Week 4 progression

Today is exactly 4 weeks from the first breeding, and Pistol is progressing by the book. She seems to be carrying a bit more "weight" up under her ribs. She's certainly MUCH more affectionate and needy... my lap is the only place to be these days. Her usual straight sits have become more lazy. Fingers crossed that we have healthy babies in 5 weeks!

Seattle weekend

These posts will continue to be pretty random until we get closer to "go" time, when I promise I'll post weekly, at least. I imagine there isn't going to be a whole lot to report on until the last couple of weeks of her pregnancy (assuming she took).

This weekend will be Pistol's last show weekend until after the litter. She's only about a week into her pregnancy, so I figured it couldn't hurt to get her in the ring one more time before she's on "maternity leave." There's a 4 point major in bitches both days, so fingers crossed!

I'm off to groom up the mama-dog-to-be... we're heading to Seattle at 4am. Wish us luck!

Name brainstorming

As this litter is expected during the yearly Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee, these puppies will be named according to this theme. All registered names will be a variety of apple. Cute, right?

Here are a few I've come up with so far:

Dogs-
“Fuji” Zahara Sun Fuji
“Alexander” Zahara Emperor Alexander
“Austin” Zahara Austin Apple
“Christian” Zahara Batmans Tree
“Billie” Zahara Billie Bound
“Captain” Zahara Captain Kidd
“Pippin” Zahara Five Crown Pippin
“Mac” Zahara McIntosh
“Spy” Zahara Northern Spy
“Dave” Zahara Seek No Further

Bitches-
“Avalon” Zahara Ambrosia
“Fiona” Zahara Beverly Hills
“Gala” Zahara Galaxy Gala
“Autumn” Zahara Autumn Gold
“Bailey” Zahara Bailey Sweet
“Birdie” Zahara Hawkeye Delicious
“Andie” Zahara Northern Lights
“Blossom” Zahara Pink Lady
“Summer” Zahara Summer Rose
“Ellie” Zahara Valstar Elstar

Breeding: Accomplished

A short post today, as really not a whole lot is going to happen for the next 9 weeks. But anyway, Pistol had an AI on 3/1, a natural on 3/3 with a good tie, and another natural on 3/5 with a short tie. She wasn't real keen on being bred on Friday, so I assume the breeding on Wednesday did the trick. So, we should have Apple Blossom puppies, fingers crossed!

Second thoughts

I've been involved in Aussies for 6 years, and consider myself a bit of a "researchaholic," yet second thoughts are coming in at full force these days. I'm more than confident that the sire I've chosen compliments my girl. They both have PLENTY to offer the breed. Yet, now that she’s been bred, I'm being inundated with doubt. I'm going to take this opportunity to air out my brain:

What if I can't find the perfect home for these babies?:
It's no secret that I've had some trials with Pistol. She's intense, smart as a whip, and can be very trying at times. I'm in a very suburban area, and having a dog like this can prove quite difficult. I'm a very firm believer that Aussies should possess a very real "guardian instinct." However, they should be sensible. I think Pistol fits this bill to a "T." Do I think my bitch is aggressive? No. Do I think she's protective of her family, her house, and her things? Absolutely. If I genuinely thought there was something wrong with her temperament, I wouldn't dream of breeding her. But I'm also aware of the possibility that these "problems" are not easily dealt with by Joe Blow Public, who may show interest in my puppies.

I'm expecting a type of intensity in these babies that should be easily applied to whatever venue they're destined for. Ketchum is a very biddable boy, which is a big reason as to why I chose him. I want puppies who can succeed in whatever their purpose turns out to be, whether that be work/show/companion... or all 3. These puppies should have the ability to work all day, but they shouldn't be hyperactive. I want confidence, but I don't want pushiness. They should have an “off-switch.”

I suppose I'm stacking the deck as much in my favor as possible, but theirs always the possibility of mistakes. What if I place a baby in a home that isn't right for his/her temperament? That isn't right for the family? What if 2 years from now, I find out a puppy is epileptic? Or has cataracts? What if there just aren't enough GOOD homes for them all?

Does this world really NEED more Aussies?:
Since I've been involved in showing dogs, I've had a firm belief that responsible breeders are imperative to the preservation of our beloved purebred dogs. Producing correct, healthy, temperamentally sound dogs has always been my goal. I waited for the perfect bitch to start my breeding program with, because I wanted nothing less than the best. She's sound, healthy, and possesses everything that I consider vital... but of course there's always room for improvement. I wanted a girl from a line of easy whelpers. I wanted a girl with balance, both standing and on the move. Pistol is all of these things and more.

Are my puppies taking good homes away from rescue/shelter dogs who really need them? Am I producing a litter of puppies that are going to be ill suited to live in Suburban America? Are these babies going to be healthy and sound examples of the breed I'm dedicated to improving?

Am I ready to take the plunge?:
My hope is to produce well-adjusted, happy, confident puppies. I’m aware of how much time, money, and effort this requires.

Socialization, vaccinations, weaning… the requirements are endless. I want to do Early Neurological Stimulation as outlined by Dr. Battaglia (http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/articles/early_neurological_stimulation_en.html) and the Rule of 7’s explained by Pat Schaap (http://www.echowyn.com/Ruleof7.html). These things are important to me. They’re important to my puppies. Am I ready to stick to my guns and get these things accomplished?

The things I am sure of:
Most importantly, their are things I am sure of. I'm sure Pistol is a sound example of the breed. I'm sure Ketchum compliments her shortcomings, and her his. I know that if things DO go wrong, I'm in the best position I can be to assure they go back to right. Puppies will be due in Spring, the weather should cooperate, and I have all of my ducks in a row. Supplies are purchased, many books are read, experienced people are consulted with, and Pistol is in pristine condition.

I'm hoping that second thoughts on one's first litter is normal. I just want to make sure I'm doing right by my dog, my breed, and myself.