Hello anyone that's still out there!
Updates on Hudson and his new baby sister will be happening on his little sister's blog http://bricklinthebulldog.blogspot.com/
Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Forever Homes
This is going to be a long post. <--- That's all you get in a way of a disclaimer. I'll make it worth it.
My husband and I got into bulldogs looking for one thing. A pet. Our plans for Hudson were modest. We didn't ask much of him. We hoped he was healthy and friendly. We wanted him to be well behaved. We wanted him to like us. We wanted to spend as much time with him as we could and give him a happy life.
So we did our part. We tried to learn a lot about bulldogs. We religiously watched the Dog Whisperer. We talked to people about their dogs. I spent hours researching dog foods (and still got it wrong). We got vet references from others. We looked at breeders, pet shops, and kennels from all over. Our area is notorious for puppy mills, so this was time consuming. (Side note: No clue at first that puppy mills were bad. Snoopy of Peanuts fame was from "a puppy mill." If not in the comics, it was in a TV special. And I love Snoopy!) We were so ready for our puppy.
We brought Hudson home and were filled with joy. (Duh, you can read that part in prior posts!!) Oddly, though, almost everywhere we went with him as a puppy, even right out in the yard, people would ask if we were going to breed him. To this day, I still don't really understand why. Because he was adorable? His puppy pictures have been declared fake by some because he was so dang cute. I still don't know, but we knew the answer.
"Oh, no, that's too much work!"
At least we knew. We were intelligent. We didn't have a eight weeks and 6 day pregnant female going into labor with puppies with no prenatal care and having them all die with the first one stuck in the birth canal. I educated people before I owned a bulldog about the cost and why it was so "high." I knew the basics. I knew artificial insemination and C section. I didn't know about progesterone testing, multiple ultrasounds, hand feeding, tube feeding, pre and post food weights, among other numerous things I've learned in the past (almost) year and a half as an owner and aspiring breeder.
There were no plans for a show dog. I thought showing was stupid. Open mouth. Insert foot. Like many people, I didn't know what dog shows were for. I seriously thought it was for people that took their dogs way too seriously and wanted to prove theirs was the best one. I didn't know about breed standards and how that affects a dog's progeny. Early dog shows were exactly that - a "contest" for the best breeding stock. We just don't use those words anymore because we personify our dogs, myself included.
I guess it became more obvious when I took Hudson to the vet for an ear infection. The doctor that day kept saying "he has great conformation" over and over. I didn't really understand it at the time, and I wonder if she'd still say the same thing. The judges don't... All the docs, vet techs, and other staff told us Hudson was adorable. I figured that was partly because he was and partly because its their job to fawn over their clients.
Our first thought was, we'll stud. My husband liked that idea. No messy c sections, no losing your dog on the table. He could just make a "donation" and be done. Later we'd be entitled to a puppy or at least a few hundred dollars. Awesome.
Obviously, nothing's that easy. We took the steps, getting him ready to show, getting him in the best health, learning more and more about breeding. I guess just one day I realized I wanted to do this. I wanted to take on the challenge. I wanted to make baby bully pups of my own. I wanted to educate new owners. I wanted to be part of bettering the breed.
In the interim, my husband decided that he really wanted to foster. I told him no a lot, just because I wasn't sure I could handle it. But eventually we decided to go for it and got hooked up with a rescue. We're only on our second dog. We're no experts. But I'm glad we did it. It translates over into my breeding too.
I'm thinking about it as I prepare to take Elvis to his new home. There's a lot to do.
I get the contracts ready. The rescue has one we print and have the adopting family sign.
I call the vet and request records. I'll have to go and pick them up. That way they can go right along to his new vet.
I make sure they have a new vet to go to. I try to ask around when they don't live in our area, since we have many foster families. Some vets will nickle and dime bulldog owners. I have no tolerance for this. Vets don't need to find things wrong with bulldogs. It happens on its own. I can walk out of the vet with a bill over a hundred bucks and our doc under charged for the visit and made a medicated wash for us. That's just how it goes.
I talk to the new family about supplies. We don't supply very much as all the foster families pay for everything aside from vet care themselves. So if we purchase a crate, we keep it. If the crate comes with them, then it's going with them, like with Elvis. If there's a towel/blanket we can give, we will. Collars, leashes, bowls usually stay. Toys go. I make sure they know what they'll need. Poop bags, treats, and anything I think they might not think of, especially first timers.
I give my food talk. Most rescue adopters will keep the dog on the same food. Good. That's what they need. We feed Wellness core in our house, which is a grain-free, high protein food. It's so good for bullies. Both of our fosters, as well as our pup, have transformed on this food, especially when coming off a vet-prescribed food. (Sorry!)
I stress over and over that we're always available. Always. Call or email me anytime, I insist. And if/when they do, I answer as quickly as possible. We want to be a resource. We're not done with this dog when it's sent out. Yes, please send us pictures!
As it turns out, these are some of the things you do as a breeder. You screen your "applicants," you educate, and you stick around. Good breeders are always available and are committed to that dog for life. If things don't work out, bring me the dog, no matter what age! Life happens. I would never want someone to lose their job and their home and have to worry about their beloved pet. I made it. I love it too!
Bulldogs are my love. They're so much fun. Hudson makes my life better every day. Elvis cracks me up on a regular basis. I can't imagine my home without one. It would be too quiet. It would smell too good.
As I said in a previous post, in ten years I hope to have a house full of dogs and be a successful breeder, which is not measured in money, but in beautiful confirmation pups with good health and a fantastic temperament and relationships with other breeders and owners who say good things about me. A couple champions wouldn't be bad either...just saying...
My husband and I got into bulldogs looking for one thing. A pet. Our plans for Hudson were modest. We didn't ask much of him. We hoped he was healthy and friendly. We wanted him to be well behaved. We wanted him to like us. We wanted to spend as much time with him as we could and give him a happy life.
So we did our part. We tried to learn a lot about bulldogs. We religiously watched the Dog Whisperer. We talked to people about their dogs. I spent hours researching dog foods (and still got it wrong). We got vet references from others. We looked at breeders, pet shops, and kennels from all over. Our area is notorious for puppy mills, so this was time consuming. (Side note: No clue at first that puppy mills were bad. Snoopy of Peanuts fame was from "a puppy mill." If not in the comics, it was in a TV special. And I love Snoopy!) We were so ready for our puppy.
We brought Hudson home and were filled with joy. (Duh, you can read that part in prior posts!!) Oddly, though, almost everywhere we went with him as a puppy, even right out in the yard, people would ask if we were going to breed him. To this day, I still don't really understand why. Because he was adorable? His puppy pictures have been declared fake by some because he was so dang cute. I still don't know, but we knew the answer.
"Oh, no, that's too much work!"
At least we knew. We were intelligent. We didn't have a eight weeks and 6 day pregnant female going into labor with puppies with no prenatal care and having them all die with the first one stuck in the birth canal. I educated people before I owned a bulldog about the cost and why it was so "high." I knew the basics. I knew artificial insemination and C section. I didn't know about progesterone testing, multiple ultrasounds, hand feeding, tube feeding, pre and post food weights, among other numerous things I've learned in the past (almost) year and a half as an owner and aspiring breeder.
There were no plans for a show dog. I thought showing was stupid. Open mouth. Insert foot. Like many people, I didn't know what dog shows were for. I seriously thought it was for people that took their dogs way too seriously and wanted to prove theirs was the best one. I didn't know about breed standards and how that affects a dog's progeny. Early dog shows were exactly that - a "contest" for the best breeding stock. We just don't use those words anymore because we personify our dogs, myself included.
I guess it became more obvious when I took Hudson to the vet for an ear infection. The doctor that day kept saying "he has great conformation" over and over. I didn't really understand it at the time, and I wonder if she'd still say the same thing. The judges don't... All the docs, vet techs, and other staff told us Hudson was adorable. I figured that was partly because he was and partly because its their job to fawn over their clients.
Our first thought was, we'll stud. My husband liked that idea. No messy c sections, no losing your dog on the table. He could just make a "donation" and be done. Later we'd be entitled to a puppy or at least a few hundred dollars. Awesome.
Obviously, nothing's that easy. We took the steps, getting him ready to show, getting him in the best health, learning more and more about breeding. I guess just one day I realized I wanted to do this. I wanted to take on the challenge. I wanted to make baby bully pups of my own. I wanted to educate new owners. I wanted to be part of bettering the breed.
In the interim, my husband decided that he really wanted to foster. I told him no a lot, just because I wasn't sure I could handle it. But eventually we decided to go for it and got hooked up with a rescue. We're only on our second dog. We're no experts. But I'm glad we did it. It translates over into my breeding too.
I'm thinking about it as I prepare to take Elvis to his new home. There's a lot to do.
I get the contracts ready. The rescue has one we print and have the adopting family sign.
I call the vet and request records. I'll have to go and pick them up. That way they can go right along to his new vet.
I make sure they have a new vet to go to. I try to ask around when they don't live in our area, since we have many foster families. Some vets will nickle and dime bulldog owners. I have no tolerance for this. Vets don't need to find things wrong with bulldogs. It happens on its own. I can walk out of the vet with a bill over a hundred bucks and our doc under charged for the visit and made a medicated wash for us. That's just how it goes.
I talk to the new family about supplies. We don't supply very much as all the foster families pay for everything aside from vet care themselves. So if we purchase a crate, we keep it. If the crate comes with them, then it's going with them, like with Elvis. If there's a towel/blanket we can give, we will. Collars, leashes, bowls usually stay. Toys go. I make sure they know what they'll need. Poop bags, treats, and anything I think they might not think of, especially first timers.
I give my food talk. Most rescue adopters will keep the dog on the same food. Good. That's what they need. We feed Wellness core in our house, which is a grain-free, high protein food. It's so good for bullies. Both of our fosters, as well as our pup, have transformed on this food, especially when coming off a vet-prescribed food. (Sorry!)
I stress over and over that we're always available. Always. Call or email me anytime, I insist. And if/when they do, I answer as quickly as possible. We want to be a resource. We're not done with this dog when it's sent out. Yes, please send us pictures!
As it turns out, these are some of the things you do as a breeder. You screen your "applicants," you educate, and you stick around. Good breeders are always available and are committed to that dog for life. If things don't work out, bring me the dog, no matter what age! Life happens. I would never want someone to lose their job and their home and have to worry about their beloved pet. I made it. I love it too!
Bulldogs are my love. They're so much fun. Hudson makes my life better every day. Elvis cracks me up on a regular basis. I can't imagine my home without one. It would be too quiet. It would smell too good.
As I said in a previous post, in ten years I hope to have a house full of dogs and be a successful breeder, which is not measured in money, but in beautiful confirmation pups with good health and a fantastic temperament and relationships with other breeders and owners who say good things about me. A couple champions wouldn't be bad either...just saying...
Monday, January 30, 2012
Snowed Out
It feels a smidge sacrelig to say Snowed Out, as my favorite band is Hanson and they're album was "Snowed In" but that's what happened to us for the Lenape show. In the morning, my husband was driving home from his shift and made the call that we were not going to travel an hour away in the weather. Not worth it. So I ate my 36 dollars. That's the second one. I should not be eating this many entries when I just started last year and have no points!!!!! Anyway...
Now it's the countdown to the upcoming bulldog litter. Next weekend. Unbelievable. Obviously I'm more excited to go be with the pups on the 25th. I can't wait to experience being around them and seeing their cute little faces. One of my facebook "friends" had a litter last night. Such sweet little faces!
I was joking with another bulldog friend about stacking the puppies. Most breeders will stack them all at four weeks so they get used to it. The ones that are just for pets forget about it and don't need it and the show dogs keep working at it and have an early start. I told her I'll be trying to stack the two week old puppies. We had a good laugh. I don't think their eyes are open yet by then.
Hudson has been adjusting to my husband being back at work. Now he's very cuddly with me in the mornings and nights when Chris is working. I do like that.
We also have a potential and promising family for our foster Elvis. I hope it works out. There's kids. He loves kids. I would love to see him spend his final years with kids that shower him with attention. I know Hudson will be excited in the spring and summer when the kids in our neighborhood are outside playing. He loves to get attention from them! They all lay on the ground and let him lick their ears. He has them trained!
Now it's the countdown to the upcoming bulldog litter. Next weekend. Unbelievable. Obviously I'm more excited to go be with the pups on the 25th. I can't wait to experience being around them and seeing their cute little faces. One of my facebook "friends" had a litter last night. Such sweet little faces!
I was joking with another bulldog friend about stacking the puppies. Most breeders will stack them all at four weeks so they get used to it. The ones that are just for pets forget about it and don't need it and the show dogs keep working at it and have an early start. I told her I'll be trying to stack the two week old puppies. We had a good laugh. I don't think their eyes are open yet by then.
Hudson has been adjusting to my husband being back at work. Now he's very cuddly with me in the mornings and nights when Chris is working. I do like that.
We also have a potential and promising family for our foster Elvis. I hope it works out. There's kids. He loves kids. I would love to see him spend his final years with kids that shower him with attention. I know Hudson will be excited in the spring and summer when the kids in our neighborhood are outside playing. He loves to get attention from them! They all lay on the ground and let him lick their ears. He has them trained!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Um, 2 days til Lenape?
Wow! Time flies!
Saturday is the Lenape Bulldog Club Specialty Show. I'm using it as my judge as to whether or not I want to keep showing Hudson. I want to, and I think he's handsome, but there are a lot of things that make me think I ought to stop with him for now and just let him be. We were able to pack a few pounds on, but the weight is starting to go in places it shouldn't, so we backed off the high-fat stuff. I want him to look like the other bulldogs, but what I really want is for him to be healthy and live a long life. If he turns into a tootsie roll, the latter won't happen. We're up against one other dog in our class on Saturday, so we'll see how we fare. We could get our first point on Saturday, but more than likely, we'll just help someone else get one.
In other exciting news, I've been talking with a breeder from Virginia since about October in hopes that we'll be able to start our own breeding program. The hubby and I thought we ought to look at getting our female soon, since she'll need to be mature before reproducing, and Hudson isn't getting any younger!
Most responsible breeders either refuse or take a long time to give up a female to be bred. That's a good thing. Bulldogs especially are very hard to breed. It takes a lot of time and energy. It's also easy to breed some of the very common health problems that exist because of poor breeding. I knew I would need to start to build a relationship with someone who would be willing to mentor me and trust me with a female from their litter and hard work.
Laurel's next litter will be delivered by C-section (as they all are) on Feb 11th, unless the girl goes into labor earlier. She's going to let me come down and stay with her when the puppies are two weeks old so that I can learn about taking care of young puppies. Sometimes bulldog pups have to be tube fed, so I'll learn that technique, and often the mom isn't interested in getting them to potty after they eat, so I'll learn that as well. I'm sure I'll also learn what tired really is. Maybe I'll be able to relate to new moms better!
I'm very excited about this opportunity and thrilled that Laurel is allowing me to come to her home and learn from her puppies. I've had a blast talking to her several times over the past couple of months. She's a hoot and we're a lot alike in our "craziness." She's been very encouraging, and I appreciate beyond measure how much she's been willing to teach me already.
In ten years, I see myself in her shoes...minus her two daughters. She's just too amazing for my abilities. I'll have to substitute work for the "skin kids," as us dog people call them. ;) It's nice to have an answer to that question. Where do you see yourself? Oh, I know where I'm going.
The 4-6 month old puppy class is something else I'm excited to start. My next puppy? Not the old mistakes I had with Hudson not knowing what the best food was and starting the stacking training and other show work well after 6 months old! Heck, I'll probably help Laurel stack her puppies at another visit when they're a little older...like 5 weeks!
Meanwhile, praying that Hudson will stack as well as he does the first time I do it every night, instead of the awkwardness that follows on the 2nd, 3rd, and 100th stack. Oh, my crazy little boy!
Saturday is the Lenape Bulldog Club Specialty Show. I'm using it as my judge as to whether or not I want to keep showing Hudson. I want to, and I think he's handsome, but there are a lot of things that make me think I ought to stop with him for now and just let him be. We were able to pack a few pounds on, but the weight is starting to go in places it shouldn't, so we backed off the high-fat stuff. I want him to look like the other bulldogs, but what I really want is for him to be healthy and live a long life. If he turns into a tootsie roll, the latter won't happen. We're up against one other dog in our class on Saturday, so we'll see how we fare. We could get our first point on Saturday, but more than likely, we'll just help someone else get one.
In other exciting news, I've been talking with a breeder from Virginia since about October in hopes that we'll be able to start our own breeding program. The hubby and I thought we ought to look at getting our female soon, since she'll need to be mature before reproducing, and Hudson isn't getting any younger!
Most responsible breeders either refuse or take a long time to give up a female to be bred. That's a good thing. Bulldogs especially are very hard to breed. It takes a lot of time and energy. It's also easy to breed some of the very common health problems that exist because of poor breeding. I knew I would need to start to build a relationship with someone who would be willing to mentor me and trust me with a female from their litter and hard work.
Laurel's next litter will be delivered by C-section (as they all are) on Feb 11th, unless the girl goes into labor earlier. She's going to let me come down and stay with her when the puppies are two weeks old so that I can learn about taking care of young puppies. Sometimes bulldog pups have to be tube fed, so I'll learn that technique, and often the mom isn't interested in getting them to potty after they eat, so I'll learn that as well. I'm sure I'll also learn what tired really is. Maybe I'll be able to relate to new moms better!
I'm very excited about this opportunity and thrilled that Laurel is allowing me to come to her home and learn from her puppies. I've had a blast talking to her several times over the past couple of months. She's a hoot and we're a lot alike in our "craziness." She's been very encouraging, and I appreciate beyond measure how much she's been willing to teach me already.
In ten years, I see myself in her shoes...minus her two daughters. She's just too amazing for my abilities. I'll have to substitute work for the "skin kids," as us dog people call them. ;) It's nice to have an answer to that question. Where do you see yourself? Oh, I know where I'm going.
The 4-6 month old puppy class is something else I'm excited to start. My next puppy? Not the old mistakes I had with Hudson not knowing what the best food was and starting the stacking training and other show work well after 6 months old! Heck, I'll probably help Laurel stack her puppies at another visit when they're a little older...like 5 weeks!
Meanwhile, praying that Hudson will stack as well as he does the first time I do it every night, instead of the awkwardness that follows on the 2nd, 3rd, and 100th stack. Oh, my crazy little boy!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Are we the pharmacy?
We have an even more extensive routine right now at feeding time...mostly at dinner. I've started Hudson on herbals for his skin, though its looking stellar right now. Erm, maybe not stellar, but vastly improved. Regardless, he now has echanacea and fish oil with dinner. We've also added coconut oil and now are back to puppy food to help pack on the pounds.
Meanwhile our foster is being treated for possible causes of his diarrhea lsat week, so he gets two and a half pills hidden in your standard grocery store cheese balls. We also concoct a probiotic and deworming powdered medication in yogurt he eats every night.
Dinner is quite a production at our house. If you need free entertainment, come on by!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
39 days til Lenape!
Hudson and I are strongly against cold weather. We prefer not to have to go out in it. Though I will admit, it does make his morning potty break go a lot faster. ;)
We've been a little consumed with our foster lately, he had a nasty bout of diahrrea. That's right, bulldogs are not all glamour. (Just mostly!) Poor Hudson tries so hard to do things for him that when there were accidents in his crate, he would look very guilty, but it wasn't his fault! Silly Hudson! I'm not sure how we got to have such a good little boy.
Hudson has been improving on his lead. We've been back to our nylon one, and he tends to listen pretty well with that one. He fights me a lot less when we're outside, so hopefully it'll continue to be better and better.
Yesterday, Chris made a fabulous cheese soup. It had 2 and a quarter pounds of cheese in it! We gave Hudson some (a very small amount). I hope it stuck to his bones! He's gained a little weight. He's up to 54, but we still need more. His proportions are good, but he needs to be just a little bigger. He definitely doesn't mind the extra food and treats.
We're also are about to finish our first 6 weeks of Atopica. After that we should be able to tell if its working and we can go to every other day. I think it has helped to a certain extent, but I'm nervous it won't be enough. I'm not entirely sure all his hair will be back in 39 days from now. As long as we don't get any new infections, it should.
I'm waiting anxiously, hoping that the local contact gets back to me about some practice in the ring. Official handling classes don't start until Feb for the Celtic Classic, so I might not get any "professional help" until after Lenape. *sigh*
Also, stay tuned about our family growing.... but don't start any rumors! :)
We've been a little consumed with our foster lately, he had a nasty bout of diahrrea. That's right, bulldogs are not all glamour. (Just mostly!) Poor Hudson tries so hard to do things for him that when there were accidents in his crate, he would look very guilty, but it wasn't his fault! Silly Hudson! I'm not sure how we got to have such a good little boy.
Hudson has been improving on his lead. We've been back to our nylon one, and he tends to listen pretty well with that one. He fights me a lot less when we're outside, so hopefully it'll continue to be better and better.
Yesterday, Chris made a fabulous cheese soup. It had 2 and a quarter pounds of cheese in it! We gave Hudson some (a very small amount). I hope it stuck to his bones! He's gained a little weight. He's up to 54, but we still need more. His proportions are good, but he needs to be just a little bigger. He definitely doesn't mind the extra food and treats.
We're also are about to finish our first 6 weeks of Atopica. After that we should be able to tell if its working and we can go to every other day. I think it has helped to a certain extent, but I'm nervous it won't be enough. I'm not entirely sure all his hair will be back in 39 days from now. As long as we don't get any new infections, it should.
I'm waiting anxiously, hoping that the local contact gets back to me about some practice in the ring. Official handling classes don't start until Feb for the Celtic Classic, so I might not get any "professional help" until after Lenape. *sigh*
Also, stay tuned about our family growing.... but don't start any rumors! :)
Friday, December 9, 2011
43 Days til Lenape!
I was disgusted with myself at nationals this year. Try as he might, my husband could not get me off my pedastal and I was sorely disappointed. Going in a little nervous is much better than thinking things will be great. Don't get me wrong, by the time I got there and was waiting to go on, I was shaking, nervous, and totally messed up Hudson's game. I'm finally going to suck it up and take some classes to improve myself. And keep working at my stacking.
So in 43 days is our next venture, The Lenape Bulldog Club's show. It's not too far from home, so that's good. It will be one of our last opportunites to participate in the 15-18 month class, so I want to try to get a point or two before we move to open, or our time might get even harder.
I wish I had jumped on this bandwagon a lot sooner. It will definitely be different with the next one, that's for sure.
My next bully is going to be coming from Kaigan in Virginia. The breeder, Laurel, is absolutely fabulous, and her dogs are beautiful. She's originally a Mastiff breeder (also beautiful), but she told me she's considering going exclusively bulldog. Her last litter was picture perfect, each one was show quality.
I'm also getting a lot of great advice on Hudson and how to better him for the ring. He needs to gain some weight, probably about 6 lbs. Thankfully, there are sometimes boys that mature this slowly, as bullies can take up to 2 years to come into their full grown status.
I need to get some pictures up here soon! I have yet to even look at the ones from nationals that Chris took. We did get fourth place (of four), so we got a ribbon and some other fun goodies, but I plan to do a lot better in 43 days!
So in 43 days is our next venture, The Lenape Bulldog Club's show. It's not too far from home, so that's good. It will be one of our last opportunites to participate in the 15-18 month class, so I want to try to get a point or two before we move to open, or our time might get even harder.
I wish I had jumped on this bandwagon a lot sooner. It will definitely be different with the next one, that's for sure.
My next bully is going to be coming from Kaigan in Virginia. The breeder, Laurel, is absolutely fabulous, and her dogs are beautiful. She's originally a Mastiff breeder (also beautiful), but she told me she's considering going exclusively bulldog. Her last litter was picture perfect, each one was show quality.
I'm also getting a lot of great advice on Hudson and how to better him for the ring. He needs to gain some weight, probably about 6 lbs. Thankfully, there are sometimes boys that mature this slowly, as bullies can take up to 2 years to come into their full grown status.
I need to get some pictures up here soon! I have yet to even look at the ones from nationals that Chris took. We did get fourth place (of four), so we got a ribbon and some other fun goodies, but I plan to do a lot better in 43 days!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Nationals...only 6 days left!
When I decided to enter the BCA Nationals show (Bulldog Club of America), I promised myself it was just for fun, there was no pressure, and there was no way Hudson was going to win anything. I wanted the most stressful part of the day to be the traffic and how Hudson looked. Until I got the judging program...
I decided to enter the Amateur Owner-Handler's class thinking it might be a good way for me to show along with other people who were as shaky in their showing as I am after only two tries and no training or classes. I expected this to be a pretty big entry since the president of our rescue group and a long time bulldog owner, breeder, and judge told me there are some pretty...interesting...entries at nationals. Out of 457 entries, we are competing against...4.
There's five in our class. Which means a better chance of a win and a point. Pressure's on!
I am feeling confident in Hudson's looks. We've changed him to an all raw, home-made diet (yes, cutting up the meat and veggies ourselves from the people grocery store) and he's bulked up in all the right places. He looks fantastic! But we did just start him on atopica, which has had his mood a little weird. He's more hyper, and I'm hoping I can get him to focus in the ring, something that's not normally an issue for him. I guess the only way to find out is to go and do it and see what happens.
I also found out there's going to be streaming video live and then a video done afterward that will show Hudson's name, mine, breeder etc. I'm sure I'll look oh so beautiful after a 2 hour car ride that will take at least 3 hours.
Despite everything that will probably go awry that day, I'm very excited. It'll be good to get Hudson back out in the show ring, and I'm going to be meeting up with a lot of people that I never met in person/haven't seen in a long time. But that's kind of the point of nationals for any breed.
In other news, one of our fosters finally has a new home. He's going there on Friday, and we're very excited both for him and the new owner. It'll be his first bulldog, so he's doomed for life now! ;) I had to laugh when he found out we only had a year of bulldog experience. Apparently, we've taken this thing way too seriously.
I'm dog people.
I decided to enter the Amateur Owner-Handler's class thinking it might be a good way for me to show along with other people who were as shaky in their showing as I am after only two tries and no training or classes. I expected this to be a pretty big entry since the president of our rescue group and a long time bulldog owner, breeder, and judge told me there are some pretty...interesting...entries at nationals. Out of 457 entries, we are competing against...4.
There's five in our class. Which means a better chance of a win and a point. Pressure's on!
I am feeling confident in Hudson's looks. We've changed him to an all raw, home-made diet (yes, cutting up the meat and veggies ourselves from the people grocery store) and he's bulked up in all the right places. He looks fantastic! But we did just start him on atopica, which has had his mood a little weird. He's more hyper, and I'm hoping I can get him to focus in the ring, something that's not normally an issue for him. I guess the only way to find out is to go and do it and see what happens.
I also found out there's going to be streaming video live and then a video done afterward that will show Hudson's name, mine, breeder etc. I'm sure I'll look oh so beautiful after a 2 hour car ride that will take at least 3 hours.
Despite everything that will probably go awry that day, I'm very excited. It'll be good to get Hudson back out in the show ring, and I'm going to be meeting up with a lot of people that I never met in person/haven't seen in a long time. But that's kind of the point of nationals for any breed.
In other news, one of our fosters finally has a new home. He's going there on Friday, and we're very excited both for him and the new owner. It'll be his first bulldog, so he's doomed for life now! ;) I had to laugh when he found out we only had a year of bulldog experience. Apparently, we've taken this thing way too seriously.
I'm dog people.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Maternal Instincts
A lot of people give us a hard time about Hudson because he requires so much care and because we treat him like our child. But if you really knew...
Even my mother-in-law, who used to make her own colostomy bags for her younger son when he was under a year old, is blown away by our regimes for Hudson.
So, to all the moms out there, you tell me how I (we) rate.
Hudson had his first check up at the doctor, but has been back at least 6 times for his skin, once for an ear infection, and once for a viral cold. Minus his wellness check, he has gotten at least one course of antibiotics each time. He is 15 months old.
Hudson gets a bath every other day. One of those per week is with a special medicated shampoo followed by a medicated lotion/leave-in conditioner.
We try to clean his ears 2-4 times a week. Sometimes every day. It falls in line with his skin problems, though he has healthy ears for a bully with skin problems.
EVERY DAY we:
Clean his facial folds with a baby wipe and apply Balmex in the creases to deter moisture and yeast growth.
Wipe his puppy "weiner" and butt after EVERY potty trip.
Clean (with a baby wipe) his "hot spots" on his skin and spray with Vetricyn (a topical antibiotic). When he's not on steroids, we apply a topical one like cortisone.
Give 2 tabs of benedryl with both meals. (Side note: With our fosters, we use 12 tabs of benedryl a day in our house!)
After EVERY time he drinks water, we wipe his chin. (This is more for our house and clothing than him, but it does help with his puppy acne!)
Now we're adding a raw food to his feeding schedule. It should help with his skin and to bulk him up while he's growing. We want to really make sure we make the most out of those broad shoulders. So we have to thaw that in the fridge when we feed it. Every other day for now at dinner time.
So if you, or any of your friends, are looking for a bulldog, they are the best pets ever and I do all this without really thinking about it, but you have to keep in mind that they do consume your time. ...And my bulldog is still considered relatively healthy compared to how he'd be were he poorly bred.
So when we had our puppy check when Hudson was 9 weeks old and I was holding him against my chest rocking him without realizing it, and our vet said he'd be our child, I didn't quite realize to what extent.
And I wouldn't give him up for the WORLD!
-Jacki
Even my mother-in-law, who used to make her own colostomy bags for her younger son when he was under a year old, is blown away by our regimes for Hudson.
So, to all the moms out there, you tell me how I (we) rate.
Hudson had his first check up at the doctor, but has been back at least 6 times for his skin, once for an ear infection, and once for a viral cold. Minus his wellness check, he has gotten at least one course of antibiotics each time. He is 15 months old.
Hudson gets a bath every other day. One of those per week is with a special medicated shampoo followed by a medicated lotion/leave-in conditioner.
We try to clean his ears 2-4 times a week. Sometimes every day. It falls in line with his skin problems, though he has healthy ears for a bully with skin problems.
EVERY DAY we:
Clean his facial folds with a baby wipe and apply Balmex in the creases to deter moisture and yeast growth.
Wipe his puppy "weiner" and butt after EVERY potty trip.
Clean (with a baby wipe) his "hot spots" on his skin and spray with Vetricyn (a topical antibiotic). When he's not on steroids, we apply a topical one like cortisone.
Give 2 tabs of benedryl with both meals. (Side note: With our fosters, we use 12 tabs of benedryl a day in our house!)
After EVERY time he drinks water, we wipe his chin. (This is more for our house and clothing than him, but it does help with his puppy acne!)
Now we're adding a raw food to his feeding schedule. It should help with his skin and to bulk him up while he's growing. We want to really make sure we make the most out of those broad shoulders. So we have to thaw that in the fridge when we feed it. Every other day for now at dinner time.
So if you, or any of your friends, are looking for a bulldog, they are the best pets ever and I do all this without really thinking about it, but you have to keep in mind that they do consume your time. ...And my bulldog is still considered relatively healthy compared to how he'd be were he poorly bred.
So when we had our puppy check when Hudson was 9 weeks old and I was holding him against my chest rocking him without realizing it, and our vet said he'd be our child, I didn't quite realize to what extent.
And I wouldn't give him up for the WORLD!
-Jacki
Busy Bully!
Well, I stink at updating this. I pictured it almost like a baby book when I started it with tons of updates, pictures, and all the bells and whistles. But we've been busy!
Since I last blogged, we've been on hiatus from the show world for many reasons, mainly Hudson's skin problems. Just my luck, Hudson has an immune deficiency of his skin, and is unable to fight off the normal bacteria carried in his fur and on everyone's hands. We've had several bouts of yucky skin, but this one has been the worst. Finally, with steroids, and antibiotics, and antifungals (oh my!) we're making some progress.
I plan to rejoin the world of dog shows on the 22nd with an all breeds show to practice up for Hudson's entry in the BCA (Bulldog Club of America) Nationals in November. It'll be right near DC (ka'ching on the hotel) and it's a 2 day for us. Sweeps on Monday, Open on Tuesday. I got a brand new leather show lead a couple weeks ago that I absolutely love. I have potential entries I want to make through May of 2012. I'm going to be busy show woman shortly.
Hudson has also learned to be a foster brother to 2 bullies that have come to join us. Balou is a year old, only 2 months younger than Hudson, and a wild man. Hudson taught him some rules and which trees in our yard are good to poop on. This week Elvis came to join us, a 7-year-old who is spunky...for five minutes then goes and lays down in his crate. He can really shake his hips, just like his namesake. He keeps us laughing. He makes the best "MAKE ME" face ever! Typical bulldog.
We've had our hands full between rescue, Hudson's health, and regular life, but off I am to earn Hudson's 15 championship points, the ultimate goal. Then coming shortly after...a baby "sister" for Hudson. But she shouldn't be called his sister...because they're going to make baby bullies and that's just weird! So it'll be his lady.
I am having a bully-ful life and so is Hudson! We love it!
Since I last blogged, we've been on hiatus from the show world for many reasons, mainly Hudson's skin problems. Just my luck, Hudson has an immune deficiency of his skin, and is unable to fight off the normal bacteria carried in his fur and on everyone's hands. We've had several bouts of yucky skin, but this one has been the worst. Finally, with steroids, and antibiotics, and antifungals (oh my!) we're making some progress.
I plan to rejoin the world of dog shows on the 22nd with an all breeds show to practice up for Hudson's entry in the BCA (Bulldog Club of America) Nationals in November. It'll be right near DC (ka'ching on the hotel) and it's a 2 day for us. Sweeps on Monday, Open on Tuesday. I got a brand new leather show lead a couple weeks ago that I absolutely love. I have potential entries I want to make through May of 2012. I'm going to be busy show woman shortly.
Hudson has also learned to be a foster brother to 2 bullies that have come to join us. Balou is a year old, only 2 months younger than Hudson, and a wild man. Hudson taught him some rules and which trees in our yard are good to poop on. This week Elvis came to join us, a 7-year-old who is spunky...for five minutes then goes and lays down in his crate. He can really shake his hips, just like his namesake. He keeps us laughing. He makes the best "MAKE ME" face ever! Typical bulldog.
We've had our hands full between rescue, Hudson's health, and regular life, but off I am to earn Hudson's 15 championship points, the ultimate goal. Then coming shortly after...a baby "sister" for Hudson. But she shouldn't be called his sister...because they're going to make baby bullies and that's just weird! So it'll be his lady.
I am having a bully-ful life and so is Hudson! We love it!
Monday, May 9, 2011
It's Showtime!!!
We have another one coming up, so it's well overdue to post pics from our very first show!
We traveled to Edison, New Jersey for a specialty show - all bulldogs. It was our first one, so we weren't expecting anything special. We did leave with a ribbon, since there were only 2 in his group - himself and another bully. Now don't be upset that we got 2nd, the other dog showed better and was closer to confirmation. AND a gracious winner.
Anyways...on to the pics!!!
Hudson travels well. I just can't say anything more...take a look...
When we got there, we had to get some shut eye - I mean, look how hard he was working above! ;) We got a king sized bed, since that's what we have at home. We knew it might be tough for Hudson to transition to a night without his normal crate. Yup. Tough....
After some rest, it was showtime! As I tell everyone, Hudson wasn't used to a nonsocial situation with other dogs. He was very interested at first to get to know the other dog. "I'm gonna be in the show. Are you gonna be in the show? I hope it starts soon so we can be done and eat!"
We had sweepstakes (a for fun match where you can win money! 9 dollars! Woot!!) and regular show, so we lined up twice!
Going round the ring....
Gaining some focus...
Up on the judging table!
Waiting for our numbers...
We're number 2!!!!!!
We had a great time! I was so proud of Hudson. Even though it was his first time and he's still just a puppy, he did it like the champ he'll soon be!
We'll be competing again in an all breeds show on Sunday! Pics to follow!
We traveled to Edison, New Jersey for a specialty show - all bulldogs. It was our first one, so we weren't expecting anything special. We did leave with a ribbon, since there were only 2 in his group - himself and another bully. Now don't be upset that we got 2nd, the other dog showed better and was closer to confirmation. AND a gracious winner.
Anyways...on to the pics!!!
Hudson travels well. I just can't say anything more...take a look...
When we got there, we had to get some shut eye - I mean, look how hard he was working above! ;) We got a king sized bed, since that's what we have at home. We knew it might be tough for Hudson to transition to a night without his normal crate. Yup. Tough....
After some rest, it was showtime! As I tell everyone, Hudson wasn't used to a nonsocial situation with other dogs. He was very interested at first to get to know the other dog. "I'm gonna be in the show. Are you gonna be in the show? I hope it starts soon so we can be done and eat!"
We had sweepstakes (a for fun match where you can win money! 9 dollars! Woot!!) and regular show, so we lined up twice!
Going round the ring....
Up on the judging table!
We had a great time! I was so proud of Hudson. Even though it was his first time and he's still just a puppy, he did it like the champ he'll soon be!
We'll be competing again in an all breeds show on Sunday! Pics to follow!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Champion Heritage
If you know anything about me, it's certainly not that I'm always on time with things. I'm such a procrastonator. So before our move in October, I put Hudson's AKC paperwork in a safe place. Last week when I went to look for it, it took a few attempts to track down that safe place. But, finally, we sent everything in for him. A standard after a dog is registered with the AKC is to get a three generation pedigree.
With the help of google, I was able to track at least 10 generations back on Hudson's dad's side. Most of his paternal side is Hugarian or Spanish and are international champions. In fact, one of his great (a couple greats) grandfather was a WORLD champion in 1999.
I had no idea that Hudson had such champion bloodlines, though because he has such good confirmation, I'm not really surprised. But just because he's a champ child doesn't mean he doesn't have a huge personality.
Here's how he felt about his face cleaning routine before bed last night:
soooooooooooooooooooo sleepy! This wrinkle cleaning's for the birds...
-Jacki
With the help of google, I was able to track at least 10 generations back on Hudson's dad's side. Most of his paternal side is Hugarian or Spanish and are international champions. In fact, one of his great (a couple greats) grandfather was a WORLD champion in 1999.
I had no idea that Hudson had such champion bloodlines, though because he has such good confirmation, I'm not really surprised. But just because he's a champ child doesn't mean he doesn't have a huge personality.
Here's how he felt about his face cleaning routine before bed last night:
-Jacki
Monday, January 17, 2011
A Big Boy
Wow, it's been forever since I've updated.
Well, let's see. Our little puppy that was put on the scales at the kennel for a final weight before left at 10 lbs is now over 50 pounds! He's all muscle and still lots of extra skin.
I think there are a lot of exciting things coming up for Hudson. We're going to be joining a local bulldog club. I'd like to pass the canine good citizen test. We'd like to have Hudson become a therapy dog, so he can bring happiness to hospitals, nursing homes, and children's...everything! The bigger goals are confirmation (dog shows) and studding a litter. (Aww, little Hudson's!)
So far, Hudson's been very good at being a bulldog. We've been to the vet at least once a month. He's had an upper respiratory infection, a hefty ear infection, and he's working on some skin problems right now. Hopefully they end now. I can handle all those things, they're minor (take a lot of time, but not a big deal). I don't want to have hip dysplasia or any other structural problems. Then he can't be a Daddy.
I will try to be more regular with my posts. Hudson is the center of my world (sorry Chris), but I often have too much fun playing and don't take the time to post.
Well, let's see. Our little puppy that was put on the scales at the kennel for a final weight before left at 10 lbs is now over 50 pounds! He's all muscle and still lots of extra skin.
I think there are a lot of exciting things coming up for Hudson. We're going to be joining a local bulldog club. I'd like to pass the canine good citizen test. We'd like to have Hudson become a therapy dog, so he can bring happiness to hospitals, nursing homes, and children's...everything! The bigger goals are confirmation (dog shows) and studding a litter. (Aww, little Hudson's!)
So far, Hudson's been very good at being a bulldog. We've been to the vet at least once a month. He's had an upper respiratory infection, a hefty ear infection, and he's working on some skin problems right now. Hopefully they end now. I can handle all those things, they're minor (take a lot of time, but not a big deal). I don't want to have hip dysplasia or any other structural problems. Then he can't be a Daddy.
I will try to be more regular with my posts. Hudson is the center of my world (sorry Chris), but I often have too much fun playing and don't take the time to post.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Busy, Busy!!
I'm such a procrastinator! We've been sooo busy and Hudson has been growing so much. Here's his weight breakdown:
Homecoming (8 wks): 10 lbs
9 weeks: 11 lbs
10 weeks: 15 lbs
12 weeks: 20 lbs
14 weeks: 22 lbs
Now (16 weeks): 26 lbs!
He's a growing boy!!!
Hudson's favorite things in the whole wide world are:
-eating - bacon, cheese balls, and his regular food too. and dentastix!
-sleeping
-meeting new people
-playing with other dogs
-playing with all his toys, especially if we toss them around
-car rides
Thought I'd also put up some new pictures!!!
Homecoming (8 wks): 10 lbs
9 weeks: 11 lbs
10 weeks: 15 lbs
12 weeks: 20 lbs
14 weeks: 22 lbs
Now (16 weeks): 26 lbs!
He's a growing boy!!!
Hudson's favorite things in the whole wide world are:
-eating - bacon, cheese balls, and his regular food too. and dentastix!
-sleeping
-meeting new people
-playing with other dogs
-playing with all his toys, especially if we toss them around
-car rides
Thought I'd also put up some new pictures!!!
kicking back after a hard day with a beer and some TV
sitting in his "cave" - one of his favorite places to sleep
helping me with the laundry
Playing with his friends Buddy and Phantom
My Girlfriend Buffy
I loooooove playing with Fred the pug!!!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Busy long weekend!!
Seems I can only blog when Hudson's sleeping nearby and Chris is at work or in bed. (He's the latter currently.)
We had a super busy weekend. I had off Thursday through today, and Chris had Friday until tomorrow. It was nice to have time off and time to enjoy Hudson together. 00000000000000000000000000000000000000.00000000000000000
That's what Hudson had to say - he laid his head on the keyboard.
Anyway, here's some of what we did this weekend:
1. Saw the vet
2. Met Chris's parents
3. Watched a House marathon on TV
4. Learned to "sit" and "leave it"
5. Stayed at home by himself
6. Met a baby! (Josiah - just over a year old) And subsequently got a hand right in the face, which he took like a champ. Good boy!!!
7. Met and played with other dogs.
I'm sure there were other things, but this list is pretty good. He was a such a good, patient puppy. Don't get me wrong, he's also pushed the limits and had to be disciplined. Chris has been really consistent and firm - he usually has to be the bad guy. (I'm the pushover...oops. I'm doing better!!!) But overall, he's been a goooood lil puppy.
We're all really happy. YAY!
Next post I'll have to post a new picture. He's getting to be a big boy - bigger stance, more weight, looking more grown up every day. Puppies don't stay puppies long...
We had a super busy weekend. I had off Thursday through today, and Chris had Friday until tomorrow. It was nice to have time off and time to enjoy Hudson together. 00000000000000000000000000000000000000.00000000000000000
That's what Hudson had to say - he laid his head on the keyboard.
Anyway, here's some of what we did this weekend:
1. Saw the vet
2. Met Chris's parents
3. Watched a House marathon on TV
4. Learned to "sit" and "leave it"
5. Stayed at home by himself
6. Met a baby! (Josiah - just over a year old) And subsequently got a hand right in the face, which he took like a champ. Good boy!!!
7. Met and played with other dogs.
I'm sure there were other things, but this list is pretty good. He was a such a good, patient puppy. Don't get me wrong, he's also pushed the limits and had to be disciplined. Chris has been really consistent and firm - he usually has to be the bad guy. (I'm the pushover...oops. I'm doing better!!!) But overall, he's been a goooood lil puppy.
We're all really happy. YAY!
Next post I'll have to post a new picture. He's getting to be a big boy - bigger stance, more weight, looking more grown up every day. Puppies don't stay puppies long...
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Snoring...
Right now, Hudson is in the crook of my arm and cuddled in my lap sleeping and SNORING loudly...just like a bulldog should.
Hudson has been an angel! Sure, he has his moments. I often wonder why he's trying to chew on the wall or the sidewalk - or as Chris saw, the lamp post - and I get frustrated telling him to stop chewing the same thing.
Everything else? Perfect! He eats his food, I take him out, he goes right away. He loves to play - he practically already fetches his ball. Today he practiced sitting and really loved his liver treats! I'm so impressed with how much he takes everything in stride. We've had to take him out and about a lot, and he just goes with the flow.
Yesterday, I had to go to the in-laws to dry my laundry because our dryer isn't heating up. I put his crate in the garage (they weren't home, so I didn't want to bring him inside without them knowing) and we played in their big yard. He really loved the grass! He loves to roll in it and lay in it. He even got himself to sleep in his crate while Ben and I chatted inside.
I have to admit, I felt a little like a soccer mom. I had to load up the laundry, the crate, my purse, my laptop (I thought I might need entertainment in case Hudson slept the whole time), then toys for Hudson, his leash, some wipes in case he got messy -- it was a little much.
Finally, today we got to do some chilling out. I got to straighten up a little and make some real food. I even got a chance to take some pictures of Hudson with my camera. I have to make good use of my buy 25 get 25 free offer from Walgreens. I'll need plenty of pics for my scrapbook!!!
I'll end with a picture of Hudson in the grass yesterday.
Hudson has been an angel! Sure, he has his moments. I often wonder why he's trying to chew on the wall or the sidewalk - or as Chris saw, the lamp post - and I get frustrated telling him to stop chewing the same thing.
Everything else? Perfect! He eats his food, I take him out, he goes right away. He loves to play - he practically already fetches his ball. Today he practiced sitting and really loved his liver treats! I'm so impressed with how much he takes everything in stride. We've had to take him out and about a lot, and he just goes with the flow.
Yesterday, I had to go to the in-laws to dry my laundry because our dryer isn't heating up. I put his crate in the garage (they weren't home, so I didn't want to bring him inside without them knowing) and we played in their big yard. He really loved the grass! He loves to roll in it and lay in it. He even got himself to sleep in his crate while Ben and I chatted inside.
I have to admit, I felt a little like a soccer mom. I had to load up the laundry, the crate, my purse, my laptop (I thought I might need entertainment in case Hudson slept the whole time), then toys for Hudson, his leash, some wipes in case he got messy -- it was a little much.
Finally, today we got to do some chilling out. I got to straighten up a little and make some real food. I even got a chance to take some pictures of Hudson with my camera. I have to make good use of my buy 25 get 25 free offer from Walgreens. I'll need plenty of pics for my scrapbook!!!
I'll end with a picture of Hudson in the grass yesterday.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Day 2
Boy, we had a busy day today!! Hudson has been such a perfect angel, as we've done more in the past two days since bringing him home than I ever thought we'd do.
Our morning started...well, it depends how you look at it. We had a really big time awake between 3 and 4, but we got up officially when Chris got home around 7. I was making breakfast, and Hudson was excited to get around the house. He still hasn't ventured the whole way through yet. That's probably a good thing.
After breakfast, we all went to sleep. I got up after 11 and Hudson was still sleeping (beyond 3 hours! I don't know how he held his little bladder so long!). He got up shortly after and we went out.
My mom came by around lunchtime, bearing lunch for Chris and I and toys for Hudson. He really liked them! Especially the "tire" with rope knots on each side. He chewed on it for a looooonng time, just what his puppy teeth needed!
At two, we headed out, taking Hudson with us. We had a few errands to run, and we thought it would be best if we didn't leave him at home. We went to the local market in Thomasville, where Hudson and I walked all around until he got much too toasty. We then hopped in the car and cranked up the AC. He sat calmly in my lap until he cooled down and Chris returned with a bottle of water. We found out that he can, in fact, drink from a water bottle. He really liked the cool water.
When we left, we made a stop at Petco to get a color that fit a little better. It's leather. YAY! We got all kinds of attention from employees and customers alike.
After that, we went to Chris's grandparents' house to show him off. His Grandma loved him. Pap was shocked at how little energy a puppy could have. (He was pretty pooped after all the activity.)
When we finally got home, he didn't eat much, but he had some food and went back for another nap (despite a lot of sleep in the car). Some more friends stopped in and they tired him out.
He's sleeping right now in his crate.
PHEW! What a day. I'm beat. I can't imagine how much little Hudson's brain had to process. He's done such a good job. He's going potty outside almost flawlessly. Most of his accidents are because we don't react enough. It's another train the human situation - just like Cesar Milan would say. Don't worry, everyone in the house will get the hang of it soon!
Well, I'm off to straighten up before Hudson wakes up to have another fun time before my bedtime. It approaches quickly!
More to come!
Our morning started...well, it depends how you look at it. We had a really big time awake between 3 and 4, but we got up officially when Chris got home around 7. I was making breakfast, and Hudson was excited to get around the house. He still hasn't ventured the whole way through yet. That's probably a good thing.
After breakfast, we all went to sleep. I got up after 11 and Hudson was still sleeping (beyond 3 hours! I don't know how he held his little bladder so long!). He got up shortly after and we went out.
My mom came by around lunchtime, bearing lunch for Chris and I and toys for Hudson. He really liked them! Especially the "tire" with rope knots on each side. He chewed on it for a looooonng time, just what his puppy teeth needed!
At two, we headed out, taking Hudson with us. We had a few errands to run, and we thought it would be best if we didn't leave him at home. We went to the local market in Thomasville, where Hudson and I walked all around until he got much too toasty. We then hopped in the car and cranked up the AC. He sat calmly in my lap until he cooled down and Chris returned with a bottle of water. We found out that he can, in fact, drink from a water bottle. He really liked the cool water.
When we left, we made a stop at Petco to get a color that fit a little better. It's leather. YAY! We got all kinds of attention from employees and customers alike.
After that, we went to Chris's grandparents' house to show him off. His Grandma loved him. Pap was shocked at how little energy a puppy could have. (He was pretty pooped after all the activity.)
When we finally got home, he didn't eat much, but he had some food and went back for another nap (despite a lot of sleep in the car). Some more friends stopped in and they tired him out.
He's sleeping right now in his crate.
PHEW! What a day. I'm beat. I can't imagine how much little Hudson's brain had to process. He's done such a good job. He's going potty outside almost flawlessly. Most of his accidents are because we don't react enough. It's another train the human situation - just like Cesar Milan would say. Don't worry, everyone in the house will get the hang of it soon!
Well, I'm off to straighten up before Hudson wakes up to have another fun time before my bedtime. It approaches quickly!
More to come!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Welcome Home, Hudson!
As I secretly hoped, our puppies arrived early, so we got to bring home our little boy today!
Announcing....HUDSON!!!
He is a whopping 10 pounds, has some gorgeous markings, as you can see, and has been absolutely an angel!
We got him home around 5 this evening. He ate some food, drank some water, went potty outside, played, went in his crate for a nap...repeat! Haha! He also had a bath (he wasn't such a fan, actually) for the first time today, so he's a clean puppy!
He only had one accident in the house so far, and really it could have been avoided if I'd trusted my gut. He ran around, sniffing the ground, and had left his crate while taking a nap. But, we cleaned it up quickly and everything was fine. He went potty outside shortly after. Perfect!!
We're so happy to have Hudson home with us! Wish us luck on our first night!!!
Enjoy some more pics...
Announcing....HUDSON!!!
He is a whopping 10 pounds, has some gorgeous markings, as you can see, and has been absolutely an angel!
We got him home around 5 this evening. He ate some food, drank some water, went potty outside, played, went in his crate for a nap...repeat! Haha! He also had a bath (he wasn't such a fan, actually) for the first time today, so he's a clean puppy!
He only had one accident in the house so far, and really it could have been avoided if I'd trusted my gut. He ran around, sniffing the ground, and had left his crate while taking a nap. But, we cleaned it up quickly and everything was fine. He went potty outside shortly after. Perfect!!
We're so happy to have Hudson home with us! Wish us luck on our first night!!!
Enjoy some more pics...
Thursday, August 26, 2010
My favorite number!
It's my favorite number of days until we bring Puppy home. 3!
In fact, today Puppy is 8 weeks old!!!
We're ready - the crate is up, the leash is standing by, we have plenty of meaty treats, and I have all kinds of blankets that I've been sitting with! I'm ready to bring him in and get him adjusted to his new home.
You know, I'm really tired of these boring posts with no good stories to tell! I think the next one will have to be after he's with us!
Stay tuned....
In fact, today Puppy is 8 weeks old!!!
We're ready - the crate is up, the leash is standing by, we have plenty of meaty treats, and I have all kinds of blankets that I've been sitting with! I'm ready to bring him in and get him adjusted to his new home.
You know, I'm really tired of these boring posts with no good stories to tell! I think the next one will have to be after he's with us!
Stay tuned....
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