News February 2nd, 2011

Rain, rain, rain, and finally some flurries.

The massive storm hitting the mid-west and north-east has brought loads of miserable rain to SW PA. I can’t stand rain. I will take snow over rain any day. I know many would rather have rain, but not me. And not my doggies. bla. Everything is a disgusting mess. Everything looks dirty, is dirty, and miserable. The dogs smell, the kennels smell. Wet white hair sticks to everything, mud on every window and door…UGH I hate it! I can’t keep up in the first place and a day of rain just add fuel to the fire.

As I look out the window, it is flurrying a bit, now. Maybe snow will come and cover all the yuck and make it pretty again. We can only hope. I will have to redo all of the kennels in the morning. I already got the new straw today. At least their boxes are warm and dry. The wind is howling and the dogs are actually in their boxes this evening.

I am going to take off a few days of work to clean, organize, and get ready for Shay’s pups and to get the house in order for company coming this weekend.  It will take that much time after all the rain and mud. All the dogs need bathed and groomed again. The kennels need redone, all the buckets and boxes look a muddy mess. I want to cry.  I can’t use the hoses yet–everything is still frozen. I really hate the rain–it quadruples my work here. Oh well, it’s just life. I shouldn’t be complaining. I seem to do that much too much.

OH! Exciting news (if you are me), I had hurt my shoulder at WBC and have been in fairly awful pain with it for months. I fell yesterday morning on the ice while working on the kennels and giving the dogs their breakfast and morning run. Slam dunk, down and out like a bag of bricks. OUCH! I couldn’t believe it. I had been out there for hours and was so careful (it was a solid sheet of ice in front of the kennels). I really can’t believe I didn’t roll down the steep hill, but nope, I landed perfectly on my side on the 2′ little walkway before the steep hill with all the food dishes and water jugs in my arms. I thought I had really done it this time. It was already in such bad condition that I have barely been able to get dressed without fending off a scream and the swelling of tears … and then this!  How on earth would I ever get anything done, now? So I am laying there in a lot of pain and I couldn’t move. I finally gathered myself, picked up all of the food dishes, water containers, etc., and made my way inside thinking I would have to finally resort to seeing a doctor.

Well, guess what? After the initial excruciating pain–I am completely fine! The fall fixed my shoulder! I am not kidding. I have full motion without a speck of pain! I could actually take my jacket off without any pain. I was able to reach up into the cupboard and put my hat away. I was able to do everything that I haven’t been able to do for over two months. Incredible. I wish I would have fallen sooner. 🙂

Update on Shay

Shay is due in about 5-7 days. I keep thinking she will not last that long. She is doing great. Just in the past day or two, she has started being a little grouchy to the other gals, usually cuddling up together and great buddies, but right now she does not want bothered or to play–she didn’t want anyone else laying near her today and would move away or even snarl if one of the other gals used her as a pillow… she’s getting closer and more sensitive. I tried to give her a trim and she really made it difficult and didn’t want me brushing or trimming anywhere near her backside.

So, starting tonight, the rest of the gals will start staying upstairs so Shay can relax and have peace. The others are not too happy about this but, its just the way it is. Momma needs a few days to herself before pups arrive. I will take as much extra time with everyone as possible. I will start taking Shay’s temperature tomorrow and we’ll be ready and waiting. The veterinarian has been notified of the impending due date and he will come to remove the dew claws when the pups are 3 days old.

My old web cam is standing by to start the live feed so folks can watch. I wanted to get a new and better one before the delivery, but it doesn’t look like that will work out on time.

Update on Santana

Not much news here, yet. The breeding has taken place and now I am just looking for signs. She does seem to want to eat more, but I doubt that has anything to do with it. She is being the most darling gal—she always is, but she just seems to be even more so the last few days. Just wants to be with me. Oh my gosh, I adore her.  I know, I say that about all the dogs, and it is true, too. Each unique with distinct personalities. I will try to palpitate the tiny fetuses around the 15th. Sometimes I am able to feel them, and sometimes not. You would think I would be better at this, but sometimes I just cannot feel them (about the size of a pea). It depends on the bitch. Usually there are behavioral signs by then and I am able to tell with a fairly high degree of certainty anyway, but I really like when I can find the tiny lumps.

That’s it for today, folks. Have a great day and hug your Llewellin Setter!