Category Archives: True X Dusty
Kimber
We Had 13 Fabulous Years
Hi Cliff & Shela-
I hope you are doing well. It’s been a long time since I’ve emailed & updated you on Kimber.
After 13 yrs we had to say good bye to her. It was a very hard decision, but the last few days she went down hill really fast. I wanted to thank you for putting your heart into your dogs and picking out the perfect dog for us. She was amazing from the day we picked her up til her last. She stood by our side through it all and we were so lucky to have her.
Rachel & Colton Cooley
Breeder Comment
We are sad to read of Kimbers passing, but thankful for all the years you shared. We appreciate your updates –those stories always meant a lot.
Where Has The Time Gone?
Our Lu – turned 10 a month ago. WOW, hard to believe.
She still is ecstatic about snow, runs 2 hrs or so every afternoon, and we currently have 7″ of snow – more the better, to her. She LOVES hunting for the ball, burying her face in it.
First pic was just taken, second pic was from 2019 when we had several feet of snow – and she could smell where it entered the snow and just stuck her nose in and kept digging till she found it.
Weim love!
hugs to all,
Sharyl, Steve and Lu from Sisters, OR
Breeder Comment
We love reading about the adventures of Lu. About a decade proper–and we hope more to come. Thank you, friends, for helping us with this blog post. I know everyone will enjoy it.
In a FLASH!
~News From The “McPack”
(March 21) So last weekend, in a snowstorm, my husband was exercising Lu (7 yrs. Old) with her usual running, retrieving, hide-and-go-seek- for- the- ball routine. She was out searching and beyond view when suddenly a stampede of deer (at least 25) came racing across our property – chased NOT by Lu, but by an unknown black lab. Steve called Lu back to the garage and put her on a stay. Then it all happened in reverse, the deer racing the other way, right in front of our garage! Steve was able to get the dog’s attention and order him “home.”
When I was helping clean Lu’s feet after she got inside, I was shocked to see a large “gouge-like” wound on her left rear knee along with some scrapes. It wasn’t bleeding much, no muscles were showing, but the skin had been peeled back, etc . Then we discovered an identical injury on her other rear leg. Cleaned it up, medicated, and bandaged as much as we can, but realized she was going to need professional help. Hence, the next morning he took her to our vet in Redmond first thing. After a day of surgery, she was picked up at the vet’s…..stitched, stapled, and with the cone, which she will be wearing for 2 weeks.
We still have no idea exactly how it happened – we are guessing that she either misjudged a leap across the concrete berm on one side of our property or slipped on snow. It’s not in a place that she would have gotten a deer kick unless she was lying on her back (doubtful), plus the even spacing of the wounds would argue against a kick. But we’ll never know.
YIKES – life can change in an instant. She’s not happy with no running but has adapted to the cone amazingly. Also, Lu is figuring out which way to turn when she reaches a wall, even going upstairs (with supervision) to be with Steve. She’s getting lots of love and attention – and pain pills and antibiotics.
So (like most everyone, we are all sheltering in place now. And if we can all keep our equilibrium !!) will hopefully emerge healed, healthy, and still getting along with each other!
Hugs to you all,
The “McPack” – Sharyl, Steve and Lu (TOO MUCH FUN !)
Hand-woven and Knitted Wearable Art. –Sisters, OR
Breeder Comment
I know by now everything is back to normal. But–it took us entirely too long to post this entertaining story. Oh, Lu — so many stitches.
Butt What?
~ Lu’s Mama Tells All
Lu getting ready for her afternoon run – she prances around, can barely keep butt and two feet on the ground, total attention to her master, Steve.
We all know how Weim’s love to fart, at least the two we’ve had do. Lu will frequently fart all the way up the stairs (we were calling her “Toots” for a while! – but it also happens when she gets excited. Just now, Steve was getting her gear ready for the afternoon run, and she was dancing in circles then gave a little “toot”! Steve looked down at her and said “You’d better watch out, you’re gonna get a flat tire”!! OMG – kinda of you-had-to-have-been-there moment, but I laughed so hard I cried. Simple pleasures
Sharyl–Lu’s Mom
Breeder Comment
Well, I admit that was quite the story–and I am positive someone else laughed and cried, too. Here is where I might mention that we have had such good luck with a specific digestive aid–Doc Roy’s® GI SYNBIOTICS. We don’t make a nickel recommending this product, but if it helps you and your Weimaraner, we are happy to pass along the information.
Son Goddess Lu
~Sunshine Before Comfort
So, as with most Weims I know, to Lu sun is more important than comfort…if she’s inside and there’s a spot of sun ANYWHERE, she will find it, scrunching herself up into the smallest bundle if it’s a small spot. tho’ she prefers laying out like a sun goddess!
But it always amazes me that she – who loves her soft cuddly bed – can be at all comfortable on pavement. But she probably knows the days of sunshine are going to be limited for a bit with another series of storms coming….She is also a chameleon – she can look very dark blue sometimes, or light gray, depending on environment.
What a character!!! Thought you might enjoy this for post, or just a smile!
hugs,
Sharyl and Steve
Breeder Comment
Well, Lu understands what every Weimaraner knows–they do what they want. It doesn’t have to make sense–humans don’t often understand. Thanks for this cute post!
4th of July
~With Lu–ears flapping
In the video below our grand-daughter is tubing on July 4 and Lu is playing “spotter” – wondering why in the world she’s not in there too!Lu loves to ride and alternates between going to the front of the boat and sitting on the cushioned bench (gets major scents up there) and sitting or standing right by dad, the pilot.
First couple of times she was uncertain about the noise and vibration, but quickly became accustomed to riding on water and loves watching the scenery, birds, and just getting to “be with” (you know how that is!).
Fireworks — No Problem
BTW, she has never reacted at all one way or another to the loud firecrackers on the 4th, or thunder, or anything else that we as humans might consider as disturbing. Not sure if you pre-conditioned them to loud noises, but we also have a gun range that we walk by regularly on our way to running on the dunes. same thing, no reaction. But let someone walk or ride a bike past the front gate she’s on full protection mode!
Sharyl
Breeder Comment
This video not only entertained us–it was so much fun to watch Lu with her ears flapping. Thank you, Sharyl, for thinking of us. I am sure all our readers will enjoy this, too.
We do condition the pups to sound–all bets are off when they leave here. (Haha) They have to adjust to a new family, the new environment, and their humans may unwittingly do things that ingrain a fear. It happens. Kudos to you for keeping Lu well-balanced.
Lu’s Mama
~Has Something to Share
This has been on my mind to share with you – other things have kinda gotten in the way this winter/spring (I THINK it’s Spring…!).
Anyway, our Lu has for some years had problems with rash on her belly, periodically licking and it’s red and scaly. Vet tried some diet things, creams, etc; she wasn’t showing any evidence of allergies, and while more evident in summer it wasn’t really a seasonal thing.
I finally thought of laundry soap – then I thought “DRYER SOFTENER SHEETS!”. So stopped using the dryer sheets on her bedding and towels about 3 months ago – NO ITCHING OR LICKING SINCE!!!
This has probably been posted somewhere on your blog – you are so thorough about sharing tips and cautions – but I guess I missed it.
Definitely a wake-up call for me…and her.
Happy Easter, blessed lady.
Sharyl in Sisters, Oregon
Breeder Comment
Allergies can take many forms–and sometimes determining what the root cause can be tricky. One family reported they were renting and the landlord had new sod installed. Ever since the grass was changed out, their Weimaraner had a rash on their tummy. We inquired as to what type of turf it was, but they had no way of knowing. Others have reported their Weimaraner running in wild grass and having a reaction–possibly a tummy saver vest might offer protection. We understand a person cannot avoid every possible trigger, but feet and tummy irritations are common.
Thanks, Sharyl, for bringing up this topic–you are not the first person to discover dryer sheets or fabric softening (or other laundry products) to be the culprit. We don’t use fabric softener on the Weim laundry, and our laundry detergent is a less toxic one. Being as Holistic and Green as possible is always ideal.
Lu Enjoys Winter
~ Most Everyone is Ready for Spring
She adores racing around before the retrieving starts – making endless circles, just enjoying herself.
But then it gets serious – she actually drives into the snow banks, finds the ball, comes out snorting snow – which of course makes her drop the ball and the whole process starts again.
March 6, 2019 –Here is the video Steve took this morning (snowing again!) of Lu searching for her ball in the snow. The snow has melted some, but you get the idea….
Reward at the end is napping on the heat vent. She’s perfected it!
personal note – snow has been lovely, but thanks, am done with winter right now!
Breeder Comment
Well, Lu is making the most of her snow experience. There is no lack of it in Sisters, Oregon this winter. You are not alone–many Pacific Northwest Locations have more snow than typical, and many folks are beyond ready for Spring’s arrival. Thank you, Sharyl, for this lovely post.
“There’s a Weim in there somewhere”!
~Or, Where’s our Lu?
At Night
So – Lu doesn’t sleep on the bed with us at night but has her own crate and bed.
Daytime Naps
But during the day for naps, I bought a heavy muslin-weight couch cover that I put over the bed, and she has her own blanket. At 8 years old, she does like her creature-comforts (in fact in very cold weather she loves to nap on top of the heat vent!). Spoiled? Of course.
This morning is freezing fog in Central Oregon, and after her morning outing and breakfast, guess where she heads!
I’m titling this one: “There’s a Weim in there somewhere”!
Hope you and Cliff have a great 2019 – and thanks for all the wonderful posts.
Sharyl and Steve (McCulloch) in Sisters.
Breeder Comment
It is so good that you keep us apprised an Lu and her antics. This is a good one–where all of us might like to be on such a morning as you describe. (Haha)
For those traveling through the Sister’s Oregon area you might check out Sharyl’s handwoven creations.
Sharyl Parker McCullochTOO MUCH FUN! Unique designs in Handwoven and Knitted Art-wear
Sisters, OR maxsisters@msn.com
Lu
We so enjoy the morning blog! Thank you again.
~ Our Lu (Yours Truly x Thunder Duster)–6 yrs. 9 months old (born 1/21/2011
Taken during the late afternoon run, watching her main man for a ball toss!
Smelly Feet?
So, here is a question on behalf of LU, in Sisters Oregon. Haven’t seen this addressed on the blog – but may have missed it.
For the past few years, Lu has developed TERRIBLE smelling feet! She is mostly an indoor dog, but outside for runs about an hour in the morning and 1 1/2 in the afternoon evening – not running continuously, but lots of smelling around on the 2+ acres of our house and neighbors who use their home as a vaca home….we watch over it for them. Plus, Steve spends a lot of time outside with chores etc. As she is 7 1/2 now, she enjoys her naps in the sun wherever she can find it and moves her nap location when upstairs where the skylight’s sunspot moves!
Running surface is typical high desert – dust, gravel/rocks, sage, desert grass, and the green grass we have around our house. When/if it rains, she gets a foot-rinse and is groomed regularly. When we’re over at the coast, she swims regularly in the lake.
She just had a vet check a couple of weeks ago, no issues except cracked tooth which we’ll be attending to soon. Is this a Weim thing? Our Golden traveled the same territory (but not the same speed, of course!), rarely had that problem…
~ Thanks!! Sharyl
Breeder Comment
Thank you, for raising this question. First, let us say thank you for giving Lu such a great life. We are truly blessed to know she is much-loved.
Honestly, on occasion, I have noticed the smelly feet (or maybe we should call them paws), but then I figure we smell more like a Weimaraner than human too! When it comes to smells, people usually talk about gas. So, this was new. I had not even thought about it. I did some research and learned it is not the only Weimaraner to have smelly feet, nor is it uncommon in dogs.
The most prominent culprit appears to yeast, but a combination of bacteria can also cause foot odor. A simple rinse will not control this issue. I have some thought on what I would consider as a preventative measure.
1. I would mix up a solution of 50% cider vinegar and water and spritz the feet with it or dunk them. I think once you use this the feet need some moisturizer at least once a week.
2. Another thought instead of cider vinegar would be to use the Vetericyn Wound Spray on their feet every few days. Again, this has a drying action so I would suggest a moisturizer.
3. Consider using paw cream or paw wax–once the feet are cleaned and moist. It might even be better to use coconut oil and a tiny bit of essential oil and make yourself some paw cream. There are many paw creams, waxes, etc. that you can purchase. I wish we could try them all and evaluate them.
Here is a link that talks about smelly dog feet–
http://www.dogingtonpost.com/my-dogs-feet-smell-like-corn-chips/
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