Doodle Blog
2010



photo courtesy of Kathy Barnes

Sept 1, 2010

Many people have emailed wondering if I am ok considering I haven't blogged since June.  All is wonderfully well here after a jam-packed summer.  Four litters were raised and launched in the midst of frequent visitors.  My children and grandchildren visited (summer highlight) and spent many days at our camp swimming and fishing.  The grand kids loved caring for and cuddling the various puppies, socializing them nicely.  Wish they lived closer and could do it more often.

Chutney, Etta James and Marlee have been bred so it is quiet, catch up time around here.  Lots of reading and naps.



June 23, 2010

Lots of wee puppy noises in the nursery.  I love the early weeks following delivery, moms and babies are satisfied and content.  We have puppies available at this time--one from Princess' litter and three from Scarlet's.  All four are gold miniatures.

Yesterday, I visited the puppies being trained at Sue Sutton's 3 week obedience class.  What a bunch of cuties!  Everyone is doing well and learning quickly.  Miss Molly from Etta's litter has been staying with us until she travels to her family this weekend.  Molly is more fun and fits right in with our pack.  She has a solid sense of herself and is not intimidate by anything.  I have enjoyed spending one on one time with her and will truly miss her when she goes to her forever family.

June 20, 2010

More Puppies. 
Pete was holding Scarlet in his lap giving her a nice scratch when he turned to me saying,  "Oh my, we have a puppy here."

Thus began Scarlet's delivery which I will record as it progresses.

  4:55 PM     6.4oz     male       red
  5:20          8.2        male       red
  5:29          7.6        female    red
  5:48          8.5        male       red
  6:10          6.8        male       red

It appears that Scarlet is finished delivering.  Wow! a fast delivery in daylight.  Couldn't ask for more.  Pete is photographing them as I type so, families, you will be receiving pictures of very wet puppies soon!

  Yeah, we have a sixth puppy:

  6:30PM       6.8oz     female    red
 



June 11, 2010

PUPPIES.  Katie gave no sign she was in labor until I looked down and she had delivered a puppy on the floor.  It is a healthy baby girl.  I will post as the other babies arrive.


8:30 PM   female  10.6oz   gold

9:15 PM   female  11.6oz   chocolate

9:55 PM   female   8.6oz    red

10.40 PM  male     9.8oz    black

11:40 PM  male    11.0oz   red

11:45 PM  female   8.0oz   red

12:22 AM  male     11.1oz  red


I think Katie is done and each pup is vigorous and looks healthy.  Sleep well little ones.  Thank you, Katie.

June 1, 2010

More puppies!  Bindi went into labor at 9:45 last night and blessed us with five little round bubs--three boys and two girls.  What I found interesting was the fact that Bindi's babies were born at the exact same times as Princess' babies, just two days later.  Both mamas delivered their first pups at 11:30 PM and their last pups at 1:45 AM.  Will post photos of Bindi's litter tonight or tomorrow.  Congratulations families!

May 29, 2010

Happy Birthday Princess' pups!  Mr. Right is the happy papa.   Princess delivered four boys and two girls between 11:30 PM and 1:45 AM last night.  All is well and each pup is nursing nicely this morning.  Here are their first photos presented in birth order:

                                            One Male Available- Miniature

   

   


May 28, 2010

Princess is in labor yet, since this is her first litter, puppies will probably arrive tonight.  This is the first mother I have had that carries a toy around in her mouth while laboring.  When a contraction occurs, Princess whines right around the toy.  Poor little girl.  I will post as she progresses.


May 24, 2010

The Misses Princess and Bindi are dragging big bellies around like overweight beer drinkers.  Both should deliver their puppies within the week.  We are expecting storms over the weekend and pups frequently arrive during low pressure days.  It would not surprise me to have Princess and Bindi deliver back to back.

Off Puppy Topic.  The son of our best friends is one of the bachelors on tonight's ABC Bachelorette program (9:00-11:00PM) His name is Chris Lambton and he is a marvelous young man.  He had been teaching in NYC when his mother became ill in 2008. Chris quit his job at that time and returned to the Cape to nurse his mother alongside his father.  After his mother,  sweet Margie, died, Chris stayed on the Cape and is working in his father's Landscaping business.  That's the kind of kid Chris is. Pete and I were invited to Cape Cod to be part of a "launching the Bachelorette" party tonight with Chris and his father, Ed.  But with puppies on the ground and puppies due within days we're staying home.  Sure would love to have you root for Chris, if you watch--he's worth every hoot and holler!


May 22, 2010

A friend just finished tilling our garden.  Pete usually does it but he is still on the mend.  The friend drove by, noticed the area needed to be worked, knocked on the door and asked if he could till it for us.  Northern Maine is like that.  Pete says there is no need for AAA up here.  If you have a car problem, four friendly folks pull over and ask to help.

I am excited; tilling the garden is like the start of a horse race--vegetables take your mark, summer has begun.

A couple of days ago I mentioned additional good news.  Well, we bought a traditional Maine cottage on a lake 20 minutes from our home.  Now when you come from afar to pick up your puppy or to meet our breeding dogs you can stay there if you wish. It sleeps six.  Here are three snapshots.
                                                      

                                                      

                                                      


May 20, 2010
                                             ALPO Zoey and Taye Diggs
 
                               
                                                                                        
photo courtesy of Marianne Kattermann

Here is a photo following Zoey's ALPO commercial shoot.  Zoey is the daughter of Tegan Park Scarlet and is owned by the Kattermann Family in New Jersey.  Zoey looks just like Scarlet to me!



May 18, 2010

Now I have some happy news.  Earlier I had mentioned that Log Cabin's Zoey had been chosen to star in an Alpo commercial.  Well, tomorrow Miss Zoey is appearing on the CBS Early Show.  I cannot wait to watch her!  Thought you might like to also.  More good news but I have to wait a day or two.  Soon!

May 15, 2010

My mother always said:  "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all."  Thus my absence from the blog page.  The past ten days have been difficult.  We were sick in conjunction with a couple of unforeseen encounters.  Ah, but the dogs and puppies are healthy and wonderful and that's all that matters. 

May 6, 2010

You'll notice a new page on the website today.  A number of people asked that we post pictures of our puppies even though they have forever homes--so, beginning today, you will find an "Our Puppies" page added.  The adoptive parents receive the photos each week, this page is for the rest of us.  I love seeing those precious faces captured as if in a gallery.  Can't get enough.

May 2, 2010

News Flash!  Marianne, one of our favorite adoptive parents, called this week to say her Log Cabin Labradoodle, Zoey, has been selected to appear in ALPO commercials.  We are thrilled and congratulate, Zoey, our first TV and print celebrity!  Marianne said she will send pictures and I promise to post them.
 
 

April 25, 2010

It has been a weekend of visitors, a facet of the business Pete and I truly enjoy.  Once again we met lovely parents and well-mannered kids.  A ten-year-old young lady did a remarkable oil painting of Marlee which I hung in my office.  Such talent in one so young.  According to mom, her sons are equally gifted artists. 

Another visiting family had a first grader who multiplies and divides--reading was mastered long ago.  The young man fascinated me as he explained the workings of his new L.B. Bean flashlight--little sister by his side plump with smiles.  A wee peek at another benefit of dog breeding.

P.S.  The puppies look like pudgy pears.    
                                                                                              Lady Bella


April 22, 2010

Here are two of Etta's puppies we photographed last night.  Miss Lavender is a female and Master Light Green is a male. 

                                          



April 21, 2010

I am better today.  Nine hours after being born, one of Etta's puppies died.  I was right next to the whelping box yet it happened in the blink of an eye.  Etta repositioned herself and sat on her smallest female puppy suffocating her.  I had continuously counted the ten pups, but in that moment I only counted nine, moved Etta and discovered the 10th puppy.  I was beside myself with guilt, grief and the "If only..." agonies. Since that time I have refused to leave the side of Etta's whelping box.  Praise God the remaining nine are doing well and gaining weight.  I am thankful.  Chutney's and Marlee's babies continue to gain weight for which I am also grateful...but loosing that puppy lowered me for a while.

Since I had not expected such big litters from Marlee or Etta we now have extra puppies available.  Marlee's is a little ebony female.  Etta has one chocolate female and two chocolate males needing homes.  It will be fun having available puppies on hand when people contact me.

Now, I am off to count puppies.....

April 20, 2010

The following photos show Marlee's four black females.  Enjoy.
 





April 14, 2010 -  Etta's Puppies Are Being Born

    2:10AM     male       chocolate     8.2oz
    2:20         female
     chocolate      7.3oz
     2:25         male       chocolate     8.7oz
    2:35         male       chocolate     7.5oz
    2:45         female    chocolate      8.4oz
    3:30         male       chocolate     6.8oz
    4:20         female    chocolate     7.0oz
    4:45         female    chocolate     7.7oz
    4:55         male       chocolate     9.0oz
    5:45         female    chocolate     7.1oz


It's all smiles around here following the birth of Etta's ten puppies.  Each baby is healthy and nursing nicely.  Etta had the easiest delivery, whelping quickly and without effort.  This is Etta's first litter so I was surprised by the number of puppies and the ease with which she brought them into the world.  As it was Etta's first litter, I only pre-sold five puppies
so we have a number chocolate pups available.  Thank you, Etta, and thank you, Lord.


April 14, 2010  3:25PM - First Puppy

    3:25PM   female   13.9oz   black
   3:45       female   11.2      black
   4:00       male      12.3     gold
   4.25       male      10.7     chocolate
   4:45      female    10.6      black
   5:05       male       9.9      black
   5:35      female    11.2      black
   5:50      female    10.1      chocolate


shiny and healthy
  

April 14, 2010  2:50PM

Marlee is in hard labor--puppies are close to being born.

April 14, 2010  1:00PM

Marlee's puppies will definitely be born today--and not in the middle of the night! She is digging the bottom of the whelping box trying to nest.  She is restless and somewhat uncomfortable.  I will immediately post when the first puppy arrives.

April 14, 2010

A quick note to say Marlee's temperature has begun to drop.  I will post progress reports; however, it will be a while bef
ore puppies are born.

April 13, 2010

We are in watch mode awaiting Marlee's delivery.  Her tummy is as large as it was during her last pregnancy when she had ten. When I cuddle her, I feel arms and legs moving on both sides of her belly at the same time.  This is happy news since, unfortunately, Maybelle had a false pregnancy.  Dear Maybelle's litter history has been two puppies, then
one, and now zero We will be spay Maybelle and then retire her to days of pampered living.  She will live full-time with Georgia and her daughters Melinda and Zoe.  

April 9, 2010

Here are today's photos of Chutney's babies.  All have forever families.





                             


I want to introduce Karole Ann and her daughter Emery.  Karole Anne has been promoted to full time Breeding Assistant due to her work ethics and her cheerful approach to frequent messy work days.  Daughter Emery often accompanies her and loves playing with puppies (and dusting the coffee table).  Congratulations Karole Ann!

                                       

April 8, 2010

So many blessings, the first being Chutney's litter that arrived last evening--Praise God.  Chutney spent a restless night tending her babies but began to settle down this morning. All five little ones are nursing nicelyAnd the next blessing--Log Cabin Labradoodles is expanding.  We are opening "Log Cabin Labradoodles South Shore,"  located south of Boston.  Log Cabin Labradoodles South Shore is a subsidiary and will be operated  by Mary Morely, a triple doodle owner and loving friend.

Considering how long our families can wait for a puppy and the number of families who live in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Southern Maine and Southern Massachusetts, opening a southern branch just made sense.  Knowing and respecting Mary Morley made the decision easier since she is  a smart business woman and a nurturing soul.  Puppies whelped and raised with her care will be most fortunate.  The two Log Cabin households will operate in the same manner.

P.S. A third blessing--Scarlet is in heat this morning.



April 7, 2010

Chutney's puppies are coming!

  7:00 PM - Female
  8.6 oz  Chocolate
  7:35 PM -  Male   10.2 oz  Ebony
  8:15 PM - Female  7.5 oz  Gold
  8:50 PM - Male     8.7 oz  Ebony
  9:30 PM - Female  9.2 oz  Chalk  
                                                                                                   Ta-dah!

                                                        


  
    
April 7, 2010

4:15 PM Chutney's temperature dropped to 97.7 degrees.  She now shakes with each contraction, signifying she is in early active labor.  I am guessing we will have puppies by morning if not sooner.  Georgia is at the store buying frozen vanilla yogurt and non-fat yogurt which we will offer Chutney after each puppy is born.  We will also give her fresh water which many of our moms prefer.  I will keep posting as Chutney's progress continues.


April 7, 2010

I am taking Chutney's temperature every four hours as her delivery time approaches.  This morning it was 99.4.  At noon it was 99.2.  I am looking for a temperature drop below 98 degrees which will indicate the whelping will start within 24-36 hours.  Last night, Chutney slept in a crate next to my bed so that if she delivered, the whelping area would be contained.  Before this system, a fair number of moms delivered puppies in the middle of the night under our dressers--some of whom we had trouble reaching.  With Chutney next to my bed, I can hear unusual sounds, like energized digging on the bottom of the crate.  This will mean Chutney is trying to dig a nest for her soon to be born puppies Now we wait and watch.

Maybelle, due in five days, is her usual cheery self, just eating and sleeping more.  This morning she had a meat and cheddar cheese breakfast and then returned to the couch.

Marlee, due in 14 days, has slowed down quite a bit. One can see why as her belly looks massive--even bigger than Chutney's.  She had trouble keeping up when we walked on Sunday, held back by the weight of her puppies.  I remember this happening during the latter weeks of Marlee's last pregnancy.  That time she had ten, but this time we'll just wait and see.

Then there is Etta James, due in nine days, who doesn't act like a soon-to-be mommy at all.  Her round tummy indicates she is; however, her playful actions have not changed one bit.  She loves to run outside in the fenced-in yard, trying to get the other dogs to chase her.  She cuts through the air enjoying each minute like a pegasus in flight.  There's enough time ahead to grow up.

April 6, 2010

                               

Here is Miss Chutney reclining this morning, squishing a tummy full of puppies
Her belly is round (I am guessing five puppies) and taut.  Her teats are milk filled.  All this suggests that puppies will arrive soon.  Stay tuned.
  

April 5, 2010


Chutney's and Marlee's tummies have grown large and filled with moving arms and legs. Maybelle only has one or two puppies per litter so she doesn't look pregnant, as usual.  Last night we shaved Chutney's belly which will allow her babies to nurse more easily.  Also, long coat hairs can strangle a nipple by cutting off the blood supply which courts danger.  In a few days we will do the same for Maybelle and Marlee.

Last Friday we disinfected the nursery and two whelping boxes.  I love welcoming new puppies into the world so can hardly wait for the deliveries to begin.  Our team is efficient and organized so multiple litters present little difficulty.  None of this would be possible without the dedicated woman who comprise the team: Georgia, Karol Ann and Paige.

Here is Hunny (Pacific Rims Sweet As Can Bee) our newest miniature female having her first photo shoot.  Honey will complete her final health test, her CERF exam, this coming weekend.  If all is well, Hunny will begin breeding in February 2011.  With her sunny disposition and cuddly nature, Hunny's puppies will be well worth the wait.

                                                             
                                                                                
                                                                                                    Miss Hunny


March 31, 2010

Take a peek at our new website page "Labradoodle Jewelry."  We are pleased to offer a personalized Labradoodle necklace (for you not your doodle--but who knows what will happen in the future).  Send us a photo of your Labradoodle and our talented artist will create a cameo pin of your doodle and attach it to a necklace.  If you wish, you can order our doodle design.  More pieces will be coming soon.  Check the new page for details.

Princess Sarah and Bindi have been bred over the past seven days.  Thus, Princess is due May 31 +/-, and Bindi is due June 2 +/-.  Oh happy days!


March 25, 2010

Yesterday I received an email from Beverley Manners the co-founder of the Australian Labradoodle.  To quote her, "It is with pleasure that I write to let you know that ALFA is ready to accept your application for elite Breeder of Distinction with the Australian Labradoodle Founders Alliance (ALFA)." It ended, "Welcome to ALFA!  The authentic Australian Labradoodle is sure to be in safe keeping and you are to be commended on your commitment to the integrity of the breed."  I faxed forms this morning and registered many of my dogs.  The remaining five registrations will be faxed to Australia tomorrow."  ALFA is another organization working to protect the original Australian Labradoodle.  I am honored to be a member.   

To learn more about ALFA, the Australian Labradoodle Founders Alliance, go to www.rutlandmanor.com

March 20, 2010

Pete felt lots of puppies in Etta's tummy this morning.  Hooray! 


March 19, 2010

We picked up Mr. Right (Oliver) at the Portland airport this morning, and he is absolutely true to his name
Mr. Right is "just right" in every category.  He flew Continental Airlines from Seattle WA to Portland Me and arrived happy and friendly.  I was thrilled.  He exited his travel crate without coaxing and I immediately saw the excellent conformation I had fallen in love with in his photos.  Once home we took him, Willie and Chowder for a walk.  This is the easiest way I have found to introduce a new dog into a multiple dog household.  All was well and everybody had a good time in the 60 degree sunshine.  Princess Sarah is in heat and Bindi is coming into heat, so I was once again thrilled when Oliver mounted  both females.  One at a time that is--he's Mr. Right not Mr.kinky.

Welcome to Maine, Mr. Right (Oliver).  We are blessed that you have joined the Log Cabin family.  

March 13, 2010

REVISION.  Yesterday I wrote that we would palpate Marlee's tummy in the next week or so to see if she had puppies.  Pete decided to check it last night and he felt many little babies.  Three confirmed pregnancies in the house and one more tummy to palpate.  Pete will check Etta's tummy by March 19th.  P.S.  Don't forget to set your clocks one hour ahead tonight.

 

March 12, 2010

Good news!  We felt puppies this morning.  Chutney and Maybelle have confirmed pregnancies--always exciting.  We don't do ultra sounds at Log Cabin, preferring the "Little House on the Prairie" method, palpating the tummy for walnut-sized puppies.  This is done one month prior to delivery date.  In the next couple of weeks we will palpate Marlee's and Etta's tummies.  I love Spring and new puppies in the Spring add extra sweetness to the bouquet of the season.


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.



   


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