Category Archives: Weimaraner Playdate

How It Began

This Fall Marks Two Years

     ~ Here is that first Christmas photo for Cliff and Shela

Meet Up Beginning

Here is the photo captured for Cliff and Shela

Two years ago this fall Holly (unknowingly) arranged an event that would lead to our monthly play dates. Holly & her Mother (who is a professional pet photographer) set out to get as many Owyheestar Weims together to take a Christmas photo for Shela and Cliff.

It was amazing and those of us who came had to have more, to see that many Weims in one place! I would never have dreamed it would grow to what it is now, we had 24 Weims at one of our events!
Some of talked about getting together again, a few months later Holly invited someone to her mother’s house to play. I not only invited myself to go but offered to host as well as arrange a meal to share; thus the monthly play date was born!
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One Crazy December

From that day forward we’ve only missed one month (December, due to crazy schedules!). Some times we do Saturday, sometimes Sunday, we always share food and there are several friendships that have formed that extend well beyond the play dates.

Support, Sharing, and So Much More

We’ve lost some dogs, seen several humans go through surgeries or illness, used each other as sounding boards and support. The family that we have formed through the Weimaraner breed is priceless. Our family very open and welcoming, we all come from very different beliefs and backgrounds but we all have Weims in common and that has been enough to support our family!

Play Date turned Camp Out!

         ~August 26 – 27th

If anyone is too far out of the Salem area, you are always welcome to crash at our house.
This month we are trying something different, we are hosting a camp out–Saturday, August 26  to Sunday the 27th. We will be BBQ-ing, roasting marshmallows & hopefully, someone will bring a guitar & will lead us in song! Bill will make his famous waffles for breakfast!

You are Invited to Join in the Fun

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If you wish to join in the fun, contact me via text, email, or on Facebook to get the details. We are very excited about the upcoming camp out. ~ Nancy

Nancy Garin, Owner
Garin Maintenance LLC

(503) 930-6226

WWW.GarinMaintenance.com
nancy@garinmaintenance.com 

Breeder Comment

What can we say? We cherish the photo–all but one of those Weims originated from OwyheeStar. We have been privy to other photos and stories. There have been connections made and Weimlovers helping Weimlovers. Isn’t that grand? Thank you, every one who has graciously remembered us in any way. We truly appreciate the recommendations, referrals, and your endorsements.

We are happy so many of you can participate. Nancy and Bill are gracious hosts. Thank you, every one who has graciously remembered us in any way. We truly appreciate the recommendations, referrals, and your endorsements.

 

Salem, Oregon

Weimar Playdate

18222225_10209281664579599_7295419611517416256_nThis has been happening for awhile now. Weimlovers gather at Nancy’s place for fun bringing the fur family members. Last Sunday was the May Playdate.

Nancy writes–for anyone who may be new 🙂 Plan to come and be dazzled by all the weimies, it’s kind of magical. The property is completely fenced with plenty of room to run, hunt or wrestle around. The Weimer’s pets typically share a meal, this time we are doing salads, finger foods or desserts. We will provide iced tea, water and we also have a German beer on tap! If you would like anything else to drink please bring it! When you arrive, you can either walk right into the house (no need to knock!) or you can also go straight to the back there is a gate at the back of the garage. I have no problem with dogs in the house & PLEASE don’t take your shoes off, there’s just no need to do that! 🙂 Hope you can join us!!

If you want to get in on the fun, contact Nancy ( nancy@garinmaintenance.com ) and she will get you the information on the next event. Hope you join in the fun!

Soaking Up Warm

No Fireplace Needed

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Roy FiresideAll winter we found the Weimaraner soaking up warmth where they could find it. Fireside or atop a heat vent they clung to without shame. Of course, others were tucked in a blanket on the sofa, chair, or snuggled in their owner’s bed.

It’s so sweet to have Mr. Sunshine here to take over for the winter heat source. Everyone in the Pacific Northwest and inland could not be happier to soak up the sun.

Today, being the May Weim Gathering in Salem, we sincerely hope this weather holds for the fun event. Friends, fun, food, and the Weimaraner–what could be a better way to spend a Sunday?

Litter Socialization

Interaction Counts

     ~ Human and with Littermates

Evie and River-Sadie X Stackhouse 2017 Week Five Adventure-13The raising puppies and litter socialization has seen a lot of ink. There are different philosophies. Some variances are due to a particular breed. Personal preference, and in some cases scientific evidence define the protocol. It was once commonplace to pick up a puppy at five or six weeks of age. We now this is not in a pups best interest.

B-Sadie X Stackhouse 2017 Week Five Adventure-4Important things are happening within the litter from day one; however, from day thirty-five to the departure (around eight weeks of age) the litter hierarchy and interaction is vital to development. These lessons impact the Weimaraner’s future. It doesn’t mean that raising the Weim pup will be easy; nevertheless, these lessons cannot be short-changed. They are the foundation for socialization and the maturing process. Litter interaction is not the end of the socialization process. The first three years of their life (and especially the first eighteen months) require a concerted effort. Regardless, what seems like play is invaluable.

Considerations

A breeder has to manage the socialization and at the same time balance it with risk. Parvo being tracking onto the property would be a tragedy. Shoes must be sanitized, and access has to be limited. A constant stream of visitors would not be a healthy situation. Nevertheless, it is important to take advantage of the perfect opportunity. We believe it is important to have a child touch or handle a pup somewhere along the way as well as to have both female and males in the loop. The pups gain a lot of the experience, and their senses pick up on the different types of handling as well as the scents. Evie and River-Sadie X Stackhouse 2017 Week Five Adventure-6

Ongoing Socialization 

Exposing the pups to various experiences is also important. Not every litter can have the same exact experience. Summer pups are not going to experience snow. They should experience water–we like to swim the pups when possible.

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Jan Magnuson’s SunStar All Breed Training Graduation

 

Once they join their forever family, the process continues. Some recommend one hundred touches in a hundred days. This process has to be carefully managed too. Limiting risk (exposure to the Parvo virus as well as other dangers–aggressive dogs and some scary humans) is vital. Knowing how to react when something goes awry is equally important. Pups need to learn to love to meet people and other dogs. Each experience should be a building block. They also need to acquire skills that make them good citizens. Socialization takes place whether you guide it in the right direction or not. We want the best possible outcome–this is going to require you being an excellent handler/leader and getting involved in a positive classroom setting.

OwyheeStar Week Thirty-six 2016

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The Third Cutting is in the Stack. That speaks of the time of year; autumn is around the corner. I am already bemoaning the barren fields left after the harvest. Nonetheless, the harvest is a wonderful occurrence. Cliff is busy getting some water across the fields. LunaWhile we talk about the irrigated high desert farming practices of far Eastern Oregon, in Western Oregon things are a lot different. The crops for one–a couple of weeks ago the pear harvest was in full swing. 

Luna is busy preparing for her guests. Her Mom does the heavy work required to make all of this happen; of course, Holly (who has Goldee and Maverick) is the cheerleader. Then there is the lover Terri Jacobson, of Terri Jacobson Photography, who deftly captures the moment. Here we see Luna wearing her Batman vest for all to see. Her eyes speak volumes, don’t you agree? Click here to read more about this event, or to connect with the group.

This Week on the Blog

Here are the week’s posts if you wish you may review or visit them today! National Dog Day is a thing–thank you for all the shouts and photos. We truly appreciate them. We loved hearing how Porsche continues to seek out the water. The lovely Jorga (who lives in Belgium) was passing out kisses. I bet she did well for the cause. If you are looking for kisses, there is no doubt some will be available at the Weim gathering this weekend. Possibly a stolen hot dog or two as well. Roy and his family have been exploring and turning heads along the way. Finally, Darcy has a special friend. Our hearts were warmed and our lips made to smile by the shares. We hope you enjoyed them as well. 

Sunday—August 28 — National Dog Day

Monday — August 29— Water Ways

Tuesday — August 30 — Jorga

Wednesday — August 31 — You’re Invited

Thursday  — September 1 — Traveling or Whatnot

Friday  —September 2 — Friends

On a very personal note

Cliff has been spending lots of time trying to work on the fencing, general repairs as well a the battle of the summer weeds. Then too, we had to get him to Dr. Thornfedlt to have some precancerous situations removed. It is better to do them before they develop into something. He spends a great deal of time outside. 

I’ve been focused on all things puppy-there is little time for much else. I need to get some touch up painting done on the end of the farmhouse, but so far it talks to me and nothing else happens. I see it everytime I drive out or come home. Don’t you love those kind of reminders? (Not so much.)

Thanks to You

There is no way we could ever thank you enough for your love and support. We are immensely grateful for those who continually provide us with the material for the blog. Unfortunately, sometimes this is only photos and no script. We can fill in a bit when necessary; however, we like to keep the integrity of your writing real. A couple of sentences can go a long way–sometimes it is enough. Those that have sent us updates know we are more than likely to post it word-for-word. 

There is no end in sight of our farmhouse remodel. We are doing it ourselves, and it is the installment plan–we are not borrowing to do this. We buy something and install it. Therefore, having the updates is greatly appreciated than usual–it is always a blessing!Cliff and Shela back to back0134

Dodging a Potential Issue

Lisa and Sadie

 

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“What Do You Mean We Have To Move?”

Hello, my name is Lisa, and our weim is Sadie.  She just had her 7th birthday on 4/29.  We are going to relocate from our house to an apartment.

Sadie does have a lot of separation anxiety when she’s left home alone.  She is mostly never home alone for longer than an hour.  We take her with us in the car when it is possible. Sadie barks the full time she is left alone in the car. She sometimes quiets if she sees us go into the store. Anyhow, she doesn’t like to be away from us.
The weather is warming up here in Vancouver, WA. I cannot be taking her along and leaving her in the car. The warmer weather means that she must be left alone at home rather than taking her along. Now that we are moving it concerns me–I mean the heat means we need to leave her behind. I’m also concerned she will have a difficult time adjusting to her new surroundings or will she?
Can you tell me how to help Sadie become accustomed to the new apartment?

Thoughts from Cliff and Shela

Separation anxiety is something the Weimaraner is prone to develop. The best approach is preventative; however, even once your Weim has a healthy dose all is not lost. Here are a few thoughts that may help Sadie deal with or adjust to the changes.
1. First, don’t make a big deal out of the move yourself. Your frustration, anxiety, and concern will be internalized and externalized by Sadie. The Weimaraner tends to pick up on our cues.
2. Rely on the crate and go back to the basics. Freedom is earned until the adjustment is made. Safety first and apartment living also means closer neighbors.
3. Depending upon Sadies quirks, it might be a good idea to sleep on a pillowcase and then use it for a bedding cover in the crate. Don’t wash it–get your scent on it and then just use it. Your scent is a powerful thing to her–a comfort. Nevertheless, if she chews up her bedding and ingests it that can create a different kind of havoc.
4. If Sadie’s anxiety is severe, you might consider using Prozac. Medication can be a short-term solution to help her bridge the change. We like to avoid this situation; however, it is a judgment call as to whether this is something you need. If you are concerned, consider asking your Veterinary if this would be an option.
5. Old dogs can learn new tricks and one way you can help Sadie a lot is to help her learn to be more adaptable. That means mixing up her schedule and introducing new things. Don’t make a big deal out of this but even before you move, try relocating her crate and using it more. Do things in a different way instead of keeping things even keel.
6. Try to make a new Vancouver doggie friend and schedule a play date. Maybe you can work out a situation where you help someone else by taking the kids for an adventure and Sadie can learn to go with them. A home-away-from-home situation is always a welcome alternative.
7. Remain calm and believe in your heart everything is going to work out. Positive and upbeat thoughts will help you succeed.

Tell Us What Worked For You

We welcome ideas from our OwyheeStar clients. Can you help Sadie with this adjustment process? Please drop a comment here for Sadie and her mother. They live in the Vancouver, WA area if that helps anyone with a suggestion.

Crazy 4 Weims

Western Oregon Gathering

A group of Weim-loving fans gathered last Saturday. Since then they have been posting photos and tidbits. No, this is not exclusive to OwyheeStar; however, the founders are tied closely to our Weims.

Wendy (Roo’s Mama) writes

Salem play date w/ Rupert! Mister was thrilled to meet a bunch of other weimers from our amazing breeder Blue’s and Silvers galore, short & longhaired & all the dogs were incredibly sweet!
We held down the senior section being Roo still has to take it easy👵🏻 thank you Holly for inviting us & thank you Luna’s parents for hosting! *Clearly Terri’s pictures are the ones to watch for, I can’t wait to see them! 🐶💕😘👍🏻💛

Breeder Comment

This event was hosted by Nancy (Luna’s Mama) and spearheaded by Holly (who lives with Goldee and Maverick–two Longhair Weimaraners). If you are interested in joining the fun, contact Holly (on Facebook) to make arrangements for a future playdate. Or if you are looking to meet an OwyheeStar and live in the Salem-Portland area, you could probably connect with an event to get a feel for what the Weimaraners might bring to your life. Good news too–there is a variance of coat lengths and colors. You can see firsthand what they look like and talk to someone who lives with one of these quirky quandary producing creatures.

Holly’s Mama Terri has the pet photography business —Terri Jacobson Photography and we are positive there will be some of her professional photos coming soon. Nonetheless, these captures are wonderful. Don’t you agree?