August 2007
Greetings from Candle Hill,
Many of you have been writing asking what we have been up to. Here it is. Since the last puppy left just three weeks ago, we have been on our family vacation--staying home to tend to the dogs, but able to take day trips in the beautiful northwest.
That last puppy's owner writes, "Elizabeth,Would have written sooner but I have been taking care of this adorable puppy!!! I did meet Sue who was quite taken by Jessie as so many people have been! She is truly precious! Learned to climb up and down the stairs this past weekend...almost house trained (if I watch carefully) and FULL OF ENERGY!!! She is eating well and at last Monday's vet visit she weighed in at 24.5 pounds...about 5 pounds gained in a week. She has been going to work with me every day and has "the drill" figured out...lay quietly in her crate so I can listen to my clients. She is very curious and, obviously, smart as well. Again, I can't thank you enough for picking just the perfect girl for me...I will send you pictures when I figure out how to download photos from my new digital camera...all things mechanical are a real mystery to me. One day, I hope, we can meet in person! Pat"
Here is Jessie just before she left:
But the big focus of our family this July was homeward. Our eldest son graduated from college and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. We are so proud of him. Here he is at his commissioning at our home.
Also this summer, our daughter, age thirteen, made her debut with Jake in the AKC obedience ring, earning his first leg towards a CD...and...
getting instructions from the judge
waiting for the scores.
And...First Place Ribbon! Now, getting ready for the 4H Dog Show this Saturday
Along with the good news, we also have some heartache. My youngest son's dog, Baccara, has taken ill. Last Thursday, she has lost control of her hindlegs. The specialist says it is not genetic, but is most likely Fibrocartigenous Embolism as it came on suddenly. She is being treated with steroids in the hope that she will make a full recovery. We are noticing some improvement as she is walking better, so it is hopeful. But she will not be bred again. Also, she will miss the 4H dog show next week.
Here they are just a few weeks ago, getting ready for the big show.
We'll hope that Baccara will be able to demonstrate all she has learned this year, next year at the 2008 Dog Show.
And lest we forget, Tag and I also entered the AKC Dog Show, earning her CD title.
Fast heel
The Recall
Ha! And first place ribbon! Hooray for Tag!
After this busy summer, we are scaling back. There is only one litter planned in the near future. This will be Jake and Dakota. Dakota recently won first place in the 4H Fun Match. Pups are expected in October. Both Jake and Dakota have great hip scores on their certifications, with Jake being OFA Good, and Dakota being rated in the 80'th percentile for German Shepherds in Penn Hip. This means that her hips are better than 80% of all German Shepherds tested. Anything above 50% is considered breedable quality. Here is Dakota: one beautiful dog.
Our best to all of you from, Elizabeth