Sympa Shelties Life

Another Litter In The Works! :)

2011-11-23T16:33:00.001-05:00

Our Planned 2011/2012 Litter

Kylee was bred around Thanksgiving. Check back around
mid/late December for confirmation of pregnancy!

Sire of the litter will be AKC Grand CH/CAN CH/UKC CH Dan Dee One
From The Heart, "Ticker", he is health tested
and cleared. He obtained an Award of Merit for 2011 ASSA
National and 2nd in Stud Dog class this year as well. He produces
puppies with lovely temperaments and structure, his daughter won the
Brood Bitch class at this years National and his grandsons were
1,2,3 in Puppy Dog 6-9 Sable, plus his son won 1st in both Futurity
12-18 and Regular (12-18 Sable) classes!! A great year for him
ends with 5 American Champions so far.

Sable and White puppies are expected.

Ticker is currently residing with Dianne Hawes of Wistwin Shelties:

http://www.wistwin.com/Ticker.html

He is also co-owned with Suzi Beacham of Shalamar Shelties:

http://www.shalamarshelties.com/ticker.htm

Pedigree of Ticker:

http://www.pedigreelines.com/dog/pedigree/id/32676

TJ's Registration Name

2010-05-11T21:19:00.002-04:00

Would love to know what my readers think of his registration name ... If you can think of something along the 'future looks bright' or combining his parents names (What You Leave Behind & Im A Believer In) send me an email, or leave a 'comment' - would love to hear it!

Current Suggestions:
Sympa's Won't be Left Behind
Sympa's Tough to Leave Behind
Sympa's Never Look back
Sympa's believe in the future
Sympa's Belief in a Tremendous Jackpot
Sympa's Don't Stop Believin'
Sympa's You Gotta Believe
Sympa's I Believe in Miracles
Sympa's Straight to the Heart
Sympa's You are my Shining Star

Other -- leave a comment :)

LOTS of updates :)

2010-05-11T21:06:00.003-04:00

Sorry, guys! I can not believe we're going on a month since I've updated this blog... Puppies are doing wonderful, all four are still here with us.

TJ - Still trying to think of a registered name for him (any suggestions?), but he is going to be staying in the Sympa Gang (going to live with my parents later this summer).

Crickett - sale pending, will be heading to California to be with a wonderful family and a couple other Shelties. They have watched her grow up and been in love with her all along. We are pleased with this family and will miss Crickett, but hey - now we will have TWO Sympa Puppies in Cali.

Rylee - Is Derrick's favorite! Wouldnt'cha know, shes the best all around everything dog - except for conformation. Dang, huge bummer. I would totally keep her (or send her to my parents) if she were a conformation prospect, as well. Instead, performance and therapy will be her "thing". As of today, she is still available. I have had some inquiries but nothing definite yet.

Dora - A real sweetheart, as always. And, still available, as well. She is our barker, but seems to just want to follow her humans anywhere.

They are all doing great as far as crate training - hardly any messes in the ex-pen anymore. They wake me up in the morning and get barky during the day to go out. Id say, probably 98% crate trained... Inside the house, and loose, they still need some work. Its puppy-brain, and we're working on it, but they do get distracted and into playing. Much of the time, during nice days, we spend a lot of time outside (where they get "puppy potty parties") or the screen door is propped open so they can come/go as they please. Leash training is going wonderful, almost perfect with that now :) We've started some basic obedience commands, as well.

Lately, Ive posted many more videos to YouTube (user/channel = sympashelties) than taking pictures. Must be because of being outside lately, I'd been studying for MSU finals, so Id just grab my phone for a quick video instead of pictures....

I will try to get better at updating the blog now, too, especially since *school is done until fall* :) :) :) :) :) :)

10.5 Weeks Old! :)

2010-04-15T19:04:00.000-04:00

Here are the pups at 10.5 wks old ---

TJ--

Dora--

Crickett--

Rylee--

Thanks for letting me share!!!

Kelly

8 WEEKS OLD

2010-03-30T08:13:00.002-04:00

Dora- 9" & 6.1lbs

Rylee- 7 3/4" & 4.5lbs

Crickett- 8 3/4" & 5.7lbs

TJ- 8 3/8" & 4.8lbs

7 weeks

2010-03-23T17:50:00.002-04:00

Well, for being 7 weeks old, everyone is in the gray on the Nobel chart ...

Dora - 7 3/4
Crickett - 8 1/4
Rylee - 7 1/4
TJ - 7 1/2

Dora=

Rylee=

Crickett=

TJ=

Did a bunch more videos in the past couple days as well --- Check them out here: http://www.youtube.com/user/SympaShelties

Volhard Testing & Grrr- You Tube

2010-03-20T19:02:00.002-04:00

YouTube is being slow at processing the videos included in the Blog... If you see a video with a true time value, its working. If it still says 0:00/0:00, it isnt processed yet - even though theres a thumbnail for it ...

YouTube's support says they will be processed in time, sorry I cant do anything else :(

** Supposedly, you can view the videos thru the SympaShelties Channel at This Link.

Some have wondered what the Volhard testing is... Here is a website for more information - http://www.volhard.com/pages/pat.php. The block quote below is taken from that website...

WHAT IS PUPPY TESTING?

Some of the tests we use were developed as long ago as the l930’s for dogs bred to become Guide Dogs. Then in the 1950’s, studies on puppies were done to determine how quickly they learned. These studies were actually done to identify children’s learning stages.

Top Dog Tips: The ideal age to test the puppy is at 49 days of age when the puppy is neurologically complete and it has the brain of an adult dog. With each passing day after the 49th day the responses will be tainted by prior learning.

Later on in the early 60’s more tests were developed to determine if pups could be tested for dominance and submission. These tests determined that it was indeed possible to predict future behavioral traits of adult dogs by testing puppies at 49 days of age. Testing before or after that age, effected the accuracy of the test, depending on the time before or after the 49th day.

We took these tests, added some of our own, and put together what is now known as the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, or PAT. PAT uses a scoring system from 1-6 and consists of ten tests. The tests are done consecutively and in the order listed. Each test is scored separately, and interpreted on its own merits. The scores are not averaged, and there are no winners or losers. The entire purpose is to select the right puppy for the right home.

The tests are as follows:

1. Social Attraction - degree of social attraction to people, confidence or dependence.
2. Following - willingness to follow a person.
3. Restraint - degree of dominant or submissive tendency, and ease of handling in difficult situations.
4. Social Dominance - degree of acceptance of social dominance by a person.
5. Elevation - degree of accepting dominance while in a position of no control, such as at the veterinarian or groomer.
6. Retrieving - degree of willingness to do something for you. Together with Social Attraction and Following a key indicator for ease or difficulty in training.
7. Touch Sensitivity - degree of sensitivity to touch and a key indicator to the type of training equipment required.
8. Sound Sensitivity - degree of sensitivity to sound, such as loud noises or thunderstorms.
9. Sight Sensitivity - degree of response to a moving object, such as chasing bicycles, children or squirrels.
10. Stability - degree of startle response to a strange object.

TJ Volhard Test

2010-03-20T18:54:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, the video camera died before his test ... But, these were his results:

Social attraction = 1
Following = 1
Restraint = 3 <- lots of eye contact
Social dominance = 3
Elevation = 4
Retrieving = 2
Touch Sensitivity = 5
Sound Sensitivity = 5
Towel/Stability = 2
Umbrella/Stability = 3

Mixed results, but he is very people oriented, willing to please and would follow his person anywhere. The beginning of the test was somewhat skewed b/c he had just woken up and needed to potty (which he did during the test, then "woke up"), lol.

Crickett Volhard PAT Test

2010-03-20T18:26:00.002-04:00

Crickett scored mostly THREEs, which means:

Mostly 3’s -

Can be a high-energy dog and may need lots of exercise
Good with people and other animals
Can be a bit of a handful to live with
Needs training, does very well at it and learns quickly
Great dog for second time owner.

Basically, very focused, not afraid, and very independent.

Individual test results
Social attraction = 3
Following = 2
Restraint = 3
Social dominance = 4
Elevation = 3
Retrieving = 2
Touch sensitivity = 5
Sound sensitivity = 3
Towel/Stability = 2
Umbrella/Stability = 2

Dora Volhard PAT Test

2010-03-20T18:21:00.003-04:00

Dora scored mostly THREEs, which means:

Mostly 3’s -

Can be a high-energy dog and may need lots of exercise
Good with people and other animals
Can be a bit of a handful to live with
Needs training, does very well at it and learns quickly
Great dog for second time owner.

Basically, no fear, nothing really phases her, enjoys time with people.

Individual Test Results:
Social attraction = 3
Following = 1
Restraint = 5
Social dominance = 3
Elevation = 3
Retrieving = 3
Touch Sensitivity = 4
Sound Sensitivity = 4
Towel/Stability = 2
Umbrella/Stability = 3

Split up into sections:

Rylee Puppy Volhard PAT Test

2010-03-20T15:10:00.001-04:00

Rylee scored mostly THREEs, which means:

Mostly 3’s -

Can be a high-energy dog and may need lots of exercise
Good with people and other animals
Can be a bit of a handful to live with
Needs training, does very well at it and learns quickly
Great dog for second time owner.

Individual Test Results:
Social attraction = 2
Following = 3
Restraint = 4
Social dominance = 3
Elevation = 3
Retrieving = 2
Touch Sensitivity = 5
Sound Sensitivity = 3
Towel/Stability = 3
Umbrella/Stability = 4

Videos (broken into parts) below:

SIX WEEKS OLD !!! :)

2010-03-15T20:05:00.003-04:00

Wow, amazing how time has flown by. I am sure going to miss these little fluff balls when theyre gone - even if having 4 pooping puppies is stinky and a mess to clean up after :)

Sometimes, I wish I was on the other end of the webcam (especially in the mornings!) so I wouldnt be able to smell the stink from overnight - PU :) They love their food! The other reason, sometimes the camera is muted so you dont hear this:

Crickett does sleep and TJ does play,though too:

New food bowl experience today, too:

I also took the pups for their first real car ride today... We went to the vet clinic to get weighed. WOW!
Dora = 4.9 pounds!!
Rylee = 3.7
Crickett = 4.6
TJ = 3.9
After that, we drove to hubby's work where they got to socialize in a new environment [outside] with his co-workers (and even some strangers that stopped to see the cute puppies) :)

And to end with a cute short video, hopefully this video will work!
"The Gate Escape" :)

Outside Time :)

2010-03-12T13:21:00.002-05:00

In between the rain today I figured it was warm enough out to take the pups outside. This time I did 2 groups of 2 so I wasnt so overwhelmed :) They checked out the cement, gravel, snow, and grass !!

First out -- Dora & Crickett.

Next up -- Rylee & TJ

Play Time Videos!

2010-03-09T17:39:00.000-05:00

AND

1st trip outside

2010-03-08T15:58:00.001-05:00

Not in the snow...

Have to revideo the snow one, I was bad and kept turning the camera plus the glare from the sun, sorry!

Almost 5 Weeks Old! :)

2010-03-08T11:37:00.002-05:00

All pups are doing wonderfully! Theyre growing like weeds and doing so many new things, too! You can browse the whole litter's photo album here : http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053616&id=1412833940&l=cfb1a3612b ... In that album they have their first interaction with 'tunnels', children, new toys :)

Female1 = "Dora"

Female 2 = "Rylee"

Female 3 = "Crickett"

Male 1 = "TJ"

KIDS! :)

2010-03-05T12:02:00.000-05:00

Visits from a 3yr old & a 5yr old today :)

Puppies & SNOW !

2010-02-28T23:46:00.001-05:00

Full Album, Click HERE and go to Page 4

The puppies had their first interaction with snow today! It was too cold to bring the pups outside, but we didnt want to miss an opportunity for them to interact with snow. So, my husband brought in a Frisbee full of the light fluffy white stuff.

Take a peek at some of the cutest pics!

Misc Cute Pics (end of February)

2010-02-28T11:54:00.001-05:00

2-25, 3.5 wks old

2-26

2-26

2-26

2-27

2-27

2-27

2-27

2-27

2-27

2-28

2-28

3.5 Week Old -- Individual Pics

2010-02-26T17:36:00.002-05:00

Female 1= Full Album HERE

Female 2= Full Album HERE

Female 3= Full Album HERE

TJ, aka Male 1= Full Album HERE

Weaning & General Progress!! :)

2010-02-26T16:12:00.000-05:00

The puppies are starting to become more aware of their surroundings, steadier on their feet, and playful. Watching them, you see tails wagging, play bows, pouncing, paw touches, nibbles, and investigation of toys or new things in their pens. Hearing them, you hear little barks (different pitches depending on what they way), whimpers, or growls.

Everyone is growing like crazy, too. They are all over 2 pounds now, most in the 2.5 pound range marker :)

They spend their time mostly in our living room now, hearing the washer, dryer, dishwasher, furnace, street noises (we even got 'lucky' and had an ambulance come down the other day), snow plows!, the other dogs barking, the tv, the phones ringing, computer noises, etc. ... If someone is not home with them, though, we do place them back in their whelping box for safety and security reasons.

Everybody has had their eyes and ears open for awhile, and they know how to use them to get lots of pets and cuddles. Also, they do all have teeth and know how to use them, so the weaning process began.

During this past week, we have begun weaning the 'little' pups.

It started with goats milk + infant rice cereal:

Then a little soaked kibble was added:

The pups are all doing well and enjoy their new meals of soaked kibble!

Necropsy Results on Little Boo

2010-02-25T19:00:00.000-05:00

The preliminary necropsy results came in, 2 pathologists have already reviewed it and agree so far, and sent it onto a specialist in respiratory pathology to get a little more details...

But, in general, its good news for the remaining puppies and Kylee...

All infectious diseases were ruled out - bacterial pneumonia, distemper, CHV, parvo, etc. All cultures so far are negative for everything.

He had a normal structure to his heart (no missing or malformed valves), and all else appeared 'normal' except for his veins...
They were very abnormal - structure (size) and fibrous (too stiff, couldnt contract/open/close/pump), which resulted in congestion in his lungs. This explains the initial diagnosis of pneumonia, and his heart appearance plus the fact of no murmur. His heart was overworked in order to get oxygen (of any quality) into his lungs and body tissues.

This is considered an oddity, an anomaly, with no concern for the litter mates having any problems, as well as Kylee producing a puppy similar to this in the future.

He did have blood in his lungs and evidence of chronically 'oxygen-deprived' tissue.
This was a slow progression from birth with a gradual decline in lung function

The respiratory pathologist still needs to review the case. That person will give us more details - how often it has been seen in past? remarks/comments on genetic influence?

Play Time!

2010-02-22T09:53:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, we decided it was time to move the pups to the living room for socializing and interactions :) They are getting more playful with each other, and interested in toys, too.

Here are some of my fav pics I took during the process, with a link at the bottom for the entire album :)

female2

TJ (male1) with toy

F1

F2

F3 on L, F1 on R

Exhausted!!

Entire album link HERE

Weights (2/15 - 2/21)

2010-02-20T23:12:00.000-05:00

Date, Time	Female1	Female2	Female3	Male1	Male2
Feb 15, 11pm	1.3lb = 20.5oz	1.2lb = 19.6oz	1.2lb = 19.6oz	1.2lb = 19oz	1.3lb = 20.2oz
Feb 17, 11pm	1.5lb = 24.5oz	1.3lb = 21.1oz	1.5lb = 23.2oz	1.3lb = 20.5oz	1.4lb = 22.8oz
Feb 20, 2pm	1.8lb = 29oz	1.5lb = 24.5oz	1.7lb = 27oz	1.5lb = 24.6oz	n/a :(

With Saddness ....

2010-02-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

I am very saddened to report that we did lose one puppy. "Little Boo" was also known as Male 2.

On Thursday Feb18, around 630pm he began breathing difficultly. His respiration rate increased, was doing abdominal (labored) breathing, lost his suckle reflex, and stretched his neck out.

He was taken into MSU Small Animal ER where we were told they believed it was pneumonia. Placed him in an oxygen incubator and his breathing began to improve. We decided to leave him there, start him on IV fluids with antibiotics and all were hopeful he would be alright.

About 1030pm MSU called to say they thought he was still doing better, he had begun to relax, regained a suckle reflex, and seemed to have pepped-up. Great we all thought!

330am Fri 2/19 MSU called again to say he had taken a turn for the worse. His breathing was much more erratic, they were concerned he had entered heart failure. We made plans for him to see a cardiologist in the morning and hoped there was something we could do. In the mean time, supportive care was still being administered.

7am, I got another phone call. He really was not doing well. They believed he was entering soon into cardiac arrest, and would not even make it to the cardiologist appointment.

I, then, drove back to MSU to see him myself. His breathing was the worst I had seen it. I placed my hand in the incubator, by his nose, his eyes semi-opened, and he started to move and then began vocalizing. I knew then and there the right thing to do was to end his suffering, as he was in pain. This was no longer a 'simple' pneumonia case :(

The thing that really confused everyone at MSU was that he never, even at the end, had a heart murmur, but the other symptoms were there. Therefore, we authorized a necropsy to be performed. Preliminary results should be back next week.

The little guy was 2.5 weeks old and a sweetheart already. It just does not seem fair that the first ever Sympa Sheltie to pass was one that barely started his life.
In Memorium -- "Little Boo" (2/1, 8am - 2/19, 730am)

Welcome to the world!

5 days old

1.5 weeks old

2 weeks old

2 weeks old

PICTURES --- 2 weeks old

2010-02-15T18:32:00.002-05:00

Ok ... WAY too many pictures to post multiple times... This photo album is set for "everyone" to see ... So take a peek at :

General Puppies> HERE

Female 1> HERE
Female 2> HERE
Female 3> HERE
Male 1> HERE
Male 2> HERE

EYES!! :)

2010-02-15T11:40:00.001-05:00

Saturday Feb 13 --
Male 1 opened his left eye

Sunday Feb 14 --
Male 1 opened R eye

Monday Feb 15 --
All but M2 have their eyes open, his are just little slits.

Weights! (2/8 - 2/14)

2010-02-13T23:48:00.003-05:00

No idea why you have to scroll down so far, sorry about that, but the weights are listed :)

Date, Time	Female1	Female2	Female3	Male1	Male2
Feb 8, 6pm	352g = 12.4oz	339g = 12oz	350g = 12.3oz	345g = 12.2oz	358g = 12.6oz
Feb 9, 9am	367g = 12.95oz	337g = 11.88oz	362g = 12.8oz	355g = 12.5oz	375g = 13.2oz
Feb 9, 3pm	372g = 13.1oz	348g = 12.3oz	368g = 13oz	355g = 12.5oz	377g = 13.3oz
Feb 10, 8am	413g = 14.56oz	361g = 12.7oz	375g = 13.2oz	367g = 12.9oz	411g = 14.5oz
Feb 10, 5pm	413g = 14.56oz	371g = 13.1oz	383g = 13.5oz	379g = 13.4oz	415g = 14.64oz
Feb 11, 1am	427g = 15.1oz	379g = 13.4oz	395g = 13.9oz	384g = 13.5oz	423g = 14.9oz
Feb 11, 1pm	427g = 15.1oz	376g = 13.3oz	409g = 14.4oz	393g = 13.9oz	430g = 15.2oz
Feb 12, 11am	470g = 16.6oz = 1lb	427g = 15.1oz	428g = 15.1oz	429g = 15.1oz	454g = 16oz = 1lb
Feb 13, 4pm	514g = 18.1oz = 1.13lb	440g = 15.5oz	474g = 16.7oz = 1lb	442g = 15.6oz	477g = 16.8oz = 1lb
Feb 14, 11pm	542g = 19.1oz = 1.2lb	498g = 17.6oz = 1.1lb	511g = 18oz = 1.1lb	485g = 17.1oz = 1lb	531g = 18.8oz = 1.2lb

General update :)

2010-02-12T10:28:00.002-05:00

Well, its been awhile since I posted any kind of general update on the pups and Ky, so here goes....

All the puppies are doing wonderfully, theyre starting to really crawl/kind of walk instead of slithering and pulling themselves. They are all eating well and gaining weight.

Ky is doing wonderfully nursing them -- on her own now even ! :) Shes never had a problem or been reluctant to clean them, thankfully. She is back on dry food (puppy) only, no canned and we are no longer supplementing her or the pups with Pedialyte (some pups had diarrhea for a few days).

The other dogs in the house are curious about the pups - especially when they make their little noises (grunts, yips, 'barks', etc).

Im hoping to get some good pictures of them this weekend to post. Theyre starting to resemble real Shelties now, and not guinea pigs, gerbils, or whatever little animal you think newborn pups look like :)

As of this morning, no eyes (or ears) are open yet. Should be soon though.

So, all in all, it was totally worth the experience and stress to see these 5 beautiful babies grow and evolve in just such a short time, even. I wouldnt trade the emotional rollercoaster for a second. In fact, I kind of enjoyed hearing that Female1 (natural born) might not make it, but having her be the chubbiest puppy the other day!

I also wanted to mention a change in the webcam. There is now audio on it most of the day as well. And I have had several people (mostly from a Sheltie group I belong to) ask about sending money or toys, to help cover the costs of the ER Csection, extra bandwidth our computer is using doing the webcam 24/7, etc. While it is *not* necessary, I 'broke down' after being asked multiple times to put it up. We will greatly appreciate anything that comes in our mail to stimulate these pups. Any financial resources will also go to help another Sympa puppy (from a previous litter in 2003) who will be needing two very expensive & invasive surgeries shortly.

Any puppy produced by us, we stand behind, and will assist with any major (genetic) health concerns into their lives. We feel this is the right thing to do, without a doubt as we brought the pups into the world. We arent just responsible for their genetic health for 1, 2, or 3 years... Breeding is not about making money, and when done correctly, it does not happen. Breeding is for your passion of improving the breed as a whole. ... Some have asked about our contract, as well. My contract is a little different than others. In addition to the extended support I offer for genetic complications, I offer refunds/rebates for titles (performance and conformation) you put on your Sympa puppy. This encourages doing activities with your new family member, and gets our name out and about in the show circuit as well.

Everyone is sleeping now, so Im going to grab myself a late breakfast and get on with the rest of the day :)

Puppy Weights ! (2/1-2/7)

2010-02-08T05:17:00.001-05:00

Female1
2/1 pm = 7.37
2/2 9a = 7.37 ; 7pm = 7.55 ; 10p = 7.69
2/3 10a=7.97 ; 10p=8.22
2/4 3pm=9.1oz
2/5 4pm=10.12
2/6 noon=10.7
2/7 5am=11.1 (Diarrhea since 9pm 2/6)

Female2
2/1 pm = 8
2/2 9am= 8.1 ; 7pm = 7.86 ; 10pm = 7.9
2/3 10am=8.25; 10pm = 8.47
2/4 3pm=9.60
2/5 4pm=10.34 ( !! )
2/6 noon=10.8
2/7 5am=11.4 (loose stool this am)

Female3
2/1 pm=7.72
2/2 9am=7.72 ; 7pm=7.5 ; 10p=7.86
2/3 10am=7.97 ; 10p = 8.11
2/4 3pm=9.07
2/5 4pm=10.19
2/6 noon=10.9 (!!)
2/7 5am=11.9 (!!)

Male1
2/1pm = 7.8
2/2 9am=7.9 ; 7pm=8.22 ; 10p = 8.4
2/3 10am=8.61 ; 10p = 8.64
2/4 3pm=9.31
2/5 4pm=9.59
2/6 noon=10.3
2/7 5am=11.1

Male2
2/1 pm=8.2
2/2 9am=8.4 ; 7p = 8.32 ; 10p = 8.47
2/3 10am=8.29 ; 10p=8.60
2/4 3pm=9.14
2/5 4pm=10.19
2/6 noon=10.7
2/7 5am=11.4 (Diarrhea since 9pm 2/6)

PICTURES!!!!!!! :)

2010-02-06T19:30:00.000-05:00

Ok, here's some pics :)

Female 1 --

Female 2--

Female 3--

Male 1--

Male 2--

WOW !!!

2010-02-05T16:33:00.002-05:00

Kylee has been a good momma with cleaning and being aware of her pups. She hasnt, however, been overly willing to nurse the pups on her own. I need to physically lay her down and then stay very close to her or she'd stand up ... Pups are/were still gaining weight well so I just thought we'd stick to this method for awhile yet ... But ...

OMG -- just saw for the first time ever, Ky was sleeping and let two puppies come up and start suckling again. They just finished a feeding about 30-40mins ago, and she slept after that. But now her eyes are open since they attached and by golly, she didnt stand up!!!!!!! Of course, Im a few feet from her, but that hasnt stopped her in the past when they try to attach.

Wondering how long this'll last and if it was only b/c she was sleeping when they attached to her.

Website/Webcam

2010-02-02T15:51:00.005-05:00

Go to this main "Litters" page and follow the link that best suits your needs - there are two options. ...

http://sympashelties.com/Litters/Litters.htm

Long Day Sunday night thru last night ....

2010-02-02T07:35:00.000-05:00

ok, I (& my dad) kept Facebook and a Sheltie group posted as to the happenings, so sorry, but will just copy/paste those updates in here with timestamps. Was way too overwhelmed and tired to do anything with it last night ... So, here goes...
Kylee had 5 puppies - 4 were delivered via Csection (emergency); 3 females, 2 males; all sables.

Sunday night ~1030, contractions started and continued on at varying intervals for 4 hours without producing anything.
Monday morning ~ 230am, the first visible sac appeared after a set of about 5 minute STRONG contractions. yay!
Monday morning ~ 430am, this sac has just elongated to the length of over 4 inches, Ky stopped having contractions after it first appeared - 2 hrs with no contractions had me worried. Off to the ER vet we go...

Vets take ultrasound (determine there is still fetal heartbeats), take x-ray (doesnt appear to have a large puppy 'stuck'), do bloodwork (everything was normal, incl calcium), suggest give a couple doses of Oxytocin to treat for her uterine inertia.

Somewhere around 6am, it is determined that Ky very well may need a c-section as the oxytocin seemed to not be working. Me, freaking out (of course), start to panic and finally just gave them the permission to go ahead and do it (quoted 2-3k for Csection alone, not including other exam/diagnostics performed!)-eek, especially with me not really working. But, do it, I'll find a way to get the money, I've got too. (~630am).

Shortly after MSU was given the "ok", the techs started to prep her for surgery, while the vet came back out to tell me the general timeline of how she expects the rest of the morning to go... Suddenly, vet got a call on her cell and looked at me and said - "SHE JUST HAD A PUPPY!" Then ran back to the treatment room. Didnt take the paperwork I had just barely signed for the csection...

~715/730, vets (& surgeons) came out to say the puppy was not doing that well, and they still wanted to give the others the best chance at survival, so it meant deliver the others via csection instead of waiting longer to see if the oxytocin was just slow to respond. Ok, do it, I already approved it! Plan was Id probably be able to pick her and the pups up around 10am.

10am, head back to the vets (my cells were dead, so didnt know anything else about surgery at this point) ... I was told that the pup who was delivered naturally was doing alright, but the others still had anesthetic in them as well, so were kinda slow with the suckling. They requested keeping Ky and pups for a little while longer to make sure Ky would let them and encourage them to do their duties, while she did hers (cleaning, etc).
(managed to get *a little* sleep between the phone calls) ;)
About 230pm, I got a phone call they believed the pups were ready to come home with mom! We had a pretty likely probability they'd make it, but may need supplemental feedings.

Got the pups home around 330-4pm Im thinking it was? Ky was exhausted and basically slept until 7pm. I had to force her on her side and put the pups on her. The vets were right, some really did need help, and I was tired & stressed & frustrated I could not 'help' everyone suckle on her - or a bottle. Again, freak out on my part ... This also encouraged ME to get sick a few times (lack of sleep, lack of eating and drinking, stress/nerves), plus I had to care for the pups and Ky first. ...

She got up to eat, drink, and potty - then I noticed ... Blood all over her back end. Uh-oh! Called the vet, and they said if it appeared to not stop, was bright red, go ahead and bring her back in. Could be hemorrhaging, could be from her bladder being moved around during surgery to get the pups out, could be normal discharge after a Csection... So, hubby and I packed Ky & pups up into his car, and he drove us to the vet.

They did a little more bloodwork, protein, calcium, all values normal (doesnt appear to have lost 'too much' blood), and her vitals were also normal. They took her in back, shaved her up for a better view and reassured us, it was normal for her to have some bleeding over the next 2 weeks. It wasnt coming from her incision site (shes actually left that alone very well now). Better to be safe than sorry, and again reminded both I & hubby of the warning signs. Headed home, and did another nursing/supplemental feeding (with Goats milk & esbilac this time, not water, worked MUCH better). And left the dog room light on all night long so I wouldnt fall into too deep of sleep. Woke up periodically and checked on everyone.

Ky's a good mom, shes cleaning them and trying to nurse them (although some pups are a little confused as to where the *milk* comes from) , I couldnt be more proud of my girl after all she went through.

So, thats the story! Hopefully today will be easier than yesterday! :)

THANK YOU to everyone for your support and prayers. They seemed to have worked, all pups are still here and doing well from what I can tell :)

Pictures to come later!!!!

Descriptions of the pups

2010-02-02T00:39:00.000-05:00

female 1:natural birth, collar on R, blaze, L front paw all white, 209g -- NEEDS help to suckle

female 2: full white collar, white blaze (more on R than L), sable "target" on her belly, 227g -- Suckles on own pretty well

female 3: no blaze, full collar to chest, both front paws white all the way, 219g <-- Has NO problem suckling, this'll be Ky's "porker puppy" ;)

male 1: teeny tiny blaze, white feet socks, ...221g .. Needs a little help getting attached to suckle, but once attached, does well.

male 2: 1/2 paw white, partial blaze, full collar, 233g . Suckles on own.

PUPPY WATCH !!!!

2010-01-31T22:51:00.001-05:00

Umm .... We're on PUPPY WATCH!!!!!!

http://www.sympashelties.com:8081

webcam above

Temperatures

2010-01-31T20:03:00.000-05:00

This is going to be updated daily, in the evening ...

Tuesday Jan 26 pm = 100.2
Wednesday Jan 27 pm = 100.6
Thurs Jan 28 AM = 99.3 !! Will have to retake this temp this afternoon just in case Im reading the temp of stool or something else. Afternoon = 99.5. PM = 100.7
Fri Jan 29 AM = 99.9 ; PM = 100.1
Sat Jan 30 AM = 100.2 ; PM = 99.9
Sun Jan 31 AM = 100.2 ..... PM = 101.2 ... SPIKE!!!!!
Mon Feb 1 =
Tues Feb 2 (DUE DATE) =

Update (End of January - almost there!)

2010-01-31T10:29:00.002-05:00

Well, we're still waiting. Her temp has been pretty steady the past day or so. She still ate breakfast this morning, but does seem 'different' today. Not quite sure how to explain it, so I will be watching her closely today.

I took a couple pics of her today, as well --- will upload those here later today probably.

Also took some new measurements - are you ready for this?? :)
Waist, pre-pregnancy=19inches ; today=24inches
Rib cage (up front, just behind shoulders), pre-pregnancy=21inches ; today=25inches
Rib cage (end), didnt take it pre-pregnancy (oops! But it was very very similar to her waist) ; today=25.5 inches!

Will have to wait for a little help to get her current weight b/c I cant read the scale while I'm holding her, but will update that later too.

Just going to have a calm day at home, will do some homework and keep everything relaxed around here :)

Quick Update

2010-01-26T20:00:00.000-05:00

Kylee has mostly gone off of her food again. She had been slowing down eating the past several days, but I havent gotten her to eat any kibble is probably 24 hours ...

She will eat milkbones still (of course!) and ate some cottage cheese. Hubby's going to reheat some leftovers and I'm guessing she will get some of that too (its healthy) :)

The pups are moving around like crazy now, even Derrick mentioned it.

Theres a new post called "Temperature" that will be updated every evening and then reposted for that date.

Wireless webcam is still in transit somewhere - hurry up and get here!!

A new feel ...

2010-01-23T09:37:00.002-05:00

After Ky woke me up at 3am to let her out, she came back up onto the bed and laid on my pillow, right smack dab against my face. It took me some time to fall back asleep, but while waiting it was so cool .... I could feel puppy movement right up against my face, she was already sleeping so I didnt want to move and feel with my hands for a bigger surface area feel, all I had was my cheek and a little bit by my temple to feel the movement - but they're in there :)

yay!

Daily Happenings ....

2010-01-22T21:48:00.002-05:00

Well, I know its only been a day since I posted, but its a Friday and I'm just relaxing at home before studying for a quiz I have on Monday... Thought I'd take a minute and make a couple little notes about how things are going in general.

Kylee is starting to eat slower, but still shows interest in food. Today, shes been panting a little extra, not sure if its a temperature thing for the house being warm, pain, or stress. We have a couple house guests here for the weekend, but the guests are seperated from my guys all the time now. But, as I type this, Im stretched out on my bed, tv on, ex pen set up so me and my guys get the bedroom and computer room access & hubby is in the living room with the guests... And, shes on the bed panting, when none of the other dogs are. Heat flashes? Stress? She's doing fine otherwise.

As far as the other dogs .... My Tigger is doing well since being on thyroid medication. His temperament has improved, he is a bit more active, but still needs a lose a couple pounds. He is also less itchy - that is what we wanted to achieve the most! Belle, my old girl, is doing well, shes just a cuddler and gets jealous of the 'puppy' (Ky) getting all the attn lately.

I won a wireless webcam on ebay today, so can't wait for that to arrive to set up. That way, I can have my laptop at school or wherever with me, but the webcam will still work. Might take hubby a day or so to get it set up (comes with its own software and stuff to put it on the net) once it arrives in 2-9 days. Its coming from Utah, so hopefully it wont be on the long end of that range.

Otherwise, "its all good" here with the Sympa Shelties :)

What Do You See ???

2010-01-21T16:01:00.004-05:00

Can you tell what the number is??? Well, I can tell you it's an odd number ;)

What - thats not good enough ???

Ok, well, she has less than Belle had in 2003 ....

The answer ---- Those who guessed FIVE were correct :)

LET THE COUNT DOWN BEGIN!!

Forgot I said I'd add the other details...
Pre-pregnancy weight ~19 pounds. Today 25.3
Pre-pregnancy rib cage measurement : 21 inches. Today : 24
Pre-pregnancy abdomen measurement : 19 inches. Today : 23

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

2010-01-14T22:43:00.003-05:00

Just measured my little girl .... Her rib cage measurement is now at 23 inches (up 2 inches since pre-pregnancy) and her waist is still 21 (also up 2 since pre-pregnancy). Her abdomen is very tight and firm. She is eating wonderfully now (still), and keeping everything down.

She is a crazy lick-maniac now, too. I swear, she'd lick my hand or hubbys "pricklies" for hours and hours if we'd let her. She barely slows down, only when her eyes start to close and she starts to fall asleep :)

She is also beginning to thin out her fur on her abdomen, also.

Otherwise, she is her same (new) cuddly self, and wants to take your finger off if you offer her a Milkbone, lol.

Her appt is made for her "count" xray - next Thurs the 21st at 2:30 -- will post results later that day :)

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

2010-01-11T10:07:00.003-05:00

Kylee is doing wonderful since her vet visit. She is eating only solid food - and keeping it down! YAY! Where we are as far as development goes:
~ This week we should be able to start feeling the puppies move around.
~ She will begin to groom herself a lot (she has done this basically all throughout the past couple weeks, so thats nothing new)
~ Late next week we will do a xray to verify the number of puppies

She has gained about 2 pounds since pre-pregnancy weight, and added 1-2 inches for both her rib cage and waist/abdomen !

Here is a picture from the snow we had last week -

Are you concerned I radiographed Kylee ?

2010-01-08T11:50:00.003-05:00

While I do appreciate the concern for Kylee's unborn puppies, I felt it beneficial to radiograph her in order to prove to myself she did not eat something she should not have - it's not like I had her radiographed for hours over and over. Afterall, my girl would vomit undigested food (and treats) within an hour of eating it, and I had not seen her poop recently. She was not keeping even small pieces down, this was alarming. I had to consider her care 1st, and the risks to the pups 2nd. While the radiographs showed the things stated previously (enlarged uterus), what I neglected to mention [on this blog] was that my girl was also literally FULL of poop, but no true obstruction concern. Thankfully, after then a rectal exam, she did come home and has begun to poop normally. Clearing that fecal matter out has also allowed me to feed her a few tablespoons at a time (for now over 12 hours) and keep that down for her!!

I went looking for resources which claim little/no side effects of radiation on the late stage development (after 30 days) and found many interesting articles. It seems as though, the main reason radiographs are not used prior to day 45 is because even though all the organs have formed, there is no calcification or skeletal marks of any kind to distinguish fetus from fluid. If you can find resources that state effects otherwise, please cite them.
I even emailed a veterinarian at Louisiana State University who teaches a portion of the canine/feline reproductive classes... Below is our correspondence:

From: shelteak@aol.com [mailto:shelteak@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, January 08, 2010 10:29 AM
To: Bruce E Eilts
Subject: Radiographs During Gestation - not covered on website

Mr. Eilts,

I found this website ( http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/eiltslotus/Theriogenology-5361/ultrasound.htm ) very useful, however I am trying to find information (studies, cases, etc) on radiographing a (potentially) pregnant canine prior to the 45 days; say radiographs are done day 38. Does this create a problem during end-stage development? Could it cause fetal mortality?

I would greatly appreciate any information you may have on this instance.

Thank you

Kelly Clark
Sympa Shelties

His reply:

Probably not, as organogensesis has already occurred, however minimal x-ray exposure is always recommended. Beagle bitches exposed to much higher than normal x-rays had a greater chance of neoplasia or hematopoetic alterations.
Dr. Bruce Eilts

In addition to that, I also have the following interesting website citations (from good sources):

"Use of Radiography:

Radiographs of fetal developement are useful starting with Day 31 to 38 after the LH peak. The fuetus are seen as spherical enlargements in the uterus. These can be manually palpated between Days 25 and 30 after the LH peak. After approximately 35 days, the fetus elongates beyond the width of the placenta, resulting in a diffusely enlarged uterus in most bitches, and making identification of individual fetuses by palpation of radiography difficult. Elements of fetal skeletons can be first deteched radiographically 42 to 52 days after mating, or44 to 47 days after the LH peak. By days 58 to 61, ribs and pelvis can be clearly identified. There are several signals that warn of fetal death which can be deteched radiographically. These are:failure of the uterus to continue to enlarge between 28 to 44 days gestation: gas in the body cavities, around the heart of major vessel; collapse of the fetal skeleton; lack of fetal growth, or demineralization of the skeleton."

http://cynologist.com/index.php/anatomy-of-dog/breeding-pregnancy-and-puppy-viability

"Radiography

(please also refer to Table 1 where it says uterine swelling visible on x-ray 23-35days after mating & diagnosis days 39-50) ...
Radiographic imaging (X-ray) of the abdomen is most accurate for determining pregnancy during the last trimester (43 to 63 days after ovulation). After 42 days, the fetal skulls and spines are visible on radiographs. As pregnancy advances, the bones of the front legs become visible, followed by the bones of the rear legs, the pelvis and the ribs. Finally, the fetal teeth become visible around 56 to 61 days after ovulation.

Prior to 40 days, the enlarging uterus may be visible on radiographs, but it may appear very much like the surrounding intestines. The contents of the pregnant uterus may be difficult to distinguish from an abnormal non-pregnant uterus before fetal skeletons develop. The physical and medical condition of the bitch will help to identify a diseased or a healthy pregnant uterus."

http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G9923

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

2010-01-08T06:04:00.003-05:00

I was too exhausted to type this all out yesterday, but Wednesday pm thru Thursday am, Kylee was vomiting up her food (no bile), but even small meals would not stay down. With the snow storm we had (coming, at the time) I decided to get her into the vets just to make sure she was alright, before I wouldnt be able to get there with the roads. So, naturally, our wonderful veterinary clinic (Pennsylvania Veterinary Care) worked us in.

Exam-wise, she was normal (has gained 2 pounds since being bred!), but the vet could definately feel "something" in there. We opted for xrays (knowing it was too early to count the number of pups, since their skeletons havent formed yet).

Kylee's uterus was HUGE, even the vet was a bit surprised by it. Both horns of the uterus are expanded, as well. Poor girl has everything pushed up against her rib cage, and is almost bursting at the sides.

Plan of action: very very very small frequent meals, and make sure she is drinking (she was not dehydrated). So, after finally (yup, the storm had moved in!) getting home a little after 6pm, I fed her only 3 teaspoons of canned I/D and a few kibbles sprinkled on top. We repeated this at 830, and again at 1030 and midnight.

I'm awake (darn insomnia!) right now, but the dogs & hubby are zonked. Once they start waking up for the morning, we will resume the feeding every 2-3 hours.

So, I'm just a worry wort and my girl is full to the brim with "something" ;) We will re-xray either end of next weekend or the beginning of the following week to get an actual count, and check sizes.

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION ... Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes :)

2010-01-06T13:56:00.004-05:00

Kylee is eating kibble again, has been for a couple of days now. After our LONG search, I found a brand that has extremely tiny kibble that hides well, and when she does "find" kibble, she is willing to crunch on it :) THANK YOU to NutriSource!!

She used to have a favorite spot to nap - under the couch. And I think today she realized she can not fit under there anymore. I just caught her laying right next to it with only her head under it. Poor girl looked sad when she looked at me, almost as if she was saying "Mom, I'm getting fat".

Her abdomen feels firm all of the time now, too. There is very little 'give' to it anymore. The stud's owner told me to check for a discharge around week 5 - in her past, if there was discharge, there was for sure a pregnancy. Well, I'd venture to say theres something going on - the other dogs are very interested in sniffing her, and she has been cleaning herself a lot more than the past month.

We're down the the final drive - the final 4 weeks now, lots will be changing now... Soon will be able to feel puppies moving, mammory glands will swell a little, and becoming restless or trying to find a whelping spot will start over the next few weeks...

Which reminds me, before I switched to NutriSource puppy kibble (with wet/canned food), she had eaten all the food she wanted for the time being, and Belle had wandered into the whelping box to finish it all up, but Ky actually chased Belle out of there barking at her! Wow! Belle was even surprised!

(edited to add pictures)
Presenting the Sympa Shelties "Dog Room" - this is where the puppies will be whelped and raised during their first week or two of life, then the dog pen will be moved into our living room (which opens into the dining room and kitchen). The dog room, however, is the warmest most secure room in the house for actual whelping :)

Ky Update

2010-01-03T16:10:00.001-05:00

Well, I havent posted much the past few days (almost a week) b/c nothing much has really changed...

She still doesnt want the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, applesauce, cheese, etc...

She is off of kibble completely - Ive tried Canine Caviar, Prairie, Earthborne, Wellness, Merrick Grannys Puppy Blend, Eukanuba, & Innova -- none have any appeal to her... Well, until she got ahold of Belle's J/D kibble!! I've gotta find something else for her besides the Cesar wet and J/D.
The wet food is given to her twice a day with the dry kibble available all day for her to munch on.

She gets very tired easily, sleeps a lot, and feels as though shes gained some weight and widened in her chest again.

That's about where we are :)

Ky Bday & PUPPY ANTICIPATION

2009-12-29T17:55:00.002-05:00

Well, Kylee turned 2 yesterday. She got a wonderful treat -- some Chef Michael's wet dog food mixed in with her kibble and a gravy for the kibble. She ate and ate and ate, haven't seen her eat that much in a long time.

Thankfully, I bought a bunch of those and Cesar brand wet food to begin mixing in with her kibble to get her to eat. She still does spit out some of the kibble, but for the most part now she's doing well between having the kibble moistened and having actual wet food in there, too.

And, of course, the other dogs get a couple spoonfuls of the wet food as well :)

She is still clingy, affectionate, and possessive of me. If I begin to pet one of the other dogs, she jumps up in front of them and onto my lap or chest to block the other dog(s) from touching me. Stinker!

She has also "missed" a couple times when trying to jump up, just did not have the boost behind her to make it onto the bed or couch sometimes. So she gets the 'elevator' (as hubby calls it) of being lifted up.

2009-12-27T18:44:00.002-05:00

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas - even if your weather was horrid.

We spent time with family and a great time. The doggies enjoyed visiting with my parents Shelties (Traverse, Teak, & Tyler) and eating some special food for the occassion.

Kylee, and the others, managed to get some cream of chicken (diluted!) soup, applesauce, green beans, carrots, pumpkin, pizza crust, and many other little left-over pieces. Other than the "extras" Kylee hasnt been eating much kibble, so we're trying to find something she will eat, and I have been encouraging her to eat by hand - or spoon - feeding her.

She is continuing to get wider around her ribs and waist. And, if she is still for about 10-15 minutes she now falls asleep - usually on a lap or right next to one of us.

It's her birthday tomorrow (Monday, the 28th) which - if the first breeding took - the fetuses should be fully developed "miniature dogs" :)

She also went for her first "Therapy Dog" visit on Christmas Day. To see my grandmother, and managed to make more friends with the people around. She did very well with the wheelchairs and walkers, the patients, residents, and staff. Of course, at first, her nose was glued to the floor looking for crumbs :) Such a sweetheart she really is ...

Thats all for now, more later this week :)

DECEMBER 23rd -- Palpation

2009-12-23T13:39:00.001-05:00

Well .......

(who else is on the edge of their seats???) ...
The vet palpated and palpated and palpated ...
He *believes* he feels something up at the edge of her rib cage, but could not say 100% she is pregnant.
So, we wait until much closer to the due date for an xray of the exact number and check the positioning then, too.

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

2009-12-21T12:10:00.001-05:00

Well, its Monday the 21st…
She should have fetuses with the important organs mostly developed right now.
Our vet appt is on Wednesday, hopefully they feel something :)

As for how she’s doing ---
Her “rib cage/chest” measurement increased by almost 1 inch, while her waist measurement appears to be the same. Kinda hard to tell though, because she has thinned out some fur from her grooming.

Her appetite has slowed down with food, she will, however, snatch a milkbone out of your hand before you’re ready to give it to her! And beg for people food, which she never used to do.

Her personality is definitely changed, and hubby and I kinda like this personality better ;) She is much more affectionate and cuddly. Always wants to be near her people. If I am laying on the couch or bed, she will jump up and put her body in a “play bow” state - her front legs on my chest, and supporting her body with her hind legs still standing. Does she not want pressure on her tummy?? She will also curl up next to me and fall asleep. In the past, she was a dog who’d get pets and cuddle for a minute, then run off to play, or “give you her butt” by turning around before settling down to cuddle. She is sleeping more, too. Doesnt usually start a play session, but if another dog does, she will get in it.

She is LICKING almost anything - people, pillows, herself, toys, etc. Many times she falls asleep doing this, as well.

No “morning sickness” yet, thankfully. A couple of her nipples do appear larger than the others by 2 times the size (or so).

The 28th (her 2nd birthday) if the first breeding took, the fetuses’ organs & structure should be fully developed!

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

2009-12-14T12:09:00.001-05:00

Ky’s doing well, she is eating every little morsel in her dish :) She’s being very cuddly, clingy, and LICKY! She wants to lick anything around her - including my notebook and papers while I was studying and she was next to me. Kinda cute, actually.

She is still playful and happy. She must still kinda smell good b/c Tig has tried to “welcome her home” a few times. Think a bath will be in her future this week since I wont have classes ;) Although, when Tig tries, he gets his ears and face snarled at and mouthed at (not really bitten, but a ‘back off’ warning) - by BELLE!! :) Silly girl.

Ive started to put Kys food in the whelping box, she goes right in, no problem so will just keep that up and get it slowly more ready with papers and padding.

Found a really cool website the other day (her breeder sent it to me) : http://www.debbiejensen.com/date.html
You can put in Nov 30 (her first mating) and see whats happening in every stage of her pregnancy. No need to put names of the dogs in. Of course, this outline would be if she “took” on her first breeding, but it gives you an idea of what is happening. Hopefully her blastocytes have implanted on her uterine wall now and will begin to turn into embryos now :)

I measured her waist and rib cage Saturday, will do it weekly… Her rib cage was 22 inches (just behind her front legs/shoulders), and her waist (in front of rear legs) was 19 inches. Once I start to see those values grow, we’ll start taking some guesses on how many we think she has :) Her half sister, Amy, is due pretty much anytime, and shes BIG, should be a nice sized litter.

Made the appointment for her palpation exam—Dec 23rd :) This is just a confirm yes or no, hopefully. Occassionally they can say they feel more than one, but dont tell an accurate number from this usually… Then, closer to her due date, we will get an xray to make sure pups are lining up as they should and confirm the number

Kelly

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

2009-12-08T12:08:00.001-05:00

Just heard from Gloria… Sunday was the last successful breeding. Today she wasnt feeling it, so theyre done. Now we wait. And I should get her back by the end of the weekend, still ironing out those exact details…
4 total breedings ... Last Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday… She wasnt flagging today and tried to nip at him, so shes done… Depending on the weather, we’ll get her Friday or Saturday.

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

2009-12-02T12:07:00.001-05:00

Email from Gloria on Dec 2nd:
Hi

Second breeding a huge success tonight. Kylee was even courting Breckon and what a sight it was. So sweet with a 20 minute tie!! Usually the second breeding and then after is so much easier. She is still flagging like mad :)

What was so cute, she was laying in her crate and I sat on the lounge chair to watch TV. I called her and she came running and jumping into my arms. She liked being held and cuddled. Just the sweetest dog.

Ok, we’ll go for another breeding on Friday and I’ll let you know

She is eating some, as long as she picks something, we think that is good. I think today we may see how she reacts to our food. Who knows?? At least I do know she is happy here and not stressed at all. She loves the couch and just stretches out and takes her naps.

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

2009-12-01T12:06:00.001-05:00

Got an email early this morning from Gloria:
“The breeding went well last night, Kylee was flagging, but since she never was bred before, also was a bit jumpy, however Breckon got the job done with a 15 minute tie. I could tell she was nervous, but I have seen this before so I was not surprised and just calmed her down. The next time will be easier. We will do another breeding on Wed. I like to skip a day between breedings. So all is well and breedings begin!!!! “

I do miss her like crazy, it is so weird not having her here. She sleeps on our bed - right above our heads by the pillows and is usually the one who wakes me up in the morning to remember to let dogs out and feed them. Even today, Tig didnt wake me up until almost 930am! And he spit his cookie out and let Belle eat it, he really misses her.

The plan was for her to stay 2 weeks, but if shes done being bred early, I may try to convince my dad to get her sometime next week while Im still in school. Theres also our last chance at a UKC show the 11/12/13 to hold onto our TopTen ranking. But, if she is still willing to breed, Im not going to pull her away early.

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

2009-11-30T12:06:00.001-05:00

Ive been chatting with Gloria (Breckons owner) over the past couple days, since dropping Ky off. They love her there, she likes to cuddle, and play, is quiet, and (I quote) a prima dona princess:) Theyve had no problems with her, she is eating and likes to play and potty outside with the girls. She doesnt want to be outside alone, so they send her out with a couple of their younger females. Theyre also growing out a couple puppies (now teenagers) and she gets along well with them. When shes had enough of their roughhousing, she grabs a chewy rawhide and jumps up onto a couch next to a person and lays nicely :)
Gloria believes tonight is going to be the first night of a breeding, so Im crossing my fingers the next update I get is that they did breed :)
It is SO weird not having Ky here, but having the other two. Im not used to it yet. Ky is usually the one to wake me up to let them out and feed them, lately Ive been sleeping in b/c Belle is zonked and Tig is sleeping too. Belle isnt eating her food as well as she used to when Ky was here, and Tigger doesnt want to take his cookie when we leave the house (normally, Belle first, Ky second, Tig third), but Tig just spits his cookie out and looks around - poor guy misses her!

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

2009-11-27T12:04:00.002-05:00

Well—its Friday :) :)
Kylee has her vet appointment this morning (in 9 hours) and then once home from that, Dad and I are hitting the road :) Ill bring my camera to get pics during the trip :)

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and has a safe, great weekend!!

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

2009-11-22T12:02:00.001-05:00

Well, she skipped eating her dinner last night (which was actually her breakfast from that morning)...

This morning I figured Id just put her old food back in her dish (BilJac) and see what happens. We had barely just finished switching them over completely to Merricks Before Grain formula, and she was eating it fine all last week and before going into heat… Well, once the BilJac hit her bowl - she ate.

I tried playing a little game hand feeding her: biljac kibble, biljac kibble, Merrick - plew, she spit it out. Ate bil jac a few times in a row, handed her the merrick - she spit it out. I’ve gotta get this on video, its actually cute - its what she does with dog treats at shows, too. She is PICKY, doesnt even like cooked chicken breast or cheese!

So, shes going to be “abruptly” switched back to her old diet of BilJac just to get her to eat :)

Finished a Breckon X Ky pedigree (still need to add health clearances and such, but good enough for now) ....

http://sympashelties.com/Litters/BreckonXKyleePed.htm

NOVEMBER 20 & 21, 2009 - PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

2009-11-21T12:02:00.001-05:00

I thought it’d be neat if I made a thread to update as I notice things on her changing…

Today is “Day1” of her being in heat, next Friday (day after Thanksgiving), she will be going to the vet for a Brucalosis test and smear. Then, my dad [Viper18433] is driving us to Jeannette, PA for Ky to meet and stay with her boyfriend = “Breckon” (CH Belaire’s What You Leave Behind), a JJ son. JJ was very accomplished in the show world (conformation, agility, obedience, rally, herding) and produced many kids -and grandkids- who are following his pawprints. JJ passed away only a couple months ago, at 15 1/2, we hope the pups from this resulting litter are as happy and healthy as he was until the end.

We are extremely excited for this breeding and will start crossing fingers and hoping now everything goes smoothly and well :)

Ive never chronicled a litter before, either. Best Ive done is have “puppy cams” for Tigger & Ky growing up from 8 wks old. So, Im going to do my best at this. You may have to remind me at times to post anything :)
--————————
A note for today (day2) shes eaten half of her breakfast and shows no interest in going back to it. So if she skips her dinner, will add some special stuffs to it tomorrow to entice her to eat. She’s being cuddly and playful at the same time. And, being a good girl leaving her doggy diaper alone :)

Kelly & Ky

Shows! (1st AKC)

2009-11-08T12:17:00.001-05:00

Kylee was entered in her first AKC show this weekend. She earned "Reserve Winners Bitch" both days. Not bad for a first timer! :)
(Nov 7 & 8)

WOW !! Finished Grand CH with a RBIMBS!

2009-10-11T12:17:00.001-04:00

Kylee took the "Champion" class under judge Beth Snedegar to finish her Grand Championship title. Beth also placed Kylee as Best of Breed, Group 1, and RESERVE BEST IN SHOW! Thank you, Beth! It was a year ago, at this show, that Ky finished her U-CH under Beth as well :)

Shows!

2009-09-05T12:16:00.000-04:00

Kylee was handled by our good friend, Pat Gustafson (Agape Shelties), while my husband and I were on vacation. She took the Championship class, Best of Breed, and a Group 2 under judge June Pasko. Thanks Pat!

Shows!

2009-08-09T12:15:00.000-04:00

Kylee took the "Champion" class in a LARGE class of very nice dogs, "Best of Breed", and Group placements in two shows this day. Under judge Marian Campbell, she earned a Group 1 and went on to enter the Best in Show ring! And under J Ray Johnson, a Group 2.

"Amy"

2009-08-01T12:15:00.000-04:00

Kylee's half sister "Amy" (AKC/CAN/UKC CH Trelynn's Something About Amy) finished her AKC Championship in Marshall, MI at the Jaxon Kennel Club! What a great accomplishment for a breeder/owner/handler -- that is our inspiration!

www.TrelynnShelties.com

Shows!

2009-07-26T12:14:00.000-04:00

Kylee brought home 4 "Champion of Champions", 3 "Best of Breeds" and 3 Group placements (one Group 2 and two Group 3).
Bluewater Bouvier Club of Michigan
CH : Marian Campbell
CH/BOB/G3 : Kathy Lorentzen
CH/BOB/G2 : Deb Beean
CH/BOB/G3 : Julie Hatlas-Pepper

(July 25 & 26)

Shows!

2009-05-09T12:13:00.001-04:00

Kylee brought home "Champion of Champions", "Best of Breed", and a Group 2 under judge Jack Wynne.

More Show Results!

2009-04-06T12:39:00.002-04:00

Kylee and I went to Whitmore Lake and showed on Sunday for a UKC show.

Both shows, we had the same result - "Champion of Champions" and "Best of Breed" and some Top Ten points...

So it was a wonderful day. The herding group was large and of excellent quality, so no group placement for us.

I didnt pay for a photo with the judges but will try to get a pic with Ky and her 4 rosettes sometime soon :)

(No?) Obedience Class ...

2009-03-26T18:51:00.002-04:00

Well, Kylee's obedience & pet therapy class was rescheduled for this week. So, since it was a nice day I decided to take Ky outside, in our second lot, and just play around some with commands...

I am VERY pleased to report that her "stay" is getting much better. For sits, I was able to get about 25 feet away from her. For downs, I was probably closer to 35 or 40 feet!!!

We were out there working on the sit/stay & down/stay & watch me for about 35-40 minutes.

Now its back to her playing in the back yard with the other two here.

WooHoo!!

Kelly & Ky

House Guests ...

2009-03-22T16:43:00.000-04:00

Its a race: Lela (BC) leading, Jasmine (mix), Kylee (Sheltie), and Tigger with the rope!

We offer pet sitting both in our home and in client's homes... This past weekend we had two houseguests (from the same family). Lela, a border collie, and Jasmine, a mixed breed (Shep/Rottie/Husky or Malamute?). Lela and Belle have a love-hate relationship, and Tigger prefers to play with Jasmine, but Kylee will play with any of them :)
We had a blast having them here with us, the dogs all got lots of exercise - mental & physical, and are now exhausted :)
Derrick (my hubby) and I have decided that if we do this too often (taking in more than our usual 1 dog at a time), we will need an extra large California King bed, lol!! 5 dogs and 2 people on a queen sized bed -- cramped for the people, dogs were all spread out :)
These are some pictures from our weekend...

Kelly (human), Belle (Sheltie), Lela & Jasmine

Ky's Classes

2009-03-20T12:58:00.000-04:00

March 19th, Kylee had her second obedience and pet therapy dog class at the Capitol Area Humane Society...

She is doing well with both classes. She has a rock solid "leave it" and walks very nicely on lead, plus her stays are continuing to improve in duration and distance!

Ky already has her CGC and we hope to earn her TDI this year, along with beginning some agility training :)

I will keep you updated on her class progress week by week.

Michigan Classic/K9 Fanciers UKC Show

2009-03-15T12:37:00.000-04:00

March 14&15 2009, Kalamazoo, MI

Kylee, who is just under 15 months, attended the UKC show for this weekend. She was entered in both shows, both days, for a total of four shows total.
Once out the weekend, under judge June Pasko, we went Best of Breed, over some very tough competition (former #1 UKC Sheltie in the Nation). For all four shows, we did win our Champion class and made it to the Best of Breed judging.
This win was Kylee's first towards her UKC Grand Championship :) She needs 4 more wins like this one. It was also her fourth BOB win in her show career.
We look forward to continue showing her in the breed ring and might begin to venture into the AKC world this spring/summer as well!

2008 in Review

2008-12-31T12:22:00.001-05:00

OCTOBER 19th > Kylee earned her AKC Canine Good Citizen award.
OCTOBER 11th > Kylee finished her UKC Championship taking Winners Bitch twice in a row under judges Beth Snedgar and Kathy Lorentzen. In total, Ky has earned 4 competition wins and 265 points.
SEPTEMBER 21st > Kylee earned WB, BOW, BOB, G3 under judge J. Ray Johnson, and in show 2 she earned WB under judge Cherish DeWitt.

SEPTEMBER 20th > Kylee earned WB for both shows under judges Maude Tank and Beth Snedgar.
JUNE 29th > Kylee started her show career with a bang under judge J. Ray Johnson, she took WB (BOB) and G3.
JUNE 28th > Tigger earned another NADAC Tunnelers leg.
FEBRUARY 24th > Kylee is a new addition to our home from her breeder, Debbie Tresnak of Trelynn Shelties.
JANUARY 19th > Belle earned some CPE legs, for level 3 Jumpers, Wildcard, and Jackpot

2007 In Review

2007-12-31T12:22:00.000-05:00

DECEMBER 28th > Kylee is born.
NOVEMBER 18th > Belle earned her final legs for level two: Jackpot, Wildcard, & Jumpers. Part of these wins officially earned her the CL2-F title.
OCTOBER 14th > Tigger earned his NJS (Novice Jumpers in NADAC) title, he also earned a leg in their Tunnelers class as well. Belle earned her Jumpers 4th out of 6 leg, and Tunnelers 5th out of 6 leg - these are for the NADAC's Outstanding title.
OCTOBER 7th > Belle earned, for level two, her 2nd leg of 2 in CPE's Full House and 1st leg of 2 in Wildcard.
AUGUST 26th > Tigger earned his second Jumpers leg in NADAC.
AUGUST 25th > Tigger earns his first agility legs ever - one in Jumpers and the other in Touch N Go for NADAC classes.
AUGUST 11th > Belle earned her first legs in level two of CPE's Full House and Jackpot.
JUNE 30th > Tigger has his first sheep herding lesson with Kelly Malone and did very well. This was his second time on sheep.
APRIL 15th > Belle earned her NAC NADAC title, which is similar to AKC's Standard title.
APRIL 14th > Belle earned her 4th out of 6 Tunnelers leg.

Sympa Shelties Life

Another Litter In The Works! :)

Our Planned 2011/2012 Litter

TJ's Registration Name

LOTS of updates :)

10.5 Weeks Old! :)

8 WEEKS OLD

7 weeks

Volhard Testing & Grrr- You Tube

TJ Volhard Test

Crickett Volhard PAT Test

Dora Volhard PAT Test

Rylee Puppy Volhard PAT Test

SIX WEEKS OLD !!! :)

Outside Time :)

More videos :)

Play Time Videos!

1st trip outside

Almost 5 Weeks Old! :)

KIDS! :)

Puppies & SNOW !

Misc Cute Pics (end of February)

3.5 Week Old -- Individual Pics

Weaning & General Progress!! :)

Necropsy Results on Little Boo

Play Time!

Weights (2/15 - 2/21)

With Saddness ....

PICTURES --- 2 weeks old

EYES!! :)

Weights! (2/8 - 2/14)

General update :)

Puppy Weights ! (2/1-2/7)

PICTURES!!!!!!! :)

WOW !!!

Website/Webcam

Long Day Sunday night thru last night ....

Descriptions of the pups

female 1:natural birth, collar on R, blaze, L front paw all white, 209g -- NEEDS help to suckle

female 2: full white collar, white blaze (more on R than L), sable "target" on her belly, 227g -- Suckles on own pretty well

female 3: no blaze, full collar to chest, both front paws white all the way, 219g <-- Has NO problem suckling, this'll be Ky's "porker puppy" ;)

male 1: teeny tiny blaze, white feet socks, ...221g .. Needs a little help getting attached to suckle, but once attached, does well.

male 2: 1/2 paw white, partial blaze, full collar, 233g . Suckles on own.

PUPPY WATCH !!!!

Temperatures

Update (End of January - almost there!)

Quick Update

A new feel ...

Daily Happenings ....

What Do You See ???

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

Are you concerned I radiographed Kylee ?

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION ... Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes :)

Ky Update

Ky Bday & PUPPY ANTICIPATION

DECEMBER 23rd -- Palpation

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

NOVEMBER 20 & 21, 2009 - PUPPIES ANTICIPATION

Shows! (1st AKC)

WOW !! Finished Grand CH with a RBIMBS!

Shows!

Shows!

"Amy"

Shows!

Shows!

More Show Results!

(No?) Obedience Class ...

House Guests ...

Ky's Classes

Michigan Classic/K9 Fanciers UKC Show

2008 in Review