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!