First some news! Storm had her puppies yesterday. Even though we weren’t involved in the whelping, it was a long stressful day. (Maybe because we weren’t involved it was long and stressful. :)) She ended up needing a c-section late in the day. There were a total of 12 puppies, but one did not make it. The final count is 7 girls and 4 boys. For those of you who asked about the ultrasound Storm had, it showed 10 puppies so we knew it would be a good-sized litter. I guess that is why Storm was a good size too. 🙂 We have been told Storm and pups are doing fine. Sorry I don’t have a picture.
I was not able to visit many blogs in the hop yesterday and I was already behind from the weekend, so I hope you will bear with me as I catch up.
We had a wonderful visit with Freighter this weekend. Our original plan was to pick him up and go to our cabin. However, the weather turned very nasty and they were expecting freezing rain so we decided to bring Freighter home instead. I was a bit worried about putting him and Thunder together since they have been apart for several weeks. But they were fine and I think Thunder was actually happy to see Freighter. Freighter did not seem to torment Thunder as much with puppy antics so they had a nice little visit too.
We wanted to get out and work Freighter a little. He was ready to work because after sitting around the house a few hours, he was bouncing off the walls. He has a lot of energy. Also, there is a test in about a month. He will not be ready for Seniors yet since our very late Spring means he has not yet begun to tackle the dreaded water blind and I am not sure where he is on doubles either. Right now, our plan is to try to finish up his Junior title in May and look to Seniors later in the Summer or even early Fall.
We ran marks and blinds. His training is coming along very nicely. I will write more on his blind work another time, but for now here are some pictures of the marks we ran, which were long singles. We had him on some ducks in preparation for the upcoming test, but we also used bumpers.
These pictures are from Saturday. We went to a local park. This park always has large water puddles in Spring. We figured we could use them as running water.
On Sunday we went to Omega (where we have our training membership). We had to be careful where we went because there is so much water this year, we did not want to get stuck on a muddy farm road. We ended up in the same field as the week before. We threw the marks into a cut corn field. The first mark was a bit too easy for Freighter so his handler moved him back and ran him from the road. This required him to go down a ditch and up again losing sight of the mark. No problem for Freighter. I took some pictures with my cell because it was snow showering too hard to use the good camera. I was too far away to get good pictures with the cell. Toward the end of the day, I was able to take out my camera and get some shots.
Freighter is much more difficult to photograph than Thunder, or even Storm. I am trying some different focusing options to see if I can get more of the pictures I want. I am also experimenting with some different lighting options for when it is cloudy or sunny. My camera has many options so pictures will be a work in progress, especially where there is cover in the way. 🙂
Our visit was much too short, but we were really happy with how his training is progressing. Darrin is doing a wonderful job with him. His handling is improving every time we see him.
Very well captured!
Wow. Mich has been bouncing off the walls too. I have never had a more energetic dog. Mika and Monte have felt the need to put him in his place a couple of times since it’s warmed up and he’s been going crazy the last two weeks so I know what you mean about worrying about how Thunder would be. After Mika sent Mich flying over the weekend I looked at Mich and thought you know, sorry dude, you had it coming to you. I’m pretty sure Mich and Freighter were from the “Red Bull” litter. Congrats to Storm!!!! Have all of the puppies been sold??
I don’t know whether they are all sold. I know several are spoken for but there are a lot of pups…lol.
He is really growing up!
Congrats on the pups! I’m sorry that one was lost. I know that no matter how big the litter, the loss of a pup is always deeply felt. How terrifying to end with a C-section. I’ve been with some friends when that has happened to them. The waiting game is agonizing.
I have no patience. Waiting is stressful for me. 🙂
Aw, I hated to hear Storm had to have a C Section but glad she’s doing ok! So sorry about the loss of one of the babies. I can’t wait to see Storm being all mommy ish 😉
We are glad to hear Storm is OK and the pups are born. We bet you can’t wait to see her and the litter. hope your weather improves. Have a terrific Tuesday.
Best wishes Molly
PUPPIES!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Woo hoo way to go Storm, she’s a real trooper, isn’t she? Congrats on becoming a grandma. 😛 I know you don’t buy into that, but humor me today. 🙂
Freighter’s coming along so nicely, I love the photos of him and he looks so incredibly happy doing it. Keep up the great work.
Oh wow! Puppies! Congratulations to you and Storm. Sorry to hear one didn’t make it, but how wonderful about the other 11. What a big litter!
Glad to hear Thunder and Freighter did fine together after a bit of time apart, and awesome that his training is coming along.
Congrats again about the pups. Can’t wait to see pics!
Ooooh, puppies. Congratulations to Storm and to you also. We can’t wait for pictures. I love puppies as long as someone else is taking care of them. 🙂
Woo hoo! Looks like you had a lot of fun, Freighter. I bet running through the mud puddles was a blast. My Maya loves mud puddles too.
Congratulations on the puppies! How exciting but we would want to be there and see them right away not the types that could stay away! Glad Freighter had a nice weekend at home!
Congrats on the puppies!!! God Bless Ms. Storm–what a bunch of cuteness. Can’t wait til we see photos.
All the shots of Freighter working are just awesome!! Nothing beats watching a dog do what they love and are trained to do.
Congratulations! Hope Storm and all the puppies are doing just fine!
Congratulations to Storm!! So glad her and the puppies are doing well…and sorry for the loss of one. Freighter is looking good! Can’t wait to see puppy pictures!!!
*Cairn cuddles*
Oz
Congrats on Storms puppies. I’m so glad the c-sec went good and that everyone is doing good. Glad you had a good visit with Freighter also. he sure is a handsome guy. the pictures were fabulous you are doing great with the settings.
Congratulations x 11! We’re so happy mother and babies are doing well. I haven’t had time for blogging lately, but I couldn’t resist commenting when I saw such happy news. Can’t wait for pictures!
12 puppies was a long day for Storm too, I’m sure and I’m sorry she had to have a c-section as that makes it much more stressful for you. I’m glad she and her 11 puppies are doing fine. Eleven is a large litter to take care of but I’m sure she will do a good job. Can’t wait till you can get a picture.
You have very good pictures of Freighter and he did an excellent job. Glad he got a chance to run while he was home visiting 🙂
Great training session! Can’t wait to see the puppy pictures Glad Mom Storm is doing well
Superb pictures. It always a pleasure to see Freighter in action and enjoying himself 🙂
Congratulations to Storm and the babies, big litter! Always sad to lose one. Freighter is looking good, I bet Thunder was starting to feel lonely.
Congratulations on Storm’s puppies! Freighter looks like he’s really enjoying the run.