Welcome to The Puppy Papers 2006 - Iza

Follow this link to see all editions of "The Puppy Papers"

Here is where you will find the diary of events leading up to our latest litter and the progress of the resulting puppies.

Start at the bottom as the most recent entries are at the top. Go to the Start.

Puppy Weights

10 August 2006

Day 87 for the new pups who are getting all grown up: Mini is the last of this litter and she will be staying with us. She was looking for Stanley the first day or so. They really liked to play together and the older dogs are like 'sticks in the mud' at times. Mini loves to sit quietly on my lap while I type. She fell asleep on my lap this morning. She is a real doll. She is sleeping with the adult dogs at night. They all cuddle together in a heap and the Mini is the only one that we can tell her parts from the others; all the tri-colours blend together.

8 August 2006

Day 85 for the new pups: The Stock's, Jasper's people, picked up Stanley today. They take amazingly good care of Jasper, so I know that Stanley is in good hands. Heather has expressed an interest in learning more about Junior Handling. I would like to see Stanley in the show ring and Heather would have a lot of fun showing him. In the mean time they will be taking Stanley to the puppy classes and for lots of walks.

Duke's family came to visit Aurora and I while we were in Calgary competing at the AKC dog show this past weekend. Duke is doing very well and has fit himself into the family wonderfully. He is learning quickly and loves everyone ... as Cavaliers do. I love to hear how the pups are doing. I'll be making each pup a web page of their own soon. I'm just waiting for photos. [hint] [hint] [hint]

1 August 2006

Day 78 for the new pups: Jasper went home today. We had a lovely visit and it was great to see him play with his sister Aurora and their Mom Tara and Dad Tannus. Jasper's people have expressed an interest in little Stanley. Their daughter Heather would really like a dog of her own. Jasper has bonded quite closely with Heather's Father Mike. It would be fun for Jasper to have a playmate at home as well. Dogs are pack animals and most do better in a pack of two or more.

30 July 2006

Day 76 for the new pups: The Duke of QuinnCarlin went to his new home today. He is going to be kept very busy with cuddles and loving from the four daughters in the family. They will be monitoring his heart to ensure that there is nothing to worry about. He has lots of energy and has really good gum colour. There are no indications that he is having any type of heart-related symptoms. Duke is a very sweet little boy, very outgoing and just as happy to cuddle as he is to play.

24 July 2006

Day 70 for the new pups: The little boy with the zig zag down his back and the smudge on his cheek has a name! He will be called The Duke of QuinnCarlin (Duke). Duke let me know that he likes his new name, but that it might take him a little while to get used to it.

We have decided that we are running on the little girl and her name will be QuinnCarlin's Mini Pearl (Mini). We are also going to run on the little boy with the black spot on his head. His name will be Stan the Man of QuinnCarlin (Stanley). They both are showing great conformation potential. Thanks Iza and Brooke, you two did a lovely job with these puppies!

The pups, Jasper, Tara, Tannus and Aurora all spent most of the day outside. Sometimes the dogs are just like kids on summer vacation. They were all lazing around the dog's room, complaining about being bored, and not enjoying the sunny outside. So, I put a fresh dish of water and the crew outside and locked the dog door. I have to melt while I work inside, but they don't! ;)

It is sure nice outside now. Yesterday we had the most violent storm that Allan or I can remember. The rain was flowing from the sky in sheets so dense that you couldn't see the trees or the edge of our deck through it. There was intense thunder and lightening as well. I was very pleased that neither the pups nor any of the dogs were overly alarmed by it. As a result, it was quite humid this morning as all the water evaportated, but it is a lot nicer now. At least we now know that the house is unlikely to leak.

23 July 2006

Day 69 for the new pups: Jasper has come to visit for a week. He is Aurora's littermate. Jasper always fits in and makes himself at home. He has grown into quite the handsome young gentleman. He is sporting a summer haircut and is all trimmed up nice. We'll be performing the same operation on Tannus today. The poor little guy has so much hair that he is really uncomfortable in this heat.

The pups all have their appetites back. They didn't each much for about 24 hours after their shots. Thye have fully recovered now.

We received an update on Penny from Donna. You can browse to read how well Penny is doing.

21 July 2006

Day 67 for the new pups: The pups all had their first shots today and had their microchips installed. The Vet said that they were all in really good health.

The little Girl we are going to keep and call her QuinnCarlins Mini Pearl. She is very healthy. She does have a smallish reducible ambilical hernia, but it is nothing that we haven't dealt with before.

The little boy with the black spot is being called Stanley. He is also very healthy and has a small nonreducible amilical hernia. His bite is a little tight, but his permanent teeth may come in OK. We'll have to watch for that. Cavaliers are to have a scissor bite where the front teeth are only slightly more forward than the bottom. This results in a bite where the top and bottom teeth meet each other like the blades of a pair of scissors.

The other little boy with the smudge is also very healthy, but the Vet mentioned that he has a noisy heart. When I asked her what she meant she said that sometimes the heart is constructed in such a way that it makes a noise when the blood flows through it. She also said that it is in no way an indicator of any type of Valve disease. I will recommend to the family, that he goes to, that they have his heart tested by a Canine Cardiologist just before he turns two years old.

20 July 2006

Day 66 for the new pups: Sorry for the break in the story. We have been very busy settling into our new home and starting the renovations. The pups are growing fabulously and they are really enjoying the woods that we have fenced off for them. They have a door that leads into the fenced area and have free access to it during the day. The pups are almost house broken and rarely mess in their x-pen.

The new dog door was an interesting exercise. Tara and Aurora figured it out quite quickly. Tannus and Callie did not like it one bit. It took a day or two for them to start using it. The pups surprised me in that they started tumbling through the door right away. They would jump up and get their little bellies settled centered in the dog door and then scramble until they tipped like a teeter totter and their front feet could touch the deck outside. Now they barrel through the dog door like troopers.

Callie returned to her parents in their new home a couple of weeks ago. We really enjoyed having her stay with us and I think that she liked playing with the other dogs and especially the pups.

Callie's litter brother Cash also stayed with us last week while his people went on vacation. Cash is a funny boy. He would not do his business unless Allan or I took him outside on a leash. It took almost three days before he would potty in the fenced area. Even then, he would go to a far corner. I think he has a 'shy bladder.'

Iza returned to her home about three weeks ago. We had let Debbie take Aurora home with them until Iza could return. They missed the patter of Cavalier feet. Aurora didn't mind being a loaner dog at all. She got to experience all sorts of new things; like a mouse trap (which she got too curious about and almost snapped her nose), a seniors residence, and spending exciting weekends at the lake. Debbie said that Aurora was curious about everything, but stretched out to inspect it like she thought it may bite her. Aurora is definitely a Tomboy but deep inside she is a fraidy cat.

Aurora and I will be attending the AKC Dog Show in Calgary the August long weekend. We are looking forward ot it. It will be Aurora's second show. We will have to start getting her coat clean this weekend. All the dogs get wild rose branches caught in their ears and various and sundry bits of vegetation caught in their feathers. Aurora thinks she is part mole as she digs holes and all you can see are the plumes of dirt erupting behind her. She is in her glory as the land that is fenced is raw and the dogs can dig to their hearts content. Although, I could do without them bringing their treasures back into the house. Bark, sticks and rocks are their favourite booty.

We have been taking photos but I've not had the time to post them. I'll try to get some up this weekend.

12 June 2006

Day 28 for the new pups: The pups are taking to the solid food quite well. They have all slowed in weight gain or rolled back an ounce or two. This should turn around once they get this solid food thing all figured out.

The pups have been moved up to the living room and sleep in the playpen now. We are getting most items moved out to the acreage, so we are all camping in the living room for the next few days, while Allan finishes the dog's room and their outdoor run.

I noticed yesterday that Callie is in heat. She is quite early for one of our girls. Callie is only 8 months old. She is doing very well here with us while her Mommy & Daddy find a new home in Red Deer. Jaime and Jordan will be out to visit her tonight. Callie is looking forward to seeing them and telling them all about her adventures with the other dogs and the pups. Iza is fine with the other dogs being near her pups. She keeps an eye on them but rarely warns any of them to stay away.

Donna has written to let us know how Penny's first night went. Check out Allie's Puppy Papers for the update on Penny.

11 June 2006

Day 27 for the new pups: The pups had their first taste of real food last night. I gave them a chicken neck and little 'Harry Potter' guarded it and would not let the other two near it. So I gave them each their own chicken neck. They wore themselves out licking and nibbling at it. Iza was happy to finish the chicken necks off for them.

Iza is nursing them less and less often now. We started the pups on solid food today. They will get a breakfast each morning until Iza stops feeding them. We will then have them on two full meals a day and a few small snacks.

10 June 2006

Day 26 for the new pups: The pups are making a lot of noise when they are hungry now. Iza seems unconcerned and they are still gaining weight. They are a lot more active now and play actively with each other. Penny played with them for a while before she went to her new home today. Penny was very gentle and gave kisses but when all three came after her she decided that discression is the better part of valour and hopped out of the pen.

This evening I tried the pups with a raw chicken neck. They loved it. In fact the little boy with the lightening bolt down his back made a point of keeping the other two away from 'his' chicken neck. So, I got two more and all is well. They tired themselves out. Theya re mostly licking it and getting very little bits off of the neck. Iza finished the ends up when then pups went to sleep.

Donna's grandson said that he thought the little boy with the lightening mark on his back should be called Harry Potter. What a cure idea that is. Hmmm ... we will see as they grow.

8 June 2006

Day 24 for the new pups: The pups are spending their days upstairs in my office. The other dogs take turns playing with the pups through the mesh of the playpen. They are getting big. I am taking photos, but with trying to finish up some things for clients and preparing to move I haven't had time to get them on the web site. Things will eb a little slow around here for the next couple of weeks.

5 June 2006

Day 21 for the new pups: The pups are exactly three weeks old today. I brought them out of the whelping room for the first time today. They slept and played in the playpen in my office. It was so cute to see Penny play with the pups through the mesh of the playpen exactly like Aurora played with her when Penny was three weeks old. Later I let Penny in the pen with the pups for a few moments. Penny was very gentle and gave little kisses.

Iza asks to be picked up and placed in the playpen when it is time for the pups to be fed. She very efficiently washes them and then feeds them all, then she asks to come out. All the dogs are fascinated by the pups. Tara thinks all puppies are hers like Tannus thinks all stuffies are his.

The pups must be getting sharp claws and teeth as Iza is wanting to feed them while standing up. I'll clip their claws tonight, but can't help with the teeth. We'll start the pups trying solid food in a week or so.

Oh yes! I almost forgot ... Tannus finally got his paws on Penny's stuffed oinking pig. That was at least two weeks ago. He has not let it out of his possession since. He has it in his mouth when he goes potty. It sits safely beside him in his crate when he eats. He sleeps with it under his paws. Tannus will occassionally bring it to me to throw, so that he can fetch it. I don't think I've seen him with another toy since he stole the pig. He is obviously a tad obsessive. He will warn the other dogs off the pig, but knows better than to make a sound if Allan or I take it from him. If he was being aggressive over it we would take it away for good.

There are a number of pretty disgusting ... way beyond reclaimation through laundering ... stuffies that have to go. I'll discard them during the move and hopefully Tannus will not spend the first two weeks looking for his lost stuffies. He knows where each and every one is at any point in time. What a memory that boy has got!

Callie has been a perfect lady. She loves to get cuddles and gets along well with all the other dogs. Callie absolutely LOVES Allan. She follows him around everywhere he goes. Callie is learning "Off". That is the command I use to get the Cavaliers to keep all four paws on the floor and not scratch my legs to pieces. It may be cute when they are little and you only have one pup, but they all need to learn manners. She is also learning, like Penny, to "Sit" and "Wait" for a biscuit after they do their business outside. It is really cute to see them all lined up and sitting patiently awaiting their turn for a cookie. It sure beats the mad scramble, and snapping teeth, that used to happen before we started implementing "Sit" and "Wait."

Callie and Penny have become fine friends. They play very well and are both thrilled to have someone, closer to their size, to play with.

Penny will be going to her new home on Saturday and Aurora is going for a visit to Debbie and Larry in Sherwood Park. Debbie and Larry say their house is too quiet without Iza. Aurora has agreed to be a surregate for Iza until Iza is ready to return home. Iza has never bee away from home so this should be a good experience for her.

4 June 2006

Day 20 for the new pups: Debbie, Larry, Cindy, Esther and Allie all dropped in for a visit on Saturday morning. Larry was responsible for photos and was kind enough to share. Here are some new photos of Iza's pups. The little boy with the brown smudge on his muzzle is the most vocal so far. They seem to have a very gentle temperament just like their Father Brooke. BTW the smudge is from the stuff the Vet used to stop the bleeding when removing dew claws. It is not a Cavalier marking and will wear off ... eventually ... unlike the spot on the shirt I was wearing that day. Oh well, one less item to have to pack and move ;)

Little Calamity Jane from Tara's last litter has come to stay for a few days. She was so happy to see us. I love it when the pups clearly remember us. Callie will be staying with us while her Mom and Dad find new jobs and a place to live in Red Deer.

30 May 2006

Day 15 for the new pups: The little girl is now standing on all fours and trying to walk. She is getting stronger each day as are her brothers. Allan had Penny in the room with the pups today. Penny was totally enthralled with the new puppies. She was quite entrigued when they squeeked at her.

Penny also had a long car ride today. She is a wonderful traveller. We went to the new acreage and walked around for a while. Penny loved the tall grass and all the dandy lions. She looked quite vicious as she pounced on the puffy dandilions and expelled them into the air.

Penny is 9 weeks old today. We will be arranging for her first vaccinations and micro chip, this week. Iza's pups will wait a while yet for theirs.

I am going to be a little late getting postings up over the next couple of weeks. We are renovating before we move into the acreage and there will be lots to do. I will also be without computer for part of that time. I am sure I will go through withdrawal. Just thinking about it is giving me the jitters.

28 May 2006

Day 13 for the new pups: The little boys both have their eyes starting to open today.

25 May 2006

Day 10 for the new pups: The little girl's eyes opened today. The boys still have their eyes tightly shut. They are all getting more dots of black on their noses every day.

23 May 2006

Day 8 for the new pups: Debbie & Larry stopped in to visit Iza last night. They miss her very much and she was thrilled to see them. Iza would have gladly returned home with them. We all thought there might be a big fuss when they left. Iza was very happy to see them, but when she realized that they had to leave without her, she calmly went back to care for her puppies.

The pups are all getting the little black dots on their noses. For those of you who haven't read previous PuppyPapers parti-colour Cavaliers are born with pink noses. At about one week of age they start to get little black dots of pigment on the tips of their noses. It looks exactly like someone pokes their noses with a fine tip black felt pen. Eventually all the dots fill in and they have a beautiful black nose.

22 May 2006

Day 7 for the new pups: The week old pups are all doing very well. They are steadily gaining weight and are fat and twitchy. Iza is a great Mom. She still spends the vast majority of her time with the pups. When she comes outside with the other dogs, she is quick to finish her business and if I am not quick enough to let her back inside with her pups she definitely lets me know about it. Iza has no problem making her wants and needs known. She always stays outside long enough for a few pats and cuddles before she returns to her babies.

The personalities of the pups are starting to show themselves. The little boy with the black zipper pattern on his back is very vocal. He was not impressed at being held tight when we removed his dew claws. He got himself worked into such a state he was literally foaming at the mouth. He got lots of extra cuddles when it was all over. The little girl is very relaxed and calm ... I am waiting for the transformation. All our girls are rough tough little tom boys who are very vocal and let you know what they want in no uncertain terms.

The second little boy with the lovely coat pattern including the black spot on his head (like a Blenheim spot), is more interested in eating than anything else. Not unexpectedly, he is the largest of the brood. He seems a little feistier than the girl at this time, but not as vocal as his brother.

18 May 2006

Day 4 for the new pups: Mom and puppies are doing very well. The pups are eating well and their development is on track. Iza is eating breakfast, lunch and dinner. She has lots of milk for the pups. When we go outside for a potty Iza socializes with the other dogs for a bit, gets some pats and cuddles from her humans and then wants to go right back to her babies. Penny at 7 weeks is drawn to the smell of Mother's milk. She scoots by and attempts a 'run by milking', but Iza is having none of that. Her milk is for her babies. It is really amazing how totally focussed on the pups new moms are. Iza is extremely gentle natured and is a loving mother.

We have an appointment to have their dew claws removed today. I've been taught how to remove the dew claws but I can't bring myself to do something that will hurt them. So ... off to the Vet we go. All three pups have both front and rear dew claws. I remember that Iza had rear dew claws. I think she was the only one in her litter of four with them. Iza's father Tannus also has rear dew claws. It is definitely a characteristic that is inherited. The rear dew claws are vestigal and can get caught on stuff when the dog is playing so it is really important to have them removed. The front dew claws are left on by many people. I like the cleaner line to the foot and less nails to clip. It would be different if they actually used them for something, but the dew claws have no purpose.

The pups are growing fast as you can see from the weight chart above. I'll try to get some more photos today. I've been really busy with Penny (7 weeks old), Iza and the new pups and a programming contract I am currently working on from home. I love that I can have my dogs at my feet while I work. They get to be close to their human and having to get up to let them outside gets me up from the computer and moving a little. I'm really bad for becoming engrossed in the programming that I am doing and not moving for hours. So, it is definately win win.

15 May 2006

Day #62 after first tie: We have Puppies!

Iza woke me this morning with a distinctive yowl as she pushed forth her first pup. She was showing absolutely no signs last night and we were not expecting babies until Tuesday at the earliest. We did an x-ray last Thursday, so we knew to expect three.

Talk about shocked awake! I usually have two or three sleepless nights as the girls go through the first stage of labour. I should have known that Iza would be quick. She does agility and is in absolutely fantastic shape. I also thought that Iza would be more vocal. She definitely 'talks' to you and was quite talkative during her and Brooke's ties. She only yowled during the last push or two, for each pup.

I flew downstairs in time to assist the birth of a beautiful Blenheim girl (7.5 oz) at 7:30 am. This girl presented with her posterior and I had to hold her while Iza pushed her all the way out. I called Iza's co-owner Debbie, just after this pup was born. She wanted to be here for the birth. Debbie lives 1 1/2 hours away.

Iza gave us time to get our act together and delivered her first tri-coloured boy (9.3 oz) at 9:00 am. Head first thankfully! She didn't take long delivering the third pup, another lovely tri boy (7.5 oz), out at 9:30 am, just as Debbie and her daughter arrived to help. This pup was delivered head first as well.

All three pups took longer for the placentas to be presented. It was difficult trying to keep the pups close to Mom's bottom and not pull on the cord. I had to clamp close to the pup and cut the cord carefully.

Everyone is happy, healthy and the pups are twitching like perfectly. All the pups have had at least one feast from Mom and all have round full tummies.

These pups have absolutely beautiful markings. The best broken-up parti-colours that we have produced to date. The father is Tamarindo's Brooke Our Man the Mom is Lady Iza Bella of QuinnCarlin. Iza is the first female of our breeding.

We were hoping for a Blenheim female from this litter. The little girl has lovely markings with a Blenheim Spot. The tri boys also have the spot. I'm, not sure if it is still called a Blenheim spot on a tri colour, but spots they are.

So ... sigh ... everything went remarkably well and once again we have been blessed with wonderful pups.

I'm off to wash my face, brush my teeth and get myself ready for the rest of the day.

The following photos are thanks to Debbie & Cindy Jackson who helped with Mid-woofing duties this morning.

11 April 2006

Day#58 after first tie: Debbie brought Iza to us today. We had the Vet, look her over and take x-rays. Iza has three good size pups. Two are presenting breech. This is a big problem in humans, but not so much in dogs. Sometimes it is a little harder for the mom to deliver them, but often it is no different. There is still time and the pups may turn themselves around. The pups are still high up under Iza's rib cage, which is probably why she is so uncomfortable.

Debbie was raised on a farm, but was always sent back to the house when the animal was giving birth. She always saw before and after, but never a during. We were both thrilled to see the three pups so clearly on the x-rays. Debbie would like to be here when Iza gives birth. I will try to call her when it is close. The trick is calling when birth is close, but not too early and not too late.

Iza hasn't been eating very well for the last while. She did really well tonight and ate a good supper. She is settling in well. Iza is sleeping on one of Debbie's old Sweatshirts. Iza loves to feel close to her human Mom. The photo displayed below was taken May 10^th. It gives a good view of Iza's triplets and how high up under the rib cage they are.

26 April 2006

Day #43 after the first tie: Debbie called the vet today for an appointment and they said that there's not much that they can do at this time. The Vet tech asked Debbie a bunch of questions (about Iza's discharge, dates, etc.) and then their advice was just to keep Iza as quiet as much as possible. (no agility tonight - that's for sure) The Vet Tech did say that it's too early for an x-ray or ultra sound and too late for palpation. Also, she said that Iza sounds pretty normal and her belly could be hanging on the ground by the time she's ready to give birth! Debbie said "I guess it's just really hard for me to watch my normally very active 'baby' so uncomfortable and I just need to chill a bit".

Debbie attached a couple of photos that Larry took, but it's really hard to see her belly, but Iza is definitely not a skinny little girl any more!

24 April 2006

Day #41 after the first tie: Debbie reports that, "Iza is definitely getting much more barrel shaped in the middle - there is no question that something is going on inside of that tummy of hers - and quickly. I've been following along with your 'Signs of pregnancy' (it's actually pinned on the fridge with Iza's matching dates) and this past weekend she graduated to #10 on the list. She has the clear the clear discharge that they talk about. I would also love to get my hands on a stethoscope to hear a heartbeat, but so haven't found anyone with a spare stethoscope. She is eating, although sporadically, and seems very happy other than lacking her usual energy - she isn't interested in the ball for more than about 5 throws. Although she trys to initiate ball play, she just can't seem to follow through for long - she actually seems a little disgusted with herself that she can't play for longer. I was hoping to go to at least one more agility class this Thursday, but I will monitor her energy level and general behavior when we get closer. Last Thursday she ran as if everything was absolutely normal, but she seems to be changing by the day. You really have to wonder if nature has a young mother actually knowing what is happening to her. I don't see that lost look on her face like I do when she is just sick for any other reason - maybe she does know what is going on. I'll keep you posted, and let you know if we manage to 'hear' anything."

13 April 2006

Day #30 after the first tie: Iza, and her people Debbie and Cindy came to visit today. Iza sure feels pregnant to me. She has the thickening under her ribcage and sides. When palpated I can feel little golf balls in her abdomen. (NOTE: Iza is not giving birth to golf balls, the pups 'feel' like golf balls in her tummy.)

Iza's whelping date is May 16th; that is 63 days after her first tie with Brooke. She could be up to three days earlier than that if she ovulated earlier than the first tie. I can't wait to get to use my new Draminksi Ovulation Detector. It will make these calculations much easier and more accurate.

Iza will come to us about May 9th, so that we can get her checked by the Vet and have x-rays done to see how many pups we are looking for. It is going to be a very busy time here at QuinnCarlin.

Iza didn't have morning sickness but Debbie is having some problems getting Iza to eat. Iza even turns up her nose at her favourite ... Chicken Backs! We tried her with some tripe and dried chicken today. She ate them, but might have, simply to keep the other dogs from eating them. Debbie is going to try Iza on some tripe at home. Iza has been eating a couple of spoonfuls of the " Mothers Pudding," but not much more.

Iza is a good weight and in good health so we will continue her agility classes for another week or so. It is activity that she is used to, enjoys and gets lots of benefit from.

17 March 2006

Day #3 after first tie: Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!
Tomorrow we will be picking up Allie and dropping off Iza and Brooke. Debbie is looking forward to spending some time with Iza. Debbie and Larry have missed Iza while she has been with me this week. Iza was with us while they were away a couple weeks ago. They only had her back in Edmonton one week before she came into heat. Debbie and Larry are both welcome to come and stay in our spare room to visit Iza when Iza goes into confinement and while she is nursing her pups. I know they will be down to visit often, as I am sure Esther will be while Allie is with us.

Brooke and Iza tied again this morning. I am seperating them for a while today. They need a little rest. Last night Brooke woke me up because he could smell and hear Iza in the room next door but he couldn't see her. When I moved Brooke into a crate in the room with Iza he was fine and slept through the night.

March 16 2006

Day #2 after first tie: I had to be in town at a client site all morning and part of the afternoon today. Allan was dog sitting and he reports that Iza and Brooke tied twice; once this morning and another time this afternoon. I think they should be pretty much done by now. Tannus was usually up to one a day and liked to skip days. Brooke is a machine, he is like the Energizer Bunny™.

We are arranging to take Iza and Brooke back to Edmonton on Saturday. Debbie said that she would meet us just outside of Edmonton and then take Brooke and drive him back to Joan's in Tofield. Debbie also made me promise that I would not go on the roads if they were icy at all.

Brooke and Iza tied -yet again- tonight. If there are no pups from this breeding something is definately wrong.

March 15 2006

Date of first tie: Brooke and Iza tied for the first time this afternoon. I was not home and Allan helped them out. Allan wants me to report that 'Iza is a screamer'. Iza has always been very vocal, but boy she sure tells a story during this process!

Another tie tonight; they are taking about 20 minutes before they separate. Everything is proceeding well. Joan was not kidding when she said that "Brookie knows what his job is!"

March 13 2006

Brooke and Iza are getting to know one another. Joan warned me that Brooke may not eat well while he is here. He did not eat the first day, but he has been eating his supper, but will not eat his breakfast. Brooke will take and really enjoy, a dried piece of chicken breast in the morning with the rest of the crew. Brooke is a little darling. He is cuddly and loves to play and have his belly rubbed. Allan would love to keep Brooke. He has wiggled his way into our hearts. I'm glad that he will be a member of the family soon. He will make wonderful puppies.

So far Iza and Brooke have been unseparable. They do the 'getting to know you' dance. It is where the two dogs twine necks and the male licks the females face and grooms her. They posture back and forth, both jumping from side to side to posture for position. Brooke has not left Iza's side since he arrived. Iza still chases him away when he sniffs her rear. She is not quite ready yet.

March 11 2006

Larry dropped Iza off at Joan Brascombe's yesterday evening. We tried to drive to Joan's, in Tofield, to pick up the happy couple. Unfortunately, that was the night we taught my Jeep Liberty to 'roll over and play dead'.

It was terrible weather with lots of blowing snow and icy roads. We were heading into Camrose on hwy 13 and the Jeep took a sharp right turn into the ditch and then rolled two and half times, landing on it's roof. It totalled the Jeep. Thankfully we did not involve any other vehicles and there were no major injuries. Our Guardian Angels must truly have called in the Reserves! The Jeep gave it's life to save us. My future daughter in-law Alyson Gayton was in the Jeep with me and we both survived with no major injuries. Mind you my Chripractor and Massage Therapist will be seeing alot of us over the next few months.

Allan then drove us to Camrose, in a rental car, to get what I wanted out of the Jeep. While we were there, the owner of the salvage yard showed us two other vehicles that had rolled on the same stretch of road. It had been a very bad weekend. I took some photos of the wrecked Jeep Liberty as a reminder of how very lucky we both were.

Allan then drove the remainder of the way to Tofield to pick up the happy couple. I am happy to report that it was an uneventful trip. I've had quite enough of that type of drama to last me a lifetime.

Brooke is a lovely boy and so sweet. He was sitting on top of Iza's crate at Joan's and guarding it. Iza was out with the other girls in the kennel. It is almost as if he knows that she is there for him.

The Arranged Marriage of Brooke and Iza

Iza (the beautiful Tri-coloured girl in the photo above) has been bred to a lovely Blenheim boy of Joan Brascombe's Tamarindo kennel. His name is "Tamarindo Brooke Our Man", shown in the photo below. This photo was taken by Debbie, Iza's co-cowner when she went to meet the 'man' that her 'baby' is betrothed to. We are happy to report that Brooke passed the 'Mother-In Law' test. Debbie is excitedly looking forward to her 'grand babies', especially since she will be adopting one of Iza's pups as part of our co-ownership agreement.