Just like the previous additions to our family, Trixy was met with open arms, and paws. It has always amazed me at how adaptable this breed is. Its almost as though from the moment they entered your life it was as if they had always been a part of it.
Trixy was the first pet we have ever encountered that did not want to lap, lap, lap you all over your face. She was a huge hugger! She would stand on your lap and throw her neck onto your face and apply a little pressure. At first it was a bit strange but now I wouldn't change a thing about her. She was the hairiest one as well. When you flipped her over the hair under her made her look like an orangatang! Oh how we would chuckle at this. Each one had some characteristic that reminded us of another animal. Fred, he was always grunting like a little pig so we call him our little piggy. Ginger she likes the high road. Her favorite spot would be to get behind me on the sofa and curl around my shoulders. Our little parrot.
Trixy seems to be the one who talks to you either with her eyes or her noises with her mouth. She is the excitable one. Well that is unless the leashes come out then Fred turns into a wild man. They love to go for walks and rides. We worried about Fred at first as we were sure he would hop into any car with a door open if given the chance.
I do not know of one person that has met our sweet babies that have not made of them. We are never short on Dog sitters when we need to go away and can not take them with us.
We have learned by having Trixy, another female in the house can be tricky. I never knew that if there are more than one female and one comes into heat, it forces the other one into heat. Yes we found out the hard way. I thought it was a bit absurd when that information was shared with me but I am here to tell you it is absolute. Every single time both of our girls have come into heat within a week of each other.
I had decided I wanted the girls to breed at least once each for the experience more than anything. Fred however as much as he tried with Trixy she was not a willing participant. We originally had hoped he would breed with Ginger but he never took to her. They were definitely a solid pack but individually Fred appeared to love Trixy and not the one he was destined for. I guess arranged marriages even in dogs isn't always the best match. Love certainly plays a big part in it all.
A Solid Pack
These 3 are nearly inseparable. From the moment I get up and let them out from being crated overnight they bring delight to my eyes, ears, my emotions and my heart.
First thing they crouch with noses all crammed together waiting for the door to open for them to go out and do their business. It reminds me of horses being let out at the gates of a race!
Zoom out and toppling over one another and down the stairs they go Straight for the back left hand corner of the fenced in yard. A remnant of a memory of the dog that once was in the neighbors yard and I guess they think is still there or hope that she is. Too funny, then quickly dispersing to their own little spots to do what ever business each one has at hand., Not much for staying out. Its too hot, too cold to wet Too Something! In they come for their hugs and kisses and snuggling with me and our day has officially started. Oh Yeah...how could I forget the gathering at the doggy cupboard for a biscuit?! Then the day has begun..LOL.
I would say the biggest challenge with these 3 is the keeping them calm (Mostly Fred n Trixy) if they see the van keys out n think they may be going for a ride but for sure when the leashes come out for a walk. Once out the door and a few jaunts down the road then they are fine but boy that first initial tell tale sign sets em off into a tizzy. You gotta Love em!
They Sure Look Happy
You can tell if your animals are content and happy just by their behavior. They sure look happy to me.
The two things they have all had in common is 1. They do NOT like the pool! 2. They do not like the hot or cold weather. They want to go out do their business and then back in side! This last bit is typical to the Breed. However if being outside for a short or lengthy walk is certainly alright in their book.
Now after three cycles and no litter I went to the outside. The family members of Trixy's breeder were looking to use Fred to Breed with, an offer I had given them months prior to the Niece contacting me.
She was a bit surprised when I said sure and I would not charge for his services. It just seems absurd the Fees I have seen in association with studing. (That's just me). But it all has worked out for the good for all concerned.
Fred went to visit for a week but unfortunately I think he was homesick and missed his pack and would not perform. He also for the first time ever showed no interest in Trixy while she was in heat. That one baffled me.
The Niece had informed me that her moms two dogs had litters and several Ruby's were brought into the world.
You guessed it. I was missing the one variety that would complete the set, A Ruby. I had been looking for months and had actually inquired about a couple but to no avail. I had not seen one under $1700. I couldn't afford that. Our life circumstances had changed about a year ago and a price like that was definitely out of our budget.
Well as it turned out this family I had come to know are a family of fellow Christian brother and sisters. I could not have been more delighted to know that. Honesty and integrity have always been a worry of mine when it came to other people but now I felt at ease. They were so willing to work with me and help me to reach my own goals. They gave me a Ruby and helped me to breed our Trixy. After 4 years of working towards it all I can not believe that I have all of the varieties and am expecting our first litter on Aug 19, 2013
My Husband built this Whelping Box out of file drawers we had kicking around the house. I had read up on how to make them and even contemplated buying one. . I must say that my husband and I did a great job going to Lowes and looking for materials and coming up with different ideas while we were actually there. We re-utilized items and transformed them. There is a pvc edge around the bottom to protect the pups.
Day 48 of 63
Oh My how she is rowing. She was shaved when she went to the exit 17 Vet for an ultra sound. Her behavior has changed with her pregnancy which I guess would only make sense. All those hormones and little ones inside. it was uncomfortable for me with just one.
I feel bad for her she is so uncomfortable. She lays flat on the floor feet spread out ..all 4 of them. When she is laying down she is like a little weeble. She grunts a lot probably from the added weight.
I am so excited. Everyone we know seems to be anxiously awaiting the birth of the baby's. We could probably sell tickets to the event, given the number of people who want to come and observe. There will be the 3 of us that live here right off the bat and that could be a lot. Hopefully my husband doesn't have to work or will be already home for the event. For the first litter the less commotion for us all is probably best. I do have one request that I wish to fulfill though and make an exception for my friends mom who is also a fellow sister who is up visiting from Florida and has never seen the birthing and I have granted her that privilege to see Jehovah God's miracle take place.
One week from this very day if not sooner we will be blessed with who really knows how many little furry pawed miracles. Can you tell how very excited I am?!
Now to move on to the last but certainly not least in our little collection while we wait for the others to arrive. Trixy's Norton.