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Swiss Silhouette Kennel's Litter "K" |
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Swiss
Silhouette's Adalicia CGC, RN, NDD "Addie" x
CH Alpenspirit Who's On First
CGC "Abbot" Whelped on 2/24/2011 Theme: The Karakorum Mountain Range & the book: Three Cups of Tea We are so excited about this theme because it totally embodies what the Bernese Mountain Dog is. An Asian custom is to serve tea as a gesture of hospitality, and in the book Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson says: "The first cup of tea, you're a stranger; the second cup, a friend; and the third cup, you're family, and for the family, they're prepared to do anything, even die." We have been deeply touched by Greg's mission to change lives of children, and litter K will be contributing to this mission through Asian Aid. When a Bernese Mountain Dog is born into our kennel it is a stranger at first, and then it is our honored guest for 9 weeks, but then the goal is for this puppy to join a forever family and be fully integrated into it. This is the 3rd cup of tea for our kennel. The Karakoram hosts the highest concentration of peaks over five miles in height to be found anywhere on earth, including K2, the second highest peak of the world (8,611 m/28,251 ft). K2 is 778 ft. lower than the 29,029 ft. Mt. Everest. Thomas Montgomerie is credited with naming the 6 highest peaks visible from his office on Kashmire K1 - K6. Although Bernese are not "gravely," the word Karakorum means Black Gravel, and that is appropriate for a rock solid dog that's base color is black:). Enjoy the pictures of our newest guests! |
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 Getting ready  Arrived:)  Wk: 1  As I look through the pictures of this week, I realize I have neglected the camera terribly. This will change:). Most of you know that my mother in law is staying with us, and I thought I would share a picture of her snuggling puppies. Every day, I bring her each litter, and she spends a long time with each puppy; holding, talking, and petting each one. This is excellent for the pups, but it is pretty awesome to see how excellent it is for her too. At the time I took this picture, she needed her walker to get down the two steps into our garage..but now she is using her cane and her visit with the pups is a highlight in her day. Will Delta Society give a certificate to a therapy dog when they are under a week of age ???? :)  There have been no giant new steps this week, other than growth! It is amazing to me that you can actually see if puppies have gained or lost over night. Addie's milk came in quickly, so she has been taking two of Bindi's pups to feed, making it a little easier on Bindi's body. She also took one of Harmony's pups; just for one night as Harmony's milk did not come in as rapidly as the other dogs. This one pup had lost some weight (which is strictly dehydration), so I gave her to Addie for the night. She gained 3 oz.'s in one night...amazing! Harmony is in full swing now, so she has her full litter back. Last year I was struck with how wonderfully these dogs are made. The adopting of each others babies with out issue floors me every time. It is just like the mom's say: "If one of these need my help, I am ready with a smile:). I love my dogs! Addie's pups are also in full swing with the Bio Sensor stimulation process, and had their dew claws removed this week. We are leaving all the front dew claws on all three of these litters due some questions being raised about ligament damage due to front dew claw removal. We have never had any problems with this, but if there is a chance it could be happening (studies are being conducted to determine if this is true), then we have made the decision to not do it for now. The only thing AKC requires is for the back to be removed...and these are the ones that can rip easily anyhow. My only gripe with front dew claws is that I notice them when I get my big bear hugs:). Week 2 update, 3/10/11:  How can I help but start off with this picture? I am not sure that she was actually sleeping...but she was completely relaxed with a bunch of sleeping pups. This is one of my neighborhood kids that happens to love just cuddling these pups. We know from previous experience that as soon as the teeth erupt they loose a little charm in her eyes. So, we let her get in as much cuddling as she can handle until that point:). This group has just opened eyes in the last two days. They are still pretty squinty, but open. I have started seeing this group walk a little too...but their main focus seems to be growing. They are sleepy most of the time and just busy doubling in size. Kashmire seems to be the one who wants to draw the most attention to herself. When the chuck wagon comes by, every one lines up at the table and gets right to business. She seems to always end up between mom and the wall howling for a rescue and replacement. But other than that, this is a quiet bunch and pretty content. 
 
 I seriously tried to get them all lined up and facing the camera. About 100 pictures into it, I gave up. This is as close as it got.  front is Kara, and back is Kari 3/17/11 3 wk. update: The puppies are doing great. I feel a little badly though...Litter J is like the first child and hits all the milestones first...so we wow over them:). 2 days later, litter K does all the same stuff, but it doesn't seem so magnificent because it has already been done:(. But these guys are magnificent and terribly cute! And then you have the third child: litter L. Oh well...my third child had to deal with all the same stuff and she turned out just great:). They are all eating very well now (forgot to take pictures at breakfast time though...2nd child syndrome, lol! ) and also respond to my voice when I enter the box. Toys were introduced this last week and they are showing a mild interest in them. They mostly are enjoying discovering each other as play mates. All three litters are incredibly mellow and content. I notice this one dreaming allot this week. I hear barks, growls, startled yipes, and see their legs moving like they are running...all in their sleep! It is rather hilarious. Addie has started wanting more distance between feedings, but still hovers close by. They all really appreciate the new whelping pens where moms can totally be free from pups when they want too. I didn't have any helping hands with pictures today, so Addie was the helper. She was willing to stay close, so they did too:)   
 
 
 
  3/24/11 4 week update: The changes are rapid and exciting:)! My daughter walked into the garage this morning while I was feeding and exclaimed: " Mom! do they really change that much in just one night?" They do! We have had lots of visitors this week and the pups are truly noticing people and enjoying attention. They eagerly via for attention and some have even figured out how to crawl in laps on their own. Although they still get very moist food, I have introduced a water bowl to the pen and they figured out how to use that too. Both Bindi and Addie's pens have been opened up fully so the puppies have more room to play. We will be introducing them to the outdoors this week, but again, waiting for glimpses of better weather. We are noticing that they like to lay on the cool concrete now verses the warm heated beds...this is a true Berner trait:), but they are still young and won't appreciate the cold winds outside yet. 
 
 My son is attempting to build a play structure for the puppies. He is not much into holding and cuddling the pups, but he really likes doing useful stuff with him own dog:). Our cat decided to check in on the pups today. He was not impressed, but the pups thought he was interesting. 
 My oldest daughter is home for a couple weeks and we are enjoying her company and help:)! 
 
  3/31/11 5 week update: The pups are doing fantastic. Lots of personality, lots of good looks! We had one more "break" from rain this afternoon, so took advantage of the great out doors again. These guys are actually doing very well and don't mind it being chilly, but still are not fans of the biting wind. We had a CALM day today:)))! We have started introducing dry kibble to the pups to give them something to work on for a meal. Their sharp little teeth no longer need mush. They still appreciate the various treats that we drop in though. Seems like sweet potato, banana, and broccoli are the favorites....well....actually the beefy bones are the favorites, but if those are not around, they happily enjoy their veges:)...just like kids! All the pups are so eager for any visitor. They love people and crave their attention. They don't just bite fingers and toes, they give very sweet cuddles and kisses. 
 
 
 
 
 
 After our romp outside today, we had visitors again. 5 wks/95 years 4/7/11 6 week update: Once again, the pups are growing like crazy, and doing wonderful. We have hit our 100 visitors too! All the pups are eager to meet a new face and love the out doors. It decided that winter was not done this week, so the babies got introduced to snow this week. The love it:) Enjoy the pictures! 
 
 
 The pups are still nursing a couple times per day, but not for long. Mom's nor pups are very particular who gets to stop by for a snack.   4/14/11: 7 week update: Thank you every one for your concerned thoughts. My mother in law is in the process of passing away and it is hard to juggle it all, but it is working. I love doing all the individual pictures and keeping everyone as connected as possible with the growing process, but this week it is going to get juggled around some. I do have help coming tomorrow and we will be taking individual pictures of the puppies and hopefully I will get them uploaded tomorrow as well. When I went out side today I snapped some group pictures and as grim as it is in the house, it couldn't help but make me laugh and smile to know I would share these pictures. There are more on Litter J's page. Oh...an no worries about the continued socialization. LOTS of traffic coming through here right now, and these guys are the official greeters (after they spray their shoes of course:). 
 
 
Sötenos from litter L
Coda trying to evade the attack Waiting for me to prepare meals! 4/16/11: My mother in law has passed. Late next week will be the next posting. Again, thanks to everyone for understanding. 4/26/11 Due to the timing of all this, I will just post group pictures on all three of these litters this week. As each puppy goes home over this next week, I will take individual pictures with their new families. I will update the 7 week weights on the puppies though. I have appreciated all of you that have come to meet your puppies. I can't think of one puppy that is not blessed with a wonderful family. It is easy to let them go knowing that they will be cherished and cared for. Thank you!  There is always one that thinks they can get through the railing:)     |
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| Swiss Silhouette's Kiri's Kup of Tea
(Female) Now residing in Gig Harbor, Washington "Kiri" 
 
 
   Kiri has moved from a white collar to a pink one. White is a bad match for puppies:)! 
    5/15/11: Hello Shelly, We thought we would give you an update on Kiri. When we saw you last, you mentioned that you would be near us to see a dog, and we would love for you to come and see Kiri and where she lives. She is 28 lbs. and still growing. She is such a good dog, amazing with kids and other animals, calm, and she is hungry all the time! We asked our vet and we had to increase her food to a cup in the morning and at night, and a half cup during the day. We have taken her down to the beach, and she loved it. She put her feet in the water but was scared to go all the way in. She sleeps all through the night now, and she is almost potty trained. We'll send some more pictures later. Thank you! 
   6/22/11 Hello Shelly, Sorry it took us so long to give you an update on Kiri. Kiri is doing amazingly well, Guinness and she are getting along great! She is now 51 lbs. and still growing and eating a lot. Kiri has now started to swim in the sound, it took a while to get her in, but now she loves it (we now call her a Bernese Mountain Water Dog)! She is in puppy school now, and learning a lot. She was the only one lying down and sleeping, while all of the other puppies were barking and running around. She has now started to sleep in my room and I think that she likes it much better than sleeping in her kennel. Every time we walk her through the harbor, everybody stops us and asks us if they can pet her, what kind of dog she is, and to just compliment her. All of the kids on our street love her and always want to play and pet her. By the way, sorry for sending the blurry pictures before, I didn't know that they had turned out that way. Thank you so much, and we hope to hear from you soon! |
Kiri (meaning never fading flower) Day 1: 14 oz Wk. 1: 1 lb. 13 oz Wk. 2: 3 lbs. Wk. 3: 4 lb 10 oz Wk. 4: 6 lb 12 oz Wk. 5: 9 lb 11 oz Wk. 6: 12 lb 8 oz April 19: 15 lb. 8 oz |
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Swiss Silhouette's Kara of K2
(Female)
Now residing in Coos Bay, Oregon "Sami" 
   
 
 
 
  6/7/11: Hi Shelly, Here are some recent photos of Sami. One is a couple of weeks ago (12 weeks), the profile, but shows how beautiful she is. She is getting so big daily!!. I'd say 35# at least. She wasn't able to attend kindergarten class as planned this week due to my injury but she is still learning so many new things. She can speak, but not so sure she knows what she is speaking about!!! She sits, stays, lays down, comes and walks pretty. She and my ausie love each other but she has over taken his size quite a bit so we watch carefully during play time. She sleeps in her crate at night beside our bed for 8-9 hrs with no accidents and does great in her kennel for several hrs during the day. She is changing daily so will keep you updated as to her progress. We sit back and watch her and laugh at all the goofy things she does. She is so clumsy to and uncoordinated, but manages to cut corners to keep up with Opie (the Ausie) briefly during keep away. The adventure in the Artic Cat made me nervous but she loved it and all the exploring to the pond. 
 January 2012:     |
Kara (shortened from Karakorum) Day 1: 1 lb Wk. 1: 1 lb. 15 oz Wk. 2: 2 lb. 14 oz Wk. 3: 4 lb 4 oz Wk. 4: 6 lbs. Wk. 5: 8 lb 9 oz Wk. 6: 11 lb 4oz April 19: 14 lb 7 oz |
| Swiss Silhouette's K3 (Male) Now residing in Tigard, Oregon "McKinley" 
    
 
   Hi Shelly! It was great seeing you again yesterday. Thank you so much for McKinley! He’s so wonderful! He traveled so well and was so good. We stopped a couple times along the trip home so he could get outside and he did really well. He’s not sure of his leash yet and his collar, he keeps slipping out of, so I’m going to have to get him a smaller one tonight. He’s got a bright green bandana on for now when we’re outside. He’s been really good and comes when he’s called and has really adapted to being called McKinley. He keeps hunkering down when the cats are around and wants to play with them. He’ll bark at them and wag his tail as if to say “ Let’s play!” but the cats just look at him like he’s crazy. Overall though, they’re getting along really well.  I hope everything is going well with you. McKinley is doing great. He did really well at the vet the week he came home except they did find worms. He got a medication and when he went back he was given the all clear and is healthy as can be now. He did lose a little weight at first, but he’s back up now and weighing in at 25 lbs as of Friday. The vets all just love him and they and the techs just love to lavish him with love and affection. He’s enjoying the cats and plays with them. We just have to make sure he remembers to be gentle as I think he forgets how big he is compared to them. He did get to go play with the German Shepherd puppy (8 month old Cricket - F) and old Cattle Dog (11 year old Chunks - F) next door this weekend. He enjoyed running around with Cricket and Chunks was a good protective mommy if Cricket got a little too excited. I think McKinley and Cricket will be great playmates as they get older. McKinley also started puppy training classes yesterday. He did really well! He was very attentive and other than some barking when the other puppies wouldn’t settle down, he was the most well behaved puppy there. The trainer is actually one of the AKC certification evaluators so I know he’ll do very well when it comes time for him to work on his certifications. She just passed a Berner for their Good Citizen Certificate a few weeks ago and was thrilled with how well McKinley did. He definitely knows sit (sitz) and come (komst) and showed off in class yesterday, and he picked up Watch very quickly and was showing off for Grant last night to show him his new skill. He’s also been spending some time down in the shop with us in the evenings and on the weekends. He does amazingly well! Once he’s fully potty trained, he’ll definitely be spending time down there in the office. Grant can’t get over how mellow and calm he is down there, and I don’t think he can wait until he can take him there during the day. Right now, he goes up and checks on McKinley during the day a few times. He also is a great traveler! He sits down in the back on his hammock and is quiet as can be. This weekend we’re going to travel up to Bellingham to visit my parents. I haven’t been up there in a year and a half, so this will be great. He’ll be introduced to my parents, my brother in Seattle, and my grandparents in Tacoma. It’s also because of him that I’ve met some more of my neighbors! We’re really thrilled with McKinley. He’s really wonderful and full of personality. We’re so lucky to have him!   Hi Shelly, I'm just sending a quick update on McKinley. He's doing really well. When he went to the vet this week he was up to 38.3 lbs, so he's a big boy! He loves going down to the shop and spending time with us there. He even did amazingly well when we had the Model Engineers meeting last weekend. There were about 50 people there and even the non-dog friendly people were impressed by him and how good he was. Now don't get me wrong, he's extremely stubborn and hard headed, but he's so wonderful and full of love. It's hilarious watching him and the cats play together. We're so fortunate to have such great animals. I'll send more pictures later. 7/5/11: Hi Shelly, Here are some pictures of McKinley! He went to the Berner Meet Up in NE Portland last weekend and had a blast! He was the most popular dog there and love all the attention from the other owners and especially the other dogs! He ran and played and just had a grand ol' time. He was in heaven! He can't wait to go again next month! The people there told me they were really impressed with his temperament and how he wasn't timid nor aggressive, but totally playful and sure of himself. He just would run up to the other berners there as if to say "Hi Guys! Can I play too?!" and they welcomed him with open paws. He also got to meet some of his cousins from previous Swiss Silhouette litters! It was an awesome setting. He also got to go up to Tacoma to visit my parents and grandparents. The SP4449 had traveled up there and I wanted to take my grandpa to see it. Grant is part of the crew and I volunteer at events, so we get to get up close with it. The guys love McKinley and it was great that we were able to go right to it without crowds around. McKinley's also been coming down to the shop with us every day the last couple of weeks. He's made a new friend in Bailey, a Chow, that is the shop dog two doors down. The two of them get to be quite funny to watch. As you can see from the pictures, he's enjoying his life as a shop dog, especially when Grant is around. He gets so much attention, it's unbelievable. He's doing really well in his puppy classes as well. Only a couple more to go before moving up to intermediate. Grant can't get over how well behaved he is and mellow. It's hilarious watching him play with the cats. Tuxsifur will sit up on the corner of the bed and let his tail hang down and swish right in front of McKinley and just waits for him to try and grab it. Then the two of them are off and rough housing. It's a lot of fun to watch them all together.      3/3/12 Hi Shelly, McKinley had quite the birthday present this year. He's got a new baby brother! Our son was born on McKinley's 1st birthday. Talk about some timing! It's been a week now and McKinley's doing pretty good with the new baby. We have to keep reminding him to be gentle, but he's doing pretty good overall. McKinley's been growing like a weed. He's such a handsome boy. I can't believe how much he's filling out. We were so happy to have seen you in January at the Rose City Show. I'm attaching a couple pictures we have of McKinley with the new baby and one of him outside. Thanks for everything!  |
Khyber (A Mountain pass) Day 1: 15 oz Wk. 1: 1 lb. 12 oz Wk. 2: 2 lbs. 9 oz Wk. 3: 3 lb 12 oz Wk. 4: 5 lb. 6 oz Wk. 5: 8 lb 2 oz Wk. 6: 11 lb 1 oz April 19: 14 lb 12 oz |
| Swiss Silhouette's K4 (Female) Now residing in Anchorage, Alaska "Willow" 
   With out the help of others, I can't usually give you shot from the other side:). I am sure Addie thought she was helping! 
 
 
 
  Willow is settling in fine as you can see. Our ride and flight home went great. NO accidents, even on the plane ride. The only accident on the new carpet was NOT Willow, she has had none!!! Morgan on the other hand spilled a full glass of milk on it last night! Willow helped her clean it up though. Here is a picture of her second forever family. I'd say she is the best looking of the group, dont you think? The bed,......is the cat bed that sits in a corner of the living room. While I was doing computer work in the same room, but out of the line of vision, SOMEONE drug it out to the center of the room and decided it fit her just right. She stacks her toys in it and lays on them. Don't want the cats to touch them!!!! She is settling right in. Vet says she's a great dog and all is well. She is finding her play voice but cats are not excited about it too much yet. She seems to like laying on her back and REALLY likes her arm pits scratched. She is such a joy in our house. Thank you and Bill for all you do for these pups to make them such wonderful parts of our families. We are so thankful and blessed to have her.   But, we are still missing the picture of the MOM of this group! Great family, but we need a mom:)!  Willow,…….what can I say. She is just wonderful Attached are some pics. First ones are abut 2 weeks ago. There is a young moose, off back deck about 3 weeks ago. I was only able to get one not so good shot of Willow and the moose. Her first Moose encounter. She did not go into a full blown bark and was as close to me as she could get while giving the moose the low woof what for. She sees the vet on thurs for her second round of shots with him. We have been to the farmers market the last 2 Saturdays and the down town Saturday market, which is much larger, but small on any normal 48 scale. She is adored by all. Everyone wants to me to stop and let them pet her. How old is she, where did you get her etc. Last Saturday, there were 3 others there too, I’d say all w/I a yr. ALL 3 looked mutant in some way. Their legs are really kind of short. You can tell there is something not right there. Willow was by far THE best looking breed wise.           5 mo. update:  Evening lake patrol.  Its my Lake. You can only come on it if I say!!!!  I like Charlie's shoes but I LOVE fresh lake trout, after mom pics the bones out!!!    Yes, I own it all!!!! Its mine now. I own you too! 1/12/12: My Name is Willow Fuller. I'm 46 weeks old or 11.5 months My Birthday is 2/24/12 I'm a Pisces and a sun sign. I currently weigh in at 91 lbs I have brown eyes I'm soulful by nature In my short life, I have only destroyed one item and I'm pretty certain that was my mom's fault. I ring the bells on the door to go out. I go to doggie day care every day and hang with my buds. I have no idea what my buds say doggie biscuits are because my favorite "treats" are bananas, apples and cooked sweet potatoes. I have only peed on the inside twice and that was a long time ago, again, pretty certain that was my mom's fault. I have not lost my Marylyn Monroe beauty mark so it looks like I will retain that. Look close, see it. I'm just so gorgeous. I love the snow and am scared to death of those big things that go through my yard!!! What the heck is up with them! I have the "who's at the door" thing down very well now. I'm pretty good until mom actually opens the door. GRRRRRWOOF!      |
Kashmire Day 1: 15 oz Wk. 1: 1 lb. 12 oz Wk. 2: 2 lb. 12 oz. Wk. 3: 4 lb 3 oz. Wk. 4: 6 lb. 4 oz Wk. 5: 8 lb 12 oz Wk. 6: 11 lb 8 oz April 19: 14 lb 6 oz |
| Summer's K2 Ascent (Male) Now residing in Pasco, Washington "Emmett"    
 
 
  
 9/12/11: For Labor Day weekend, we went up to the cabin - Emmett's first time. He was in heaven. There were 4 other dogs to play with, and he got chest deep in the lake. He loved the dock, and loved the boat ride to Sandpoint even more. He would bark at the waves for a while and then slowly walk into the water. I should have gotten video of it (don't know what I was thinking). Everyone loved him. Our cabin neighbor (who sadly lost her 15 year old golden/lab mix about 6 months ago) just adored him - so much so, that Ashley and I probably could've sold him to her for enough to pay off the rest of our college loans. The following pictures are from when he first came home through 6 months of age.  
   
    
  2/29/12 Hey Shelly! Sorry it has taken us a while to get back with you. Kyle's job has us in the process of moving to Virginia. Emmett and our other dog Chuey have been staying with us in a hotel in Maryland for the past month close to his new job placement. Needless to say it has been an adventure with a year old pup. He is quite the celebrity in the hotel with people taking pictures and loving on him each time we walk through the lobby. We have been SO enjoying having him with us during this transition as always! He is a very vocal boy and greets us in the morning with his happy howls and excited voice. The fear factor and sense of protection is certainly heightened here where every sound is a potential threat. He has become quite needy with the change of surroundings and we are working on providing outlets for his energy level as he destroyed my glasses on the table last night when we were out to dinner :( yesterday we got to take a hike around a historic battlefield with the boys. Emmett got to prance around the Potomac river- he likes to get about chest high and watch the riverbed as it changes with each step he takes LOL. To our delight, we have noticed so many changes in the past three months in his energy level as his demeanor has calmed. The 6-9 month period was a doozy with him fighting for dominance and power in the home. He passed his CGC a few months ago and when things calm down with our living situation, we hope to move forward with our goal of having him certified to become a therapy dog. I think he would do amazing as he comes out of his puppyhood. We are so blessed to have our puppy! We can't believe he is 1 already. One of the biggest adjustments with having Emmett for Kyle and I has been stopping wherever we go and answering questions from people walking by or even driving by as they stop in the middle of the road and yell out "What kind of dog is that? Is that a St. Bernard?" Weight doesn't seem to be a factor for Emmett who is 100lbs now. We wonder if he is going to gain hight at this point in the game. His head is massive. One issue we have been having even after the CGC class is walking him on lead. He is quite a strong willed boy and gets distracted easily. What harness/collar would you suggest to keep the control? Thank you for our lovely boy. We couldn't be more pleased to have him! We will send more pictures as we get settled in. 4/12/12 They have moved to Virginia! Good luck guys, and thank you for the update on Emmett:)    |
Khane (A village) Day 1: 1 lb. Wk. 1: 1 lb. 14 oz. Wk. 2: 3 lbs. Wk. 3: 4 lb. 7 oz Wk. 4: 6 lb 7 oz Wk. 5: 9 lbs Wk.6: 12 lbs April 19: 15 lb 9 oz April 29, 9 wks. 20 lb 8 oz |
| Swiss Silhouette's 3rd Kup of Tea (Female) Now residing in Camas, Washington "Luna" National & International Champion Puppy Title    
  
  Just wanted to drop you a quick note and let you know how wonderful our little girl is doing. She was a little shy the first night, but she has quickly taken over the house...and our hearts! Her personality is really starting to shine and she is so confident and sassy, and we are giving her lots of positive reinforcement to encourage her. We just love how sweet she is and how much she likes to snuggle with us. She did wonderful on the ride home, and does really well in the kennel at night. She had her first doctor's appt. this morning, and she went right into the car kennel and settled in without a problem. She got a glowing report card at the doctors. He was so impressed with her, and went on about how every Berner that comes into the clinic is such a wonderful dog. She was so mellow at the appt. she just rested her head on my arm while he checked her all over. We also talked about her weight and he said she was perfect, and we came up with a slightly different feeding schedule for her (as per our phone call, Shelly), and she seems to be doing better with it. She has made a couple new dog friends, met many of the children in the neighborhood, and in general gets ALL the attention anywhere we go! Suki still won't play with her much, despite her best efforts, and we are looking forward to having her meet her half brother soon so she gets some good puppy playtime! Thanks so much to both of you for this wonderful girl, she is such a perfect addition to our little family and we look forward to lots more fun with her! Will send pictures soon. Pictures of Luna... Also known as Little Lulu and Princess FluffyPants =) I cannot believe how smart this pup is! Its really amazing how quickly she picks things up and how much she loves to learn! We just adore her! She weighed in at 23.5 lbs. at the vet yesterday, and starting puppy kindergarten this week. Pics included are, "Look mom, I'm a back sleeper!" and "Check out all my TOYS!" Hugs from little Lulu!   Just dropping you a note to let you know how well Luna is doing! She is finishing up her first round of puppy kindergarten this week. She is definitely at the top of her class, the trainer always chooses Luna to do her demonstrations for the class, and everyone always comments on how well behaved she is! She also has an aunt (on her dad's side) that is at the same school (a girl from one of Dillon's litter's). Her vocabulary is growing quickly, she just loves learning so much I'm always trying to figure out what else to teach her. She knows: sit, down, stay (sit and down), stand, come, spin (left and right), focus, shake hands, roll over (only on the carpet), touch, back, go to your bed, leave it, drop it, and off. We are also working on "enough" for her barking...she is quite the talkative girl! For the first month we were just ignoring it/turning our backs, but it doesn't seem to have curbed the back talk yet so the trainer has given us some other tools to try, especially when she directs her yipping at Suki who will too easily give up his toys to avoid it. If you have any suggestions as well we'd love to hear them! =) She is also growing like crazy! I remember the day we brought her home she was the same size as Suki, and now she towers over him! She has a DR. appt. tomorrow for her 3rd round of vaccs, so we'll get a current weight then...but according to our unofficial weighing she's around 30lbs. We've already had to get a bigger dog door AND kennel! =) But she is well worth it!!! Oh, and last night we were told by one of the trainers that she is one of the best "put together" Berners they had ever seen! Lookin' good, Luna!!! watch-v=89f-Dq5zkmM Finally got around to posting the pics and the video of the playdate at Anne's house. Luna and Emmett are 4 months and 1 day...and all 3 had a blast! Thanks again for having us out, Anne!!! Video: Luna has her red collar on, Emmett is the one that goes off to the side in the beginning, and Clack starts off under the pounce of Luna. Pictures (from left): Luna, Clack, Emmett     Hi All, Been awhile since I sent an update so I wanted to send some recent pics of Luna...she is still changing her coat so she looks a bit straggly, but we think she looks beautiful! She graduated from beginning obedience last week and will start advanced obedience, as well as conformation classes, next week. After she completes the advanced class she can do CGC and start on her therapy certification. She still LOVES to learn so her classes are the highlight of her week! She is doing really well at home, altho occasionally still has trouble with bossing Suki around. We have started leaving her alone in the house for short periods of time and we are very happy to report that she is a very good girl! She has had lots of fun this summer with trips to the coast, camping and hanging out with her "pack," (about 5 other family dogs that she sees regularly). She has a very friendly, loving personality and enjoys meeting new people and pups whenever she can. My favorite time is when we first wake up and I go down on the bedroom floor and she crawls in my lap to give me my morning snuggles. We haven't weighed her in the last couple weeks, but on her 5 month birthday 2 weeks ago she was a very sleek 52lbs....I think she's gonna try to push that lap dog thing for as long as she can tho! =)  Off to her first puppy show! 8/26/11 
 Wow Luna:)) Great Job! Oh...and your new mommy too:) 2/29/12: Hi Shelly! Thanks for the note...I passed on your birthday wishes to our beautiful girl! =) She is doing wonderful, and is still our sweet little angel. She finally went into heat, so she is a little put out with us at the moment since we won't take her to the park and restrict her access to outside...she thinks we are horribly cruel, but it is for her own good. =) She does get to take on-leash walks around the lake several times a week which she enjoys, but she would much rather run free. She is enjoying her new sister very much, and any of the little issues we were having (getting up on the counters and paper shredding while we were gone, etc.) have completely disappeared now that Brooke is around to provide entertainment. She seems to have (for the most part) gotten over any adolescent back talk now as well, and her training is holding true. She is truly a joy! I don't know about the fear period, Luna isn't afraid of anything! She loves everything and everyone and is a very happy little girl. 4/12/12: Great reviews from the IABC International Sieger Shows! Luna scored the highest possible rating 4 out of 4 shows, and walked away with both a National and International Championship title. CONGRATULAIONS!   Luna on the left, Shelby (half sister from Litter M) on the right. Shelby also earned both titles on the same weekend!  Left to right: Luna, Shelby, Kenai, (Litter M) Sesi (litter D) Kenai also earning both titles. Sesi is spayed and unable to compete. |
Kari (meaning gust of wind, but is also the name of Greg's sister) Day 1: 1 lb. Wk. 1: 1 lb. 15 oz Wk. 2: 3 lbs. Wk. 3: 4 lb 13 oz Wk. 4: 6 lb 15 oz Wk. 5: 9 lb 9 oz Wk.6: 12 lb 4 oz April 19: 16 lb 4 oz |