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!  :)

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

One of the hardest parts of breeding dogs is letting them go.  Having experienced when it is time to say goodbye to an older dog - I can say it is VERY hard - especially when they have been a loving companion for 10, 15 or more years.  It is almost like losing a child.

So how come it's also hard when the puppies go?  I mean they have only touched your life for a short period of time, right?  And typically when they leave at 12 weeks I feel a pang of ache in my heart but I know they are going to the best possible forever homes.  Plus if you've ever shared your home with 3 or 4 barking 12 week old puppies, you know that at 12 weeks, it's time for them to go to their new homes! 

I can't keep them all.  I wish I could though.  I wish I had unlimited income and could have a large piece of property and take in rescues to bring them back to the healthy and loved dogs they deserve to be.  I would still breed sparingly and show my dogs too like I do now, but I would work on saving the ones that deserve to sleep in a warm bed every night with a full belly too.  I wish I never would have to worry about quality of care or whether the neighbors would complain.  I wish I had the help I would need to accomplish these goals.  But I do not.  So, because I love these little dogs, I still work on moving my breed forward by showing my dogs to prove they are worthy specimens of the breed, breeding on a limited basis and keeping the best I can to move into the next generation.  And along the way, finding great homes for deserving little lives that touch mine in the process.

Tonight is the last night I will get to kiss one of these little angels in my house goodnight.  Little Chunk is going to his new home and his adventure actually began a few weeks ago.  You see, he's not Little Chunk anymore - he is Dallas.  And he is soon going to be on his way to Chicago.  Tomorrow we will go on a short trip to Show Low, where my friends Cindy and Larry will take Dallas into their home for about 2 days.  Then they will drive off to Albuquerque on Tuesday to the airport with Dallas and they will all wing their way to Chicago.  Cindy and Larry will be visiting friends and family - and Dallas will meet his new family.  In my heart I know this is the best thing for this little, sweet soul.  But I've cried like a baby over this all week every time I think about handing him off.  He's been here longer than most puppies and he's wormed his way into my heart.  I love this little guy, but I love him enough to know he needs a new forever home and I must let go.  He is a lovely puppy, but he is not meant for the show ring.  Structurally he is sound.  He moves like the wind, but he is not marked well enough.  His blaze isn't wide enough and he has way too much ticking on his legs.  And I can't keep them all.

So today was full of running and playing - it was in the low 80's here today so the yard was the place to be!  And puppies play hard!  Today was no exception!

I'm a mess - but I had a blast today!

I am such a sweetheart!

I'll bet I'm going somewhere!  I always get a bath before I go somewhere!

Yes, little love, you are going to your new family.  But you will always be in my heart.  I love you Little Chunk - enough to know that you need to move on.  Be well and be good for your new momma.  And know you are loved.