Blog Archives
Tilman
~Part One
My sweet boy just turned two in March and he is just the best. He lives a semi-charmed life in downtown Saint Paul where we walk 2 to 3 miles every morning together and then he goes out a few times a week on pack walks with a group of other dogs that live in the neighborhood along with a good friend of mine, who is also a dog trainer. He LOVES going for walks with his friends! He is so proud and whenever a new dog is added to the pack, he wants to show them how to do it, “This is how we walk”.
He is THE GOOFIEST dog I’ve ever met. He smiles at me when I come home and he is so affectionate, leaning into hugs and giving lots of kisses. I have only had short hairs prior to Tilman and I have to say that in the last 6 months, his fluff has really come into it’s own. He is three different colors of Weim and the hair behind his shoulders, down his back and on his entire torso has turned into this long bunny soft light colored hair. He gets complimented all the time about what a gorgeous boy he is!
Tilman is an extraordinary example of the breed. He is curious and sometimes cautious but not fearful.He looks to me for his cues. He is friendly and loves everyone he meets. He is whip smart and will learn anything you can think to teach him so fast. He is a helper and wants see and smell and try everything. He loves to learn and show what he knows and was a breeze to train because he is so eager to please however, like any willful breed, I have needed to remain consistent with his training. TIlman also loves the water but is still hesitant to swim much. He will not hesitate to lay in a mud puddle, however.
Take care– Emily and Tilman (and little big sister Nara, the Chihuahua)
Breeder Comment
We are so happy to hear from you–and to see how well Tilman is doing. Stackhouse is a mud puddle flopping Weim–OMG We love that Tilman smiles –we have a Longhair girls that smiles and wags her entire body. It is adorable.
Luna
~ Not her cup of tea
They say Weims are smart dogs and Luna’s no exception.
As you can imagine, Luna is always by my side watching when I work from home. Now that we’re full time at home she’s decided to fill in while I take a break.
After a few minutes of techy talk she realized IT isn’t for her and she was exhausted. So she retired to the couch and after her nap went back to chasing balls. 😂😂😂
Hope you’re all staying safe and healthy!
Take care, Kris
Breeder Comment
I have often felt that Weims are seriously smarter than their humans. This post is excellent for so many reasons–thank you for thinking of us.
Luna
~Here’s the Scoop
It’s been a while since I’ve given you an update so thought I’d share the latest with you. You know better than anyone pups can change so rapidly!
Luna (a.k.a Luna Tuna, Looney Tunes) is going on 5 months now and she’s really getting quite big. Others notice it more than I do but at our last vet visit on the 6th, she was 25 lbs. She’s almost as tall and long as her brother Frankie.
She had her last vaccine that day and we made it through without any issue. I feel like a while new world opened up to us as I’ve kept her a bit isolated until she was fully vaccinated. Now we’re going to puppy play time and going on different more populated areas for our walks.
As you’ve seen by some of my comments in posts, I’ve been a bit challenged crate training Luna. Sometimes the best leads come from the most unusual places and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. In this case, my hair stylist who is big into dog rescue. She gave me the info of a private trainer right here in town.
We had a 2 hour consult last week at my house while she observed Luna to understand what we’re dealing with as far as her crate and fear of unfamiliar people. By the end of the session, Luna was sleeping right by her side while I sat on the other side of the room. When she woke up, rather than looking for me she rolled on her back to get a nice belly rub. I was so proud of her!!
She determined Luna isn’t a rehab case (that was a real possibility given her HOD episode and trauma that could have left an imprint with her) and doesn’t have a crate issue because she goes right in. It’s the separation from me that’s the problem. We talked about a plan on how to address her separation anxiety, socialization and gaining more confidence.
In the meantime, Luna is loving the social distancing and self isolating measures we’re taking as a family to do our part in limiting the virus while staying healthy. If she had her way, I think she’d quarantine me for life! 😂😂😂
I’m looking forward to starting our sessions in a few weeks. Luna was VERY receptive to the idea (it may have helped the trainer had real venison jerky during her visit). I have a really good feeling we’ve taken the right approach for her. I’ll keep you posted on our progress.
Take care, Kris
Breeder Comment
Thanks ever so much for thinking of us with this update. Of course, the world is following Luna, and rooting for her to do well. (haha)
Success!!!
~Well, kind of . . .
Freya is slowly getting Ava to warm up to her as long as there isn’t food involved. Freya is completely submissive but big sister still has to let her know her place.
Freya’s full name is Freya Lady of Love but she certainly does not love bath time – note the frumpy face!
The only perk is that she knows she gets treats after she endures the wet torture her crazy humans inflict on her.
Breeder Comment
We are happy to see that things are coming together. Sometimes it takes a bit–and more than anything the humans have to breathe deep and try not to be concerned. It works its way out –and crazy humans are essential. It is all good. Thanks for apprising us!
One Week
~What A Difference!
It’s amazing what can happen in a week!
To start, we were at the vet last Friday discussing vaccine options. Luna did get a distemper that day. I’m thrilled to say there wasn’t another HOD episode. You can imagine I was watching for any subtle change with her. The prednisone she’s on right now might have helped. I honestly don’t know but glad we sailed through it. We’re on the tail end of that by weening her off the meds and we’ll done in a week.
I’m learning so much about her and her personality. Frankie is her sparring partner. Boy she really gives it to him but he’s like a concrete wall. She loves eating, balls, baths and belly rubs. She doesn’t like unfamiliar people so much and sits at my feet. She likes her people – me, Justin and Alyssa in that order. She doesn’t like her crate so much.
All the work I’ve been doing with her suddenly clicked with her this week. All her commands, verbal and non she was on point. Although her spinning got a bit overboard and tried to be too cute and spin at any command. When she stopped focusing and started puppying, we stopped.
She also started ringing the bell at the door to go out almost every time. I think like her learning to spin, she was ringing the bell for treats more so than actually having to go out but it was a win/win for both of us because we’re having fewer accidents in the house.
But something even more magical happened. She went into her crate on her own. When I heard her go in, I turned around and cheered her on for going in there and giving her lots of treats.
At first, it became a game. I’m like, “ok, I’ll play if it gets you to like it”. We went back and forth from crate to treat for about 24 hours. Then she started staying in there. I’d give her commands and treats letting her walk out at any time. We go between praising, talking and more commands. She just stayed.
We’ll continue working on this training as well as stay, come and heel.
She’s such an amazingly sweet girl. The morning kisses, 1:1 play time, our howling sessions and all the little things in between. ❤
Breeder Comment
Thanks for keeping us updated on Luna and all your adventures.
Caught Redhanded ?!?
~Or the Paw Going for a Goodie
I had to take this picture of Olli this AM as I am not sure if his paw got stuck on the cabinet or he was just caught redhanded!! This was going on while his dear sister, Indi, was posing in the backyard. If she only knew what she was missing!
All is well with Olli and Indi. They are both healthy and are keenly aware of all rabbit movements under the snow filled deck :). It is a riot watching them go back and forth trying to ferret out the creatures. One of these days they will be rewarded for all of their efforts 🙂
Hope all is well! Mary
Breeder Comment
Thank you, Mary, for capturing this bit of impending mischief. (Haha) We love hearing about your two Longhairs.
Hello World
—and, Hello Christina, Shela and Cliff
Yahoo, I just wanted to check in to say hello and give you and update on my journey so far. It was quiet an adventure when I left Idaho. I met my new brother, Asher. At first, I don’t think he was to sure of me and mom was convinced if Asher knew how to address an envelope he probably would have sent be back. However, I now can say, we have made it to “BFF” status.
My mom keeps trying to teach me this thing called, “an off button” but seriously all I want to do is eat, eat and eat. I am weighing in at 14 lbs.
Overall everything has been going great so far. I have met several people who have never heard of long haired Weim before. Yet they can’t resist my charm and just love on me. Psst, they get super high pitched when they talk…got me what that is all about! But they like to give kisses too—just like me…so they must be alright.
Well, I have to run but just wanted to give you a quick update.
XOXO, Baby Dink 1/30/2020
Breeder Comment
Dear Baby Dink–we are so delighted that you took the time to update us on your journey thus far. Since you attained early Rockstar status, you will always have an audience. (Haha) We could not be happier that you and Asher are now BFF-status. We knew it would happen. Who wouldn’t fall in love with you–but we understand that you rocked Asher’s world differently–he was the center of the universe and along came you.
We are positive that everyone is following you on Facebook, Instagram, and everywhere you post photos and accomplishments. We see you have mastered crate training. Your Mama Sheila, and your sister Michelle, they are on top of this–making sure your news gets out to the world. Well, someone has to do it when you are a rockstar, right? Sadly, it took me a week to get this posted–that was almost a lifetime. (Haha) If any of Dink and Luna’s litter mates have not yet emailed us an update–we would love to feature their pup on our blog.
Love to you, Baby Dink.
About Luna
~Let Me Share A Bit More with you!
I have a lot to say –to Luna’s littermates, to the OwyheeStar Weimaraner News Blog readers, and to Weimlovers in general. 😊
I don’t know why but I love pictures of sleeping dogs. You’d think all Maggie ever did was sleep by the amount of pictures I have of her resting or tucked in a blanket. —–‐‐——-‐———————–‘Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your support and kind words. I had asked Shela to share my story with you so you could be aware of the potential risk of vaccination.
Luna has been home from the hospital 3 days and is rebounding really well. She’s definitely her sassy self again. She’s more confident in her walking (some trotting but we’re not at running yet although I can see she wants to), moving around more and playing with her brother (although I’m supervising because we don’t want too much rough housing right now). We are back at our training and going through our day as if this never happened.
To make my point–here she is (pictured) Saturday night after having to go out in the soaking rain and then getting a nice pat down and grooming. She was such a patient girl letting me brush her head to tail.
How This Event Unfolded
Luna started exhibiting symptoms 4 days after her 9-week puppy shot–it started with diarrhea. I didn’t think much of it until the following day when she didn’t finish her lunch. Her energetic behavior went from playing to laying and that’s when I knew I was dealing with something more.
After 2 vet visits and misdiagnoses, I found myself in the ER because Luna could no longer walk. I want to note, during those visits, Luna was getting IV fluids because she stopped drinking too, and her fever that ultimately spiked to 106 even with the supportive care. The ER doctors and nurses were amazing!! There was never a question–she needed to be hospitalized. This was out of my wheelhouse! By the way… it was the ER doctors physical exam of applying light pressure on her legs that pointed us in the direction of HOD. Luna did not react well to his touching. X-rays confirmed it.
I did and had intended to follow the vaccine protocol recommended by Owyheestar and started those conversations at Luna’s first wellness visit. Knowing what just happened, I’m even more firm in my position to be an advocate for her. Vaccine reactions can be as mild as local swelling or mild fever or in most cases, nothing much at all.
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) is something that is very rare but very real. You never think it couldn’t happen to you, and chances are it won’t. But please please please be educated!! Owyheestar posted some really good information on HOD. Follow the recommended vaccine protocol, know the signs and keep a keen eye out for any change in behavior even up to a week after vaccinations. The ER Vet had only seen HOD one other time and he was certain my primary care vet would not know to look for it as these are usually emergency cases. So, educate the Vet when necessary, too. 😊
Luna will be on a steroid and pain meds as needed for another 10 days. If there’s a relapse, I know the signs and we know exactly how to treat it. I’ll be on high alert until those growth plates close–probably around fifteen months, but sometimes it takes almost two years. Based on her response to treatment, I anticipate a full recovery.
Luna and I have only been together for almost 4 short weeks. In that time, I’ve gotten to know she’s my sweet girl, a Diva and a Warrior! I can’t wait to see how the rest of our life together unfolds. 💞
Thank you, again! Kris (Sunday, January 26, 2020)
Breeder Comment
I am positive that Luna is going to be a frequent contributor for our blog–everyone is invested in her future. Cliff, Christina, and I do not have anything much to add to what Kris has so kindly shared. Take a deep breath Weimlovers, most likely you will avoid this scenario; however, the best approach is to follow the recommendations we sent home with you.
There is one bit of information we want to add to this post–it is about canine temperatures and taking your pet’s temperature. Click on the highlighted test and it will take you to a page that talks more about how to do that and other specifics.
What Is a Dog’s Normal Body Temperature?
Bart and Dad
~Training (Yachats River Road)
Bart in his 2nd session of training. He is off leash in an open field up Yachats River Rd. It was a big deal for us to have him off leash and he did really well–it gives us confidence. We had another first when Bart jumped into the SUV by himself, finally.
Bart was very compliant because he did not like having Dan out of reach or sight. I am glad we shared the moment with you expressing how grateful were are about you making it possible to have Bart in our lives. These guys get under your skin–well, sometimes the deep sentiments surprise me. But again thank you for everything –we adore him.
Bart, he is a pisser! Full of piss and vinegar….brimming with energy and the next moment is never known. We have compared him to having a chimpanzee. Smart, manipulative, out spoken, clownish, bossy, snuggly and absolutely delightful!
Love, Polly
Breeder Comment
Nothing makes us happier than hearing about the OwyheeStar Weimaraner–especially in endearing terms. Polly–quite possibly Bart was a bit easier to get going than a lot of Weims. We had worked with him more because we didn’t have a placement for him. But, along came you folks–it seemed like a good fit. We knew he would be challenging–after all, we are talking the Weimaraner. And, this was your first. (Haha)
Thank you for always thinking of us and for doing great things with Bart. You rock!
Bad Hair Day
~ Or Not
Daisy’s parents say, “she has the best personality” I think she makes them laugh a lot — and is a good snuggle-girl. What else does the soul need?
Breeder Comment
Maybe this brings a smile to you. I know it does to me. Possibly Daisy had a bit of help to achieve the look, but who cares?!? There are a few Weimlovers that groan every time we post features the Longhair, but others celebrate the fun, the joy, and the look.
