We’ve received these photos recently from Axl (formerly Number 3) and Croix (formerly Number 12)
Axl (above) in the berry patch and relaxing at home. Croix (below) after a successful duck hunt.
Author Archives: Patti
Sad but important information
We were heartbroken to learn last night that one of the puppies from our “A” litter is struggling with an environmentally triggered disease called Blastomycosis, something we had never before heard of. This fungal infecton can be treated in its early stages if correctly diagnosed but the prognosis is not good once the infection gets established. Please, please read the attached article for all the details and keep alert. We don’t want to panic you, but do want to make sure that you are proactive should your dog develop any of the symptoms. It’s best to beg your vet to rule out “Blasto” early on.
http://lifewithllewellins.com/blastomycosis-what-every-dog-owner-needs-to-know/
Bird “work”
Hunt training was play for four month old Walter today. He and his people came out to work with Biff in the field. It was Walter’s first time on live birds and he did great. They used bird launchers, a check cord, live pigeons, a starter pistol (just for the sound), yesterday’s grouse (so he could get a bird in his mouth) and Walter’s natural instincts. Note: No “e-collar” was used. We don’t believe in them.
Walter’s delighting his family and he’s delighting us. It was so good to see him again. As breeders, it’s gratifying to see the puppies from Chev and Reine’s litter so well-loved by their families and performing beautifully in the field.
Walter’s life
Walter’s people wrote, “We’re enjoying everyday with Walter! I am so head over heels over that dog. It’s just so crazy how he’s so sweet, smart, sensitive, a goof ball, and just a lover! I’ve attached some pictures. The boys are becoming such good buds! Now that Gus is feeling much better from his knee surgery they play all the time! The picture of A. and Walter was from last week when she was sick. I was amazed at how sensitive Walter was to how she was feeling and he didn’t leave her side (and usually he doesn’t leave my side!). It was so sweet to see how his mood changed when she wasn’t feeling well.”
Pheasants!
Biff took Finley out today and they came back with a pheasant (above.) We also heard from Kru’s person (Puppy number five from this past summer) and Kru got his first wild bird! ‘Tis the season…
October Saturday morning
October might be the loveliest month of the year, or so it seemed this morning as I walked the backyard (our dog park) with Chev, Finley and Xupe. It was cool, breezy and the colors are just beginning to change. It took quite a few laps through the woods to wear them out, but it didn’t matter because I didn’t want to go inside anyway.
The tough question that Biff faces these days is whether to hunt or fish, as it’s the season for both. Grouse, woodcock and pheasant are all now “open” in Minnesota and the steelhead are running up on the Brule River. We’re packing as much outdoor time in as we can through this sweet season of year.
Grouse hunting
Biff and Chev headed up this morning for grouse. The leaf cover is still pretty thick in our area but there were grouse in those woods and Chev was on point multiple times. Despite missing two grouse, they came home with a bird!
Working with birds
Griz came back out last weekend for a morning of (playful) training. He got to race around with Finley and Xupe before going out for birds. It was amazing to see his natural ability as he moved through the field.
Lovin’ livin’
Here are shots of Axl (just below) and Mavis (bottom), from this past summer’s litter, living the good life in Minnesota with humans who are crazy about them.
News from Kru, Edgar and Croix
Look at the lives these puppies are living! We received photos from three families recently – Kru, Edgar and Croix.
Kru (above) on a trip “up north”
“Kruger’s first time at the cabin… He had a great time playing with his puppy-cousins and exploring the woods and water. He LOVES to swim. Needless to say – he was exhausted on Sunday night and slept 9 hours straight without making a peep. 🙂
T. has been taking him to Gun Club once a week – he did a great job retrieving the birds and guns didn’t bother him a bit. Our friends/neighbors have a German Short-hair and they are turning into best buds.
Kruger is such a little lover – he follows us around the house constantly and insists on sitting on my lap in the morning while he chews his toys. He is such a good, happy puppy, we just love him!
Puppy classes are going really well. He is the most advanced in the group and is also one of the younger ones – we are so proud 😉 He sits, shakes, lays down. He know “leave it”, “let go”, “off” and “come” really well.
Edgar (above) also on a trip “up north” to the cabin
“First and foremost, we are absolutely in love with Edgar. His personality is developing notably every day, as is his curiosity, energy, appetite, and facial scruff. He’s doing well with potty training and crate training, having improved greatly in recent weeks. He’s also had sit, lay down, and stay commands down since week two so now we’re working on some more behavioral training with him.
He’s met several dogs of all ages and sizes and is perfecting his play skills. We also think he has a little crush on the 10 week old Vizsla girl down the street.
Edgar is super chatty and we joke that he is like a goat – he wants to eat everything so we keep a close eye on him as he tries to vacuum the ground every time he is out of the house.”
Croix (above) with his person in Wisconsin… They wrote,
“He’s 26 lbs and just completed a vet check. All is healthy… He’s house broken, knows sit, stay and come. Oh yeh, also can give ‘five’ with his front paw. We are working with him on retrieving with bird feathers. He’s coming along great. And not gun shy either. Smart dog!”