Ky Bday & PUPPY ANTICIPATION

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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!

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!

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!

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"

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!

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!

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

More Show Results!

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 ...

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 ...

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

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

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!