The Pack Has Spoken

After the sad loss of Rosie's litter, I really wasn't going to attempt another breeding until next year. However, I sat in the dogyard one morning and watched the girls in heat interact with Tumac through the chainlink fence. All but one were really not giving anything away to Tumac and Rosie clearly was telling me that she wasn't interested in a second breeding at this time. As I sat, I saw Daisy really taking advantage of this opening and she ventured towards Tumac in the flirtiest of ways. I did this for a couple of days to make sure I wasn't imagining the girls in heat shuffling Daisy into the arms of Tumac (oh that sounds so romantic). Linda called me and asked what I had decided, was I going to try Daisy and Tumac. She offered to stay on the phone whilst I let Daisy and Tumac interact to see if they were interested. So I agreed, Linda stayed on the phone as I opened the kennel gate into the play area where Tumac was. Well, I didn't even make it to close the gate behind me that they were instantly tied. Boom! Done deal. Linda was screaming down the phone "what's happening" I screamed back "They're doing it, they're doing it" !!!! "No way" she said "Yes way" I said....... that was is. The pack had spoken.

We have since had Daisy palpated and there are at least 4 pups!! She ran in harness for the first few weeks but is now basking in the joy of motherhood. The babies are due November 26th. Thanksgiving babies and I do feel very thankful.

Trying To Capture A Comparison In Height

..... between Rosie, Cookqiz and Hana. Hana who is now 4 months old has some legs on her. Recently weighing in at 34lb, I really think she is heavier as she wasn't quite still on the scale and I was holding her. I bet she is more like 36lb plus. As you can see, she is just a bit shorter than the other two girls, around 23 1/2 inches at the shoulders.

Tumac At The Milk Bar

For the last few days I've been wondering why Rosie is wet on either side of her belly. Being the gentle and nurturing soul that she is, she will allow pups to think of her as their birth mom.... I sat quietly and waited for some interaction between Hana, Tumac and Rosie. I just missed photographing both pups at the 'Milk Bar' but managed to get Tumac.... here he is sucking away. Rosie stands very willing. Both pups started doing this a couple of days ago....

Hana Looks At The World Through The Eyes Of An Old Soul

She sits quietly taking everything in. She looks so like a snuggly teddy but beneath that cuteness is a very savvy, young pup who just seems to 'know'. She is fabulous with the older dogs and very responsive but yet, there is a stubbornness about her just like her half sister Nellie..... maybe this comes from papa Mackenzie?

Hana Proves To Be Another Mud Baby

Inspired by Nellie and Daisy, Hana had fun in the rain and sandy mud today, enjoying every minute of playing and splashing. A hardy wee pup.