Pictures!

Here is Dallas sharing a snooze with his sister Jada - notice he's sporting a new haircut!  :)

Here is Lili and her big brother Chong Pei.  Lili's mom is doing a great job keeping up their coats!

And finally, here is world traveller Zoey taking time to smell the daisies in Los Angeles!

Love it when the folks keep in touch and send me lovely pictures of my kids!  Thank you for loving these furkids as unconditionally as they love back!

Not Meant To Be

My vet confirmed today that Samantha is not pregnant. 

So we wait. 

Everything happens for a reason.  Even this.

Doubtful

Sadly, I don't think Samantha is pregnant.  We have a vet appointment next Saturday to be sure.  This particular breeding was done with shipping chilled semen cross-country.  And I'm pretty sure it did not take.  So for those of you that expressed interest in one of Sam's puppies, I will do another breeding later this year - next time by physically bringing a dog in house. 

And for the people out there that wonder why responsible breeders charge more for their puppies - here's a little math for you.

Blood work prior to breeding:  $200
I regularly test my stock before doing a breeding to confirm optimal health.  On Sam I did a full CBC panel plus ran a VonWillebrand's test, which is a suggested test by the ASTC.  And this doesn't include the money spent for other tests done prior.  Oh - and don't forget the show entries and handler fees.  Sam was proven worthy to be bred on all levels prior to drawing the blood this time around to confirm it.

Supplies:  $185
Luckily the stud dog owner had the shipment kits - I merely had to purchase the shipping medium and have it overnighted to her.  And thanks to a major snow storm, the first shipment was delayed by two days.  My vet tested the sample to make sure it was still somewhat viable before using it.  Thanks to my continued patronage at his clinic he was gracious enough to check it at no charge. 

Air Shipments:  $225
Mind you I got the corporate rate on these shipments, thanks to being able to ship on my employer's account and reimbursing them.  Had this been on a regular account, the cost would have been closer to $600.

And I hadn't even paid the stud fee yet . . .

Responsible breeders don't just breed to any available dog.  They find the right dog and make it happen - or in this case - unfortunately NOT.  Think about that the next time you look in the newspaper and find a $200 puppy.  Do you really want to buy a puppy from someone that's only counting the money coming in and who doesn't care about the dogs - or the breed - involved in the process?

What Did You Do On Easter Sunday?

Well, we all know that Velvet got a bath.

Dallas went on an Easter egg hunt!

And Gracie?  Well Gracie was just adorable!  :)

How was your Easter?

If It's Sunday - It Must Be BathTime!

I wasn't THAT stinky - was I??

All clean!  No make-up!

Are my pads black or are they gray?

And so goes the great debate.  Is she gold & white or blue & white???

Someone Got A Haircut!

A few weeks ago, I took Samantha to Tucson for the IABCA Shows.  Her very last topknots.  And in three shows she became American International Champion WoTeH'sin Do U Believe In Magic!  She did well after not being shown since last JUNE!  At first she was tentative but then she remembered exactly what to do.  She got a couple of group placements in the Bred By Group as well.  Judges' comments were awesome.  They loved her head, her outline, her coat, good reach & drive - all good stuff.

Since that weekend I've been promising Sam a haircut.  But I just hadn't gotten around to it.  First this then that.  But tonight was the night!  And she is the spittin' image of her daddy!  Love that face!

Next stop - bein' a momma dog.  Hoping there are babies bakin' in there!

Dallas Arrives In Illinois

I love email from puppy buyers and PICTURES!!  :)  I got this on Tuesday:

Hi Nancy,

Thank you, thank you, thank you for a beautiful pup!! He is absolutely gorgeous!! I’m so happy with him!!

Thank you for being a responsible breeder. I love him to pieces, he’s such a good little boy. He’s been outside running and playing in the yard with the dogs. I’m so fortunate that Cindy gave me your name and number. Thank you again for keeping him a couple of extra months and for taking him to Cindy and Larry’s.

Thanks,

Karen

Here are some pictures from today ..

Dallas meeting his new Mom (Karen) in Illinois for the first time ... brought to Illinois by Cindy and Larry

Dallas at his new home in Sugar Grove, Il.

Dallas meeting his new family – Jada and Cheyenne

Karen and Dallas

The next day I got these pictures - Dallas had a visit to the salon for a partial hair cut.  He'll go in for a full cut down probably in a week or two as the weather warms in Illinois.

So it looks like my little love is doing well in his transition.  Keep those pictures coming Karen!  :)