Ivy's 2010 litter

8 1/2 weeks

2010-04-09T22:07:00.002-05:00

Pups are doing great on their crate training. They may get a little wet once in a while but they tend to stay clean. Asia is doing the best over all. She has had a clean dry crate for the last 5 days. Zeus has done the best of the boys. Then Tony. Bauer and Moses are doing well also but they tend to have smaller bladders.

Two of the pups- Gilda and Maddison- are at their new home now. It is really different being down the two pups. You wouldn't think that it would make that much of a difference but it really does. Bauer is to leave this weekend and there is someone coming to look at Zeus on Saturday.

I really like Asia and I think that I am going to keep her. I tell myself NO, I have Cricket but....I really like Asia, not to mention she has picked me. She gets out of her crate and always comes over to me with her whole body wiggling and a happy whine. She is really something else.

Demi is looking for a home. She is being sold with a spay/not for breeding contract. She is a sweet girl. Quiet, a thinker. Melts into you when you hold her. She is quite agile, loves to climb, she plays fetch now for a little while. She really likes the balls. She is going to be a smaller female. Solid, but not real leggy.

Bailey is available. She would be a good performance prospect. VERY ornery. Takes correction well. Loves to tug. She is pretty fast, agile going to be moderate in size. She is put together well. Nice angulation, size. Nice amount of bone without overdoing it.

Tony, he would do great in a stock/performance home. High drive, lots of energy. Seems to be biddable. A very long attention span. Not overly dominant with the other pups but he is not the omega of the bunch either. I really like this guy. He is put together really well. Structurally he is the nicest IMO. Also best color, but I do favor the red merles. :-) Gonna have a nice ear set. He already has a nice head.

Raffi-available....she also would do great in a stock/performance home with someone who knows Aussies. Like Tony, she is not for a first time Aussie owner. I can see her growing up to be an Alpha as she likes to take charge now. She is very outgoing-as are all the pups.

Moses-available, he is a really nice boy. He seems to be a bit laid back until he has a job...he gets to playing and he gives it his all. He is a real sweetheart. He would do well in just about any home. So far he gets along with all dogs/pups. He has respect for the older dogs, he is good with his siblings. Not assertive but not going to be walked on either. I can see the "off" switch in him. He is going to be a lot of fun to work with as he matures.

April 03, 2010

2010-04-03T22:27:00.004-05:00

We had a great day today. They got me up at 4:30 AM...not bad. Slept almost 5 hours. I was a little late getting up. Had one messy crate and three wet ones. Not to bad for their first night sleeping alone.

We found out that brown rice does not digest as easily as white rice...especially Minute Rice. I won't go into how I know just trust me on this. Go white, and go Minute Rice.

The pups had several visitors today. Even different men-which we don't have a lot of around here. They came and sat down on the cement and played with them. Had a couple ladies come play with them too. No kids this weekend but we have a play day next weekend for Saturday and Sunday, so the pups that are here will have some fun.

We also went for a walk out in the pasture today. First time for this big of an outing. I was originally only going to take a couple of the pups but I decided that everything is fenced, and Ebbie is a great babysitter so I let all 10 of them out and away we went. We walked down the hill, played and I got to thinking, "Dang, I wish I would have remembered my camera." So we walked back up the hill and as the pups got a drink I got my camera and back down we went. Boy did they have fun. Running, and discovering.....Sheep POOP!!! Oh yum.

Ebony did a great job babysitting. She is amazing with the pups. She acts all tough and grumpy but she is really just a big marshmallow. All bark no bite. They just followed her where ever she went. It was very cute.

7 1/2 weeks

2010-04-02T20:59:00.003-05:00

Boy have the pups been growing like crazy. Been hard to write here taking care of them and life in general. Anyway, on Tuesday I put the pups on sheep for the first time. All did pretty good. Asia was very impressive. None of the pups were overly shy or scared of them. They all did well going to and from the barn. Even with the wind blowing and tarps flapping they were unflappable. I have pics of the pups up on my facebook account of their time on sheep.

Today we went in our own crates. Yes, we started the crate training. I took two pups at a time to the garage to gather up puppy crates. Everyone did well except Maddison, she was a bit worried. I did coax her and she came but she was the only one that I had to coax everyone else was right with me. I did get them all switched around, the girls are back in their room and I have 10 puppies in the front room and I am listening to Tony scream as everyone else is asleep. They all got a bit stressed after spending a couple hours in their crate and it gave them soft stools so I made turkey and rice and added a bit of puppy food to it. Figure give them something a bit bland today and tomorrow. Everyone is asleep except Tony.....how long can a puppy cry. Almost afraid to go to bed tonight.

Raffi, Moses, Gilda and Tony are all looking for homes. Tony and Raffi need an experienced Aussie person as they are both a bit over the top and assertive. They know what they want and they go for it. Moses is the most laid back pup in the bunch. He is just a really sweet guy. Gilda is a bit on the mellow side too. She is a blast to play with. She can be going wild, you pick her up and she melts on you. Zeus is a great little guy. He is going to be a blast. Demi is a sweety, she is small but boy is she mighty. If someone pics on her she is the one to role them. Pretty funny. Asia is really blossoming, she is becoming a wild missy. She goes crazy in the house. She and Raffi love to run laps around the couch. They go behind it, into the kitchen around the couch and back again. It is so funny. She is a hoot. Bailey is a great pup. She is a bit ornery but she was the first pup to fall asleep in her crate. She is ruthless when she starts grabbing the pants. If she has a hold and lift your leg you will lift her off the ground. Wicked little pup. Maddison is a quiet girl. Sweet and quiet. The kind I like!!

WOW we are 6 weeks old!!

2010-03-24T18:41:00.010-05:00

They are growing like weeds. Personalities are blossoming I can now start to tell what time of homes would be best for each of them.

Maddison, she is spoken for already. Going to a cattle operation in OK. She is a quiet thinker. She is a bit bigger I figure she will be about the same size as her mom when she matures out. She has a nice head, two blue eyes. She is a quiet girl. Doesn't bark much, not a whiner. Very sweet. She is pretty much a middle of the road pup.

Demi-she is available. She has one blue and one brown eye. She is the pup that tends to sit back and watch things. When I come to the pen she tends to sit in the back and wait for a few of the other pups to leave or me to call her over before she leaves her post. She doesn't appear to be overly shy or reserved, but very paitent. Tho' at meal time she is one of the first pups to the bowls. She likes to be brushed and held. LOVES the belly rub. She is the smallest of all the females....almost all the pups but Zeus weighs less. She has a finer build and smaller feet.

Gilda-available. She is going to be a cool pup. She is one of the bigger girls. She has a nice head. She is pretty out going, very friendly. Likes to tug on the pants. A very happy puppy. Personality she is on the upper end of middle. She is learning her sits/downs (as are the rest of them). She is smart as a whip. She would do well in a performance home. She likes to climb up things, investigate new places. Wrestle with the other dogs. She likes to play with the big dogs.

Moses-available. He is a medium size pup. Not going to be as big as Tony, nor as small as Zeus. He is a lot like Maddison personality wise. He is a middle pup, not the one to cause a rucus but won't back down either. He is pretty brave, likes to explore. He can be a bit tentitive at first but once he is comfortable watch out he will run all over the place. Amanda likes him a lot. She spends a lot of time with him and Zeus. Moses does tend to get a wild hair and pick on the small guy.

Raffi-available...she is going to be a handful. She will need someone with Aussie experience. She can be a bit over the top at this age. You will think that she is a little meek thing but trust me it is a con. She is the first to go after pants, shirt sleaves, firngers/hands, shoes/socks. The first to get focused on attacking you and it is hard to refocus her onto something else. She has a pretty long attention span. I really like this pup. She is going to be a handufl but I do think she is going to be fairly biddable. She has a lot of heart and grit, even at this age.

Zeus the Moose-available. I like this pup. He has a huge heart, lots of grit and fight in him. Totally fearless. He gets picked on, sometimes two or three on one and he keeps coming back for more...and he gets even. He can bowl over the big pups without a problem. Yesterday while I was taking pics of the pups he walked to the edge of the couch, looked at me and leaped. Landed on his face. :-) I picked him back up and put him back on the couch this time he walked to where he was across from my leg and tried it again. I caught him this time but it was quite smart of him to figure out that my leg was closer to the couch so not as far to jump to get in my lap. He is the clown, the one that makes you laugh all the time. Does crazy things when he plays with you. He is also the snuggler and loves to come sleep on the couch with you. If I needed another male he would make the grade. He has the BEST personality.

Bailey-spoken for, going to a cattle operation. She is very full of herself. Think of my Cricket in a black suit. Very outgoing. VERY ornery. Very independant. Really nice girl. She is a lot of fun to play with cus she really gets into it and has a fairly long attention span. Loves to tug, if their is a squeak going on it is usually her and a toy. She loves to play the toys.

Bauer-spoken for. He is a fairly calm boy. He is going to be biddable. If he chews on you and you growl at him he stops. He is sensitive to the point that he wants to please but not so sensitive that he pouts. He does something where you praise him he keeps it up. He really wants to be a buddy. He loves to play with the big girls. He gets excited when Mona is out at the same time. I don't know why he picked her to be his buddy but he has. He has two blue eyes also. He reminds me of Skip...has his head and ear set.

Asia....available.....if I needed another female she would be the one I kept. I know that Raffi is the pic but she is going to be special. She has the old soul eyes. She loves me. She is the first one to come to me each time I go to them. If there are other people she still comes to me first. Then she will go so "HI" to the others. In new places she is a bit reserved but once she becomes accustomed to the area she is a wild woman. She is sweet, yet you can see a little orneryness in the eyes. She has a fair attention span. She will play with a toy with you. She likes to wrestle. Loves the belly scratch. Really loves to rest with her head on your shoulder. She loves her Aunty Ruby.

Tony-available. he will need a person who is used to strong willed Aussies. He has an ornery streak the size of TX. He gets focused on you pant leg and NOTHING can get him off the scent. You can hold him and rub his belly...put him down and he goes for your pants. Pick him up start playing with a toy, put him down he goes for your pants. A very focused pup. He knows what he wants and he keeps an eye on the prize. I really like him. He is going to be a handful and a lot of fun with the right person. He would do well in a stock/performance home. He will need a job and someone to keep his mind busy.

Last Saturday the pups had a play date. A couple kids came over and loved, and wrestled and wore them out. The girls had fun, the pups loved the company and extra attention that they recieved. Both girls loved Zeus as he is the smallest pup and easiest to carry around. They spent about an hour with the pups. It is so good for the pups to be around children.

Day 37

2010-03-17T22:05:00.006-05:00

Tony............................................Demi

Zeus.............................................Maddison

The pups are really growing. Personalities are blossoming. I have been putting put them outside for a couple hours a day. The first day most didn't venture to far from the door. By today they are all wandering to every corner. They are getting semi solids three times a day. I just add a little warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes before I give it to them. They do like it.

Raffi..............................Bailey, Maddison and Aunt Mona

Maddison.....................................Aunt Ruby and the gang

Ivy is no longer sleeping with them. If she is with them for more than 30 minutes or so she gets cranky towards them. I don't want her to be ornery towards them after I go to bed so she is away. Then they get their food before her.

Asia and Moses...............................Tony

Demi & Moses............................Bailey

Zeus and Bailey

Day 33

2010-03-13T18:29:00.002-06:00

The pups had a very busy day today. They got to go out of the box to play and explore while the box was being cleaned. That was fun! They also got to see the vacuum today. When they was in the whelping box they got to hear the vacuum but couldn't see it today it was up close and personal. It was really interesting to see how each pup reacted to the vacuum. For the most part their reaction was typical...startled! I was VERY impressed with Asia. She was fearless with it. Followed the vacuum as I sucked up the chips. I even sucked the wood chips off of her feet and legs and it didn't bother her at all. One of the other pups...can't remember who at the moment....also watched intently but left when I lifted it up and started sucking at the x-pen.

The pups had their first play date with a child today. She was 5, they have "Patch" who is from the first cross. The pups-that were awake-enjoyed playing with her, climbing and chewing. Plus it is always good to have little people around them. Good for the kids and the pups.

A few of the pups-Asia, Raffi, Zeus, Tony and Bauer-had their first outing away from their house. They got to go upstairs and visit with Lissy and her friend from school. Lissy said that they did good and didn't pee on her bed. :-) Always a good thing!

They are getting fed three times a day. Eating about 2 1/2-3 cups a feeding. What they don't eat Ivy gets and Ivy likes. I bought chew toys for them yesterday and gave them those to chew on. Raffi and Bailey really got into chewing on the them. I also put some small bones in there that the big dogs have chewed/broken. I was going to throw them out as I felt they was a bit small for the adults but they are perfect size for the pups. I just have to remember to pick them up before I put Ivy in there...she goes for the bones.

Day 31

2010-03-11T21:46:00.006-06:00

Demi................................................Maddison

Growing little weeds they are. Personalities are starting to blossom and grow. The play drive is really showing. They are tugging on toys, squeaking the soft ones. Grabbing pant legs, chewing on my crocs, tugging on my sleeves. Amanda and Alisa help give each pup some one on one in the front room.

Moses................................Gilda

They are doing a great job in there new area. They still piddle on the paper but for the most part they poo in the wood chips. There is one pup who will go on the paper but I haven't figured out who it is yet. They don't do it all the time. Only once since I changed the paper this afternoon. They are so funny when they hear the door jingle. I can go in the room and they look up at me but the latch jingles and they are up and ready to try to escape. LOL Funny little guys. I worked on sits with a few of the puppies. It was funny watching them try to figure out the treats. Sniffing, trying to eat them, the little tails wiggling.

Raffi...............................................Zeus

As for hair, some of the pups are really fluffy...I think that they are going to have a coat more like Skips, and then the others are a little shorter, straighter-more like Ivy and Ebony. They are fat little butterballs.

Bailey...........................................Asia

Tony..................................................Bauer

Day 29

2010-03-09T22:29:00.002-06:00

Hard for me to believe that the pups are almost 30 days old. They sure are growing fast. Redoing their box tomorrow. Taking down the whelping box and putting the other up. A little sooner than planned but, they are really outgrowing the box.

The pups have been weighed and wormed again. They are getting big! Weights are as follow in birth order: Maddison-3.11 1/8#, Demi- 3.7 1/8, Moses- 3.13 1/2, Gilda - 4.5 1/2, Raffi- 4.4 1/8, Zeus- 3.8 1/8 (no longer the smallest puppy!!), Bailey- 4.1 3/4, Bauer- 3.14 1/2, Asia - 4.2 7/8, Tony- 4.0 1/8

Even though Zeus is no longer the lightest puppy he is still the smallest, height wise. He has the short stocky build going on...with huge feet. We won't have to worry about him blowing away. All the pups are learning their names. Some are coming when called. All come to the door when you walk in the room.

Looking forward to spring and letting the puppies go outside. Right now it is to wet and cold. Hopefully in a couple weeks the temps will be better.

Almost 4 wks

2010-03-07T18:46:00.006-06:00

Pups are really growing. Easting soft food twice a day. I am going to raise that tomorrow as Ivy is trying to wean them. I have redone their whelping box. Added wood chips to the back, as that is where they tend to go to the bathroom. I want to get them used to the chips this week then next weekend they move to the bigger box. The 10 little critters have just about outgrown the 4 x 4 whelping box. Their new home will be 4 x 8....a little longer, a little more room.

They are eating about 1 1/2 cups of food, mixed with lots of warm water and some puppy formula. The also have there own bowl of water when out of the box. They seem to like it. Takes them a little while to get used to it. Each time they go to it they act like it is the first time. :-)

They are learning their names. Raffi, Zues, Bailey and Asia will all come when you say their name. The others just come no matter what you say. Personalities are starting to come out. From what I have seen so far....Asia she is the independent one. She will play with toys by herself, do her own thing. She doesn't seem to need the other puppies. She loves being around people, being held. Craves attention. Moses, Bauer, and Tony are all pretty much the same. They like attention, will come when you call. Tony is the most independent of the three. Moses is the thinker. He still looks for ways out of the box. He will watch the other pups try something, fail and then he will go do it differently and succeed. Bauer is pretty middle of the road. Bailey is a smart little booger. She figures things out. She can climb in and out of the box...the others mostly just out. Raffi....she reminds me a lot of Cricket, independent, takes no gruff when the other pick on her. I can tell now she is going to be a hand full...probably why she is my pick and why I am thinking of keeping her. Gilda, she is the lover. She wants to be held, wants to snuggle. Demi and Maddison, they are the whiners. Whine when they are hungry, when cold, when they want held, when they want to play and everyone is sleeping...they are the little ones who cried wolf and finally was ignored (by Ivy). I think this is just a phase they are going through.....it better be!! Zeus, he is a character. Still being bottle fed at least twice a day. Eating 5 ounces each time. He isn't quite big enough to sit on his butt and eat as Ivy is standing like the other pups do. He tries so hard but unless he is in the back he can't latch on. He comes when he is called. He barks at you when you call him "Zeus the Moose!" He is the clown....he reminds me of Mona (off stock), always wanting to make you smile. I really like him. I don't need any boy dogs....but he is going to be a small, really nice boy.

Day 22

2010-03-02T22:02:00.002-06:00

I know it has been a while since I wrote. Hard to keep up with this everyday. Some days it is easy sometimes not so....the pups are really growing. Hard to believe how big they are getting.

Lately, when I have been changing their bedding they have been licking Ivy's bowl and chewing on the sides so today I decided to give them some mush to see what they would do. They went NUTS!! I did take some pictures and a couple short clips. I will get them up tomorrow.

This evening as I was feeding the dogs the puppies woke up and started playing. It was so fun just to stand there and watch them wrestle. Poor little Zeus, he is so much smaller than the others they just bowl him over. He was walking around trying to find a place to go to the bathroom Every time he stopped he would get mauled by a puppy. Being the small guy that he is, he figured out that he could go under the railing and pee and not get picked on as the others are to big to go under it without being on their bellies. He climbed in the corner and all you could see was his fat butt and tail sticking straight out. LOL what a sight to see! He got tired and tried to find a place to sleep and finally decided to go underneath the railing and sleep. He is smarter than he looks!!

A couple days ago I had to put the door to the whelping box up because they kept climbing out. The first was Moses then Asia. The next morning there was six now the door. When I put the door up Moses climbed most of the way around the railing looking for the hole. Couldn't find it so he sat down and howled. Pretty smart that he knew there was a hole to escape and to look for it. I take it down when I clean the box (so I don't trip and fall). He comes up to the entrance and watches me move it and tries to climb out as I am sitting on the floor with a different pup. Smart little booger.

They are sure starting to be fun. The playing, barking, growling. I like this stage. They are figuring things out. Tomorrow I will introduce a couple toys for them to investigate. It amazes me how smart they are when they are this little. The things they figure out and remember-like getting out of the box.

Day 18

2010-02-26T22:49:00.002-06:00

This morning when I dragged my butt out of bed there were 6, yes six, puppies out of the box. Both red merle boys, all the black girls, and Moses. That left the two blue girls, Zeus and Asia's sound asleep in the box. Little boogers they are suppose to wait another week. Oh well, the door to the box is now in place so they stay put for another three weeks.

Zeus is getting so big. He is such a funny little guy. Liss likes holding him as he goes wild looking for the bottle then says "oh well" and settles in for some serious snuggle time. He is getting strong too. Also I know exactly when they need their nails trimmed by him. I do worry about him choking on the bottle he nurses so ferociously sometimes he chokes. He is taking about four ounces three times a day plus what he nurses off of Ivy.

I introduced the squeak toy today. Boy does that get em going. LOL They just go nuts. Running around....well waddling around...barking, growling, making funny noises. Very funny.

17 days

2010-02-25T21:47:00.000-06:00

I do believe that this is the earliest that I have had pups crawling out of the box. This afternoon it was Moses. Heard a lot of crying while I was doing dishes so decided to investigate and Moses was wandering around looking for mom. This evening I heard some whining as I was putting the dogs out/in and peeked in. Tony was out and nursing. Put him back. Silly boys! Guess I will have to dig the door out and put it on. Ivy is going to have to jump a bit -vs- just walking in.

Zeus is continuing to grow about 1 1/2 ounces a day. He sure has big feet. Almost as big as the rest of the boys. He is still half the size of the other pups at the moment but is catching up. They are getting fun to play with. I like walking in there and bang the dog food bowls together. Gets them barking and growling at me. Asia is the big barker of the bunch. They sound so cute. I vacuumed in there today. They wasn't real sure of the nose. Can't wait till they focus better and can see it. The way the room is set up the whelping box pretty much blocked their view so they just got the sound. Lissy has been taking turns bringing pups out to the front room and spending some one on one with them. Bailey was fussing on her lap and I told her she should take her back to the box....she said that it was OK so she got pooped on. LOL. That was good!

16 days

2010-02-24T22:19:00.002-06:00

I have a hard time believing it has been almost 2.5 wks since the pups arrived. Eyes are open, ears are open. I get way to much joy going in there and clapping my hands and making all kinds of ruckus. It is so funny to wake them up and listen to them growl/bark at me. They are acknowledging me when I come into the room. Moses even comes to the front of the box and sits there waiting for me to pick him up. Asia is the licker. She likes to give kisses. I hold the pups up by my face a lot and Asia is the only one who licks you. Doesn't matter who you are she will lick you...Lissy gets it a lot. Bauer is the screamer. He gets so mad when you pick him up which makes me do it that much more. Nice mom hu! Bailey and Raffi aren't as much fun cus they don't squirm when you pick them up and put them on their back, or upside down, or swing them for a bit. Nothing seems to faze them. Zeus, he thinks you are going to feed him so he starts looking for the bottle, or he tries to avoid it depending on if he is hungry or not. Tony is a big mellow boy. Not to much bothers him either. Gilda is in the middle of Bauer and Bailey. Some days she is fine next she will fuss and fight you. The blue girls are also in the middle. Nothing stands out either one way or another. Demi sleeps more than Maddison....don't know what that means.

2 weeks old now

2010-02-22T19:40:00.015-06:00

Today was a milestone for the little guys. 2 weeks old, eyes are mostly open, ears are starting to also. They hear loud sounds. Everynow and then I startle them. I took some really great pics of them.

#1 Maddison (bmf)................. #2 Demi (bmf) .........................#3 Moses (bbm)

#4 Gilda (bbf)..........................#5 Raffi (bbf).............................#6 Zeus (bbm)

Finally, Mr. Zeus the Moose is over a pound he weighed 1.1# today. Very exciting. I was beginning to wonder if he would ever grow. He is such a little fighter. Always fighting and plugging along. Gotta love the little guy! Oh, I LOVE this one of Raffi! How can you not like that face. :-)

#7 Bailey (bbf)........................#8 Bauer (rmm).......................#9 Asia (rbf)

They are getting to where they are fun to be around. Doing some growling, some barking. Really funny when I lay them on their back and they growl at me. What a hoot!!

#10 Tony (rmm)

Day 13

2010-02-21T22:51:00.002-06:00

Most of the eyes are open now. You can see them try to focus on me as I am in the room with them. Today, while changing the bedding in the box Asia-rbf- was sitting on the towel, on the floor, just staring in my direction. I finish laying the bedding down and turn around Asia starts growling and a little bark. Cracked me up. I just laughed at her.

Liss held the pups while I did the toenails. Sure works better with two of us. They all did well. Zeus was the worst....he was hungry and going NUTS! I warmed a bottle while we finished the others nails and let Lissy feed him. She liked that. He was liking the food. Some days he doesn't want the bottle and other times you can tell he is hungry and wanting it. Ivy wasn't really wanting to nurse as much the last two days. I think it was long nails...we will see. Last time she was trying to wean at three wks and I made her go in with them a half dozen times a day. Might be that way this time too.

Day 12

2010-02-20T15:04:00.002-06:00

I know I missed day 11....busy, busy day. They are doing great. Yesterday 6 of them weighed at least 1# 11 ounces. The other three were around 1.4# and then Zeus was a little over 13 ounces. He gained a 1/4 of an ounce since yesterday. He refused the bottle yesterday. I may have gotten an ounce total down him. I was getting frustrated. He again refused both times today. Since he gained, even slightly, I told him I would lay off the bottle and just let him nurse. He is the only one that I will continue with daily weigh ins. Once he gets to 1.6# we will go to twice a week weigh ins. Till we get to the 2# mark then weekly, like with the other guys.

I have been taking turns with them out on the couch with me. Doing some serious snuggling. Some like it more than others. Bailey is fast becoming my favorite. I love her head. My mom wants one so I am trying to lean her that way....have to wait and see what transpires.

Ruby and Red really want to go "help" with the youngsters. Really bad when they start crying. Drives Ivy batty even if they can't get in the room they lay in front of the baby gate and wish from afar. Nice to have such good moms but sometimes they just need to wait their turn or wait for them to get older and mother them then.

10 days....

2010-02-18T22:25:00.002-06:00

Not a lot to talk about....I held a few of the pups out in the front room for a while. one at a time. Ivy got a bit nervous at first then she decided it was OK. It is a lot of fun to just watch them. They get up on all fours and go. Then they run into the pile of pups and snuggle. Zeus is still growing. Almost 12 ounces. He has good sized feet so I am thinking he will be like Cricket and Blue.....the smallest pup who turns into the largest adult. I don't think he will get as big as Moses cus Moses has HUGE feet and a big head. Nicely built little dog. More eyes are slits. I figure by Monday they will all be open.

Day 9

2010-02-17T21:52:00.002-06:00

Finally, Zeus is over birth weight! Ya Zeus! More of the pups are on all four feet now. Becoming more mobile as the hours move forward. I named the puppies today. #1 bmf is Maddison, #2 bmf- Demi, #3 bbm- Moses, #4- bbf - Gilda, #5 bbf- Raffi, #6 bbm- Zues, #7 bbf- Bailey, #8 rmm- Bauer, #9 rbf- Asia, # 10 rmm- Tony A couple of them are named after various people/characters. Some are obvious, others not so. The boys, Bauer and Tony-greatest show on earth! 24. And we all know who Moses and Zeus is. Maddison...Billy Madison...love that movie. :-) Demi and Bailey, I just like those names. Gilda - Wizard of OZ- Raffi....aka Raphi, you know who you are. Asia- that blotch on the top of her head just reminds me of Asia. And, I like the band.

The eyes are starting to open they have little slits. It is exciting, getting close to the "fun" time. I am really looking forward that time. Alisa came and loved on them today. She likes to "torture" them. Rolling them on their back, and holding in her lap she has her favorites already. She also was blowing in there faces. Interesting to watch how they reacted. A couple of them really didn't like it and then some didn't seem to mind it. She would wind them up then hand them to me and I would quiet them down. I know right where to rub to zonk 'em out. Who likes the ears, who like the tummy. They sure are great!

Day 8

2010-02-16T13:11:00.006-06:00

The whole gang.......................the girls

The boys...

Even mom has to eat once in a while..

The little guys are doing great. Growing like weeds. Zeus didn't gain any weight in the last 24 hours, but he didn't loose either. He has been nursing a lot so I let him instead of bottle feeding as often. Going back to bottle feeding a little more often.

The other bbm was on all fours walking blindly around the box until he fell on his sister. Very cute to watch them walk. They are starting to look like little Aussie pups -vs- little fuzzy rats. This is the quietest litter I have ever had or been around. They are so content. Warm, fat little boogers. Ivy is doing great with them. She is starting to come out to the living room for short periods at a time.

Ruby snuck in there while Ivy was out and started to give the pups a bath. Ivy would have been very upset. Ruby, she is wishing they were hers. It is nice having females that are real "mothers" but can also be a pain.

Day 6

2010-02-14T17:26:00.002-06:00

It was a good day today Zeus is over 9 ounces....first time since he was 2 days old. May not seem like much but for me it is an HUGE accomplishment. I really hope that we are over the hump and he continues to gain weight. Everyone else is doing great. Roley poly little guys and gals. Ivy is doing a great job. She is starting to come out to the living room now for a few minutes and a quick head scratch. Most of the time she is either nursing or laying on the floor in the door way.

The stimulus exercises are going well. For the most part they are settling down right away when they are being handled. The rbf is still the loudest but there is something about her that I like. I am getting excited about them getting older so the personalities start shining through.

Day 5

2010-02-13T21:16:00.002-06:00

If nothing else I had a busy day today! The pups got their toenails trimmed today. Squirmy little boogers! It is interesting to see how each reacts to the different situations. The last rmm that was born, was very calm when getting the nails done. He fussed a little at first but settled down and I trimmed the nails very quickly. The red-bi girl on the otherhand faught tooth and nail. She quirmed, she would mouth my hand/finger. She screamed so loudly that Ivy got a little worked up and decided to come see what I was doing. Which didn't help her nose/head right where I needed to see. She didn't care that I scolded her for being in my way, she was bound and determined to see what I was doing.

At weigh in today, 6 of them weighed over a pound. the little boy, I named Zeus, he gained a little today. He gained what he lost yesterday. I bought a new nipple for him and he seems to really like it. Hoping that he will continue to thrive. He was more than willing to nurse off of it and I didn't have to fight with him. Seemed to be a good fit. I sure do hope so. He is still a little over 2 ounces under his birth weight. But he has a little tummy on him now. :-) The other three 2 of them weighed a little over 15 ounces and the third weighed 13 3/4 ounces. Won't be long and 9 will be over a pound...then Zeus will catch them eventually.

We have been doing our stimulus exercises....on the back, head north, head south, different things on their feet. Today, was crinkly tissue. I have a dull toothpick for tomorrow. I just tickle the toes with it. It gives them a little different feeling. Next week we will start the cool towels, warm towels and at the end of the week a little dab of cool water and some warm water.

I set up play dates for the pups and some kids. At 6 wks she will have a three kids from 5-9 coming to socialize. The next weekend they will be back along with their cousins that are 3 1/2 and 5. That will be real good for them. I have some older kids (9-12) coming at 5 wks. Then the usual teenagers will be coming at various times starting next weekend.

Day 4

2010-02-12T11:27:00.002-06:00

It amazes me that the little bbm is still with us. He lost about 1/4 of an ounce. He is to be gaining now not loosing. I am wondering if I am doing right by him.....is he as healthy as the other ones? He is so much smaller and still fairly weak. I give him one on one with mom at least 4 times a day, sometimes more and I am also feeding him. He doesn't find the teats as easily as the other ones...or he just has issues latching on. I don't see anything wrong- such a a cleft palate but. He really fights the bottle. I have tried different size nipples to no avail. I am afraid of aspirating him with a syringe. The Nutri-Cal he takes quite eagerly with the syringe so I know he is hungry. I am just to a loss as what to do with him...nothing and let nature takes it course?? Just continue to do what I am doing and hope for the best? Is he suffering cus he is small? I rarely fusses. He is weak but not so weak that he can't get around, just not as strong as the rest of them.

By tomorrow at least two of the pups will be a pound. They weighed in at 15 7/8 today. That is great to see. the remaining 9 are fat and healthy. Love their little rolly tummies. :-)

Day two

2010-02-10T20:05:00.002-06:00

It has been a very trying day. A little bbm is not doing well. Been bottle feeding, and giving nutri-cal. I'm not sure if he is going to make it. I thought he was a bit better this morning but slowly he has been going down hill. He has lost a little over 2 oz since birth. A bmf lost a little weight to but she is ready and willing to fight for a teat. I have also given her Nutri-Cal a few times a day just to keep her calorie intake where it should be. The last rmm has only gained since he arrived. He is going to be a big boy.

day one

2010-02-09T11:38:00.002-06:00

The little ones are doing well. They were weighed today. Most lost about 1/2-3/4 of an ounce which isn't unusual. I did have one stay the same and two add a little weight. It was all three of the reds....the last three born.

Ivy ate well yesterday but today she isn't wanting to. I think she is a bit sick to the stomach. Some of her breakfast came back this morning. Felt bad for the little girl. She is a a great mom. Doesn't want to leave her brood. Last night before bed, I wanted her to go out one more time. She on the other hand didn't want to leave. I gave her scruff a tug thinking that would get her moving...Not a chance. I had to lift her out of the box and move her out the door. outside she did her business and came back in. She is doing such a great job. Stays on ehr side almost all the time so they can get to the other teats without an issue. I have seen all 10 latched on. That is a good look!

12 hours old

2010-02-08T18:37:00.002-06:00

So far so good. Everyone is doing well, I have to hand feed Ivy to get her to eat which is ok. I am adding lots of water to it so she gets enough fluid. I tried chicken broth but she snubbed it. Might try some beef bullion. They are fairly quiet which is good. Quiet = full and warm. We like them that way. They squirm, and move and mewl but they don't cry.

I forgot how gross the first stool after birthing is. Most of the time the dogs go to their elimination area in the yard...Not Ivy, since I let the other dogs out first I shoveled so when it was her turn and I didn't let her right back in the house after she urinated she decided to go to the bathroom about two feet from the door where I shoveled. :-( I had to bury it so it will freeze so I can get it moved....sigh....she didn't know better, just wanted to be a good dog and back with her kids.

All of them have nice rich colors. I really like the looks of the second blue girl. And I really like the last red merle male. If I needed another male he would be on the short list. As I was wanting a red merle girl not sure if one is staying here. My mom would like a girl. Blue or black. We will see what we have and what fits her best.

10 little ones.

2010-02-08T09:51:00.003-06:00

Okay we have 2-bmf, 3 bbf, 1rbf, 2bmm, and 2 rmm....birth weights are
#1- bmf 12 3/8oz
#2- bmf 10 3/4 oz
#3- bbm 13 3/4 oz
#4- bbf 13 1/8 oz

#5-bbf 12 3/8 oz

#6- bbm 10 5/8 oz

#7- bbf 11 1/4 oz

#8- rrm 12 3/4 oz

#9- rbf 12 3/4 oz

#10- rmm 11 1/4 oz

Mom and little ones are doing fine. Ivy is tired. Everyone is resting, all is quite.

and #9

2010-02-08T06:15:00.003-06:00

I thought we was done...maybe now.
#9- 6:07 am we had a red bi female, full collar-blaze with a red dot in the blaze on the crown. Socks, on the front. Nice looking girl.

#8

2010-02-08T05:58:00.003-06:00

#8- 5:52 almost 90 min. later we have a red merle male, full collar, blaze and socks. I don't feel anymore but I can just feel this one side since she is laying down. I will give her some time then let her go outside and check her out then...and change the bedding once again. I will take some pictures a little later.

and they are arriving

2010-02-08T03:01:00.004-06:00

First is a bmf, full collar, socks and full blaze at 2:56am. And we hurled...nothing like afterbirth and bile to start our journey.
#2- Blue merle female, a little smaller than the first, full collar, and blaze w/socks. solid black left shoulder. (3:06)
#3- big babe, butt first.....black bi boy 3/4 blaze and 3/4 collar, 1/2 sock right, feet back and left front. (3:16) a lot more blood with him. Even the girls got bloody. :-(
#4- 3:36 black-bi girl, she looks just like her dad. :-)
#5- 3:46 black bi girl, full collar with a tiny bit of white on head, full socks in the front feet in the rear.
#6- 3:54 black bi looks just like the last female born...almost identical. kinda weird

She isn't done yet but taking a breather. I got her bedding changed, everyone is nursing. only ones crying is the one she is cleaning at the moment. She is doing a little straining so another might be on the way.
Okay, token black litter again!

#7- 4:28 black bi female, full narrow collar, 3/4 blaze, white full socks in the front.

I am really glad I got the girls but a two or three more merles would have been nice. As long as they are all healthy and strong that is all that matters.

We have drank a little fresh water, I gave her some food she has eaten a few bites. Still straining. I sure would like to see a babe...a red would be nice. (5:36)

#8-

Day 61.....

2010-02-08T02:38:00.003-06:00

We have been in first stage labor for what feels like forever. Most of the day. It is slowly progressing. She has been outside at least a dozen times in the last hour. Not doing anything out there. She wants to have the little ones somewhere else. She tries to leave our box/room. Baby gate is in the doorway to ensure she stays with me. Glad she isn't a jumper or I would have to make sure there was two of them there.
She has started some grunting and groaning. A little half hearted straining. A little quivering has started also..it is 2:45AM now to see when the the ones arrive.

four to go, take two

2010-02-06T22:08:00.003-06:00

Okay, here temperature is back to 99.1 she is a digging fool and refused her dinner. Sometimes I think, she will wait till Tuesday/Wednesday and others-like the way she is nesting tonight-makes me wonder if it won't be the next 24 hours or so. I will be watching the temperature and her other behaviors.

4 days and counting

2010-02-06T15:17:00.003-06:00

Measured Ivy again...she is 31 1/2 and 31. Lots of growth at the waist!! This morning she was 99. 3 and at 5:00 she was 98.4....so are we getting ready or are we fluctuating? She has been doing some denning, some digging in the box. Laying/resting in the corner behind the chair and the couch. She is very quiet. Not even being growly with the other dogs. She also ate two meals so far today. I can't remember the last time she ate two full meals in one day. Let alone them being breakfast and lunch. She is a different little character that's for sure!

Day 57

2010-02-04T15:31:00.003-06:00

Things are changing....been taking her temperature. At noon today she was 98.6, down a half degree. Barely ate anything last night nor this morning. Yesterday her she was 99.0 all day. I am thinking that she will have them a little early. She just acts like it. She goes through bouts of being very uncomfortable, restless, very clingy the she gets comfortable and she is out like a light. She will pant real hard for about 10 min then relax for a half hour to 45 min. Then go again. Going outside about two hours. I haven't noticed any dilation yet. I did take a photo of her stomach all swollen and full of little ones. I don't think she is as large as last time but there is almost a week to go yet.

9 days to go.....

2010-02-01T14:05:00.004-06:00

Ivy's room is already, belly is shaved, bath is completed. We have a waiting game. The babes are very active, moving all the time. Little aliens trying to escape. Measurements have changed. She isn't eating very much...hasn't the whole pregnancy. She has been very finicky. I really hope that changes when the little ones arrive. She has been more clingy the last two days. Not unusual.

Week 7

2010-01-27T20:00:00.003-06:00

Today was the first day that I felt movement. Very exciting!! I wasn't expecting it for a day or two yet. It was cool...they moved around for a good hour. Felt them on both sides. She sure is full of them. I wormed her today. I worm all moms to be 12-14 days before they are due. I feel it makes for a healthier mom and babes. Ivy was very hungry today. Ate everything I gave her and then some. She got a ton of exercise today. Ran around for about an hour with the other dogs. I was overjoyed that she didn't feel the need to get ino the body slamming that everyone else was doing. She just ran huge circles around everyone. Even stayed on her feet on the ice. Sometimes I worry, with the nasty weather we have had, that she isn't getting enough exercise. I toss the ball down the hallway for her and she runs around while I am outside...but still...I want the labor to be as easy as it can be. The more fit she is the easier it will be. She is also starting to bag. Since this is the second go around I am thinking that the milk will fall down a little earlier which is while she has started to bag now.

Let the countdown begin....15 days

2010-01-26T17:39:00.004-06:00

We now have 15 days to go...she is 31 1/2" and 28 1/2" She is getting three meals a day. Not that she is eating that much but she has it if she needs it. Some days she eats really well and the next she will just nibble on it. She is starting to drop now. Mom thought she was a few days ago. I didn't until today. I can now feel her spine all down her back. No longer flat backed. She still is a grumpy gus. But I don't think that will change. I trimmed her toenails, breeches and the the tummy hairs. I will shave her this weekend along with setting her new digs. I am getting really excited now. These last two weeks are my favorite. This is when we can start to feel the babes move. I love that! It always amazes me. The little life's inside. Always has me in awe. I try to count the whelps when they are moving around. See how many I can feel on each side. I have yet to get it right but it still is fun.

Measurments Jan 23,2010

2010-01-23T20:46:00.004-06:00

Ivy has been very "blah" today. She looks miserable. Took her to town today cus she likes to ride but even though she likes to go she still looked miserable. I feel sorry for the ole' girl. Today she is 31 and 28 1/2. A full inch growth in 5 days. And it isn't cus she is eating a lot. She nibbles. She is eating about 1 1/2 c. a day even though I try to feed her more. Giving her some cottage cheese...some days she eats it some days she doesn't. Made her some chicken and rice tonight. She seemed to like it. Which is a good thing. Tomorrow we will try scrambled eggs with cheese. She still likes to run around outside. Not jumping as much-which is a good thing but still fetching the ball and rolling the youngsters.

measurements Jan 19, 2010

2010-01-19T21:23:00.003-06:00

Ok, I measured Ivy to see how much she grows...at the end of the ribs she is 30" at the waist she is 27 1/2". I will check her measurement every few days. This is the first time I have ever measured them so it will be interesting to see how big she gets and how small she will be when it is all done.

Jan 17, 2010

2010-01-17T12:03:00.003-06:00

My daughter came over and was loving on Ivy-she hasn't seen her in about a week-she exclaims "Ivy, your huge!" I had a hard time convincing her that she is due 2/10/2010 at the earliest. Lissy said she is going to have a human baby...to big for dogs. LOL Mom wants a female out of this litter....she would like to get it ready for Nationals-2011. Be about 18 months so do-able. She only wants a black or blue. She doesn't care for red dogs-silly girl! I uploaded a couple new shots of her and her growing girth. I am borrowing my sisters measuring tape to start measuring her....see how big she really gets. I started her on her new food last night. Early but as much as she is growing I thought it would be beneficial to her. I raised it by 1/3 c. twice a day. She still acts like a starving Marvin...I can't raise her exercise to much so I need to be careful with the extra calories. I did her a little cottage cheese. I bought fat free this time. Usually I get her the good stuff...4%. But she needs the calcium and not the fat. She still is a bit on the cranky side. Can't say as I blame her though.

Week 5

2010-01-13T08:44:00.005-06:00

Well, we start week five. No major change since last week. She did get a little sick last night which in a way was quite funny...Not that my dog was sick just the events in which it occurred.
Ruby was laying on the couch snoozing away. Ivy jumps on the couch lays down "bleck" out comes her meal right on Ruby's butt. Ruby's eyes get wide, she jumps off the couch and trots down the hall grumbling. It was hilarious. I then made Ivy go outside and cleaned the mess....brown rice is VERY disgusting to clean....I won't tell you what it made me think of, use the imagination.
Slowly getting ready for things to progress, we switch foods on day 45....start adding the cottage cheese, scrambled eggs w/cheese, and yogurt. Until then we just watch and wait. Going to work some livestock today since it is 50 degrees warmer than this time last week....and we are only in the 20's. It is to get to 36 today...heat wave! Well, that's it for now.

I believe we are with pups

2010-01-10T17:58:00.004-06:00

So, today I get told...."Your dog is starting to look heavy. Not getting enough exercise this winter?" Me....."Either that or it's because she has been bred and due in a month. " them....."OH" She is getting quite full looking.

Ivy's tude...

2010-01-09T13:44:00.003-06:00

I really don't remember Ivy being so crabby last time. I looked through my notes and didn't say anything. But dang, she is a beeatch. Snarly at all the dogs. She did eat her meal last night and this morning which is an improvement. As the norm I am re-reading my books. At least my favorite two that are my constant companions during now till the little boogers leave. "Breeding a Better Litter" and my fav. " Canine Reproduction." My own Bible of litter raising I have a few others I read too but these do not go far. You would think by now I would have them memorized. Each litter is different. Each mom is different, even with different litters. Ivy is snuggly with me...even more than usual but to the other dogs she wants to be left alone and them far, far away.

To me Ivy looks like she is filling out. But is she or is it just me? Time will tell.

Ivy week four

2010-01-08T12:16:00.000-06:00

With Ivy's last litter I thought about doing a blog...keep a record of how she does on line -vs- in a tablet like in days gone by. At the time I was working 60-70 hr weeks, with lambing, chores, the other dogs...and Ruby also bred and due shortly after Ivy I just didn't have the time or the energy. But since none of that is now taking place I have the time...for now. :-)

A little about Ivy. Her registered name is C-Me Ebony Not Ivory. DOB 5-30-05 blue merle w/white trim. She is out of WTCH Rising Suns Qwick Draw RTDcs (rmm) x HTCH WTCH Rocking Z C-Me Ebonys Cross RTDcs, HTDIIsgd, HTDIIIc, HRDIIIsgc, HTADIIIsc (bbb). She is a nice little stockdog. Works wide naturally. Would rather work out in the wide open than in a small trial arena or smaller....not that she isn't good at either but she ex cells with large number flocks and larger areas. As a cow dog, she is a bit weak on the head. She will go to the head and hold the pressure but she LOVES to heel, push and drive. That is her thing. She has a beautiful heel...and will heel any kind of stock. Including ducks which resulted in a "Thank you". But the judge made a comment about how nice and low she gets.

Ivy gets along with some dogs...she wants to be higher in line than she is so she comes across kinda b**chy but that is just her. For the most part she is easy to live with. Loves water, gotta keep her out of the bathroom when you shower or she will join you in the tub. She is very sweet and quite the lover. She adores children, likes women and tolerates men. Which is fine by me.

A couple nights ago I let the girls out for one last run. Ivy is usually first back at the door and if I holler for them she is the first to come...great recall. When called she will stop whatever she is doing and come to me.....anyway, I called everyone but her and Ruby came. Not unusal for Ruby...she comes right away but doesn't hurry. So I called again. Ruby is standing in the driveway just looking at me then towards the barn/kennel/office. I told her to get in here so she came....Ivy again failed to show her self. >grrrr<>

Now for the litter news....Ivy is due on/around Feb 11, 2010. Is she pregnant? I don't know. I think so....she is more clingy that usual. Lately she has not been eating well. Not her normal self. She likes her food and most of the time is a chow hound. I do think she has filled out some. But she is only 4 wks along so it is really hard to tell by looking at her. They say the first litter is the "small" litter. In this case I really hope not...she had 9 the first time around. That is more than enough. I would like 6...4 girls two boys. Now will she do that? that is the million dollar question.

The first time I kept a blue merle girl-Cricket....I would LOVE a solid red or a red merle girl. That is the only one that I would intentionally keep for me. This is a repeat breeding to Skip. Last time there was 6 blues (3 boys, 3 girls) two black boys and a red boy....I would love more reds. But who knows what we will get. Not a lot to update at this time....maybe next week there will be more news if she is bred.