Category Archives: Holidays Travel & Vacations

Waiting for Cliff

~On Christmas

More often than not, Stackhouse will be found with Cliff. But in the evenings he sometimes stays in with Mama–watching me get dinner. I guess he might also be hoping for fallout–me dropping food, or sharing something. What Weim doesn’t?

Christmas was one of those nights when he stayed at the house with me–watching me get dinner and take care of the other Weim kids. He seemed to know that someone was coming to share dinner with us–and honestly, I can never remember him being so wild about Richard–he would not stop soliciting his attention. He got scolded a few times; it did not totally deter him from going back to the business of asking for love and attention–which he got.

Going On Vacation?

~Is the Weim Onboard?

Hey, Karen, are you forgetting something? –Like Me!

Separation anxiety is real and palpable –and the consequences are sometimes staggering. We have received notes from people who suffered the worst of outcomes–a loss. Others, and more frequently this is what happens, come home to destruction. The rock-solid trustworthy Weimaraner didn’t handle the absence as expected. Anyone who loves this breed has most likely seen reports outlining shocking Weimaraner behavior. We are positive that many of you have experienced this phenomenon firsthand. (Ouch)

Ideally, we need to help our Weimaraner learn how to adapt and adjust to change. For people new to this breed, this can be a foreign concept. Possibly they equate the Weimaraner separation to what they experienced with another breed–somehow, I highly doubt it. Maybe, but more than likely, this person is going to be caught short–shocked at what can happen. This separation anxiety thing is one of the reasons so many Weimaraner end up being rehomed. It is a sad reality. Nonetheless, many Weimar-addicts walk into the relationship eyes-open knowing about this trait and the other quirks and quandaries they might face.

Happy 4th of July

~Here’s to Hoping it is A Good One

We are hanging out with Cliff and Shela — No Fireworks here!

Every year we hear about the Weimaraner shaking and scared of fireworks–but it is not true for every Weim. Recently we heard Bart and Jorga are unfazed. Possibly a big part of this phenomena is they were forced to become more adaptable. Jorja traveled to Belgium (where she spent the first part of her life), and recently she returned to the Pacific Northwest. That kind of journey requires acclimation to loud sounds, unfamiliar territory, and adaptability.

Bart was here longer than the average OwyheeStar puppy. The family slated to get him opted to wait for a future Longhair. He received more time and some attention to learning how to adjust and adapt. Possibly this worked in his favor. Also, his family was very savvy at the transition–careful not to overwhelm him. That is no longer an issue–he travels in large crowds (dogs, children, and noise are not a problem). Below are the notes we received yesterday.

We have opted to keep Bernie’s litter here an extra week. Having them out and about amid the 4th of July Fireworks and the additional potential exposure to Parvo didn’t seem wise.

Dan Reported

Bart (Atti X Boone) There were some fireworks the other night and Bart just looked up and kind of went “what was that?, huh? oh well, back to what I was doing”. We’ll see about tomorrow.

Eileen Writes . –Jorja’s First (Rosie X Zee)

Wa fireworks, doors open fireworks exploding and she is snoring away! Xoxoxo to a relaxed girl,

New Year Resolutions

~ The Weimaraner Kind

As explained by OwyheeStar’s Boone

The New Year brings thoughts of starting fresh. “Woof”

We fur folks are not a whole lot different. We put down the best-laid plans. So, I want to share my ideas for 2019 with you. Well, you might notice these are more for my human’s entertainment–or let’s say these are suggestions–the kind that accompanies a strong wag.

Diet

I like my kibble just fine–Cliff, Mama says I need more calories because I burn more than the average dude. So, I am thinking a few extra add-ins are coming for 2019. I like that high-calories topping, the NuVet, and the occasional chunk of steamed pumpkin. “Woof” I, like a lot of guys don’t need to watch my waistline unless we are talking about getting too skinny. I need a little fat right by my tail. I think it gives that hubba-hubba-look the girls like. Feel free to throw in the occasional cookie–thank you!

Exercise

As you might know one of my favorite exercises is chasing the girls. I also like to run around and play with Manfred–you know, the new Longhair Stud guy. Cliff, I think we ought to include more stick-fetching work as well as a few more birds. You are getting lazy, my friend. Mama says I need some stellar photos–whatever that might be. It sounds like work to me. Let’s skip and go for walk to the sanctuary.

Cash

I must admit I have heard about the Puppuccino. Other OwyheeStar Weims rave about their parents driving through Starbucks to get a treat. Let’s add a little more pizazz into my life (relieve you of some weight of your pocket change). You could use a little more fun too. We could drive up (leaving the farm once in a while) for the occasional treat–it would not hurt you to let go of your wallet once in a while. “Woof”

Behaviors

I am a good boy. I don’t jump up. I don’t pull on the lead. I can sit, etc. I think I have it pretty well down–so I don’t need to brush up on my manners. Maybe we could fix you Cliff–it seems you bring the occasion clump of mud. “Woof” I should say you and Stackhouse do, and Mom doesn’t always find it endearing, so you see I have one paw up on you, dude.

First Christmas

    ~With Chester in Oregon

Chester has been helping Mama wrap presents and when I say help, but I mean stealing all the presents and trying to run away with them. Luckily I have caught him before the presents are ruined. I think Chester is worried he is on the naughty list because he has decided to bark at my Santa on the mantel then proceed to run away. He brings me so much joy and laughter. Brandon and I both love him so much! Happy holidays!

Yuppers I am having my first Christmas

Breeder Comment

We are ever so thankful to you folks–and happy for Chester.

Santa–well maybe we can consider that a fat guy dressed in red who suddenly appears to stare at Chester, is a bit disconcerting. Where did he come from? He wasn’t there before. And he just stares at me with those twinkly eyes, Mom. What’s up with that?

Turkey Talk

Thanksgiving

          ~What We Don’t Want

Where's the Turkey

The emergency Vet Vist probably tops our list. It is the quickest way to spoil our celebration. Nonetheless, is there a time when our attention is more divided? The snatch and grab Weimaraner could abscond with some spectacular finds. They are everywhere–the counter, the dining table, the plates, and possibly on the floor. One thing you might overlook–the rising bread dough or rolls. Bread Dough Toxicosis can prove life-threatening. Maybe a toddler is waving a turkey leg. Is that an invite? The opportunist Weimaraner will make the most of this food-driven holiday gathering.

The humans at your table–they are a significant threat to the Weimaraner. Who doesn’t want to sneak the pup a treat? But too many sneaks and the gut can become overloaded even with acceptable food. The sensitive Weim might have a bout of pancreatitis from too much fatty food. Then there are the cooked poultry bones–be sure if you throw them out it is where the Weimaraner cannot steal them.

You Might Consider

IMG_5035What if you made a plate for the Weimaraner that everyone could help share? This plating idea might work. Here are some excellent choices.

  • Turkey — no bones
  • Green beans (plain)
  • Squash or Pumpkin (plain)
  • Apple slices (without the seeds)

Avoid These

      ~ to mention a few

  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Stuffing
  • Gravy
  • Corn on the Cob
  • Nuts (pecans and Macadamia)
  • Grapes and Raisins

You can bake a Weim cookie or a Weim pie that forgoes the seasonings. Eggs and pumpkin and a tiny bit of milk will bake up nicely. You could make the crust using treats. Possibly make them in a silicone cupcake pan or cupcake papers. We are not saying it cannot be a lot of fun for the Weimar too. However, no one wants the unthinkable to spoil all the fun.

Remember, it is all good and fun until the unthinkable happens!

Here’s to an excellent Thanksgiving Day Celebration for all our Weim-loving Friends!!

Labor Day 2018

Mousse

     ~ Nursing Her Babies

Some of you have been following the current litter. Updates have been posted every week. We thought an excellent way to celebrate Labor Day might be to honor Mousse’s effort at raising this litter. What can we say? It is no small thing.

They love being out in the puppy yard. Mousse doesn’t like being with them so much now–she wants to see them, and then the sharp teeth cause he to rethink that desire. Nonetheless, she does nurse. What a good Mama. They are eating kibble, drinking from the waterer, and growing every day.

A mother’s labor of love is something to be celebrated, too! Happy Labor Day!

Remembering

and Honoring Those 

  ~Who Paid the Price for our Freedom

Every morning (as many of you know) I send you a heartfelt message via the OwyheeStar Weimaraners Facebook Page. Then, I post a blog. Today, I am using those remarks here in what I hope honors those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Nonetheless, we cannot be too serious, right? One of the gifts of freedom is to have fun and to enjoy life. Therefore we share Stackhouse with the 30-40 Krag

(the same model carried by Teddy Roosevelt up San Juan Hill in Cuba).

Today’s Facebook Greeting —

Good Morning Weimlovers!

It is Memorial Day 2018. Here are a few thoughts about what it means from my perspective. What does that mean to you? I think much of America is busy with activities (bought by those who paid the ultimate sacrifice). Many give no thought to the cost of freedom. Others have no clue as to what I speak. Some matters of the heart cannot be transferred from one generation to another. It is a sad truth.

The baby boom generation grew up with parents who wanted to make sure we never experienced the things that were their reality. Our parents were older than many. They lived through the depression. My mother got a job at 13 working for a taxi cab company as a dispatcher. She earned a dime that went toward the families food. My father went to work on a ranch during the summer at eight years old. Food was scarce. All of this and then on the cusp of their adult life, they were meant with WWII. At first, it was the news of what was happening. I am positive everyone hoped to avoid US involvement.

WWII began Sept. 11, 1939. My mother was 19 and my father 21. Can you imagine? They were not alone in wondering what would become. For the next six years, the war raged on taking its toll on the world wreaking havoc on every level worldwide. No one was immune. On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States, bombing warships as well as other military targets in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Everything changed for America. They no longer could stay out of the fray.

We know the history. Very few of us lived through it. I believe there are a few who were called to service or were already in service at the time of Pearl Harbor. Not many of this generation are still with us. The passing of what has been called the Greatest Generation cannot be summed up in a few words. What they gave us cost them dearly. Some lost their lives, their loved one, or came home changed in ways unspeakable. Even the Baby Boomers fail to understand the atmosphere and all that changed as this war lingered. The trenches, the stench, the conflicts of every kind. The lack of news and the wondering on the homefront. The notifications. The war camps–those who survived in the more horrible of situations. Some who (others felt) were better off not live on). We probably studied the history. We see it recreated in movies. Can I say, we only understand a glimmer of what happened to this generation that gave us today’s world? Complain about how things are if you wish–but not to me. We are beyond fortunate. We as a nation cannot afford to forget the sacrifices of this generation as well as those who fought for freedom before and after them.

A different kind of war plagued our generation. One that could not be won and saw us fleeing while the enemy overrun our embassy. Our soldiers returned to something other than welcome home solder. They were the target of the war’s disapproval. They fielded verbal abuse–they were spat on and assaulted for their service. It was shameful. The Vietnam War was controversial and costly on every level. We still struggle with the unwarranted loss of life because of the way things ended. So many of our generation were snuffed out — their chance at a life lost, and we ask for what? Nonetheless, we cannot change what happened. History is written. We can; however, make sure we honor those who served regardless of what we feel about this unpopular war.

(I believe) We are never going to escape the reality of war. It will always be brewing somewhere–a place far from our home is what we hope. Even so, the media bombards us with the reality of what is happening. Somewhere someone is caught up in a life-threatening conflict. American soldiers are often there to lend a hand–maybe it is not always as we feel it should happen. Lives are lost– perhaps American loss is not appreciated by who benefit. Maybe all the war-related incidents that take innocent lives taint the laying down of American lives. There are mistakes and things beyond my understanding. Nonetheless, I think we ought not to blame the American Soldier in most of these cases. If he is following orders, then we have to hope it is a noble cause. Most of these conflicts are beyond my understanding (and not something I can embrace). Wrapping my brain around the current events even though I am living in the present eludes me.

(To sum up what I am trying to relate here) Let’s honor the soldier and remember those who lost their lives to give us the opportunities afforded. It is called the ultimate sacrifice for a reason. God Bless, and join me is saying to the generations who made this life possible, “Thank you, for your service, and the sacrifices made.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did You Know

It is National Pet ID Week

April 15-21, 2018

IMG_9609 2We embrace the microchip concept for our OwyheeStar puppies. Every pup leaves with the AKC Reunite Microchip implanted. All our puppy family must do is to register their chip (pay a small lifetime fee) with AKC Reunite. Honestly, if you don’t register the microchip is probably not going to do much good.

Let’s not forget the 4th of July and the hoopla associated with it fills shelters to the brim. These hardworking folks do their best to get every pup back to their family; however, it is an arduous process. This one step does more than anything to get your pup back to and along with the ID collar increases your odds of return astronomically.

Did you register the microchip? We sincerely hope you did. Here is more information from AKC Reunite. Our experience has been positive–they are accommodating.

 


If a neighbor finds your dog, a pet ID tag is the fastest and most efficient way to be reunited with your pet. However, ID tags can fade or fall off, or your pet’s collar can be removed. This is when an enrolled microchip with up-to-date contact information links you and your pet to help ensure you are reunited with your lost or stolen pet.

Save $2 on replacement collar tags and dog collars with coupon code Tag2 through April 21, 2018.

Beautiful Greta

Happy Easter!

 

We wish you a special blessing on this celebrated Sunday!

Note: The photos were taken of Greta (OwyheeStar’s No Regrets) the week of Easter Sunday 2012.