Doodle Diary Blog



        photo courtesy of Kathy Barnes

March 2, 2010

Pete snapped pictures of our Guest House over the weekend.  So many nice folks have been our guests and we look forward to welcoming others.  Consider this the Log Cabin Labradoodle travel brochure.

         

         


                                                                  


February 24, 2010

I ordered seeds for my vegetable garden this morning--carrots and corn like last year, but a new variety of kale.  Maine has more "mud season" than spring; but no matter, the air warms and hope buds.  Someone mentioned our losing Bitsy on a breeder's forum today.  Many kind hearts offered sympathy and gentle words through out the afternoon.  I spoke with Bitsy's Guardian Mom this morning and she continues to walk the banks of the river hoping to find Bitsy's body.  I cried when she told me that.  She also said that Bitsy was never her dog, but rather her child.  I can identify--all my dogs are my children whom I love beyond measure.  I will miss Bitsy dearly.  And pray for her mother.


February 23, 2010

Truffles had an appointment for Hip and Elbow x-rays this morning.  We were on the road by 7:00 AM to see Dr. Benson in Bangor.  Truffles was laid back, quiet and lovable as usual.  It was nice to have alone time with her.  Dr. Benson said everything looked good and I stopped holding my breath.  In-depth health testing protects the breed and one bad test eliminates that dog as a breeder.  Thankfully, Truffles has passed all the other tests.  This, plus her exceptional disposition, makes her a promising star in the Log Cabin Sky.  Hearing Dr. Benson say the x-rays looked  good made me hopeful there will be new sparkle above.



February 18, 2010

Dee Dee from Illinois flew in on Tuesday to pick up "Sheila."  We spent Wednesday with Sue, our puppy trainer, including a girls night out dinner at a cozy, family restaurant in town.  We had the best time talking and roaring with laughter.  Dee Dee and Sheila headed for the airport late this morning and I miss them.  Ah, but Dee Dee signed up for a second puppy today which means I will see her again.  Meeting our puppy families is one of the nicest parts of my job--and having a Guest House means I am meeting more and more of them. 


February 12, 2010, 7:00 PM

Tonight, with wet palms and one eye behind a quilt, I watched the television interview It wasn't too bad.  The puppies stole the show (as they were supposed to do) and that made me happy Here is the interview:  Television Interview

February 12, 2010

The taping went well.  I picked up Teddy, one of Katie's puppies, from Puppy Training class.  Truffles was also in the room.  I was grateful the cameraman spent more time photographing the puppies than this ol' lady.  Not sure what I said, but having a Catholic school background, I answered every question to the best of my ability.  After all the noontime excitement, the dogs are napping while I type wearing more make-up than I have since prom.
  

February 11, 2010

I have butterflies.  A Bangor TV station (CBS Channel 5) called today asking if they could interview me about receiving the NAPW Person of the Year Award It's an honor to be asked, but it's scary knowing cameras add 10 lbs to one's frame--and my frame already has a face with 20 lb. cheeks.  Oh dear.  Tomorrow morning I will pick up a couple of puppies from the Head Start program for the interview.  They are cuter than I and don't mind the extra camera weight.  I'll keep you posted.


February 10, 2010

Our little boy, available for adoption yesterday, now has a loving family.  They named him Jackson, and Jackson will join our Puppy Head Start Program this afternoon.  Jackson is smart and laid back which means he will learn quickly. 

With so many females in heat, we have turned into the "House of Valentines."  Lots of courting and kissing going on here.  This produces lots of afternoon naps.  As I wrote on the "Available Puppies" page, puppies are the fastest way to make dogs.  And our brood is swiftly making puppies.


February 8, 2010

Last evening I spoke with Ace's breeder regarding his sterility.  Dorothy is a kind-hearted ALD breeder that I have worked with for years.  She immediately offered to replace Ace with another adult breeding male.  Our new male is an apricot with a brown nose which means I can breed him with all of my females.  I am thrilled!  It will be easy to re-home Ace considering his loving nature.

Because Dorothy is sending an apricot adult male, I am selling the apricot puppy I had kept back for breeding. 

You may notice that I removed a portion of the January 31st blog.  I had written about a breeding female whom I decided to spay due to temperament issues.  It seems a few breeders were trying to figure out who had bred the dog.  I had posted the issue to demonstrate difficult decisions dog breeders face.  I immediately removed the post after learning that breeders were "snooping around" trying to identify the breeder.  I could see no good coming from that.



February 6, 2010
 
Pete returned home around 10:00 PM last night after delivering puppies to Boston.  One pup flew out of Logan Airport to Florida and the second met her family at the Logan Airport Hilton HotelFollowing that, Pete turned around and drove home.  I stayed home to take three dogs to the vet and to oversee Chutney's mating Success.

Unfortunately, at the vet's I learned that Ace is sterile.  Another "oh dear" in the profession of dog breeding--though it occurs rarely I had  suspected as such but did not have the proof until yesterday As a professor of mine in grad school used to say, "It is always something."  How true.

Something nice I have experienced is the number of kind-hearted people who have e-mailed and telephoned their condolences over the loss of Bitsy.  Each email and phone call feels like warm arms around me.  I cannot thank you enough.  I get waves of sadness thinking of Bitsy and her guardian family through out the day and suspect I will for a while.  I also thank the people who have written championing my difficult decision.  Once again I am reminded how much we truly need one another on this life journey. 


February 2, 2010


Suddenly, we have gone from two females in heat to four females in heat.  Chutney and Etta have been joined by Maybelle and MarleeIt won't be just daffodils popping up around here this spring Time to inspect the linens to see what needs to be replaced--to bleach multiple whelping pens in preparation. 

Four of Katie's puppies go to "charm school" (Puppy Training) this weekend.  Another is going to her family outside Boston and I am keeping the sixth puppy as a future breeder.   All in the life cycle of a breeding kennel--preparing for miracles.



January 31, 2010

It was a painful day  Most painful was the loss of our sweet Bitsy (Dreamweaver's Chocolate Bits) who drowned while walking with her guardian family.  It was no one's fault--sometimes dark things happen.  Everyone is devastated, in particular the guardian mom.  If only I could hold her and place a cup of tea in her hands, but she has closer friends than I and they are caring for her.  Such sadness.



January 30, 2010

With two females in heat and five males salivating, the Log Cabin family is in a bit of a tither.  Chutney will be bred with Tully, and Truffles who is too young to breed will saunter about high on the attention Someday it will be fun to see her puppies.  Truffles is just like Marlee, her mother, and will give us the sweet, calm puppies asleep in her genetic make-up.

Will be back shortly--company.


January 26, 2010

Lots of snow followed by lots of rain has made our babbling brook shout.  Due to the storms, it was a challenge taking Katie's puppies to Dr. Rick for desexing yesterday morning, and even more difficult driving them home in the afternoon.  But the surgeries went well and that is what counts.  We do yearly CBC and thyroid blood tests, so four adult dogs accompanied me to Dr. Ricks yesterday.  They were the last of our breeder's who needed testing.  The breeders who were tested last week all came through with excellent results.  One might say their A+ scores put them at the head of "health class."

As I type Katy's puppies sleep beside me.  Earlier, they had sponge baths and playtime running around the officeNow they doze and dream.  I am keeping a male puppy back from this litter, which can be hard to do with the many calls from people wanting puppies.  In the past I have given in and sold the breeder I intended to keep.  This time I keep reminding myself to stay strong.  Willie Nelson has given us exceptional puppies so I hope to have one of his sons in the wings when Willie retires.  What better than a breeder from Katie and Willie! 

We expect a number of our females to come into heat in February; thus, I have a bit of a breather.  Miss Truffles, a Marlee daughter, is nine months and showing signs of coming into heat.  Although she won't be bred for another couple of heats, she now lives as a breeding female--  playing with the other ladies, lots of lap time, sleeping in our bedroom.  Truffles loves to play with the puppies which is a good sign she will make a terrific mother--just like her own mother, Marlee.

Time to sit back and listen to the brook while staring out the window watching snowflakes dance.  Yes, I know, it is a cushy life!  Praise God for all things.



December 16, 2009

Hurray!  Our Blog page is up and running.  It was down for a while but now fixed.  Not that I had pearly words to share, but it felt like the telephone was broken.  Since my last entry, Katie delivered six beautiful babies and Bindi's puppies continued to delight me.  Both ladies are great moms and all babies are sweet.  Thank you Katie and Bindi.

We have had lots of snow of late which means the dogs want to stay outside.  Master Tully in particular would romp outdoors all day if allowed.  We have to be careful with the moms.  Snowballs attach to their coats and, when they come in, we have to dry them thoroughly or their cold coats chill the babies.  If you drive by our home and hear a hair dryer, that's what's going on.  But it is a wonderland and I breathe in the magic of it all daily.


December 6, 2009

Happy St. Nicholas Day.  Be sure to put your shoes outside your bedroom door tonight in preparation for goodies.

Puppies are the goodies we are expecting.  Today is Katie's due date.  Her tummy is super round suggesting the birth is soon.  She is nesting in  corners and eating very little.  Laid back Katie produces lovely babies and I can hardly wait to welcome them.

The house is quiet.  Marlee's puppies have gone home or into their training programs.  Only Zoe remains as her adoptive parents are picking her up in a few days,  I love alone time with one doodle.  Zoe is the sweetest little lamb, she plays quietly and then rests in your arms like a sleeping child.  At the moment she is sniffing clean laundry and exploring the towels.  I will miss her after she goes to her forever home.  These little ones can sting your heart when they leave.

November 24, 2009

I truly believe this journey is about humility and giving back; however, I can't stop myself, I've got to share something big!  A representative from The National Association of Professional Women, an organization to which I belong, just telephoned to say the Board of Directors had awarded me "Person of the Year" in Dog BreedingThe dogs and I did a dance of joy to celebrate!  I am excited and honored and swear the dogs were smiling.

I know I am smiling about the two new breeding dogs that arrived this weekend.  Primetimes Love Bandit is already on the "Our Breeders" page and, as cute as he looks, he is ten times cuter in person.  He has passed his health tests and will breed in approximately six months.  He promises to produce stunning puppies with sweet temperaments like his own.  Can't wait.

Pacific Rim's Sweet As Can Bee (Hunny) flew into Boston the same day.  I fell so in love with this miniature girl that I telephoned Gretchen at Pacific Rim and asked to purchase a puppy from Hunny's parents' next litter.  Hunny is truly that remarkable.  Gretchen is uncertain about a next breeding so I just have to wait and see.

Bindi is being a great first time mom and her pups are gaining nicely.  Glancing into the welping box, you notice round babies that look like fresh homemade rolls. I think you adoptive parents will see chubby bellies when we send photos this Friday.  You will certainly notice a difference in the recorded weights.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.  May you enjoy the food, merriment and one another. 

November 19, 2009 

Bindi's last little girl now has a lovely family in Illinois.  Happy news for everyone!
 

November 19, 2009

Bindi surprised us by going into labor two days early so around midnight last night she began to pop puppies.  Although Bindi is a first time mom, she had the easiest delivery I have ever attended.  That little lady was so relaxed she birthed her babies without a sign of discomfort or distress.  Six hearty, healthy puppies joined the Log Cabin family--five girls and one boy.  I only pre-sold four puppies since this was Bindi's first litter, and thus have 1 little girl available.  The 2nd little girl found a family this morning.

The staff and I have been busy preparing Chutney's and Scarlet's litters for their new homes or training programs.  Ah, then there are the puppy pens that require soap and water through out the day.

We are also attending to Katie who will deliver her puppies the first week in December.  She was groomed yesterday and is receiving extra meals and lots of cuddles.  Scarlet loves to warm my lap whenever possible and I love her gentle visits.  A young dog from one of her earlier litters visited from New Hampshire yesterday.  What a treat to see one of Katie's puppies growing up.  The young fellow is getting a new brother, Crosby, from Marlee's recent litter.  But first Crosby will attend Cynthia's Puppy Head Start program to learn how to be a gentleman.

In two weeks, Log Cabin's guest house will be ready to welcome you.  I am giddy over the way it has turned out and will add pictures to the blog once it is completed.  Many weekends are already booked so, if you plan to visit or pick up a puppy in the future, please contact me as soon as possible.  The guest house sleeps five for one to two overnights.  There is no charge.
 


October 22, 2009
 
We are busy with puppies of various ages around here.  Chutney's and Scarlet's puppies are eating solid food now.  At the moment their pups are enjoying their mid-day yogurt--moms too.  These puppies rough house and play like full-size dogs, it is a hoot to watch.  Marley's babies have just begun to get up on all fours.  Some even wobble a step or two across the whelping box.  Everyone's eyes and ears are open.  Maybelle's little onesie continues to nurse and grow.  She looks like a pear-shaped two year old and moves like a marine on her elbows.  All is well in the nursery. 

October 17, 2009

Prior to moving to Maine, I owned and operated three retail stores on Cape Cod: a bookstore, a gift store and a children's clothing store.  It was a joyful, exhausting endeavor.  We moved to Maine to live a simpler life.  As we made plans, I told my husband that one day I wanted to have a guest house where people, as worn out as I, could take time to relax and restore--a place to be still, read and walk country roads.  Or snow shoe our land in winter.  Two years ago, when we and our dogs outgrew our home an hour north of here, we moved to Dover-Foxcroft.  And wouldn't you know, in addition to our new home, the property had a small house nestled by a stream. 

Thus, by the end of November, we will happily welcome guests who wish to spend quiet time in Maine, including those who want to meet our dogs or pick up their puppies.  Just give a call and we will reserve the little house for you--two or three days at no charge.  My dream will soon be real and I look forward to welcoming our extended Log Cabin families.   


October 14, 2009

Maybelle seemed confused last night and this morning as she cared for her one baby.  She was restless and wandered about the whelping box as if lost. Melinda, Georgia's 15-yr-old daughter and one of my helpers, suggested we put one of Marlee's puppies in with Maybelle to make her think she has two babies. So, Miss Red was gently moved to Maybelle's whelping box. It seems to have worked as Maybelle has settled down.  She is cleaning and nursing both puppies as if they had been with her since the beginning.  Looks like Marlee's Miss Red is already a therapy dog!


Onesie and Miss Red

October 13, 2009

Maybelle and her baby girl, whom I call Onesie, had a peaceful night.  Maybelle's face enchants me, so watching her with Onesie today fills my heart with sunshine sparkles.  Too precious.  Thank goodness for Georgia who cleans and tidies, because all I want to do today is play with puppies.  Our next litter is due in November--so lots of play days until then!

October 12, 2009

5:45 pm  Maybelle is in labor.  Lots of panting and an "ouch" now and then.  This is Maybelle's second litter and her first proceeded easily and fast.  Her tummy is small, just like last time, so I doubt we will have more than 2 pups. I will post as Maybelle progresses. 

6:35 pm -- blond female

8:10 pm  Maybelle is lying down relaxed and serene which usually means she is done delivering.  Looks like we have one pretty little girl for this litter.

**********

This morning I awakened to the crackling blue sky found in many photographs of Maine.  It's a great day to be alive--and maybe Maybelle's puppies will say the same later on today.  Today is Maybelle's due date.  She is eating less and producing milk, two signs that puppies will be born soon. I will post as soon as Maybelle shows signs of labor.

  Here's a snapshot of one of Scarlet's puppies taken last night.  I think she is dreaming about the crisp blue sky she will find in the morning.  Sweet dreams little one.

October 3, 2009  8:00 pm

  
Marlee in the Whelping Box

 
Marlee is in labor and will deliver before midnight, I think.  If not, she will deliver after midnight!  So all you adoptive parents who are waiting, it won't be long now.  I will try to post as the labor progresses.  Look at that fat tummy!

  9:20 -- apricot male
  9:30 -- chocolate female
  9:40 -- black female
10:15 -- chocolate female
10:30 -- red female
11:25 -- black female
11:40 -- black male
12:55 -- black female
 1:15 -- chocolate female
 1:30 -- apricot male



October 1, 2009

Marlee's tummy is so large she has trouble walking upstairs now, her belly bumps each step as she slowly climbs upward.  Her appetite is strong so no babies for a while I suspect.  We shaved her underside last night to provide a clean nursing field.  So, she is ready and we are ready when the time arrives. 

Want to mention Paige's accomplishment this week.  Paige, you remember, is the high school student and soccer player that assists us here.  I attended her soccer game this week and watched her score a hat trick (three goals in a game).  I was so excited I didn't think my palms would ever dry!  High praise and applause Miss Paige, you were (and are) terrific.

Scarlet's and Chutney's puppies continue to grow plump and more mobile.  As I type, small squeaks arise from the whelping boxes amidst the sweet sounds of nursing puppies.  There is no place I would rather be today--my birthday.



September 27, 2009

This morning was the first time I have left the puppies since they were born.  I like to stay with them the first five days of their lives. Today, I went to church and said many prayers of gratitude, then hurried home and ran right to the nursery.  Everyone was quietly nursing having done very well without me!

Marlee is beginning to nest in preparation for delivery.  She is having difficulty climbing stairs since her belly hangs swollen with puppies.  Everyone around here agrees that she is larger than any pregnant female we have had before.   That may mean something or it may not.  One of my ladies delivered ten puppies and was actually quite small--so I never equate numbers of pups with mom's tummy size.  Once again we will just have to wait and see.  The third whelping box is set up and ready for puppies.  Soon, very soon.


September 21, 2009
Happy Birthday to Everyone

Chutney is the winner, delivering four fabulous puppies between 3:00 am - 8:00 a.m.  She blessed us with three boys and one beautiful little girl.  Miss Scarlet decided to take the night off so she still has a belly of babies this morning.  Actually, that made the wee hour deliveries more peaceful and pleasant.  We will post baby pictures on the "Available Puppies" page; although, each pup already has a forever family.  Think I'll  snooze a bit to prepare for Scarlet's babies.

No time for snoozing.  Scarlet delivered her first puppy at 10:15 a.m. and had five puppies on the ground by 10:50 a.m.  The sixth pup arrived at 12:21 p.m. and it appears there will be a seventh shortly.  What an exhilarating day!  Praise God, each puppy is healthy and nursing strongly.  So far we have four girls and two boys.  Five are red and one little girl is an apricot cream.  Make that four girls and three boys, puppy #7 just arrived!


September 20, 2009  11:55 p.m.

This is a first--two ladies in labor at the same time.  Scarlet and Chutney began heavy labor within minutes of each other late tonight.  It will be exciting to see which mom delivers first (My bet is on Chutney!).  Looks like a September 21st birthday all around.

September 18, 2009

Busy days around here.  It is a toss up who will deliver her puppies first--Scarlet or Chutney.  Both moms' bellies resemble thin skinned balls filled with wee arms and legs that kick and stretch throughout the day and evening.  Two whelping boxes await their precious arrivals, while I set out the many tools and towels that will be needed.  We have shaved Scarlet and Chutney's tummies so their pups can easily find a nipple following birth. This also prevents long hairs from wrapping around and strangling nipples.   Time to do laundry and stock the fridge. 

September 8, 2009

Maine weather showed off for the Labor Day weekend--temperatures were in the low 70's against a backdrop of ice blue skies.  Makes one want to breath deeply and take long walks in the country.  We did both each day accompanied by our pregnant moms.  I like to exercise them frequently as doing so promotes easier labors


Saturday, I had an interesting conversation with a man with ties to the AKC.  He told me that if/when the AKC accepts Labradoodles for membership, it will only register True Australian Labradoodles.  I happily took in his words although they did not surprise me. 

I spoke with Jan at www.slateridelabradoodles.com last evening.  She, too, only breeds true Australian Labradoodle, and speaking with her was like breathing fresh Maine air.  She has a litter of true Australian Labradoodles on the ground now if anyone is looking for a quality puppy.

September 5, 2009
 
On the puppy front, Scarlet's tummy is plump with babies, while Chutney's belly is bigger than it has ever been before.  By the end of the month, God willing, we will have a household of little ones.  Two whelping boxes have been taken apart and thoroughly scrubbed.  They will be re-assembled in the nursery over the next week.  How I love preparing for puppies and welcoming them into the world.  Mom is capable of doing everything by herself; however, I help by immediately removing a puppy's head from the sack (often before the pup is fully out), sucking mucus from the mouth/nose, and pinching the back of the puppy's neck to make it cry.  This way I avoid what is known as a "slow" puppy.  These little ones, deprived of oxygen, are harder to train and manage.

Stay tuned--puppies acoming!


September 2, 2009

There is so much good news I hardly know where to start.  To begin, I have been appointed the National Labradoodle Adviser by the Association of Reputable Breeders.  Many of you know how passionate I am about protecting the future of the Australian Labradoodle so to be asked to do so on national level is an honor and responsibility I accept with humility and joy. 

Sadly, when puppies are sold from untested parents, some dogs can truly suffer physically from genetic problems. 

And when breeders sell puppies as "Australian Labradoodles"  that are not Australian Labradoodles, numbers of buyers suffer amidst the confusion; plus, they pay $2500.00 as if the animal were a true Australian Labradoodle.  One Labradoodle breeder recently said she charges $2500.00 for her Cockapoo infused puppies because they are quality dogs.  "Quality dogs" are wonderful, and all breeders should be breeding them, but they are not Australian Labradoodles.

American Labradoodles are nice dogs and can produce very nice puppies.  My concern comes when breeders fail to disclose that the puppies are American Labradoodles (infused with a poodle within 3 generations) selling them, instead, as "Australian Labradoodles."  What troubles me even more, is when Cockapoo or Spoodle infused puppies are called "Australian Labradoodles."  According to the Australian Labradoodle Club of America, puppies with Cockapoos or Spoodles in their lineage are not considered Australian Labradoodles.  The Australian Labradoodle Club of America is particular about whom they register as an "Australian Labradoodle" and, thus, is my preferred Labradoodle Association.  The Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA) is very firm about health testing, and I applaud that.  The Australian Labradoodle Club of America (ALCA) is also very firm about health testing, but it's definition of an Australian Labradoodle is more strict.

Such differences are common as a new breed establishes itself, I am told.  It's like getting up on waterskiis for the first time. Everything feels unbalanced as you burst through the water; but in time, all settles down nicely.  With so many people placing the best interest of the Labradoodle in the forefront, there are surely good things ahead.

As the breed emerges, I strongly recommend "buyer be informed."  Ask to see a hard copy of a puppy's pedigree before making a purchase and notice all infusions in that pedigree.  Ask to see hard copies of all the tests done on the stud and dam and ask for explanations if you are uncertain what the test results mean.  When you pay $2500.00 for a new family member, you deserve the healthiest, finest pedigreed Labradoodle puppy available.

Here is more over-the-moon news!  Log Cabin Labradoodles has been awarded a "Best of Breeders" certificate by the Association of Reputable Breeders.  To quote the certificate:

This Award Recognizes

 LOG CABIN LABRADOODLES

as a meritorious breeder for demonstrating
dedication to the health of the breed
and a level of proficiency that serves the betterment of the industry

                                        Board of Directors
                                                           Association of Reputable Breeder
 
 


August 22, 2009

You may have noticed this logo on various pages of our website recently.  I am honored to have been accepted into this national organization as it's requirements are strict and way above the norm.  Actually, as a member of the Australian Labradoodle Club of America, I already do all the required health testing they require.  The ARB even telephoned my vet for a little conference before I could be accepted. 

To be a member of the Australian Labradoodle Club of America, a breeder must extensively health test and register all his/her breeding dogs.  While this has been ALCA's standard procedure since inception, ARB now sets these requirements for ALL BREEDS.  I am thrilled for this helps  future puppies be they Cockers or Corgis.  The AKC registers all breeding dogs without health testing.  I shudder to think how many congenital conditions are being transferred to offspring of untested parents. 

So, I applaud the ARB--and am proud to be member #1106.



August 20, 2009

Cynthia Scott, our Puppy Head Start training instructor, recently sent me the following.  It is adapted from Richard Biby's, IT'S JUST A DOG.

                                             ITS JUST A PET

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a pet," or, "that's a lot of money for just a pet."
They do not understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a pet."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a pet."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a pet," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a pet," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch
of "just a pet" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it is "just a pet," than you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend,"
"just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a pet" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and pure, unbridled joy.
"Just a pet" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a pet," I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly into the future.

So for me and folks like me, it is not "just a pet," but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of
the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a pet brings out what is good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself
and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday you can understand that it's not "just a pet," but the thing that gives
me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man or a woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase, "just a pet," just smile--because they "just don't understand."



August 18, 2009

Hot days and thirsty dogs can be a set-up for Giardia.  Giardia is a water born parasite that attacks a dog's intestinal system.  The parasite lurks in lakes, puddles and ponds contaminated with feces.  Labradoodles often lap-up infected water without your even knowing it. Flatulence, weight loss and/or diarrhea often signal a trip to the vet is needed.  I once bought a breeding dog that arrived with Giardia, and was clueless about the illness until all my breeding dogs and puppies started having loose tan colored stools.  My vet diagnosed the problem and placed all our dogs and puppies on 7 days of medication.  I felt badly for the dogs but I was grateful the illness was easily cured.  Be careful around puddles and ponds, and contact your vet if you suspect Giardia.



August 15, 2009

These are the puppy days of summer.  The Gentlemen have been wooing the Ladies and the Ladies have been delightfully receptive.  All faces wear smiles! Thus, we anticipate five litters September through October 2009.  Prior to this, four was the most litters we have had at one time.  These arrived during the fall of 2007.  I delivered and cared for all the puppies by myself and, following that, made the decision to hire an assistant as soon as possible.  Thankfully, Log Cabin has a number of assistants now. 

   Georgia is my "cannot-manage-without" right hand person. She works 5-6 mornings a week cleaning the living areas of our home plus the puppy whelping boxes.  Along with my decision to house our breeding dogs and puppies in our home, I vowed to have spotless living quarters.  Thus, in addition to Georgia, Karol Ann scrubs the entire house, floors to ceilings, one day a week.  Both women frequently bring their children to work with them: thus, we have a middle school young lady, a grade school young lady, and a four-month old dimpled little lady here to play with the puppies.  I couldn't be happier.

Paige is Georgia's assistant, working summers and school year weekends.  She excels in academics, sports, and whatever we ask her to do--Paige is a highly focused, gifted young woman.  In addition, Paige is a local soccer star, and the Log Cabin Labradoodle entourage (including puppies and dogs) will attend as many of her games as possible once the season begins.

Alex and Nicholas are Log Cabin's newest helpers.  These young men are home schooled and are now part of Log Cabin's "puppy socialization" crew of kids.  I think there is something special about home schooled children, and Alex and Nicholas reflect their parents' efforts and sacrifices.  No matter what the boys are asked to do (rock a puppy or pick-up poop) Alex and Nicholas tackle each task with energy and a smile.  All our breeding dogs have demonstrated special fondness for these young men since the day Alex and Nicholas came on board.

Just a peek at Log Cabin's outstanding staff.  Watch for more pictures!



August 10, 2009

Our dogs and puppies have been in local parades two Saturdays in a row.  They are getting quite good at it and asked if we can throw dog bones into the crowd next summer.  August 1st we shared a float with Cynthia and Russel Scott, our Puppy Head Start trainers, under the banner of Pine Tree Hospice.  Cynthia heads the program and my husband, Peter, is on the Board of Directors.  The float won first place for non-profit organizations (thanks to all the decorating Cynthia provided).  We had puppies on the float that seemed to win the crowd's fancy.  It was great fun.

This past Saturday Log Cabin Labradoodles was in the Shirley Maine parade celebrating the town's 175th birthday.  There are less than two hundred residents in the picturesque community, and every single one of them, plus visitors, wore hearty smiles. We decorated our car and walked three dogs behind it--Katie, Chowder and Tully.  But it was Truffles, our 4-month-old chocolate future breeder, who soaked up the attention.  She peered out of the car window over the Log Cabin sign (being tightly held by 15-year-old Melinda Underwood) and smiled into the crowd.  Sometimes Melinda waved Truffles' paws at the parade goers and that's when we heard folks clap.  I do love small town parades and their caring residents--a snapshot of the heart of Maine.


August 5, 2009

 
Welcome to Log Cabin Labradoodles' new website and our first Doodle Blog entry.  If you would like to ask a doodle related question, please use the message area on the Contact Us page and I will do my best to answer you.

I intend to give quick updates about goings-on so you can peek into the windows of Log Cabin Labradoodle life.  At present we have seven adult breeders and two future breeders living in our home.  There are three females who have been bred and two that are in heat.  With boys and girls living together, it is always "be careful" and "be attentive" time around here.  Our home is small but we have many rooms and, after breeding for a number of years, we have a system that works well. Fingers crossed.

As mentioned, our dogs have been busy breeding during the past month and this promises lots of Christmas puppies. There are still puppy spots available if this interests you.

Recent Good News: Chowder and Tully both received "OFA Good" on their hip test results this week.  Praise God.  This completes all their health testing and elevates both to Log Cabin Labradoodle Studs. I am thrilled the boys are healthy, and delighted they can now pass their gentle natures onto offspring.

Again, welcome.  I look forward to more chats ahead.