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From Nancy
~Tikka and Luna
I wanted to give you an update on the fur-girls, we took them camping at Waldo lake last weekend … what an amazing time we had!! As you can see from the pictures we spent most of our time in (or on) the water! Tikka is still getting used to paddle boarding, at one point we lashed our boards together & sat to paddle, she liked that because she had her three “people” in one spot 😂😂
Breeder Comment
Yes, Nancy, it is fabulous having the OwyheeStar Facebook Group–it allows people to connect with other OwyheeStar clients. It is a great place to post OwyheeStar Weimar photos. I said OwyheeStar twice–I should mention this group is only for our clients. The regular OwyheeStar Page still works, and it is open to the public for comment. This group is all about our little community. To become a member you must be an OwyheeStar Client–just to clarify for anyone wondering.
Once someone posts a story and photos, it seems rather silly of me to grab that information and to repost it on our blog. I can do that. I have done it. I try to avoid doing it–I like to keep the blog newsy, but also fresh and informational. (Haha) I rely on the kindness of our OwyheeStar clients to update me with stories, photos, and achievements. For the most part, people are so very gracious and follow through–but, not always. Regardless, we love the updates. I think you will agree there have been some great group posts. We do so appreciate them. This update, however, is so helpful. Thank you, again for thinking of us. Your help is much appreciated.
~Love Seeing Tikka and Luna
We are thrilled to see Tikka getting used to the paddle boarding. The water retrieves by both girls (Luna and Tikka) is extraordinary. It looks like everyone had a great time.
The Early Stage
Our Maelee
~Enjoying Life
She loves playtime with the kids, fetching & retrieving every day. Introduced her to the sheds, though we’ll wait a little longer due to height and she can still be a bit clumsy at times.
She is very smart & likes to test us (repetition is key); we’ve used hand signals along with voice commands throughout her training (helpful for hunting later on, we prefer this method over whistle training). Overall she is very loved, happy, healthy and has made her place in our hearts. We look forward to every new adventure, and with our very active family, she has much to look forward, too!
Training is going great! 1st time playing in the sand this week, too!
Breeder Comment
We love the photo documentation. Thanks for that! We love seeing she is working at the Versatile lifestyle thing–all terrain Weimar.
Toby Reports
Hi guys! Toby here!
I’m sorry it’s been a long time since I checked in, but I’ve been having so much fun, I lost track of the time!
Lucy and I get to go play in the snow most days. We love it when we can run to our heart’s content!
Don’t worry about my big ears, they never get in my way when I’m having fun!Did you know we can smell deer tracks through the snow!!!I get to hang out in the shop sometimes…if I’m a good boy and don’t chew on the “good wood”…whatever that means, it’s all good to me! Max just hangs out. He’s boring.You don’t have to worry, I always have someone to snuggle with. Lucy takes good care of me. She loves to lick my ears and belly!I’m up to 38lbs now. Mom says that means I’m a big boy!!Not as big as Max, though. He used to be 85lb but since he’s boring now, he’s only 79lb. He still loves the snow though!We had a great Christmas! Santa brought us toys and treats for being good pups!Santa doesn’t know about some of the mischievous things we do, so don’t tell him!
There are lots of deer here. Lucy loves to chase them but I’d rather stay close to mom. We watch them out the window a lot.
And when we go on hikes, Lucy finds their trails and brings home good things to chew on!I’m very easy going. I love my tummy to be rubbed or licked by Lucy. She’s always “mothering” me.We hope you guys are well and will have good litters of pups this year.Until next time…Love,Toby (and Lucy, Max, Jeff , and Melissa)
Dasher
A Dream Come True
We wanted to let you know how well our Dasher is doing. He continues to be all that we could have ever wanted. We just returned from a weekend in Truckee, his first snow experience, and he just loved it.
It got down to 18 degrees so we put a jacket on him and he was off grabbing every stick and pinecone that he could find. He noticed some grass weeds growing out from the snow and decided that he wanted to get to the roots. He buried his head under the snow and looked like an ostrich. He came out of it covered in white and went back for more.
He is one of the smartest pups I have ever had. He has taken to obedience training extremely well. He has all the basics down, including coming to us (off leash) when called. Well most of the time…. Unless he has a pine cone in his mouth then its a 50/50 proposition, he does come, but reluctantly! Shela, I remember you telling me that his mom ( Bernie) has the best temperament. Dasher is so balanced. He cuddles and plays gently until I kick it up a notch and get him going, then he settles right down and chills out. He has the BEST temperament. He and Dobby are best buds, and Dasher is just so beautiful to look at. We get compliments just about every time we go on a walk. He is built like a thoroughbred horse and is super healthy. Needless to say, we are beyond happy and are forever grateful for our Dasher.
Again thank you, Shela & Cliff, for all that you two do!
~ Sincerely — Dave and Audrey.
![FullSizeRender[1]](https://owyheestar.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/fullsizerender1.jpg?w=604)
Breeder Comment
Young Addy
Hello Owyheestar!
Just wanted to check in and say that our lil Addy (13wks) is doing wonderfully!
She keeps us on our toes (this morning got a hold of my daughter’s placemat, mid-bite of her French toast….. and took the entire breakfast to the floor…. ha!) and is doing very good work with our trainer (she loves her fruits and veggies) :)! We are adding more and more distractions to her training, to test her but it isn’t taking long, she’s a smarty-pants. At least until she decides to stop cooperating, ha!She has just fit right into our family and is quite a social butterfly already. I think we have the 100 touches down because the school was nice enough to let me bring her in when I pick up the kids 🙂
Thank you again, we couldn’t have gotten a better fit! We adore her!!(And don’t worry, the about the garden photo…. she loves to run through my garden but isn’t eating anything toxic 😉 except bark…. but that is getting much better!
~ Addy’s Family (Oct. 16, 2017)
Breeder Comment
We are thrilled to know that Addy is doing well and is much-loved. Thank you, for taking the time to update us. The photos are great too!
Winston
In Ireland
The actual move was stressful and expensive – $3000 to fly him here in an XXL crate. Weims might not weigh that much, but those darn legs really shoot up the crate requirement!
Breeder Comment
OwyheeStar Global
Berkley
Off to A Good Start
We love our Berkley. You chose well!!
Here’s an update on CRATE TRAINING:
She was totally content in her crate for the 4-hour ride home from Oregon. We stopped once and she went potty. Her first night home, she was not happy at all to be away from her litter mates and her mama. We put her crate in our room so she could see us, but she still howled and whined much of the night. Yesterday we put her in her crate several times, for 20-45 minutes each time, during the day while we ate our meals and ran an errand. She was a little vocal about it each time but got better as the day progressed. We hosted a lunch event and a dinner event, and she did splendid meeting and greeting all the shoe-less guests (parvo precautionary rule). She was the absolute center of attention for a good chunk of the day. When it was time for bed last night we put her in her crate and she went right to sleep. Not one howl or yelp! She stirred at 2 am and gave me a little whimper. I took her outside and she went potty right away. She went back to sleep in her crate until almost 6 am, which is my wake-up time anyway! We were so thrilled and gave her lots of praise for doing such a good job.
An update on POTTY TRAINING:
We used the bell method with our first Weim, and it worked like a champ. So we knew this was the way to go the second time around. Every time we take her outside to go potty (after she eats, wakes up, just before bed or crate time, or every 30 minutes or so), we take her little paws and ring that bell and say “outside”. Yesterday she rang the bell all on her own. We took her out and she went potty right away. Then again today, she rang the bell on her own, and the same thing happened!!! She is catching on so fast. We haven’t had to clean up after any accidents. I am shocked.
An update on TRAINING AND LIFE IN GENERAL:
She is retrieving like a champ to our hand….stuffed toys, mostly. She isn’t into the balls yet for some reason. She is coming on command and just starting to get “sit”. I started working with her on heeling as well, but that’s a little trickier. She is starting to get it, but barely. Berkley went with us to take big sister to school for her first day of school today. And then she snuggled on the couch with us and listened in as I read a Sofia the First story to our youngest. She’s one fun pup. I attached a few pictures.
Thanks so much, Amanda
Breeder Comment
It was very sweet of you to update us on Berkley. We appreciate the follow through you are doing too! It is paying off. Yes, we try to set the pups up for success, but it takes more than a little knack to step quickly toward success.
The potty training is excellent. I love that you used the bell system. Around here that would not work, but in a traditional family setting it can get you off to a good start fast. Be sure to get a fecal exam. Giardia and coccidia are common one-celled parasites that can quickly multiply and reek havoc on the pup’s intestine. Treatment isn’t a big deal if you catch it early. Pups prefer puddle water, and they also lick their feet all the time. These are great ways to ingest something that can take off like a wildfire.
For those that have never collected a sample–you invert a baggie (Mark your name on this baggie first to ensure it is labeled). Grab a portion of a suspicious looking sample and invert and seal the baggie. Label a second baggie with your name, the pup’s name as well as the date and time the sample was collected. Keep this sample cool (not frozen). Freshness is important; therefore, get the collected sample to the Vet office ASAP. Collect it just before you leave when possible.
This one thing can save you a lot of trouble. Stress diarrhea is a thing. We might fear the worst, and it could be stress. Canned or steamed pumpkin is great for correcting a loose stool. It is not a bad idea to give your pup a couple of tablespoons twice a day and even some berry yogurt–the kind with live cultures. These are very good for their digestion, and the yogurt helps ward off yeast infections too.
Laughing Again
Thanks To Lily
I had to share. Lily was extra precious today. The top picture is her watching me fold laundry. The bottom is from her day camp’s Instagram page. They always try to get pictures of her but she doesn’t usually stop long enough. Today they got three! One with two of her “dog buddies”. I can never thank you enough. My son said it best. “Now that we have Lily Mom, we finally laugh again. Really laugh.
Breeder Comment
Please, Lily is infamous in her circle of friends and family. Most of her photos find her her wrapped in her human brother’s arms. She is a busy and happy girl. We see her often on Facebook. What can we love more than seeing a family activity and there is the Weimaraner? Nothing much! There is always the question when the family is camping or doing some fun activity, where is their Weim child? We don’t know. Not every activity is Weim friendly; however, some families go to great lengths to be inclusive. We love it.
We are glad Lily has brought healing to the family. You had been through a rough patch of unfortunate circumstances. I think when we walk through catastrophe, we either become bitter and resentful or frame everything in the future as a blessing. We are glad Lily is one of the many blessings. Thank you, for allowing us to be a part of your lives.
Weimaraner in the White House
Long before the Obama’s Portuguese Water Dog, or the Bush’s Scottish Terrier and their English Springer Spaniel (Spot) there was another dog in the White you might find familiar looking. She was a Weimaraner named Heidi, owned by President Eisenhower. (Click here to see a photo of Heidi.) Heidi split time at the White House and Ike’s Gettysburg farm.
Post WWII Weimaraner Popularity
Finding a Weimaraner in the White House during the mid-fifties seems apropos. Many Germans were hard-pressed to keep their Weims during and after World War II (WWII). Many a well-bred Weimaraner was sent to America, and some came with returning servicemen. The height of the Weim’s popularity was post WWII, but the touted ‘wonder dog’ failed many a person’s expectations. All too soon, they fell out of favor. It seems they have been eating the Labrador’s dust every since then.
Labrador is #1, and the Weimaraner is #32
The Labrador is the most popular dog in America, and for a good reason. They are easy to raise, equally easy to live with, and they do not require constant attention. That cannot be said about the Weimaraner. While the Labrador Retriever earned AKC’s most popular dog for the 22nd consecutive year, the Weimaraner sits at number thirty-two.
Often referred to as the “grey ghost” because of the distinctive color of its short, sleek coat, the Weimaraner is a graceful dog with aristocratic features. Bred for speed, good scenting ability, courage and intelligence, he remains an excellent game hunter and active participant in other dog sports.
Originally known as the Weimer Pointer (derived from the court that sponsored the breed), the Weimaraner is a product of selective German breeding and comes from the same general stock as other German hunting breeds. It is believed to be a descendant of the Bloodhound and was originally used to hunt wolves, deer and bear. Over the years because of the rarity of bigger game in his surroundings, the Weimaraner adapted to become a bird dog and personal hunting companion.
Lauded for his ability to work with great speed, fearlessness and endurance when on the hunt, the Weimaraner is also known for being an easily trainable, friendly and obedient member of the family. This is a breed that loves children and enjoys being part of his family’s “pack.” Grooming maintenance is low due to his short coat.
What choosing the Weimaraner says about us…
We like sleek, neat clean lines. Even if we don’t always have them on our body (Lol), we have an appreciation for them. We like simple elegance, and it is not important to impress everyone with our choices. We are happy with our choice, even if others do not get us (or the Weimaraner).
Quite possibly it says things that speak deeper truths about who we are too! The concrete-thinking Weimaraner is all about the relationship. They are not for the lazy pet owner. They are engaging, high-energy, and more. It requires a sense of humor to live with their creative antics. Nonetheless, we know they give back more than we can ever put into words on this screen.
Read more about the Weimaraner in pop culture–click here!
A bit of trivia–President Eisenhower (Ike) was not the only president to share residence with the Weimaraner!
Happy President’s Day!
Take a moment to ponder this thought for the day. If you are the King and Queen of your castle (home), are you, likewise, the President and First Lady? Check with the resident Weimaraner, and I think you might be surprised by their answer.
Is it OK to lavish a little extra attention on the President and First Lady of your little kingdom (and their subjects)? Cliff and I think so!
