Blog Archives
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.
We are Expecting
~ Bettee is Due Anytime
We can do nothing but hold our breath until the projected whelp happens–this is the first of two slated for this month. And, more importantly–this is an all Longhair Litter. Of course, we cannot guess what we will get–coat color, sex of the pups, or the number born.
Eight Months
~Unlike any other Dog
? 
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Bart is 8 months old today (Sept 7, 2019). He is unlike any dog we’ve ever had. He is loving, funny and a terror all in one pup. His happy greeting is a bite; I love you forever is voracious licking and I need/want something is endless bump bumping with his nose. Bart is selective about his friends The other night people came over and he wasn’t sure about them so he put himself on our bed. Last night friends came over and Bart was thrilled and played endlessly with a 6 year old English Cream retriever; by 8:30 he was exhausted.
Having Bart in our lives keeps us very engaged. My favorite time with Bart is bedtime. He is snuggly, loving and quiet…no biting, chewing or licking. That’s not really true because it is great fun to go for a walk with Bart.Thank you Cliff & Shela for such a wonderful pup! Dan & Polly
Breeder Comment
Thanks for adopting Bart–he got extremely lucky finding you.
Remember Bart?
~ Friday Marks Five Months
This Friday Bart will be 5 months old. Tuesday will be 6 weeks with us. I haven’t needed a band aid for 3 days and today Dan was able to put on his shoes and socks without any chewing or helping. Bart also napped next to me, curled up at my hip, 2 days in a row for 3 or 4 hours.
Today our farmers market was very busy 100+ people and lots of dogs. There was barking, kids playing and lots of people asking about Bart and petting him…sensory overload and Bart was awesome! A couple of motor cycle groups went roaring down the nearby highway and the loud noise didn’t phase him. It was a very good outing. Thank you for all of his training. I think he likes us and is comfortable in his new home.
He loves walking the 804 trail and he has favorite people and dogs he is happy to see.
Here is where Bart chose to lie in the sun for a little snooze, on the tiles for the outside shower.. I wouldn’t let him go on the front deck unsupervised because he eats the dirt and dead plants in the pots.
Breeder Comment
We knew Bart never looked back once he got into the car with Dan. Everything was new and different, but as Weims go, he made a swift and decisive transition. You did great–as I had suggested not overwhelming him. Maybe it would not have been a big deal; however, we will never know. You took it one step at a time–there was never a hiccup.
