Creekside Puppy Blog

See You Next Time!

2010-06-07T07:11:00.009-04:00

The puppies have all gone to their new homes! All seem to be settling in just fine in their new homes. Follow their agility and sheepdoggin' careers on the Creekside Border Collies website.

Puppy #1 (Creekside Expo) with his housemate, Finn.

Puppy #2 (Creekside Freya) getting a bath from Val in the Creekside dog room sink before she heads off to Michigan with Uncle Jus and housemates Becky and Ray.

Puppy #3 (Creekside Zen) settling in nicely with housemate Zephyr.

Puppy #4 (Creekside VanGo "Vince") is enjoying life near Montreal with housemates Fellow and Finni.

Puppy #5 (Creekside Chase) is shown in the previous post with Nancy and has settled in wonderfully with his new housemate, Lilly.

Puppy #6 (Creekside Tilly) is settled into her new home with Lynn and her daddy Chip.

Well this brings another puppy blog to an end....I will miss the little puppers, but am happy to see them all getting on in their new homes. See you in 2011 or 2012!!

Catch up posts!

2010-06-06T14:39:00.010-04:00

The traditional "Last Day at Creekside" video....Except it wasn't everyone's last day, and Puppy#5 had already gone to his new home.

Puppy #5 "Creekside Chase" at 7.5 weeks old with his new furmom, Nancy.

Please excuse the shaky camera...Very difficult to walk and shoot video with puppies underfoot!

(Music by Beirut)

The Fun Uncle

2010-05-29T07:02:00.006-04:00

Creekside Click is the Fun Uncle

(all photos by Grace Smith)

Creekside Remy...The Indifferent Uncle :)

Tap...You don't need to anymore.....

Oh! Stop the cuteness!

And then there were five...

2010-05-27T14:01:00.009-04:00

Sorry for my sad lack of posts! I have an excuse! We hosted 6 days of Kevin Evans clinics and lessons at our farm, and I just took him to the airport yesterday. Now I am playing catch up!

In a nutshell, the puppies are now almost 8 weeks and it's time to fly the nest! In the last couple of weeks, they have:

Slept all night in individual crates (well, not sure about the actual sleeping part!)
Met LOADS of different people
Met their uncles' Click and Remy (Grace was here last weekend with Click, Remy and her camera in tow....Her beautiful puppy shots are up on facebook.
Been to the vet for check ups and microchipping - all fine and healthy!

Today, #5 has gone home with his new owner, Nancy to live on 150 acres near Plattsburgh, NY where he will be learning agility. He was very sleepy when she loaded him into his traveling crate so I hope he sleeps soundly until they get home!

All of the following photos were taken by Grace Smith.

#1 will be leaving next Tuesday to live with John and family (also near Plattsburgh) and be a little bro' to Border Collie Finn.

#2 now known as "Creekside Freya" will be going to live in Michigan with Val and Eric and uncle Jus, along with housemates Becky and Ray. Freya will be learning agility.

#3 will be leaving next Sunday to live in Niagara with Erin and family, and BC housemate Zephyr, where she will be learning agility.

"Creekside VanGo" (aka "Vince") will be living near Montreal with Ann and family to join their BC housemates in herding and agility fun!

Here's more of #5...He reminds me so much of Click as a pup, but less wild :)

#6 will be living in Maine with Lynn and daddy Chip and several BC housemates where she will hopefully learn to be a great sheepdog.

( Sorry, #6 got "stolen" during the clinic and taken down to watch the sheep, so not a lot of pics of her!)

My vet, Dre. Anne-Marie Gagnon and Vince:

I will try and do the "traditional" last day video...But so many chores to do! Congrats to all the new puppy parents!

Ruh Roh!

2010-05-17T20:47:00.004-04:00

Crate training has begun....Tonight - for a couple of hours only. Oh the horror!

Lots of screaming for about 10 minutes, then all settled!

Six weeks old!

2010-05-16T21:44:00.005-04:00

Time flies when you're having fun...Or something. No, really...I have been thoroughly enjoying the pups, despite the work!

Yesterday, a friend of mine with a lot of knowledge and experience came over to evaluate the puppies' structure. Because they are all going to working or performance homes, it is always nice to know what you have to work with physically.

Here is what she said (in evaluation order):

Vince: Bite is fine! (despite appearing a teensy bit skewed); slightly more angulation in hindquarters than in front; tiny bit Easty Westy (feet) in front (NOTE: for running this is not a bad thing - easier on dog than toes in); lovely straight croup. Nothing extreme, square appearance.

#2: Tiny bit Easty Westy on right forefoot, nothing extreme (ie, most people won't notice when she's an adult, and it *may* straighten in the next couple of weeks); Balanced front and back angulation, not straight, not overangled; lovely short hocks; slightly longer back (all through ribs, loin is nice and short) and is in proportion to her long legs, neck slightly shorter than Vince's. Husky girl - broad through chest. (I asked her to "nitpick" #2, so don't be alarmed! #2 looks the "most different" of all the pups, with her shorter coat and longer back and legs - that was why)

#1: Squarer than #2, good moderate angles in front and rear. Lovely front. Tiny bit shorter in neck than Vince, but not too short. Sweet, soft expression.

#5: Nice square appearance; slightly more angulation in front and rear than #1, but well balanced; again the shorter neck (a family trait?) but not extreme.

#3: Nice and square; slightly more angulated in rear than front but not extreme (Note: Think Fen :); neck is longer than #2, #5 and #1; slighter appearance, more feminine, but still nice bone.

#6: shorter back; slightly longer in the hocks than the others; well-balanced; neck is good length; "the nicest structure overall".

Conclusion: Nothing extreme in any of the pups, shorter neck in some of them, lots of bone and room for lungs, heart etc.

And now for this weekend's video. Sorry for the start, I was sitting in the screen porch (it was cold and windy) watching the pups and lambs, and grabbed my camera to film Fen and #3...

Nursing Home Visit

2010-05-11T21:04:00.009-04:00

Today the pups went on their first car ride down to the village of North Hatley to the Connaught Home. I must say what a pleasure these pups were to travel with. Not a peep, no mess...

They were a little nervous in the new surroundings at first, what with all the beeping, call alarms etc., but they have yet to meet a stranger! They rode the elevator and visited the residents on all floors, including the Alzheimer's unit. You may recognize a few faces from the last litter's visit!

#1 and Mrs. Beaulieu

#2

#1

Vince

Sorry for missing #6 and #3...We split into two groups and I had the camera! But both girls were apparently well received and one resident even asked if she could keep them - BOTH of them!

After a busy afternoon (with only ONE accident, which I quickly cleaned with my Benefect spray) the pups all pottied like big kids out on the front lawn, watching the big cement trucks grumble by on their way to the construction site. Vince was on a mission - determined to cross the parking lot and we had to trot after him on several occasions!

"It's hot in here!"

There's #3!

Puppies on the prowl....

Pooped puppies loaded for the short ride home.

Many thanks to Tabby, Joy and staff of the home for arranging this wonderful visit!

Time for you all to say "Awwwwwwww..."

2010-05-08T13:28:00.008-04:00

#5 and Gem

The next three are of Puppy #1...

And here are three of Puppy #2...

Next are, you guessed it...Puppy #3 - reminds me a bit of puppy Cait (2004 Pat x Glen)

And Vince!

Sweet little man #5...

"I haz Coz!"

And the beauty...#6

All the pups are doing well - eating with gusto and still enjoying the milk bar (drive thru version). Yesterday was the first day they followed me and the other dogs out for morning potty. Good puppies all went outside like big kids! They are beginning to follow me around more so I think by next week they will be able to cross the bridge to walk up the field a little ways! I will definitely get video of that!!!

I am beginning to match pups with their people in my head..Of course they change from day to day at this age but I have a pretty good idea...No! Not telling! But curious to see whether anybody really gives a hoot about puppy testing at 7 weeks. It has been my experience that the tests only confirm my thoughts and honestly, these pups don't bat an eyelash at much! They've met chickens, sheep, lambs, adult dogs (ours only so far), cats, lots of people (kids and nursing home visit next week)...Heard/saw the tractor, chainsaw and every machine that functions around the farm and house. I've vacuumed around their little toes....They've been handled and manhandled...I've handled them while they're eating.

Puppy testing is a great idea for a litter of pups that may not have seen the light of day until 8 weeks, or for family pet homes....But you all are experienced dog owners. So, what do you think? Happy to do it...You'll just wait longer to know!!!! I bet you all had yours picked since day 1 anyway, right? :)

Personalities beginning to show!

2010-05-05T20:19:00.005-04:00

Hard to believe we're supposed to get SNOW this weekend! The weather has been beautiful and the pups have been spending their entire days outdoors where they have been listening to the sounds of the tractor, lawn mower, sheep, chickens, chainsaw and sledgehammer. They are a non plussed bunch, with Vince being the boldest of all - often going to explore where no puppy has gone before...Like to visit the chickens at the coop, where they were not thrilled to see him! My chickens are very tame and nice and after some agitated squawking, Vince decided that there were better places to visit.

The pups are learning about who is crabby and who is not and are learning to read the doggy language of their elders. Fen, Spur and of course, mommy Tap are the best teachers! Blaze takes no notice until they are old enough to carry a ball, and Pat, for some reason, wants nothing to do with this lot of grandkids! perhaps she is beginning to feel her age...

Pups are eating well..So far, they have tried, duck, venison, beef and pork. Tomorrow they are trying turkey. The Raw Meaty Bones I still mash with the back of my trusty cleaver, but I expect before long they will be able to eat them without help!

Personalities I see so far:

#1 - sweet as can be, will lie in your arms on his back just staring up into your eyes (and licking - like mother, like son!)
#2 - saucy and spunky but likes to assess the situation before leaping in, which she then does with great gusto!
#3 - bold and cheeky, but learning through the school of hard knocks about bugging the big kids!
Vince - what can I say. I honestly believe that without his physical flaw, he would be pick of the litter. He is fearless but a thinker and sweet as can be when you cuddle him! He won't be a couch potato!
#5 - soooo sweet and calm and trusting, loves his toys and loves to lie in your arms.
#6 - still chattery, but less noticeable now, since the others are as well. She was the first to climb out of the Xpen (through the door, which now remains closed at night!) All three girls are saucy little things, looking for trouble, whereas the boys are calmer and less troublesome in general - more "yes men" :)

Got your favorites yet?

Here is a video - long and unedited - from today. Enjoy! Erm - don't fall asleep!

Creekside VanGo "Vince" (Cool name huh? Just for fun...)

2010-05-04T21:46:00.003-04:00

My goodness I never knew how keeping this blog updated regularly would be so much more difficult in the spring! As the last Creekside litter was born in the dark, dreary days of November (2008), finding time to spend at the computer was easy...Not so much now! Fencing, lambing, sheep deworming, hoof trimming, barn cleaning, dog training, puppy play time, grass mowing and on and on. So, that's my story! Sorry all, I'll try and do better...

Since the darn video takes SO long to upload, more will come tomorrow..But tonight, I've uploaded the promised Vince video!

Vince!

2010-05-02T21:21:00.002-04:00

Video to come....But...I think...Vince is NORMAL! Except probably deaf on the right side, but he is boldly trucking around the yard, exploring and I see no difference in him compared to his siblings except for his smaller size and skewed face - which is actually becoming quite endearing. Yay Vince!

Interacting with the Big Kids

2010-04-29T09:07:00.002-04:00

Some pictures from yesterday and this morning...

We believe that pups learn about life rules best from interacting with the pack from a very early age. We do try to keep things successful though...By removing crabby Auntie Jess for instance and all the cool, fuzzy puppy toys that the big kids covet !

Spur is fascinated with Vince !

Grandma Pat. We're not sure if she was actually looking for interaction or leftovers!

The pups enjoyed their first breakfast: Venison mixed with Dr. B's homemade puppy formula.

Vince got his very own portion, which he scarfed down quickly!

Last night's duck necks.

I sure hope it stops snowing and I can get the pups outdoors! The pups need some good old Vitamin D...And I need to wash the floor under their mats!

Quick Vince Update and More

2010-04-28T20:30:00.002-04:00

Pics/Video tomorrow, promise! What a miserable day today - snow!

Anyway, Vince has hit 2.5 lbs, so I think is past the difficult bit. I am still supplementing him with puppy formula in a saucer 4x per day, and making sure that the instant Tap goes in to nurse, he's first one to the milk bar. The pups are getting duck necks each evening, but they don't have any teeth yet so can't really do too much damage, much to Tap's delight (she gets clean up duty). Tap is up to eating 4.5 lbs of food per day, PLUS those extras! She has lots of milk, but I expect will have less patience as her kids begin to cut their teeth.

All the pups were dewormed earlier this week (with Strongid T), as I actually saw a roundworm in some puppy poop. Yuck. This is the first time I've seen worms in our puppies' poops, and not sure why, as we did nothing different with Tap this time around (Panacur day 53 of pregnancy for 3 days). Perhaps it is the early spring and all the yummy sheep poop (and other things) Tap has been eating...While I use chemicals sparingly, I am not about to let the puppies suffer from a parasite infestation! I did do some research into deworming with DE (Dia...something something Earth), as a lot of the raw feeding lists I am on suggest this natural way to kill parasites, but more reading suggested that it is not indicated for very small animals and since they didn't give me the definition of "very small", I opted for the proven method.

Everyone had their nails clipped again tonight...Nobody fussed except #6, who decided that it was NOT the time for that, but for playing! All the pups are actively playing with each other, Big Sister Fen and even Pat had a little session tonight with her grandkids. They still pretty much only see the toys I have put in their pen as items to pee on, but I'm sure as their motor skills improve, their interest in the purple teddy bear will too :)

Tomorrow I will introduce the pups to a little bit of lean ground venison.

Lots of New Firsts...

2010-04-26T21:32:00.004-04:00

First time outdoors...First *real* playing (including tail wagging and play growling)...First RMB (Raw Meaty Bone)...

The outdoor pen...They pretty much don't do anything but sleep, so one Xpen is working fine. When they are all cruising around, I'll have to double it up for sure! The blanket is providing some wind break, not much judging by the holes! Tap guarded the puppy pen ferociously the first few hours, but relaxed when she realized nobody was going to interfere...Except Fen, who tried several times to get in, only to be severely reprimanded from her mother! But she was allowed in the indoor pen this evening, so her privileges are being extended!

We also had a scare yesterday - when Vince got on the scale, it showed that he had lost weight and was indeed feeling bony. Not good, but not as bad at this age than if he was a neonate. Today we ensured he got extra one on one time with mom and also gave him a couple of saucers (he refused the bottle "I'm a BIG kid now!") of homemade formula/supplement (from Dr. Billinghurst's Grow Your Pups with Bones). At dinner time, he got his own portion of duck neck. Tonight's weigh in showed a 2 oz gain. He is still tiny compared with his siblings, but pretty strong and feisty, as you can see in the video. He does still fall down a lot, while his siblings are getting sturdier, but we are still optimistic!

New Digs!

2010-04-25T11:38:00.008-04:00

The puppies have moved down to the dog room with the big kids. I haven't got them outdoors yet - too cold and windy lately! Hopefully today...

The puppy pen...Tap has a bed on top of one of the crates so she can get away from the kids when needed.

Fen, Gem and Blaze - "I'll take what's behind curtain #1..."

At first, we keep things private until Tap feels more comfortable that nobody is going to hurt her babies!

Over the next day or so, we gradually move some of the blankets back so the adult dogs can safely meet and get used to the new kids....Fen can't WAIT until she's allowed in! See Tap's teeth....Fen is NOT welcome yet!

Yay! Finally allowed in! Here's Fen with #5..."Hello, little brother. You're going to grow up and look just like me!" (his face anyhow..)

Above and Below: Fen & her little bro #5

Above: Puppy #2 and "friend"

Pooped puppies...As opposed to poopy puppies, which they are fast becoming! Mom still doing clean up, but the work load is getting bigger!

#6 needs a face wash!

Hmm - More of #2...She is just always in the perfect "pose"!

A typical, upside down Creekside puppy (Puppy #1 is a professional napper!)

Day 19 Portraits

2010-04-22T13:25:00.004-04:00

A day late...But here they are, as promised!

Puppy #1 (Boy) Likes his naps but man did he NOT want to pose for this portrait!

Puppy #2 (Girl) - Playful and thoughtful...Thinking about the best way out of the box!

Puppy #3 (Girl) - The "Screamer" is not anymore! She is lively and bold and playful - often exploring the puppy room's far reaching corners (ie - behind the toilet) Is this our Fen repeat?

Vince Van Gogh (#4 - Boy) - So calm when you hold him and he looks right in your eyes...Getting along pretty good now - I think his balance is getting better and he sure is a determined little guy when it comes to the Milk Bar!

Puppy #5 (Boy) - Sweet little guy who is obviously saving his energy for a later date. He and #1 are often found napping together, although both have gone on major expeditions around the puppy room.

Puppy #6 (Girl) - Sweet #6 would like to tell you her life story...Such a chatterbox!

All have hit and passed the 2 lb mark with the three big girls probably hitting 3 lbs by tonight's weigh in. They have already met "Uncle Greg" (who owns Creekside Max - 2004 Pat x Glen) and today will spend a bit of time outdoors in a sunny spot out of the wind. I'll try to get pics for next post!

Quick Update...

2010-04-20T20:20:00.011-04:00

The pups are growing like crazy! All are staggering about on their stubby legs and the girls have all started playing - saw #6's tail wag today! #2 makes the cutest little growly noises and #3 - who was so shy/scared as a newborn is bold as brass...Now when she yells it's because she's mad!

The boys seem content with letting the girls rule to roost...#1 is very fond of napping, as is sweet #5. Vince has only one thing on his mind - MILK BAR. I think he's an addict...Needs AA or something :)

Pics tomorrow - promise!

You've probably seen the video - but here is big sister Fen out training on her sheep a few weeks ago. She's just two and is very near ready for Open!

Week Three Adventures

2010-04-19T10:52:00.005-04:00

Everyone is gaining weight - #1 hit the 2 lb mark, and Vince weighed in at 1 lb 13.5 oz last night. Only #1 has yet to fully open both his eyes, but he is almost there! By the end of this week, or early next week, they will have moved to their new living quarters in the dog room and will begin meeting the rest of the pack. Big sister Fen (2008 litter) has been waiting patiently for the puppies to move downstairs, but I'm sure Jess and Kap will have ideas about moving OUT once they move in!

Photos back soon...But for now, some more edge of your seat videos!

Bobbleheads!

2010-04-16T13:52:00.004-04:00

Good news for Vince (#4) - he has hit the 1 and a half pound mark! His eyes are opening and he seems to be getting his bearings!

ENS will end in about one more day - most of the pups' eyes are open or almost open! They are staggering about on their wobbly legs and acting very surprised at most everything - especially #3 - I think she'd like to close her eyes again and crawl back into the womb...Big scary world! She'll get over it!

Sorry for the lack of lighting - puppy room is dark to protect their delicate eyes until they are fully open.

Enjoy! Music by Prydein a local New England band.

Day 10 Photos

2010-04-14T10:14:00.009-04:00

Puppy Wheel

Little Tan Bums (they are all tri's)

At the Milk Bar

Puppies at 10 days old (photos taken yesterday)

Puppy #1 (boy)

Puppy #2 (girl) - getting strong tan accents on her cheeks and eyebrows!

Puppy #3 (girl) - yesterday she was finally quiet for the ENS exercises!

Van Gogh (#4 boy)

Puppy #5 (boy)

Puppy #6 (girl)

Tap watching the goings on

On Monday, they all had their nails clipped for the first time. I'm sure I missed some, but they were so squirmy - like toothpaste. Perhaps one more photo session before their eyes start to crack open, then no flash photography for about a week. THEN you'll all really see big changes!

Keep fingers crossed for our little Van Gogh - he hasn't gained much weight the past few days...Even #1 has now surpassed him in weight. He seems to be rolling around a bit out of control like - hopefully just getting disoriented with the possible new "light" he is beginning to see through his eye slits. I have a feeling his balance is somewhat affected by his lack of ear on his right side. Only time will tell if he can grow up to enjoy a normal life.

A nice photo heavy makeup post!

2010-04-11T10:16:00.011-04:00

Sorry all - I've been neglecting the blog for the past couple of days. I am so worried about #4 that I am scared that we'll all get to know him and then he'll get a poor prognosis for normality...

He is thriving, gaining weight and seems to be normal...He does topple over to one side more than the other, but he does have a big head :) (Inherited from granddad Glen perhaps?) We continue to watch him closely.

They have all been gaining steadily and are the squirmiest, liveliest litter I think I've had. Not sure what THAT means!!

Portraits on Day 8

Sweet Wee Man #1 (weight yesterday at 9:40 pm: 1 lb)

#2 girl - a Reef Peat only in looks - calm girl! Weight yesterday: 1 lb 6 oz)

#3 girl - not screaming for this photo...(Weight yesterday: 1 1/2 lbs)
But screaming for this one!

(#3 yelling)

#4 - our little Van Gogh (Weight yesterday: 1 lb 3.5 oz)

Adorable little #5 Boy. Weight yesterday: 1 lb 5 oz

#6 Beautiful Girl. Weight yesterday at 9:40 1 lb 6 oz

Another "Edge of Your Seat Action" video from this morning:

Already getting behind!!!

2010-04-09T18:53:00.005-04:00

Seems like when it rains, it pours....The weather too!!

Here is yesterday's post, a day late!!

Day 5: April 8, 9:30 pm

Weights/ENS "scale"

#1 - 13.5 oz / 2
#2 - 1 lb 2 oz / 3
#3 - 1 lb 5 oz / 5
#4 - 1 lb 1 oz / 2
#5 - 1 lb / 2
#6 - 1 lb 1 oz / 2

And, because I don't believe in keeping secrets...There is a problem with puppy #4. His ear is underdeveloped. We don't know what this means, if he will be normal not or what we will do about it. He is too young to really assess the situation. My vet says, if he's thriving to not do anything drastic just yet. Positive thoughts to #4 please!

Here's a pic of Puppy #4's right ear...It appears to either be "tucked under the skin" and / or not fully developed. We don't yet know if he is affected neurologically or if his balance will be affected. We are waiting and hoping that he can live a normal, happy life in an active pet home!

And a happy photo of mommy Tap feeding her brood

Soon, there will be another puppy blog to follow! David informs us that Creekside Cait is finally is season and will be bred again to Joyce Frederick's Imp. Marley Trim.

Day 4 - Get your Popcorn

2010-04-07T20:37:00.002-04:00

Um, don't bother.

Instead of photos (they are too squirmy today) here is a little video of the puppies at the milk bar.

Weights / ENS "scale" at 6:30 pm

#1: 12 oz; "2"
#2: 15 oz; "3"
#3: 1 lb 3 oz; "3"
#4: 1 lb; "1"
#5: 14 oz; "2"
#6: 1 lb; "2"

First ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) Exercises

2010-04-07T09:50:00.011-04:00

This is yesterday's post...I was too tired last night to get it uploaded! This poor stray dog we've taken in - we cannot find his owner and now believe he was dumped. A reminder to keep your microchip information up to date on your dogs!!!

I tried to "pose" the puppies but soon gave up. Holy cow they were feisty and MAD last night. I suspect mom spent most of the day looking out the window at the other dogs enjoying the nice weather. Poor Tap. Today she gets a little leash walk, so that's something at least. I wanted to let her insides recover before she began any sort of exercise other than meandering about the yard.

I am going to "rate" the puppies' responses to the ENS just for fun! Like puppy testing, depending on the time of day, responses change so it means nothing AT ALL, just fun to monitor! 1 = barely noticed; 5 = REALLY struggled. Remember, they were hungry and mad last night when I did this! I am going to do it today at noon to see if there's a difference!

The names they have in their intros are not really names, I'll still most likely be calling them numbers...Just fun to label them. They WILL change in looks and personality (well, I hope so, right now they have the personality of blind mice). See if you can figure out why they might have earned the titles they got. Most are obvious, I think!

Introducing.....

Puppy #1 (male) "The Wee Man"

Weight (on April 6 at 8:30 pm): 10 oz; ENS scale "5"

Puppy #2 (female) "The Reef-peat"

Weight: 13 oz; ENS scale: "3"

Puppy #3 (female) "The Backwards Girl"

Weight: 1 lb, 1 oz; ENS scale: Umm...Off the charts :)

Puppy #4 (male) "The Chiplet"

Weight: 15 oz; ENS scale "3"

Puppy #5 (male) "Patty's Boy"

Weight: 13 oz, ENS scale "2"

Puppy #6 " 'Nef Said!"

Day 2 - Puppies thriving

2010-04-05T20:42:00.004-04:00

Tap's taking care of things, so there is not much for me to do at present...Tomorrow we start the ENS exercises...By the struggles I had today on the scale, I expect it will go *very* well (NOT!)

The brood in the puppy bed while I clean the whelping box.

"Mom's back!"

Weights today: #1 - 9 oz; #2 - 11 oz; #3 - 15 ounces; #4 - 13 ounces; #5 - 10.5 ounces; #6 - 13 ounces. All gaining (obviously some get the back teats more often!)

Day 1 - All's well in the Puppy Room!

2010-04-04T17:35:00.009-04:00

All's well in the Puppy Room. Tap is being a great mom as usual and will hardly leave her brood to relieve herself or eat.

Here are the promised pics. I didn't "pose" them, but I will start that on day 3 when the ENS exercises begin. So...Sorry for the blurry, awful photos. It is amazing how fast those little blind and deaf puppies can drag themselves around the box!

Proud mommy Tap
Endearing #1 (male): 8 oz this evening. Look at all that chrome!

#2 (female): 9 oz this evening. Reef / Click like face. Hmm. That must be a trait of the #2's.

#3 (female) Weight this evening: 12 oz. Her face reminds me of Cap from the 2008 litter...
#4 (male) Weight this evening: 11 oz. Chip-like face.
#5 (male) Weight this evening: 9.5 oz . Perfect little face
#6 (female) Weight this evening: 10.5 oz (little Miss Piggy)

All done!

2010-04-03T21:50:00.005-04:00

Six puppies total...3 females, 3 males. Was hoping & expecting more but I must be thankful for the easy delivery and their vigor. I guess Tap is just...well...Fat! Good news is that the 24 hour milk bar is open and doing good business!

So, YAY! Everyone who has been confirmed for a puppy and sent deposits gets their puppy!

Sorry to everyone else who was waiting in the wings and hoping :(

Stats (an overview so you don't have to weed through all the play by play posts)
Puppy #1: Male 7 oz (don't be alarmed by his low birth weight - he is as vigorous as the others!)
Puppy #2: Female 8 oz
Puppy #3: Female 11 oz
Puppy #4: Male 10 oz
Puppy #5: Male 9 oz
Puppy #6: Female 9 oz

I'll get individual pics tomorrow, but tonight just want to let mom and pups rest. They had a lot of handling to and from the puppy warm box each time Tap had big contractions. But in parting, a few family shots. Whelping box all snug and clean.

Tap getting fed up with pictures!

Tiny #1 just after his birth as he awaits his new sister #2 in the puppy warm box.

Puppy #6 born at 6:38 pm

2010-04-03T18:42:00.002-04:00

One word...FEN!!!!! (and a female too!)

My goodness they are coming fast now - may make happy hour after all!
Tap's still lumpy - we're not done yet I don't think!

Puppy #5 born at 6:08 pm

2010-04-03T18:09:00.002-04:00

Another boy - small, easy birth (I think it kind of surprised her). White muzzle, half blaze, asymmetrical collar. More racing stripes! So far, this litter has a lot of "bling"!

Puppy #4 born at 5:39 pm

2010-04-03T17:38:00.002-04:00

OK, if I said #3 looked like Chip...#4 even more so - lots of white on his face (yes, a male) and huge flashy white collar with racing stripes.

Weights of previous pups: #1 - 7 oz (very small and lively!); #2 - 8 oz; #3 - 11 oz.

Puppy #3 born at 4:49 pm

2010-04-03T16:51:00.002-04:00

Big Female, breach. A little bit of work on Tap's part! What a good girlie. This one is traditionally marked with a wide Blaze like Chip-daddy's.

Puppy #2 at 3:46 pm

2010-04-03T15:53:00.002-04:00

Big female. Full white collar, racing stripes, white muzzle and half blaze. Puppy #1 is a male, BTW. Both doing well. Tap is still bursting with puppies! It's going to be a long evening...

Puppy #1 born at 2:35

2010-04-03T14:38:00.001-04:00

Racing stripes, wide blaze, asymmetrical collar...Haven't checked if it's a boy or a girl....Tap's doing a great job, as usual.

Here we go!

2010-04-03T14:27:00.003-04:00

I think the puppies are finally coming! Stay tuned for updates!

5 a.m. on day 62...Sorry folks....No pups yet!

2010-04-03T05:15:00.004-04:00

Well, Tap spent the night intermittently nesting, panting etc. but at 3 am was deeply asleep (upside down in true Creekside dog fashion!). She at a bit of breakfast. She is now resting in her whelping box and I am going to make quick work of chores and dog walking this morning so I am ready when she is!

In reading her "Puppy Diary" from the last 2 litters - she generally whelped after 12+ hours after first nesting behavior..So that (hopefully) puts ETA for puppies this morning! Of course, she could be making up her own rules this time around!

Nesting! Puppies tonight?

2010-04-02T20:16:00.001-04:00

Tap is nesting! I think pups are on the way tonight!

Day 61 - Temperature Drop!

2010-04-02T13:39:00.004-04:00

Well, as the temperature continues to climb outside (we will be having July-like temperatures this weekend!), Tap's temperature began to drop last night. It went down about 0.5 degrees Celsius. This morning, it had dropped another 0.6 degrees. At noon, even in the warm sun and trotting about with the other dogs, it is not back up to anywhere near normal. So...I expect puppies will show themselves in the next 12-24 hours! That's if Tap's going by the book, like she has done for the previous two litters that is!

Stay tuned over the next day or so!

The Countdown Begins....

2010-03-30T10:06:00.002-04:00

Day 58: Temperature this morning is 37.4 (Celsius), which is normal for Tap. But milk is beginning in back teats and her belly is sagging very nearly to the ground!

Case in Point (photos taken today)...

Tap says - "Enough with the Fat Pictures already!"

Does This Collar Make Me Look Fat?

2010-03-19T11:05:00.011-04:00

Tap is getting enormous. To illustrate, I took these photos this morning (day 47). She was thrilled to have her picture taken, as you can see (obviously she is a vain girl).

Tap has never made it to the "traditional" day 63 to whelp. The last Chip litter was whelped on day 60 and the Mirk litter was whelped on day 59. I think I'd better get the puppy room ready sooner rather than later!

How many puppies? I didn't get an ultrasound done. They are pretty inaccurate as to determining litter size...But as a comparison:

Here is Tap on day 54 carrying the first Chip litter, which produced 5 puppies.

And here she is carrying Mirk's litter (6 puppies), pictured at day 41.

So, I am going to guess.....7 puppies. Anyone else up for a friendly wager?

Waiting for Spring...And puppies!

2010-03-12T08:34:00.004-05:00

I've been asked for photos of Tap's increasing size....But I keep forgetting to bring out my camera! So, here is a funny video featuring Creekside Fen (2008 Tap x Chip) doing her silly flips. You can see how big Tap is getting too as she runs around.

On another more serious note, the same silly dog (Fen) is proving herself to be a excellent working dog. She is wonderful in the lambing pens - so calm and gentle (I can hardly believe it myself!) and if a ewe threatens her (while protecting her lamb), Fen calmly holds her ground. She is just wonderful!

On a less serious note, (Fen again!) She is also really proving to be dual talented...Her agility training is also progressing, she is fast and smart and a powerful jumper with a huge stride yet can turn so tight her tail hair almost gets wrapped around the jump stanchion! She is truly versatile and SO much fun!!!

Day 28 and Filling Out...

2010-02-28T20:48:00.002-05:00

She's definitely changing...Her waist is filling out. Definitely eating for more than her! This week, she begins her gradual food increase (the one I control anyway!). Photos soon, promise!

A Scare....

2010-02-24T09:16:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine has recently had the very bad luck of dealing with neospora. When a puppy she'd bred began showing odd symptoms, she and her vet did some researching and subsequently tested the dam of the puppy, who was indeed (low) seropositive. Because I am also a raw feeder and Tap is going to have puppies, I had her tested as well...Her results just came back and she is negative. Whew.

Now before any raw feeding nay-sayers jump in, neospora had been around for ever but is VERY rare in dogs - my poor friend just had about the worst luck for this to happen. In one study, to 17 seropositive bitches, 118 pups were born and only 3% (4 pups) were seropositive. The study suggested that 80% of pups born to seropositive bitches will be NOT be infected.

As I said: The. Worst. Luck.

On a good note, freezing meat kills neospora (and a lot of other potential pathogens), and all the stuff I feed generally is frozen for 48 hours up to 1 month. But you can be darn sure I'll be extra careful from now on, especially with stuff that is dropped off on my doorstep from hunters, etc.

So, nope, this is not scaring me enough to switch back to kibble (which does scare me!) I am as sure as ever that raw feeding is the best for the overall health of my dogs. Like I said, I'm just going to be extra careful about freezing first.

Pickles and Ice Cream?

2010-02-20T17:52:00.002-05:00

Day 20 (or 19 or 18!)....Tap is acting like she has never been fed. Ever. She wolfed some sheep feed during chores - very unlike her. So, is that her equivalent of pickles and ice cream?

It is too early to tell yet, but I swear her "shape" has changed subtly..Unless she's been eating more sheep feed than I'm aware of!

Poor boys!

2010-02-03T10:23:00.002-05:00

Tap and Chip had a third long tie yesterday and now I am back home, relaxing after my hectic road trip...NOT! It's about now I'd like to perform debark / de-howl surgery to Mirk and Kap with a butter knife. Poor guys. They have to be hiked separately (much to the delight of Blaze et. all who get 4 walks a day now!) and when in the house are locked in crates...And Tap and Fen are way up on the third floor in my office. Kap didn't eat for the last 2 meals and Mirk is going bananas.

Neuter, anyone?
Okay, off to buy new earplugs. I hope no important clients call me today! It sounds like the dog pound in here!

2nd Date - No Time Wasted

2010-02-01T19:04:00.002-05:00

Another 15 or 20 minute tie almost as soon as Tap walked in the door!

Before her date, we (Fen, Tap and I) went on a walk at the Freyeburg Fairgrounds...Wow that place is huge. Just a loop around the edges took 1 hour. We met a very nice Border Collie (neutered!) and his owner out for a run. I commented on his well behaved dog and he said that he (the dog) was a great running buddy. "These dogs need a lot of exercise," he says to me, who he probably perceived as a novice BC owner, hiking in bad boots and jeans. "And training. They need some kind of job too, even if it's just silly." I nod and watch as he begins his cool down, now throwing a tennis ball for his tireless dog. This is the kind of pet home a breeder dreams of.

Hey, you want a puppy?

Just kidding everyone!

First Date - success!

2010-01-31T20:40:00.003-05:00

Tap and Chip met tonight and it seems like my timing was bang on - a 15 minute tie. Tomorrow they will have another...Want lots of puppies!

Now we (Tap, Fen and I) are all sacked out at the Hampton Inn in North Conway and I plan on doing some shopping tomorrow!

Puppies in early April!!!

2010-01-19T17:46:00.003-05:00

Tap is in heat!

She will be bred to Lynn Deschambeault's Imp. Chip, a really nice fella that has produced some nice kids already including Fen, Reef, Cap, Case and Jet from Tap's 2008 litter.

Stay tuned!

See You Next Time!

2009-01-18T09:23:00.004-05:00

This is the last post until our next litter, planned for 2010. Thanks for following the blog! Please visit the Creekside Border Collies website to follow the puppies in their new homes!

Here's what the Creekside dogs did last week in the frigid early morning temperatures (yes, the photo above shows our thermometer reading of -40!) We had to wait until high noon before it was bearable to go outdoors for a walk!

A nice 2 hour chewing exercise!

Last Day at Creekside!

2009-01-09T20:38:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow bright and early, we load up 6 screeching puppies for a 7 hour car ride. Yee Haw.

Here is the promised "Last Day at Creekside" video. Music is "Beirut's Scenic World" and then "Postcards from Italy".

Sorry folks...

2009-01-08T04:33:00.002-05:00

I didn't make the puppies sleep in crates last night - they spent the night in the puppy pen. It was heaven to actually sleep! I am just about to hit the road for Boston where I need to be sharp for a presentation (for work) so couldn't face another night of screaming! And since John is on puppy duty tonight, no doubt they won't be in crates tonight either. I won't have them crate trained, I guess. The last litter was easier - not sure why these guys are so against their crates!
Tomorrow I will post the parting video.

Customs headache ALL DONE! 3 hours on the phone while a very nice lady from US customs offices in Virginia walked me through the entire e-manifest process. My broker was going to charge me $200 to complete it! Final shipping costs should be sent to you all by tomorrow. I don't expect brokerage fees to be more than $30 or at most $40 each.

OK - better get to poop patrol.

Pleeeaaaase stop screaming!

2009-01-07T05:47:00.005-05:00

I am almost giving up on getting this litter crate trained! Sheesh! It's not getting any better even though last night was their 4th night in individual crates and only for 6 hours. I have not had a such a LOUD group EVER. I am not sure who is the worst screamer, and there must be some quiet ones in the litter....But for the love of all that's holy...I need to SLEEP! :) So, you all better stock up on your Z's, 'cause you aren't going to get much Saturday night (and Sunday, Monday, Tuesday...)

However, they were 3/6 for "cleanliness" last night, despite the screeching. #3 was clean, as was #2 (YAY!) and #4 - a first for him, I think. Definitely a first for my girl! Usually she does both and then smears it into a soupy mess by morning. Only one poop last night - #1. But she did try - half of it seemed to be outside her wire crate.

Here are some pics from our vet visit yesterday. Everyone is A-1. All the microchips can be read, they are ready to GO!!! Now if only I could figure out the totally confusing new customs forms. Looks like I have to register my little Honda Element as a "commercial truck" to bring my 5 puppies into the USA. How funny is that. Thank goodness I finally made contact with a human being at US Customs who knows what she's doing and CAN help me get all this sorted out by Friday! Only 3 more days at Creekside.

Dre. Anne-Marie, Holistic Veterinarian and Canine/Equine acupuncturist with #6. I have asked her to speak at Creekside Camp during one of our lunch breaks and she agreed! She is fluent in English, so don't worry!

Exhausted after tearing around the exam room, pooping and peeing their little hearts out.

The info you've all been waiting for...

2009-01-06T05:07:00.004-05:00

Puppies have all been matched with their new homes! They are ALL leaving this Saturday...Except #2, of course - well, she'll come along for the ride, because you can never have enough screaming puppies in your car....Who needs audiobooks?

Puppy #1 will go to live with Warren and Maria in NY where she'll be trained to hopefully become a champion sheepdog someday!
Puppy #2, now "Creekside Gem" is staying with us at Creekside - she is an Open Trial Hopeful as well!
Puppy #3 will begin his new adventure with Grace and Creekside Click in Vermont, where he'll learn both agility and herding.
Puppy #4, "Creekside Lad" is also an Open Trial Hopeful and will be living with Mary and Dave in NY.
Puppy #5, "Creekside Mirk" will be living with Carol in CT where he'll be trained as a working dog as well, hopefully going on to be successful as his Daddy!
Puppy #6 will also be living in CT with Carolyn, where he will also be training hard to be a good sheepdog someday.

Last night the screaming only lasted about half an hour when I put the puppies to bed in their crates, then didn't start up again until 3:30 am. They did go to bed a little earlier last night - I could NOT stay awake, so they were in crates for 6 hours again. And again, 2 puppies had NO puddles or anything - #3 and #6 must havd big bladders! No poops last night from anyone, so that was an improvement :)

Today they go for their vet check. That should be an adventure in itself. More later!

Sreeching Puppies...

2009-01-05T05:49:00.006-05:00

...But last night I slept with earplugs!

Ratio still the same as yesterday for bladder control, only this time, there were also 2 pups who had poop smeared all over the place.

Clean pups last night (I paid more attention) were #3 and #6 ! Don't worry everyone - it will get better! By the weekend, they should be going 6 hours fine. "Should" being key word here, of course!

So, all the puppy matches have been completed, except for #5 and #4, which I am still undecided. Better hurry I guess! I can tell you all that #2 will be staying at Creekside and we are probably going to call her Creekside Gem. She was supposed to be Bet, but Bet for me is a smooth coat, pricked eared dog. Other names in the running are Creekside Gael and a bunch or weird ones that John doesn't like!

We Survived.

2009-01-04T05:25:00.004-05:00

It is 5:23 am. I've been up for 1 hour and am working steadily through a 10 cup pot of coffee. Well, I've actually been up most the night as someone was screaming endlessly...

No actually, the first night in crates was not that bad, considering they are 7 weeks and hadn't spent more than an hour at a time in crates. I put them to bed at 10:30 (hey, that' way past my bedtime already!). They screeched for a bit, then quieted...Then screeched...Then quieted. Then Fen decided the boogie man was outside and started barking furiously. I knew she was barking at the wind only as nobody else bothered to make a peep...Well except the puppies...They used that excuse to start screaming again.

Then Blaze thought it might be fun to start a sing a long. He does this periodically. Ask anyone who has stayed the night in the main floor guest suite. Of course, nobody can resist a sing a long. So, howling dogs...Screeching puppies...

I must have slept a bit, as the alarm actually DID wake me up at 4:30. I had my clothes ready for a quick getaway and zoomed down to the dog room to survey the damage. Two pups made it through the night - one was #5 - I know this as he didn't quite make it outside before releasing the flood. The other was NOT #2. I don't know who it was, as I just opened the doors and they barrelled out like racehorses at the start gate. But 2/6 is pretty good. Tonight will be better! (I hope...And so does John!)

Day 49 - Video and Pics

2009-01-03T19:25:00.009-05:00

7 Weeks Old! I'm not sure I will miss the little poop machines...

I am sorry to say I failed in taking pics during the puppy testing yesterday...I just kind of forgot ! But I hope these may help you pick your favorite - and the puppy test results which all puppy parents should have received by now. They will be trying the night in crates tonight - ask me how that goes tomorrow (or not!). They did an hour after dinner and screamed! Sorry folks - may not have these pups crate trained like the last litter - but those pups had to travel by air (some very far!) so I must admit that I made more of an effort for them.

Poor Tap - in her T-shirt suit.

#5 surveying his land.

#6 and #5.

#4 (left) and #5

#4

#4

#4 inspecting Blaze's icy toes!

And.....Takeoff! Here's #3.

#3 and #5 climbing a "mountain"

#3 sampling the cold white stuff

#5 chasing #3

#1

Pat and #5

Pat trying to get a game going with #2, #4 and #1

The three musketeers! Triplets #5, #1 and #4

And here is the longish video - I didn't use any music, so you could just listen and see who barks, how the react to the other dogs barking outdoors etc.

Cacophony!

2008-12-31T10:49:00.007-05:00

Chow time...Looks innocent enough....

They are eagerly leaping into the crates to eat, but are JUST as eager to get out when they are finished!

It is ten times louder in person. Believe me!

Some pics..

I will take some better portraits this week as well. Need to do it outdoors for lighting and today it is -20 so a bit cold for a lengthy outdoor play session!

#6 Enjoying some old shoe (previously destroyed by Fen)

#3 Getting an ear wash from big Sister Fen

#3 as he sleeps with his tongue hanging out.

#3 Portrait. What a handsome dude!

#2, #6 and #5 sleeping "on" the big dog bed.

Christmas Update - Day 39 to 43

2008-12-27T11:05:00.008-05:00

Sorry for the lack of updates! Lots of new experiences for the puppies this week...

They are playing outdoors for longer periods of time (we're taking advantage of the break in cold temperatures!)
They are spending part of their days in the big pen in the barn, equipped with heat lamp, and lots of toys!
They spent their first night away from mom yesterday and are working up to spending the night in individual crates - I am not quite ready for that - need to get some earplugs first!
They are learning to go outdoors first thing in the morning to do their business. Sorry, won't have them completely housebroken by 8 weeks, but on the way. Makes for MUCH less clean up for me - as they don't like going during the night in their playpen and prefer to wait until I open the gate and then I spend the next 20 minutes running after them with paper towel and my spray bottle!
They met their first toddler yesterday, and have had lots of visitors over the past week. They are NOT shy :)
Their personalities are getting pretty set - although I noticed a HUGE change between 6 and 7.5 weeks with the last litter. More on this further down.
Coat types are getting pretty set too - I was wrong again. Smoothies: #1, #5, #6, possibly #4 (his coat is slightly fluffier); rough coats are #2 and #3.
They are eating 3 big meals a day now - almost 5 lbs between them per day, and still have access to mom when they are with her. She is producing less now though. Next week she'll get to wear the T-shirt suit again! Poor Tap. They are getting through the duck necks if I mash them up with a mallet first.

Now for the photo updates:

#2

#2 and #1

#2 and #3

What Kap thinks of puppies.

Down the hill...That's Jess in the coat. She is feeling better and is able to go for a 30 minute walk now - still falls over sometimes and has a wicked head tilt, but we hope that will continue to get better.

First Kid day.

Mauling.

Personalities so far:

#1 is sweet but holds her own in the gang.
#2 is just like mom - bossy :)
#3 is the sweetest, smoothest dude, Fen is working hard on making him a tough guy :)
#4 is the tough guy. He tried to steel Fen's breakfast this morning and succeeded! He'll need lots of rules!
#5 is a nice even guy, easy going but playful.
#6 is a feisty busy little bee - never stops!....And fearless.

A video of today's snow games:

Day 38 Action

2008-12-23T08:23:00.004-05:00

Winter litters are hard...It's been below -20 degrees (Celsius) every day (this morning is is -30), and yesterday we got about 2 feet of snow - making it very difficult for puppies to get outdoors even for short periods of time. I have been feeding them in crates for a few days now - the first couple of days all they did was scream and knock over their bowls. Now they are all jumping in the crates waiting for their food! But of course the screaming begins once they are finished. They are eating (between them) about 3 lbs of food a day now - plus mom's milk, but she is beginning to not have a s much as she is no longer eating 6 lbs a day! I am gradually getting her back down to normal rations.

This video is from last night - 38 days old. #6 was sleeping in the shoes, so he does not even have a supporting role in this movie! But I have a cute pic of him so he doesn't feel left out...

5 weeks old - First Outing...

2008-12-19T14:31:00.005-05:00

...To the nursing home in town. All six! It was quite the party. Once again, the puppies were a big hit with all the Elders, including several ladies on the dementia unit whose faces lit right up once they were holding a furry "baby". Animals are wondrous miracle workers.

#6 squirming a bit - always feisty.

#5 promptly fell asleep in this lady's lap!

A piddle break on the relatively indestructible linoleum floor - of course I was duly armed with paper towel and my Benefect spray bottle!

#6 not quite so feisty anymore!

Can't tell which pup this is, but this lady was murmuring endearments to him/her in Polish.

This lady is generally unresponsive, but smiled as she stroked the puppy's fur (again - no idea which one this is!)

Thanks to Tabby, a caregiver at the home and volunteers Joy and Greg for making this happen again! Great for both puppies and Elders!

Today I also set up their new living quarters - they will start to spend some time in crates now, as well as eating in them - competition over food has begun! Little #6 thinks that because he is the smallest, he deserves the most and lets everyone else know :) Evil little thing.

Day 33 - Everyone Likes a Good Tire Biter

2008-12-18T06:29:00.006-05:00

Especially #2...Sorry for lack of focus (again)

#3 and #1 playing - my floor needs a wash! The trouble with winter litters - can't take out the puzzle mats and hose them down - so my mats are rotating through the puppy pen, and I'll need more for the floor.

Carrying on the tradition of mom, sister Fen and Uncle Max - sleeping upside down against the wall. Anyone else's Creekside dog sleep like this?

#1 dreaming of running a marathon?

So good thing nobody took bets as to who would be smooth and who would be rough coated. There seem to be 3 distinct coat types in this litter, and I'm guessing that I may be wrong again in a few weeks!

A very fluffy, silky coat that will probably be like Fen's (But not placing any bets!): #2 and #3)
A smooth coat: #5
A harsher coat - semi rough to smooth coat - like grandma Pat's perhaps (again, no bets here): #1, #6 and #4

It has been 8 years since we had a litter with any smoothies here - (2000 Jess x Imp. Ken) and I just cannot remember what Kap's puppy coat was like!

Speaking of Jess - she seemed to be getting over her vestibular - but has taken a downturn in the last couple of days and cannot walk upright without falling on her side. Her head tilt is contorted and she is miserable and frightened. I am taking her for acupuncture session starting today as I have heard this sometimes helps. I hope so. We are not ready to loose her yet! :(

We also found a stray kitten in the woods the night it was -30. People suck. The poor thing was almost frozen to death - it is now in my barn in a dog kennel and I guess it will go to the vet today too for shots, deworming etc. Anyone want a really friendly long haired dark tabby cat?

Adventures in the slush - Day 31

2008-12-15T21:58:00.001-05:00

Portraits - Kinda

2008-12-14T18:56:00.012-05:00

I tried posing the puppies today, but their constant movement, combined with the 3 second delay on my camera was not conducive to taking portraits! So I got some "candid" ones instead.

Pups are all eating solid food - had salmon tonight - weren't too keen on fish - just like mom. They are lapping water from a bowl and of course with all that intake I am running around constantly with my roll of paper towel and disinfectant spray (I use Benefect, all natural and safer even than baking soda). I also weighed them today although they were oozing out of the scale basket!

Puppy #1: Weight today (day 29) 4 lbs, 14 oz.

#2 (left) and #4. Weights (day 29): #2 is 4 lbs, 9 oz and #4 is 5 lbs, 3 oz.

#3: Weight (day 29) is 5 lbs, 4 oz.

Puppy #5: Weight day 29: 5 lbs, 11 oz. Still the piggy.

#6 (sorry for the lack of focus): weight day 29: 4 lbs, 10 oz.

Chow time!

As always, dessert at the Milk bar...

Blaze gets clean up duty!

A parting "Tire Biter" shot - this is #4 (left) and #5.

NEW Video Interview with Kevin and David Evans - Talking about daddy Mirk!

2008-12-12T13:02:00.005-05:00

An interview with David and Kevin after Mirk won the International.

Day 26 & 27

2008-12-11T17:38:00.005-05:00

Yesterday they tried chicken and today they had their first deer tripe and organ - just a tiny bit so as not to upset their tummies! I tried to take portraits tonight but none turned out. I'll try again tomorrow!

Day 26 with Big Sis Fen

2008-12-10T06:34:00.007-05:00

These are actually photos from yesterday. Big sister Fen thinks the puppies are the bomb.

She spends every moment with them.

Sometimes she oversteps her boundaries, like this.....

And Tap does her little growly, corn nibbling bites to tell her so. Fen will simply come back a few minutes later.

"Can I play with them now?"

Fen has terrific bite inhibition, probably from her puppy days playing with Woody, so don't panic at the sight of a puppy's head in her mouth!

Dinner time - Gourmet Brome Lake duck neck "a la cru"

Dessert at the milk bar, with hostess Fen.

So I just learned that Emily and Case (Tap x Imp. Chip) are going to the Kevin Evans clinic next month in Virginia. I am so jealous!

Day 24 Cruisin'

2008-12-08T08:22:00.005-05:00

Today it is -27 degrees celcius. That's friggin' cold for so early in December. Spur and Kap were holding up their feet this morning, so we will have to wait for our hike until it warms up. I HATE winter!

Puppies met Spur and Blaze over the weekend (Pat and Fen already had gained admission to the puppy pen last week). Jess stayed safely in her corner in the bathroom and Kap stayed the heck away from the little monsters.

Here is the promised video from early this a.m. Sorry for the lighting. We get about 2 hours of daylight here. Naw, just kidding, but it sure feels like it!

Spur was trying desperately to get a game going! Sorry buddy - these guys have the attention span of a gnat, and the coordination of a toddler. You'll have to wait a bit.

Also they had their first duck neck this morning. Of course #5 was the first one to dive in. This litter are much faster to actually eat it. With the exception of #2 and #3, who slept through the meal service.

New Digs!

2008-12-05T19:45:00.005-05:00

The puppies have moved to the main dog area and are settling in well. We kind of hang out down there mostly - the TV is there and I often drag my laptop down during the day to work with the company of my dogs. It is the busiest, noisiest place in the house! They are all playing and wagging their little tails now and have met big sister Fen (who thought they were really cool). Video this weekend, promise!!!

First day in their new area.

Woody really wanted to visit too...

...But Tap would have intervened, I think!

Fen camped out right outside the pen the first night - she was so intrigued!

And finally, she gains admission!

Fen and #6

Little Monsters

2008-12-03T17:23:00.004-05:00

At the Milk Bar...#6 is going in topside...

So, I'm pretty sure who will be smooth and who will be rough (coated, that is!)

Here is my guess:

#1 Girl - rough
#2 Girl - smooth
#3 Boy - smooth
#4 Boy - rough
#5 Boy - smooth
#6 Boy - rough

The Terrible Twos

2008-12-02T19:01:00.005-05:00

So, yes, I think that Creekside puppies are renowned for their "Terrible Twos" Seems all the 2nd born seem just a little bit BAAAAAAD! Except Tap (#2 of 2004 Pat x Glen litter), she was never bad :) And it seems like this #2 is destined to join the ranks...She is doing little barking, bossy growly noises already. And she always seems to want OUT of the puppy room at ever opportunity. Yikes.

Today's (not very flattering) pics and weights at 18 days old:

Puppy #1 (Girl): 2 lbs, 14 oz.

Puppy #2 (Girl): 2 lbs, 11 oz.

Puppy #3 (Boy): 2 lbs, 13.5 oz.

Puppy #4 (Boy): 2 lbs, 15 oz.

Puppy #5 (Boy): 3 lbs, 1 oz.

Puppy #6 (Boy): 2 lbs, 8 oz.

On a sad note, today my 13.5 year old Jess began to have symptoms of vestibular syndrome ("old dog disease"), and by this evening she is vomiting and cannot stand up at all, has very fast REMs and is completely out of sorts, so is safely tucked away in a nice dark crate by my side. It is a very scary thing to watch, but Boomer went through it at about the same age and after a few days it began to clear up and after 3 weeks he was pretty much back to his old normal self.

It's so hard to watch them grow old!

Day 16 Action!

2008-11-30T17:19:00.003-05:00

Puppies are just a little over 2 weeks old...Eyes are open and legs are beginning to work a bit better! On Friday I trimmed their sharp little claws for the first time - only #2 voiced her opinion on the matter.

Today's weights:
#1: 2 lbs, 8.5 oz
#2: 2 lbs, 8 oz
#3: 2 lbs, 10 oz
#4: 2 lbs, 12 oz
#5: 2 lbs, 15 oz
#6: 2 lbs, 4 oz

Here is a short, "action packed" video of today's "romp" around the bathroom.

Not for the Squeamish !

2008-11-27T21:15:00.007-05:00

Not a lot of puppy reporting today - they are all as fat as little piggies, everyone doing well...I think by Sunday everyone's eyes will be fully open, so the next update should have more puppy stuff to report...

And if you are squeamish, don't read any further and ESPECIALLY don't look at the pics :)

So today seemed like "dog food day" in that, this morning, my dog freezer (actually, my dog freezerS) were almost empty. I hate it when it gets to be slim pickin's...No veggies left, no heart, tongue, just some ground pork, a pork liver and a small beef heart. Ok so I DO have lots of RMBs, as I picked up 5 cases of duck necks and wings only 2 weeks ago...

So anyways, this morning I went to the big grocery stores to sweep pretty much everything off their "sell by yesterday" veggie rack into my cart. Strolling through the meat section, I discovered some "sell by today" whole chickens for 99 cents a lb. So bought lots of that...Then ion the fish section I found some whole mackerel - not on special but Oh so hard to find anymore! I cleaned them out. At home I processed my veggies and froze the tubs. Onto the next...

I called the abattoir (slaughter house/butcher) and Martin said that yes he had 100 lbs of ground beef and pork, yes to hearts and tongues, no to pig feet (great "toothbrushes" and tripe, but promised to call me when he next did cows so he could save all the tripe.

So my car loaded, I drove home, unloaded it stuffing the 150 lbs of meat into one of the freezers. Immediately after doing so, my raw feeding friend called to say he had another pail of deer guts for us to sort through - which we did and got lots of organs, offal and tripe. The best thing about this tripe was that the contents in the stomach looked exactly like the vegetable concoction I had made earlier...So we saved it! Tap tested it and gave her thumbs up (paws up).

Finally, in my PJs, ready to call it a night, the same friend called to say he had ANOTHER pail of deer offal (seems he knows ALL the local hunters!) ...So we finished processing all that and now I am overflowing - both freezers are stuffed to bursting.

A great feeling!

WARNING Graphic pics :)

The scene of a horrific crime, or makeshift butcher block in the barn?
This is lovely pre fermented veggies!

Notice my apron. A bit hypocritical I guess.
Yes, I am wearing a hat, or "toque" as they are known as here up in the north!

Day 12 - Eyes are Open! Last day of ENS Exercises

2008-11-26T16:52:00.002-05:00

Today's stats:

#1: 2 lbs; eyes open just a bit
#2: 2 lbs; eyes about 2/3 open
#3: 2 lbs 3 oz; eyes open just a crack
#4: 2 lbs 4 oz; eyes almost fully open (He is going to be the "first" at everything, I bet!)
#5: 2 lbs 5 oz; eyes open just a crack
#6: 1 lb 12 oz; eyes open about 2/3

Sorry no video....I am playing around with Fen's Round Pen Rodeo Part 2 (it should be up on YouTube now) today. Thank goodness I am going to Warren's Saturday to put her on his dogged Cottswolds. Hopefully you will see how brilliant she is then - not just a brilliant butt biter :)

Puppy #4 first to "Walk"

2008-11-25T10:40:00.003-05:00

...And Puppy #2 and #3 today (Tuesday) have opened their eyes (just a bit!)

Sorry for the delay in posting - my internet went down last night and after hours on the phone with the sympatico dude (from Bangladesh, no doubt) he convinced me my router had died and proceeded to sell me a new one, which I am not even sure will work with my Vonage phone...Oh well. I guess I'll find out when I get it.

Weights Monday:
#1: 1lb 12 oz
#2: 1lb 12.5 oz
#3: 1 lb 14 oz
#4: 1 lb 14.5 oz
#5: 2 lbs !!!
#6: 1 1/2 lbs. (See, I told you he would catch up!)

And now for another edge of your seat video...Please excuse the darkness - I didn't want to put on the bright overhead lights and used my camera's nightshot feature. Looks like a spotlight was lit up, but really there isn't.

Day 9 - Last day of flash pics

2008-11-23T16:19:00.009-05:00

The puppies eyes will open this week, and one or two had the merest slits in the corners, so today will be the last day of flash photography for a week or so. Video only. I would like to say that today's pics will be worth a week's wait, but they were a very squirmy bunch and would not stay still long enough for my point and shoot camera to finish taking the picture (like 5 seconds :).

Anyway, here they are, 9 days old.

#1 Girl

#2 Girl

#3 Boy

#4 Boy

#5 Boy

#6 Boy

Up drinkin' and partyin' all night

2008-11-21T18:58:00.005-05:00

The pups are getting loud - and they sound more like little dogs than mewling cats now too. Too bad most of the racket seems to be at night. You'd be surprised how much noise a little puppy can make!

The Race to the Milk Bar.

I finally thought I found a way to get sound in my videos...But when I tried it with this one, no success. Sigh. I really should take a course or something...Oh, well, so you can't hear the cute "me first" noises they are making, so I added music instead. Sorry for everyone who hates Enya!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIBEM8c4GPA&fmt=18

#6 has hit 1 lb.!

2008-11-20T18:45:00.006-05:00

Yes, the little guy is growing like the proverbial weed.

#5 was a whopping 1.5 lbs today. Everyone else gaining weight at good rates. ENS exercises are getting easier - with the exception of the "upside down" exercise, which they all hate...Probably feels like being in one of those rides at Disney, the one where you do a free fall in a dark, enclosed space...Not my favorite either.

Here are yesterday's "Race to the Milk Bar" photos:

Cat!

Promised Pics - Mix up corrected!

2008-11-19T20:45:00.010-05:00

Of course, they aren't as good as the ones I took (and deleted) yesterday! I am still having a hard time with #4 and #5 - I need to start photographing them in numerical order so I can tell the difference between those two afterwards!

Puppy #1 (female): weight today 1 lb. 2 oz.

Puppy #2 (female): Weight today 1 lb. 3 oz.

Puppy #3 (male): Weight today 1 lb. 4 oz.

Puppy #4 (male): Weight today 1 lb. 4 oz.

Puppy #5 (male): Weight today 1 lb. 4 oz. (yes these 3 boys were the same weight today!)

Puppy #6 (male): Weight today 14.5 oz.

I also have some cute ones of the "race to the milk bar" but for some reason my Internet connection is really slow tonight so will skip the upload until tomorrow!

Whoops

2008-11-18T19:38:00.004-05:00

So I took some GREAT photos today, posed each puppy carefully with a toy, made sure the lighting was just so...And then accidentally hit delete and poof - they are gone. Sorry folks! Tomorrow...

For today, the only update I can give you is their weights:
Puppy #1 (female): 1 lb.
Puppy #2 (female): 1 lb. 1 oz.
Puppy #3 (male): 1 lb. 2.5 oz.
Puppy #4 (male): 1 lb. 3 oz.
Puppy #5 (male): 1 lb. 3 oz.
Puppy #6 (male): 13 oz. (gained 3 ounces since yesterday!)

Today's Early Neurological Stimulation Exercises (henceforth will be referred to as "ENS" as typing all that is too long!) met with less resistance all around, with the exception of Puppy #1 and wee little #6 who yelled a lot.

Mommy Tap is back to her hikes and enjoying herself. She is eating 3 lbs. per day right now - next week I increase her food yet again to keep up with the growing little piggies.

Day 3 - First Day of Early Neurological Stimulation Exercises

2008-11-17T19:43:00.004-05:00

...And they FOUGHT like little devils! Everyone gained weight - more than one over a pound now! Little #6 weighed in at a whopping 10 whole ounces today at 11:30 am. I tell you, he is going to be a real looker that one.

Mom and brood on day 3 - this blue blanket is on it's 4th Creekside Litter - it's a favorite!

I Must Love My Dogs

2008-11-16T13:51:00.007-05:00

Last night, a fellow raw feeder friend showed up with a bucket of steaming deer guts, salvaged from an afternoon hunting expedition. We took it to the barn where we sorted through the intestines (which got tossed) and the rest of the "good stuff". We looked like a couple of characters from a bad horror movie when we were through, but managed to fill 2 big containers - enough for 2 dog meals (remember, I am feeding 7 dogs)! Needless to say, I wasn't very hungry for my dinner when we were through. Tap enjoyed some fresh deer guts and tripe for lunch today!

Puppy Stuff:

Tomorrow we begin the Early Neurological Stimulation Exercises .

Weights today:
Puppy #1 (female): 13 oz.
Puppy #2 (female): 13 oz.
Puppy #3 (male): 15 oz.
Puppy #4 (male): 14.5 oz.
Puppy #5 (male): 1 lb (a porker!)
Puppy #6 (male): 10 oz.

And now, for the very first Tap x Mirk video! Enjoy (I mean, don't fall asleep!)

24(ish) Hours Old

2008-11-15T11:03:00.005-05:00

Here is the brood in the new cat bed (at which the cat turned up his nose and continues to sleep on the non washable comforter on our bed). So, it is the now the new "must put the pups somewhere while I clean the box" bed!

It didn't take me long to remember how difficult it is to "pose" day old pups! They are like Bobble Heads. Here is my best effort.

Puppy #1 (female) sporting some pretty awesome airplane ears already. Please be pricked! Pretty Please? Weight today is 11 oz.

Puppy #2 (female). The white markings will "shrink" as she grows and she'll be a pretty striking girl! Weight today is 11 oz.

Puppy #3 (male). This is the "white" side of his body. I couldn't get a good shot of his face (remember - Bobble Head) so you can't see how perfect it is. Weight today is 12 oz.

Puppy #4 (male). He was the quietest and didn't mind posing for the camera! Weight today is 13 oz.

Puppy #5 (male). That little strip of white on his forehead is like an afterthought for a blaze! It will probably disappear when older. Weight today is a whopping 14 oz. He wins the " little pig of the day award".

And finally, my Tiny Tim, the handsome #6. He is a wee little thing, but content and thriving. This is the fellow I don't think Tap even noticed was on the ground until I pointed him out to her! Well, after Mr. Piggy #5, this guy probably felt like a grape rather than a grapefruit. Weight today is 8.5 oz. Remember he is the youngest. He'll catch up!

The New Tap Family!

2008-11-14T14:22:00.005-05:00

Well, she certainly was BIG for 6 pups!

All comfy in a nice clean box. Most of the pups are under her, so you can't see them.

All except #6...Right to Left: #2 girl, #1 girl, #3 boy, #5 boy, #4 boy (well a good guess anyways from this angle!)

Handsome Little Man - Here's #6

Sorry can't get a better shot of the pups but don't want to disturb Tap and her family too much today.

Weights at birth (or shortly afterwards):

Puppy #1 (Female): 10 oz.
Puppy #2 (Female): 9 oz.
Puppy #3 (Male): 10.5 oz.
Puppy #4 (Male): 11 oz.
Puppy #5 (Male): 12 oz.
Puppy #6 (Male): 8 oz.

Puppy #6 !!!

2008-11-14T11:29:00.002-05:00

10:56 AM - Black and white male, traditionally marked, wide blaze, 3/4 collar. Tap's getting tired, she was not as quick to clean this little guy off, but all are doing well. I am not sure that there is another - I *think* I still feel a bump on her left side, but hard to tell since that's the side she's lying on. Panting...Because it's warm in the puppy room or because there is another on the way....?

So far, not enough girls to go around, though...

Puppy #5 !!!

2008-11-14T10:10:00.003-05:00

10:03 AM - Black and white male - looks like Pup #1. He took his sweet time! So, Tap is following her last litter to a T so far...2 girls, born first, 3 boys, born consecutively....Hopefully there is at least one other girl in there! I'm pretty sure I still feel a bump or two!

Puppy #4 !!!

2008-11-14T08:35:00.002-05:00

8:22 AM - Black and White male, mostly black, full white collar, white snip on nose (kind of like Doc (2006 Pat x Glen). All pups weighing between 9 and 10.5 oz. Tap is having a very easy delivery so far and is doing well! She is enjoying her "Milk Popsicles" (goat milk, honey, eggs and organic canola oil) in between pups.

Puppy #3 !!

2008-11-14T08:00:00.003-05:00

7:51 AM - Black and White male, flashy white racing stripes (like Spur and Tap), white shoulder, perfect symmetrical face, wide blaze. Tap is doing a great job with all 3 so far!

Puppy #2 !!

2008-11-14T07:17:00.001-05:00

7:11 AM - Black and white female, wide blaze, splashes of white on back (but predominantly black). Lively!

Puppy #1 !!!! Finally!

2008-11-14T07:04:00.003-05:00

6:48 AM - Female, Black and White. "Click" face (white nose, no blaze), full white collar, white front legs. Weights to come! Tap is doing great - she is such a great mum!

STILL waiting

2008-11-14T04:09:00.002-05:00

So I thought things were going to begin last night - but they did not. The puddle I saw was not her water breaking - otherwise, 5 hours later, she would be in some distress! She is fretting, and pacing, and tearing up her bedding, but still NO contractions....And that's pretty much what happened all night long. Hopefully news today....

Quietly Waiting

2008-11-13T10:09:00.003-05:00

So, I don't think my thermometer is on the blitz, and Tap's temperature said 36 degrees this morning. Yet she passed an uneventful night - with the exception of scratching up all her bedding and panting a lot - no sign of real labor. She happily ate her entire breakfast.

This morning she didn't come with the gang on our big hike (my decision, not hers), and still wanted to chase Woody out in the yard. She is now quietly sleeping by my side, no fretting, no panting, nothing. Either this is totally different from her last pregnancy, or the books are wrong...I don't know what's up!

Sooner rather than Later?

2008-11-12T20:40:00.002-05:00

Unless my thermometer is on the blitz, Tap's temperature has dropped a degree since this morning. She has been between 37.3 and 37.7 degrees Celsius for the past few days. Tonight (8:30 pm) her temperature was 36.5...Might be news as early as tomorrow! (day 58 - still within normal range).

Tap's sure got the whole thing down to a science. She stood for ONE day and ONE day only, had one tie with Mirk and then wanted nothing more to do with him. Her timing is pretty amazing! (Unlike her mother, Pat, who would stand for about 2 weeks LOL!)

We are safely ensconced in the puppy room - her in her whelping box on her favorite bed and me with new fleece sheets on the guest room bed.

Puppy Countdown!

2008-11-11T06:11:00.006-05:00

Less than 6 days to go...If Tap whelps on day 60/61 as she did the last time and as her mother Pat before her, that would make her due date over the weekend (perfect timing). I have begun taking daily temperatures both in the morning and evening. Her normal temperature is 37.4 degrees Celsius.

Tap is enjoying her daily hikes - still 1.5 to 2 hours - but I make her walk, and don't let her tear it up with Blaze as normal. I expect towards Thursday she will go only on the small noon time and evening walks - the "old dog" walks...Except this time there is no Boomer for company. It will be sad that that this litter will not get to know that dear old soul. If you remember from the last litter, he was a "Grampa" to the pups, especially Hank (now called Case), who followed him around like a hero.

A flashback - one of my favorite puppy photos from the last litter:

And now for the embarrassing Tap photos. Well embarrassing for her, anyways!

Fat Tap Again!

2008-10-26T16:39:00.004-04:00

Tap is getting quite large! Here she is pictured on day 40 of her pregnancy. Approximately 3 weeks to puppy countdown!

We did some light work today, sorting the yearling ewes and lambs to decide which ones to keep for winter training, and she was brilliant. She is blooming with confidence and good health.

Day 30 "in utero".....We Hope!

2008-10-16T14:16:00.006-04:00

Well, as I said on day 20, I was pretty sure then, and I am very sure now - that Tap is in pup! She is definitely bigger at 30 days this time around than she was last time, but I'm not so scientific (or organized) that I actually jotted down her weights. So I could, like, compare.

Here is a happy Tap enjoying a fall day of play on October 11 - seems like the last nice fall day, for now it rains....

I think she is....

2008-10-06T20:51:00.004-04:00

Okay, so it is still early - only 20 days since she was bred, but Tap feels a bit thicker around her hips and is definitely being more cautious in her play with the pack - not diving in for a "drive by" unless absolutely necessary (like when Blaze is giving her lots of lip).

My new friend Lisa Hansson from Sweden (met her in Wales) says that her bitch Pat was bred 4x previously and no pups...She bred her to Kevin's Mirk in August of this year and she is in pup! So Mirk seems to be quite fertile :)

Lisa just came back from Swedish Nationals where her young dog placed 12th in the Finals - I think that earns her a spot at the Continental Championships, but not sure!

To visit Lisa's site and see her dogs: http://www.peze.com/somollis/svenska/svindex.htm

Thoughts on Back to Back Breedings...

2008-09-18T19:10:00.010-04:00

I would like to clarify AGAIN that this is not something we would ever normally do. We are not in this to make money, if we were, our own Kap would be used and Tap would be bred a lot more than 3 times in her life!

However, to opportunity to bring this new pedigree and talent to North America is an opportunity that I doubt anyone with a fit, healthy, working Border Collie would pass up, if they were in my shoes! Believe me the decision was NOT easy, as I do not picture Tap as simply a brood bitch.

Tap will still only have only 2 more litters in her lifetime -and the next one, if sufficient interest and she is healthy will be in 2010 as planned, when Tap is 6 years old. After that she will be spayed.

Just some food for thought...

While there are, of course, many conflicting opinions, many breeders and veterinarians feel it is more healthy for the bitch to have two litters back to back litter. Dr. Billinghurst is definitely one of them, although the "barefoot and pregnant" theme is a bit much for us!

Dr. Hutchinson, one of the top canine reproduction specialists in the country, states unless there is a health concern*, it is advisable NOT to skip heats between breedings. He also states that a pregnant uterus is healthier than a non-pregnant one in dogs. It has to do with how the progesterone affects the dog's uterus.

Here's a copy of the transcripts from a chat session with Dr. Hutchinson: http://www.doghobbyist.com/CanineRepro.html and a quote from the above transcript:

"Question: I have been told that back to back breedings are actually safe for a bitch. What are your feelings on this and if you agree at what age do you feel the first breeding is best planned?

DrHutch: I normally suggest the first breeding after 2 years of age because that is when the health clearances are...this varies by breed...because the bitch is unique in that their heat cycle is progesterone driven...the progesterone in a non-pregnant bitch lasts just as long as in a pregnant bitch...there is NO ADVANTAGE to skipping a cycle in a bitch...and a uterus is probably healthier in a pregnant bitch than in a non-pregnant bitch"

So, call us unethical or call us smart. It is done and we are hoping for a nice healthy, good sized litter at the end of November - a perfect time for puppy raising - no travel, no trials...And Tap will be in tip top shape ready for early spring training and trials!

Not so good for the Nursery class though - sorry folks!

*Note on Tap's positive Anaplasmosis Snap 4DX test this spring: She was ill, but both my vet and I believe it was the Doxy that made her ill (and she was not as ill as poor Blaze) rather than the actual TBD...She was asymptomatic for Anaplasmosis at the time of treatment, but the belief by most vets with experience with TBD is to treat all positives. What I have found out since from my vet (who consulted with the folks at IDEX, is that there are 2 types of anaplasmosis - one that is harmless and one that isn't, but the Snap 4DX does NOT differentiate between the two. At any rate, her bloodwork was NORMAL just prior to taking her to Wales and she was running like her old self again.

OK, We're Back - slightly early....

2008-09-18T13:03:00.006-04:00

...But couldn't pass up the opportunity to breed Tap to Kevin Evans' 2008 International Supreme Champion, Mirk while in Wales for the World Trial. We would not normally breed back to back heat cycles, but Tap is young and fit and this is a tremendous opportunity to bring in this dog's pedigree to North American soil.

The scoop on Mirk:

We watched him at both the International in Abergele, North Wales and at the World Trial in South Wales. We also met him and watched him work a bit at his home farm. He has a very nice temperament, is well put together and has good power and loads of style on his sheep. He is biddable yet also looks stronger than Tap, which hopefully will compliment her! Finally, I may get another smooth coat, pricked eared pup! He is NOT hip scored, though. They don't seem to do hip radiographs over there. If you saw the hills these dogs have to work, then you'd see that an unfit dog or a dog with bad hips would not last 2 seconds.

Here's what I mean...

And yes, those white dots are sheep.

Anyways, with luck we will know if there will be pups in a few weeks.

Presenting Mirk:

Isn't he handsome?

See you back here in 2010 !

2008-05-26T11:09:00.003-04:00

Thank you everyone for tuning into the Creekside Puppy Blog! All the puppies have gone to their new homes; follow their progress on their individual pages on the Creekside Border Collies website. We'll be back with another puppy adventure in 2010!

The adventure comes to a close - or is it just beginning?

2008-05-20T21:06:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow I set out with all the puppies en route to their new homes...Except Fen, of course!

First stop is at Grace's for a visit with Uncle Click and some training (for the big kids). So there are bound to be some great photos coming...

Here is a longish video of their last walk withe the gang. I wanted to upload the audio file of Beirut's "Scenic World" from my itunes library to go with it, but cannot. So, if you can, listen to it while you watch the video. It kind of suits the (kind of) sad, yet optimistic mood I was in when I shot this video.

Where is #2? (and #4?)

2008-05-19T20:43:00.004-04:00

OK, so everyone is asking about these two, since they didn't make it into any of the shots yesterday. #4 was probably digging a new road, playing with Woody or lying in stealth waiting to pounce on Blaze...A favorite pastime.

And here is #2. She is NOT innocent. As I said, Fen had LOTS of help with the rock garden.