May 19, 2011

Santana x Steele Pups

I am absolutely in love with all of these pups. I miss them terribly now because instead of them being downstairs with me all day, they are upstairs now. I would normally use and work on the laptop and sit at the desk upstairs, but I am using it for the Web cam for Maddie’s puppies. So, I have to work downstairs. But, it does give me a bit of special time with Maddie in one room with her puppies and with Midge (expecting her litter this weekend) in the other. I’ve missed having Midge and Maddie’s company, so it all works out. I get to spend more time with the pups in the evenings and Scott is with them most of the morning and afternoon.

The weather is flat-out miserable and I can’t recall the last day it didn’t rain! The yard is a sloppy, disgusting, muddy mess. When we are finally able to mow again, I think we will be baling hay! I don’t know if it will ever get dry enough to mow, now, frankly. It is so high and so wet and our hill is so steep, it will be a very difficult task. What a mess. And the poor puppies get drenched every time they go out. Even if it isn’t pouring buckets at the time, the grass is so high and wet, they get soaked. Poor babies. It is a huge job to try to keep them clean, dry, and properly exercised so they are tired.

The rain is also putting quite a delay in the house breaking process. It always seems to be a torrential downpour when they need to go out. Some do at least run out and make the business quick, but some are continuing to use the paper in front of the door.

The weather has also, of course, delayed all construction projects. So, once again, the new kennel deck, the out-buildings, new boxes I want to build, the roof over the kennels and deck, and our own roof that was taken off by the hail storms in March are all on delay. UGH! Then, when it does finally dry up, Scott will be so busy catching up with his customers, there will be no time for the projects here. It is so frustrating that I want to scream! But, that would get me nowhere and not be very productive. Nothing to do but wait and figure out a new plan for the coming litters.

I am sure the rain will stop sometime and we’ll get back on track and get more time outdoors for fun—although as I write this, I realize they are just days away from being 8-weeks old and one will be leaving Sunday (maybe two). The others will be flying out probably next Friday, the 27^th. Where has the time gone?

Maddie x Steele Pups

 

I finally decided on a theme for Maddie & Steele’s darling puppies—they are the “Bourbons”! This theme was submitted by Mark Cyccone quite a while ago. I really like the names, but had a difficult time finding two for females. Here are the names: Booker, Elijah, Maker, Parker, and Trace for the boys. The girls are Cree (for Knob Creek) and Rose (Four Roses).

The pups are coming along nicely—all getting around well, nursing great, and gaining weight steadily. They are darling cutie pies and are very responsive and alert. I love to hear their little noses sniffing when I pick them up and see their ears twitching. They cannot hear, yet, of course, but they move their ears.

Maddie is doing well. She is a pro at this, now. She has perfected getting in or out of the box without stepping on a pup—or at least I barely ever hear a cry from these pups. They are very content.

I got the litter page set up with the pups first portrait photos and you can see it here. There are four blue beltons—two boys and both girls. At least a few of the pups will be very dark as adults. The ticking on the face and feet is already very apparent at just 5 days old. We’ve had quite a few requests for that and we certainly have it in this litter. It makes seeing the dog in the snow very nice.

 

Midge

Midge is enjoying her special time downstairs. I have missed her so much. She is my girl, for sure. She is sleeping a lot and really not eating that much (not uncommon at this stage). She seems miserable. I really hate this part—seeing my girls seemingly miserable and knowing what is ahead in the labor and delivery process—especially for a first-timer as my Lady Bird is. She is in excellent physical condition so it shouldn’t be too difficult on her. Bird and Ike puppies—wow! I better get on the ball with another theme–I actually need three more themes, don’t I?

 

Wild Bird Camp 2011

 

Plans are pretty much in order for WBC-2011 and have been since the end of last year’s. Besides all the changes I would like to make to the dog trailer, the only thing still up in the air seems to be who will be staying and when/how long, etc. But, that is Scott’s part and he can sort that out. They are there to see him–or at least be there while he is. I am there to work dogs. My part is the dogs, their comfort and safety, and getting them into as many wild bird contacts as possible in the time they are there. Some dogs I will be training this year will only have a week or two—some a month, and some, like all of mine, will be there at least two months. The only thing that might change is that I get to get there sooner/earlier than planned which would be amazing—for me and for all of the dogs. I’m sure they cannot wait to get back to life there, just like me. And the day when it is our life everyday, which is what I work toward constantly, which I am sure you’ve all heard me say a thousand times already and are getting sick of it—just hush up and make it happen, right? I am trying! Who knows, it could happen before the start of training camp this year. Or maybe not. It will all work out the way it is supposed to and when and if the right place comes along!

 

The part I still have not worked out completely is the extended trip to Kansas for quail immediately following leaving the northwoods (that is if I have to leave the northwoods). I haven’t found a secluded place to stay as of yet, but am always working on it. Most places to rent are in town or a hotel or bed and breakfast, which won’t work for me at all. I don’t want guided or anything–just a place in the middle of nowhere on the prairie that I can try to rustle up a few coveys of the amazing Bob. After Ruffed Grouse, wild quail hunting is my favorite… Hope I find it, soon.

 

Calendar Photos

I think I am going to have to change the submission deadline to next month as there are not enough submissions, yet. I wanted to have a calender that included fall hunting dates and such, but it isn’t absolutely necessary. The most important thing is the photos. Perhaps another month will bring more entries–after all, who can get out in this weather to take photos? The submissions so far are fantastic! I am only hoping for a few more. 🙂

Have a great day and hopefully the sun is shining a bit wherever you are in the world today!