Category Archives: Loss and Grieving
Baily Blue
~ Gone But Never to be Forgotten
Our last beach visit
Thank you for 14+ years of companionship, love, and shenanigans!
It is with heavy heart that I’m touching base to let you know I’m releasing Bailey Blue today (12/28/2020)–I had 14 1/2 long happy years with her… thank you so much.
Of course, you may share this on your blog. If nothing else, to let others know that you provide a beautiful, fun loving family member for years to come…Chris Fisher
Breeder Comment
There are no adequate words to cover such a loss. We are happy she brought you so much joy and companionship. Thank you for letting us know of her passing.
Don’t Let It Happen To You
AKC Reunite Reports that One in three pets will go missing in its lifetime — and it can happen in an instant.Â
We admit those numbers seem high to us. Most OwyheeStar puppy folks never lose track of their Weimaraner. That is not to say it doesn’t happen. All our OwyheeStar pups leave with the AKC Reunite Microchip–but each family must register their chip. Beyond the microchip, you should consider other identification–such as a tag securely attached to their collar or harness.
Should you include your dog’s name on their collar? Including your pet’s name on their collar is a common practice, but is it a good idea? Cliff suggests it is better to exclude the pet’s name. Instead, provide your name, location, and a couple of phone numbers where you can be reached..
Providing your pup’s name on the collar can make it easier for someone else to appear to be the owner–because they are calling them by their name. Anyhow, it is food for thought.
While the microchip registered to you ensures you are listed as the owner, veterinarians, and other pet professionals do not scan every dog they encounter. Suspicious behavior might alert them to the need, but possibly they are pressed for time and feeling they are overreacting–even a new dog client may not be scanned. And keep in mind that merely recording an ID in their folder is not going to alert anyone. You see where we are going with this–two things. 1. Be sure to register your microchip. 2. Be sure to have identification on your pet’s collar. No one wants to become a statistic.
Should you happen to get separated, with your pet’s microchip registered through AKC Reunite, getting back together is more likely.
Before Dusty
~The Much Loved Duke
Friday, April 5th –It is with a heavy broken heart I wanted to let you know we lost Duke (Dusty x Gracie) last night. I knew this day would come but are we ever ready to lose part of our heart and soul?? Foster came home from school to bloody urine and diarrhea.  Duke has turned 13 January 2nd and I couldn’t see him suffer.  I had a vet come to the house so he could die peacefully on his couch.
Kleenex Please
Breeder Comment
It has been a rough couple of days. The news of Duke’s passing came less than twenty-four hours before Dusty’s departure. We appreciate how much he was loved. Thank you, for the beautiful life your family gave him.
Remembering Dusty
~A Few Photos
Of course, he sired the litter that produced Jan Magnuson’s Willow–who could forget all they have accomplished? Then too–he was the Maternal Grandfather of the first Russian Blue–Gabriel. Along with Storm–our first Longhairs arrive. What a surprise that was–we had no idea that he or Storm carried the fluffy coat recessive trait–commonly called the Longhair.
There were a lot of firsts with Dusty–including the first time we had a dog eat a rock. (OMG) Weims do ingest anything and everything. They call it Pica–eating rocks and whatnot. He got an intestinal blockage which nearly took his life, but after a piece of his intestine was removed he bounced back.
Don’t worry–we have Dusty’s lineage weaved throughout our DNA pool. Most of our current girls have him on their pedigree–which is why we had to bring in a fresh Stud Dog, not too long ago. We don’t breed back to the same lineage.
Run, Dusty, Run
~Your Free
We are saddened to report that our beloved Dusty has departed his earthy domain, and joined the great group of Weimaraners awaiting his arrival at Heaven’s Door. We really cannot say more, but please remember him as captured in the lovely photo.
Did You Know
It is National Pet ID Week
April 15-21, 2018
We 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.
Dewey
The Heavens Weep with You!
We have almost twelve years worth of special memories with our Dewey dog, but we had to say goodbye to him earlier this week.
😢 He was an awesome, gentle (but protective), and special dog. We took him nearly everywhere we went. He was part of our family each time our family grew, and the kids loved him so much. Noellie called him “Big Brother Dog.”
💕We miss him so much.
Memories Captured
Breeder Comment
We remember so well when you took him home. Thanks for letting us know. We weep with you. He can never be replaced–as you well know. We appreciate the life you gave him. It was the best!
In the News
Puppy Carryon
   ~ Common Sense Lacking
Sen. Marisol Alcantara speaks to protesters demanding justice for Kokito outside LaGuardia Airport. To her right is one of the dog’s owners, 11-year-old Sophia Ceballos.
 (ANDREW SAVULICH/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)
Cliff and I have watched, listened, and been saddened by the recent news of the United Airlines craziness. Honestly, I have carried a puppy home on the airplane before. My ticket was with Delta; however, on one leg of the flight home, I was diverted to a United Flight. It was not necessarily a good experience. I received a less than welcome attitude and got a lecture about carryon protocol–it was a rather demeaning lecture. I bite my tongue because I needed to get home with the puppy.
Would I carry on again? Indeed I would. It is an excellent way to travel with a puppy. OwyheeStar has more clients than you can imagine who fly into Boise and bring their puppy home as their carryon. You might be shocked to hear us say it is much safer than a road trip. Avoiding exposure to the deadly Parvovirus is one of the reasons. Nevertheless, getting them home and off to a grand start with the least amount of stress (and risk) possible is essential.
What went wrong? United Airlines Flight Attendant told someone to put their dog in the overhead storage. How insane is that? Honestly, I would have gotten off the plane. I would have made a formal complaint. What is worse is this is a short-snouted dog. Anyone who has dealt with the airlines knows they ask about the breed and they have a specific protocol for these breeds who are prone to breathing issues. (OMG) This loss should not have happened–the owner has to protect the dog’s life always. You are responsible for the ultimate decisions whether you are at a Vet office, a dog park, or planning to fly with a puppy.
We are beyond saddened by this incident. The bulk of the blame is on the flight attendant. Whatever was she thinking? Nevertheless, we are the gatekeeper. You have to make sure your dog is safe. The carryon protocol has always been to use an appropriate airline approved bag which fits under the seat. We have put the bag under the seat for takeoff and landing. Otherwise, I held the bag on my lap–sometimes inserting my hand into the Sherpa Carrier. In twenty plus years of folks flying into to get the puppy as a carryon, there was one incident where the airline was being crazy. The person booked a flight home on another airline. The airline (not United) got a letter from this family who travels extensively with their dogs because they use them as therapy dogs.
Click here to read United Airlines response to this heartbreaking incident.
Two days later there was another mixup. This time due to a connecting flight error in Denver. Honestly, a large number of live animals fly without incident. Nonetheless, connecting flights increase the risk. The scenic route (via Japan) was a pretty significant mistake. Regardless, they were chartered to the new Kansas family awaiting their pet’s arrival. (OMG)
Gone
Dog Park in the Sky
~pass the kleenex
This is still very surreal for us, but I thought I needed to let you know that Devo has left us for the great dog park in the sky, where he will hopefully have tennis balls and sticks to play with until the end of time.
He was not feeling well Tuesday night, and first we thought it was just because he had gotten into something, but by 5:30 in the morning yesterday I could tell that something was seriously wrong, and took him into the only emergency vet in town. He was having problems breathing and was very cold, and by the time I got there, he could not even move. I was hoping it was bloat (treatable), but soon was given the news that it was much worse – a pericardial effusion, which likely meant cancer. They performed a Pericardiocentesis, to relieve the fluid build up and waited for the cardiologist to do a more detailed exam.
After the initial procedure he seemed to be doing better (got up to greet me, tail wagging), so I went home to wait for the news. A few hours later, the cardiologist called me and our worst fears were confirmed – he had a tumor in his heart (hemangiosarcoma).
And the fluid (blood) kept filling around his heart, so there was no point in even attempting treatment.
Surrounded By Those Who Loved Him Most
We pulled Montana out of school and went to go see him for our goodbyes. He was surrounded by the people that loved him most on this planet, and we will miss him so terribly that it makes our hearts bleed too – but we know that we did the best we could for him, and I am happy we had him in our lives for 9+ years.
With grief and gratitude, ~Christine
Breeder Comment
We have spoken a few days back. There are no words to cover Sweet Devo’s departure. We are saddened to hear of the loss. Our heartfelt prayers extended your direction. Oh, Devo, you were much-loved.
Now
Hemi
   ~ Joins Turbo and Sophie
Happier Times — Turbo, Hemi, and Sophie
I haven’t talked to you guys in quite a while and I thought I would drop you a line or two. Hope guys are doing well. We are doing pretty good here but tomorrow will mark 2 weeks since we had to put our Hemi down. She was 13.5 years and pretty lumpy and bumpy. Her arthritis was getting pretty bad and she developed a chronic cough with sometimes bloody phlegm.
Peaceful Exit
Our vet came out to the house and she went peacefully over the rainbow bridge.
Zoey and Magnum
From the Archives — Zoey and Magnum enjoying life on the sofa
Zoey and Magnum are now settling in with the new adjustment. Who will be the boss now? They are saying. Zoey still drags Magnum around by the collar at times. Do I think she might be the boss? They are very much like siblings.
Final Thoughts
Putting Hemi down was such a hard thing to do but I knew it was time. She still ate well and did her business outside and still wanted to go on walks, short ones. She was on pain pills 3 times a day and Rimadyl twice a day. We wanted to say thank you for such beautiful blessings in our lives.
Breeder Comment
What can we say? The passing of Hemi is a huge loss, but we all knew it was only a matter of time. You gave her the best of everything. Of course, she endured the new whipper-snapper crew of Magnum and Zoey. It is good those two had each other. I am sure it gave Hemi a bit of relief.
Thank you, Monica. You folks are more than OwyheeStar clients. It is like extended family to us. We have a lot of history, and I still chuckle at the stories of Turbo’s antics. All the joy and fun and yet it has to come to this. It is how the world works. Anyhow, we sincerely hope that Zoey and Magnum live a long and healthy life. Thank you, again, for being loyal and so much more.
Owyheestar Weimaraner's News 