Another grand yearly reunion was an absolute hit! It was so good to see the faces that showed up and the dogs that I got the privilege to see again.
Meiko pups showed up, Isla pups were also there, as well as a Sola pup AND a Ginger pup from 3.5 yrs. Ago!
It was a bit over the top hot but the water was a nice relief to have access to. Mallory and Tofu, the Isla pups are swimming feens and were swimming just for the love of being in the water. The Meiko pups were happy to wade and lean on whomever came into our space.
The chit chat between us all was great and stories were shared amongst us. We had one family there that was an eagerly awaiting future pup family so it was so nice for them to put out the effort to show up, spend time with the dogs who will be their future and talk to us all about what is ahead for them.
Questions of all sorts were answered and info. Was discussed left and right. The dogs were all great entertainment as they continually went in and out of the water and then of course rolled with great pleasure in the dirt and sand to complete the look.
Some dogs and their families unfortunately couldn't make it as last minute changes took place. Next year everyone next year!
Already looking for something new and improved to make this yearly gathering a bit more special. I've looked into a private gathering locations which would be an extra bonus for sure. Easier access to a lake or river would be a plus and a private location somewhere south(ish) central is where I'll focus my search. We'll see what I come up with!
I send out huge gratitude to everyone that trekked out to join us yesterday. I appreciate immensely you sharing your time with me and your amazing pups.
This week flew by with water play in every moment of our days. If it wasn't the splash pad, then it was the kiddie pool. If it was too late in the day to get out all the water toys then their over sized food dish is what we use to keep the water play going all the way until bed time. We are keeping everyone cool with plenty to do and staying hydrated.
I'm sure this intense heat is doing a trip on these girls bodies and is playing into what is their normal cycle time. Heat at this level is hard on everyone and I'm sure is also throwing off regular systems and timeframes of their norm. Here's Leia looking like a million bucks. She is going to make some drop dead beautiful pups when she finally does cycle around. And here's Isla and Tonka who I am pairing up together to show you the 2 side by side. Another litter highly anticipated and going to be gorgeous!
We battled small challenges this week but with fast and supportive vet care at my finger tips we were able to get back on track in no time flat. My trusted vet checked out my girls and gave them a passing report of healthy happy and green light for continuing on with exactly what I have been doing. My team is incredible. She also agreed that weather at this level throws off heat cycles and not to worry. I always try to fall back on 'everything is timed perfectly' I try not to think too much about this looming time frame ahead of Isla and Leia delaying all the way into Meiko's time frame. Really? 'perfect timing' you guys?! 3 litters on top of each other??!!! I of course am blessed to have any opportunity to raise these exceptional pups for you all. Maybe my daughter will be home from Tanzania in time to help me again!!! Here's some extra side by side shots of Isla and Tonka, then gorgeous Tonka on his own and lovely Smile for Miles Meiko.
They have been obsessed this week with our new bold brave kitten. That's what they are looking at in these photos. He boldly comes right up into the nearby garden and 'helps' me desensitize them to cats! ha! Gee Thanks little Calcifurfur.
Tonka continues to pester the girls in any and all ways he possibly can. The girls escape to the tops of the smaller spools or on top of the stumps so they aren't getting accosted constantly. He's doing everything a good stud should which is great, it just gets a bit old when he's on them constantly. The girls have been incredibly patient with him though which blows me away. He asks them to get off the stumps all the time so he can keep 'practicing' his studly duties. ha! They stay up on the stumps or I at times put him in the secondary yard to give the girls a break from him.
There are a couple of breeders whom I am in contact with who have studs who aren't doing their studly duties at all and having to step in to make a litter happen via AI. I am incredibly grateful that this boy has the drive and is practicing what he should be doing. TMI?! I am just overly grateful for this wonderful, sweet and perfect boy.
Sending out all our love to the families and dogs who we didn't get to have the opportunity to cross paths with this week. To Ollie and River, I hope you are loving life my darling boys. To Luna and her Flowers, Happy Birthday beautiful babes. To Ginger, mama who started this all, all my love. To my Sola kids, love hard. To Juno, take care of your mama. To my wee Birds, continue to try your best. To Nataleya, I promise your perfect pup will come in the perfect time. Thank you for being patient. Also to Sandy, Duane, Sharon, Samantha and more, I very much appreciate your continued understand and patience as we wait for shifts around here. I thank you all for giving me the opportunity to change your world.
Love from us all!!!!