Sunday 26th August.
When we moved to the US I decided not to register Ruby with the AKC as there was no reason to do so, when I decided to take another litter from her I obviously had to in order for her puppies to be registrable. I did this about 3 weeks ago thinking I was well within the timeframe of the puppies leaving to go to their new homes as usually It is very efficient. When her document arrived It said that foreign dogs now have to be on the DNA database for litters to be registrable so I applied for the DNA pack and took swabs from Ruby, Raiza because he will be my stud dog and Lela. I fully support the database as It is a sure way of identifying a dogs identity. Sadly there are breeders who are not always truthful about the dog on the pedigree and this is a way of knowing for sure the parentage of the dog. I just hope this does not delay my puppy litter registration.
The puppies continue to do well and are becoming quite independent when they are outside which is most of the time. They will go to the vets next Tuesday and Thursday for their medical.
I behaved like an over anxious mother on Friday, I though Posh had a chest infection. When I went to the puppies first thing as I always do to clean up (not for the faint hearted) and give them their breakfast I noticed that she was coughing and her I thought her chest sounded rattly so at 8 am I made an emergency appt and took her to the vets. I felt a little silly because by the time she arrived she was absolutely fine, temp normal, chest clear and no coughing and we decided that perhaps she choked a little on her breakfast. Still, I would rather be safe than sorry.
I can't believe that some of the puppies will be leaving in about weeks time, It has gone so quickly.
Kasidi has come into season so she will be going to my friend Rachel who has kindly agreed to take her. This will avoid fall out from the boys. I don't know if Lela if will come into season soon, she usualy does, so I will have to decide whether to breed from her or wait until next year.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
Other things
Friday 17th Of August.
Two things happened yesterday which are worth mentioning, firstly Mark accidentally let the pigs out of the paddock, which is no big deal other than they dig up the turf with their rooting and make a terrible mess of the garden and secondly we were woken up in the night by the howling of Coyotes.
We decided to allow Wilbur and Angela our pet pigs to run with chickens and dogs yesterday as they do love the freedom to do as they please. They are used to this in the winter when the ground is frozen as they do less damage to the grass. Last night they settled with the chickens in their shed and again we were happy to let them do this thinking we could could put them back in the paddock this morning.
During the night we were suddenly awakened by the howl of coyotes and believe me they sounded as if they were underneath our bedroom window and I was petrified. To the native upstater maybe the sound of coyotes is pretty much the norm, but in the 2 years that we have been here we have never heard them and we have always put this down to our dogs marking their territory also a reason for our chickens free ranging with no problems. Last night, as I lay in bed listening to the most primitive of dog sounds, I was relieved that Angela and Wilbur were safely locked up with the chickens. They usually have the barn and around 8 acres of pasture within an electric fenced in area but last night I felt nobody was safe from those Coyotes. What was also interesting is , not one of the dogs barked, Mark insists this was because the Coyotes were on our neighbours property and only sounded as If they were beneath us, all I know is i was very frightened.
This morning, as we got ready for our walk with the dogs,the pigs made it quite clear that they wanted to join us. They have accompanied us in the past but they were only babies, now they are fully mature. Wilbur, who, in his maturity looks very much like a wild boar, but so very gentle and loving and Angela who looks more rotund by the day were really quite excited. So we set off for the woods with 5 Ridgebacks and 2 pigs and what a lovely sight it was. Motsi was left behind as I did not want her over doing it on the exercise front as she tends to go mad when she is out with the big dogs.
Mark has updated the site with pics from today and yesterday and as ever the pups are adorable. They are all with their mum as I type on a duvet downstairs, the older ones choosing to be in the utility room.
Two things happened yesterday which are worth mentioning, firstly Mark accidentally let the pigs out of the paddock, which is no big deal other than they dig up the turf with their rooting and make a terrible mess of the garden and secondly we were woken up in the night by the howling of Coyotes.
We decided to allow Wilbur and Angela our pet pigs to run with chickens and dogs yesterday as they do love the freedom to do as they please. They are used to this in the winter when the ground is frozen as they do less damage to the grass. Last night they settled with the chickens in their shed and again we were happy to let them do this thinking we could could put them back in the paddock this morning.
During the night we were suddenly awakened by the howl of coyotes and believe me they sounded as if they were underneath our bedroom window and I was petrified. To the native upstater maybe the sound of coyotes is pretty much the norm, but in the 2 years that we have been here we have never heard them and we have always put this down to our dogs marking their territory also a reason for our chickens free ranging with no problems. Last night, as I lay in bed listening to the most primitive of dog sounds, I was relieved that Angela and Wilbur were safely locked up with the chickens. They usually have the barn and around 8 acres of pasture within an electric fenced in area but last night I felt nobody was safe from those Coyotes. What was also interesting is , not one of the dogs barked, Mark insists this was because the Coyotes were on our neighbours property and only sounded as If they were beneath us, all I know is i was very frightened.
This morning, as we got ready for our walk with the dogs,the pigs made it quite clear that they wanted to join us. They have accompanied us in the past but they were only babies, now they are fully mature. Wilbur, who, in his maturity looks very much like a wild boar, but so very gentle and loving and Angela who looks more rotund by the day were really quite excited. So we set off for the woods with 5 Ridgebacks and 2 pigs and what a lovely sight it was. Motsi was left behind as I did not want her over doing it on the exercise front as she tends to go mad when she is out with the big dogs.
Mark has updated the site with pics from today and yesterday and as ever the pups are adorable. They are all with their mum as I type on a duvet downstairs, the older ones choosing to be in the utility room.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Ruby
Monday 13th Of August.
Ruby has recovered remarkably well, there is no lumpiness at all and she continues to give the puppies a day and night time feed. She loves It when we go in and play with her puppies, infact she gets really excited.
The puppies remind us of those little wind up dogs, they are big bellies on little legs at the moment. One of my fears has been that when they are in the garden, one of the chickens will come up and peck them. well, I can lay that fear to rest as this afternoon Ronaldo chased one of them and seemed to be very much in control. He is the most adventurous out of all of the puppies at this time but they are all so incredibly sweet.
My friend Rachel adores kasidi and since my visit to England a couple of months ago when Rachel looked after her, she has, from time to time, taken Kasidi away for a couple of days for a 'little holiday" Kasidi is always very happy to go and enjoys the one to one attention but she is also very happy to come back home. She also goes to work with Rachel to her picture framing shop in Delhi and Kasidi is always a big hit with the customers who quite simply, love her. I am pleased that Kasidi is able to show herself to be a wonderful example of the breed to the many customers who frequent Rachels shop.
Tomorrow will be another day of worming, nail clipping and hopefully photos for the website.
Ruby has recovered remarkably well, there is no lumpiness at all and she continues to give the puppies a day and night time feed. She loves It when we go in and play with her puppies, infact she gets really excited.
The puppies remind us of those little wind up dogs, they are big bellies on little legs at the moment. One of my fears has been that when they are in the garden, one of the chickens will come up and peck them. well, I can lay that fear to rest as this afternoon Ronaldo chased one of them and seemed to be very much in control. He is the most adventurous out of all of the puppies at this time but they are all so incredibly sweet.
My friend Rachel adores kasidi and since my visit to England a couple of months ago when Rachel looked after her, she has, from time to time, taken Kasidi away for a couple of days for a 'little holiday" Kasidi is always very happy to go and enjoys the one to one attention but she is also very happy to come back home. She also goes to work with Rachel to her picture framing shop in Delhi and Kasidi is always a big hit with the customers who quite simply, love her. I am pleased that Kasidi is able to show herself to be a wonderful example of the breed to the many customers who frequent Rachels shop.
Tomorrow will be another day of worming, nail clipping and hopefully photos for the website.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Ruby
Friday 10th Of August.
I managed to get ruby in to the vets for 10.30 this morning which was a relief and yes she has mastitis. The doctor prescribed Clavamox 5oomg twice daily for 2 weeks and I am to put warm towels on the affected area 3 times day to encourage the removal of pus. She did not have a temperature and overall is not sick so hopefully we have caught this just in time. She is now back with her pups who are relieving the pressure from her swollen milk glands. I am gradually weaning them off of Ruby who up till now has done a superb job with her pups.
The puppies will not be able to go outside today as we are forecast rain all day, which is a shame as they are much better off outside. All of the dogs were wet through after there walk this morning so It is rather "pongy" in my mud room and utility room.
I am confident that Ruby will be ok, I was a little panicked last night, but the fact her temperature is normal ,is, I think, a good sign.
I managed to get ruby in to the vets for 10.30 this morning which was a relief and yes she has mastitis. The doctor prescribed Clavamox 5oomg twice daily for 2 weeks and I am to put warm towels on the affected area 3 times day to encourage the removal of pus. She did not have a temperature and overall is not sick so hopefully we have caught this just in time. She is now back with her pups who are relieving the pressure from her swollen milk glands. I am gradually weaning them off of Ruby who up till now has done a superb job with her pups.
The puppies will not be able to go outside today as we are forecast rain all day, which is a shame as they are much better off outside. All of the dogs were wet through after there walk this morning so It is rather "pongy" in my mud room and utility room.
I am confident that Ruby will be ok, I was a little panicked last night, but the fact her temperature is normal ,is, I think, a good sign.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Ruby
Thursday 8th Of August.
Tonight I noticed that one of Ruby's teats looked swollen, on closer inspection I can say with certainty she has an infective mastitis. Already an opening is developing and I was able to squeeze out pus. Fortunately I have clavamox in the cupboard so I gave her 500mg and I will get her into the vets as an emergency in the morning. I don't know if this would be the antibiotic of choice but It is a broad spectrum anti biotic and I felt she had to be started on something.
This time last year I spent time reassuring my friend and Kasidi's breeder Liz, who was very distressed when her bitch developed an infective masititis and it definitely got worse before it got better. The temptation to let Ruby sleep with other dogs tonight was very strong but she has to keep feeding, I remember Liz being told this by her vet in England.
Ruby has given me no indication that she was developing a problem and I just hope for her sake we can get it sorted quickly. Maybe if she was a little more complaining and me a little more attentive, we could have prevented this.
Tonight I noticed that one of Ruby's teats looked swollen, on closer inspection I can say with certainty she has an infective mastitis. Already an opening is developing and I was able to squeeze out pus. Fortunately I have clavamox in the cupboard so I gave her 500mg and I will get her into the vets as an emergency in the morning. I don't know if this would be the antibiotic of choice but It is a broad spectrum anti biotic and I felt she had to be started on something.
This time last year I spent time reassuring my friend and Kasidi's breeder Liz, who was very distressed when her bitch developed an infective masititis and it definitely got worse before it got better. The temptation to let Ruby sleep with other dogs tonight was very strong but she has to keep feeding, I remember Liz being told this by her vet in England.
Ruby has given me no indication that she was developing a problem and I just hope for her sake we can get it sorted quickly. Maybe if she was a little more complaining and me a little more attentive, we could have prevented this.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Ruby's Puppies
Wednesday 8 th Of August.
Yesterday and today I put the puppies outside in a fenced area mainly to escape the fly's as they are driving us all crazy. At least outside the constant breeze seems to keep them away from the puppies.
I cut the pups nails again yesterday as they had very quickly become little razors, I like to think It will get them used to having their nails cut but sadly in my case and as far as my dogs are concerned this one little grooming measure has become a nightmare and I know I am the one to blame. Kasidi will howl out at the sight of a pair of nail clippers before they get anywhere near her toes. So please prospective puppy owners get into a routine of getting your dogs nails cut preferably on a weekly basis, even if they do not need it, just touch the nails with clippers and then reward with a treat.
We have those screens up at the doors to keep out the bugs, last year Raiza damaged one of them as he was always whining to come in but the other day he went one better, he just took a run and barged right through, so now we have a screen with huge tear in it that lets all of the bugs in. Raiza has never been very subtle.
The puppies could be independent of Ruby now if Ruby wished as they are very adept at eating and drinking. It is lovely to see them outside in the fresh air with the big dogs guarding them, something very novel for me as I am used to winter puppies and cleaning up is so much easier.
Yesterday and today I put the puppies outside in a fenced area mainly to escape the fly's as they are driving us all crazy. At least outside the constant breeze seems to keep them away from the puppies.
I cut the pups nails again yesterday as they had very quickly become little razors, I like to think It will get them used to having their nails cut but sadly in my case and as far as my dogs are concerned this one little grooming measure has become a nightmare and I know I am the one to blame. Kasidi will howl out at the sight of a pair of nail clippers before they get anywhere near her toes. So please prospective puppy owners get into a routine of getting your dogs nails cut preferably on a weekly basis, even if they do not need it, just touch the nails with clippers and then reward with a treat.
We have those screens up at the doors to keep out the bugs, last year Raiza damaged one of them as he was always whining to come in but the other day he went one better, he just took a run and barged right through, so now we have a screen with huge tear in it that lets all of the bugs in. Raiza has never been very subtle.
The puppies could be independent of Ruby now if Ruby wished as they are very adept at eating and drinking. It is lovely to see them outside in the fresh air with the big dogs guarding them, something very novel for me as I am used to winter puppies and cleaning up is so much easier.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Ruby's Puppies
Monday 6th of August.
When the puppies were born, Ronaldo appeared to have a perfect ridge, we then decided he had a crown missing, making 2 pet puppies in the litter. Today Olivia was changing their collars and noticed that he does infact have 2 crowns, albeit small ones so we have 8 pups with perfect ridges.
Within a day of introducing solids they were receiving 3 meals a day, a combination of raw beef mince and puppy kibble and they consume It with relish. They are also lapping easily, both water and milk ,so Ruby can now ease off on the feeding ,which suits her, as her interest is waning ,as I knew It would.
The puppies are up on their feet now and playing with one another while they are awake, they are also showing all of the characteristics of little dogs ie, scratching themselves like dogs do.
The weather has cooled off which is a blessing as It was too hot last week.
I have not weighed the puppies but they are all plonking on the weight and some of the boys are looking really big, but experience has taught me that they will all even out in size over the next couple of weeks as genetics determines their ultimate size not who is most adept at getting to the milk.
When the puppies were born, Ronaldo appeared to have a perfect ridge, we then decided he had a crown missing, making 2 pet puppies in the litter. Today Olivia was changing their collars and noticed that he does infact have 2 crowns, albeit small ones so we have 8 pups with perfect ridges.
Within a day of introducing solids they were receiving 3 meals a day, a combination of raw beef mince and puppy kibble and they consume It with relish. They are also lapping easily, both water and milk ,so Ruby can now ease off on the feeding ,which suits her, as her interest is waning ,as I knew It would.
The puppies are up on their feet now and playing with one another while they are awake, they are also showing all of the characteristics of little dogs ie, scratching themselves like dogs do.
The weather has cooled off which is a blessing as It was too hot last week.
I have not weighed the puppies but they are all plonking on the weight and some of the boys are looking really big, but experience has taught me that they will all even out in size over the next couple of weeks as genetics determines their ultimate size not who is most adept at getting to the milk.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Ruby's Puppies
Wednesday 1st August.
A huge apology for the pause but we have been experiencing major problems with our internet connection which is woeful at the best of times.
The puppies have entered that new phase where they are much more aware and respond to verbal and visual stimulation. They are so funny, they attempt to play with one another but fall over as they do not have the strength in their little bodies to support themselves for long.
My main concern is keeping them cool as we are having very hot ( for us anyway ) weather and tomorrow is going to be around 90 also.
When he was 15 days old we caught sight of Beckham leaning into Ruby's food bowl eating the remains of her dinner, so today I went out and bought puppy kibble, ground beef and milk replacer and tomorrow will be the day when they are introduced to raw meat.
I have been keeping their nails trimmed as they very quickly become extremely sharp and I will worm them for the first time tomorrow.
Motsi would spend all of her time in the whelping box if I allowed It. It is amazing to see this overwhelming desire to nurture even though she is a puppy herself. Ruby has been very good and If I know ruby like I think I do she will be very happy to hand over the responsibility of her puppies to someone else once they show signs of independence. Kasidi on the other hand is a little more wary of the young puppies but is wonderful as they become a little older.
Raiza shows very little interest in the puppies, whereas there was a time , when he was a youngster, when he too was very enthusiastic to muck in and help.
It is strange how things turn out, we had 6 boys in this litter and most of my enquiry's have been for boys. Just as well really.
A huge apology for the pause but we have been experiencing major problems with our internet connection which is woeful at the best of times.
The puppies have entered that new phase where they are much more aware and respond to verbal and visual stimulation. They are so funny, they attempt to play with one another but fall over as they do not have the strength in their little bodies to support themselves for long.
My main concern is keeping them cool as we are having very hot ( for us anyway ) weather and tomorrow is going to be around 90 also.
When he was 15 days old we caught sight of Beckham leaning into Ruby's food bowl eating the remains of her dinner, so today I went out and bought puppy kibble, ground beef and milk replacer and tomorrow will be the day when they are introduced to raw meat.
I have been keeping their nails trimmed as they very quickly become extremely sharp and I will worm them for the first time tomorrow.
Motsi would spend all of her time in the whelping box if I allowed It. It is amazing to see this overwhelming desire to nurture even though she is a puppy herself. Ruby has been very good and If I know ruby like I think I do she will be very happy to hand over the responsibility of her puppies to someone else once they show signs of independence. Kasidi on the other hand is a little more wary of the young puppies but is wonderful as they become a little older.
Raiza shows very little interest in the puppies, whereas there was a time , when he was a youngster, when he too was very enthusiastic to muck in and help.
It is strange how things turn out, we had 6 boys in this litter and most of my enquiry's have been for boys. Just as well really.
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