Patience...

Ugh, most definitely this is not my strongest virtue...most people would likely describe me as impatient.  But our wait has now begun and there's no rushing mother nature.

We had our second breeding today with Otto and Maisy.  All went great...Otto, what can I say....he has only ONE thing on his mind, ALL the time!  Whew, good things for strong doors.

Marby's Worth the Wait of Muddy Rivers, "Whitley," went in for an early ultrasound yesterday...YA HOO...they saw puppies.  Ultrasounds are not the most accurate for determining litter size but they thought they saw 4.  I co-own Whitley with my friend Deb and this will be a first-time litter for both of them...bully mom and human mom.  Exciting for them!!

Bailey goes in next week for her ultrasound....she's been a very tired girl and we think has had morning sickness.  A good sign, but we'll hopefully confirm the pregnancy next week (Wednesday).  I have a few photos on the website of Bailey and Maisy but if you want to see more you can check out their photo albums on my shutterfly site.

For now it's wait...wait...wait....

Maisy X Otto

Today was their day!!!  We made a trip in to see Dr. Jim for the first artificial insemination. (Maisy ovulated either Sunday or Monday.)  One more breeding on Thursday and then we wait the 63 days....with my calculations, her anticipated due date is Saturday, February 27.  We hope those 900 million swimmers are strong and robust!  go, go, go!

Busted!

Otto teaching Apple bad habit number....??.  Lost count.... 

 

Thank goodness Apple is back to obedience on Monday!

Finally!

The sun is shining!!!   Apple and Otto are making the most of it....soaking it up through the front window.   Finally...we had too much snow!

Opps, I'm standing in their rays...

Random -- This n' That

Great Christmas!! 
I'm enjoying typing this on my new laptop notebook. :))

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Maisy is making another trip in today to see Dr. Jim to determine our best breeding date.  I'm thinking Sunday or Monday.  I can't say enough thanks to Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital--they are closed today but made an appointment for us to run her progesterone numbers.  And, if we need to breed Sunday...Dr. Jim will come to the office for us.  I love my vet and his wonderful staff!!

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We were blessed with the presence of Katy's boyfriend, Will, on Christmas day.  After a tour to Iraq, he's home to Fort Hood and Minnesota to reunite with family, friends, Katy and Henry.  A huge thank you for the service of our soldiers!

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And I have the most awesome family!!

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Everyone enjoys a snow day now and then.

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On a snowy day, what's better than a good puzzle....and look!!  It's of three of my favorite bully puppies....Lucy, Gracie and Apple.  Thank you Gary, Kris, Gracie and Gus for the fabulous gift!  Can't wait to get started!!

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Day Dreaming of Sugar Plums and Puppy Dog Tails

Otto is hoping Santa makes good on his wish to be a daddy!  :)

Merry Christmas! We hope Santa delivers puppies!

We hope all our friends are safe this Christmas.  The winter storm has hit!  We will be venturing out to the vet's office this morning (if it's not closed...ohhh I hope not) to determine if Maisy is ready for date night with Otto.  Should be any day.  XXX our fingers for some healthy Otto/Maisy babies!    ....Christmas...blizzards...makes puppy making a challenge...but where there's a will, there's a way!

Stay safe and enjoy a wonderful Christmas!

Momma, Look at Me!

I did it, I did it!  Wow, I surprised myself....never did I think I could make the jump up into Otto's chair.  But I did, I did!  I couldn't contain my excitement, twirling around on the chair and barking so I could get Momma's attention (she was busy checking out our friend Jen's website Christmas photos).

Even Otto had to come check it out since I was making such a commotion...I still couldn't believe I'd made it! Na-na-na boo boo, I'm in your chair!

Hey, mom, now I can watch you on the computer (and you can watch me to make sure I'm staying out of trouble..hee hee).

BTW, this chair is nasty!  Get it cleaned!

Rest in Peace

Quest

1995-2009

One week, one day.  It took me a bit to be able to post this as it was just too difficult.  Even with a bit of time passing the tears are still flowing.  We miss you Quest.  Hopefully you are chasing birds and running the trails in heaven.

You'll always hold a special place in our hearts.  We will treasure the memories....our first meeting and you snuggling against my legs, it was love at first sight....your fear of the camera flash....your training, drive and enthusiasm for hunting...your trembling at thunderstorms...your desire to please...your complete contentment at being on a lap....your quickness in chasing down rabbits in the yard and then bringing them joyfully inside, ewww...your puppy looking face...the wonderful vacation hikes and your happiness at being in the woods with your family...your tolerance of everybody and everything....but most of all your gentle soul.  You would have given anything for your family.  Thank you for loving us.

Your first day with your new family and canine buddy, Pete.

Our most favorite memories...camping, hiking and just being together.

Jolly Old St. Nicholas

Jeeesh...Mom dragged us to the mall last night to visit Santa.  Okay, okay, we secretly enjoyed it. Who wouldn't?  We got lots of treats for being good.  But the best part....was all the kiddie kisses we got.  Wow, they loved us....well, of course, who wouldn't since we are some pretty cute pooches.  We don't get to see too many little kids at our house and not often do we visit a jolly old man in a red suit.  Momma said it was good for us to get out and see lots of different sights, sounds and people.  And, as always, Mom is right.  We had a blast!!

Now we'll see if Santa delivers on all the chew toys and bones he promised!

~ Henry and Apple

Christmas Cheer

"The mood is right, the 'tree is' up,"
"We're here tonight and that's enough."
"Simply having a wonderful Christmastime."

That's the song that's playing over and over in my head today...with my take on the words.  The question is how long will it stay up and in one piece.  I held my breath last night as Apple stole a toy, ducked BEHIND the tree, and Henry contemplated the best way to get to her and the toy.  "Lord there goes the tree!"

But it's still standing this morning...minus two chewed ornaments.

Mission Accomplished!

Well, Broggie in a box arrived just fine.  Now we just wait.....and wait.....and wait.....until ultrasound in early January. 

Flexibility!!!

Whew, what a day!  It started in one direction and then changed to another.  Plans are fluid so one should always be flexible.  Right?!  But it's not without stress...

However, the news is all exciting. :))  Bailey, per her blood tests, is ovulating!!!  That means we'll hopefully begin mixing up babies soon.  Friday to be exact!  The fluid part....change in stud dogs.  And I'm excited about the new plan!  We will be using Broggie who sired my last litter.  I love everything about the match but most importantly, it's the friendship that I made along the way.  While I have never met Broggie's human mom, Marcela, in person, we have become good friends through our love of our dogs and the bulldog breed.  It's been so great to exchange emails, phone calls, joys, worries and pictures via the internet.  Wow, what did we ever do before the world wide web!  Thank you Marcela...you're the best!!  Hopefully, more Broggie babies...YAY!

So, tomorrow is Broggie's day and, as I said for the last breeding, we can't wait to get our "boy in the box" delivered to us on Friday....he's traveling via Fed Ex all the way from California.  TG, our snow storm has passed and we will hopefully have no delays.

Photos below of Broggie arriving for the last breeding (in May) and a photo taken just this last October.  You're looking good Broggie...  :)

Broggie arriving "overnight" this past May.

And again at the October California Bulldog Specialty.  So handsome!
Kingbrae's Sir Broccan del Mugwash

Letter "P" Day

Today is for all things starting with "P."   :0)

I bought two new jigsaw puzzles to work on.  Love puzzles in the winter!  I find it very relaxing and therapeutic.  Note: I only do the easy 1000 piece ones....no challenge puzzles for me!  And, yea, it's kind of lame and a Grandma thing to do but oh well.  Some people knit while watching TV, I do puzzles.  :)  I happened upon a photo of Otto last year.  Such a goofball!  If I don't tuck my chair in, he'll climb right on top of the puzzle table.  He often considers a leap from the foot stool to the table as well.  So we are always watchful.  You can just see his mind working, "Can I make it? Yea, I think I can."

 
The next "P." We are doing progesterone tests this week on two of my co-owned bulldog girls...Bailey and Whitley.  I think they both will be ready for a breeding this week.  Woo Hoo...super fun as it is first time litters for both the bullly momma's-to-be and their human momma's-to-be.  We are waiting eagerly for the vet clinic to call with blood lab results.  I will raise Bailey's puppies at our home and my good friend Deb will be raising her and Whitley's first litter. 

The third "P" for the day is that Maisy has her bone pillow back.  Ahhhhhh, she is so happy and content!!

And lastly, for the letter "P" day....have a PAWSITIVELY wonderful day!

Some Weekend Snapshots

It's been a pretty quiet weekend so will just post a few photos from Friday evening.  I had to get one in there of Bill since he generally doesn't get in the photo mix.  :)   Henry and I enjoyed a day at the flyball tournament yesterday.  Today we got our Christmas tree.  I guess that means I have to get going and get out all the Christmas stuff.  Do I have to?  Trying to get motivated but it's just not working.  And I haven't bought ONE gift yet.  YIKES!

 

 

LCM CREATIONS -- amazing !

It's great to know talented people!!!!  I just HAVE to share a pencil drawing that my friend Linda made for me.  AWE-mazing!  She custom made notecards from her LCM CREATIONS of three of my puppies.  Lucy, Gracie and Apple!  Adora-bull...

Check out her site for specially, custom designed items or browse her Etsy shop for in-stock items.  She does fantastic work.  THANK YOU, LINDA (((hugs)))!!!  

Click to BROWSE!!!!  LCM CREATIONS.  Notecards, jewelry, specialty items and more!  (She features some other of my favorite four paw pals!)

Fun Weekend Ahead

Henry and I are looking forward to flyball training tonight (woo hoo!) and attending a flyball tournament this weekend. It's been super fun learning a new sport...and good exercise for the both of us! Henry is a quick learner, and with his drive and athleticism, he is doing very well. :)

We do our training at Animal Inn but if you want to check out the tournament it's being held Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 8 a.m. at Twin City Obedience Training Center. Henry and I are attending but not participating...long ways to go before making any runs. Hopefully some day!

One Trip to Nationals...Priceless!

I had to share this candid photo of Bailey at the Bulldog Nationals. LOVE IT!!! She and Randy (her breeder...my friend and mentor) are hanging out waiting for their turn to shine. Lookin' good!

Tis The Season!!!!

No, not the holiday, dazzle kind. A more biological season. :)

Bailey came into heat this weekend, and I know Maisy is not far behind. Maisy should be any day. If all goes as planned it will be a very busy puppy February! Fun...and always stressful. But we are excited.

So this week begins the prosterone testing...which is bloodwork labs to determine ovulation and the optimal breeding dates. The breeding is done artificially so it's all very clinical. I love the anticipation of it all!

I'll keep you posted!

Lazy Weekends

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We are all just hanging out now that the holiday is over. It's a lazy weekend. The best kind!! No Black Friday shopping for us. The dogs on the other hand are looking for some excitement.



We had a friendly solicitor stop by yesterday, selling popcorn....grrrr. As we tried to kindly shoo him away, we had 3 escapees....Maisy, Quest and Apple. I bet our neighbors enjoyed watching us chase everyone down in the front yard. The joys of urban living.

Hope you all have a pawsitively great weekend!

One Broken Lamp Later

Well they finally did it. In the dogs' MAD rush to the window to harass the mailman, down went the floor lamp. Crash! I guess I'll be out shopping soon. Dogs and the mail....I don't get it. This is when I wish we had the mailbox at the end of the driveway. Instead the mail is delivered right into a slot by the living room window. Drives the dogs crazy!! Wonder what the mailman thinks when he comes to our house...poor guy. Although my sympathy only goes so far as I've seen him wave his arms in an effort to rile them up. Maybe he enjoys initiating chaos.

And its not just the mailman. Those darn commercials with the ringing doorbell. I think its all a conspiracy to annoy dog owners. It's definitely working.

Miss Bailey...Looking Pretty

It doesn't happen too often, but today I had the opportunity to show Bailey in the Minneapolis Kennel Club's show in Shakopee. Generally Nancy gets the honor...but today was my day. Yay! Nancy and I co-own Bailey. I must say that Bailey has the BEST home and BEST mom with Nancy. Nancy is wonderful with her. I, or I should say Bailey, was so fortunate to find such an awesome home!

Anyway, Bailey made a nice showing...taking 1st in her class and going Reserve. A'tta girl Bailey. She was a dream to show and was rock solid on her stacks. It's fun to see some of the new faces out there showing and I can't wait to get to know everyone better. I think we could all have some fun! :) Thanks Jen for the ride. Thanks Kim for the photo. Thanks Nancy for loving Bailey.

For an encore...Bailey's is on her way to the Bulldog Nationals in Kansas City. Good luck, Bailey!

(We are little in the photo-but Bailey is first in the line.)

Muddy Rivers Bulldogs

I spent some time yesterday creating a website for my friend, Deb. So much more fun doing this than say...cleaning house! Check it out.

Muddy Rivers Bulldogs

Practice Makes Perfect...

...well, that's what we hope!

Apple, Henry and I have been working on a few exercises. For Henry, it's a simple "push" (jump) over the hurdle and quick turn around back over the hurdle (in preparation for using the flyball box). The weather is crummy but we've brought it into the garage and will work hard today as we have flyball practice tonight. We may just be more observers as we are just getting our feet wet in this sport. Can't wait to really jump in!

Now Apple is preparing for a puppy conformation match the end of the month. For her, we just practicing some simple stand-stays on the table. Ahhh, so simple but such a challenge. She is a stubburn bully puppy, but such a CUTIE!

Well, we are off...lots to do! Have a great day!

Time for Some Venting!

Okay, mom said I could get a chance at some Blog venting today...so "hi" it's me, Maisy. I am one unhappy bulldog. Life is so unfair when you share the house and a couch with a Toller. I'm one trim, active bully but I just can't keep up with Toller brother Henry. Although, I think I can trash talk him better any day! So chalk one up on that score for me!

Well, mom posted earlier that I had gotten this absolutely fantastic toy from Tim, Susie, Eric and Elle. Man, that was one sweet toy! I took it EVERYWHERE...outside, in my crate, and to my favorite spot, the couch. My human family just laughed at me, but I didn't care...it was my fav! Mom said it was getting pretty nasty and was going to need to go in the washing machine today. That was okay with me...it would be nice and fluffy again.

Here's the venting part! #@/!& !!! Mom turned her back for just a few minutes and that darn Toller brother got a hold of my favorite toy. He loves to tease me by taking my toys and then running around the living room, up on the couch and always just out of reach. grrrr...I let him know I'm not happy when he does this (that's the trash talk part!). But this time, by the time mom came back....there was stuffing all over the floor. I think Apple even ate some cuz she was trying to hack something up. I am not happy! Mom thinks she can maybe stitch it back together for me...I sure hope so.

Some day....it'll be pay back time....maybe I can get a hold of one of Henry's favorite tennis balls. Yea, that's it...I like that. Some day Henry...when you're not looking....

Mom, snapped this shot this morning...I'm faking that I'm bored with it all...but really I'm planning my return attack!

New Friends!

The bulldogs were ecstatic to get some company this weekend, especially new friends bearing gifts! Eric and Tim stopped by to get a little bully fix. They are hoping to some day add a Maisy/Otto puppy to their household. And, we hope so too! Thanks Eric and Tim for stopping by...the bullies enjoyed the extra TLC, and of course, everyone enjoyed the new toys. Slobbery bully kisses being sent to Susie and Elle--can't wait to meet you too.

As far as puppies....stay tuned....we hope it's not too far away.

Smiling Otto and Eric

Maisy's new favorite toy.

Just Do It!

I'm reminded of the TV commercials like Nike's Just Do It and the one of the nerdy guy in the doctor's office who starts to dance to the music...with the not so cool looking receptionist looking at him thinking he's hot. hahaha...love that one. Move. Do.

So that's my theme today... Dog. Move. Do!

I've always had a dog in my life. Growing up they were just lap dogs or a farm dog, but we always had one to love and play with. But in those days, we never took advantage of the performance venues available. What a wasted opportunity!

So here's my encouragement today...take a look at your dog, consider his breed and strengths and find a activity that you can enjoy together. The best part...you're doing something together and that just fosters the bond between human and dog. Not to mention it's great fun, maybe a terrific new hobby, chance to meet new people, and some are just darn good exercise for both the 2-legged and 4-legged. Check out the internet for some dog training centers--there are many choices! Maybe it's obedience, agility or how about therapy dog work, or a perhaps a tricks class.

Now some say that a bully isn't that smart--but don't believe that. Otto loves to get in the obedience ring and while he has one Rally obedience title, I'm hoping to start working towards his Rally Advance title. He loves to get out there...maybe just because of the treats, but regardless, he's always at the door waiting to go. Now Maisy is more of a homebody, loves her walks but not so crazy to be in strange, loud environments. Apple just finished puppy class so we are trying to figure out what to do next. I'm thinking puppy agility as that will give her a chance to improve her coordination and it's great for building confidence. There's definitely going to be ongoing obedience in her future. Now Henry is a busy boy, partly because of his sporting breed and versatility. He's doing fabulous in obedience and blew us away with his athleticism for flyball...and then there's his field work and hunting. He alone could fill our schedule with dog activities.

I guess I traded the "Mom Taxi" for the "Dog Taxi." Taking my furry kids to one activity after another. Try it, you'll like it! :-)

Happy Birthday Maisy....almost!

Three years ago we were in search of that perfect little bully girl to join our family. Heaven knows its almost impossible to stop at one bulldog when bully fever hits. And it sure hit us! We absolutely fell in love with Otto and couldn't wait to bring in a sister.

We were excitedly anticipating a puppy from two possible breedings...both of which for one reason or another didn't happen. So I told my bulldog friends to keep watch for another puppy and even gave some "pink" reminders to my bulldog mentor so he wouldn't forget. Well, he most certainly didn't! I remember exactly the day he called on the phone and told me he'd found a little girl that could be a great addition for us with bloodlines that would be a wonderful beginning for our potential breeding program. It was an opportunity that most likely wouldn't present itself again.

So it was without hesitation, and sight unseen, that we dropped everything and made a 22 hour round trip to pick up our little girl. Now, I don't know I'd recommend that as the best way to purchase a puppy, but I trusted my mentor and knew he wouldn't steer me wrong. He most certainly didn't! Our little Maisy, born November 14, has absolutely enriched our lives. What a blessing! So....happy birthday Maisy!! We love you and all your bulldog quirkiness. :)

Prayers to Ft. Hood

Prayers to our military men, women and their families! Ft. Hood is the military base to a very special person in our lives...love and gratitude to you, Will...and the many others.

Give a dog a bone

The life of a dog! We humans dish out mega $$ for entertainment and the venue of enjoyment is different for all. Me, I love to travel (which has been sorely curtailed as our furry pack grows in numbers) and most definitely traveling is expensive. Maybe next year will be the year of a "big" trip! Can't wait! But our canine friends, their tastes are much simpler. Give them a good bone, a plush or squeaky toy, or maybe just a used, empty water bottle...and they are in doggie heaven!

Our dogs our eclectic in their toy tastes....Maisy loves a good plush toy that she can knead and suckle (hmm, psycho analyze that)...Otto leans towards the big meaty bones...Henry will happily destroy a plastic squeaky toy in no time and thrills in playing "catch me if you can" (which is not fair if you're a bulldog!)...Quest, well, he has never been much of a toy connoisseur but loves his momma's lap...and Apple is developing a fondness for the nyla bone--oh, and her all time favorite, my slippers!

Ahhhh, I think they've figured out the key to happiness...simplicity with friends!