Belle/Bella

This is Bella’s new family, Danielle and Mike and their children.

I never cease to be grateful for and humbled by the quality of the people who somehow find their way to purchase puppies from me. I’ve only ever had four litters, but that is still a LOT of puppies to feel responsible for having brought into the world, and I have to confess that I don’t think I’ve ever sold a puppy to a home I would not sell to again. This home is particularly special (as are they all, lol)! I have a picture on my refrigerator of Bella drawn by their youngest daughter, (with hearts!) and when they came to pick her up they brought me the most beautiful arrangement of flowers as a thank you for keeping Bella while they vacationed in Mexico!

So now, all the puppies have new homes. Please, all of you, send me photographs to post! Tell me your stories, and don’t forget that I’m here if ever you need me for anything whatsoever!

New Title

Today, Acey and I got up at dawn and went to the DKC (Durham Kennel Club) building where our new ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America) club, FIFASC, (First in Flight Australian Shepherd Club) was making history by holding the first EVER Rally trials in the state of North Carolina. Rally is a form of obedience competition, more informal and differently structured from the usual competitive obedience venue, and while AKC Rally has been around for a few years, ASCA Rally has only been around since June 1.

There are three levels of Rally, and today Acey earned the first two of three “legs” of her RNX title. RN means “Rally Novice” but the added “X” means that the dog and handler team achieved the title with all three scores at the level of 195 or higher (out of a possible 200). Today Acey’s first score was 195, and her second was 199, and she was in a run-off for High in Trial! She lost, (oh well … the dog that won was a great Border Collie, what can I say?) … but hopefully, Acey will have that RNX title in no time.

There were also two obedience trials today, and thus Acey earned her ASCA CDX title! I’m so excited. This is only the second time ever that I’ve put a CDX title on a dog, and the other time was Acey’s AKC CDX.

Call me goofy, but I’m as ecstatic as a little girl after her dance recital!

Utility, here we come!

Sophie’s Summer

Miss Sophie has been having a lovely summer up in Michigan.

She’s had a great time tormenting her housemate, Jainey, knowing that no matter how obnoxious she is, that she is definitely perking up Jainey’s previous life.

She’s been contemplating life …

(Of all sorts) …

Has helped her mom garden, (and probably “un”garden, as well, if I know puppies!) …

And has in general, enjoyed the admiration that comes her way for simply being Sophie!

Roxy Update

Roxy’s daddy, Mr. Will, has been having great success with Mz. Roxanne. He’s taught her all sorts of commands, and she’s been to several big events with him involving many, MANY people, and has sat for polite attention and gathered treats (subtly handed out by Will to those doing the greeting) from one and all.

As young as she is, she’s already showing a talent for Dock Diving, and I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see Dock Diving Competitions in her future!

The only slightly annoying thing about Dock Diving, is that sometimes it necessitates a bath afterwards … with soap!

But … Roxy is pretty philosophical. She figures that it at least gives her something to talk to her buddy Dexter, when he comes to visit!

Also …  drumroll … I hear that Roxy is about to meet her Mama for the first time THIS WEEK!

Three cheers, and prayers for Hannah’s safe travel back to America!

Annie/Rue

I simply couldn’t resist. I know this is a dog blog. But. LOL! This first photo is of Gatsby, Annie’s new pal. He’s a Maine Coon, and from the looks of it, I’d say he has quite a personality! Annie is in good company!

Here, if you look closely, you will see Annie all curled up with her handsome new daddy!

Here’s what I really need to know: is adorabler a real word? For it seems to me that Miss Annie just gets more and more adorabler!

Stay tuned for more Annie photos next week when she comes to visit with me for a week while her family goes on vacation …!

Dib/Dexter

I am so, so happy to be able to show you these new photos of Dib (now Dexter) that his new owners, Greg and Kelly recently sent to me!!  Kelly and Greg are friends with Roxy’s owners, Will and Hannah, so hopefully at some future time I’ll be able to post photos of the two puppies playing together!

I kinda get the feeling he really likes it there! Thanks, Kelly, for sending such wonderful glimpses into his new life with y’all!

Two Pups

Just two puppies left, Belle and Tippy. It’s been interesting to watch their personalities evolve. They are both SO affectionate, and also playful, and also have wonderful off switches. Belle is a bit higher energy than Tippy, I think. They both are extremely easy to live with, friendly and so fun! I’m glad I’ve had this extra time with them, I think had they all left at once it would have just been too sad!

Tippy

Belle

Belle, with her one white foot!

Tippy, the thinker.

All photos taken the evening of July 4, playing where the grass was mowed a day or two ago … if you look closely, you can see bits of it all over them!

Scooby/Jake

This is my favorite puppy in the whole litter, out of a litter of favorite puppies! He’s gone to live with Laura and Patrick, and to be Laura’s faithful and constant companion. He looks to be set to have a great life with her, as these photos below will attest!

We call this pose “frog dog”!

Thank you, Laura, for pointing out that Jake has the shape of a heart on his bottom! I can honestly say I had never noticed that, lol!! But is it not precious??

Trixie/Kora

If this isn’t a cute sight and a lovely family, I’ll eat my dog leash. Trixie is now “Kora”, the Australian meaning of which means “companion” … isn’t that just the perfect name for an Australian Shepherd puppy? First reports say she’s being a good girl, going potty outside, sleeping all night in her crate and I am sure, giving these two precious little girls a run for their money. Kora’s parents were kind enough to send these photos!

Rue/Scout/Annie

This is Rue with her new parents, Katie and Graham. She went home with them last week … and her new name is … Scout? Annie? Which did it turn out to be?

I’m betting she’s turned out to be a Scout!