Our computer committed suicide a few weeks ago, and although I did find that without it I was:
1. getting to bed WAY earlier
2. getting more done around the house! (not that you can really tell, but I so WAS!)
But I really missed it! So here's the news you missed:
May 14, 2006:
At just her third show, Topper won Winners Bitch/Best Of Winners for her first point!! Now she's REALLY going to be full of herself!!
May 23:
Her mom Kinsey filmed a commercial for a local (North central Texas) car dealership - they have had Danes as their mascots for many, many years. She did one for this same company last year but this one is more involved. She had to hold a football (partly deflated so she could hang on to it), a baseball, a baseball bat, a hockey stick, a referee's whistle, and a hockey puck in her mouth (the hockey puck was hilarious - you couldn't even see it in her mouth until she spit it out!!). She had to pose with one paw on a football, a soccer ball, and a basketball - tricky since they tended to roll. She had to push a soccer ball around with her nose. She had to jump up like she was shooting a basket, spin around, gallop all over a green set which wasn't very large, wear a referee's shirt and a goalie's helmet!! And of course, do the trademark mascot bark. She was really, really good!
And now she's going to be even MORE full of herself than her daughter... when it comes to being a Princess Kinsey is an expert. Of course, I don't mind living with a celebrity but it can be rather taxing... all this fetching & carrying and fluffing her pillows and rubbing her feet and feeding her bon-bons (you know how HARD it is to find bon-bons this time of year!!??) is very tiring!!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Pied Piper
We have some dear friends who fortunately live close by, and we visit each other with our dogs all the time - think of it as a puppy play date. They have a huge black Dane named Tiger and our pups have always been gaga over him - like the little kids who want to tag along after the cool teenager. Fortuanely Tiger IS cool and plays very nicely with the little ones.
These pictures were taken a couple of months ago. And yes, we do have grass now - shut up, we really do have some green! ;-)
The smaller black non-Dane is their Flat Coated Retriever puppy Oakley who is about a month younger than our Dane pups.
These pictures were taken a couple of months ago. And yes, we do have grass now - shut up, we really do have some green! ;-)
The smaller black non-Dane is their Flat Coated Retriever puppy Oakley who is about a month younger than our Dane pups.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Some Days Are Diamonds - And Some Days Suck
My last post described a definite diamond day - well 8 days later it was a whole 'nother story! That Saturday I had some errands to run, and was gone about 6 hours. The dogs were all fine when I left, and Ronnie was home with them. When I got home, I no sooner walked in the door than he said "Teddy's not feeling well, he's thrown up a few times". Teddy was indeed not well - every time he moved he retched up foamy yellow stuff, and he didn't want to move much. When he did get up he seemed very uncomfortable - arched back and stiff. Since he's still a puppy my first thought was "obstruction" so I stuffed him into my car and off to the emergency clinic we went (this NEVER happens during normal vet office hours. Why? WHY??). The X-rays didn't show anything in his guts but DID show congestion in his lungs... and when she saw him retch the vet observed that he wasn't vomiting, but rather coughing this gunk up. He had pneumonia!! He stayed there the rest of the weekend on IV fluids and IV antibiotics, and thank Goodness he recovered quickly. I brought him home on Monday afternoon, but Monday morning I heard his sister Topper start coughing!! Damn!! So I took her in to the vet. She wasn't sick fortunately, so they just put her on antibiotics and I was able to take her home. Both pups recovered very well, and within a few more days weren't even coughing anymore. But since Topper got it too, we figured it was something infectious. Possibly the Canine Flu that everyone's been talking about on all the dog lists. I'm sure they caught it at the show - especially since I was stupid enough to put them in the public exercise pens to potty. I know better than that, I just wasn't thinking. Anyway, Ted is just about as good as new except for a shaved front leg from the IV. I'll try to get a picture up.
Monday, April 10, 2006
I'm Back!
Eeeek!! It's been a month and a half since I last wrote! Apologies to my ones and twos of readers! I'll try to be more consistent in the future. But heck, it's MY freakin' blog, after all!!
Anyway, despite the mood swings (hahaha) things have been going pretty well at House of Danes. The pups turned 6 months old on Feb. 27 (incredible to think how tiny they were when they were born, now they're about as big as their mother) and that is the minimum age for showing in the AKC. So we entered our two plus Gus (that's his new name, he used to be called Hunter) who we show for his owners, in their first show on the first weekend of March. Actually we just entered Saturday - we thought that judge would treat puppies well and thought one day would be enough. You don't want to wear them out, and we wasn't familiar with the judge on Sunday. Most judges treat dogs, and especially puppies, very kindly. But occasionally you get a judge who is brusque or even a little rough with the dogs - you never want to show to a judge like that but you DEFINITELY don't want to risk that with a youngster.
They did great! With babies our only goals are: 1. that they have a good time and B. that they mostly behave themselves. In other words, we view it as a training experience. And that was a success - they walked into the show building like "Cool!! Lookit that! And PEOPLE!! Oh, boy! Can we have treats??? Please???" but they weren't maniacs and definitely weren't freaked out by all the dogs and people. And they showed well although they all had puppy moments in the ring. The kicker was, Gus won Reserve Winners Dog! Which doesn't get him any points but it means he was second place to all the non-champion male dogs there! The judge really liked him, but he's still too immature to really win.
Anyway, despite the mood swings (hahaha) things have been going pretty well at House of Danes. The pups turned 6 months old on Feb. 27 (incredible to think how tiny they were when they were born, now they're about as big as their mother) and that is the minimum age for showing in the AKC. So we entered our two plus Gus (that's his new name, he used to be called Hunter) who we show for his owners, in their first show on the first weekend of March. Actually we just entered Saturday - we thought that judge would treat puppies well and thought one day would be enough. You don't want to wear them out, and we wasn't familiar with the judge on Sunday. Most judges treat dogs, and especially puppies, very kindly. But occasionally you get a judge who is brusque or even a little rough with the dogs - you never want to show to a judge like that but you DEFINITELY don't want to risk that with a youngster.
They did great! With babies our only goals are: 1. that they have a good time and B. that they mostly behave themselves. In other words, we view it as a training experience. And that was a success - they walked into the show building like "Cool!! Lookit that! And PEOPLE!! Oh, boy! Can we have treats??? Please???" but they weren't maniacs and definitely weren't freaked out by all the dogs and people. And they showed well although they all had puppy moments in the ring. The kicker was, Gus won Reserve Winners Dog! Which doesn't get him any points but it means he was second place to all the non-champion male dogs there! The judge really liked him, but he's still too immature to really win.
Baby Gus's first show picture!!Then later in March we had our Dane club's specialty show - meaning that it was a show limited just to our breed, instead of being an all-breed show. Again, they did GREAT! They behaved even better than at the first show. 4 of the 5 pups were there which was great. The absent puppy is gorgeous but I doubt he'll ever be shown; his new owners just aren't interested in that and that's OK with us. They adore him, travel with him everywhere and he has a terrific life plus he gets well socialized with all the travel, so he's not missing out on anything! It still would have been great to see him again, but they were out of town. Hopefully I'll get to see him soon.
Anyway, the 4 dogs we had there at the show all did great! We had also entered Kinsey, their mom, in obedience and Best of Breed competition. The obedience classes also were open only to Great Danes, which is fun. They started before the conformation classes but ran a bit late so I was in the obedience ring with Kinsey when it was time for the pups' first class in Sweepstakes. Sweepstakes is a competition separate from the regular show, open only to puppies. The judge doesn't have to be an AKC judge and in fact judging Sweepstakes is one way that people who are applying for a judges' license can get some experience judging. You can win a little money - like $15 or $20 - but there are no points. Like all shows, the males are judged first then the females, and in both sexes the youngest puppies go first. So our "little" boys would be first in the ring, hence my conflict. So Kinsey's breeder agreed to take Teddy into the ring for me. She's met him several times of course but has never shown him so I didn't know what would happen - at the least I figured it would be good experience for him to learn to be handled by another person, and of course she would be good to him.
Well, what happened is that he won Best of Sweepstakes!! He was a jewel, and she made him look VERY good. It was pretty exciting.
(I wasn't going to brag on my dogs here.. but again, it's MY blog so if I can't brag here, well... screw it!!)
So then the regular classes started and I showed Teddy in his class. He didn't win this time, in fact he came in second to his brother Gus but the Judge was very complimentary. When it was time for the females to be judged Ronnie (my hubby) took their sister Topper in and when the judge was examining her she told Ronnie "You breed beautiful puppies!" How nice is THAT!! Ronnie handled Gus in his class and we told her (after she'd placed Gus and Teddy 1st and 2nd in a nice class) that they were littermates. Anyway, when the dust was all settled Topper won Reserve Winners Bitch! Another nice Reserve like her brother - again no points but since it was a big entry it was REALLY exciting!
Stay tuned... it seems like they're on a roll!
Anyway, the 4 dogs we had there at the show all did great! We had also entered Kinsey, their mom, in obedience and Best of Breed competition. The obedience classes also were open only to Great Danes, which is fun. They started before the conformation classes but ran a bit late so I was in the obedience ring with Kinsey when it was time for the pups' first class in Sweepstakes. Sweepstakes is a competition separate from the regular show, open only to puppies. The judge doesn't have to be an AKC judge and in fact judging Sweepstakes is one way that people who are applying for a judges' license can get some experience judging. You can win a little money - like $15 or $20 - but there are no points. Like all shows, the males are judged first then the females, and in both sexes the youngest puppies go first. So our "little" boys would be first in the ring, hence my conflict. So Kinsey's breeder agreed to take Teddy into the ring for me. She's met him several times of course but has never shown him so I didn't know what would happen - at the least I figured it would be good experience for him to learn to be handled by another person, and of course she would be good to him.
Well, what happened is that he won Best of Sweepstakes!! He was a jewel, and she made him look VERY good. It was pretty exciting.
(I wasn't going to brag on my dogs here.. but again, it's MY blog so if I can't brag here, well... screw it!!)
So then the regular classes started and I showed Teddy in his class. He didn't win this time, in fact he came in second to his brother Gus but the Judge was very complimentary. When it was time for the females to be judged Ronnie (my hubby) took their sister Topper in and when the judge was examining her she told Ronnie "You breed beautiful puppies!" How nice is THAT!! Ronnie handled Gus in his class and we told her (after she'd placed Gus and Teddy 1st and 2nd in a nice class) that they were littermates. Anyway, when the dust was all settled Topper won Reserve Winners Bitch! Another nice Reserve like her brother - again no points but since it was a big entry it was REALLY exciting!
Stay tuned... it seems like they're on a roll!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Social Club
Last weekend, in addition to our regular crew of 5 (4 Danes, one Shih Tzu cross) we had several visitors: one 4 month old Flat Coated Retriever puppy with enough energy to power a small town; 2 Border Collies who ain't no slouches in the energy department either; and one little Dachsie cross who thank Goodness is a couch potato. It was one of those weekends when several friends and relatives had to leave town, and needed help watching their dogs. I figured that it would be good for our pups - I really am a big believer in having dogs over to visit whenever possible. And it really does a world of good as far as socializing our dogs.
But then it rained and iced all weekend, so everyone had to stay inside - they all got along fine, but it was a bit, er, crowded!!
I'm just kicking myself that I didn't get pictures!! I've just got to start keeping the camera handy. I miss way too much good stuff.
Like having 9 dogs in the den!
But then it rained and iced all weekend, so everyone had to stay inside - they all got along fine, but it was a bit, er, crowded!!
I'm just kicking myself that I didn't get pictures!! I've just got to start keeping the camera handy. I miss way too much good stuff.
Like having 9 dogs in the den!
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Explain this to me...
... How can I be having "empty nest syndrome" when I've still got 4 Danes in the house?? My friends S. and J. are keeping Hunter - and I'm delighted! Really - they've had Danes for years and understand what life with a Giant breed of dog is all about. He will be pampered and adored for his entire life and - best of all! - I'll get to see him anytime I want and we'll be showing him. S. and J. really aren't interested in showing but they know that it's great socialization and basic training for the dog so are perfectly willing to let us show him whenever we want. Which is also nice since he's a really pretty puppy and really enjoys handling class and I think will enjoy shows too.
But I was just going through their baby pictures so I could give her a few of them, and it pinches my heart. This is the first litter we've ever bred and although I thoroughly enjoyed it, it's been kind of heartbreaking too. And I was REALLY lucky!! All the pups survived, and are hale and hearty and the 3 we placed are happy in their new homes. I'm just a wuss I guess.
I've actually handled it quite well I think. On the whole. Although a few months ago I was at a training seminar and this was just a day or two after the first two pups went to their new homes. I did fine - no tears, just happy that the pups had such terrific new homes.
Anyway, I was talking to a friend of mine at the seminar and she asked about the pups. And I had a small meltdown right there - "I miss them! blubber, blubber" As she was backing slowly away I realized this wasn't the most appropriate response. Sorry!
I mean, I'm the one who thought I had post-partum depression after the litter was first born. It's just hopeless, I guess.
Don't mean to be a downer!
Look! Cute puppy pics!! These were taken when they were 9 days old.
But I was just going through their baby pictures so I could give her a few of them, and it pinches my heart. This is the first litter we've ever bred and although I thoroughly enjoyed it, it's been kind of heartbreaking too. And I was REALLY lucky!! All the pups survived, and are hale and hearty and the 3 we placed are happy in their new homes. I'm just a wuss I guess.
I've actually handled it quite well I think. On the whole. Although a few months ago I was at a training seminar and this was just a day or two after the first two pups went to their new homes. I did fine - no tears, just happy that the pups had such terrific new homes.
Anyway, I was talking to a friend of mine at the seminar and she asked about the pups. And I had a small meltdown right there - "I miss them! blubber, blubber" As she was backing slowly away I realized this wasn't the most appropriate response. Sorry!
I mean, I'm the one who thought I had post-partum depression after the litter was first born. It's just hopeless, I guess.
Don't mean to be a downer!
Look! Cute puppy pics!! These were taken when they were 9 days old.
Do we know how to party, or what?
Super Bowl Sunday we had our dear friends C. and S. over to watch the game and eat great piles of junk food. They're selling their house and since they've got 3 big dogs, this means that whenever a realtor calls to say they're bringing someone over to see it C. has to pile everyone into her van and disappear for a while. I imagine it's a huge pain in the ass - but few people would buy a house knowing that a 170 lb. Dane "puppy" (he's 20 months old), a Golden Retriever and a Flat Coat retriever puppy (4 months old) have been in residence. The dogs are great, and not destructive or anything - but I'm just sayin'.
Plus the fact that Tiger (the Dane) can almost look you eye to eye while standing square with all 4 feet on the floor. He's enormous. Might be a bit distracting.
Anyway, although we figured that it was unlikely that anyone would be out house hunting on Super Bowl Sunday, you never know. It IS the best day of the year to go shopping, as I can personally verify.
So they brought their crew along to our house. Our house is NOT large - fortunately all the dogs get along great. Once Topper the Bitch got over her "Let me tear you a new one" greeting that she saves for dogs she hasn't seen lately. Apparently she thinks she's gotta remind 'em who the Alpha Bitch is!!
Or so she says - there's only one AB in this house, honey, and it ain't you!
Anyway, the party was a great success. 5 Great Danes, 2 Retrievers, a little dog and 4 humans. And a partridge in a pear tree. I think my hubby only ended up having to sit on the floor once or twice. Everybody wanted on the couches, and it was first-come, first-served with a lot of shuffling anytime someone got up for more food or a bathroom break.
Gives "party animals" a whole new spin, doesn't it?
The dogs were amazingly good around the food. That hasn't always been the case:
Plus the fact that Tiger (the Dane) can almost look you eye to eye while standing square with all 4 feet on the floor. He's enormous. Might be a bit distracting.
Anyway, although we figured that it was unlikely that anyone would be out house hunting on Super Bowl Sunday, you never know. It IS the best day of the year to go shopping, as I can personally verify.
So they brought their crew along to our house. Our house is NOT large - fortunately all the dogs get along great. Once Topper the Bitch got over her "Let me tear you a new one" greeting that she saves for dogs she hasn't seen lately. Apparently she thinks she's gotta remind 'em who the Alpha Bitch is!!
Or so she says - there's only one AB in this house, honey, and it ain't you!
Anyway, the party was a great success. 5 Great Danes, 2 Retrievers, a little dog and 4 humans. And a partridge in a pear tree. I think my hubby only ended up having to sit on the floor once or twice. Everybody wanted on the couches, and it was first-come, first-served with a lot of shuffling anytime someone got up for more food or a bathroom break.
Gives "party animals" a whole new spin, doesn't it?
The dogs were amazingly good around the food. That hasn't always been the case:
You gonna finish that?This photo was taken about a month ago. The pups are bigger now, but fortunately more restrained. He was just eating Shredded Wheat - I'll leave it to your imaginations what it was like with a meat-based meal.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
OK, I'm obsessed...
...but I don't care. There are many things and people in my life that I love and care about, but my Great Danes are my obsession. I... we (my wonderful hubby is a convert) have either 4 or 5 at the present.
It's not that I've misplaced any giant dogs - but one puppy has hopefully found a permanent home with some wonderful people I've known for many years. He's visiting them this weekend, and if all works out then he'll stay with them.
We've got 2 other puppies (5 months old and pushing 100 lbs, but believe you me - they're PUPPIES): A brindle girl named Topper who is every inch a bitch; her fawn brother Teddy who has been MY DOG ever since he was born; their mother Kinsey who we still show (conformation, obedience and agility); and Kinsey's sister Aeryn who is our special child. The one who may or may not still be included in the count is Hunter, another fawn boy and the sibling of Teddy and Topper.
It's not that I've misplaced any giant dogs - but one puppy has hopefully found a permanent home with some wonderful people I've known for many years. He's visiting them this weekend, and if all works out then he'll stay with them.
We've got 2 other puppies (5 months old and pushing 100 lbs, but believe you me - they're PUPPIES): A brindle girl named Topper who is every inch a bitch; her fawn brother Teddy who has been MY DOG ever since he was born; their mother Kinsey who we still show (conformation, obedience and agility); and Kinsey's sister Aeryn who is our special child. The one who may or may not still be included in the count is Hunter, another fawn boy and the sibling of Teddy and Topper.
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