Casselcreek Australian Shepherds

2012-01-08T09:17:00.001-08:00

The puppies turned 6 months old yesterday, and we celebrated with baths and grooming and then a few photos. The formal stacked side shots didn't turn out as they're just so wiggly but I'll try again as I need them for their ASCA registration. A few candids, however, came out nicely. Their coats are so glossy and their colors so bold and rich. I am loving how these kids are growing up! Owners from Indiana who have "Blair" and also Nancy of Buff Cap who has Mindy, also sent photos and I must say, this is a lovely, very consistent litter of beautiful Aussies. So proud.

We started out the week with a formal herding lesson for Capri and also for Will. He has so much interest in the sheep here at home but was a little apprehensive about formal exposure with a stranger, though did settle down and had a few brilliant moments for a baby. Capri did very well but again, was a little concerned with where I was (watching from outside the pen) but I'm sure that will improve with time.

Aspen and I attended her first formal handling class also this week, and she was amazing. With my conformation dogs, I usually teach stand stand stand and not so much sit sit sit, and I pay for it later when I switch to some Rally or obedience training as the other maneuvers tend to then come a little slower. With Will and Aspen, I've worked on "sit" and "down", and now am teaching a hand stack and free-baiting, and although she sat the first couple of times, within 3 or 4 corrections, she was standing and by the end of class was even starting to self-correct. She usually walks quite nicely on a leash, and amazed me with how quickly she also began gaiting beside me. On the group go-rounds, she seemed a little concerned with the dog behind her but quickly let that go as well. A month from now, her first CKC show will already be under her belt. Aspen will debut at the Alberta Kennel Club show in Calgary the first weekend in February. Should be fun ... I haven't had a class dog in a year!

And, not to be left out, next week Capri and I start formal Rally Novice training with Kim down at Hyper Hounds http://hyperhounds.ca/ and hope to "maybe" be ready to trial by summertime. On the same evening, Aspen and I will begin her 6 weeks of training for the CGN test (Canine Good Neighbor). Such a busy time coming up!

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Peace in the valley ... or crazy on the prairie

2011-12-21T09:46:00.000-08:00

It's a bright sunny crisp morning in Strathmore. I heard the wind blowing all night and worried that my "miles" of greenery, white lights, and big red bows adorning the fenceline would be strewn all over the pasture by daybreak. Fortunately, all is intact and Mrs. Claus is a happy girl this morning.

The crew sounds happy, too. Will and Aspen have been out in the yard for 3 hours already. I let them in every 45 minutes or so and they run around the kitchen and warm up a bit, but head for the door the moment I even hint at getting up to let another group of doggies in or out. Their coats are beautiful already at their young age of 5-1/2 months and with the colder weather, their undercoat is quite thick and plush. I sometimes tease that I'd like to have a dog show outside in the snow as my Aussies look soooo beautiful in a natural setting.

Old Zoey lies up against a large round bale in the farmyard. It's a sunny spot and sheltered from the wind, and affords her a perfect place to keep an eye on the comings and goings. Her old body is so stiff these days, especially with the colder weather, and we feel blessed with each day, week, month, or yet another year she gives us. Stiff or not, her old joints never let her down when she suddenly spies a coyote out in the field. Just moments ago, I heard her loud warning bark and sure enough, she was up like a shot and charging out into the pasture. She knows what her job is and does it well and as I glance out to the south, sure enough there are two brave, if not naive, coyotes trotting through the field along the fenceline, unaware they're about to be swiftly escorted off the property. She'll return in a little while, moving much less slowly on the return trip than she did in the pursuit. I'll probably soften a little and open the door so she can come in and lay in the mudroom to warm up and rest her weary bones. For a Pyrenees guardian dog whose life has been spent outdoors, she has no problem adapting to life inside the house and would probably move right on in if given the opportunity.

Pearl is laying in a spot of snow outside and Will is bark-bark-barking at her, trying to entice her to chase him. Aspen has come up to the door on the kitchen deck, hoping to be let inside. Once in, she's supposed to head to her crate until her feet dry, but lately she hops right back to perch on top of the toy box and hope that her cute antics will make me break a rule or two. I told you Aussies were smart!

Happy Trails ... Theresa

2011-12-15T08:38:00.001-08:00

My dogs make me laugh. Sometimes they make me cry, or even swear, but mostly they warm my heart and make me laugh.

Aspen is a silly little clown. In my last post, I shared a photo of her sitting in the toybox. Turns out, that's not just a random happening as more and more, it's the first place she heads to. Climbs up in there, either sits or settles right down, and sometimes even has a snooze perched on top of the toys.

The dogs have a toy that's an egg-shaped rubber vessel covered by fleece with a little sheepie-face on it. It makes no noise when you squeeze it but when you release, it's makes a rather rude sound. We refer to it, affectionately, as the "farting sheep", and the doggies LOVE it. This sheep is usually in the toy boy and when Aspen climbs up into it, she steps on it and as she moves, it makes its' rude noise. It surprises her and she turns her head or lifts up her foot to see where the noise came from. Each time she moves, again erupts the sound. I've tried to capture it on video but of course, she hops out as I approach.

She was in the toybox again this morning. After she hopped out to head to her crate for breakfast, Capri (never wanting to give up any of her limelight) immediately hopped in and looked at me with anticipation, cocking her head, wiggling ... "Look, look at me, Mom! I'm just as cute as her!"

Happy Trails ... Theresa

My Bad

2011-12-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

Shame on me. Five months since my last blog entry. No wonder my head hurts with all these thoughts and doggie news stories to share. If you've found me on Facebook, then you know 8 beautiful puppies arrived safely, quickly, and without event on July 7. Though initially hell-bent on having them on my bed, I did manage to convince Belle that the whelping pool was THE place to be. An absolutely gorgeous litter, I had a helluva time deciding which puppy to keep ... so I kept 2. The others are in wonderful homes, locally, in BC, and a few in the U.S. Belle's breeder Nancy has her pick, he little blue girl I nicknamed Bunny who is now Mindy. Nancy is very pleased with her, and I'm sure Mindy will make her debut in the show ring one of these days. Little red merle girl is living in Indiana and will be shown as well. The others are super little tricksters and I've had the opportunity to meet up with a couple of them at weekly puppy classes.

Will, Casselcreek Great To Be King, is staying here with us and has already begun some early training and light exposure to the sheep, and is showing lots of promise. He'll hit the show ring when he's ready, but like most males ... will take a bit of time to mature. He's becoming quite the seasoned farm dog and LOVES accompanying Glenn on morning chores. He's totally enamored with Bridger and really looks up to his "big brother". When they're in the kitchen in the evenings and I peek in to check on them, he's usually snuggled up with Bridger and they're both enjoying a nap. He's not totally perfect just yet, and seems to struggle a little with the house rules ... having swiped a couple of toasted buns off the kitchen counter!

Aspen, Casselcreek Luck Be A Lady, is my pick puppy in the litter, and I am soooo excited to get her out into the show ring in early 2012. She did very well in her first session of puppy classes, and is registered to start CGN classes in January. She came with Capri and I to a few shows this Fall and has easily fallen into the routine of the show building, potty business on a leash, blow dryers, grooming tablets, and sleeping on the hotel bed.

Capri has had another very successful year of showing with multiple group placements, and it looks like she's finished the CKC year in the top 10 for Australian Shepherds in Canada. In May, she spent a month in Wisconsin with my friend Brent Kindred where he showed her in ASCA for a few weekends, put a Best of Breed on her, multiple Winners and Best of Winners, and had her back home to me a new ASCA Champion in just 27 days!

As an ASCA Champion, we were able to compete in the Best of Breed ring at the ASCA Nationals in late September, where Capri earned Premiere Awards in 2 of the 3 pre-shows, and a Premiere at the National Specialty! We had an incredible time in Wisconsin!

With the show year winding down, I've started to have (crazy) thoughts of boarding out my Warmblood and maybe riding again, at least for a few months.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

The Stork is getting ready to fly

2011-07-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

This is not my first litter, but it almost feels that way. There's a different level of nerves and excitement as this is Belle's first litter and that in itself is very special. Acquiring Belle, meeting Nancy Gagnon of Buff Cap, and benefiting from her ongoing support and mentorship have taken me in new and exciting directions. We've traveled to two ASCA Nationals shows, and are anticipating our third in September, to Wisconsin. Having a bitch of Belle's quality and pedigree, not to mention the wonderful opportunity to breed to Bodie (ASCA/AKC Grand Champion Hearthside's Nothing To Lose), has me VERY excited about the future and what I dream of experiencing with this new premiere generation of Casselcreek puppies. But first, I need to get through the new few days!

With just only a few "sleeps" to go until she whelps, I'm excited ... and nervous, and nerves don't usually come into play when I'm ready to whelp a litter. But this is my Bellie-Button, Belle-Belle, Bellie-girl we're talking about and yep, I'm nervous! Our new deluxe whelping box is set up and the puppy pool has been retired, I've made multiple "wedgewood blue" (fit for a Princess) fleece blankies to line it with, have my stack of old towels ready, the scale, and all the birth and weight record sheets ready to start completing ... and the freezer stocked with vanilla ice cream. I think we're ready. Belle has sailed through this pregnancy and is the picture of health, her coat has never been more beautiful (though she's totally shedding now), and she has that maternal "glow" about her. Weight gain has been steady and she's loved every meal I've offered ... so much easier than Paisley who all but gave up on eating during her pregnancy.

We've visited the repro vet for a quick radiograph to count skeletons and check positions, and now it's just a matter of X-ing off the days on the calendar ... and watching the skies for the stork to appear.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Like Watching Paint Dry

2011-01-25T14:05:00.000-08:00

That's how my life feels these days ... as slow and boring as watching paint dry.

A week ago, I underwent some rather radical surgery on my foot. As a result, I'll be on crutches and non-weight-bearing for a further month. It's painfully boring, to say the least. Not that I'm one to always be on the go (somewhat of a homebody, fortunate to work from a home office), but I do enjoy my mobility as much as the next guy. Oh sure, it's been a great opportunity to catch up on Seasons I, II, and III of some of my favorite programs (though that's hardly been a priority before). I guess it's nice to have my husband wait on me hand and foot (not that he would find it any different from his regular routine). But what I really miss the most is my dogs. Surprise surprise.

Oh sure, they're still here, but I hardly have the same level of interaction and activity with them. It's really been one or two at a time, always guarding my foot, always wearing a protective bootie, and certainly no dog shows on my near horizon.

And, wouldn't you know it, after a brutally cold past month with temps in the -20's, FINALLY the Strathmore area is enjoying a beautiful chinook the last few days. It's been bright and sunny since the weekend, some snow is starting to disappear from the fields, and I worry my walk-in freezer (aka horse trailer housing frozen game) may soon start to thaw. Hard to believe just two short weeks ago, our little town was in a "state of emergency" with highways closed in all directions and nearly 200 stranded. I'm dying to head outside and enjoy some fresh air. However, with the warmer temps also comes very icy conditions all around the yard and driveway, and my skill on crutches certainly leaves a lot to be desired.

Instead, I sat on a chair in front of my office window (where the view is the best), with my foot propped up on a stool, and a large pout on my face.

And then I noticed her. Our dear old, somewhat crippled, beautiful Great Pyrenees "Zoey" laying out on a small knoll in the pasture, watching the world go by ... or perhaps in her case, watching time stand still. Zoey is 10 this Spring and by large breed standards, that's a very senior age (though apparently her mother "Powder" lived to 15 years). It's been a hard winter for Zoey, and she's showing her age. After an accident as a youngster, she's had some severe arthritis in her front end and the cold weather certainly takes its' toll on her. She has a big cozy cushion under a heat lamp in the garage, where both she and Willow are quite comfortable, but multiple times this winter she's insisted on coming in and laying on the mat in the mudroom. But there she was today, absolutely glorious, laying in the snow, stretched out in the full sunshine. She was there for hours. Peaceful, regal, and on duty. She'd lift her head and watch the horses walk by on their way to water, she'd stand up every once in a while and bark a few warning woofs in this direction or that one, then settle herself back down, resting her head on extended paws.

I watched the horses head in from the east pasture, up to the corrals for water. The Belgians taking their time, certainly not expending any extra energy. My young colt Dillon, trotting, running, rearing up on hind legs to try and entice Rio into some kind of horsey game. My mare Fanta always the last to come up, never really fitting in with this herd. A few dropped down into the snow or pawed away enough to expose the frozen dirt underneath, sinking down to roll on their backs and scratch at an itch from their winter coats beginning to loosen.

A small group of those pesky black birds, the Magpies that drive the dogs crazy, noticed I had tossed out a few bones for the dogs and took advantage of a free meal by pecking at the marrow inside the dogs couldn't quite reach.

A hawk left its' perch in the small forest of trees to take a tour around the fields, hoping it was warm enough for a few brave gophers to perhaps venture out of their holes ... not yet, thank goodness.

And then it struck me. While I might be currently a little sedentary and admittedly in a bit of a funk, the world around me definitely is not. And while there might be some drama on Season I of Whatever, the real drama and certainly today's entertainment, came from the season Mother Nature provided me today. And though I'll acknowledge we're not yet even finished with January, and I'm sure there are many more -20's to come, the promise of a change in season can't be more than a chinook or two away.

And if only I could manage to balance my crutches and my camera without breaking my neck, I'd have some incredible photos to share. Instead, those pictures shall remain in my memory, reminding me of the gift of being forced to do absolutely nothing at all.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

2010-12-22T06:21:00.000-08:00

I don't expect your house is any different than mine this time of year ... busy busy busy, trying to get everything finished in time for the big day, and glancing up at the calendar I realize that Christmas Day is only THREE sleeps away!

I did manage to put up my tree, I think a week earlier this year. Always a real tree, it fills the living room with the seasonal scent of fresh pine. And yep, I totally indulged myself and had a few laughs when I added some spectacular trim to the boughs. Only left them there for a brief time, just long enough for my husband to notice, and he enjoyed the silliness too. But really, why not? We enjoyed an incredible year with Capri and the season is all about celebrating, isn't it? This year has certainly been a celebration for me.

And I guess winning all those ribbons has made Capri feel like she is somewhat "elevated" in the household and might just be able to get away with an extra prank or two. She does spend most of her time outside but when she's in, I certainly enjoy her moving about the house, visiting me in my office, launching herself onto my lap (or the keyboard), emptying every toy out of the basket, bringing me a collection of shoes, dragging the vacuum cleaner hose around, stealing the Swiffer duster, hopping up onto the sofa, etc etc etc. You get the picture ... she's a non-stop 4-legged being of discovery. She LOVES her world and of course, everything in it is placed here just for her benefit and entertainment.

After I decorated the tree last Sunday, on Monday morning Capri was kind enough to bring me one of the bottom branches. Chewed it right off, sap all over her muzzle. Hey Mom! Wanna play fetch! I brought you a stick! So far, she's left the wrapped gifts alone, though she did discover the new Christmas stuffies Santa will be bringing the crew, and trotted off with one in her mouth before I was able to nab her and get it back.

Paisley and Belle have been wonderful little elves, accompanying me on most shopping trips into town. I took the crates out of the van for a trip to Costco and since I have yet to replace them, the girls ride behind my seat ... however, when I park and go into a store, they both hop up onto a front seat and wait patiently for my return. It really does look cute with two beautiful blue girls, each sitting up on a seat, watching all the people and cars pass by. Both girls have grown into such nice young ladies, losing a little bit of their puppy energy but never their beautiful Aussie spirit. They are my best friends, my constant companions, my joy.

And as three sleeps will soon be two, then one, and the holiday will be upon us, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May your homes be filled with all the joy of the season and the things that are close to our hearts ... the sound of family, the smells of turkey roasting in the oven, and the hair of dog all over your pants.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

The View From Cloud 9

2010-11-30T05:12:00.000-08:00

It's been one helluva fun ride this year with Capri. From the first photos Nancy sent of a little fuzz-butt strutting her stuff through the puppy pen, to the wild child who arrived at the Calgary International Airport ... the first few ASCA baby shows, and then her exciting premiere in the CKC show ring at 6 months of age.

Multi Best of Breed wins, multiple Group placements, and an incredible seven wins in the Puppy Group ... this past weekend in our hometown at the Calgary Kennel & Obedience Club, our final show of the year and Capri's last as a puppy ... Team Capri did it! Under Mr. Jack Ireland she won Best Puppy In Show! To say this was a dream come true, a thrill of a lifetime, doesn't even begin to touch on the emotion and pride that I'm filled with.

I questioned myself the last couple of weeks, wondering whether I was doing a good enough job with this little girl. Am I the handler to take her to her next big win? Is she a dog who should be out with a professional handler? Do a little bit of ringside nerves sometimes get the best of us? Thanks to encouraging words from Nancy and some dear friends, I realized that I am the other half of Team Capri, and I am the only one I want to see at the end of the lead. The confidence this young bitch has instilled in me, the fun we have together, is something that is ours and ours alone.

I've received so many wonderful compliments on Capri from the judges we've shown to, and from so many others in the fancy who stop by our set-up to tell me how much they admire her in the ring. How can I not be encouraged to shoot for the stars?

And shoot we did! Right down to the last minute, her last show as a puppy, and she pulled out all the stops. Standing outside the ring watching the Best In Show competition, thinking about the next round, Best Puppy in Show, I knew I could only be proud of what we've accomplished together this first year. I could tell Capri was feeling it, too ... her usual bratty but focused self, giving me beautiful free-stacks, not feeling any nerves or tension from me, just a calm, determined feeling of "let's get 'er done". Win or not, I was still taking the best dog home. Setting her up, hand-stacking, down n'back, and gaiting on the go-round ... this is it, baby. To look up and see Mr. Ireland extend his palm toward and us and say those words I've been dying to hear, "The Australian Shepherd", there are no words to capture the excitement I feel. But WHOOOPEEEEEEE does come close!

Happy Trails ... Theresa

and from Waco to the North Pole

2010-11-18T06:08:00.000-08:00

Hard to accept that just a month ago, I was sweltering in 100 degree heat in Texas. It's a miserable morning in southern Alberta and hasn't really stopped snowing in 3 days. Light snow, on and off, but blowing and drifting and just plain awful.

The arrival of Ol' Man Winter always changes things up for the dogs. Niki and Hannah aren't really crazy about being outside, so quickly do their potty business and then usually hang out with me. Niki's getting arthritic and less stable on her feet than in her younger years and really prefers a cozy spot on the floor in my office. Capri LOVES it outside and I almost have to drag her in a couple of times a day just to thaw out in her crate. Bridger and Gracin are usually right out there with her. The others, Belle and Paisley, are in and out and in and out all day. Newt and Deets, no real preference, usually just wherever I'm at and when it's this cold and windy, I'm inside!

Winter and winter road conditions also bring about a new set of worries as there are still shows we attend; fortunately, everything close to home now. Two more sets of shows before Capri ages out of the puppy class with Lethbridge this weekend and Calgary next and then that's it for a month or so. One more thing I have to remember to pack into the van, boots, parka, toque, snow scraper.

I have a wonderful group of puppy owners who keep me updated with news of their Aussie furkids, and frequently share photos. And this incredible shot, I have to share with you.

I think Wendy captured the true spirit of this incredible breed ... their zest for life, abundance of energy, loyalty and companionship whether with humans or their canine buddy, and love for the great outdoors, even in the winter.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

The Road To Waco ... and back again

2010-11-08T12:30:00.001-08:00

It's already been 2 weeks since our return home from The Big Trip, and time to update y'all. I left here on Saturday October 16, and went as far as Regina to spend the night with Kelly of Risk N'Hope Australian Shepherds. Kelly and I convoyed south from her place, getting an early start on Sunday morning. It was cold and dreary and a little rainy, and without any Tim Horton's in sight after the first 2 hours, I was worried it would be a looooong trip. The border crossing was relatively uneventful though they did have us both pull over to go through our coolers, ensuring we weren't smuggling any of that nasty Canadian beef. Just as we were departing, the inspector said to me, "you've really got a long trip ahead of you". Thanks, cuz I hadn't already thought of that.

We spent the first night in Fargo, North Dakota at a Motel 6, the shangri-la of dog-friendly accommodations ... some not so shangri-la as others. With the first 513 miles down, we headed out the next morning and went as far as Kansas City, MO, another nearly 600 miles, and more Motel 6. More grey, drizzly, chilly weather too. Sheesh, we're heading south, where's the sunshine? After a further 513 miles that day, we finally arrived around suppertime in the pretty little town of Denton, TX ... sunshine, heat, and our first stop at Target! We had a really nice supper at a pizza/pasta buffet restaurant, then chatted with multiple other dog-owning guests at our now favorite Motel 6. Due to meet Shelley's flight into Dallas Fort Worth airport at 1 PM, and only 45 minutes away from there, we were able to enjoy a slow morning packing up the vehicles and then hitting the local Walmart, Target, Payless, and one of my favorites, Chick-Fil-A, for lunch. Shelley arrived on time, we met up with her easily, and off we headed to complete the final leg of our journey a further few hours south to Waco.

Upon arriving in Waco, we realized we didn't have the actual street address for the fairgrounds. There were a couple of locals working under the hood of a pick-up truck so I pulled over and made Shelley get out to ask directions. You go, no you go, okay I'll go. She got directions no problem, but the feller had to inform her through missing teeth, "the faaaair aaaaiiiin't ooohhhnnn". We had a few good laughs over that one. Pulling into the fair grounds, we were right away greeted by my sweet little friend Katherine, whose mother owns Capri's dad, Austin. We found our reserved stalls and got busy setting up and decorating a' la Canuck.

Pre-shows started right away the next morning with both Capri and Finn in their respective puppy classes, both at the EXACT same time. Grooming like crazy, trying to get them both ready, rushing over to the conformation building, just to hurry up and wait. I had my friend Brent Kindred take Finn in the ring as I didn't want to miss Katherine in with Capri. Finn placed Fourth out of 7 puppies and did so well with Brent, filling these 2 grannies with pride.

Not only did Team Capri make me proud, they made me cry as Capri won FIRST out of a very competitive class of fifteen 9-12 month bitches. Into the ring later in the day for Belle, but no love for our pretty blue girl. A repeat in the 2nd pre-show with another FIRST for Capri and Fourth for Finn, and with Katherine at the helm, also a Fourth for Belle. Tally at the end of the week, Capri FIRST x2 and Fourth x2 (including Puppy Sweeps), for Finn Fourth x4 (including puppy sweeps), and a Fourth for Belle in the pre-show.

With Belle somehow re-injuring her chronic iliopsoas (lower back/groin) muscle strain, coming into season, and feeling just plain crappy due to her intolerance of the heat, Nancy and I made the decision to pull her from the next 2 shows. My poor little girl just wasn't herself. Capri also ended up falling victim to the dreaded "dog show crud", didn't eat for 3 days, and puked and pooped her way through the remainder of the trip.

All in all, we had a very enjoyable trip with wonderful results from our 2nd ASCA Nationals. Shelley and I pledged that we were going to "eat our way across Texas", and I think we made a pretty darn good effort. Mexican cuisine most nights, a margarita or two, and even chicken fried steak for breakfast, we certainly enjoyed ourselves.

Looking at this collection of beautiful rosettes, I'd say the Casselcreek/Buff Cap kids held their own in the breed ring, too.

Packing up and getting ready to leave wasn't as nearly as big a job as I'd anticipated, though saying our good-byes to special people is never easy. Once again, my dear friend and mentor, Nancy Gagnon of Buff Cap, made the week just that much more special, and I hope we made you proud. It was our pleasure to meet the lovely Francine (Katherine's mom, Austin's owner), to reconnect with Brent Kindred, and make new friends in so many others.

Of course, attending an ASCA Nationals isn't only about the serious dog show stuff (note, tongue in cheek) and the week was topped off with a fun-filled banquet, including a little chicken dance. That's all I'm gonna say ... what happens in Waco, stays in Waco (right, Shelley?)

Happy Trails ... Theresa

A Star Is Born

2010-09-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday, Bridger and I shared a very exciting and interesting afternoon. I was contacted a few weeks ago by an advertising agency who were interested in using one of my Australian Shepherds in an upcoming campaign. Once I agreed to it, they forwarded my website onto the client and photographers, and let me know they had decided on Bridger. Was he interested? ABSOLUTELY! I only saw this as a fantastic opportunity for Casselcreek, and he'd even get paid for his time.

With the ugly rainy weather of late, the shoot was postponed twice but finally I got confirmation things were a go for Wednesday. I was provided with specifics on time and location and off we went. The site was a wheat field which turned out to be only about half an hour southwest of us. When we drove up, there were a few vehicles, several people, and lots of equipment, lights, generator humming, makeup artist, etc. We were welcomed and introduced to the various people, including Tom, "the farmer", Bridger's new best friend.

The guise of the shoot and the eventual ad are that with product X taking care of the weeds in Farmer Tom's beautiful crop, he has nothing to worry about and can just enjoy a quiet moment with his loyal canine companion, Bridger. Given the late afternoon and the shoot facing west, the sunshine across the Alberta prairie, highlighting the wheat sheafs and touching on grain bins in the distance, was absolutely glorious. Because the crop was so tall, they used an equipment box to raise Bridger up high enough that his head was at hip level and there he sat, on that box, for 2 hours. We stopped shooting 3 times for a 5-minute break, and to move the scene to capture the light. Bridger hopped off the box and ran around the field for a bit, immediately coming back to work when Tom called him. Bridger is such a social, well balanced boy who loves everyone and took to Tom like they were the old friends they are depicted to be. Tom kept teasing me that he had it written into his contract that he got to take the dog home when we were finished.

Bridger made me so proud as he sat or stood on the box, looking up at Tom, accepting affectionate pats, lifting his head and bringing his ears forward to focus on something and giving us that beautiful Aussie expression. Of course, it goes without saying that his gorgeous red coat will complement the rest of the scenery beautifully. Toward the end of the 2 hours, he whined a couple of times, yawned once, and when I commented he was probably reaching his limit, Dale the photographer immediately said "that's it, we're done", and Bridger hopped off his perch. I was pleased and impressed Dale was so understanding of Bridger's limitations and didn't push him beyond what was already a top notch performance. I was complimented so many times on his temperament, his patience, and his excellent behaviour. Dale told me they had worked with many, many dogs and he was by far the best and the easiest. Atta'boy Bridger.

At one point, they wanted him to jump up and put his paws up on Tom's chest. He would not do it, no matter how much enthusiam Tom had for him. I had to laugh ... 9 Aussies and they choose the dog who doesn't jump up!

I hope to be able to go into their studio and view all the photographs myself, maybe snag a digital copy or two, and definitely multiple copies of the ad when it comes out.

As far as future assignments for Bridger, he says, "have your people call my people".

Happy Trails ... Theresa

That's it, that's all

2010-09-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked the end of a looooong and busy Spring/Summer as the last puppy from two litters this year headed off to her new furever home. I didn't know whether to cry or jump for joy, but in the end the tears made that decision for me. She was nearly impossible to resist and I became a tad attached to my little "Mohtzie ball" over the past couple of weeks. Such a smart and well-behaved puppy-girl. The kitchen "almost" looks empty now, as empty as any room can be that still has a gazillion crates occupying the floor. But the empty space where little Jessie's crate stood only yesterday, certainly keeps drawing my attention. Just beyond that space though, is Capri's crate and when I see her, I'm instantly snapped back to reality. And reality with Capri is pretty exciting.

After such a spectacular weekend in Castlegar with Capri going Best of Breed in all six shows, I came home and hoped to get her into every show I could. And then ... reality again. With our big trip in the works to Waco at the end of October, and a quick trip to Spokane this weekend, we'll make a few CKC shows but have a few weekend breaks, too.

Speaking of breaks, I've actually taken some of late. I know! Last Sunday, we joined puppy Finn and owner Chelsey, along with her other boy Bocce, and her human boy Josh, and did an 8 km walk along the irrigation canal in Strathmore. Bocce is a riot and was in and out of the water constantly, and with such a confident pal to show her how, Capri got right in on the swim, too. She actually swam! Looked a little panicked once, but learned quickly to keep her legs down and in the water and paddle, paddle, paddle. Such fun! and such great exercise, too.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

This is what I was waiting for

2010-08-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

Do you believe everything happens for a reason? I certainly do.

I spent an enjoyable afternoon visiting with a special lady yesterday. I felt it as soon as her voice was at the other end of the phone. Something told me, this is going to be good. She came out to meet our little Maggie, or Mohtzie as we now call her. Mohtzie has been waiting for something special, for a home I think is deserving of this little character.

Having recently lost one of her two dogs, Wendy is heartbroken and her Aussie x Border cross is pining for her old friend. Mohtzie and I were over at the barn when Wendy drove up and little Mohtz took off running before I even noticed she was gone. When I came around the corner, Wendy was out of her car standing on the grass, and Mottie was wiggling her way over to say hello. Right up into her lap, with kisses all over her face, an almost uncharacteristic greeting for Mohtzie who has read the breed standard and agrees that Aussies should be a little bit reserved. Well, reserved wasn't in her vocabulary when she met Wendy. I stood back and watched their first meeting, seeing a few tears down Wendy's cheeks.

We spent a couple hours talking about all the doggie stuff, about new puppies, and about the profound loss we feel when one of our heart dogs has to leave us. We shared a few tears while Mohtz slept on the floor between us. I sent Wendy home to really think about it some more, but I know she left here with a much lighter heart and a huge smile on her face. The email I received last night with the subject line, "Yes! She's got a home!" didn't come as a surprise, as I know this is one of those matches that was just meant to be, that maybe somebody in doggie heaven had a paw in arranging.

And so, that's it. The last of the babies from 2 litters this spring/summer to soon settle into life with their new best friend. And life here can get back to normal. Really, whatever normal is supposed to be around here. Paisley can end her drama queen hunger strike and rest assured that there will be no puppies staying. Capri can once again wear the crown of "baby of the house". And Belle can return to her post as "center of the universe", not that she ever really left it. I mean, this is Belle we're talking about. And shoes at the back door will once again be safe.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Oh no, not again

2010-08-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with that icky feeling in the pit of my stomach. Oh oh, today's the day. A few hours from now, the enemy will be advancing up the driveway, anxious and ready to steal away with my precious puppy.

The first of the babies heads home today. Pretty blue girl, Madison, now Indigo, will be off to her new home in Calgary with Brittany. Brit is a lovely girl and will be a wonderful owner for Indy, starting her early training right away in preparation for the show ring. It's just tough, it really is. Nine weeks is certainly enough time to get attached to these guys and fall totally in love with them all, though some certainly do tug at your heart just a teenie bit more than others, or at least tug in a different direction for a different reason. There is something so unique about each and every one of them that makes them ultra-special ... that makes it hard to let them go.

But there's a wonderful feeling that comes with placing that super clean, sweet smelling puppy in her new owner's arms and wishing them well. To watch her carefully place her new best friend safely in her crate for the ride home, and then turn and walk away, biting my lip and hoping I make it into the house before the tears, and not even feeling silly if I don't.

But then, it's all over quickly and focus returns to the remaining stinky little buggers, yipping and crying for attention. There may be one less puppy, but I don't think they're any quieter.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Ahhhh, the good ol' days

2010-07-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

Very occasionally, I find myself longing for the good ol' days ... the days when I fed a kibble diet. Oh sure, that feeling only lasts a nano-second, but still, pouring kibble from a bag was pretty darn easy.

I've been feeding my crew a raw meat diet for over 6 years now. In that time, I've gone from an apartment-sized freezer, to a 20 cubic footer, then another, and another, and then another, this time 25 cubic feet. I somehow always manage to keep them pretty darn full, but have never had to turn down anything meat-wise that was offered. I'd buy another freezer before I said "no" to a good deal on meat.

So, speaking of good deals, twice a year I buy from the local Hutterite colony a few hundred of their "old hens", their laying chickens. On Monday, Glenn and I picked up 800 of the birds. Yes, EIGHT HUNDRED. Five hundred went to raw-feeding friends also appreciative of a deal, but we still hung on to 300 of them. And so, by 10:00 a.m. Monday morning, I was well on my way to raw-feeding chicken hell. We spent the day cutting each bird into 10 pieces, packing them into ziplocs, and hauling them downstairs to the "chicken freezer".

The rewards, however, are huge and nothing makes me smile more than watching babies enjoying their first meal of raw chicken necks. They don't really consume much of it, but they sure love gnawing away and tearing off bits of meat. Today was that day, when I laid a blanket out in their pen and sat and watched. Maggie, true to herself, was the first one in and the last one to walk away. That girl sure does love her food! Madison also, but seemed much more methodical in her eating, much less of a frenzy than Maggie. Chloe could get her own reality show with the way she hoarded a collection of 3 or 4 necks. The boys all enjoyed theirs, too, with Bucky Chavez always wanting to drag his chickie neck up onto Granny's lap and have his lunch there.

Of course, the big guys took up position on the outside of the pen, waiting patiently, like vultures, for the babies to be finished as they knew they would get the leftovers. Capri, however, thought an attempt at tunneling under the expen would speed the sharing process along.

So far, the babies have enjoyed ground turkey with bone, ground chicken with bone, beef, lamb, chunks of llama, ground tripe, and one meal of kibble.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

O - M -G

2010-07-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

If you thought my job as Granny Of The Puppies was all glamour and snuggles, put on your earplugs and watch this. They've just woken up from a morning nap and polished off their lunch of finely ground turkey, cleaned up most of the mess off of each other, and had a piddle or two. And then ... it's off to choir practice.

At one point, even Emmy pushes them back into the pool with her nose. And look at her cleaning the back molars on Madison.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h9Oe-RLaK4

I knew I should have purchased stock in the Tylenol company.

(p.s. immediately after I shut off the camera, I let the still awake squawkers loose on the floor ... instant silence from them, pure bliss for me)

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Say it ain't so

2010-07-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

The puppies are not yet even 4 weeks old, and on Saturday morning we came out to the kitchen to discover one rotten little pupper crawling around, eager to discover a whole new world outside the whelping pool. Why??? Why can't they just be happy with life in the pool? It's purple, it's big, it has colored fishies swimming on the sides, it's easy to clean ... all legitimate reasons as far as I'm concerned, but obviously not enough for 8 little puppies about to make my life my more hectic and my mornings pure noisy chaos.

What happens out on the kitchen floor? They visit the other Aussies through their crate doors, they get snarked at my Gramma Hannah, get a lip lifted by Papa Gracin ... both silly from these two so protectice of their space. But put them all out together and Hannah is only too happy to nurture her grand-puppies, and Gracin almost plays with them. Paisley, on the other hand, is more than happy to lay down and let them think they can nurse while she happily washes their faces and other parts. And Mama Emmy has no objection and seems to welcome the help.

(Auntie Paisley pulling puppy duty)

The puppies growl and bark at one another and try to roughhouse but in their puppy-clumsiness usually topple over, which starts a whole new game of discovery as they roll around on their backs, stretching, reaching out to grab a toy or edge of the blankie. It's non-stop entertainment and seriously, I could sit and watch them all day.

Personalities are definitely emerging ... Murray is the snuggly one of the bunch and loves to be held and cuddled, and easily returns the affection. My buddy Lee is a fiesty little character who thinks he's a real tough guy with his baby growls which soon give way to his clown-like playfulness and expression. Madison is very demanding. She may not have been the first one out of the pool but is the puppy to now master getting out of the pool, or at least carrying on with non-stop whining and howling until I finally give in and lift her out. She's beautiful, and independent, and seems to have a puppy grace about her. All in all, the whole bunch is just pure joy.

Emmy has surprised me with her calm nature as a mama. She's accepted all visitors with enthusiam for any attention and affection aimed at her. We had young children visit the other day and she was just as comfortable with the little ones in the pool petting puppies as she is with adults. What a fine example she's setting for her young family, teaching them to be relaxed and trusting with humans. Now, if she would only teach them to sleep in beyond 5:00 in the morning, we'd have 'er made.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

There IS life outside my office

2010-06-28T05:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

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 ...

2010-06-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

... 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

2010-06-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-06T06:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-06-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

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

Nine weeks passed already?

2010-05-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

I know this sounds like such a cliche, but really ... Where does the time go? One day the puppies are just learning to escape their pool, and soon they're heading down the driveway off to their new homes. Once again, I feel so blessed to have the most wonderful families come to me for their Aussie companions. New owners and "repeat customers" truly make this a labor of love. I absolutely delight in watching the kids grow and am fortunate to have frequent opportunities to do so when "my families" return with their pups of all ages and we enjoy our fenceline walkies. I'm also looking forward to a trip north to Edmonton where I'll have the opportunity for a puppy playday with the Casselcreek'ers up there.

Things are settling down again ... or at least as settled as they ever get around here. Little monkey Dolly is going to be hanging around Casselcreek a bit longer, unless my boys (Glenn & Matt) totally fall for her antics and never let her go. She's such a fun and comical little character who never walks anywhere and prefers to literally bounce through life.

Capri is soon turning out to be everything and so much more than I had ever hoped for. At just over 3 months, I'm amazed at how quickly she learns everything I'm teaching so far. Her training for the show ring has been a breeze and she's already really understanding the game. She's going to be sooo much fun to show. She's got two ASCA weekends under her collar already with a BOS puppy and two 2nd place ribbons while down in Idaho. Puppy classes with All Bright Dogs have been great, and next on her calendar is the weekend handling seminar with Joy & Vaughn.

We had a nicely successful weekend at the AKC Lewiston cluster and Tri-State ASCA shows in Idaho in mid April, with Belle winning her class all 3 days, including a Reserve Winners Bitch, followed by Winners Bitch in ASCA for her first 2 points there. Soooo very proud of my pretty blue girl. There's something so wonderfully special about Belle, and I'm always extremely proud to own her. Bigger things on Belle's horizon as we head off to our first herding clinic later this month.

It's been a busy time for Gracin, too (wink wink nudge nudge). Emmy was here in early April, and Spec (CH Sheep's Kin Spectacular Vantage) was here this past week. I would expect some beautiful puppies out of both of these crosses.

Happily, Paisley has returned to her usual crazy self after her foray into motherhood. She self-weaned her puppies and once they stopped nursing she was more than happy to spend hours playing with them, thankful they finally stopped hanging off her underbelly. At 3 years old, she's really still such a puppy herself and I'm happy to have my VBFF back at my side.

Lots of photos to edit and hopefully a few to post, as well as my anticipated "Puppies & their Peeps" page on my website. I'm feeling so guilty for not keeping up with the snaps. Until then ...

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Peace in Puppyland

2010-03-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I know a blog is about blogging and I've been so negligent of late. I do apologize for just sitting around buffing my nails and eating bonbons but, ya know ... puppies and dogs and sheep and a horse and work and more work, a husband, and a kid or two keep me just a wee bit busy. Truth is, husband, kids, and other animals are all but neglected and work piles up while I do seem to spend 24/7 watching these beautiful puppies grow up.

Every day is a new joy. They change not only from day-to-day but sometimes from morning until night. They're an amazing bunch. I say it with each litter, that I think these ones are smarter, more advanced, more brave, more bold, have a stronger toy drive, whatever, but this time it's really true. I wouldn't have expected anything less from Paisley and the handsome Chipper.

The babies turned 5 weeks old this past weekend, long ago graduated from the puppy pool and are now in the expen in the kitchen. A couple of them, in fact, have "graduated" from the ex-pen as they scale the low side when I'm not looking.

I’ve just come in from a few hours outside, doing the poop scoopin boogie in my dog yard. You know you have a lot of dogs when you do the first scoop of spring and you use a leaf rake! Very easy though as the grass and the doodles are quite dry. I decided to take the crew out there with me, all 6 puppies, 1 mama, and 2 giant white guys. Such fun. The puppies had a blast. Nobody was afraid in the least, and it’s not even warm today. In fact, it’s chilly. I took many pictures but most of them will be blurry due to the moving targets. Willow and Zoey really are gentle giants and Zoey was so excited to see the puppers, she was smiling and waggling her big tail and they were climbing up trying to tell her secrets. They were easily outside for an hour. When they started to crowd around my feet, I knew they’d had enough and brought them all back into their pen where they promptly crashed and I haven’t heard a peep since. I have now discovered the secret to peace in Puppyland. I’ll post some pictures on the site later, after I’ve had a chance to edit and resize. These really are brave little babies. I always have puppies out in the yard at 5 weeks, but it usually takes several days until they’re comfortable … Not this bunch. The next few weeks ought to be really fun!

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Where have I been?

2010-03-10T06:38:00.000-08:00

Hardly sitting around buffing my nails and eating bonbons ... we have puppies! They arrived almost 4 weeks ago and sorry, this is my first entry since their arrival. Yikes, my bad. In my defense, it's very time consuming to sit poolside and watch and snuggle and kiss babies, change blankies and paper a gazillion times a day, and still give ALL my undivided attention to Mama Paisley. Besides they're growing and changing so rapidly the news would be outdated before I even hit the Publish button. Okay, enough with the excuses.

Six little darlings made their very easy entry shortly after the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Naturally, this litter theme will be The Olympians. So many nice names to choose from. For now, everyone has a "handle", a nickname we can all easily identify them with. The girls, Glory, Sweety Gonzales, and everyone's favorite DollyDolly, are joined by brothers Jordie, Josh, and Zack (or Bad Zack as I affectionately call him). A very nice litter with bone, gonna have lots of coat, nice broad heads, oh and a mismark or two but what the heck. Paisley's been a wonderful, relaxed, and attentive mom but as they approach the 4 week mark, I think she's beginning to wonder what she signed up for. And after the noise they're making this morning, I'm wondering too.

They're so sweet when they're quiet and sleepy. As of this morning, they're all straining to climb the wall and bust outta there. They've had a few adentures roaming the kitchen but to this point, life has been easy. I'm sure that will all change by this weekend. I've started them on my goat's milk puppy formula and they've all taken to it like "pawfessionals". As with our other litters, these babies will be weaned onto a raw diet, though Dolly was a little impatient at age 2 weeks and helped herself to her mom's meaty lamb neck. Her eyes were barely open but her nose was working fine and she found that neck and happy sucked on it for a while.

So stay tuned ... I promise not to tear myself away from puppies long enough to blog.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Superstar Mama

2010-02-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

We started training a full year ago, and then got sidetracked with one doggy event or another, and never did get around to testing Paisley for her CGN, aka the CKC's Canine Good Neighbor program. One quick tune-up at All Bright Dogs last week, and I decided to enter her in the test this weekend at the Alberta Kennel Club show.

The CGN is a series of 12 different things to test a dog's good behavior in public situations, i.e. heeling through a crowd with distractions (in this case, an umbrella and someone with a walker), accepting a friendly stranger, sitting nicely while the human does a meet n' greet with another human whose dog is also sitting nicely, having a well groomed appearance and accepting someone brushing them, looking at their ears, picking up their paws, etc., a recall, a brief stay, and then a 3-minute out-of-sight stay.

Although her nice heeling work looked more like a waddle (at 8 weeks' pregnant) she passed the rest with flying colors and once again made me very proud. And with the big tummy and lack of energy at this stage, I didn't have to worry too much about her jumping up on the evaluator!

Congratulations to CH Casselcreek Vintage Paisley CGN.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Puppy breath

2010-02-01T16:02:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Dixiana Lucky Carmine, whom this weekend delivered a litter of reds and blacks sired by our boy, Gracin. That's the proud papa sitting with me in the photo to your right. Carmine stayed with us for a couple of weeks in early December, while she and Gracin made their love match. A very sweet girl with a lovely temperament, combined with the very fine qualities in our boy of temperament, brains, talent, etc., etc., this is going to be a wonderful litter of puppies anyone would be quite happy to own. Proud "gramma" Phil is absolutely thrilled after waiting so long for some Carmine babies, and missing on a breeding or two. When Carmine came to visit, I assured her that between myself, Gracin, and Auntie Tammy, we would be sure to get the job done! Hopefully I'll have some photos soon.

Thinking about Phil's sleepless weekend whelping puppies and now the elation I know she feels as she admires their lovely brood, it makes me so excited for Paisley's day to come. She's had another very good week with a weight gain of nearly 3 lb ... it's amazing now that she has her appetite back. The hair is suddenly thinning and disappearing from her tummy area as she prepares to nurse her little family. I have the warming box, whelping pool, towels, scale, and charts & records all ready to go, my Delee suction catheter and nasal aspirator sterilized, and my collection of different colored nail polish (for identifying puppies with a dot on a back foot) just waiting to be put to use. And I'm working like mental to stay caught up so I can enjoy a few days of just snuggling, taking in the puppy breath, and making sure my sweet mama is well taken care of.

How many more sleeps 'til puppy day??

Happy Trails ... Theresa

A Must Read

2010-01-24T09:20:00.000-08:00

It’s a weekend tradition as steadfast as Tim Horton’s every Saturday and Sunday morning – watching the Dog Whisperer on the “National Geographic Channel” (can’t you just hear Cesar saying that, with his Spanish accent? The National Geographic Channel).

Years ago, when I read my first Cesar book, I thought he was a little too much “Hollywood” and kind of wrote him off. But Glenn’s been watching his show every weekend morning for a couple of years, and naturally I’ve gravitated toward the TV too. I’ve learned a lot from watching the show and attempting to apply his principals to my own “pack”. Amazingly enough, with this unruly pack, I’ve seen some changes, all improvements, in the dynamics, their behavior, and especially my presence and interaction as pack leader. Of course, it’s soooo easy to fall back into my old patterns of building up the excitement level, but when I stay disciplined and conscientious of my body language, my tone of voice, etc., the response and respect from the crew is quite significant. They remember that they're dogs, and I remember they're not children.

Angela (Juno’s mom and future Paisley puppy mom) has been reading Cesar’s new book, “How To Raise The Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond”, so I thought I'd pick up a copy, too. I can't put it down. It has me as captivated as the Twilight Saga series. I read each page with my yellow highlighter in hand.

Pages 23-24 describe his visit to a breeder. When I read those pages, I thought "that's me", or what I've worked hard at to be for my owners. It's important to me to be here as the "go to" person for training issues, problem solving, and especially to share in your delight over your Aussie's latest stellar accomplishments. It's SO much more than selling you a puppy and wishing you luck as you both heel off into the sunset.

P.S. The part where he says if you arrive at the breeder's and it's wild and crazy and loud and chaotic, that you should run like hell ... please ignore that part. It doesn't apply here hahahahaha.

I would encourage anyone with a new puppy at home, their name on a waiting list for a puppy, or an already present dog at home who could use a little tuning up, to obtain a copy of this book. It'll be money well spent and in the long run much more valuable than yet another stuffy toy for your pooch. And for my Casselcreek future owners, it'll give you something to do to help pass the time from now until February 14, and from then until you take your puppy home.

I've included a photo here of Annette (Zoey's person) who was lucky enough to attend one of Cesar's seminars and book signing.

As for Twilight? Move over Edward, there's a new man in town and his name is Cesar.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Now that's more like it

2010-01-22T13:08:00.000-08:00

As we enter the last "trimester", this has been a pretty good week for Paisley. After close to 3 weeks of really not eating unless “assisted” (aka force-fed), she’s finally regaining her appetite, her mood has greatly improved, and we’re turning the corner on the homestretch to The Big Day. She’s gaining weight at a very nice, steady rate and her tummy girth is increasing as it should. Matt even says she’s getting a “ghetto booty”. She’s definitely got a load of babies in there and is starting to resemble a pretty little blue merle … goat. Still as athletic and agile as ever. I’m just pleased her happy mood has returned, she’s once again giving me the Aussie grin, and is stepping right up to the plate in her new role as Alpha Bitch. The re-producing female usually takes over as Alpha, and Paisley is no exception. Not bitchy but definitely bossy.

Paisley and I both have a weight/fitness plan, though we’re working in separate directions. I go to Jenny Craig on Friday mornings, Paisley always comes along for the ride, and on the way home we go to the vet’s to weigh her as well. Paisley’s weight gain this past week is 2 lb 4 oz. She’s also up just over an inch in waist circumference in a week. Today is Day 42 of a 59-63 day gestation.

Normally at the 30-day mark, I change up their diet, increasing it by about 50%, and reducing the amount of bone in their meals. The usual increase would be more like 25% but because of the high activity level of my girls, I’ve always been able to increase to 50% without having the girls gain too much or grow puppies that were too big. Not to mention, they've always been ravenous. However, with Paisley refusing raw food (on her own) and not consuming any bones, but thinking kibble was at least a little tolerable, I haven’t had to do much. The kibble is a grain-free high quality holistic brand and is perfectly balanced so I know she’s getting everything she needs. In the last few weeks, I’ve been able to spoon-feed her our beef offal mix (yes, I did say spoon-feed, how ridiculous, eh) but now that she’s back to eating chicken pieces and pork ribs, our bone is nicely balanced too. Because of her petite size and the number of puppies the vet sees on ultrasound, I’m sticking closer to the 25% increase as I want to be sure the puppies don’t grow too large for an easy whelping. Hannah gained about 15 lb total with each litter. When you think about it, that’s a lot of extra weight on a dog.

Bone is reduced in the last half of pregnancy because the body has no problem supplying it’s own calcium with a well-balanced diet. Supplementing with extra calcium is actually quite dangerous as it can cause your bitch to develop uterine inertia during whelping. By supplementing with extra calcium, the hypothalamus forgets how to draw it from the body itself. During labor, calcium is extremely important to strengthen contractions and keep them coming. If the body doesn’t know how to draw it’s own calcium, no contractions. During the actual whelping, however, extra calcium is quite helpful to increase the contractions. I always offer my girls vanilla ice-cream about once an hour during the labor process (about 12 hours). The ice-cream not only provides the calcium, but sugar for energy, and a little something to keep them hydrated. An egg yolk mixed with a little corn syrup and some milk is also a whelping favorite. And if the girls aren’t into vanilla ice cream, well sheesh, I still need a little something during the lengthy whelping process, too!

One thing I have made sure she still gets is her very important supplements of omegas and essential fatty acids in the form of salmon oil, Vitamin E, and kelp – all essential for the development of those outstanding Aussie brains we all love and appreciate.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Paisley's in a family way

2010-01-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

CH Casselcreek Vintage Paisley, aka Paisley, is two-thirds of the way through her first pregnancy. Bred to CKC/AKC CH Blue Isle Field Of Dreams "Chipper", this is a litter I'm very excited about. Not only is Paisley my very special little baby girl but she's, well, you know, my very special little baby girl. Totally holds the record for being the most spoiled, pampered pooch at Casselcreek.

Bred in mid December, the first "trimester" was rather uneventful. Then came the 3-week mark when she decided that the "full" feeling in her tummy must actually mean she was full, therefore didn't need to eat, and so she didn't. A bit of morning sickness, combined with going off her food was a pretty good indicator of a successful breeding and a girl very likely in whelp. In addition to the loss of appetite, her mood was also somewhat depressed ... mopey, clingy, and needing lots of extra TLC. We visited our wonderful repro vets for an ultrasound on Day 30 and the good news from Dr. Wendy is, "Ohhhh, she's pregnant. Lots of puppies, so many I can't count them all". Paisley was the first puppy born in a litter of 12, so no doubt carries the fertility gene passed down from her Gramma to her mama and now to her. I might have to buy a bigger whelping pool :)

I've spent the last 3 weeks trying to convince her to eat. I've offered her absolutely everything ... raw, frozen, kibble, thawed, cooked, canned, sauteed in a delicate red wine demi-glace, standing on my head while I chewed bubble gum and sang O Canada ... anything to get her to eat. The only thing she seemed to enjoy were crappy milk bones and horse manure. Nice. I finally convinced her to play games with the kibble and spent a lot of time tossing her kibbles, one by one, until she had consumed her daily ration. Any idea how many individual kibbles are in a cup or two of kibble? A LOT. Nevertheless, we persevered and finally made it through that stage.

Paisley says, "morning sickness sucks"

Our weekly visits into the vet's office for a quick weigh-in have at least been reassuring as the numbers on the scale are starting to go up. Looks like our little "walnuts" are well on their way.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

A very special boy finds a very special family

2010-01-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

This is a story about Wally, aka Walter Woodruff of Laredo. Wally is a very handsome blue merle boy from my first litter. For nearly 7 years, Wally was the much-loved sidekick of a super couple, Chris and Amber. Unfortunately, circumstances changed and Chris contacted me in the fall of 2008, that he had made the gut-wrenching decision to give up Wally, and would I help him find a new home for his best buddy. I had been working with a family who were waiting for a puppy from my upcoming spring litter. I was very excited about the possibility of the Tanners having one of our puppies and knew they would provide a wonderful home. Dave and Tracey and kids Jordyn and Dawson were looking forward to Aussie ownership. Here's their story ...

"It was August of 2008, and I had begun looking on the internet for dogs. We had just gone the previous year and a half without a dog in the house after having one for so many years. It was tough. I had actually spent a bunch of time looking at websites that featured "mini" and "toy" Aussies. (Ya I now know what you think of them!!) I then stumbled across the Casselcreek website and something about it stuck with me. I filled out the on-line questionnaire while my wife called me crazy as she continually told me that her dog days were behind her. Little did I know that this would be the start of something that was meant to be for our family.

We met and worked with Theresa on the possibility of becoming Aussie owners. We were happy to hear from her that we made the cut and made it to the "puppy list". We knew there was most likely going to be a spring litter and that we could be a part of it. The kids and I talked about having a puppy in the house again, different names, colors, and the tricks that we would teach it. Shortly after, on a sunny September day, we received a call from Theresa about the possibility of becoming a second home to an older dog. This is something that we had considered when we first started, but thought that the chances were somewhat remote. Theresa told us about a dog from her first litter that may be available. His name was "Wally".

After some discussions over the phone and emails, we made a time to meet Wally. We drove out to "Granny's" farm to meet Wally and his owner, Chris. When we first saw him, we thought, "wow he's huge". We walked the fence-line getting to know Wally. We made arrangements to take Wally for a test drive and have a sleep over. A week or so later, we had the sleep over. It went well, but my wife had decided that it was too hard for her to have another dog in the house. We actually took Wally back and told Chris that we were unable to take Wally into our home.

After that day, our home seemed empty. Wally was missed. It wasn't long after that my wife made arrangements with Chris (without any of us knowing) and the "adoption" was again on! After solving some logistical challenges, Wally came to live with us on December 13, 2008. It was a steep learning curve for all of us, but we couldn't imagine our lives without him. Wally has spent his days with us, getting us out for multiple daily walks, put on hundreds of kilometers to our camping destinations, and has minded the house, making sure all of his "people" are accounted for. We learned while camping that Wally LOVES the water. It is difficult to keep him out of it. He will walk and run forever and rarely tires. He loves going for rides in the truck and can't wait until we take him to the off-leash parks where he runs and plays with all of the other dogs.
Whether we are doing laundry, shoveling snow, or laying in front of the fireplace, he is always with us around the house. Even though he is nearly 8 years old, Wally has recently joined agility with our daughter and will be starting Level 3 in the new year.

Wally does have a couple of habits that we would like to change, but we have come to realize that these are some of the things that make him special. Even though my wife wasn't keen on another dog in the house, Wally has quickly become her dog. She is his favourite "people" and is over the moon whenever she is around. When I come home from working night shift and open the door, Wally is there with a smile and his tail-less stump wagging a fast as it can. We usually share a "before bed" snack and jump into bed, Wally at the foot again minding his people.

It is hard to believe that a year has come and gone so quickly. We are looking forward to many more fun and exciting years with him.

Theresa, thank you for helping us find "our dog" And to Chris, we can never thank you enough. Dave"

A very lucky boy indeed, but I think I'm really the lucky one, to have found not only one great family for this boy, but a very special family willing to give a forever home to a slightly older boy (who still thinks he's a puppy).

Happy Trails ... Theresa

A Jenna Update

2009-12-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

Jenna, the pup formerly known as "Brit" is enjoying a wonderful life with Mike and Val and Aussie "brother" Tigger. Mike & Val contacted me a little late in the game, with all puppies having been spoken for ... or so I thought. As it turned out, we did have one little puppy available and Mike & Val were very interested in coming down to meet us. Having recently lost one of their two Aussies, there was room in their hearts for another. Something about this couple connected with me immediately. Not only with me, and with the puppy, but also with another puppy family, Annette & Dave from Edmonton, owners of Zoey. Don't things just always have a way of working out?

Val tells me, "This summer, Jenna enjoyed a family vacation in Salmon Arm with stopovers in Canmore on the way there and back. Jenna got to stay in a hotel on the way to Canmore and in a two-story chalet on the way back home. She had a great time in the mountains in Canmore and was very well behaved in strange surroundings. In Salmon Arm, we stayed in a cabin. Jenna and Tigger went swimming every day and got to go on long hikes. By the time evening rolled around, Jen was both tired and content. Over the summer, Jenna also did a few road trips to Micquelon Lake for swim time. She absolutely loves the water. After 2-3 hours running around playing in the lake, it’s lights out all the way home.

After her puppy obedience classes, Jenna completed another obedience class. We then decided to switch gears and signed her up for a groundwork agility class. She is doing marvellously in that as well; catches on to things very quickly. She is already signed up for the next level of agility - weave poles, here we come. Also in her near future is the next level of obedience.

Ms. Jenna had her big operation around her seven-month milestone. We were going to wait until she was eight months old but a few neighbourhood boy dogs started finding her sexy, so we decided to get it done, and Sept 10 was the big day. She came through it very well.

As was mentioned in your Zoey blog, Jenna and Zoey get together very regularly. The girls get along famously and never tire of each other. We’ve come to the conclusion that only Aussie-on-Aussie playtime will adequately tire out the girls. I’ve found that other breeds can’t handle that Aussie enthusiasm quite the same way. It’s soooo much fun to watch Zoey and Jenna together. They take such joy in each other, running, wrestling, having fun. Unfortunately their recuperation period is shortening; it used to be after a playdate, Zoey and Jenna would be tuckered out for a day; now it’s a couple hours of nap time and they’re good to go again. We got together this past Saturday morning because Jenna needed some “Zoey time” and also as Zoey’s “supplier” I had a delivery for her (see *Note below), so we went for a walk in the river valley. The girls had a hoot as usual, running up and down the trails, up and down the ravine, lots of hillwork today, lots of bush-whacking. Zoey went for a dip in a swamp; can you say "bath time". I felt bad for Dave & Annette but it was kinda funny (sorry, guys). Sunday morning karma got me back. Jenna and Cinder (a two-year old black lab neighbour) went into the river for an unauthorized swim, or should I say three swims... so it was bath time for Jenna. *Note: I found a place at the Strathcona farmers’ market that sells nice, meaty bones so I go there almost weekly to pick up the pups some bones.

Then there’s the jumping .... She’s so excited to see people she knows and she’s always jumping on them. When I come home from work, she is so excited that she just won’t stop jumping up on me, no matter what I do; knee, “be a tree”, crossed hands in front of her with a “no jumping, Jenna”, etc. So now, I quickly direct her from the back yard into the house and that minimizes the jumping and gives her some time to settle down before I get into the house. The one aspect of her “jumping” that we do enjoy are her pounces. OMG, they are sooo cute, we have to capture it on video. I can’t describe it to do it justice but I never get tired of watching her do it. There was one time when I was on the phone with Annette and I decided to put her on speakerphone. Jenna was right there, heard Annette’s voice and started the Aussie tilt-the-head from side-to-side. Annette then started talking to her, so we put the phone down on the sofa for Jenna to listen to. Jenna did a little squeak, jumped up on the sofa, pounced at the phone with both front paws and then started digging at the cushion, trying to “uproot” Auntie Annette; Jenna couldn’t figure out how Auntie was hiding under that darn sofa cushion. Jenna would stop for a sec, Annette would say something again, and Jenna would pounce and claw away. Man, I wish we had that on video.

In closing, I just want to say Michael & I are forever thankful that we ran across your website and were given an opportunity to be the parents of one of your lovingly raised puppies. Jenna is such a delight. She’s funny, athletic, very bright, cuddly, very playful, a go-getter, sassy, and to-die-for cute."

Kind of makes you wish all the doggies of the world could be so lucky!

Jenna & Tigger with Santa, of course

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Rookies no more

2009-11-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

I held another one of "puppy walks" yesterday, a chance for any of my owners who are available to come out with their dogs and enjoy a nice, safe, off-leash walk around the perimeter of our 80 acres. It makes me so proud to see how the kids have grown, how beautiful and healthy they all are, and how dedicated their owners are. One thing that is so obvious each time we walk ... We have a lot of gorgeous red dogs here at Casselcreek.

One little fella, Rookie, is from the Hannah x Quake litter, so has just turned nine months old. A sibling to our Bridger, he also has some size to him. Beautiful deep rich red coat with contrasting brilliant white. He's a very handsome dog!

His owner, Renea, and myself have had lots of conversations about Rookie, and I always appreciate Renea coming to me for advice and support on one thing or another. Rookie is very fortunate to be another one of our raw-fed kids, and it shows in his coat and teeth. Rookie is a very fast, very athletic Aussie, bringing through the speed genes from Grampa Walker and the drive from Gramma Niki. Renea tells me "parenting" an Aussie has been a fun and rewarding experience but Rookie definitely has the devil in him. He also has a very strong work ethic and when training is always determined to "get it right", whether it is agility or obedience.

Renea tells me, "the most amazing thing about Rookie is his magical relationship with our four-year-old son, Owen, who was diagnosed with autism earlier this year. Rookie instinctively knows to be extra patient, extra gentle, and extra tolerant of Owen. He seems to sense that Owen is somehow unique compared to the other humans in his life. Rookie and Owen often play hide and go seek. Owen hides while Rookie patiently waits in the sit/stay Owen put him into and then when Owen calls “ok” Rookie frantically runs around until he finds him. We also find Owen and Rookie having a parade around the kitchen island. Owen marches around the island and Rookie proudly walks behind as if he really is in a parade. They wrestle together, play fetch, tug, and sometimes Rookie is the "patient" in a game of veterinarian (thankfully, Dr. Owen has never seen our real vet take Rookie’s temperature!). The best is when you see the two of them cuddled up together in a chair or on the floor. I truly believe Rookie was given to us for a reason – we didn’t know of Owen’s diagnosis until just a few weeks before bringing Rookie home but it was obviously a match made long before that."

"Plans for Rookie are to continue nurturing his relationship with Owen as it seems to do wonders for both of them and to continue on with teaching Rookie the ropes for living in our house and being part of our lives. We are hoping Rookie will be our “go everywhere, do anything” dog. He is so easygoing and is always up for whatever we ask of him".

Thanks, Renea. You've made this Granny so proud all over again.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

2009-11-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

Gracin, ever the intellectual, was quite busy in his corner of the kitchen last night, scribbling away on a scrap of paper. Later, this is what I found ... a thoughtful poem no doubt reflecting the feelings of all Casselcreek doggies.

Here in this house ... I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs "out there". I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed. I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat. I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat. I will feel the sun's heat, and the rain's coolness, and be allowed to smell all that can reach my nose. My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted.

Here in this house ... There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level. I will be talked to and, even if I don't understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the words. I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many. My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it!

Here in this house ... I will never be a substitute for anything I am not. I will never be used to improve peoples' images of themselves. I will be loved because I am who I am, not someone's idea of who I should be. I will never suffer for someone's anger, impatience, or stupidity. I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all. If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to my teacher for blame.

Here in this house ... I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch ... knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me. If I am ill, I will be doctored. If scared, I will be calmed. If sad, I will be cheered. No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and known to be of value. I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, too unruly, or not cute enough. My life is a responsibility, and not an afterthought. I will learn that humans can almost, sometimes, be as kind and as fair as dogs.

Here in this house ... I belong. I will be home. I will be loved.

(Okay, so Gracin didn't really write it but I hope it's how they feel all the time). Thanks for sharing that, Annette.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Cujo No More

2009-10-31T08:05:00.000-07:00

In February 2009, a very special litter of puppies arrived at Casselcreek, the Hannah x Quake litter. Beautiful babies, big, bone, coat, healthy, playful, and content. Well-behaved, easy little puppies, too. Well, except for one, blue merle puppy girl #5. She started out as Shiloh but her behavior quickly earned her the nickname "Cujo". There was no stopping this puppy. Very independent, very determined, inquisitive, brave, strong, and STUBBORN. The first puppy out of the pool, but also the first puppy to scale the ex-pen, the baby gate, or the wooden barricade and flop on the floor to freedom. There was no keeping her contained so I gave up and stopped trying. She was always happy to snuggle in a corner by herself and snooze away from her siblings. She was never an unsocial puppy, never standoffish, just determined to explore the world on her own, impatient to wait for the others to follow.

I knew this little girl would require a very special home with dog-savvy owners, familiar with Aussies, and able to keep her challenged. Thank goodness for Annette and Dave. Annette has successfully trialed Aussies in CKC obedience, and I knew this puppy had likely found her match with Annette. Pretty little puppy soon lost the Cujo handle, and was affectionately named Zoey, by Annette & Dave, registered as Casselcreek I Totally Rock -- and ROCK she does!

In the nearly seven months since Zoey has headed to her wonderful home, I have been the very proud recipient of multiple updates on this incredible little girl. Zoey sailed through puppy classes and has gone on to basic obedience classes, and is now enrolled in classes geared toward the performance puppy headed for a career in the obedience ring. Here's what Annette has to say about Zoey ...

"After just four competitive classes, our instructor gave Zoey and I a really nice compliment after class. She told me that I have a “natural handling ability” and that Zoey is “an exceptional dog” and that she “sees us in the top percentile in the ring”. That was music to my ears! She is a very picky instructor and I love that…I’m picky too. Her classes combine Novice, Open, and Utility skills which is great. Zoey learned the “Stand” command in about two minutes last week. I was delighted! It’s a very positive, upbeat, and fun atmosphere. Zoey loves it there and has a ton of fun learning…sometimes too much! She’s such a clown. She gives me 100% while we’re there and then she has a nice little snooze on the way home. If I haven’t said it recently, thank you so much for our little Zoe-Zoe! She is the perfect fit for us."

In anticipation of a long, cold winter, Dave and Annette purchased a treadmill for Zoey and each morning she has her routine. "Wake up, race downstairs (last one down is a rotten egg!), eat, drink, potty, treadmill (while we have breakfast), play with dad before he leaves, potty, hang out with mom until she leaves, practice obedience stuff for 10 minutes, potty and finally expen for naptime. She is a great little doggie. We love her so much. It’s so funny in the mornings, if we take too long to turn on the treadmill she stands on it and starts squeaking. She cracks us up…sooooo much personality".

Zoey and her family are also very lucky to have Mike and Val and Jenna close by in Edmonton as well. The "girls" get together a few times a month with their "parents" for hikes through the river valley and rambunctious play sessions only other Casselcreek kids can truly appreciate.

Casselcreek Pop Rocks, "Jenna"
Casselcreek I Totally Rock, "Zoey"

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Casselcreek Hot Rocks -A Day In The Life

2009-10-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

While "flipping" through the blog the other day, one particular puppy popped into my head and prompted me to send his owner a quick note to see what puppy "Deke" has been up to recently. Terry returned with such a nice, newsy email I've just decided to share it here. If all doggies could only be so lucky. Terry says,

"Deke is doing great. He loves his morning runs. I drive out to the main road before we start. On the way out and on the way back he whines, yips, and shows all kinds of excitement. Not much of a run for him, the more I think about it. As I age, I try to keep my heart rate lower. I love to run but my pace has gone from a run to a jog and at times now it feels like a walk. Deke still gets the opportunity to scamper up and down the road. He doesn't go far from me. Probably because of his protective dad. Always on the look out for cars, deer, and now these funny things with prickles all over the place.

He found a porcupine the other day in the early morning darkness. I think Deke thought it was some garbage to go sniff. As he approached, I noticed him walk around this dark object. Luckily I was right off to the side. I gave Deke a quick call and he left it. No harm to either party.

Deke has found out how to lift his leg. On the morning runs he lifts his leg on everything. After a while he has nothing left to urinate on but he tries anyway. He now has to check out my tires to see what new wonderful smells may be on them or under the back end of the truck. Around the yard he will wander a bit more as he knows his way around everywhere. It may pose a problem down the line as I do not like a wandering dog. I will probably install that invisible fence next year. I don't like it when he gets out further than I can see.

Deke barks very deeply at wildlife. Deer, moose, squirrels, and coyotes. I have been able to call him off deer on three occasions. He is beginning to understand that they should not be chased. We had a young bull moose around daily in early September, before the rut started. He would eat crab apples out of the bird feeder daily. He and Deke became well acquainted each day. Deke would run out barking and attempt to chase him off. Moose, for the most part, are not afraid of dogs and he sure wasn't afraid of Deke. At times they would chase each other back and forth.

Deke's only bad habit is how he loves to jump up and purposely run into you (note from the editor/breeder, must definitely be a Casselcreek trait). We are working on this daily and hopefully will have it resolved down the line. We found the more we swat at him or lift our leg up to protect ourselves, the more he likes it and thinks of it as a game. When I come home, I find its best to make him sit or get on his mat. That way I have some control. He gets his very excited loves and pats.

How is everything with Deke? Just great."

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Bridgie-bridgie-Bridger

2009-10-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

On my trip to Greeley, as we traveled south through the Bozeman MT area, we passed a few signs indicating the Bridger Mountains. Made me think rather fondly of my own little Bridger at home. Cute little red tri boy that he is. Hardly "little" though, as this fella has some size from his daddy's side of the family.

After winning my new kick-a** Metro dryer with 4.0 HP, I've been giving it a pretty good workout with Gracin and Bridger both already having to succumb to a bath and blow dry. No point in having only one well-groomed Aussie in the house. Belle is more than happy to see the others endure the shampoos, blow drying, trimming here and there, nails attacked with the Dremel, etc.

Yesterday was Bridger's turn and if I may say so myself, this guy is turning out quite nicely. Lots of coat, again thanks to his dad's "coat gene". He's such an easy going fella, a gem on the grooming table, and a very easy boy to live with. Plus, he's red so he's already got an awful lot going for him. Now, if we could only get a nice smile for the camera.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

A nice little read

2009-10-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, and Casselcreek puppy owner, Jill Crossland, interviewed me a little while back about life behind the scenes of Casselcreek. Jill wanted to share with the readers of her blog, what it's like to breed and successfully, carefully raise a little of purebred puppies.

We enjoyed a scrumptious lunch together at one of my favorite spots, the Saskatoon Farm, and over our couple of hours there, had a in-depth chat about what I do and why I love what I do when it comes to my dogs. The end result, is a very complimentary article I hope you'll enjoy reading. You can find it on Jill's site at http://timefindersmagazine.com/articles/coast-to-coast/2-coasttocoast/177-patience

P.S. For autographed copies, Belle and I will be available by appointment LOL

Happy Trails ... Theresa

ASCA Nationals 2009 ~ the road to Greeley ...

2009-10-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

... and back again. And it was a helluva long road. Total kilometers on my brand spanking new van was 4933 km round trip. Yikes! That's a lot of miles, or kilometers.

The days before heading south were suuuuuper busy, trying to get as much work done up as I could, offloading work to my helpers, and finally turning off the computer. I KNOW! I can't believe it either. I actually turned off the computer. I did, however, have my laptop and my "crackberry" with me so I was still rather connected LOL. Belle had her first of several baths, Auntie Tammy came to help groom her and give me a little pep talk, I ironed show clothes, hemmed skirts, and packed and repacked until I was sure I had everything I needed, and probably lots I didn't really need.

My traveling & hotel partner, Erin, was here at 6:45 a.m. on Thursday September 25. We loaded her boy, Chipper, and his crate and all their gear, along with ours, and after a stop at Tim Horton's, officially hit the road at 8:10 a.m. We made several stops along the way to potty dogs, potty people, and refuel both the van and our Red Bull and Rockstar energy drinks. Just shortly after 8 p.m. on Thursday, we arrived in Buffalo WY where we stayed the night. Up and at 'em early the next morning for our final four hours into Greeley, CO. We arrived about 12:45 p.m. and as we entered the huge fairgrounds, the anticipation and excitement was obvious as both Erin and myself were a little short of breath with hearts racing and palms sweating. I think we felt like a couple of country bumpkins, taking it all in. The dogs could feel the excitement in the air too, as they squealed and whined to bust free of their crates and see what all the hoopla was about.

As soon as we entered the Event Center where registration took place and we picked up our welcome bags, I knew this was going to be a spectacular Aussie-filled week. Soooo many Aussies already, hundreds of expens and crates, RV's, benching areas set up, agility equipment, and in the distance you could hear cattle and sheep, ready for the stockdog trials.

A few hours after arriving, Belle and I were so pleased to finally meet her Grannies in person when Loretta King and Nancy Gagnon of Buff Cap Australian Shepherds arrived. You know how my puppies never forget me? They know my scent, they recognize my high-pitched nasally Granny voice?? It was no different for Belle getting reacquainted with Loretta. Tears from Loretta, tears from me, and lots of squeals from Belle as she launched herself up into Loretta's arms. It didn't take long for Nancy to grab the thinning shears and do a little touching up on Belle, and then to give us some handling lessons and share a few tricks and secrets for stacking. I am in awe of these two incredible women, mentors, friends. I also had the opportunity to meet Brent Kindred, another Buff Cap owner from Wisconson, and that evening the four of us enjoyed the first of several Mexican dinners I had that week.

Day One, Belle and I did a pre-show where she showed beautifully, I got my nerves under control, and we made the cut out of a class of nineteen 12-15 month old bitches. WOW. Being in the ring with the number and caliber of dogs that we were with, plus the large crowd of spectators watching, was a little overwhelming. Fortunately, we were never without Granny Loretta on the sidelines, giving me the thumbs-up.

Day Two, another pre-show where we were entered in 12-15 month Sweeps and 12-18 month bitches. After the Sweeps, we were in possession of our first ribbon as Belle won Second place under Judge Regina Gravette. There's money involved with a Sweeps placement and we pocketed $12. It was wonderful showing to Reggie as I've always admired her Aussies and came close to bringing one home before I found my little Belle.

Day Three, another pre-show and here we placed FIRST in 12-15 Sweeps (another $33) and came soooo close to taking it all in the Sweeps finals under Judge Jeanne-Joy Hartnagle. In the end, the win went to another girl, a Las Rocosa type of bitch which Jeanne may have preferred, but we were still so very proud. Several people came up to me afterward to let me know they felt the win should have been ours, that they'd have given it to us, or just to compliment me on Belle and inquire about her breeding. Huge compliments indeed. When people who introduce themselves as Breeder Judges compliment you on your wonderful little bitch, you just know you're going to have fun and go places with this little girl. Love you, Belle.

Next up was the Nationals Sweeps where we placed Fourth under Judge Eric Brickson (another $17). In the Nationals 12-18 month class, we were in the ring with 30 beautiful Aussie girls and although we didn't make the final cut, we were sure pleased and proud to be there.

Official show photos are up on my website, just follow the Nationals link.

I learned so many grooming tips from Loretta and with the knowledge I already had, along with Loretta's help, the two of us spent some time helping Kelly with her red boy, Nemo, moving him along to a Third place finish in the Nationals Open Red class. Congratulations, Kelly. Nemo looked fantastic. Due to conflicts for Kelly with her collection of Aussies (she took seven down there), I also handled puppy Elton to a Third in puppy sweeps, and Sizzle (Belle's cousin) to a Second in 15-18 Sweeps under Reggie Gravette.

During my down time, I was able to tour around Greeley a little and with the help of "Gloria", my trusty GPS, it took no time to locate the Target, Walmart, and Kohl's stores.

One of the highlights of our week in Greeley was the ASHGI "basket" raffle. Each year, the Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute holds a basket raffle and encourages clubs to put together a basket, win the challenge, and support research into the health of our breed. The "challenge" comes in being the club who puts together the largest bounty of prizes. This year, the challenge was won by a group of enthusiasts from Blue Isle/Caitland, as they put together a "basket" worth about $4500. HOWEVER, the real big win came when they called the name THERESA CASSELMAN to come up and claim the runner up prize in the basket challenge. This "basket", won by yours truly, valued at approx. $1200 contained an expen, a booster bath, wire crate, 4 hp Metro dryer, a grooming smock, tons of shampoos & conditioners, a gazillion brushes & combs, and multiple toys, treats, and other assorted goodies. I was almost speechless, except for the loud "yipppeeee" I let out as I headed to the front to have a look at the booty. The real "challenge", however, came in trying to pack all this additional gear into the van to get it home and across the border. Fortunately for me, Kelly immediately purchased the booster bath (I already have one) so taking it home became her problem and no longer mine.

After coming out of the ring a few times, there were several people who came up to me and extended a warm handshake, introducing themselves as so-and-so from such-and-such kennels. Breeder judges, well respected breeders, new friends, and fellow ethusiasts of the breed. It warmed my heart to have people seek me out to congratulate me on my results in the ring with Belle, to inquire about her pedigree and where she came from, and make inquiries as to when I might be breeding her. I've always known I've got a fantastic little girl here with Belle, but to hear such honest compliments about my StinkerBelle, is SO encouraging for a very exciting future with Belle. I believe I handled her very well, I conquered my nerves and my fears in the show ring, she showed her heart out for me, and I think we're a pretty great team. Of course, she's still as obnoxious and in-your-face as always, but that's part n' parcel with Belle, isn't it?

The week came and went quickly, measured by ring times, grooming sessions, buffet suppers, early morning wake-up calls, late night gab sessions with Erin, and finally an all day/all night drive back home. We left Greeley at 10:30 Saturday morning after a few tearful good-byes. The original plan was to go as far as Great Falls, stay the night, and do the final five hours the next morning. It was still early when we got into Great Falls, ie "only" midnight, and since the van was so jam-packed with things that unpacking and unloading just to get our suitcases out didn't seem worth it, we decided to keep on driving. Going through the border was easy and quick, stopping at Tim's in Lethbridge was mandatory, and carrying on through some ugly Alberta weather and snowy roads was crazy. Nevertheless, we arrived back in Strathmore at 6 a.m., safe and sound, and very happy to be home. Belle patiently waited while we unloaded everything around her and then she flew all around the yard, in the dark, gripped by a very severe case of the puppy zoomies, very relieved to run and stretch her legs sans leash.

The rest of the Aussie crew was happy to see me, Paisley forgave me for leaving her behind, and my human boys faired pretty well, too. First order of business after unpacking ... to Google WACO TEXAS and plan our Mapquest route to the 2010 ASCA Nationals. Anybody wanna go??

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Really ... why did we even bother?

2009-08-26T22:42:00.000-07:00

My "dog yard". Supposed to be the big fortress, the safe haven, the lock-em-down-tight enclosure that nobody can escape. If only. Paisley can pretty much fly over and through anything with amazing speed and can easily turn her body sideways to squeeze through even the smallest or most narrow of openings, or take a flying leap between the rails of the arena and then out the arena gate. Sometimes I think she stays confined in anything just to be polite. I don't think she can really be confined, per se. Some days I swear she's opened her own crate to join me in my office, or did I maybe just not latch it completely?

Belle, she's my little rodent, tunneling out like a rat. Or a snake able to make herself flat on the ground and slither between page wire and the grass. She's so quick in her escape I have a helluva time finding the spot where she got out. I roll a post under the page wire, which of course only encourages her to scout out a new escape route.

Hannah is the jumper and somehow manages to jump up and through the eight inch square opening where you put your hand through to chain the gate. Sheesh, she even did it days before whelping a litter, while carrying an extra 15 lb.

Today, Riley the Yorkie GrandPuppy zipped right through the squares of the page wire in the blink of an eye. Little Toby is still small enough to easily scoot under the gate, and Bridger simply hasn't wanted out badly enough ... yet. He's a rather content little guy, certainly not a troublemaker ... yet.

Gracin, well, escaping would just be an act below him, not showing much class, so he does tend to respect the rules. That is, of course, until somebody heads toward the sheep pasture and he figures he MUST be there, too. Out he goes.

And big ol' Zoey the Pyrenees is confined, but only until she spies a predator out in the field, perhaps a coyote or two, brave enough to trot through our pasture. She scales the fence so fast and is gone before I can even spot what she's gone after. Yesterday, she chased down a badger. VERY impressive. Fortunately, she did back off and watched him for a while. He was vicious and I'm glad they decided to each go their own way before anyone needed stitches (namely Zoey).

I LOVE my dog yard. We put a lot of thought (and money) into designing it and choosing the three-rail style of fencing. We wanted something that would serve its purpose, but also appeal to the eye and have a bit of a western flavor. When I look out my front office window and see an Aussie or two right outside the window, OUTSIDE OF THE DOG YARD, it makes me think that eight foot high cinder block might not have been such a bad idea.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Tipping the scales

2009-08-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Since I always seem to be so obsessed with weight (not just mine own LOL) and rate of growth, and since I keep getting asked what Bridger weighs and don't have an answer, I decided to zip him into the vet's today to get a current weight. Bridger is as tall as Gracin, though has the much more gangly body of a teenager, and just as much bone as Gracin. Today, Bridger is tipping the scales at just over 40 lb. He feels so solid but his weight, tone, and condition are all good. In fact, Glenn thinks he's a little skinny. He's hardly skinny but appears to have gone through a recent growth spurt so is again pretty lean. He'll be pleased to learn I'm adding that ounce back into his ration that I took away about six weeks ago. That's one of the key points to raising a healthy puppy, growing them lean and light, and being sure to adjust their meal size as their body habitus increases or decreases. I think sometimes owners get in the habit of always feeding the same amount without ever really looking at their dog to see if that portion should perhaps be adjusted. Rarely is a pet ever skinny. On the contrary, I see so many overweight pets, and dogs of young ages, that are just not fit.

As for little puppy girl, Toby, she's up 3 lb from last week and that increased weight combined with a regular daily walking program, has her rear coming in nicely and some shoulder starting to develop. That walk is also burning off a bit of energy. Thank goodness, as this little one is like the eveready bunny ... she goes and goes and goes.

I spent the past week trying to come up with a call name for her, something that she responded to, something that easily rolled off the tongue, and something Kelly approved of, too. With all the little naughty puppy things she's doing and getting into, I've also found myself saying over and over, "good thing you're cute", or "good thing we love you". And then, I turn on the radio to hear Toby Keith singing, "Me and God Love Her", and it just clicked. She'll be registered as Risk'N Hope Me N' God Love Her, call name Toby. She instantly responded to the name, and is now coming very nicely when called.

Belle and I spent the weekend at another handling seminar taught by pro's Joy Henderson and Vaughn Franske. It was fantastic to work with this couple again, and especially to be able to stay behind and have them do a formal conditioning assessment on Belle, now that we've been doing their conditioning program since the spring seminar. We're all very pleased with Belle's progress. It always makes me so proud to have a phone chat with either of Belle's breeders, Nancy or Gramma Loretta, and share with them my progress with Belle, how pleased I am with her, what we're up to, etc. I'm looking so forward to meeting Nancy in person at the Nationals.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

What did I sign up for?

2009-08-13T11:18:00.001-07:00

You know the old saying, the one that goes "I need another blank like I need a hole in the head". That one? Well really, I needed another puppy like ... sheesh, I must be nuts. Seriously, she's not really my puppy per se, but nevertheless a terribly busy little 8-week-old black tri girl has joined the household for a couple of months. She's from Kelly's Moulder x Breeze cross. Two nice black bitches in the litter and since Kelly couldn't decide at this early age which girl to keep, I offered (yeah, remind me about that one) to grow one up for her. She's actually fit in quite well and even has the opportunity to attend Laurie Albright's puppy classes with me. She'll also come along when Belle and I hit Wendy's handling classes. We better get real good at that since I'll likely be handling her for the Nationals.

Right off the bat, I'm noticing some subtle and some not-so-subtle differences between Casselcreek puppies and other puppies.

First off, STAMINA. And muscle tone, fitness, etc. Although this puppy is also raw-fed, she's a little shy on muscle tone and mass. Even little ones at this age are beginning to put on mass. My puppies have a solid rear and good shoulder muscle before they even head home. I find her stamina not quite at the same level of Casselcreek puppies (then again, that might not be a bad thing LOL). My litters enjoy daily "organized" romps and running sessions out in the yard. I take my litters out and we’re all over the yard multiple times a day. Little legs covering the three acres of my yard, up and down the slopes, climbing the rocks really builds a body. These fun but ever-important sessions last about 30-60 minutes until they crash for a nap. This kind of fitness routine can't be achieved by simple play in an expen or kennel. It really builds physical stamina and of course with physical fitness comes mental fitness. Little itty bitty fine tuned athletes.

Of course, no criticism here, just an interesting observation noting the early differences between litters and breeders. That being said, Little Miss Smartypants is currently into Day Four of her new fitness routine and already has more stamina than on Day One. Like they say, if you're going to play with the big dawgs ...

Anyway, regardless of whether she's a hardbody or not, she is one helluva cute little girl. It's fun to have the pitter patter of four little feet running about the kitchen, the tinkle of peepee accidents on the floor, and the gnawing sound of baby teeth removing paint from the legs of my kitchen table. Ahhhh, puppies -- gotta love 'em.

It's nice that she's here for other reasons too, including keeping Deets company while he's "confined to barracks" nursing a wound. Sometimes Belle gets a little rambunctious in her play (I'm saying that with a straight face) and nips or grabs at the other dogs. They all do. Deets included. Unfortunately for Deets, Belle grabbed him by the side and he kept moving, and actually tore a small flap of skin. I chose not to have him undergo any anesthetic or sedation (he doesn't handle it well) and since he is MORE than happy to play couch potato and sleep at my feet all day, I'm simply keeping it clean and exposed to the air, allowing it to heal on its own, with a prescription for antibiotics.

I made a note today on my Nationals calendar ... six weeks and counting.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Where has the time gone?

2009-08-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

I know it's such a cliche, but time really does seem to just fly by. Sitting at my desk, I glanced up to check the date on my calendar and it didn't make sense. Of course not ... it's still sitting on JUNE. Have I been so busy I haven't had time to flip the pages on my calendar? Or is time passing so quickly, I don't even have the time to flip. Why flip when it'll be a new month before I know it. So here goes, stand on the desk, flip the pages TWO times to bring us up to date with August. Sheesh, it's almost time to go shopping for back-to-school clothes. No kids in school but the shopping is still always fun.

Sooooo, speaking of kids, and we know I'm talking about my four-legged ones, it's been a fun and busy spring/summer at Casselcreek. I've attended several shows with Belle, taking advantage of her quickly disappearing puppy days and hoping to bring home the baby blue Puppy Group rosette. A Group Two placement in Medicine Hat in May was fantastic, and the Puppy Group win came along at Evelyn Kenny in July. She's shown beautifully under Auntie Tammy's expert hand, and having been taught the job so well, I can count on her to show just as well for me when I suck it up and take my own dog in. Multiple Best Puppy in Breed wins, multiple Best of Opposite, and several Best of Breed wins has made our first year together a wonderful journey with so many fun memories of StinkerBelle's puppy year. With her first birthday celebrated over the August long weekend, is it my imagination or does she actually look a little more mature? Is it the face of a young lady looking back at me, with that "puppy-ness" gone?

Belle has been such an easy girl to live with, and especially to travel with. While she won't be the first one to volunteer to hop up on the grooming table and smile for the blow dryer, she certainly never protests and never stresses. She seems to have always known what the "job" is and she does it well. She's always rewarded at the end of the day with a nice run and romp in a nearby grassy field and is always given the opportunity to join me on the bed to sleep instead of being crated ... though she usually prefers the floor at the foot of the bed. I couldn't ask for more in a traveling companion.

Belle and I participated in an intense two-day handling seminar in May, with Joy Henderson and Vaughn Franske. Since then, we've been working on handling skills and ring presence by building drive and focus. We do our "six minute workout" twice a day, most days of the week, and it pleases me to see how she's improving, how she's building tone in the right muscle groups, working on extension and reach and drive, and really training herself to make my job with her so much easier. In fact, the last couple of times I handled her, I felt no butterflies at all. No shaking hands. No fast n' furious fidgeting. No need to puke ringside LOL. I'm so proud of this little girl and I'm actually enjoying showing her ... who'da thunk it, eh?

Our focus for now will be getting Belle ready, and me too, for our trip down to Greeley, Colorado and the 2009 ASCA Nationals. Wow, what a trip. Seriously, what a trip, man.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

It must be something in the water

2009-03-23T06:46:00.001-07:00

Either I'm getting older, or they're making puppies wilder these days ... cuz I'm having a hard time keeping up with this bunch. Mornings are mayhem. I'm usually quite a morning person, enjoying the quiet solitude of the early hours, to be with my own thoughts, and sit at the computer to knock off a few hours of work while sipping my first cup of coffee. My mornings now start with a chorus of puppy squeaks, louder and louder until I drag my tired self out of bed and make an appearance in the kitchen. Then the squeaks and squeals and yips and barks REALLY start. Then Belle joins in, then Newt, always Niki, and Deets with his howl. Sweet Paisley and my #1 man Gracin always wait patiently and quietly, knowing I'll get to them as soon as I can to open their crates and let them outside.

Then back to attend to the puppies. Now that I'm crating Hannah at night, the kids are hungry in the morning so it's a yummy meal of ground chicken or Orijen kibble. And YES, thank goodness for Orijen on the really hectic mornings when I can just pour a cup in their little donut dish and enjoy the quiet once again, listening to their soft crunching, even if it does only last five minutes. Once they've cleaned up the last crumbs, I let Hannah back in. She leaps into the expen with the grace of a gazelle, somehow missing all nine babies as she lands with her feet in four different directions, reminding me of that Twister game from the 70s. The puppies are more than happy to latch onto mom, washing down their breakkie with a slurp of milk. Moments later, Hannah is looking for her first breakfast of the morning. She always gets a "snack" right away, as I don't give the rest of the crew their breakfast for about an hour.

Then it's time to change their paper and clean their expen so all puppies are let loose in the kitchen, barricaded at the two doorways. These darling little fluffballs sound like a small herd of elephants as they run their "racetrack", making laps around the island, in behind the crates, over the toys, and back around the island. About 40 minutes later, there are usually nine little baby lumps sleeping on the floor, all in the froggie doggie position that makes Granny crazy, but at least they're asleep. Hmmmmm, I think that's when I like them best ... when they're asleep.

BTW, for the record, it has been three hours already this morning and they're still going strong. I've got to find the zipper in their tummy where I can pull the batteries out!

Yep, I'm older, they're wilder ... a little bit of both.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Life goes on -- boy, does it ever

2009-03-08T15:04:00.000-07:00

It's already been two weeks without Petey-boy, and although there's still such a palpable absence, we're all doing much better. Life really does go on, though some days you don't think you'll be able to live without them. Half a moment in my kitchen, and I'm quickly reminded of the cycle of life for my kitchen is absolutely FULL of life! Nine little Aussie lives plus one little clown of a Pyrenees.

Willow joined us 10 days ago. A 7-week-old Great Pyrenees -- actually quite a "grand" Pyrenees as she's already stolen our hearts with her sweet personality, very affectionate nature, and clown-like antics. We wonder how anything could be so cute. Quite young when she came to us, Willow spent the first week in an ex-pen in the already puppy-populated kitchen, but soon moved outside into the garage, in the company of big sis, Zoey, in her own heated doghouse. It's wonderful to watch her trot out after Zoey in the early morning ... Zoey on her first patrol of the property, warning coyotes she's on duty. Willow trying her best to keep up but really only venturing to the corrals before she comes back and sits at the top of the driveway, waiting for Zoey's return. She's having a wonderful time playing with Paisley and Belle, and I'm actually surprised Belle is being as gentle with her as she is ... well, as gentle as Belle is capable of. She's still pretty rambunctious but at 18 lb, Willow is holding her own. And Willow LOVES the puppies, nosing them in the pool the first couple of days but now hopping in the pool and wrestling with them, or rolling them around and playing on the floor.

The puppies have made huge strides the last week. A few have tumbled out of the pool on their own and those who haven't, stand at the edge of the pool and whine and howl so loudly it's not long until we come and plunk the rest of them out. They're so thrilled to be out in the kitchen, all that space to run around in, all those crates to hide behind, all those toes and pantlegs to pull on, all that floor space to piddle on. Once they're flopping out of the pool, there's really no point in having it so they've moved up to a 4 x 6 foot matted and paper-lined ex-pen. One side is low enough for Hannah to hop in and out, but she's now enjoying much more time on her own. The puppies have also discovered each other and can amuse themselves playing puppy games, chewing on each other, scrapping, and napping together. Lots of little growls, lots of little yips when somebody bites too hard.

They've also graduated from their goat's milk formula onto ground chicken, and now onto the ground beef offal mix. Today, they spent the afternoon gnawing away on a few frozen elk shank bones. It doesn't take long until they figure things out, with one or two little stinkers dragging a bone away into a corner to selfishly enjoy it alone. With bones also comes the need for water, and they now have a water dish attached to the side of their ex-pen and are quite satisfied lapping it up.

Some very definite personalities are emerging, and I'm in the early stages of thinking which puppy might be going home with each family.

Shelley came to visit for the weekend and brought her camera. She was able to get some really great shots so I'll soon update our website.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Saying Good-bye

2009-02-24T08:19:00.000-08:00

What's the average lifespan for a dog? For an Aussie? I guess it varies from breed-to-breed and always depends on health, and circumstances, etc. The only absolutely sure answer, is that it is simply not enough. Never are they here long enough.

We got Pete from a breeder east of the city, one of nine, all colors. We were first on the list and all we ever wanted was a blue merle. We always knew we'd call him Pete. Petey. Peter-man. Petey-boy. PetePete. I was the recipient of a very happy phone call over the Labor Day weekend in 1996, when Ramona called to say, "congratulations", our puppy had arrived. It was an impossibly long eight weeks until we got to bring him home, and brought him out to our brand new house in Strathmore. Before going home I tucked him up into my jacket and snuck him into Foothills Hospital, up to my office to show him off to the girls I worked with. I was on the service elevator and there was a patient in a wheelchair looking up at this bump in my jacket, and a fuzzy little head that kept popping out. No words, we just exchanged a smile, and shared a secret about the precious cargo I was smuggling in.

We had only been out on the farm a month, so there was always so much to do around the place. I never saw Glenn outside without a little blue fuzzball named Pete trotting along behind him. They were inseparable. And stayed that way, the best of friends, for a short twelve and a half years.

He was such a funny character, learned tricks easily, had an innate sixth sense, and loved almost everybody. He could hear a cheese wrapper open from a mile away, but didn't hear you call him back when he trotted off through the neighbor's fence. And he LOVED the truck. It didn't even have to be moving, he just knew the best place in the world was in the front seat. When Glenn would be out in the pasture fencing or doing whatever kind of chores, he'd leave the door open and Pete would hop in and sit there all day, head over his shoulder, gazing out the back window. We used to tease that if we ever won the lotto we'd buy a truck just for Pete to sit in. In fact, the night before I left for Montana for a couple of days I was vacumning out my van and he parked himself in the front seat and just watched me for quite a while. I'm glad that's the memory I have of him now, the picture that's in my head.

He was always so wonderful with the puppies, patient and playful. Always the first to announce and stand guard over new foals that were born. But I think the "quirk" he's most known for with us, is putting his nose about an inch from yours and just staring into your eyes, while you stared back at him. For that reason, I always thought he would have been a wonderful PALS dog, except he'd probably lift his leg on their wheelchairs -- he liked to do that too, silly guy.

I've recently been discussing with a couple of friends, the life cycles of our canine kids. How difficult it is to watch them grow old, to know they're getting ready to say good-bye, even if we will never be ready. I always comment that we're fortunate as a species to be able to give that final gift, of dignity, of ending their pain and letting them go. And we have to work hard to remind ourselves that our decision to let them go, really is what's best for them, and we should take comfort in that. But comfort in that decision only goes so far and it still hurts like hell when they close their eyes and slip away. When they slip away from us ... but run toward their pals and their people over the bridge. Where there are pastures full of wonderful things to roll in and nobody gets mad at you because you're a little green and smelly. A place that's full of horse hooves for you to chew on and it doesn't matter if you puke them up later. A place where you can chew the odd hole in the drywall and they still smile at you. A place with lots of cheese, and cookies, and TIMBITS. Wow, this place must be Heaven indeed.

Have fun our Petey-boy. And don't rest, you ol' couch potato, you did enough of that. Run and bark and shed all over. It's only dog hair. We love you, bud. And if you ever see the truck door open ... hop in.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Morning Mayhem

2009-02-20T05:51:00.000-08:00

The puppies are now two weeks and two days old. It is AMAZING how much they change each day. Yesterday, they still seemed like sleepy little babies. This morning, not so much. I was greeted today by noisy little puppers, a messy pool with peepees and torn paper everywhere, and puppies frantically scrambling all over the pool. Now that they can see Mama when she hops in the pool, it's a real feeding frenzy and they toddle over to her, falling over on their backs, getting up again, and racing to be the first one to the milk bar. I frequently hear little growlies coming from them and a few are trying their voices and letting out a little baby bark.

Smart Puppy of the Day Award goes to ... Gwen. Not only was she the first to open her eyes a few days ago, but she was also the first to almost climb out of the warming box. It didn't take her any time at all to get to the side, raise herself up, and reach her paws up over the edge of the box. Once she had her paws hooked over the top, she easily pulled herself right up and over and nearly out! When I placed her back into the middle of the box, she went right back to the side and tried it again, a few times. Smart baby to not only figure that out, but to master it and repeat the behavior. Sooooo, who wants a problem-solving little go-getter? FYI, she really reminds me of Andi (Laurie Albright's pup) who was the first in that litter to reach many milestones and always the first to figure things out. If you've seen Laurie and Andi working in the ring together, I don't think it's a fluke she showed her potential so early on.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Happy Birthday, dear Puppeeeez, Happy Birthday To You!

2009-02-11T20:41:00.000-08:00

It's already been a week and for those of you who have been waiting FOREVER for your puppy, one week down, eight to go.

I keep pretty good records and notes with all this puppy stuff, but I wish I had recorded more "general observations" with each litter. For instance, I swear these babies are stronger, more determined, more headstrong not to settle down in my hands when held, or is it just my imagination and they're all like this? These little guys really push themselves up on their shaky little legs and motor about the pool, seeking out Mom or the security of their littermates to snuggle up with and keep warm together in a puppy pile ... the puppy pile definitely taking up more space every day. They're packing on the weight too, with each pup gaining 2-3 oz per day and in just seven days, one little tank on the cusp of weighing TWO POUNDS.

In less than a week, they reached their first milestone (or at least Hannah did) in that she seems to have them on a bit of a "schedule" and doesn't feel the need to be in with them 24/7. She'll feed them and clean them up, laying them all in a neat row, and then she'll hop out and lay on the floor beside the pool or just visit me in my office. I'm sure nine tiny furnaces tucked up under her generates a little more heat than she's comfortable with but at least she's enjoying some "me" time. She still needs to almost be bribed to go outside and doesn't quite trust Granny Niki not to sneak in and nab a baby or two, but she's happy and relaxed.

Belle doesn't have a whole lot of interest in the puppies. Of course not -- they're taking away her spotlight! Paisley, on the other hand, would love nothing more than the opportunity to meet all those little squeakers and did manage to get in a few good sniffs while Hannah wasn't looking.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Awwwww...

2009-02-08T06:57:00.002-08:00

These pups are so darn cute. Also strong. Just four days into their little Aussie lives, they push up on their legs (or at least try to) and can really motor about the pool. Dark blue merle boy in particular, is very determined, very strong, and very large. He's well over the one pound mark already (as are a few others). It must be something associated with the color, but the two little black bi girls are very sweet and snuggly. Sure, they squawk like the rest when they're picked up but I do a little Tellington Touch (TT) and they respond and settle down and snuggle right into my hand. I love it when puppies appreciate a nice massage.

Tails were done on Friday, and went very well. The girls loved them all and, of course, told me which puppy I should be keeping back for the show ring. Thanks, I really needed to hear that ... NOT.

I've started their Early Neurologic Stimulation program at Day 3 and will continue until Day 17. It's a very interesting theory and five little exercises to be done with each puppy each day for the two-week period. You can learn about it here http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/achiever.html My sister is visiting for a few days so she's been enjoying doing the stimulation exercises with the puppies.

My sister insisted on coming to visit. She said she needed to "help with the puppies and take care of The Bitch". I wonder what she meant by that??

Happy Trails ... Theresa

The Stork Has Landed

2009-02-04T21:12:00.000-08:00

After two nights of closely watching The Queen Of False Alarms, Hannah decided this morning to quit fooling around and get this party started. She was restless all morning, but nevertheless her happy little self. She wanted outside frequently all morning and considering she's refused to go outside unescorted for the last two months, I figured something was up. In and out, in and out, and finally she decided to stay inside but again went from crate to crate, eventually settling in Belle's crate. I coaxed her into the whelping pool a few times but she REALLY wanted back in that cave, er crate. I let her stay there until the water broke on the first puppy and then moved her into the pool where she stayed throughout her whelping. She was very considerate and waited until after lunch to begin, delivering her first puppy at 1:41 PM, and finishing up in time for afternoon tea with the last puppy arriving at 4:30 PM. Nine beautiful, healthy, robust puppies -- just like the x-ray showed. Six girls and three boys, five merles, and surprise-surprise, two reds which proves what Kelly had hoped for, that Quake would be red-factored. All weights are nice across the board, 12-14 oz each (much easier than the one-pounder on her last litter).

Hannah is once again an amazing mother, so relaxed, content, and very proud. Congratulations Hannah Banana. Well done Quake, you ol' stud.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

What a weekend!

2009-02-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

And what a week coming up.

We had a very exciting and eventful weekend at the AKC show in Calgary. On Saturday, Paisley went Winners Female (six class bitches) for a 3-point major to finish off her Canadian Championship -- and she did it naked. She must have watched me filling out the entry forms as shortly after she blew all her coat. She's a sound little mover, though, and thanks to Mr. Grant Townsend who appreciated a fit and toned little girl who can really move, and didn't worry about the fact that she left her "show clothes" at home, he put her up. The best news for Paisley? She'll never need to have her feet chalked again.

Gracin also did me very proud by picking up the final qualifying score he needed to complete his CKC Rally Novice title with a Second place finish. Could have been a First but I made a handler error that cost us 10 points. I knew it the minute I did it, but what can you do at that point. The judge commented that he worked very well, which he did considering we hadn't really trained for it since April!

Over on the Rally Novice B side of the ring, Andi and Laurie had a spectacular weekend with Andi scoring a 99 and a 97 in both of her trials, and being awarded High In Class for both. What a fabulous team they are together. So proud of you two!

Last night I started checking Hannah's temp in preparation for the arrival of her litter later this week, or so I thought. As of this morning, it's dropped to 98.6. I'm now rushing around, cleaning up the kitchen, washing the floor, and setting up the whelping pool. I expect she'll be a mama some time tomorrow, maybe. Today is Day 59, so although I didn't "plan" on their arrival until Friday or Saturday, Tuesday will be perfectly acceptable too ... and maybe I'll still get in my riding lesson on Friday. She's so big, and I'm sure she'll be relieved when it's all over and she gets to meet her new little family.

I certainly couldn't blog without mentioning Belle. Today is the little stinkerbelle's six month birthday. Too bad she missed eligibility for the show by one day. Hard to believe she's six months old already, and today she suddenly looks like more of a teenager instead of a baby girl. It's been a pretty wild ride so far, kiddo!

Happy Trails ... Theresa

A really good read

2009-01-21T18:53:00.000-08:00

I've just finished reading a wonderful book. I would have told you about it sooner, but I was too busy drying my tears. It's called, "The Art Of Racing In The Rain" by Garth Stein. It's a beautifully written story, as told by a dog's point of view, his voice, his thoughts. The story takes us from the beginning where he's picked at the breeder's, to, inevitably, his last days (sheesh, why do there always have to be those "last days"?) As a dog lover (did you know that about me??) and one who is always humanizing my own dogs, this story made me smile many more times than it made me cry, though I did get my moneys' worth in the tearjerker department. It's not just your typical dog story, but a journey through significant events in his master's life. Absolutely worth reading ... I might even lend you my copy. If you're like me and can't put it down (I finished it in three days), you'll have it back in no time, and I can pass it on again.

As I closed the cover, I looked down and there were four Aussies laying about my feet, all enjoying an afternoon snooze. It made me feel totally blessed to have these wonderful dogs play such a significant role in my life.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Agility SUPERSTAR !

2009-01-19T20:25:00.000-08:00

I am sooooo proud to announce Casselcreek's first agility title! Huge congratulations go out to Peter and Emma Balitski of Manitoba and their superduper girl, Paprika, aka Casselcreek Dirtwater Fox. Rika is a Hannah & Whiskey littermate and is the much loved sidekick of Peter. Pete and Rika have been working together for a few years now, training, trialing, Q'ing, and now a title. Yahoo. I am very pleased to acknowledge Rika as our first Agility titleholder, having earned her Starters Jumpers and Starters Team Q's at a trial in Courtenay, BC, toward her Starters Games Dog of Canada title. She is now Cassecreek Dirtwater Fox SGDC. Way to go, you two. I always knew you were the perfect home for our special little girl who NEVER had all four feet on the ground at once.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

I haven't abandoned the blog ...

2009-01-11T20:58:00.000-08:00

... I've just been suuuuper busy. Puppies, horses, big dogs, and work just suck up all the hours in a day. Belle has been here for just over two months and there hasn't been a dull moment since. In fact, not even too many restful moments where you can trust that the dogs are just snoozing in their favorite spot. With Belle, it's a challenge to keep up and I'm always hopping out of my chair to find her exploring all the rooms of the house, going downstairs, causing trouble with the cat, sneaking something off the counter, and on and on. She is a going concern. Finally, now, at just over five months, she's chosen a spot that's her own favorite place and is now accustomed to down-time. Whewff, I thought that would never happen, that I'd be chasing after her forever.

She's completed her first course of puppy obedience classes, and did very well. She's really quite a smart little girl and once away from home and all the distractions here, she's very focused and all about business. Following graduation from puppy school, we've moved right into Level 1 Agility with the Calgary Canine Center. She's taken to all the equipment with her usual confidence and gets very excited when she recognizes the building as we drive up each week. With Gracin in Level 2 and Paisley in Level 3, Tuesday nights are certainly full for me!

Paisley and Belle have been inseparable, and Paisley is so tolerant. Always outside romping together, even in this dreadfully cold winter we've "enjoyed" so far. Sheesh, I've had enough already!

We received good news last week, confirming that Hannah Banana is definitely in-whelp and from the size of her, only halfway through her pregnancy, I'm afraid to think she might have another baker's dozen in the oven. On or about February 8 should be our big day.

It's wonderful to receive all the updates and photos from the puppies and their owners. Ruckus is, of course, the most brilliant puppy EVER (according to owner Colleen). Dillon made his show ring debut at the CKOC show at the end of November. He did very well and made us all so proud, Best Puppy in Breed x 3, and just took the entire experience in stride. Such a level-headed fellow. Lacey is enjoying a record snowfall out on Vancouver Island (even if Teresa isn't). Mia did very well in her puppy classes, and we just might see her in Novice Rally later this winter. Jaxon is the apple of Paul and Joanne's eye. Boxley is wowing mom Nathalie and enjoying life in Edmonton. And Axle was even in Calgary over Christmas but unfortunately we didn't get a chance to visit.

Our wish for 2009 (besides world peace, of course) is for health and longevity for all our much loved canine companions, success for them and their handlers in whatever rings they step into, and an early Spring so we can all get back outside and enjoy the things we love to do with our dogs!

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Two weeks into it

2008-11-15T07:19:00.000-08:00

There's something different about raising a litter of puppies, as compared to raising one of your own (that wasn't your own breeding). It's kind of like spoiling grandkids -- do what you want 'cuz they're going home to their parents soon. However, since this little puppy-Belle is here to stay, it's a whole new ballgame.

First off, she doesn't sleep in. While the rest of my crew might not be "sleeping", they sure don't make a peep until I make an appearance in the kitchen. With Belle, she's like a rooster and starts to welcome the day even before it's officially arrived. Sooo early in the morning and she's absolutely full of p*ss and vinegar. If I could only teach her to flip the switch on the coffeemaker, at least I might be ready for her. And she keeps up that pace from dawn until dusk, and then some. If I don't bring her into the house, kicking and screaming, and pop her in her crate for a nap, she simply doesn't stop. She's even tired Paisley out a few times. Belle easily keeps up with the crew when we do our fenceline walks -- that's going around an 80-acre perimeter, and you know the dogs never run a straight line. They're back and forth, darting from gopher hole to badger hole, and Belle's little legs never stop. She's already starting to build up some nice muscle in her shoulders and hips.

We've had to do some "renovations" in the back yard where she's attempted to dig a hole to China, but hasn't bothered with digging since (thank goodness, she's a bad influence on Paisley!) She's very athletic and quite capable of launching herself about six feet, landing on the sofa, and running across Glenn's laptop before I can scoop her up and hope he didn't notice. And yes, it's been a challenge keeping her OUT OF THE DISHWASHER, but that kind of temptation is difficult, even for a puppy. Prior to Belle, I've never had a dog that counter-surfed -- I can't say that anymore. Yep, I've told her breeders in the US that it appears Airport Security let a terrorist slip through.

She's absolutely fearless and has trotted through the horses milling about the gate, one little puppy moving through all those legs and hooves -- much to my horror. She's very interested in the sheep and ALWAYS has her head stuck through the fence. Once we wean the lambs I'll start getting her in there with me. And she's gone nose-to-nose with the steers a few times, before I can snatch her up and into safety.

She's not all naughty, though, and I'm quite excited about the future with Belle. She seems to have arrived with a very solid "stack" and as soon as the treats come out, she plants her feet, arches her baby neck, and stares at the bait. Moves like a dream and is happy (enough) on the leash. She thinks the bathtub is a terrible invention, and loves to bite the air coming at her from the blow dryer, but is really very good on the grooming table. Totally doesn't mind the clippers trimming away the hair on her pads, and is good with the Dremel on her nails. She was just born ready for the show ring.

She's taken to her raw diet very well and aside from initially not knowing what to do with chunks of meat, has quickly learned to chew, chew, chew. She's also developed an appetite for two staples here -- horse manure and Timbits (I much prefer the Timbit kisses over the other kind).

Thanks so much to Loretta for giving this little gal such a wonderful start in life.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Tinkerbell ... or StinkerBelle??

2008-10-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

After a few months of listening to how all of your puppies are, how smart they are, how good they are, how wonderful they are ... get ready. Tinklebelle, aka Belle-button, aka Bellisima is sooo good, sooo smart, sooo wonderful. Even Paisley thinks so ... yes, that's a surprise. They spend what seems like hours playing together, rolling each other around, chewing on each other's neck, etc. Belle is actually a pretty tough little girl and keeps coming back for more.

So, she arrived Tuesday afternoon, and I had her scheduled for a vet check with Jodi on Wednesday. On Tuesday evening, I sat with her on the floor and gave her a total-body puppy massage. In a few spots, my fingers felt some smallish, hard bumps. Hmmm, unsure what these might be, I planned to have Jodi take a look. I shrieked when she said, "they're ticks". TICKS! Eeeeeek! I've never seen a tick in my life and certainly hadn't hoped to see one on my little baby Stinkerbelle. Jodi sprayed them with alcohol or something and plucked them out with fine tweezers. Brave little Belle didn't even squirm. Such a good girl. Lots of treats from Jodi and the girls and she left the clinic still thinking that the vet's office was okay. Everything else checked out fine, heart, teeth, etc. Current weight is just over 17 lb. She's currently eating a pound a day of chicken and beef, and has enjoyed a nice meaty beef rib bone in her crate in the afternoon. It's amazing to watch her tear the meat from bone.

Ruckus came out to visit yesterday and he suddenly looked so HUGE next to Belle. They really do grow so fast.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

My turn this time

2008-10-29T05:59:00.000-07:00

Well, she's here. After many hours in transit, from Boston to Houston, and Houston to Calgary, Belle arrived yesterday afternoon. She was shipped via Continental Airlines PetSafe Program and was very well taken care of. If the need ever arises to ship a dog/puppy, their service is highly recommended. We were able to track the precious cargo on-line and even speak to the agents and kennel staff in Houston where we were updated ... she was playing in the kennel, had eaten, pottied, etc. etc. All the things nervous mommies want to hear, and we knew she was in good hands.

When they brought the crate out to me, all I saw was that gorgeous little face pressed against the door. When I opened the door, it was like an explosion of blue merle as this little tornado spun about the cargo office, visiting everyone, jumping, kissing, jumping some more ... totally unfazed by all the people and noise, forklifts, etc., not to mention her last 18 hours in transit.

I put her collar and leash on and took her outside at the cargo bay where she had about a half hour peepee and a doodle, then loaded into the van for the trip home to Strathmore. Once here, she was greeted very "robustly" by Paisley (actually more obnoxious than robust), but the two girls have instantly become friends. Paisley is thrilled with the new squeaky toy Mom bought her, and Belle thinks this is a pretty darn fun place to be. She's already counter-surfed a few times and is very good at escaping from the kitchen and launching herself onto the sofa and up onto the top of the sofa. Hmmmm, could there be agility in this little girl's future? She's immediately gone onto raw food and is eating with great gusto.

She seems to have absolutely NO fear of anything. Confidence isn't even an issue, she's so bold. Not submissive at all to any of the other dogs and seems to have just blended right in.

There's one thing, though, that I don't really like about this puppy -- she's still on Massachusetts time and her 7:30 a.m. was only 5:30 a.m. for me. We'll have to work on fixing that real quick!

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Hardly any puppies left :(

2008-07-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

There was a mass exodus take place here last weekend with six more puppies heading home. Axle had left a few days prior, to head home to the Yukon with Spencer. Ruckus waved buh'bye on Saturday, Mia and Boxley on Sunday, with Jaxon and Dillon closing the gate behind themselves on Monday. It was a very busy few days for me as I got puppy binders ready, bathed and groomed little fuzzy babies, put together some frozen meat packs to get everyone started, and then wished them all well as they start their new and exciting journey through puppyhood together. Hardly any tears from me as, really, it's time to go. That last week they seem to go from sweet little angels to wild n' crazy little demons. With such a bold and confident litter, it was work keeping up with them.

Puppies already have or will soon be starting puppy classes. They've gone with owners to visit where they work, stopped in at a Rally-O trial, visited the neighborhood Tailblazers, etc. As they went to their new homes already well trained for their crates, sleeping through the night, dry beds in the morning, that transition was very easy. I've had no reports of babies having a meltdown and crying all night. They're probably too tired at night to cry and just appreciate restful sleep in their own beds.

Lacey is still here with us and is "supposed to" fly to Comox next Tuesday, July 29. I say "supposed" to as Glenn keeps threatening he's going to keep her. She's been his constant shadow all week. She helps to feed the lambs, lets the horses out in the morning, smells like a mechanic as she spends a lot of time under the tractor with grease on the top of her head, is usually soaking wet from being mauled by Paisley, and has great fun playing tug with Uncle Pete. She's a fun, confident little girl who seems to be taking everything in stride.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Time to Talk

2008-07-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

Oh no! No update on the blog in a week. I better hurry up and write 'cuz the puppies will be gone in 10 more sleeps and then nobody will care any more.

Today was my "annual" puppy play day ... a day when I invite the owners to come and spend a few hours with their puppy, meet the other owners, watch all the kids in action, play a little with a clicker and treats, etc ... and also my chance to see how you'll really interact with your puppy, in case I have to change my mind at the last minute :) We had beautiful weather, if not a little too hot and sunny, and I'm sure there is more than one sunburned set of shoulders going home. A couple of owners from the last litter also popped by to see the newest crop. Toby's mom, Belinda, came by with her young nephew, Lyndon, who is visiting from England.

The babies didn't disappoint and had lots of fun playing with their new families, getting a gazillion clicks and treats from Autumn's little boys, demonstrating how quickly they can polish off a pound and a half of ground chicken, and showing off their breast stroke in their "puppy pool".

The award for best new clicker trainer goes to Jill and Mia, and it's easy to see that bond already being formed. Don't forget to double-knot your runners, Jill, as Mia will definitely keep you on your toes.

It was very exciting and very sweet to see the look on the faces of Nathalie's two boys, Sebastian and Remi. They thought they were just coming to visit and have a picnic. They both agreed the puppies were all pretty darn cute, until Nathalie held Boxley and announced that HE WAS THEIR BOY! She had managed to keep it a surprise all this time.

Autumn's little fellow, Jessie, put a lump in my throat when he came to me as they were ready to head home. In the pure innocence of a 5-year-old boy, he said to me, "Theresa, Autumn is our puppy so please don't give her away to anyone else". Awwwww, no worries there, buddy, she's going home with you.

The next week will be a bit of a bittersweet time for me as I help the puppies get ready to head to their new homes, away from their siblings, and away from the comfort of their mama. Hannah still goes in with them a few times throughout the day to nurse them, especially in the early morning and again the last thing at night, just to tuck them in. They slept in their crates last night for the first time and we only had one wet crate this morning. I was there at 6 AM, opening the crates and quickly ushering them outside for their early morning potty break. Everybody ran for the door and squatted to do their business as soon as they hit the grass.

Axle had a visit from his new family this morning, and will heading off to the Yukon on Tuesday afternoon, a week ahead of the rest. I've got a real soft spot for this sweet little guy and will be sad to see him go, but very excited for his young owner, Spencer.

Well, time to sign off (before I have to reach for the kleenex).

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Time flies ... and runs and jumps and barks

2008-07-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone? It seems such a short while ago that the puppies were sleepy little sausage rolls who contentedly slept in my hand. Now, I'm lucky if they stay still long enough to even be held. It's always GO GO GO where these guys are concerned. They're exploring the entire dog yard now, adventuring on their own to the far south corner, little pawpaws up on the lower rail, just imaging all the possibilities for them out in the big world beyond their puppy yard.

They love to eat, and eat, and eat. If you've met Dillon, you know I'm telling the truth. He's a tank. They love their ground chicken and beef and bison and clean their dish in mere moments. They really enjoy their pork ribs and spend a little more time ripping and chewing and tearing the meat away. Sneaky little Ruckus even took a rib and bounced into the crate to bury it under the blanket for later. "Later" turned out to be only a nanosecond as he quickly reclaimed it, but he's got the idea. They have several fresh recreational bones in their pen on a daily basis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dqLyU54JQU

I had to bring them all into the kitchen yesterday afternoon. They went crazy! They had been outside but a huge black cloud blew over Strathmore and it was very windy. I had just bleached the concrete floor of their pen in the garage and they couldn't go there. So, into the house they came. They used to tire out and nap after 15 minutes of playing; this time they easily went 45 minutes and then still fought the urge to fall asleep. And it was a rambunctious 45 minutes. Gracin still growls and lifts his lip when they're in front of his crate, but he's always been a "personal space" kind of guy. He's playful and protective with them outside.

Mia, ever the terrorist. She has such an attitude, and it's all bad :) She's just so comical.

Jaxon is totally full of himself, but he has such presence. Because of his very independent nature, I spend a little more time with him on a one-on-one basis. He comes into the kitchen with me while the others stay outside. I run around the island and he chases in hot pursuit (yep, close your eyes and picture that). He gets tough and barks at me, and I bark right back. We play with a tug toy and he gets right into the game. It's really paying off as he now comes up for attention, is very engaging if not somewhat demanding, and is a much more social boy.

Today will be a big day as I'm taking them over to the stable for some socialization. There's always lots of kids and activity on a Saturday, and I'll set up an expen so they can take it all in. No "dogs" are permitted there, so no worries about that. It'll do them a world of good. Plus it'll involve a 10 minute van ride each way, good preparation for their BIG trip to the city on Monday.

They're booked in to see our wonderful canine ophthalmologist on Monday morning, where they'll have their CERF exams ... the first step in getting them ready to head off to their new homes. The microchips arrived and Auntie Tammy will be out this week to help me inject them.

I've started a bit of basic work with them, offering a bit of cheese and luring them into a "sit". Except Ruckus, no rock-back sit for him, and I'll leave it to his mom to teach an "up sit".

And, as a "natural rearing breeder", I am VERY pleased to report that I had a fecal done on the puppies this week and it's totally clear. No bugs, no wormies, nothing nasty. In the past, I've had vets tell me "all puppies have worms" and that their mothers always have worms, too. Au contraire, mon frere. No so with our puppies. Starting diatomaceous earth at the same time they start on real food probably helps, but having parasite-free adults with healthy immune systems is always a top goal for me and that's reflected in the health and worm-free state of my puppies.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Where we're at

2008-06-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a fun and exciting few days of changes here with the puppies. They're all so mobile, trying their best to run, bounce, and even jump. Somebody warned me that redheads were trouble, and little Mia is certainly living up to that reputation. She "runs" at the side of the pool and does her best to jump out. Thank goodness she's still unsuccessful. If there's a bit of a puppy scrap going on, she's usually in the middle of it (or the instigator). It really bothers her to watch her siblings sleeping so peacefully so she'll snuggle up beside one and sharply bite his/her ear until they wake up. Yep, she's a stinker already. Remember, Jill, you did ask for "attitude".

They're spending their days outside in a large ex-pen. There's a crate inside with the door removed and they'll crawl in and have a nap. There's a water pail hanging on the side and they're dipping their face in, lapping up a bit, spilling more. And several toys. Already enjoying toy and it's funny to watch them dig out the biggest one and attempt to walk around with it.

They've discovered my pant legs and tug on them as I walk around the kitchen. They love being out of the pool and exploring their world.

Each of them is developing their own personality. We've already met little Mia-Mia-Monster. Autumn is the sweetheart of the group, very charming, very snuggly. Lacey is quite nicely in between her sisters. Sweet, confident, playful. Ruckus is already The Thinker and has done a bit of problem solving when he's barricaded by toys or the little footstool. "Yukon" knows he's a special boy as I kept teasing Glenn I was going to keep him. Jaxon seems to be all about business, whether it's eating, playing, or trying to bust outta the pool. Dillon, definitely the gentle giant of the bunch. LOVES to eat, is content to roll over and sleep off the big belly, not too demanding when he wants out of the pool, just a real teddy bear. Boxley has his favorite spot to sleep, tucked in behind Gracin's and Paisley's crates, and always heads there when he's tired. Maybe he'll turn out to be a "personal space" kind of guy.

Their early socialization experience is well underway. In the last few days, they've met big men, watched noisy tractors go past their ex-pen, heard their first booms of thunder, and had fun playing with a few beer cans (you can thank me later for that, Paul). I've put their outside crate on uneven ground so it wobbles back and forth a bit. They've followed me all over the yard like little ducklings. A few have even gotten close up and personal with a horse. They've cuddled with Zoey and been snarled at by Tesse. Through all this, not a reaction from any of them as they just take each new experience in stride.

Today, their first "meal" of chicken necks. They didn't eat them but certainly enjoyed chewing on them and tearing off little bits of meat. They also figured out how to protect their prey, by picking it up and walking over to a less occupied part of the pool.

What's next? Car rides. And kids, kids, kids as the little girls from next door will start coming over to play with them.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9alO5XNY0c

A poolful of puppies -- not for long

2008-06-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

The puppies are getting to be soooo much fun, just to watch. They're beginning to interact with people and will come over to me when I'm on the floor. They're also enjoying hanging out with their big sis Paisley, and also Uncle Deets. That's Deets in the video. Isn't he so sweet with them. Paisley licks and licks their ears and faces and I'll frequently find one or two snuggled up with her on the floor sleeping. She's so gentle with them, very unlike her usual obnoxious little self.

They're trying so hard to get out of the pool. It's almost cruel but I love to watch their little butts bouncing and their fat little back legs trying to scoot themselves up, until they finally fall asleep in a heap. They'll have pretty strong ab muscles once they finally do manage to get over and out.

This afternoon, Ruckus, Jaxon, and Dillon all went for a ride in the van when I went to town for a quick trip. Loaded them in a crate, not a peep out of them. Next trip, I'll take a few new ones.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D77tl7FVm0

Amazing Transformation

2008-06-13T06:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, eight little puppies miraculously, right before my very eyes, were transformed into eight little piggies. I would not believe it if I didn't see it with my own eyes. Piggies.

I dished up 16 oz of finely ground chicken (with bone) and poured a cup of warm goat's milk over it. Mooshed it up a little and put it down for them. Gone. Every bit of it, gone in about 10 minutes. Every one of them enjoying their new menu item. They didn't really come up for air until it was all gone. Except, of course, for Ruckus needing to take care of those darn dirty feet.

They looked disgusting afterward. Not only wet and sloppy, but greasy too. Slicked back hairdo’s like something outta the 50s.

When they were through they found it almost impossible to waddle away from the trough, so fat, so roly poly. Perhaps, I’ll have to cut back on the amount a little since they obviously have no idea when to quit. Kind of like going on a cruise. You’re never really hungry but you just keep eating and eating and …

Here's a little video clip of their big adventure with KFC. That's me at the end, whispering "oh my gawd". As in, oh my gawd I can't believe they ate the whole thing!

They are sooooo totally not into being contained in the pool any longer. They get a few play times on the kitchen floor throughout the day. When I put them back in the pool, they are absolutely bound and determined to scale the great purple walls of their prison and bust outta there. Pray that I get a few more days of pool paradise as once they can get out, things will REALLY change around here. I wish they made a kiddie pool with four foot sides.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTAWbSDlAZo

Time Flies

2008-06-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

Three weeks old already! I can hardly believe it. Yesterday was their birthday and they celebrated by cutting their teeth. Beautiful little razor-sharp baby choppers. I decided today was the day to start to give mama a break and introduce puppy formula. I make this formula from plain high fat yogurt, goat's milk, an egg yolk, a squirt of corn syrup, and a dropper of infant vitamins. Warm it up a bit and pour it into a flat cake pan. I gently kinda dunk each little muzzle into it and they'rrrrrrrrrrroff. I'm not surprised that Dillon needed no help from me. He practically ran over and dove into it like a swimming pool. I don't think I've had a litter take to lapping up their first meal as well as this crew did. Autumn had the advantage by taking up residence in the center of the pan and eating her way around herself. Next step was to clean the formula off each other's face.

Ruckus seems to be just like his dad and was quite bothered by having dirty feet. He spent several minutes licking all his little pawpaws clean. Another metrosexual clean freak like his daddy.

They get a little chilly after a meal since they manage to get themselves pretty wet in the process. Mama and Granny Niki are only too happy to clean them all up, warm them up, and settle them in a neat row for a nap. They look like fat little bears, flat out on their backs, and can hardly roll over.

Jaxon got a time out this morning. The first naughty little puppy to stretch his front legs up enough to lean on the side of the pool and howl. LET ME OUT, PLEASE. Life is much easier before they realize there's a whole new world outside of their pool, just waiting to be peepee'd on.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xkr5xAex1f0

They're changing every day

2008-06-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

Two and a half weeks old and the "monster trucks" are motoring all about the pool. They've been on the kitchen floor a few times while I change their bedding and do some major slip-sliding away. Last night, red tri boy even took a tour right around the pool and got himself in behind the pool, far far away from his brudders and sissers. Adventurous little dude.

You want a puppy with attitude? Check out Lacey (white tip on ear) as she tunes up her sib. She's obviously not a morning person. Perhaps she'll fit in just fine with Lena.

They've become much more social and are now starting to come to the edge of the pool when I'm sitting and watching them. They're happy to be picked up and snuggled, now that they can see who has them.

They're also doing lots of potty business on their own, without mama's help, so the mats and blankies are gone with now layers of paper down. I still leave a blanket in for snuggling down at naptime. When they wake up, they're already beginning to totter over to the paper side and do their pottypotty, a first step in training.

Hannah is enjoying lots of "mommy time" and doesn't lay in with them all day/all night. She hops in, wakes them all up, and then hops out. Nice. She's in with them multiple times throughout the day to feed them but enjoys some time to herself, just lying in a cool spot on the floor near the pool. She was happy yesterday to let Niki hop in and check out the grandkids. Both ladies in there together, one feeding and one "housekeeping", nobody threatened, just maternal harmony. It's takes a village to raise a puppy.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3CoqD4STUE

Stop Pinching the Puppy

2008-06-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

Although it looks (and sounds) like Colleen is really being mean to little "Arrow", he's fine and just doing his best Oscar-winning performance of "Puppy Wants Down". Throwing his little head back and howling with his mouth wide open was just too precious not to share. Notice his eyes are open now, too. Two weeks old today, and all of them are looking at me when I pick them up. "Are you my mommy?"

Happy Trails ... Theresa

The Most Fun EVER

2008-05-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

Today, for the first time in, well, never mind how many years, let's just say the first time in my life, I met a new challenge and had a blast doing it. The stable where I board organized a gymkhana. I know what gymkhana is but had never attended one, never watched one, and certainly never participated in one. Ever the good sport hahaha, I decided to join in on the fun.

The day started out with the PeeWee class and a few of us "horse savvy" adults leading the little guys on their ponies through the events. It was hot, but I led little Sydney around on her pony Dakota, at a jog or brisk walk through the flags, the poles, the barrels, and the egg race (you carry an egg on a spoon in one hand, reins in the other, around a pattern). The little cowpokes did very well and, surprise surprise, we had a four-way tie for First.

I had decided to ride Fanta since I knew she was pretty good going Western and neck reins beautifully. First the poles, next the flags, followed by the barrels, and finally the egg race. Being a bit of a "nervous novice" but still pretty competitive, we completed the events with pretty good scores including a Third, a Fourth, and a FIRST place finish in the egg race. They're all timed events so you want to be moving your horse along pretty good but the egg race requires steadiness and balance so you don't drop your egg. When the day was done and we gathered to hand out prizes, First and Second overall went to a husband and wife who do gymkhana frequently. Third place went to ME. Yahooo!

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Babies, babies everywhere

2008-05-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

Day 8, and I cannot believe how much the puppies have grown. Each of them have put on at least 10 oz. That's like adding another whole puppy. Hannah also looks wonderful and is maintaining her weight too. Little "Missy" is the go-getter and is no longer doing the turtle walk but trying to get herself up on teetering legs to get about the pool. The copper on the tri's is really coming out and they're going to be beautiful.

The rest of the baby population explosion carries on outside in the farmyard with the arrival of 20 lambs in just under a week, including our first set of triplets. Just another nine ewes to go and we're finished. Hmmmm, I wonder what it'll be like to get a full night's sleep? Lamb watch is exhausting.

Here's another video clip of the puppies at eight days old. I apologize for all of Hannah's slurping. As soon as I bring out the camera she decides it's a great time to take care of business for the puppies. The heavy breathing is also hers!

For a larger screen version, click the link here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDZwIrKS_h0

Happy Trails ... Theresa

They're wiggle butts now

2008-05-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

The babies are now officially known as "wigglebutts". Aussies, wigglebutts 'cuz there's no tail to wag. Gaining and growing, I cannot believe how much they've already filled out. Hannah is so relaxed and being a great mom. She came out with me this morning to check the ewes and sure enough, there was a newborn lamb. Mom, "Fiona" delivered in the shed, thank goodness, as it's pouring rain outside. Strong little boy, cute as anything. It would be nice if the rest held off until the rain lets up.

This is a snippet of the puppies and mama, everyone enjoying lunch.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

P.S. Just came back from my 5:00 "patrol" to find another newborn lamb, in the shelter. Pretty weak, though, little stick legs don't want to hold him up and he's cold. Thank goodness we bought that nice big horse trailer. Not only did it double as a walk-in cooler this winter when friends gave me several beef (dog food) but it's making a dandy nursery for mama and little lamb. It's closed in, shavings on the floor, and they're both warm and dry. I milked mama and got 8 oz of milk into the baby from a bottle, and he's already working on standing up and nursing on his own. Have I mentioned that it's still pouring rain?

The Stork Has Landed

2008-05-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

Surprise, surprise. I didn't think Hannah was going to whelp on Jody's predicted due date, but I didn't expect her to not whelp on my predicted date, either. Puppies were born late this afternoon and early evening, Monday May 19th. Eight beautiful babies, 5 boys and 3 girls. Two reds, six blacks, bi's and tri's. Mama and babies doing VERY well. They're a content, nicely quiet, strong, satisfied little bunch of babies. And BIG, too. More like German Shepherds than Aussies. The first weighed a whopping 16 oz, with the smallest at 13.5 oz (hardly a lightweight).

Happy Little Tails ... Theresa

Mary's nothin' but a show off

2008-05-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

Not wanting to let Hannah steal all the baby thunder this week, Mary, one of my best ewes, decided that today would be a better day to have her babies instead of next week when they should have arrived. Guess nobody showed her calendar. Out in the middle of the field, in the warm late afternoon sunshine, she delivered two healthy twins, a ewe lamb and a ram lamb.

After baby #1 arrived I held her in a towel and walked backwards all the way up into my lambing pens. Mama followed, baa-baa-ing all the way. Settled baby in the straw and went to get my lambing supplies. Baby #2 was just sliding out as I returned. Both lambs struggled to get up right away, both nursing within half an hour. Now, if the other 19 could only go as easy, I'll be laughing.

Earlier in the afternoon, I took Hannah outside with me when I went out to do one of my monthly chores ... clean the automatic horse waterers. They tend to get a little slimy so I scrape them down and bail the water out with a pail, before they refill all nice and clean. It was pretty hot, we reached 30 C this afternoon, and I had to keep leading Hannah back over to some shade. Just as I finished the waterer in the sheep pen, she stepped up on the wooden box in front of it, stepped right into the rubber tub, and laid down in the water to cool off her hot belly. Such a smart mama.

FOUR MORE SLEEPS!

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Weight Watchers, or is it "Wait" Watchers?

2008-05-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

I've never been one to obsess about my weight. Hannah's weight is another matter, and I'm totally obsessed with that. She's up another pound and a half this week, for a total of 57 lb 8 oz, but her tummy is up another full inch and a half. That's a lot of growth in a week! Even the girls in the vet clinic were surprised at how large she's looking. They want me to x-ray her so we'll know how accurate their digital images are but really, there's no point. Remember last time? Seven on ultrasound, seven on x-ray, 12 in the whelping pool. I'm still guessing 10 and I think I'd like four girls and six boys.

Today was the first day she didn't want to hop up into the van on her own.

She was funny last night and whined and whimpered and looked at us for some kind of help or sympathy or to make next week hurry up and get here. If we walked away from her, she whined. I took her outside for a nice walk in the cool air and then she settled down. Hmmm, probably some bratty little puppy kicking her in the ribs.

Today, stuck to me like velcro. She'd ask to go out and when I'd open the door she'd step her front feet out, turn around and see that I wasn't joining her, and back up into the house again. She even came to my riding lesson. She was really worked up that I was going out and she wasn't coming. She's definitely got my number. So she came, and just rested in a cool spot and watched the world (and horses) go by. I think she's figuring these babies might try to sneak up on her and she's not going to be alone for it.

SEVEN more sleeps!

Happy Trails ... Theresa

But I have cravings!!

2008-05-07T17:29:00.000-07:00

That's the answer I get when I remind Hannah that she just finished eating. And eating again.

Into the vet's today for our weekly weigh-in. First off, you realize she's not actually seeing the vet, right? Vets don't monitor a canine pregnancy the way a physician would monitor a human mommy. I'm just obsessive about things, wanting to be sure that she has a nice steady weight gain. And she's not disappointing me in that department. She's up another 2-1/2 pounds for a total of 56 lb today. When I look at her records from last pregnancy, she was 54 lb on Day 50 with a total gain to that point of 9 lb 7 oz. Today (Day 50), she's at 56 lb, for a total gain of 8 lb 8 oz, so about a pound lighter. Tummy circumference is 30" (that's like 3" in just over a week!) My guess? She's having TEN puppies. As for you people who guessed FIFTEEN, go stand in the corner.

She is starting to resemble a goat, though. You know, slightly visible spine along the topline and then these heavy sides hanging below. She's also developing a bit of a waddle when she walks, very attractive from the back.

Fourteen more sleeps (maybe 13).

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Webcam, eh? Not likely, but I'm certainly thinking of video and uploading to YouTube.

Weekly Pupdate

2008-04-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

We've just returned from the vet's for Hannah's weekly weigh-in. I decided to move her visit up a day since she's due on a Wednesday (three weeks from today!) and I'll weigh her that morning so I know exactly what she gained throughout her pregnancy.

So, have I mentioned I think she's carrying hippos? She's up nearly another two pounds (in six days) with today's weight at 53 lb 6 oz. Tummy girth is just up a half inch but that measurement seems to either change or stay the same as I think the babies jostle around and change position as they grow and grow and run out of room and start to squeeze themselves up into her rib cage ... which is where they hide when we x-ray to count skeletons and there's only seven and then out pops twelve! Anybody wanna place bets on how many she's carrying?

Hannah, the gal who could usually play outside all day long, is making it quite clear when she does not feel like going out. I open the door and encourage her out, she parks her little butt and that's that ... she doesn't move. She's more than happy to get out of everyone else's way as they fly through the door but she knows it more quiet and restful inside with me, and usually bowls of food magically appear. Funny how that happens.

Given this rapid and ever-increasing weight gain, I'm upping her food ration a little more, adding in another smaller meal. Frequent small meals throughout the day is probably more comfortable for her than big meals. As with her last pregnancy, she's shown no signs of morning sickness or any episodes of being "off her food". That's my girl, ever the bottomless pit.

I finally had to add some mesh wire to the other two gates in the yard. She might be a big ol' pregnant mama, but that hasn't stopped her from jumping up and through a 10-inch space at the top of the gates, four feet up. Rather than risk her hurting herself, the space is now closed in with wire. She certainly threw a few dirty looks my way when she discovered I put the kibosh on her plans for adventure.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Tracking anyone?

2008-04-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

Some days, I gotta wonder what I ever did with myself before I had dogs? What did I do with my spare time? Nowadays, there's no such thing as spare time and if there is, I quickly fill it with yet another dog sport. Like today.

We held a little mini Tracking seminar out here this morning, and Gracin and Paisley both got to try their hand, er nose, at tracking. It's seems like a rather easy (so far) activity and with the help of a fence post or two, something we can do on our own at home here. Several of the other pups came out to join in on the fun, including Andi, Diego, and Juno. It's SO wonderful to see our puppies out there with their families, enjoying all the many activities there are to do with an Aussie. Makes Hannah and I both very proud (even if she didn't show it today, she's proud of her kids).

And, speaking of kids ... last weekend in Edmonton, Emmy had the opportunity to go in the show ring with a young Junior Handler. This little Miss approached Shelley earlier in the weekend, after spotting the lovely Emmy, and asked if she could borrow her dog and then she returned on Sunday to collect her. Shelley checked on them a little later and when she asked how they were doing, the little girl sighed and said, "She even runs pretty". She handled Emmy in the ring like a seasoned pro. Pretty darn decent for a 13-month-old puppy to go off with a stranger, let alone a child, and still show very well. To quote Shelley, "Emmy has always been all about business (that is if she knows what the business is!) and Tammy did a terrific job with her.... I could go on and on about her, but you already know how great she is." Agreed.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

A baby hippo ... or two

2008-04-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

We must be having hippos, not puppies. In to the vet's this afternoon for Hannah's weekly weigh-in and she's put on nearly two and a half pounds in a week! Current weight is 51 lb 2 oz. Her tummy girth is also up another inch. She's not sleeping in her crate anymore at night, but still sleeps almost beside it, she just appreciates a little more room to stretch out.

And heaven help us if we try to walk past her without stopping to rub her belly!

Still a month to go, but I'm already starting to think about whelping pools and warming boxes. Lots of white towels and rolls of newsprint. Rearranging Gracin's and Paisley's crates and putting away Hannah's to make room for the pool. And, of course, stocking up on ice cream. I had a ton of vanilla dixie cups on hand last time around because they're great to feed to Mom during labor. The ice cream provides energy in the form of sugar and, of course, calcium which is necessary during whelping to keep contractions coming and strong, as well as a little added hydration. Funny thing is, no matter how many times I offered her the ice cream, she wouldn't touch it. I, however, managed to polish off about a dozen. Sheesh, it's hard work for me, too!

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Enough already!

2008-04-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

Is it my imagination, or has it been snowing FOREVER?? Just when I think it might be letting up, it starts snowing like crazy again. And the wind is even worse. I have drifts that you could lose a small child in ... heyyyy, now there's an idea. All I can think of today is Christmas trees and shortbread ... so I baked some.

The dogs are a little stir crazy, too. The only advantage they see to all of this snow is that now there are drifts so high they can almost step over the fence in spots and escape their dog yard.

Like I said, enough already!

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Finally Home, Go Flames Go

2008-04-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

We headed into the city last night to pick up Gracin, somewhere right in the middle of the hockey game, much to Glenn's chagrin. The #1 highway into Calgary was atrocious, I can only imagine Tammy's harrowing trip home from Edmonton.

Gracin just about came out of his skin when he saw us, leaping into the air, carrying on like the silly boy he really is. I sure miss him when he's not here, probably why he rarely goes to the shows without me.

While at the show, Gracin had the opportunity to "meet" a handicapped gentleman in a wheelchair. Tammy said he "just knew" this man was special and met him with enthusiasm and gentleness. He circled round and round his wheelchair, pressing against his side. The man was able to pet Gracin with one hand and Tammy said when he did so, his head went back and he had the most amazing smile on his face as he caressed that beautiful fur with his hand. His other hand remained outstretched in a stiffened position, but Gracin would go to his other side and lick that hand and then bump his head up under his palm. They spent several minutes together, both delighting in one another's company. Auntie Tammy even admitted it brought a tear to her eye, she was so proud of our boy. Hmmmm, could we have a future therapy or "visitor" dog here?

Remember when I said Hannah seemed to "pop" overnight? Well, her tummy girth has gone from 23" a week ago, to 25" today. Seems our little walnuts are growing.

And yes, the Flames did pull off a do-or-die win. Yahoooooooo.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

2008-04-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

Well, here we go, or should I say "grow" again. Hannah's pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound on Thursday. I should have known even without the ultrasound because her body seemed to just pop overnight and she has that filled out look to her. It was wonderful to hear the radiologist assure me she's definitely pregnant and all looks healthy. Yahoo. So many happy and excited people who have been waiting a long time for their puppy. Due date May 21, just 31 more sleeps. It seems you wait forever for them to come into heat (and she was really only a few days off schedule) and then the first four weeks until the ultrasound seem to drag on but finally, we're over the mid-point hump and I expect the next four weeks will go by quickly.

Our Alberta spring-time weather this past weekend has been brutal. Incredibly windy with a ton of snow and huge drifts in and around the yard. Hannah now has a shaved belly (for the ultrasound) so isn't terribly keen on spending a lot of time outside. She's happy to do her business and get right back in here. Pregnant or not, she still has no trouble clearing the fence to escape the dog yard. Naughty mama.

Paisley's head wound is very nicely healing, even with only one stitch left as it didn't take her long to scratch out the other two. It would be nice to think she may have learned a lesson about not chasing horses, but I doubt it.

Have had daily updates from Edmonton where Gracin and Emmy are both entered. Em went BOB on Friday, Gracin BOB yesterday, and today Gracin BOB and Emmy BOS. Incredibly proud to have one of my dogs playing in the group all three days ... of course a group placement would be even better.

And, just to prove I'm not totally obsessed with only dogs, here's a headshot of my new four-legged friend, Jazz. She's a 7-year-old Thoroughbred/Westphalian cross and I absolutely love her. She has SOOOO much personality and character, is delightful to be around, and a fabulous horse to ride -- or at least will be as soon as I learn where all her buttons are. She's got a bit of a funky look to her right now as she's been kept clipped all winter.

Happy Trails ... Theresa