Puppy Watch

End Of The Year Donation

2011-12-29T06:38:00.001-06:00

I’m posting on all my blogs in the hopes that you will learn of this fantastic group who work to help people in arid regions of Africa to care for their environment and to feed themselves.

The Edenland Foundation: http://edengardens.org/
Founded by a fellow Ridgeback owner’s family from Sweden.

Hoping you’ll join me in donating to this great cause. You can send money via PayPals to:: loverescueoperation@gmail.com

A Canadian Needs A Home

2011-09-22T20:49:00.000-05:00

Laurie Rusticus has a show potential male looking for a home in the States. They are 6 weeks now and will be graded out at 8 weeks. If you are looking for a nice show boy, let me know.

Frye strutting his stuff...

Giving the Whippet a work out....

The Pupiciles At 3 Weeks

2011-09-05T14:14:00.001-05:00

Laurie sent some photos of the pups at 3 weeks. Too cute! She must have had help, I could never get mine to sit so sweet at that age!

Laurie and Rick Rusticus
Hounds of Vrymeer
www.houndsofvrymeer.com

Foster Pups Need A Good Home

2011-08-25T07:59:00.002-05:00

Darlene is fostering these tiny, Chihuahua mix pups. They are about 7 weeks old and only weigh about 2 pounds. They are going to be small little fellas.

There are two rare blue ones, one black and one seal brown pups left to place. If you have a home or know of one, please contact Darlene and let her know.

Magic and Prize..All Grown Up - ??

2010-08-12T10:11:00.002-05:00

Magic looking all handsome...actually out by the persimmon tree hoping for a ripe one.

Prize LOVES to sit on something - me, another dog, the edge of the dog bed, the couch...Even in the yard, she has to park her hinny on something. An over turned bird bath, in this case!

Rainy Day Doings

2010-07-26T08:30:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, it rained on and off all day. During one particularly long storm with lots of thunder and lightening, I happened to look out the back and saw this hawk sitting up in the old snag. I had to photoshop it to make it brighter. Don't know what kind it is, but handsome bird regardless!

Looks rather falcon like, don't you think?? Might be a falcon for all I know..

The dogs were restless and wanted to go for a walk. They like to stand or sit in front of me and stare....as if I control the weather and if they stare long enough, I'll do something about that rain and we can all go outside! Well, at least somebody thinks I can work miracles. LOL!

Magic doing his version of a stare down...

Demon Eyes

2010-07-25T08:29:00.003-05:00

Lisa took this photo of Prize sitting in my lap... the flash caught the retinas just right... Looks like Demon Dog Eyes! LOL!

Looking For A Puppy?

2010-05-31T07:41:00.001-05:00

Looking for a puppy? Kim Gampher, in Missouri, still has 4 puppies available to place. Great foreign lines, too. Check them out at Kabusha RRs.

Kim is a member of RRCUS.

Fun On The Run

2010-04-25T16:04:00.003-05:00

Today, Jennifer and Matrix came over. We did a bit of agility in the front yard, bought dog food and had lunch. Then the dogs went out for a last romp around the back.

There's nothing Magic likes better than to run and chase....Matrix chose to be the Chasee and.....they are off!

Around the oak, behind the shed and back to us.... around and around and around.

Good exercising, boys!

The Gang

2010-03-15T18:55:00.004-05:00

The other day I was talking on the phone and happened to say "The pups...blah, blah, blah" - and the person I was talking to said "YOU'VE got PUPPIES!"...all excited and stuff.

"Er, no", I said. "It's just I refer to all my dogs as the Pups 'cause they are all my fur kids, hence they are all puppies to me....even if their faces are gray. Yeah, they were disappointed, but they'll get over it..... Meanwhile, since I don't have any LITTLE puppies, I thought I'd post some photos I took this evening of my gang's sweet faces.

Magic waitin' and hopin' to go for another walk around the back.

Prize is looking all hopeful, too.

Magic looking all intense.... Hoping the squirrel might magically show up in his view.

Guy gazing off in the distance...

The gorgeous Sizzle - she graying, but she's still got a magnificent headpiece!

Sweet Ozzie....it's hard to get a good head shot of him because he's always standing right next to me hoping for a good butt rub, or ear rub, or any kind of rub...heck, he just likes petting.

Da Zoomies!

2010-01-18T10:04:00.003-06:00

Magic and Prize most favorite thing to do is to gang up on Guy and zoom around with him at full tilt. I managed to get this sequence this morning. They blast off about mid-yard toward the back fence.

L to R: Guy ( check that snarl!), Magic in full extension, Prize in the rear. Now you'd think she'd just catch up with Magic, but no, she's going to try and go around behind.

She putting on the speed now.... still looks like she's going for Magic....

....now she's cutting behind so she can get at Guy.... poor fella... they do love to pick on him.

Then Magic draws ahead... someone has seen a squirrel. There's Prize getting into position...

....and then they slow down, look for squirrels, get chased by Ozzie, and are ready to repeat all that when we get back to the gate. Dogs are so funny! They love their morning routine.

Snapshots of My Younger Ones

2009-09-20T16:28:00.004-05:00

Both Guy and Magic had gotten mysterious scrapes and gouges on them a month or so ago. I finally figured out that it was from a broken branch in the Leyland Cypress tree they love to run around. I got my trusty lopers and cut that thing off. You can see the scar it's left on Guy's shoulder.

Magic always looks like he's so happy! I guess he is, he loves to go for a walk in the morning and evening so they can play and have a great time.

Prize strikes a pose... she looks good when that curly tail isn't up over her back! Nice long neck, square stance, nice angles, good fill in the brisket...

Magic really has relaxation down to an art.....and this is the way he likes to sleep. I've come into the room in the middle of the night and there's Magic - on his back, sprawled out and snoozing away.

It must be in the genes.... big brother, Guy, likes to sleep on his back, too.

Angus, Maddie and Catherine Come To Visit

2009-08-22T19:29:00.005-05:00

Angus, the singleton puppy, and his family of Catherine and Maddie came by to visit this afternoon. Angus and Magic fell in love....they just couldn't get enough of running and playing.

Tongues were lolling out, but they just couldn't stop having fun... (Angus in front, Magic bringing up the rear.)

They look like they are doing some weird doggy ballet in this side shot..

In this shot (below), Diva (Grandmother of Angus) on the left, then Angus - he grew to be a BIG boy - and Magic ( 10 months)

It was a fun visit for all. After the good run, they came inside and found chew bones and had a different kind of fun. Catherine, Angus (L), Maddie (R) pose before they left .

Nine Month Update

2009-08-05T12:50:00.002-05:00

The "terrible two" are FINALLY starting to calm down, still plenty of energy, but slowly becoming older "teens" and less petulant preteens. Here's Prize on the left and Magic on the right in a quite moment.

Prize looks like she's "stalking" me, but she's actually watching Guy.... ready to pounce on him. Mr Magic in the back awaiting her signal to "go".

Guy (L) and Prize. This is the way Prize eats her pear that she gets off the tree. Most of the dogs get theirs and lay down and enjoy..... she has this strange "butt-in-air-elbows-on-the-ground" style.

Opposites?

2009-05-02T08:51:00.002-05:00

Magic was walking across the yard looking like he had somewhere important to go..

....but he was only changing spots to sit.... he has this funny lopsided sit....

......which is just the opposite of his sister, Prize.... and her lopsided sit.

Daily Puppy Life

2009-04-17T06:33:00.005-05:00

Today is the 6 month birthday of Prize and Magic. They celebrated as only two happy go lucky pups can do:

First, they charged up by joining Guy and Darla at the blueberry bushes....the still GREEN blueberries....apparently the berries are tasty to them, even this early in the season.

Here's Magic at the gate waiting for the rest of the gang to arrive and start rough housing....

Waltzing??? No, Prize and Magic playing as only RRs can do...

That done, Magic and Guy get a case of the zoomies.... Guy runs full tilt around the yard and Magic tries hard to keep up...

This way.........

.....and that way......

What a birthday!

Learning to Be a Show Dog

2009-03-06T14:45:00.003-06:00

I took Prize and Magic to a training class this morning. Magic moved well on the leash.... Prize stood fairly still..... Now if I could somehow combine these qualities into one dog - I might have a good puppy to work with! Look at how well Prize stands by herself.... better than with me - for now. Oh, well, guess that's why they call it "training".

PS: The following morning, Stephanie sent me this photo of Magic ACTUALLY standing still....a brief moment in time, I assure you! Looks pretty darn good for a 4+ month old pup.

A Most Handsome Fella

2009-02-05T07:15:00.002-06:00

Most of the time, poor Magic is being drug around by the skin of his neck by Prize. Every once in awhile, he gets away and strikes a pose.

Such a handsome puppy...

For some great treats, gear and training tips, click on the image below!

Comparitive Looks

2009-02-01T15:49:00.002-06:00

Most people would recognize Magic as a puppy....big knuckles, etc, but with a hint of adulthood....lovely head and expression..

Ms Prize shows a bit of adulthood from a distance... or maybe that's a "deer in the headlights" look...

Ah, but standing with the "Birthday Guy", who was 2 years old yesterday, it's easy to see that Magic is indeed still a babe....

Sleeping Beauties

2009-01-26T12:13:00.003-06:00

Look how sweet and angelic Magic and Prize are......you'd never guess their nicknames are Lil Snot and Hellboy. Tired puppies are good puppies.

For some great treats, gear and training tips, click on the image below!

Stacking and Snacking

2009-01-22T13:35:00.003-06:00

Stephanie came and we took photos of the pups this morning. I put the stacked ones on the Kalahari News and Views blog, if you want to check them out.

I had to put these two here because of Ms Prize's expression. Here's Magic on the table being stacked, but Ms Piggy thought those tidbits were mighty fine and positioned herself where she can keep an eye on Stephanie's hand.

Love those folded paws, too.

Magic thought the tidbits were might fine too.. his tail is really swinging back and forth...Hm, hm, good!

Magic's Home

2009-01-19T16:45:00.002-06:00

I told Ms Prize that her brother, Magic, was coming home.....

She said "What do you mean?".

I said, "He's coming home and you'll have someone your size to tussle with and have fun!"

....and so, we went to get him today. We met Glen in Slidell, LA and came home..

The two pups have wrestled non-stop ever since and have just passed out...thank goodness! This time next week, they'll be covered with scabs from all that playing and sharp teeth!

Ms Prize

2009-01-18T07:59:00.001-06:00

Ms Prize is getting so darned cute. Her days as an "only" puppy are nearly over. Monday, I'm suppose to meet Glen and get Magic back. I think they are going to have a ball.....and be covered with all sorts of new scratches from playing with someone their own age.

Prize Goes to the Agility Trial

2009-01-06T14:25:00.003-06:00

Saturday, fellow club member Lisa went with me to the Pensacola agility trial and I took along Ms Prize. She had a ball meeting other dogs, kids, going for a walk, etc, etc and basically wore both Lisa and I out. For 11 weeks old, she did very well.

It took us forever to get home as it turned out to be a dark and stormy night on the way home. Diva and Darla were entered and Ms Darla got her first leg on her NA title on Saturday and Ms Diva finished her NAP title on Sunday.

We were all bushed after that weekend and Darla even consented to sharing her bed with Prize.

For some great treats, gear and training tips, click on the image below!

Prize's Day

2009-01-02T13:37:00.003-06:00

Today, Prize went for a ride over to the SPCA so we could take some items for their thrift shop.....Prize had "helped" me this morning as I tried to clean out the art room to make room for the new futon. Of course, when I say "helped", I really mean "This could have been a whole lot faster if the little devil were asleep somewhere." Therefore it was nearly noon before the van was loaded, Prize was loaded and we were off.

Taffy also came to stay for the night, so her owners could go to the Sugar Bowl. We all went on a walk about the yard when we got back. Here's the little devil sharpening her teeth on a pine tree... I know that's how she keeps them so "knife-life" ;-)

I had laundry going too ....washing dog sheets, undies and other things. I finally sat down for a cup of tea and didn't see Prize snoozing on any of the dog beds. Finally looked in the laundry room and there she was conked out on the newly cleaned dog sheets I use for their beds. She looked so comfy, I just left her there....She's had a busy morning already.

Needed: Fill Dirt

2008-12-29T10:25:00.003-06:00

Just what I needed.....another hole in the yard. I shouted out for the little tunneler to stop....

........She gave me the "Who? Me?" look and then proceeded to start digging again. (sigh)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-24T07:06:00.001-06:00

This and That - Scenes from Over the Weekend

2008-12-22T13:55:00.003-06:00

Ms Darla was teaching the two girl pups about which mushrooms to eat and which not on the Saturday morning walk about.

The cutie.......one crowned girl before leaving for her new home.....

Without another puppy to play with, Ms Prize has worn us all out before she finally gives up and conks out....

2008-12-18T14:57:00.002-06:00

I've not been up to snuff for about 2 weeks...back outta wack. Then a round of company - puppies going, friends visiting, etc. I finally felt like taking some photos and it's finally not raining or drizzly!

Took a couple of these last night:

One crown girl playing with the tiger toy....

Here she's pretending to play with the hedgehog, but she's really eying the toy that Guy has...she's just waiting for a chance to grab it from him.

Here she is again...she was trying to get Guy to play with her...just about to jump and launch herself at him.

Sizzle and Prize strike a pose...

Mom and daughter (Prize) soaking up some sunshine.

Kansas City Here We Come!

2008-12-14T12:24:00.002-06:00

Ms Dona, Dona, Prima Dona (right) and The South African Lion Hound (left) were off to their new homes in Kansas City and Overland Park on Sat. Haven't heard from Terra and Ryan yet. They wee supposed to arrive home sometime today. Hopefully, it was an uneventual trip and the pups weren't too much trouble. Have a happy life little babies!

Later Glen came and we took some photos, visited awhile and he took Mr Magic home with him for some socialization. Ms Prize and her sister had a ball last night playing in the living room with Guy and Sizzle.

Up To No Good

2008-12-07T11:13:00.003-06:00

After their morning nap, I heard the little rascals having a ball back in the dog room. They had done a number on their puppy pen - riped up the tarp under them, torn up the puppy pads, shredded the newspaper....Oh, had a good time, they did! But just look at them...the picture of innocence...the little devils!

I have started to recognize their faces and I think they are (L to R) Ridgeless boy's head, one crowned girl, ridged boy, Prize and short ridged girl.

Kings of the Hill?

2008-12-07T10:48:00.003-06:00

I pulled some muscles and haven't felt like going out with the pups, but yesterday I was better and got them doing their version of King of the Hill. They now like to go from the back patio around to the side rock garden. There is an over turned bird bath there and they all want to climb over it for some reason....

It's okay as long as they are all going in one direction, it's fine, but when some start coming back there is a traffic jam of sorts.

Sometimes they have "words"...

Other times, they get along fine...

Until there is only one remaining...

Making Noises....and Messes

2008-12-02T17:29:00.002-06:00

The wind blew the leaves into huge piles and the pups loved making tons of noise running through them this morning..

They love the crunchy, snappy sounds....the louder, the better...

They also love chewing up the pampas grass stems...especially when they can share with big brother, Guy..

6 Weeks Old and Lots of Company

2008-11-29T07:40:00.004-06:00

Friday, the pups were 6 weeks old and they have had loads of company. First, Heather came by.....Boy, they love a LAP to get in. Of course, Guy thinks he should get all of the company's attention...

Here's Guy stealing a kiss from Heather.....Pup looks like she's saying "Hey! No Fair! This is My Company!"
That one puppy in the lap was short lived...soon Heather had more pups than could fit.... They had a great time.
Later Jennifer and Matrix came by and then Aimee from Kentucky (It was way dark by then) I did take some head shots of Matrix and you can see them HERE.

So Many Cute Photos!

2008-11-25T18:27:00.004-06:00

Catherine and Angus came to visit yesterday...thought I'd add his cute face to the photos I took today of the pups.

Check out this pose... they had a ball in the sunshine...

Another great pose... Their dad, Rocky, was a great one for striking a pose...maybe they're following in dad's footsteps..

Oh, Boy - Company!

2008-11-23T15:50:00.001-06:00

One of our new puppy owners came to visit the pups today.... They sure enjoyed

....chewing on her shoes!

Raspberries?

2008-11-23T10:39:00.002-06:00

Or Kisses?

The Great Outdoors Revisited

2008-11-21T08:24:00.005-06:00

Yesterday around noon, it was glorious outside and the pups got out on to the patio and the grass....they had a ball!

Can you say "Miz Piggy"?... Ah, well, some of us love our groceries!

Today is a different story...very blustery and COLD! They want to go out bad! Maybe noonish?

A Great Day Outdoors

2008-11-19T14:07:00.002-06:00

After the initial traffic jam at the puppy door, the pups were ready to experience the great outdoors. This is from my angle....there's always one who heads for my toes.. in this case, safely covered by my shoe...

They discovered they could really zoom around on the cedar shavings.

...and they really enjoyed the sunshine...

Aren't these two cute....
....they were determined to pose on the cushion.

Oh, Boy, Clean Blankies!

2008-11-17T09:39:00.003-06:00

Prize was enjoying the nice clean blanket I put down this morning...

....and then I added a new thermal blanket - nice and warm and fresh out of the dryer ....

Ohhhh, this is so much fun to shove around, pull and bite on and even try and tunnel under...

Nothing like a clean blankie to cuddle up on and take a nap...

Life is good here in the puppy pen!

The Great Chilly Outdoors!

2008-11-15T09:18:00.003-06:00

A cold front blew in last night...I thought I'd see if the pups wanted to go out a bit, but they weren't too thrilled about the windy conditions and stayed bunched up on the cushion outside their door.

Soon, everyone but these two had found their way back through the puppy door. Looks like she's saying " ' S cold out here"

Four Weeks Old Today

2008-11-14T15:40:00.004-06:00

Today was a benchmark day - first, the pups were 4 weeks old, they ate their first real food and they went outside -twice!

They really enjoyed their first meal of cooked duck...

Then they were "stuffed" out the puppy door....jammed up on the ledge...and finally found out they could stand on a cushion from there. Took them a minute or two to figure out they could get off the cushion....with some encouragement from me and the Momma Dog....

There's always one that refuses to join in for awhile..

Eventually, after going from the cushion to the crate...going in it and back out again...they found out that those cedar shavings were interesting..

...and a lot easier to walk around on...

The little fellow ventured out from the pack and found a volunteer periwinkle - now minus it's one lone bloom...

Of course, they had to taste the cedar chips... didn't like it much...

....and then they got to go back through the puppy flap into their pen, where they took a long nap. The second trip out went much better and several figured out they could go in and out the door....Clever Puppies!

2008-11-12T14:46:00.003-06:00

Well, the little devils were determined to get out of the box today, so it was time to move them back to the big puppy pen. Here's Momma and babes settling in..

They aren't quite sure of the paper covered area...their box was fully covered with a pad, but they are starting to venture out on it and meet and greet the other dogs.

In addition to Snuggles, they now have a new fuzzy buddy - Wharton the Wart Hog.....who seems to have become one's new best friend. ( far left corner)

I had to put up towels around the fenced portions to make sure they didn't stick their little heads through the openings ..... in a week or so they'll be too big to do that... plus it stops the drafts.

Where's Snuggles?

2008-11-09T07:22:00.004-06:00

I went in to check on the pups and found them piled up and around the SnugglePuppy...Snuggles blends right in with the pack.

Then I took up their blanket to wash, their mother came in and fed them, got out and I could hear them playing around. After they quieted down, I peeped in and had to take this shot.... not a care in the world.

Three Weeks Old and Growing Fast

2008-11-08T10:08:00.002-06:00

After filling their bellies, the pups playtime is getting longer. It always starts with one trying to bite on the other....

.....but somehow winds up as a tonsil check!
Playtime over, it's back to sweet dreams...
I added the Snuggle Puppy to the box today and this pup has already made good use of it.

Family Photo

2008-11-06T10:45:00.001-06:00

The pups are starting to become little dogs now.. they growl and try to bite on one another after their Mom has fed them and their little bellies are full

Scenes From the Second Week

2008-11-05T09:45:00.002-06:00

Still snoozing most of the time...

Having a bit more play biting on one another... still no teeth yet..

Standing and walking more...

...and trying to chew on Momma Dog..

A Snuggle Buddy

2008-11-02T09:56:00.000-06:00

I walked in this morning to this sibling snuggling...it was just too sweet to pass up.

Two Weeks Old Today

2008-10-31T10:48:00.002-05:00

The pups are starting to mouth one another - so cute - but, play time doesn't last long and they conk out again.

This one looks startled that it's mouth is full of puppy!

.... and it's over and back to sleeping and growing....

It's Eye Opening Week

2008-10-29T10:41:00.003-05:00

Between 10 and 12 days, the pups eyes start to open - like this pup:

They are also beginning to start to be playful... like this pup...

..... but, mostly they are still just eating and sleeping....

It's hard to tell who is who when I finally get the camera downloaded and sort through the cute photos.... but I did recognize them in this photo:

The ridged male is the smallest right now, the "short" ridged girl looks like she's going to be the rich red color that everyone loves. The South African Lion Hound - aka: the ridgeless boy is quite the hunk right now and Prize, my keeper, and the other girl are sizable gals themselves.

Why Not A Ridgeless?

2008-10-26T07:17:00.003-05:00

When Liz Druitt, possesser of the fabulous Henna Moon (also a Ridgeless RR), heard that folks were hesitant to get my ridgeless male, she wrote this:

If you ever need a reference for ridgeless, feel free to send them to me,or forward any of the following info. Because my ridgeless is twice the Ridgeback my ridged dog is, and I will get another one (when it's time, of course, and it has to be a female) in a New York minute!

Henna Moon has done:
Agility (OA, AXJ) - they called her the Big Red Border Collie

Obedience (CD) - okay, she didn't see the point of heeling, but she did everything else with great enthusiasm

Canine Good Citizen (earned her CGC twice - I was taking Jade, Henna did it again for fun)

Therapy Dog temperament test - she was certified and working for a while)

Herding Instinct Test (she has several HIC certificates, she likes to play with them sheep!)

Canine Freestyle (we would still be doing this if I weren't broke - Henna looooves it)

Tracking (she loved the lessons, we'd still be doing this, too, if time and money coincided)

Search and Rescue (this was for Jade, but the trainers always wanted to work with Henna instead, even though she was 9 years old when we started. Had to stop, again, because of money - this is a seriously expensive hobby!)

Lure Coursing - yup, she's run Equipment Testing Dog at uncountable lure coursing trials and enjoyed the hell out of it. At the last trial - when she was 10 1/2 - I got the photographer to shoot her running in a racing jacket, and the photos show awesome drive, agility, and sheer joy. No one has ever sneered at me for bringing my ridgeless to a lure coursing trial, especially after they see her run! And I gotta tell you - it's free to run equipment testing, and it has to be done twice each day of the trial. Not a bad deal at all!

Henna also competed in the Best Ridge Competition before they banned "faux" ridges, and has an honorary Best Overall Ridge banner to prove it.

She knows all kinds of entertaining tricks, which have gotten her into even "no dogs" hotels, and allowed her to perform as my audio-visual presentation when I was giving gardening lectures around the country - I wouldn't accept any bookings that didn't include her, she would hop up on a trestle table and do rose dentifications, pass out handouts and do other useful things during a lecture.

Henna did a two hour photoshoot for Southern Living, and her photo appeared in the magazine to illustrate an article. She was on TV twice - once on an Austin public access program on gardening, and once on a Southern Living TV program.

She's traveled all over the United States, and to Mexico, where she shook hands with - or kissed, their choice - all the Border Guards. She's also drug me down the street after squirrels, jumped into the dishwasher to lick the dirty plates, embarassed me in public, pretended she didn't know me when I wasn't up to her standards, nipped me on the ass when I was too slow, laughed at me when I fell over, made me adjust the covers to her comfort several times a night, etc, etc.

I'm just saying...when it comes to personality, breeding, brains, beauty,bravery, talent, attitude and athleticism - we don't need no stinkin' ridge! The only limits on my ridgeless girl have been the limits of my pocket book and my own energy. Plus, total strangers always try to pet her instead of Jade, because that ridge can look like the dog is angry. A handsome ridgeless boy would be a TOTAL chick magnet!!!

Henna Moon - taken at the beach, just short of her 11th birthday.

Fat, Fuzzy Friday

2008-10-24T09:34:00.003-05:00

The pups are a week old today and they are fat, fuzzy little fellas and gals. Their undercoats are growing in, which gives them the fuzzy look and makes the ridges less distinct.

When it's time to eat, they work hard on getting the milk to let down and when it does - you can see and hear it.....They lock their arms straight to get some pull, their little tails go straight out and vibrate and they start suckling in unison.

It's just danged cute to see!

Puppy Colors

2008-10-22T09:16:00.003-05:00

When RR pups are born, they often have lots of dark, blackish areas - on the back, down the tail and around the neck. Some are practically black all over!

......But they don't stay that way. Between birth and 4 weeks of age, the black color sheds out and they become more uniform in color. Since they don't start to "wheaten" until between 12-16 weeks, they will also be more uniform in color.

At around 6 to 8 weeks, some pups can become ROAN looking, ie have whitish hairs along their back and sides. This will also shed out when they start to "wheaten" and be gone by 16 weeks.

People ask me what color these pups will be as a adult - the safe answer is Wheaten.... like their Dad - pictured below. To see normal coat variations (and unusual RR colors) -CLICK HERE.

Mastering More Feats

2008-10-20T11:42:00.004-05:00

Pups are still mostly eating and sleeping and being cleaned, but on their own they also Curl.......

......and Stretch - then back to Curl.

What they are best at is Cuddling with their siblings.....

Eatin' And Sleepin'

2008-10-19T11:40:00.004-05:00

At two days old, the pups are busy - eating....("Prize", the "bonus" pup on the right, looks like she's going to be a brown nosed RR. We haven't had one since 1986....about time to add a redhead to the mix!)

....Sleeping.

..... and being cleaned by Momma Dog. Life is good.....

Puppies Are Here!

2008-10-18T07:33:00.003-05:00

On Monday, the vet Xrayed Sizzle and found four pups - disappointing, but a manageable litter. They were due on Sat, 10/18. The morning walk about said otherwise - Ms Sizzle was digging in the pampas grass, a sure sign of beginning labor around here. Here are Sizzle, Darla (in front) and Guy in the back, in the morning.

The whelping box was all set up, I had all my supplies ready - and the camera charged - We were set to go....

The first one came at about 6:30 PM and were spaced out about 45 minutes apart. The first was a short ridged female, the second a one crowned female (the crowns are the whorls in the top of the ridge - ya gotta have two for the show ring). The third pup was a ridgeless male, or as a friend said "My dog is not a ridgeless Ridgeback, he's a South African Lion Hound!" -- so, one South African Lion Hound in the litter. The fourth pup was a one crowned male. I was disappointed as I so wanted a show potential female. They were healthy and vigorous, so I was happy with that and prepared her bed and mine for the night in the whelping room.

I sat by the box and made some calls - Wait - was that another contraction?

Yes! About 10:30 PM, a show ridged female made her appearance - the gods must have felt sorry for me!
Here's the pile of five this morning..... can you find them all?

X-Rays Find Four

2008-10-13T14:43:00.002-05:00

Ms Sizzle and I went off to the vet's this morning for an X ray to see how many little ones there are. Two different angles showed there were four. So, we'll have to wait and see - Saturday is the scheduled due date.

Not Taking Any More Applications

2008-10-07T15:12:00.002-05:00

Sorry.... seems Ms Sizzle will not be having many pups... going to the vet for an Xray next week.... so, we won't be taking any more applications.

However, we know of some upcoming litters and people with pups to place now:

Kuluta RRs in CT has pups to place now.

Intrigue RRs in NC is planning a litter.

Ridgeback Rescue in TX has some young pups ready now. Have a look at them at Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue... just click on the TX link for a look, then fill out an application once you have the pups ID.

Etosha RR Rescue in TX is brimming over with dogs needing a home. They have some older pups and younger dogs that are quite lovely. Not all are on the website, but check them out at Etosha.

If your heart is set on a pup, check out the Breeder's Directory on the RRCUS site.

Educate yourself about what to ask and what to avoid and buy from a reputable breeder!

Slightly Expecting??

2008-09-20T18:27:00.002-05:00

Well, nothing new to report. Sizzle is expecting - I can tell by her attitude, by the changes to the teats, she's ravenous and, today, she looks a bit fuller in the loin area. Still too early to speculate on the number.

Pups Due Oct 18th

2008-08-21T07:24:00.002-05:00

According to the vet's informaion paper I got yesterday, Sizzle's due day is Oct 18th.

Last time, they were right on the money... Jan 31 and sure enough, they came on the 31st. However, with Darla, her due date was May 3 and her pup came on May 5. (Then again, maybe he was a party guy at heart and wanted to be born on a day of celebration - Cinco de Mayo.)

....and now we wait....

Sizzle Surgery Scheduled!

2008-08-18T17:22:00.002-05:00

Seems Tuesday afternoon is the BIG day and they'll be doing the insemination surgery then. I'll be going over on Wednesday to pick her up.... I'll be glad to get my sweet girl back home.

It Has Begun...

2008-08-09T17:37:00.002-05:00

I took Sizzle over to Covington to the insemination clinic today to leave her for her surgery..... which will probably not be until the end of the week or on the weekend. They will begin the daily progesterone tests looking for the beginning of the rise, then they will send off a sample to Cornell and Cornell will tell them when to do the surgery.

Keep your fingers crossed for success!

Sizzle's Starting in Season

2008-08-02T17:17:00.002-05:00

The guys were getting awfully interested in Sizzle the last two days and today I notice that she's coming in, so Monday we are off to the vet for a blood sample to send to the lab.

If all goes well, she'll have her implant surgery around the middle of August, which means pups around the middle of October... a great time of the year for pups. Getting cooler so when they get ready to get outside and play, it'll be the nicest weather of the year along the upper Gulf coast.

Planning Another Litter - Hmmmm

2008-07-09T17:14:00.005-05:00

I'm thinking about repeating the breeding of Rocky X Sizzle. I really loved those puppies sweet attitudes, their looks and their willingness to please. Since Sizzle is getting older, I have to do it this next time or forget it. I really do want a nice female to keep my line going.

Looking back at the handsome Guy at 6 months....

At any rate, there will be pups. So, if you think you might be interested in one, go to my Read Me First page and find out more about it and fill out an application.

Off To My Forever Home

2008-07-04T15:20:00.002-05:00

Newly christen "Angus" and his new Mom, Catherine, pose for his going away photo. New big sister, Maddie, wasn't too thrilled about it, but she'll get use to the little guy.

Have a wonderful life little Angus!

My 8 Week Grading Photo

2008-07-02T12:57:00.003-05:00

The little guy looks great! Super feet, fantastic shoulder and rear angulation, lovely correct ridge, and good movement.... Every thing you'd want in a show pup.... Unfortunately, his "plumbing" is nowhere to be found ..... Ah, the joys and sorrows of breeding Ridgebacks!

So, he's going to his new forever home on July 4th and be a wonderful pet and companion. I know his new owner and new "sister" Maddie are going to have lots of fun with him in the years to come.

7 Weeks Old Today

2008-06-23T12:41:00.003-05:00

Early this morning, we did our walk about the yard and puppy managed two rounds before he flopped down on the porch and said, "Y'all go on, I'm just gonna wait here and take a nap". (2 rounds is nearly 1/2 mile)

Salute!

2008-06-16T16:49:00.002-05:00

5 week old Ridgeback boy meets 15 week old Beagle girl..... You can tell they are checking one another out with the high tail salute! Too cute!

Miss Beagle had a ball running around and Baby tried his best to keep up. They had a wonderful time, but it didn't last long... Baby only lasts about 45 mins at a time. He was frazzled for the rest of the day.

Lots And Lots of Wonderful Puppy Toys...

2008-06-16T14:29:00.003-05:00

...and what's the little fella's favorite thing? An empty water bottle with a string tied around it! It makes a heck of a racket as he's tearing around with it.....the noisier the better!

Wrasslin'

2008-06-11T19:15:00.003-05:00

He's a 5 week old wrasslin' champ! Well, at least with Mom. The little guy with Darla having a tussle.... no one else is ready to play with him.

At least last night he slept to 5 AM. I waited until 8 PM to give him his evening meal and that must have done the trick. For the past 3 nights, he'd been waking up and setting up such a howling and crying.... lonesome and wanting Momma's milk... then wanting play for about an hour before conking out again. I was sorely lacking in sleep!

Mobile and Moving Out!

2008-06-06T11:29:00.002-05:00

The little guy is getting more and more like a dog. He likes to go outside in the morning and practice running around, jumping and chasing after Guy. I'm not getting a thing done! Seems everytime I get ready to go outside and do something - nope, little guy wants to go outside, too. You cannot do a thing with a small puppy under foot!

New Digs

2008-06-02T12:38:00.003-05:00

The little guy is 4 weeks old this morning and it's like a little light bulb went off and he said "Hey, I'm a little big dog now and I'm outta here!". When Darla came out of the puppy pool room to eat with the others, the little guy decided to make his escape. I found him wandering in the hall trying to figure out where everyone went.

Thank goodness, I fixed up the puppy pen in the dog room on Saturday. Just finished it up with papers and potty training pads, added his bedding. He seemed a bit lost and so tiny in that big pen. I found Squeaky's old round bed, added Teddy and the little guy said "Now, your talking!". ... climbed right in and took a nap. All that walking up and down the hall must have tuckered him out.

Also found a left over squirrel toy and he's taken to it, too. Found him giving it a good shaking a few minutes ago.

The Incredible Hulk Puppy

2008-05-31T09:41:00.007-05:00

He's a whopper, isn't he! Yesterday, I weighed the little guy and he topped in at 7.75 pounds! Well, considering he gets all the milk, I guess that's about right!

But he's up and walking around... right on schedule. He'll be 4 weeks old on Monday and I'll have to get his new puppy pen ready this week. He'll be trying to leave the kiddie pool about the middle of next week!

SnugglePups

2008-05-29T15:15:00.001-05:00

The SnugglePup is a hit! The little guy likes that heartbeat.

Ma!

2008-05-27T12:52:00.002-05:00

What a gaping hole that mouth is! Looks like he's yelling "Ma! I'm hungry!"

Actually it's just a big yawn, but at 3 weeks, you can see those teeth starting to come in on the bottom. He'll be ready to try them out by next week.

Where's That SnugglePuppy?

2008-05-26T10:06:00.002-05:00

Still haven't gotten the little guy's SnugglePuppy I ordered. According to the website at SnugglePuppy , they have been delayed in customs. While looking at the different ones available, it seems the bulldog one is available so I've emailed them and asked to change to that one so I can get it sooner.

On Monday, he'll be 3 weeks old and by 4 weeks, he'll be ready to go back into the puppy pen. He's going to need that SnugglePup then for sure.

Keep your fingers crossed they'll change it for me!

Gaining On You

2008-05-22T13:31:00.001-05:00

Watch out Teddy! At 2.5 weeks, he's nearly as long as you!

Me and Teddy

2008-05-16T17:36:00.005-05:00

Baby Boy is growing like gangbusters. Wish he has some littermates to cuddle with, but Teddy seems to be doing a good job.

He'll be two weeks old on Monday and is such a chunky guy.... all those dinner plates to himself and he knows what to do with them!

Chunkey Monkey Update

2008-05-10T10:26:00.002-05:00

Baby is taking full advantage of all the dinner plates!

After A Hectic Morning

2008-05-07T13:13:00.002-05:00

Darla and the little one rest up after the visit to the vet to remove his two dewclaws.... always a bit of a trauma, but quickly forgotten. Now to relax and take a nap.

He's Here!

2008-05-06T06:40:00.001-05:00

Darla had her baby... just one...big pup, hard delivery as you might expect. Here's his photo... made his appearance at 10 PM last night. Good ridge, no kinks, no DS, minimum white.... so far, so good.

Wish there had been a couple more, but that's life.... Mama is quite proud of him, too. However, she thinks they should be on the couch and not in that kiddy pool! I spent part of the night, in the pool, so she'd stay there...... I don't fit well in a kiddy pool!

Still waiting...

2008-05-05T17:12:00.003-05:00

We just came back from a trip to the vet. Did an x-ray - one puppy, in head position, poised but not ready to eject yet! Big puppy... that's scares me, but vet wants her to try and have it. Did an ultrasound, too... pup is in no distress, heart is beating normally.

Me and Darla though are another kettle of fish! Geesh, I hate the birthing process. Poor baby is uncomfortable, wants me right there or she's velcroed to me.... flips and flops from side to side.

I do think it'll be sometime between now and midnight... hope it's earlier so we can relax. AND not have to make a night time visit to the vet!

No More Applications

2008-04-22T07:54:00.002-05:00

Ms. Darla is not going to have many pups, so we are not taking anymore applications - Sorry!

Please check the Breeder's Directory on the RRCUS website for another reputable breeder. Or check one of the many, many RR rescue groups and help a dog in need.

Etosha RR Rescue - Sequin, TX
TIRR - Ft Worth area
RRRI - nation wide
RRCUS - nation wide

Some further information

2008-04-02T08:43:00.002-05:00

I've been getting emails wanting to know about the temperament of the sire of our upcoming litter - Am/Can/Finn Ch Ikimba Tumomak Sheikh ROM,CGC,TDI,ET,TT.

Well, I've never met the dog, but I don't have to in order to have an idea of his temperament. Why? Because it's all there in those letters behind his registered name.

ROM: this means he has sired at least 10 US champions. This is important because it tells me that the offspring are good representations of what a Ridgeback should physically look like.

CGC: this tells me he has passed the AKC Good Citizen Certification. Only well behaved, calm, easy going, biddable dogs can do that.

TDI: even more testament to a good stable temperament. TDI is therapy dog designation which means Sheikh can visit hospitals, nursing homes or with special needs children. This is a very rigorous test for both dog and handler.

TT: temperament tested... in addition to being outgoing, a dog that passes this test is not gun shy or terrified of loud noises, takes his cue for behavior from his owner, but is willing to put himself between his owner and harmful appearing people.

ET: endurance test.. this dog has passed the test that requires him to cover 12 miles within a time frame, still be in good physical shape and be willing to do a few obedience tests at the end of that trek. Quite a feat for both dog and human!

And that is how I know this dog will be a wonderful mate for my sweet, easy going, biddable Darla!

I've got a hunch...

2008-03-24T12:40:00.002-05:00

From the way Ms Darla is acting, I'm going to say that, YES!, there will be pups around the first of May!

Stay tuned....

The Beginning!

2008-03-09T11:30:00.002-05:00

Darla had her insemination surgery on Tuesday, March 4. If all goes according to plan, her pups will arrive about May 3. So, now we wait and hope.....

If anyone is interested in getting on the list to get one of these pups as a new family member, please go to the Read Me First page and fill out a form. We can't promise a puppy to anyone, but if we don't have one for you we will pass your application along to another RRCUS member.