Category Archives: True X Benton

Luey and Shiny

~ Colorado Mountain Walk

Every couple of months, my folks get cabin fever and must get out of the valley. (Not so much during the last year, though! They have gone to pick up their motor home from it’s winter storage.)
When this happens, I get to have 2 Weimaraners!! 💕
Hello from Luey and Shiny on our morning walk!
Thinking of you both! Julia van de Ven

Breeder Comment

I bet the kids enjoy having each other, too. They are looking loving –thanks for all you do, my friend.

The Maternal Side

-Lu (True X Benton)

I know you are low on content for the blog – sometimes I think I send too much about Lu, but this is precious.

First of all, Lu was born 2011, True x Benton. In her long-ish life she has NEVER met a baby – very cautious about other dogs (not so much about people, tho’ she has to “vet” strangers thoroughly!). But we have a beautiful new girl-baby in the family, our grand-niece, and her parents brought her down for a visit for a few days from Portland.

From the time little Juni (Juniper) arrived, Lu kept trying to figure her out…watched her constantly, getting ever closer, and getting upset if she fussed. Lu’s curiosity finally got the best of her the morning the family was leaving, and she approached our nephew holding Juni. You can see the result in this precious picture! Showing her “maternal” side! HA!

Breeder Comment

Thank you for this beautiful story–it is perfect. I am sure you know this is just the kind of thing that our readers love to see. Weims (like any dog) can be unpredictable. They are often inquisitive and cannot stand not to investigate that new tiny human.

Anyone who knows this breed must realize they are prone to quirks–and once they get an idea, that is typically that. You can try to get them to change their notion, but the concrete-thinking Weimaraner is not easily convinced. (OMG) So, introducing a baby to Weimaraner at any age should be approached with caution.

We love how careful Lu was and how you managed this situation. There is a story that resonates from the archives where a client had their first human baby, and the place the baby calmed best was laying on top of the Weimaraner–the two were inseparable. That Weimaraner, like Lu, was so careful.

While this is often the way it works, sometimes the Weimaraner is jealous and doesn’t go well. We cannot forget that they have been the center of the universe–the first baby. While a human baby is beyond precious and celebrated, casting aside and forgetting the faithful companion could go badly—good job to Lu and her family.

Meanwhile In Colorado

~Family Means There Are Four Fur Kids

My brother’s family is visiting, and so we have the whole family together here in the Colorado Rockies.

Many hikes have happened to the delight of all 4 dogs.

Above is Luey and Shiny afield–and then
Shiny enjoying the cool tile.


We took all 4 dogs to the dog park.
Hope you are all staying safe and well!💕
Julia van de Ven & Shiny

Breeder Comment

What a great time being together as a family –and all four dogs were enjoying the adventure with you. Shiny seems like a happy camper. Thanks, Julia

Social Distancing

~ In the Rockies

We are very lucky to all live near each other during these weird times! On Sunday, me, my sister (and her GSP), and my folks (Carmella & Martin) met up at Horn Ranch in the Red Canyon and had a nice hike. The dogs were over the moon to be walking off leash with all of us. They got plenty of obedience practice as they are required to come and sit whenever a bike or person goes by.

Don’t worry, we only broke social distancing for the group picture. _Julia

With Shiny (Blue Longhair) and Luey (Blue Smooth)

Breeder Comment

We are happy you are doing well, hiking, and staying safe. Thanks for remembering us. We are glad you love your OwyheeStar Weimaraners.

Two Blue

~Colorado Boys

Shiny and Luey

Hello and Good Morning from Colorado!

Here are the two fabulous OwyheeStar blues that I live and work with–meaning we compete from time to time. We got Luey first, and later I decided on the Blue Longhair. If anyone ever wondered– here they are side by side.

Shiny with his ribbons

Luey NACSW Nosework

Breeder Comment

Thank you, Julia, for thinking of us—and for everything you do with your OwyheeStar Weims. You are one of our licensed Vet Tech’s who has the Weimaraner from us. We know how demanding the job it, yet–you manage to Title, walk, and dote and the fur kids. You rock!

NACSW Nosework

~ Big News from Leadville, CO

This weekend we competed in NACSW nosework in Leadville, CO at 10,151 feet. It was an interior specialty trial – our first one. It consisted of 4 interior searches in the Leadville elementary school. Luey excelled and titled – he searched beautifully!!


Shiny participated as exhibition only, and also did great! Owyheestar was represented in the best possible light!!

Hope all is well! Julia

Breeder Comment

Julia you are the best–to work at getting the titles as well as to send us your updates. We appreciate it as we know our readers do as well. Congratulations to you and Luey.

From Atlanta

It’s Jacie

While my mom stepped away for a moment, I thought I would send you a quick update.  She planted a bunch of carrots this year and guess who got to be the taste tester.  All is well here in Georgia.  By the way, I overheard my dad mention I need a sibling.  I may have to print our your latest “new arrival pics” and put them all around the house.  ssssssssssshhhh don’t tell them I know how to type and use the printer.  Was sending these in a hurry so they aren’t all rotated.  

Breeder Comment

Jacie, it is so exciting to hear from you. It has been a long time. Carrots–yum. They are good for you. Did you know pumpkin and sweet potatoes are also good–no sugar and spices. (Haha)

Ah, a sibling. Wow! That would get exciting. We send you a hug sweet girl. Oh, and Jacie– I think our program straightened your photos for you. 

A Note

From Jacie

Fairchild 4082ABB5-B839-485D-8240-18AF313FF5F5

Hello Ms. Shela and Mr. Cliff,

Fairchild E3A2274C-89F1-4DD0-8F1B-34FADA1F91EFI was able to get mom to send you a note on my behalf.  I’m still not able to figure out this typing thing 😉.  All is well here in Georgia.  Mom and Dad are still spoiling me rotten.  I have a new sister (as you can see in the background).  I wasn’t thrilled at first but I guess she can stay.  Lol.  I will get mom to make more pics as I think the camera likes me or maybe I like the camera.  Lol.  Signing off for now.  #sendingWeimkisses 🐶🐶🐶😘😘Fairchild FF2B7FA4-4C5C-437E-B2A9-982A7FC3BDA3
Shela and Cliff, thanks again for breeding such a wonderful Weim!  She has brought so much joy to our home. Jacie is doing well.
Kisha – Atlanta
Breeder Comment
We do so appreciate hearing from you. It is fantastic news that Jacie is thriving. Give her a hug from us.

Chance Encounter

At Priest Lake

     ~ August 2017

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Lu and Lucy

A fun and unexpected meeting between our Owyhee Star Blue Weim “Lu” and a beautiful dark blue Weim “Lucy” (and her “brother” Max – not shown) at Priest Lake, ID in late August – they weren’t too excited at first about each other, but then got into the lake fun and swimming….  ~Sharyl

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Breeder Comment

When Jeff shared he had met some nice folks who had an OwyheeStar named ‘Lu’ I thought who can it be beside you folks? Of course, we were not sure because you reside in Sisters, OR and have the coastal second home. Nevertheless, we realize people are mobile and explore other parts of the country. It was very fun to hear about the encounter and to see the two swimming in the beautiful North Idaho Lake.

Grieving

And the Weimaraner

15577986_10209995671242101_2256536000076409207_oHello, Shela and Cliff

It has been a long time since I’ve written you, just been pretty busy with a blossoming fiber art-wear business and dealing with my 8-year old Golden Retriever’s (Shea) gum cancer. We did operate and they got all the cancer, according to follow-up tests; however, it came back and we had to say goodbye to her yesterday.

We are both heartbroken of course, and did shed some tears….tried not to get too emotional in front of Lu, our Weim, but of course she knows something is different. And it’s her birthday today, of all things (she’s now 6).

At any rate, we are keeping her usual schedule and giving her good pets and exercise/ food etc., but she is clearly grieving the loss of her “sis”. Basically has retreated to her bed all day, not even going upstairs with Steve (her hero) when he goes to use the computer or watch sports.

From what I’ve read, normal routines – exercise etc are the best thing for her (tho its still 16 degrees and freezing fog, plus 4′ of snow, most we’ve ever had!), and she will get a Bully Stick tonight for her birthday….with me holding the other end, of course..

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our girl Lu?

Thanks so much, and we think of you often and read your posts ever day.

Here’s to sunshine, health, and beloved dogs and friends for 2017

Sharyl and Steve 

Breeder Comment

The grieving Weimaraner and how to help them face the loss of a family member is a tough question. No one grieves the same. I would say to not hide your grief and to just let the process unfold. Anyhow, tucking the struggle inside is not good for you. Nor, does it really hide that emotion from the very intuitive Weimaraner.

A loss (such as this) is never easy. Happy Birthday Lu and we are sorry for the loss. Those words fall short of covering. Hugs