Category Archives: Special Events
Happy 4th of July
~Here’s to Hoping it is A Good One
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,
Letter
From Asher
~ guess we found our niche
Hey Shela and Cliff, Asher here. It has been awhile but I wanted to update you with a Paw-Awesome report. My days are filled with many adventures from joy rides to the coffee shop, Farmers Markets, and any store that allow dogs. Funny thing about coffee shops is a friendly hello bark gets me treats. Seriously, that is all I have to do to get a treat. Love it! (Psst, if any other Weim’s are reading this—heads up Chick-fil-A does it too.)
Sniff, sniff, sniff…there is a game that my mom and I play it is called Nose Work. She hides treats and I find them. I know right—more treats—love this game! However, my mom tells me that she created a nose detective monster.
As I built my confidence in sniffing it came time for the Odor Recognition Tests (ORT’S). My mom questioned, if she was ready and if she should enter all three or just the one. I told her, “Mom—we got this!”
Paw-Awesome isn’t it?!? My mom and I make such a great team. We passed all three odors birch, anise and clove. She was so happy—I thought, “stop-it mom you’re embarrassing me” but don’t tell her. I was really jumping up and down inside!
And that is how it all began, mom and I trained for the next event our very first trial. She was nervous because it was the first time she has done anything like this. She said, “Okay God calm my butterflies and let Asher do what you created him to do!” She whispered in my little ear, “Okay, handsome—you got this! Let’s go have some fun!”
We had some fun all right. My mom was so excited; I think I even saw tears in her eyes—Gesh, woman! I tell ya! Well, here it is, nine months of preparation of training and confidence building. We received our first title in Detection Dog Class Novice.
Now that is my superstar moment but let me tell ya—the game of Rally-Obedience not so much. My trainer told me, ”My focus has been upgraded from a gnat to a small fly.” I know right, “Are you talking about me?”
Well that is a quick Paw-Awesome report, we have some more trials coming up later in the year and working towards our first competition in Rally-Obedience. A small fly—I’ll show them! Keeping my eye on the prize!!
But first, I am going back to bed!
Love,
Asher Von Owyheestar, DDCN
Skye and Haze
You might remember reading about Skye and Haze a few days ago–Part One of the Three Part Series. This segment features Skye.
About Jean’s Skye
~ Part Two
- “What do you mean that I am dominant? I just run the show!”
Skye is dominant, small but mighty. She weighs about 50 pounds and petite. Her size doesn’t matter as she controls all the goings on in the house as well as the other dogs. Fetch is her game, although she doesn’t like to give the ball back, so it takes 2 balls to play with her. She keeps one in her mouth and chases the other, which we have to go retrieve ourselves once she “tags” it with her foot. Oh well, keeps us in shape too!
Skye loves to compete in AKC Rally competitions and also AKC Nosework competitions. She is competing at the Rally Excellent level currently and should complete her title by this summer.
Breeder Comment
Skye is amazing and challenging. Jean, you have done a fabulous job with this girl. It takes knack, follow-through, and more. Despite the challenge, you have been able to achieve great success–these titles are no small thing. You know all too well what is required to achieve merit in any competition. Great job–we are honored to call you our friend, as well as an OwyheeStar client. Thank you, for all you do!
Total Eclipse
At OwyheeStar
OwyheeStar’s Stackhouse approved glasses!
We will experience the Total Eclipse for 1 minute and 7.4 seconds according to NASA. About twenty miles north, totality will last for 2 minutes and 10 seconds. That is where folks are expected to gather in mass–near Weiser, Idaho and a bit north. They have events planned in conjunction, etc. I have not heard if they have a crowd or not.
Sampling The Glasses
The Weims
The Weims will be spending the time mostly in their crate, but some will go outside briefly. For one thing, there is a huge building that blocks the event from the Weims who run in groups. So, in truth, not much will be different for them unless they see the total darkness. We cannot say what this event casts about along with it’s going and coming. Everyone has heard about the lunar effect–emergency professionals see an increase in crazy behaviors.
The Blue is the Winner!
Stackhouse tested our eclipse glasses. He wasn’t all that thrilled with them, and I think he prefers to siesta during the event. We have two styles–the blue ones and the black with yellow sides. The blue was the winner!
Be Safe
We have heard about the risks of viewing the eclipse without wearing approved lens or going old school with a homemade viewing box–or more aptly the pinhole projector. The biggest threat to our Weimaraner is the human element–as with anything that is called an event. We are sincerely hoping people keep their pets safe–probably inside and secure. It would be a sad state of affairs to find the local shelters overrun with pets. They have just come through the 4th of July aftermath; I hope we can spare them undo overload. I also sincerely hope no pet is traumatized. We are responsible for keeping them safe.
According to Adam J. Brown, Ontario City Manager
The Total Eclipse is on everyone’s mind. On August 21, 2017, a total eclipse of the sun will be visible within a narrow corridor that traverses the United States. The path of the moon’s umbral shadow begins in the northern Pacific and crosses the United States from west to east through parts of the following states: Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Ontario, Oregon, will be in the path of the total eclipse making our city an ideal viewing location. We are expecting a large influx of visitors coming into Ontario or passing through starting Saturday, August 19th and lasting through the Monday, August 21st solar eclipse.
Solar Eclipse Viewing is scheduled for Hikaru Mizu Japanese Garden as well as some other places around Ontario–click here to learn more. It is interesting that he 2017 eclipse will also mark the first solar eclipse exclusive to the US since before the nation’s founding in 1776, experts say. Other area locations are gearing up as well–especially Weiser, Idaho twenty miles north which is closer to the center of the path.
Moments
Etched on the Heart
~of the Weimlover
Where do we begin? For the Weimlover there are inexplicable moments etched in our psyche. There is no ready made explanation to those who don’t get it. We nod to those who think they understand but never have experienced the Weimar. They say, “it is just like my Labrador.” We nod and smile and our thoughts spin. We think something like if they only knew.
What we share extends around the clock. For many, this includes snuggling in the bed and waking to something like ‘Dunkin’ looking at you expectantly. Sometimes the look is more of a seriously it cannot be time to get up look. Or possibly there is the look that says are we going to do something fun–like eating people breakfast together.
Yesterday, we delighted in Tripp’s story. He and Rachel share a special connection. If you were to know the backdrop on both sides, it would bring tears to your eyes. Call us silly, but we believe the Good Lord brings the most incredible people across our path. Sometimes we are allowed to share something extraordinary. It might be that we are afforded the opportunity to help a dream unfold, to bring a little healing, or to take part in a minor miracle. What a privilege it is indeed.
OwyheeStar Meet Ups
You never know whether Tripp and Dunkin might meet up in one of their many adventures. Tripp gets around Oregon. Dunkin (as far as we know) hangs closer to the Bend area. I am sure he makes it to the Oregon Coast and the other major venues. Maybe their paths will cross, or they will connect with another OwyheeStar Weim. We are positive that there is a special look for that experience too! Oh, how these guys delight our heart in ways words cannot capture.
Beginnings are special. The young ‘Dunkin’ enjoyed plenty of snuggles early in life. You might want to check out this very early Dunkin Blog Post–Click Here!
Safe 4th Of July
Happy Birthday, America!
As birthday celebrations go, American’s Independence Day is spectacular. It tends to begin early and drag on for days afterward. This scenario is to many a person and their pet’s chagrin. Even the rock-solid gun dog may well shake and quiver at the barrage of blasts coming from seemingly ever direction. It is no secret that every year shelters are filled to overflowing, and workers are scrambling to reunite pets with their families. We trust everyone has their pet’s microchip on file with AKC Reunite–this can get them back to you quickly should the unthinkable happen.
Separation is not the only untoward situation stemming from this holiday. Fireworks poisoning is a thing–click here to get the details. If it isn’t enough that so many pets are traumatized by the blasts, there are other ways to get into trouble. We don’t want to think about those things on a day like to today, but ingested fireworks can lead to an emergency situation. For the pet that isn’t afraid of anything, they might chase and capture the pod–they might swallow poison or get burned. Then too, while you have your eyes on the sparklers or whatever, who would see the Weimaraner’s stealthy action at the food table or in the garbage. Cooked bones (in particular poultry) can be deadly. Long after the plate is cleaned (or the trash raided) the reality can surface. It is hard to be vigilant 24 X 7 on a day such as today. The Weimaraner is paw-ty smart and manipulative by nature.
Thank you, for including your Weimaraner in the family activities. Only you know what is appropriate. We mention these potential dangers because it is impossible to think of everything in the midst of all we are doing to make the day special. We don’t want your holiday ruined due to one moment you let down your guard. Here’s to hoping everyone comes through without a hitch. Have a fabulous 4th of July!
PS: This photo at the top is of Lily–from her Daycare this week where they celebrated the holiday early.
Think Spring
Favorite Thing
We love making our trips to the sanctuary with the pups. It is so much fun to watch them play and interact. This is also our favored location to conduct the Discovery and Placement Test. 
The only access to this area on the farm is using snow shoes. We expect there will be a considerable amount of cleanup even though it a natural setting. The snow, and winter in general, most likely brought down branches and possibly a tree or two.
Something
Capturing Photos
Tell me again why we do this!
The insanity of it all cannot be overstated. Until it is your turn to capture the Weim’s photo, you might not appreciate what goes on behind the scenes. Or, more aptly you might not give it much thought.
No Mama; Not Santa
Mia was not thrilled with meeting Santa!
Merry Christmas ~Sara
Breeder Comment
Mia might not have been amazed. Regardless, the photo was captured and will be treasured. Should you attempt a Santa photo with the Weimaraner? That is going to depend upon how well the Weimaraner is socialized. It is going to depend upon the setting. Not every Santa is fur family member friendly. It is hard to beat Terri Jacobsen’s Santa, and he has been captured with a variety of critters. His expressions are priceless. The camera loves him.
Don’t ask your Weimaraner to do something that they are not ready to handle. Things can go badly. Even thought Miss Mia didn’t appreciate Santa, they captured a great photo. Know what you should ask and limit the risk factor. No picture is worth freaking them out and having a scene. Holiday stress and the demands that come with add up for everyone. Our fur family members are not the exception. Can you imagine? They must go along with the insanity.
Bath Time Woes
Tell Me, Again
Why We Are Doing This?
He was pretty good but there is a limit. Shampoo, Ears, and Nails. Are we done yet? That is what this look shouts to those that have bathed a puppy.
For once, I didn’t take a bath too. Typically, I am soaked and wetter than the puppy even though I try to avoid that scenario.
The shampoo is a mild puppy shampoo. It was followed by a rinse and towel dry. Then there is the good smelling conditioner that is antibacterial. Of course, none of this lasts all that long. How often should you bathe a puppy? That is an excellent question. Our reply is to say that you should bathe your puppy no oftener than necessary. A good brushing with the Furminator once a month can go a long way towards eliminating hair–even the eyelash length coats shed.
Ears on the flop-eared Weimaraner can be an issue. Some need frequent cleaning and preemptive treatment. After a bath, we use a powder to ensure the ear canals are dry. Moisture and warmth make a fertile environment for bacteria, viruses, and yeast infections.
Just What We Need
Costume Required
Rupert’ favorite time of the year 🎃🎃 he takes one for the team😂😳🏡🐶 he’s been a ghost, skunk, angel, cowboy AND this year he’s going political ..
Brace yourself it’s cute ….
Breeder Comment
No Matter your party affiliation you should consider Rupert’s bid for President. He most certainly would bring more style, is more sincere, and adds class to the position.
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