Category Archives: Cats and your Weim
Cat Problems
Ellie’s Life
~No Space Between
Breeder Comment
When in the Southwest
It is Lizards
Did you know the Weimaraner is a Watch Dog? Of course, you did. All that nose art on your window didn’t come from the goldfish. (Haha)
In the Northwest, it is the squirrels who taunt the Weim window watchers. Or maybe it is a feral cat that walks the fence gingerly out of reach. Bunnies and other scurriers are also fair game–sometimes the watching crew gets after the watched. The chase is on if caught it might not end well.
In the southwest, the lizards taunt the Weimaraner. It doesn’t take much to get their attention–sparrows, blackbirds, robins, butterflies, and sometimes bugs. Some Weims are more attuned to their duty of watching the premises than others. Nothing gets by these two.
Friends
Some Friends You Choose
~Others Select You
This darn thing won’t leave me alone!
Also, it’s cold outside
Breeder Comment
Dear Ellie, I see your kitty is still stalking you—or more aptly getting in your space in your previous report ( click here to see Ellie and her kitty in an earlier OwyheeStar Blog).
It is hard to imagine how life could be more to your liking even though you share your space. The furniture looks comfortable, the blankets cozy. We know the stove will soon be lite to keep you toasty warm. What more could a girl want?
Family
Edgar Celebrates One
It’s Edgar’s first birthday 
🎉
Happy ONE, Ed 
We love you!
Doug Writes
He and the kids are so close, it’s really neat to see how he treats each of the three a little differently. Thanks, Shela and Cliff! He’s a cool dog.
Breeder Comment
This makes us happy. The impact of these relationships will change the future. Isn’t it awesome?
What About Cats?
Who Can Say What Will Happen?
Cliff and I rescued two farm cats a couple of years ago. They have lived in the house with all the usual hoopla (and more because we have the Weimaraner). We have been reticent to turn them free thinking they would not be OK. We have quite a few farm cats. They roam the place and find shelter here and there. They mouse, but we also feed them.
Our two rescues (‘Paws’ and ‘Sylvie’) are littermates. Nevertheless, they couldn’t look more different. “Paws’ has the markings of the Siamese, and ‘Sylvia’ is a gorgeous silver-gray tiger stripe. There are other differences too! Paws had always been the more clingy and friendly of the two with Sylvia being fiercely independent.
We procrastinated when it came to moving the cats outside. We feared the worst. A Weimaraner might chase and catch them–it could be a swift end to their life. They two are not farm savvy and instead of avoiding the Weims they were totally intrigued by them. Nonetheless, with Shela’s recent prolonged health situation, the cats seemed to make her worse. That forced the issue and Cliff began making a provision for them in the equipment room allowing for an outside exit. Once they moved Cliff watched closely. ‘Paws’ disappeared and we feared the worst. ‘Sylvie’ refused to leave the equipment room initially. Then, ‘Paws’ made his appearance and began hanging out near out back entrance. Over time ‘Sylvie’ has joined him roaming the backyard. It has been amazing to watch this process unfold.
Cats and the Weimaraner
More than half of the OwyheeStar folks also have cats–some indoor cats and others live outside roaming the field or yard. The Weimaraner that joins a family with the resident cat (typically) views this as the norm. They tend to take charge of the cat as if it is their property. Nevertheless, it is wise to error on the side of caution. This idea of being careful is especially true when bringing home a rescue. Also, keep in mind that a feral cat might not make out the same as a resident cat. The Weimaraner may give chase, and it could end badly for the pursued.
The Best of Maggie
Happy New Year
Hope all is well in your neck of the OwyheeStar world! Just wanted to touch base as I try to do every year around Maggie’s birthday. Love the fall photo of her playing in the leaves (at the top here).
Things got a bit hectic during that time, so now I will take some time to send some of our “Best of Maggie” photos from 2016. Maggie and our cat Smokie are now the best of buds. They even cuddle up together to sleep-and Smokie even crawls into Maggie’s crate with her.
She loves playing catch with anything you toss her way-including snowballs. Finally, Maggie loves her Christmas sweater. She even goes so far as to bring it to you when she wants to wear it! She continues to fill our lives with so much love and laughter.
Love, From The Family of Maggie
Breeder Comment
Thank you, for making it a priority to get us news regarding Maggie. It would be impossible to say what made us smile more. We love all the photos; however, possibly the one of her and Smokie is our favorite. You captured her smiling–that is adorable.
Games
In The Kitchen with Jazz
As you can see the corner cabinet didn’t get shut all the way. Our cat, Annabelle, made this discovery and decided to do a little exploring. She climbed in and proceeded to make enough noise that Jazz came to check it out. When the cat peeked out and saw the dog, she reached around the door and closed it. Jazz continued to be enthralled by this new “game” and she was ready to play; much to Annabelle’s displeasure.
Not the Norm
Before the beloved Koda
~There Was Tucker
Koda is much loved and celebrated within his family. He is about 4.5 years old. Nonetheless, like so many Weimaraners, he came to his family with huge paw prints to fill. There are always the hopes and then we have our expectations.
Tucker’s shadow had cast a special spell upon his domain. Koda walked into this family’s heart and household as young pup without reservation. He didn’t know of Tucker, but Tucker had left this family taking a piece of their heart with him. At the same time, he set them up with a void that left a much need place for Koda. Somehow it seems Tucker was looking down with an approving smile and maybe a smirk too! How can you hope to fill my paws, little man?
Tucker’s Kitty Sister
Amy writes
I keep hoping she will convince Koda 100% they should be this loving. Koda is good with her most of the time, but he does get a bit rough occasionally. We haven’t really seen this type of snuggly love in the driveway yet, but keep hoping! She is determined!
Breeder Comment
Most Weims who grow up with a kitty accept them; however, not all them lay around and snuggle. Not every Weim scoops the kitty up and embraces them. Sometimes they tolerate the household cat. Other times they pretend they don’t exist. There is no one scenario. Bringing an adult Weimaraner into such a situation is precarious and could end badly. Please take caution.
Koda has made a previous appearance on our blog. You might enjoy that post–click here!
The Weimaraner and Sophie
How will the family cat fare?
I thought you would find this funny. Ellie likes to groom our cat Sofie, and Sofie really enjoys it. ~ Bob
Breeder’s Comment: Ellie and other OwyheeStar Weims have done well with family (household) cats. They often will chase a feral cat out of their yard, but embrace the one they consider their own. Some cats will align with the household Weim; others watch from a distance. This kind of relationship is not a given. Most Weims that grow up with a household kitty will forge some kind of relationship. Introducing the new puppy to the kitty takes some skill, and supervision. Not every situation is the same. We suggest monitoring the situation; and making sure your kitty can find a place to escape the Weim’s vices. In Ellie and Sophia’s case, clearly that they have a sophisticated relationship.
Maggie Updated
Time Slips By…
I’ve been trying to get an update out to you for a while and as you know time keeps slipping by. Maggie has been fun and a challenge. She has been getting better with crating training, but still has slight separation anxiety. She’s potty trained with the bell on the door. She now knows sit, lay down, roll over and she brings me her food dish when she’s done. But best of all she’s sleeping through the night!!
Weim Ears
Her 9 week vet check was fun, the vet rarely sees a Weim so a blue one caught the eye of the whole staff. Maggie was taken to the back to be weighed and became a show and tell. Her vet check went well, she did however have a bacterial infection in both ears which was an easy fix. All in all, she’s been fun- and the family, including the cat, are really enjoying her. She has become a really joyful addition to our family.
I love My Kitty Pillow
Breeder’s Comment: First, we want to take this opportunity to remind our clients to check out the ear-care section of the Website we gave you. Flop-eared dogs have a tendency toward ear issues. Over the years, we have found several little tricks, (and products) that work better than spend cash at the vet’s office. 🙂 🙂
We also want to remind you to stick to the suggested vaccine protocol. Raising the puppy you will find yourself in the thick of things. It is easy to rely on your vet for direction. We have the greatest respect for our friends in that profession; however, their vaccine protocol is meant to cover a broad-based practice. They must operate in this manner. We (Weimlovers) have to remember to do things a bit different for the benefit of our Weimaraner. That means getting the titer test in lieu of a sixteen-week shot, and when you get a puppy shot, it should not contain Lepto or Corona. If Leptospirosis is endemic to your area, please do the shot separately. Vaccinating in this manner, you get better protection, as well as less risk of a vaccine reaction (some of which can be life-threatening.
Finally, any number of small things can go awry. Bacteria, parasites, and general health issues can pop up. This doesn’t mean the pup is sickly, but the developing immune system can get overwhelmed. Be as holistic in your approach as possible. Raising the Weimaraner takes work. Regardless, they have a growing fan club.
Owyheestar Weimaraner's News 