November 13, 2007
In addition to the two titled females, we brought home one more. Here is Sara, a solid black, coated ten month old female, linebred on Lord Gleisdreieck.
This is a very special find as it's not longcoats for longcoat sake that we have them, though I do like the look. What began years ago with the breeding of Tag and Dagger and has continued with Max and Wessa has produced a quality of temperament in these DDR lines out of Lord which is for want of a better word, "special". They are happy, eager to please, pleasantly drivey, delightful dogs. Since posting in the update just four days ago that we plan to continue this line, email updates from the longhaired puppy families have poured in. Reading them will give you a flavor for these wonderful dogs.
11/09/2007 Ruby (Dagger/Tag, 2005, Litter C)
And now a little bit about Ruby...Elizabeth, I just don't know what I would do without her. It's been tough these last couple of years, and let me tell you, she is the best therapy. Mike remarked the other day how you can't be in a bad mood when Ruby is around you. She is just so joyful and happy. Her motto seems to be "life is good, live it to the fullest!" And I really like that attitude. Ruby is also a "toucher", a "leaner"--she likes to be near one of us at all times and is often leaning on one of us, or she will breeze by and softly touch us with her nose. It's so subtle, but she does this all the time. When I'm cooking dinner, she quietly flops behind me. We recently remodeled our kitchen and I opted to not put in an island, partly because it would make it harder for Ruby to hang out in the kitchen! (I really didn't need an island anyway because I doubled my counter space).
Also, let me give Candle Hill dogs their props. Ruby was very easy to train. She's not perfect, but that's my fault, not hers. We regularly babysit a beagle and he can be really awful--he gets in to things, doesn't come when called--so he's completely untrustworthy. Ruby has been trustworthy for so long, that it's so shocking to meet a dog that's her age that can be so ill behaved! Also, the new Rottweiler next door is also very sweet, but I like to say that he has rocks for brains! He was actually jumping on my kitchen counters! Ruby would never do that. I could actually leave a bag of garbage out and she would never get in to it. She's such a good girl. Roberta, Seattle, WA
Ruby
Ruby is sister to Clue, whose owner wrote recently,
11/05/2007 Clue (Tag/ Dagger, 2005, Litter C) I'm dying to see your new gal and pictures of Wessa's puppy that you kept. You're really going to keep this beautiful long hair line going. Of course, I'm always all about the look, but you have not only produced a good look, but such a strong healthy constitution. I just can't believe how healthy Clue is. Of course her personalty is beyond compare! Send lots of pictures! Hugs, Pat and Clue, Dallas, TX
Clue
11/09/2007 Roxy (Max/Wessa, 2007, Litter J)
Elizabeth , Roxy is also doing wonderful. She looks to be about the same size as Chinook. Her training is going good. She is the star of her class. Every one of the clients in the class has commented on how responsive and what a quick learn she is. She is truly a delight. The other night, I was taking my end of the day bath with the rest of the house settled and sleeping. Well, Roxy decided that I was lonely and jumped in the tub with me. I was stuck! I could not get any help! Welll, Roxy hearing my cries for help decided to jump out of the tub and go find help herself. She never found an awake person, but not for lack of trying-water was everywhere. What a clean up!
Anyway, we love these guys and we can't wait for pictures of the new additions.
L aura
Roxy when here, five weeks old
11/09/2007 Hank (Dagger/Tag, 2005 Litter C)
Oh my. I am caught in a whirlwind! Had I not had Pyro, I'd snatch that Dakota pup...she is precious! I love the one sable male...that is too cute.
And Chinook...wow. She is going to look just like her mother. She is stunning!! MUCH darker than Roxy and the others by far.
Ever hear any on Hank's litter? I know Annie is a year older, but just curious if besides her and Clue, that anyone ever sends you updates? Hank is like wine, he just gets better with age. He is like the "responsible" child that you have, that always does the right thing, even when everyone else is in the wrong. Xena (Border collie mix), being the escape artist that she is, unlatched the gate in the backyard, and she and Pyro went for a nice jaunt around the front. As I'm scooping up the pup and Xena is trailing in, I didn't even have to wonder where Hank was. There he is, sitting good as gold in the middle of the yard, never having left it in the first place. He is SO good. He is the only one I trust completely and never have to worry about. I sure love those long hairs. Ashley, Virginia
Hank
11/10/2007 Tulip (Dagger/Tag, 2005, Litter C)
Hi Elizabeth, I just saw the photos of Chinook. Those longhairs are the cutest things. Sounds like the temperament of your longhair line you have now is quite similar to the Tag and Dagger puppies. The comment you made on how all those puppies come running back to you, is so true with Tulip. She runs as fast as she can to get back to me. Tulip is the sweetest, most loyal, gentle shepherd that we love so much. I hope I don't have to be looking for another one any time soon, as I hope both of my shepherds are around for a long time to come, but when the unfortunate time arrives I will be looking for another one of your longhair shepherds. So I hope you keep the longhair line going in your breeding program.
We have recently had a little girl who is 6 months old and both shepherds adore her. They can't stop licking her. She and the shepherds are going to best of friends. She loves watching them and laughs all the time at them. Keep me updated on the new longhair puppies and how they turn out personality wise. I love the photos you always email.
Thanks Suzie P, Colorado
Tulip
So you see, when I saw that a longhaired female from DDR lines out of Lord was available, how could I resist? Sara shows the same lively personality we've adored in Tag and Max. Assuming she turns out...many miles to go before joining the breeding program....she likely will be another great female to breed to our wonderful Max.
Meanwhile, another litter of Max and Wessa is planned for spring 2008. Last year, the reservation list was filled by February for May pups. If you have been waiting for one of these special pups, don't wait too long!
Best Regards,
Elizabeth