during the night. She woke me up at 4:30 a.m. and we went outside for a bit of a walk. When we came back in, I told her it was still the middle of the night and we should both go back to bed but she thought we should have puppies instead!

Baby #1 arrived at 5:30 a.m., and final Baby #8 finished things off at 7:49 a.m. Not bad for a first time mama. Five baby boys, three little girls, and all doing very well. Mama is content, feeding her young family, and now getting some much deserved rest.

Drive safely Shelley, your grandpuppies will be waiting for you when you arrive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RiAwJ2MFWQ

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Ohh Capri!

While I was no doubt sad to see little Dolly head off to her new furever home, I couldn't deny how excited I was to finally have the opportunity to focus on just my own little pupper, Capri. She arrived here when the Paisley puppies were just over 5 weeks old, and although we did manage to fit in our puppy kindergarten classes and some handling classes, it's now "Capri time". At least for a few days until the Emmy kids make their debut.

Capri is a one-in-a-million little character. SO confident I can't hardly stand it. So bold, so obnoxious, so not caring about doggy manners ... she makes Belle look like a charm school graduate!

But also, a brilliant, focused, and determined little girl. When she knows what the job is, she is all about business. For such a young puppy, her focus and statue-like stack is impressive. Her self-control is nothing short of amazing. There is absolutely something about the look in her eyes, her face, her expression. Not only is she the spittin' image of her daddy, Austin, but seems to have a quiet grace about her, much like mama Swizzle. Each time I look at her pedigree and see the wonderful Aussies behind her, I get excited all over again.

She loves to dig, loves to bury, loves to dig up her hidden treasures, and totally covets all the best toys. At only 4 1/2 months of age, she's not afraid to mouth a snarky little snap if one of the other dogs gets too close to her while she's enjoying a bone. She has no problem putting any of them in their place.

Heartfelt thanks again to Nancy of Buff Cap Australian Shepherds for letting this little spitfire join the family at Casselcreek. Can't wait to see what the future holds for Team Capri.

Click below for a brief video of Capri.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

What a day!

I traveled to Edmonton this past Friday. A month ago, I had entered Belle in the CGN test at the NACA show. Perhaps a long way to travel for the test, but it left me with backup tests later in the summer if she didn't pass. SHE DID! It may not have been her most stellar performance but they don't give a score, just a Pass or "not ready". Her heeling work was pretty darn nice, her exam was excellent, and walking through a "crowd" was great. She struggled a little with "meeting a friendly stranger" because the "stranger", the evaluator, was really just too friendly :) She had that high squeaky excited voice that just begs for an Aussie to jump up on you. Belle did manage to hang on to the last bit of self-control she had and did not jump up, but she sure wanted to. Her stay needs a teenie bit of work as she anticipates me calling her back and I barely get the "Belle here" blurted out before she's on her way back to me, with all the enthusiasm and speed an Aussie is famous for. Nevertheless, the evaluator passed us with the recommendation we work a little more on that anticipation factor. Okie dokie. And so, you may now address her highness as CH Buff Cap Belle Bottom Blues CGN ... a title at BOTH ends of her name, Yippeeeee!

And, since we were going to Edmonton anyway, and since Emmy is only a week away from babies, seemed like a perfect opportunity to meet Shelley with Em and bring our big mama home to settle in and get ready to welcome her litter. I took her in for her pre-puppy x-ray yesterday and the final count is ... yeah right! Did you really think I was going to give away the secret?

The happiest and saddest part of our trip to Edmonton was the third leg ... where I delivered sweet little DollyDolly to her new home. Dolly is now, already, the incredibly spoiled and privileged dog of Michelle & Lee and their daughters. I could not have asked for a more perfect family for her. She'll enjoy regular playdates with the rest of the Edmonton crew, get to go to doggie daycare a few days a week, and has a couple of teenagers to get in on the spoiling. She also has her very own "creek" running through her new yard ... a shallow swail that she has had the best time sliding and splashing in. With Dolly welcomed into her new family, the "Puppies and their Peeps" page should soon be on the website. Finally.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Whiskey

Champion Casselcreek Whiskey Girl RN CL STD(sd) ... I can't believe it's been three years today since she left me. It seems like yesterday and yet it seems like a lifetime ago. So many other Casselcreek doggies and puppies and a few outsiders, too (Belle & Capri) have trotted their way into my life, but no other red merles and never another like her. When you experience the pain of such a sudden and tragic loss, sometimes the first thought is "never again". No more dogs for me, no more risking my heart if I lose them. But we all know, a life without a dog or dogs as the case may be, just wouldn't be the same.

So many people come to me for a Casselcreek puppy and share their stories of loss, how they've recently said good-bye to a much loved pet, or how it's been a year or so and now they're ready to open their hearts again. I hope I help at least a little bit, when I offer not only my heartfelt sympathy but my deep understanding of their profound pain. And it is a pain like no other. Dog ownership comes with the most incredible rewards with the way our lives are enriched by their very presence, and also the sharpest of pain when they leave us.

And so today, I would like to simply acknowledge a very special girl, a life cut way too short, and encourage you to hug your critter just one extra time today, or throw the ball once more even though your arm is aching, toss the stuffy one more time even though you've already tossed it a gazillion times today. Do it for me, and do it for Whiskey.

http://www.casselcreek.com/whiskey.html

Happy Trails ... Theresa

June already?

I dream about this blog every night and think of all the wonderful stories to share with you, and I'm shocked each morning when it hasn't magically appeared, with updates already done for me. That can only mean one thing ... life is busy. And for me, a busy life is a good life. It means we're having fun, or at least "my" kind of fun.

Yes, the puppies have all settled beautifully into their new homes. I've had an opportunity to visit with several of them in the last six weeks and, as always, I feel so blessed to not only have such incredible puppies, but the best owners any breeder could hope for. The gang up in Edmonton is growing with Dave & Annette welcoming their second Casselcreek puppy, Nash, into their home. Dixie is up there, too, and joining Nash and his people in their puppy classes. Jenna & brother Tigger get together weekly with Nash & Zoey ... I even made a trip to Edmonton a few weeks ago for a playdate with the kids up there. I brought along Belle, Capri, and also Dolly who has remained with us a little longer. Joining us that day were two future puppy owners, so there were plenty of dogs and people to go around. Michelle & Lee, anxiously awaiting their Emmy x Gracin puppy, had their hearts stolen by little Dolly and I think she felt pretty darn loved by them, too. It didn't take much convincing for either party to know that with Michelle & Lee and their daughters is the perfect fit for our precious Dolly, and I'll be making the trip back to Edmonton this weekend to deliver her to her new forever family. The tear stains on the blog here are mine. We're going to miss her. She's been SO much fun and is such a free-spirited little character. Crazy about sheep, not at all fearful of the horses (though sometimes I wish she was), and as confident and outgoing as the day is long.

We're just about finished with our lambing for this spring with one of my seasoned professionals still hanging on to her babies, though I expect her to present us with her lamb family any day. Things have gone well, wonderfully healthy babies, and two sets of triplets with always a tinier lamb in triplets that needs a little extra TLC ... in this case, just giving a bottle a few times a day with mom's milk. My ewes stand so nicely when they see me coming to milk them. I think they're a little relieved to donate their milk ... a couple of them have SO much they can hardly walk.

One other reason for my trip to Edmonton this weekend is to meet Shelley with Emmy and bring her back here to settle in before she whelps with me next weekend, with her due date being June 12. Lots of guesses coming in for the puppy pool and everyone is guessing high numbers. From what Shelley tells me about Em's weight gain and increase in girth, I'm thinking we're in for a large litter ... maybe a repeat of The Dirty Dozen? More on Emmy's condition in the next week.

I'll also be putting Belle through the CGN test up at the NACA show. Wish us luck. I think she's ready but you never know when you get them in a different environment, in a "trial" situation. Though I shouldn't worry about Belle ... she's usually at her best behavior when in the show buildings. Nobody believes what a terrorist she can be when she's at home.

Looking forward to sharing some GREAT news with you after our trip to Edmonton!

Happy Trails ... Theresa