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| Lilly |
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| Harvey and Riley |
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| Sophie |
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| El Gordo "Gordy" |
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| Happy New Year from all of us! |
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Happy New Year From Us!
We had a wonderful family visit with the kids, grand-pups and of course Lilly (Gordy's sib) this Christmas. All the pup from Molly are a year old now; wow! It's hard to believe a whole year has gone by. I thought I'd share a few pics of our day in the mountains.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Merry Christmas~
I haven't posted in a while and thought I'd post some pictures I came across. I have some more but for now I hope you'll enjoy these. Merry Christmas~
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| Sophie and Snow |
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| Do you think she loves it? |
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| Miki (no longer with us) didn't care to much for it! |
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| Remembering our 1st Grand-pup Sage |
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| I'm not to sure about that snow! |
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| Sage we miss you Spring 2010 |
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| Sophie, Miki, Riley, Sage 2007 |
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| Sophie taking a break admiring her work~ |
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| She helped decorate that year~ |
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sophie's Summer So Far~
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| Enjoying the Garden |
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| Chillin in Her Pool |
Sophie just loves her pool but she was more interested in saying hello to our neighbor. :)
Saturday, June 19, 2010
FYI - PET FOOD RECALL!
I've been so busy I miss spending time on my blogging - hopefully soon, however, I wanted to share this important information.
Another Pet Food Recall..
Another Pet Food Recall..
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
A Great Story And Painting :)
This morning I was hopping through blogs and found a blog from AZ Paintings and wanted to share it with you. She painted a beautiful picture of a rescued dog named Indie and if the painting hasn't sold yet it is available, in fact it's still drying. Check it out a wonderful artist, a beautiful painting and a happy ending to a great story :D Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Question Of Pup Socialization
When having to feed and care for eight remaining pups, getting a call from someone answering an ad you'd place is so exciting. The potential buyer owned this breed before and new what a wonderful dog anyone of the pups would make, but after a few exchanged calls her concern was with the age of the pup and being able to socialize him / her with other animals - some being of the farm variety.
We raised pure bred dogs and other from pups so I thought on that for awhile, researched and spoke to others that I new who raised this breed as well as, dogs (pure bred and other) from pups; our thoughts were one in the same. Concerning age I would think you'd first have to look at what the best age is for leaving the mother and litter - a pup leaving to young isn't always the best thing or any earlier than 8 weeks is to young. I've even read where 8 weeks as the minimum age up to 10 - 12 weeks as related to psychological readiness. Even though some may mature faster physically than others they might not be ready mentally. As stated in a previous post some things can be beyond our control but the care and training they receive from the mother / or surrogate is valuable - setting how they'll be as adults.
Now on socialization - From everything I've read and know from our own experience, the pups first few days with the mother are crucial for the pup's mental and social development and a good breeder will also understands that they can influence the pups health and behavior as well. For us - this task was extremely important, we wanted the puppy's to be healthy physically as well as mentally. So we did everything we could (and continue to do so for the remaining pups, 5 since I started this post) to provide the best care possible. In my research I've found that the best time for pups to be socialized is between 8 1/2 weeks to 17 even up to 2 years; wow. Dogs are social animals to begin with and to say that they are to old I don't believe that to be totally accurate. Look at dogs that are rehabilitated with even just one person that has love and patience. I'm convinced it mostly has to do with the owner and if they are the leader of their pack. I've seen this with our dogs - recognizing how we are and how they respond to how we are.
From our own experience - for my birthday my husband purchased a beautiful bullmastiff several years ago from a breeder in Olympia,WA. I didn't know I would be getting her at the time we drove to the breeders just to look. On my birthday Jim brought Bonita Rosa "Rosie" home she was 4 months old. We couldn't have had a better dog and one that was more social that her. This was way over the age of these pups. Rosie was around our young boys at the time and other children she was also gentle with other animals. Kids would come up and ask if she could play. No kidding. But what made the difference was her litter experience and the breeder did all that they could do to raise the two pups Rosie and brother that were left for mental and physical well being. We've had other dogs that did well first off and some that were a challenge I won't lie about it; but it can be done. I do agree that there are certain ages that maybe better between 8 1/2 - 17, I believe that some are exceptional like Rosie and some a little more challenging like Miki our Jack (she's mostly stubborn!lol). All in all the question should be are you right for the breed you are choosing and to you have the love and patience to work with any breed? Lastly even in a litter whether you have four pups or ten they are all a bit different; some that listen and get it right every-time and some that are hit and miss but all are getting it. :) When taking any pup home not only should you be socializing but obedience training is a must. We do work with the pups here learning the basics.
FYI Just a couple links but there are out there - puppy-socialization and how to socialize your pup.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
The Dog Whisper :)
Friday, February 26, 2010
Article Of Interest "Punish The Deeds, Not The Breed"
FYI - Here is an excellent article from the UKC's web-page Punish The Deeds, Not The Breeds - many dogs get a bad wrap but mostly those considered the "Pit Bull" type. I remember when we purchased our Bullmastiff (Rosie) she was a wonderful dog of a beautiful dark brindle color, one day I took her to the store with me - a pup at the time - someone asked me if she was one of those dogs that attack children! I was in shock, but the truth of the matter is the ignorance of people. Choosing to believe that all the problems are from a breed and not the owner. There has been countless reports of dog attacks from all types of dogs and it's not fair to single out one breed. I understand the concerns of those who choose not to look beyond the box, and learn about the breed; for instance the abuse the dog has to go under just to become that dog that people want to ban. I just recently spoke to a lovely lady who said she was one of those people but, who recently changed her way of thinking. She become friend with someone who rescued an American Staffordshire Terrier (commonly called a Pit) from a very sad and appalling situation. She shared with me that this dog was being seen regularly by a veterinarian being treating from a failing immune system. The dog was abused to fight but the immune system was compromise from being given a mix of gun power and methamphetamine to make him do what they wanted he to do. Who should they go after?
Most recently our son and daughter n law will be transferred to a new duty station in CA. They have a Bullmastiff as well as, two pugs. Of course it's hard to find apartments sometimes that will except pets however, one place in particular will take pets in fact they will even allow larger breeds. They will not allow Sage because she is of bully type! IGNORANCE is not bliss in this situation or any that keeps that allows people to loose their loving pets. I've read reports where dogs were taken from their home and destroyed and they were in good homes. As the article shares "Punish the deeds and not the breeds." I hope you take time to read the article. I also hope you take the time to read others we post and please feel free to leave your comments or any questions you may have. :)
Most recently our son and daughter n law will be transferred to a new duty station in CA. They have a Bullmastiff as well as, two pugs. Of course it's hard to find apartments sometimes that will except pets however, one place in particular will take pets in fact they will even allow larger breeds. They will not allow Sage because she is of bully type! IGNORANCE is not bliss in this situation or any that keeps that allows people to loose their loving pets. I've read reports where dogs were taken from their home and destroyed and they were in good homes. As the article shares "Punish the deeds and not the breeds." I hope you take time to read the article. I also hope you take the time to read others we post and please feel free to leave your comments or any questions you may have. :)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentines Day From Three Sweethearts!
Panda Babe, Maggie and Lilly in the back ~
All of 8 weeks old now.
All of 8 weeks old now.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Are You Feeding Your Pets Food Appropriate For Them?
I guess the first question you should answer before you even consider "what to feed your dog" is "what is a dog?" You might laugh, but it's an important question, and is normally the first thing one would ask when considering what to feed an animal or what things that are appropriate for the animal.
According to Wikipedia a dog is - a domesticated form of the wolf, a member of the Canidae (wolf like dog like [fox etc.]) family of the order Carnivora (carnivore) meat eaters. That's right folks - "meat eaters!"
Just like people (my opinion) if you aren't eating what your body can process for your nutritional needs you aren't eating right. There are things that aren't good or right for humans. Some may do well with a protein type diet others a carb type and some maybe both. But this blog is about pets our dogs and dogs aren't human! They then need what is right for them.
There's a lot of talk out there on dog food and what to feed them; anywhere from whats best to what a person can afford. My dad has been known to say; "It used to be that your dog lived a long life without much problems - now your spending thousands of dollars just to keep them alive!" There seems to be some truth in that statement and I believe it can have a lot to do with the food. However, I won't deny there are irresponsible owners, bad stuff that just seems to happen and somethings beyond our/their control.
Over the years we've had several dogs and before moving to Ohio our dog Otto was eating what we thought was best for the price. It didn't have a lot of grains and seemed to have all the things that you would say sounds and looks good stuff - Otto appeared to be doing fine. Then we purchased a Jack Russell and had them both on what the breeder had their dogs on; Nutro (lamb/rice) this seemed to be good also until after moving to Ohio. It only was a short time after moving Otto started to develop allergies - which lead to several costly trips to the vets and several food changes - none that worked. Our Jack on the other hand still seemed to be fine. I'm sad to say we lost a wonderful dog in Otto, he became so ill and in so much pain we made the decision to put him down than continue a regiment of prescription drugs that didn't work.
Our son and daughter n law purchased a bullmastiff from a "natural rearing" breeder in Washington and she fed a BARF diet to all her dogs, we were able to see all the dogs she had at her place and they were amazing to say the least. After Sage came into the picture, the kids with Sage came for Christmas and that was the first time we witnessed the BARF diet in action. We started feeding our Jack "Miki" the diet along with Sage. To our surprise were didn't realize Miki wasn't at her best health until after she had been on raw appropriate food for dogs. We are absolutely convinced it would have saved Otto's life! Miki is now nine years old and can run rings around most - except for some grey she's still a pup.
When witnessing how well she was doing and not just physically but in temperament; the "whole dog" was having her needs met: I kept researching more and more into it only to find many pictures of dogs and cats that have suffered needlessly by a lack of knowledge from pet owners. The stories are amazing - how the well being of their pets were turned around by going raw. Now you may be asking yourself what is BARF or feeding raw to dogs; here are a couple types of raw diet and it would surprise you that its easier than you think to feed as well as, not as expensive as you are thinking - it definitely has saved us in costly vet bills.
BARF is Bones and Raw Food Diet - SARF is Species Appropriate Raw Food Diet - We still have Miki and Sophie (our bulmastiff) both on a raw diet
and I can honestly say its the best thing we've ever done.
For those of you out there that still aren't "excited" about the prospects of feeding raw and are happy with feeding "kibbles" that's still your choice, but when purchasing dry do some research and purchase what is the closest to the appropriate food as possible. And, for you that are convinced you can feed better but raw is out there's still hope in feeding a good / excellent quality dry dog food. Remember we search ourselves and I realize with so many choices out there it is somewhat disappointing to say the least but you can get quality food if you choose not to go raw.
Again it starts with knowing what is appropriate for canines and remember they are carnivores; mostly all brand you find in stores are not appropriate for canines even though they have the "sounds and looks good stuff" it doesn't. Words on labels can be deceiving so you need to do some homework - don't choose less than the best for your canine. Now I know your now thinking cost and we've shared with others that have a hard time with - especially during these economic times we are in. I would kid you things are tough we can vouch for that ourselves but our research, as well as recommendations from family, has lead us to conclude that the best pet food for the money is "Life's Abundance" from Trilogy. Here on their site you can compare their brand to other top sellers out there - you will be surprised - without a doubt. Be sure to look at the size of bag as well as the serving size of each.
And, since we've taken on the role as care givers for 10 - now 8 puppies we have been feeding Life's Abundance to give the pup a good start before going to their new homes. We've seen the difference it makes with them over all just like when feeding Molly their mom. Molly made such improvement when we started her raw/dry and Life's Abundance meets the needs of both pup and adult dog. We still feel raw over all is the best and many raw food "natural rearing breeders" still start their pups on the raw and when selling the pups sell to those who will continue in that direction if we keep a pup we'll be doing the same. The pups we're caring for have had to supplement while nursing - to many pups for what was available and have done well with what I feed them.
I hope this was helpful to you and if you have guestions or would like more info leave in comments and I can send along other helpful links that we've found.
According to Wikipedia a dog is - a domesticated form of the wolf, a member of the Canidae (wolf like dog like [fox etc.]) family of the order Carnivora (carnivore) meat eaters. That's right folks - "meat eaters!"
Just like people (my opinion) if you aren't eating what your body can process for your nutritional needs you aren't eating right. There are things that aren't good or right for humans. Some may do well with a protein type diet others a carb type and some maybe both. But this blog is about pets our dogs and dogs aren't human! They then need what is right for them.
There's a lot of talk out there on dog food and what to feed them; anywhere from whats best to what a person can afford. My dad has been known to say; "It used to be that your dog lived a long life without much problems - now your spending thousands of dollars just to keep them alive!" There seems to be some truth in that statement and I believe it can have a lot to do with the food. However, I won't deny there are irresponsible owners, bad stuff that just seems to happen and somethings beyond our/their control.
Over the years we've had several dogs and before moving to Ohio our dog Otto was eating what we thought was best for the price. It didn't have a lot of grains and seemed to have all the things that you would say sounds and looks good stuff - Otto appeared to be doing fine. Then we purchased a Jack Russell and had them both on what the breeder had their dogs on; Nutro (lamb/rice) this seemed to be good also until after moving to Ohio. It only was a short time after moving Otto started to develop allergies - which lead to several costly trips to the vets and several food changes - none that worked. Our Jack on the other hand still seemed to be fine. I'm sad to say we lost a wonderful dog in Otto, he became so ill and in so much pain we made the decision to put him down than continue a regiment of prescription drugs that didn't work.
Our son and daughter n law purchased a bullmastiff from a "natural rearing" breeder in Washington and she fed a BARF diet to all her dogs, we were able to see all the dogs she had at her place and they were amazing to say the least. After Sage came into the picture, the kids with Sage came for Christmas and that was the first time we witnessed the BARF diet in action. We started feeding our Jack "Miki" the diet along with Sage. To our surprise were didn't realize Miki wasn't at her best health until after she had been on raw appropriate food for dogs. We are absolutely convinced it would have saved Otto's life! Miki is now nine years old and can run rings around most - except for some grey she's still a pup.
When witnessing how well she was doing and not just physically but in temperament; the "whole dog" was having her needs met: I kept researching more and more into it only to find many pictures of dogs and cats that have suffered needlessly by a lack of knowledge from pet owners. The stories are amazing - how the well being of their pets were turned around by going raw. Now you may be asking yourself what is BARF or feeding raw to dogs; here are a couple types of raw diet and it would surprise you that its easier than you think to feed as well as, not as expensive as you are thinking - it definitely has saved us in costly vet bills.
BARF is Bones and Raw Food Diet - SARF is Species Appropriate Raw Food Diet - We still have Miki and Sophie (our bulmastiff) both on a raw diet
and I can honestly say its the best thing we've ever done.
For those of you out there that still aren't "excited" about the prospects of feeding raw and are happy with feeding "kibbles" that's still your choice, but when purchasing dry do some research and purchase what is the closest to the appropriate food as possible. And, for you that are convinced you can feed better but raw is out there's still hope in feeding a good / excellent quality dry dog food. Remember we search ourselves and I realize with so many choices out there it is somewhat disappointing to say the least but you can get quality food if you choose not to go raw.
Again it starts with knowing what is appropriate for canines and remember they are carnivores; mostly all brand you find in stores are not appropriate for canines even though they have the "sounds and looks good stuff" it doesn't. Words on labels can be deceiving so you need to do some homework - don't choose less than the best for your canine. Now I know your now thinking cost and we've shared with others that have a hard time with - especially during these economic times we are in. I would kid you things are tough we can vouch for that ourselves but our research, as well as recommendations from family, has lead us to conclude that the best pet food for the money is "Life's Abundance" from Trilogy. Here on their site you can compare their brand to other top sellers out there - you will be surprised - without a doubt. Be sure to look at the size of bag as well as the serving size of each.
And, since we've taken on the role as care givers for 10 - now 8 puppies we have been feeding Life's Abundance to give the pup a good start before going to their new homes. We've seen the difference it makes with them over all just like when feeding Molly their mom. Molly made such improvement when we started her raw/dry and Life's Abundance meets the needs of both pup and adult dog. We still feel raw over all is the best and many raw food "natural rearing breeders" still start their pups on the raw and when selling the pups sell to those who will continue in that direction if we keep a pup we'll be doing the same. The pups we're caring for have had to supplement while nursing - to many pups for what was available and have done well with what I feed them.
I hope this was helpful to you and if you have guestions or would like more info leave in comments and I can send along other helpful links that we've found.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Vaccine Protocol
There is, and will continue to be, a lot of controversy over the use of vaccines in pets (as well as humans).
Much of the controversy stems from the widely held belief that many of today's vaccines aren't necessary for public health, but rather are being pushed by a greedy pharmaceutical industry
One thing to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to vaccinate your dog, or any pet for that matter, is whether the vaccine is required by law. Much of the legal requirement to vaccinate your pet was at one time a result of public health initiatives necessary to limit the spread of disease among animals as well as people. You don't have to be an expert on public health to know that animals -- pets -- can spread some pretty serious diseases to humans. The one that should come to every one's mind is rabies, which can be contracted by humans through a bite from an infected animal. Of course biggest reason to vaccinate our dogs against rabies isn't because the law requires it, but because we love them and want to protection for such a dangerous disease.
Well the purpose of this post isn't so much to give you my personal thoughts on the issue of vaccines -- which I haven't so far -- but rather to point you to the following web site which has some pretty good information concerning the timing of vaccines for dogs and cats:
The Whole Dog / Vaccines
When reading the article posted on The Whole Dog, you'll easily see how pharmaceutical companies have influenced the timing of initial puppy and kitten vaccines. Rather than attempt to quote or reiterate the recommendations here, please take some time to read for yourself what I think is some pretty good advice for anyone interested in vaccinating their dog or cat.
I plan on writing more concerning vaccinations in the near future -- hope you find this little bit of interest an encouragement to read more for yourself. Please be sure to share with everyone what you've learned, after all that's the purpose of this blog.
Jim
Much of the controversy stems from the widely held belief that many of today's vaccines aren't necessary for public health, but rather are being pushed by a greedy pharmaceutical industry
One thing to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to vaccinate your dog, or any pet for that matter, is whether the vaccine is required by law. Much of the legal requirement to vaccinate your pet was at one time a result of public health initiatives necessary to limit the spread of disease among animals as well as people. You don't have to be an expert on public health to know that animals -- pets -- can spread some pretty serious diseases to humans. The one that should come to every one's mind is rabies, which can be contracted by humans through a bite from an infected animal. Of course biggest reason to vaccinate our dogs against rabies isn't because the law requires it, but because we love them and want to protection for such a dangerous disease.
Well the purpose of this post isn't so much to give you my personal thoughts on the issue of vaccines -- which I haven't so far -- but rather to point you to the following web site which has some pretty good information concerning the timing of vaccines for dogs and cats:
The Whole Dog / Vaccines
When reading the article posted on The Whole Dog, you'll easily see how pharmaceutical companies have influenced the timing of initial puppy and kitten vaccines. Rather than attempt to quote or reiterate the recommendations here, please take some time to read for yourself what I think is some pretty good advice for anyone interested in vaccinating their dog or cat.
I plan on writing more concerning vaccinations in the near future -- hope you find this little bit of interest an encouragement to read more for yourself. Please be sure to share with everyone what you've learned, after all that's the purpose of this blog.
Jim
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Busyness Every Morning :D
All kinds of busyness happening around here and where I used to love my mornings - well, lets says its now chaos! The pups are growing fast and on the move! They will make a wonderful family dog. Here are a few most recent pictures I'm hope to post more soon.
Anne
El Gordo
Jack
Maggie and Belle
To little girls enjoying their
sleep :) Panda & Missy
How many pups can you fit on a very small bed?
And a few prefer the bigger :D
Anne
El Gordo
Jack
Maggie and Belle
sleep :) Panda & Missy
How many pups can you fit on a very small bed?
And a few prefer the bigger :D
Friday, January 15, 2010
Molly's Beautiful Pup's~
Lilly
Little Missy
Anne
Tess
Maggie
Jack
El Gordo
Bella Rosa
Panda Babe
Nelson (aka Half Stripe)
When Molly's pups are yelping they sound like a flock of seagulls!
When Molly's pups are yelping they sound like a flock of seagulls!
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