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No Politics

~ Just Happy Thoughts and Faces

Seriously thinking that puppy faces might be good for the soul–and always preferable to whatever political news you follow. Well, that is my thought–more happy faces this Sunday.

2017 34th Recap

Greetings From Far Eastern Oregon

       ~September 2, 2017

Play Time at the Sanctuary Sept 1, 2017-37 

This morning while we played with puppies, the roar of the stack wagon picking up the bales of hay caused us to take notice. The pups were unfazed by the ruckus. It took little to no time to get a load, and I captured this photo as the driver went to set it in the stack. Harvest is in the works and will continue for several weeks. Some crops like the sugar beet crop hold off until October.

The Hay got whipped around during the recent windstorm; however, our hay guy managed to clean it up nicely. We do so appreciate the quality of work and our relationship with this family. Cliff says there are 154 bales in the stack and it looks like we will get another cutting before Mr. Winter arrives.

This Week on the Blog

Here are the week’s posts if you wish you may review or visit them today!  

What a variety we have this week! We began with two fun updates (Sunday and Monday) and then moved to Mesquite’s Golden Year Placement. (BTW) We will hear more from Mesquite soon–the daily reports have been pouring in. We so appreciate her family’s knack to incorporate her and the continual updates. Finally, we moved to the stories of impending loss, grief and our thoughts of preventing the untimely or accidental loss. We have Part Two of Extending Our Time in the works. You will see that soon!

We absolutely appreciate you (who sent an update) for taking the time and effort! Thus far, we have been getting enough to keep us in business. (Happy Look from Shela!)

Sunday— August 27 — Working From Home

Monday — August 28 — G2 (best ever all-around companion)

Tuesday — August 29 — Golden Year Placement (Mesquite)

Wednesday — August 30 — When You Know (Roxy is failing and doesn’t have long)

Thursday  — August 31 — The Depth of it All (Olli becomes the only fur baby)

Friday  — September 1 — Extending Our Time (Insight in preventing loss-Part One)

 

On a very personal note

Cyclamen_6939

IMG_3128

I am still obsessed with the  Cyclamen. We have what I am calling in my mind the Trinity. There are three gorgeous blossoms. You would think I should be satisfied but I am holding out for the return to the Angelic Host of blossoms like this pre-accidental decapitation photo.

We were at our oldest *Granddaughter’s home for Grandpa’s haircut the other day. She had the 2018 Farmer’s Almanac sitting on the table. I picked it up to take a quick gander and found an article about the Cyclamen. In that one, it said you can expect them to bloom several months a year. My unending blossom maker is more amazing than I imagined. I found a different Farmer’s Almanac article talking about the Cyclamen– I think they must like this little house plant.  If it interests you click here to read more. Weimlovers–remember this plant is toxic to our beloved fur family members.

Cliff has the tractor running. He spent some time mowing at the Three Cliff’s Sanctuary today. He came in with a smile on his face but the sweat and the heat of doing this midday lead to exhaustion. He needed the break and some fluids. Beyond the tractor, he finished the Utility Bath floor tile. He still has trim work to complete.

To Cliff’s chagrin, I still have several coughing spells every day. Regardless, I slowly improve which is promising. With the cold and flu season pressing in it is vital that I get my lungs clear before I catch something else. This current health crisis started the beginning of September 2016. For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health–these are the promises we made and kept. It wasn’t always easy and most certainly in many ways, this ordeal has been worse for Cliff albeit true I wondered if I was going to live to see my 2017 birthday.

*Those of you who follow us might remember our oldest granddaughter helped us with our puppies several years back. Now she has her own family with two sweet girls. Our current helper is our second oldest grandchild. Christina, like Ashley, is doing a fabulous job helping us. We rue the day when she moves on.

Puppy Faces

Filling the Void

We are waiting for pups here just like you folks on our Wait List. I am out of easy posts for the blog, and I needed one this morning. I thought you might enjoy these photos pulled from the archives. A puppy fix never hurt anyone.

Puppy Breath

A Cabin Fever Fix

We know it is true. Addictions happen. Some are healthier than others, but we occasionally need a fix. Those afflicted with Weimarism know of what I speak. (Yes, I made up that word.)

It seems fitting that we set our eye on some photos to feed the soul. Today, from the OwyheeStar archives we selected a few very young puppy photos for your enjoyment.

Remember, these are from our archives and have long since joined their forever families.

Olli

AKA Whippersnapper

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Well, we are just past the 10-week mark and boy are we having fun!  Olli, aka Whippersnapper, is keeping us all busy and entertained. He already knows the sit and drop it commands, and we are working on the come.  I should send pictures of our flower pots as Olli is quite the gardener although his pruning skills are questionable….  Still working on house training – but we will get there.  We know when he needs a nap is when his energy level goes through the roof! The little devil turns back into the sweetest puppy once he wakes up and gets out of his crate:). Our older dog is still not thrilled but tolerates him better when outside.  That will take some time.

Breeder’s Comment

It sounds like you are off to a good start. The recall (coming when called) is vital to master. Pruning skills are not a necessity but could come in handy.  The resident Weim being happy about the new arrival will take some time. Regardless, it is hard to move over and share some of the limelight.

OwyheeStar Summer Puppies

Mousse and her babies…

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We wanted to have a litter of summer pups. One can never guarantee these plans will come to fruition. There were folks waiting for a puppy, and we hope to help them fulfill their dream; however, it might take some time. We have the one litter this summer, and it is a doozy. Over the years, we have had so many small litters; this is not a small litter. Mousse’s litter has ten puppies. They are shown above nursing in the puppy yard. This photo was taken by Deven, our helper this summer. He is excellent with the puppies.

A mixed Litter

Our stud dog “Blue” was the sire of this litter; Mousse X Blue Wk4 Bonus_3therefore, we have some blue pups. You should easily be able to distinguish which pups are blue, and which are a shade of gray. There is something else in the mix. Did you notice? One of the blue females has the undocked tail–this is by request.

We had ten days of rain. I joked, we should bail the puppy yard, along with the hay. Pictured here you can see this little blue girl in the jungle, before we were able to mow it. She didn’t seem to mind the blade-forest. You will also notice she is the one with the undocked-tail. For those wondering, this is by request only. Mousse X Blue Wk4 Bonus_4The arrangements must be made in advance of the litter’s arrival. We require a larger puppy deposit. The reasons are many, and we won’t go into them at this time. We get several serious requests every year from folks wanting to forego the tail-docking. This (docking of the tail) is done within days of their birth. We might also note here, that Longhairs are never docked. We are willing to do the full-length tail (on the traditional smooth-coat), because in other-than-American Weimaraner Standards, they occur. In some countries tail-docking is illegal.

Sporting Breed Tail Docking

The sporting breed that sees field action is prone to tail injuries. This is the reason for the docking. It is cosmetic, and a safety factor. Tails, and ears that get nicked bleed profusely. They are difficult to heal. The reality is that fewer dogs see actual field action than in previous years. Many hunt clubs (Versatile Hunting Dog Federation, as well as the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) have mentoring programs. Whether you believe in hunting, or not–it is a deep American tradition. It helped establish this country, and fed our ancestors. Yes, they had gardens, but that would not have sustained life. More often than not, pioneers ate what they could get in a stew, or a dried jerky-pocket-meal. We should not forget this, in our day of supermarket shopping. More and more, folks are returning to natural foods.

The OwyheeStar Protocol

A lot of folks come to OwyheeStar wanting to investigate us. We understand this mentality. It is tough to trust people you don’t know with one of the biggest decisions you are going to make. Nonetheless, we must stick to our protocol, and way of doing things. It is the only way we can accomplish all the things we need to do. For those who have gotten and OwyheeStar puppy, we believe almost without exception they understand what we mean. The new person making a query, might consider us a bit too eccentric. We are always open to inquiries; however, even the initial inquiry is screened. It doesn’t require a lengthy email to net the application invite. In fact, a simple note stating a bit about yourself will do. You can save the lengthy description of who you are, and what you want for the application process.

Getting the details in the application is important to us. It allows us to focus on you, and to respond to everything is a systematic manner. Nothing gets forgotten, and everyone is scrutinized with the same measuring stick. The application reply, is where we look for information. During the process, and especially during the placement segment, we refer to this on many occasions. We like to ensure that we have the correct contact information, as well as all the specifics regarding the Weimaraner puppy you hope to bring home in this one location. Shela, normally spends at least an hour working up our application reply. We do not take this process lightly, nor are we less than grateful for your trust. It is in our heart to do what is in the best interest of the puppy, as well as for you.

Folks wanting to engage us, must be willing to do things in this manner. We believe our outcome speaks for itself. Thank you everyone for your vote of confidence, and willingness to work with our protocol.

Holistic for the Weimaraner

3 & 8 Zula Blue 6Wks-49We are always concerned when puppies exit for their new home. It is not because I am ill over their departure. I can actually rejoice, because we put a great deal of work into each pup’s place. We know the kind of folks that are taking this pup home. The concern surrounds the on-going decisions each family must face.

Once the pup arrives, they will soon be visiting their veterinary of choice. There are all kinds of approaches to veterinary practice. They vary in their way of doing things much like other medical doctors. In truth, most of them have studied longer, and more intently than those that serve us humans. We have a deep respect for them. This is true, even if we disagree with their approach.

The Weimaraner is sensitive; vaccine reactions are real. We highly doubt your veterinarian has ever seen the Weimaraner have a severe vaccine reaction. In reality, this breed would not make up 1% of their practice. That doesn’t mean they don’t care, it means the Weimaraner’s potential problems occur in only about 5% of the breed; the odds of them facing it are slim to none. Regardless, the severe vaccine reaction should be avoided at all cost.

4_Zula Blue 6WksMild reactions are not something we like to see either; however, the severe reaction can be lethal ( or bring on chronic health issues). Who can guess what is affected when the immune system is over-challenged? Vaccine is meant to challenge the pup’s system to develop antibodies to fight off some of the more life-threatening viral infections. Parvo is the greatest risk, and has been for a number of years. There are others, but all pale in comparison.

We are well aware of the recommendation (and the reasoning behind the recommendation) to forego any puppy shot before the 8-week mark. Nevertheless, we have stuck with our six-week high-titer Parvo only vaccine. People who have followed the recommendations, have been getting excellent results. Our protocol, which is based on the Weimaraner Club of America’s breed-specific protocol, works. We have never lost a pup to Parvo. We want to keep it that way. To put things in perspective, over the years we have received notes from people who never vaccinated their pup. We do not recommend that; however, letting a puppy leave with no vaccination whatsoever, is something we cannot do.

OwyheeStar on the Basics

The basics are something you are going to have to ensure happen. Your veterinary doesn’t have the time to do this for you. They have a broad-based practice, and they do not see the point in this protocol. Reactions when presented with these options can vary, but the pressure to do something else can be immense. It is not unreasonable to follow this protocol. You are not compromising the pup’s health. In a nutshell what you need to remember is fairly simple (the details are listed below).

  1. They need two puppy shots–our protocol calls for a 9-week, and a 12-week shot.
  2. This puppy shot should not contain Lepto or Corona
  3. Skip the 16-week puppy shot — ask the vet to get a titer test. The titer test will determine immunity levels. Only do the the sixteen-week puppy shot if the titer test shows a lack of immunity.
  4. Do not combine shots–this includes when you get the pup’s rabies vaccination.
  5. Do any other shot at a separate visit -processing one vaccine is enough for the young pup.
  6. If you are concerned about the dangers of Lepto spray your yard with a 10% bleach solution using a garden sprayer —frequency would based upon how many Lepto-carrying critters who visit your yard. Once a week might be a good rule of thumb. Lepto is treatable, but of course, we want to avoid it. Wait to get the Lepto vaccine until the pup is a bit older. We recommend 20 weeks.

Note: You are the guardian of the pup’s health. Be holistic in your approach. It is not rude to ask the vet to do each shot separate. It will cost you a bit more doing it that way. It is easier on their immune system. We can all agree we want to avoid health issues, and we do not want something that is meant to protect our new family member to shorten his or her life.

From The Weimaraner Club of America

The use of Corona, Leptospirosis, Bordatella and Lyme vaccines are not recommended unless these diseases are prevalent in the area; and should never be administered along with the core vaccines listed above, but rather separately, and at a time when the pup’s immune system is mature. Rabies vaccinations should be given as required by law, but not coincident with other vaccinations. If possible, wait until the puppy is older than 16 weeks.

Vaccine recommendations are confusing. 

Please keep in mind that at least  5% of  Weimaraners reportedly exhibit a severe reaction to vaccine.  Over vaccination may compromise your pup’s health and well-being.

The Weimaraner Puppy should not receive

  • Lepto  (or any shot containing Lepto)
  • Avoid the 16 Week puppy shot

The Weimaraner Puppy needs  a…

  • 9  week: Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza- Parvovirus
  • 12 week: Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza- Parvovirus

Choose the antibody test at 16 weeks

  • At 16 week  rather than risk a vaccine reaction, we advise getting a titer test.
  • Should the titer test show low immunity to the Parvo , we recommend a  Parvo-only vaccination rather than a combination  shot.

All too Often

The much-celebrated Weimaraner Puppy

                        ….becomes other than the expected!

Biting…

10703995_10203865392493285_2238146014813983610_n (1)It has been said many times. This is not the breed for everyone. Meeting the lovely creature, and their adoring (engaged) human on the beach, is not the same as bringing home the puppy. It means going from the approximately tiny ten-pound Weimar-pup to an adult-looking challenging pile of energy in about four-months. Sadly, too many folks don’t comprehend how the Weimaraner is wired, and they label them with all sort of untrue adjectives. For example, puppy biting is called aggression, or aggressive behavior. It is nothing of the sort; however, it has to be managed correctly. The Weimaraner loves their mouth, and using it can become a focal point. Within the litter, their litter-mates share bites equally. It is not mean; it is play-biting. The problem comes because we (humans) do not enjoy this; nor should we allow it to continue. We don’t bite them back. Their shark-like teeth leave marks. On children, and the aged this can be especially dangerous. You should never put your face into theirs–a bite can wreak havoc of a special sort on every imaginable level.

Concrete-Thinking

Anderson's Sylvie SmilesPuppy biting is the bane of nearly everyone who raises the Weimaraner. It is not the only challenge. They are concrete-thinking so allowing them freedom to roam the home can lead to accidents. It can become habitual in short order–the pup’s expected norm. We never recommend setting up an indoor potty area for this breed. The papers would be material to be shredded, and the area would become identified as the bathroom area of choice. This can resurface at the first sign of rain (even in year’s later). Accidents are best avoided; however, setting up the inside area identifies it as endorsed by you.  There may be some who have had success using these methods, but across the board, this is not a good idea. Of course, there are other reasons for housebreaking problems. A re-homed Weimaraner can suddenly decide to potty inside; they need to be managed like the puppy–freedom is earned.

Even-Keel is a Good Approach

533267_3219240673448_1039333164_33025599_1220887693_nThe puppy-frenzy-fever leads to the desired outcome. Eventually, you embrace the roller-coaster-high experience of bringing the pup home. Their much-awaited arrival is marked by celebration that would rival the human family member’s debut. If your family includes current fur-family members, it would be wise to meet at a neutral location. Bring the new sibling home (with the current) rather than arriving with the surprise. Even when this meet-up goes as planned, lavishing the vast majority of attention on the brand new adorable family member is not the way to go. In fact, although it is hard to accomplish, being matter-of-fact, and not making such a huge fanfare over the pup’s every move can serve you, your current resident, and the protege well. Sure you can lavish praise, but tone it down a little. Keep the biggest fanfare (initially) for the current fur member’s achievements. Your heart will already be doing flip-flops. We realize it is hard to tone it down a bit. Stay even-keel, and reap the benefits.

Separation-Anxiety Challenges

1380135_542203065859668_188368145_n[1]The only-child Weimar knows firsthand the universe surrounds them. They feed off this (center-of-the universe-scenario) in the worst possible way. They are prone to severe-separation anxiety. Families tend to align their every thought around acclimating the Weimaraner pup into the family. This seems to be the right approach; however, it can also feed the separation-anxiety factor. The puppy is smart, and when they first arrive, they might act a little off. In no more than three days, they will have their surroundings scoped out. They will be using their innate skills to plan a way to manipulate their situation to their liking. Folks that want to take off two-weeks from work, and to use it for the pup’s adjustment mean well. The problem comes when they leave to return to their normal life. This leaves their little charge in a tailspin. cozyThey feel abandoned, and their wounded heart doesn’t know what has happened. This can lead to all sort of unthinkable behavior–chewing everything, digging, barking, and destruction. These are problems anyhow; however, when they are fueled by absolute devastation over you abandoning them, it can become life-threatening. The best approach is to help them acclimate by introducing them to their normal life. If you are employed outside the home, you are going to need to have a Weimaraner puppy plan to cover the time you are away from the house. If you stay home all summer to spend time with them, subsequently you are somehow going to have to help them adjust to your impending schedule change. It is the kind thing to do. It is much easier than trying to undo untold damage to your home, your relationship, and your pocketbook. Mark our words, the Weimaraner can ingest things that are life-threatening, and emergency care is not cheap.

The Weimaraner Breeder

countersurfingEvery prospective home sees their self as a good candidate. The puppy breeder is as well the gatekeeper for each pup they raise. In our way of thinking, it is their duty to screen potential homes, and to provide support. Unfortunately, no matter the effort there are going to be some pups that need a second-chance placement. There are many reasons this happens–some of these reasons are unthinkable. Tomorrow, we will look at these, and other reasons behind the placement failure. Nonetheless, keep in mind (and in your heart) that this breed doesn’t work for everyone. For some, there is nothing else that will do. Wrapping your thoughts around the two extremes can make the concepts discussed hard to understand. Dog-savvy persons want to believe they can deal with any breed, and there will be no problem. Sometimes this can end badly for everyone concerned. Our goal is to avoid the unthinkable!

This Week’s OwyheeStar News

Saturday at Owyheestar

Millee's 2014 Litter Arrival-6October has been kind to us here in the Treasure Valley. I have ripe tomatoes hanging on the vine in the garden. I need to get them picked, but so far we have not seen frost. We have harvested the pumpkins, and there are root vegetables awaiting the shovel. It is the harvest season’s end.

The last few months we have been telling people we should have pups arrive– with a potential departure sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some of you who faithfully troll the blog, and Facebook had been waiting for what seems like forever. We had pups arrive. It is not all that simple, in that some were going to be longhairs. That meant we had to send the DNA samples off for expedited results. The results are back, and there were more longhairs than we expected. This is good for the persons awaiting a longhair pup for the last several months; this was not so welcome for those who want a smooth-coat. Nonetheless, we expect a second litter (all smooth-coats). We must wait to see what we get, before we can be totally definitive to some of the people on the Waiting List. We have been honest all along. We could not predict the number, the color, and in some cases the coat length. That being said, a good number of you who are waiting will get a puppy who meets your criteria. The others will have to wait until early 2015. In the meantime, here is a cute little face to warm your heart.

This Week’s Blog

A special thanks to those that sent me an easy post this week. It helped more than you can know; everyone appreciate the news too!

Sunday October 19  — Well Wishes

Monday October 20 — Skeeter

Tuesday October 21 – The Amazing Lucy

Wednesday October 22 — Goldee Seeks Training

Thursday October 23 — Birthday’s Happen

Friday October 24 — Sleeping Beauty

On a very personal note……

Cliff and I continue to face the breast cancer issue. We feel very upbeat about what is happening–not that we would rather not avoid this scenario entirely. It is a huge inconvenience to say the least. Regardless, I happen to fit into a scenario which qualifies me to participate in a clinical trial. Don’t freak! It is not all that risky by any measure. I get extra diagnostic test. For me, there are no needles–they use the tissue (and tumors) they removed during surgery. Based on the outcome, there is a second portion to the clinical trial. The results will determine whether I will participate or opt to go into another treatment path. I think if I qualify I will move forward with the clinical trial — there are not experimental drugs; it is more about gathering data based on the Geno-testing. This is part of search for answers, and for the cure. I count myself fortunate to be a part of this process.

Those who know me best, realize I stress enough without added stress. The biggest challenge I face right now is taking care of myself, while doing the puppy things. I feel extra sorry for those waiting on me, but I have to take care of myself to get through the process. I also must take care of the puppies. I think it is going to be fine–it is just always stressful for those who are waiting for their new family member. I am positive, (and I know that for fact) that many of these folks are worried that this will change things for them. I assure you that nothing is going to change, other than I might not get something posted in a timely manner. In a pinch, we have a granddaughter who can take the photos, and post them. Of course, she is embroiled in her senior year, and there again, that means waiting for her. It may not even be an issue, but if it happens to unfold in that manner, we will have to flow with the situation.

As Always…

Thank you for your love and support. Keep the puppy updates coming. Everyone loves them!

This Week’s OwyheeStar News

August here we come

3_Duchess X Blue 4WKS-39This is another jam-packed month. It ends in back to school, and big events like the Idaho State Far. We are two days into the month, and it seems like a blur. A lot of that is not going to change for us in the near future; Dad’s passing left us in a dust bowl of change. It will be good when we are finished. The finish-line  requires binoculars–more on that topic at the end of the blog.

We have puppies. Most of you realize this. It means more laundry, more time-intensive effort. This is all aimed toward the babies. There are always the things we do so that the awaiting-family can stay somewhat in the loop too. The next few weeks are going to find us screaming busy with these guys. It is fun, but it is exhausting. Henceforth, until the time they leave, every day is filled with activity of some sort. There is no time for us to laze around. With the aforementioned activity, we have hired more puppy-help than usual. Cliff is distracted–if you want to call it that.

This Week’s Posts

On a personal note……

CNew Window 2liff continues with the remodel. It is one of those that requires inspiration. You cannot simply gut the structure, and make it look like the cosmopolitan. This is a simpler farm home which requires a knack to make things fit. Thank goodness, mostly this can be done by Cliff. Cliff replaced a window, and when he got done it was super great. We hope to paint the shakes a Weimar Silver Gray color. That seems appropriate, and a color we will enjoy more than the current pea-green. A window change, and new paint will make a world of difference.

Hunt test season is around the corner. Yes, the fall hunt tests will begin as we saw good-bye to August. In between all that is going on, Cliff is amid dog training. Trips east are made as it is possible.

As Always…

We are thankful for your love and support. We realize everyone is super busy. The relaxing days of summer are in the rear-view mirror–like in back in the 60s. That was when summer vacation meant doing whatever your heart desired for three months. Keep the puppy updates coming. In the weeks ahead we can use them. We appreciate you all!

 

Many blessings and warm wishes from Shela and Cliff–(and the OwyheeStar Weimars too!)

~Thank you for being a part of our lives!