Know that I'm an unexperienced breeder, but my learning curve is steep and I'm learning a lot. So with that, I will share my experience with others. First of all I know more about the heat cycle of a dog then I ever wanted to know. Which by the way is very similar to a human's, but only happens twice a year. So Belle was due to come into season in May, right around the time of her surgery. But she didn't show any signs. I discussed this with the vet and he said that sometimes they have a silent heat and that she should come in at her normal time which would be November. This was at the end of June. Belle Starr turned 2 years of age July 11th. That is when they can get their OFA clearances for elbows and hips. They can't do this if they are in a heat cycle. So she was kinda showing signs of coming in season, and I was worried that we couldn't get her ex-rays for the clearances and I would have to hold off breeding. I took her in and they said she was fine and we did the OFA clearances. Then low and behold, she went into her heat cycle the next week. Once again, Belle Starr was secluded in the dog room. But this time it was for the best. No stray dogs for this girl. She doesn't get to choose her guy, for sure it would probably be not a good choice. Being her first mating she was reluctant to breed, so we ended up having help from the vet. We really didn't want to miss this opportunity. So that was the beginning.
Surgery
It's been a while since I entered a blog. I guess you could call it my down time before all the action. I did take Belle Starr and Shadow to Ridgefield in March to the International Dog Show. Both Belle Starr and Shadow earned their National Titles there. Belle Starr had injured her elbow (who only knows how she did that) and had surgery in June at Great Falls, MT. The vet did an awesome job. She had to stay down for 6 weeks. Now try that one out. Keeping a labrador quiet for that long of a time is a job in its self. She did real well and thank heavens I have a nice dog room with a doggie door to an outside kennel. I was able to keep her off things that could injure her while jumping. So, between Fred and I we took many walks to give her exercise and of course potty breaks. She soon learned that if she didn't go, then she could stay out longer. Now that was just frustrating, especially when we were in a hurry. Smart girl... She healed very well and was relieved to join the pack again.
Busy Time of Year
Time seems to be getting away from me. Here it is already Christmas time and a New Year on its way. Belle Starr received her International Title in October at Ridgefield. She was a show girl that weekend and took a first, 2 seconds, and a third in the shows. Her brother out of Oregon beat her out for best of breed in one of the shows. Exciting. There's nothing like traveling with a dog. You share your bed with a furry creature, look out the door of your hotel room to make sure there's not another dog in the hallway. You don't dare leave them in the room and go have fun, for sure as you would, the barking would probably start. So when you go to a dog show, know that it is a bonding time and don't plan on going anywhere a dog isn't welcome. The best part is trying to lug up kennels, dog supplies, plus your own luggage up 2 flights. But I have to admit the comradeship you develop with fellow dog lovers makes it worth while. Not only that it's exciting to see your dog perform. I'm hoping to take Shadow in the spring so he can work for his title as well. He has grown into a handsome boy and is quite the companion. I'm never without a friend, even when taking a bath. I usually have two labs taking up their space in the bathroom. Luckily I now have a bigger bathroom. Shadow lives up to his name for he shadows you all day. Belle Starr is more independent but she is also is becoming a partner. Probably had to do with being shut up in the puppy room during her last heat cycle. Phew! Glad that one is over. She joined the rest of us right after Thanksgiving. You talk about hormone overload that effects the other dogs as well as people. Must say that takes the cake. Our whole house is on edge during her time. One more and then we will look at having pups. With our new add on puppy room, I'm getting ready for our first batch of pups. My resolution for the New Year is to work more on my web site and keep up weekly with the blogs.
Fall Time in Montana
Days are getting shorter and cooler. Labs love the cooler weather. They still have fun getting into the kiddy pool after chasing around. We've been walking and exercising the pups a lot. They are both looking good. Shadow is in training for hunting antlers. He's excellent at finding them, but the bringing back is a work in progress. The Belle Starr is getting ready for the IABCA show in Ridgefield, WA. She has the conformation that judges like in the show ring. They tend to choose the more blocky body and shorter legs. With this show she will receive points for her conformation on an individual basis. A one on one time with the judge. This is the first International show like this I'm attending, so only wanted to start with one dog. Shadow has the blocky head and mellow disposition, but has the longer body and legs that moves him like a graceful gazelle. Such an awesome pair. Turning the back porch into a 8' by 12' dog room. It is going to be very sweet. It will also create a great puppy training room when the time comes. Only a year left before that phase of my business begins. Exciting!
New Home for the Labs: Happy Labs in Montana
After a long hard hot move we are finally at our new home. We bought a 2 story house with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, family room, and living room. Lots of room for the labs. The wonderful thing about this is that they have their own space and we have ours. Love it.. Along with that they have a little over an acre to run on. We almost have all the fencing around it so they won't wander off too far. Labs and moving! Now there's a challenge. Getting ready for a yard sales and packing boxes creates many opportunities. They loved getting into the garage where things were sitting out for the yard sale. I would find something in a million pieces and then think: It would have only gotten me 50 cents at the sale. Hum, a dog toy costs about $5 bucks, so I guess it was a cheap chew toy. Amazing what they charge for dog toys. With labs they usually chew them up, swallow, and in the night regurgitate. Yuk! The best toys we have found has been boiled beef leg bones with all meat and fat trimmed. They last for months and great for teething. Good rope and tennis balls strung on it also is a favorite at our house. I'm back into training again and that feels good. Currently we are working on training so we can search for antlers. They already found their first antler. Of course it was just by accident. But being in deer and elk country now, we want to give this a whirl and see how it works out.
The labs are adjusting very well to their new home and love all the area we have to walk them. Forest, alfalfa and wheat fields to explore. They are getting in great shape and hopefully so are we.
Haven't made it to any dog shows recently for obvious reasons, and with Belle Starr ready to come into season again, I'll wait a little on that.