Our Bright Spot

The pups are our bright spot and our joy right now. Not that our previous litters weren't spoiled - but these five little cuties are getting more love and attention than ever! They are our remaining piece of Mo and we wait with bated breath to see which will have their daddy's sweet and playful domineer.


They are also the most active 3 week old litter we have seen in a while. Martini's last litter was too chubby at this age to be so active. They are up on all fours, gumming and wrestling with each other. So absolutely adorable.

They are also very small - which adds to their adorableness. With their ears now open, they follow sounds as well as sights. Absolut and Cool are the kiss givers of the bunch and Dewey is the cuddler.

Just as with Margie's litter, we are torn on letting all of the pups being placed. If we find one to be more Mo-like then we will have to keep it here with us. Only time will tell who the chosen one will be. I have an idea - but I need a few more weeks to be sure.

Working On A New Website

I must admit, I have been trying to catch up and and am very close - just not there yet....

I started designing a new template for the website two months ago. It is meant to make browsing the site easier and allow for larger photos of the dogs and pups (we all know larger pics are a good thing :) Things is, it has taken a lot of time to create due to the extreme amount of cropping and masking - but once it is finished it will cut my regular maintenance and updating in half. I planned on unveiling it with Ginny's litter of pups - Needless to say - life has totally gotten in the way.

While browsing for pictures on my computer I happened upon the last set of candids I took a few days ago. It appears as though is this the last photo I took of Mo. I totally stopped working and started to sob. With 10 dogs in the house HE was the one that was literally beside me at all times. He laid next to me on the couch and in bed. If I got up, he followed me everywhere I went - always at my feet. Then scratched at my legs to pick him up and yelped if he couldn't reach me. If his eyes were opened they were on me. He jumped in my lap and kissed me every chance he could get.

So much change. I don't think I like change.

A Very Sad Day

We dropped Mo off yesterday with Dr. Stone because his breathing improved but not completely. He took more x-rays on our sweet Mo to check for improvements since his previous surgery. When we spoke yesterday, he planned on going back in, this time through his ribs and looking from the back side instead of the front. He was still convinced it was a diaphragmatic hernia. The plan was to go in today or tomorrow - after he was able to consult with another specialist in the field. I woke to the phone this morning with news that NO ONE anticipated. My sweet baby passed away in his sleep - his heart stopped. I felt as if mine did as well.

Dr. Stone was able to perform an autopsy so we could finally get some answers to all of the questions that have had us perplexed for over a year. His lungs were full of puss and there was a black spot - basically he had a severe case of un-healable pneumonia. Also, his pericardial sac was attached to his diaphragms - apparently from adhesions.

Basically, the first 5 months of his live - before I brought him home - his poop eating that turned into his ecoli which turned into his pneumonia was never treated until we got him - which was too late - the damage was done and would never be corrected.

It gave me peace to know that he died painlessly in his sleep. It broke my heart to not have him sleeping beside me since that is where is always slept. Of course, I am not sure what I would have done if he died beside me though.

What I do know ....is that he is finally at peace ... My heart is broken and so was his ... He was the happiest dog I have ever met and everyone that has ever had the chance to meet him fell in love with him ... He warmed the heart of every person that was blessed to know him and ... he will be missed more than you could ever understand.

He's Doing GREAT!

Little Mo is still on the mend but showing great progress. He has had a few hacks here and there but nowhere near like before. Cocoa is having a hard time understanding that her playmate can't play - and he so wants to jump in! Not much longer little guy - not much longer.

He goes in to get his soochers out on Tuesday. I can't wait for Dr. Stone to see his progress!

Mo Is Home!!!

And we couldn't be happier. He was actually barking and excited to see us when we walked in the door at Dr. Stone's. That's a fantabulous sign. No hacking and no more whistle. Doc is still a bit befuddled with what he didn't find and insists that if this surgery didn't ultimately correct it to bring him on back until he is 100%.

His incision is rather big for such a little guy but boy is he a tough one. He is more active than Martini was after her surgery - and his was much more intense! A little nappy but still wide eyed and bushy tailed.

Mo Is In Recovery

Dr. Stone at the Veterinary Trauma Center in Groveland, FL is the man! We took Mo in this morning for his surgery. Dr. Stone explained everything he would do for Mo and what he would expect once he was in there. He went under the knife at 2:00 pm and Doc called me at 3:45 with all of the updates. He couldn't find a hernia - not a hole anywhere. There was a bit of fat that worked its way up to his windpipe but that is it. He basically tucked and tightened.

Mo Did GREAT! Dr. Stone said the whistling is gone and that we just may be able to take him home tomorrow. The house just isn't the same without him here :(

We Counted FIVE ....

... and Martini is on the Mend. We drove out to Lady Lake as a family and spent the day just outside the final bands of TS Fay.

We started by having Martini taken back and prepped for her surgery. She did so AWESOME! We all have our fingers crossed that spaying her will get her hormones back into check. I am convinced she is hormonally imbalanced. She was still weaning her last litter of pups when the other girls in the house went into heat. Teener has been on a hormonal high ever since. Luckily we have an hour and a half drive home - she came out of surgery very loopy - just looking up at me saying "MOMMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYY" with her eyes. My sweet baby girl. She has been resting on the couch all afternoon. For the first time in over a month I am happy she is alone and away from the pack.

They warmed up the X-ray machine and got ready to snap shots - We took a look at Mo's chest. His infection has cleared up but there is a distinct whistle in there. Monday will be the day! We have him on some antibiotics to get him through the weekend.

Next came Ginny - the much anticipated baby shot! The bets were placed. My palipations have always be dead on - so I stuck with three - even though my guts said there were more. The remaining bets ranged from 3 to 6. When they called me in to take a peek - the number given was 4. But I saw another spine in there. Doc took a second look and he confirmed it! Ginny has 5 pups!!!!


Bitter sweet day - Martini - who is such a fantastic mommy - will live the rest of her life in a happy yet babyless state while Ginny proved she will be our newest mommy - and of course Mo - we all pray for a fantastic outcome on Monday.

The Storm Is Taking It's Toll on Mo

Poor guy. After all of the tests and of course - knowing his past history from the breeder he was rescued from - it was determined he has a traumatic hiatal hernia which has gotten gradually worse. It looks as if the stress from the storm has aggravated his breathing and it's time to get this taken care of for good! We have an appointment with a special surgeon to repair the tear for Monday morning. Please keep this little guy in your prayers. Any surgery is risky but this one is uber scary. He's so tiny and they have a very small space to work in.

Non-Stop

These two are always at it - constantly playing tug-o-war with any and every toy they find. The growls and barks are contagious as it always inspires at least one other dog in the bunch to join in. After several minutes of this they will finally crash in a dog bed or on the couch for at least an hour. I guess that's their work out?

Just Chillin!

Baby is back in with the rest of the non-hormonal pack. The boys of course had to sniff to make sure ;) But it didn't take long for her to be back in nap mode with her bestest buds, Mo and Cosmo.

I Am SO Excited!

Well - our sweet Ginny has a boyfriend and his name is Mo. The two have been inseparable for weeks and now the long anticipated mating has occurred! We are all so excited for this litter!!!! Their temperaments are PERFECT! They are both super sweet and affectionate. Mo is extremely loyal and wants be at my side at all times. Ginny is a lappy girl who loves to cuddle. They both have awesome spotting and Ginny has adorable cream points. I will be counting the days with anticipation!

Go With ONE And Come Back With Seven

We headed back out to the vet with Mo today. He has beat the battle with his infection. I am still convinced that it was his Bordetella shot! Never again for that one! The results of his x-rays last week were inconclusive so we drove out there for an ultrasound today. Mojito is doing SO much better! The cards he was dealt by his breeder - wow - poor baby!!!!

Lisa has several litters due within days of each other and I thought I could help and try to place her Taco Terriers for her. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this was a mixed litter. They look 100% chichi to me! They look more chichi than some of our purebreed litters! They are so beautiful!!!!!

So I headed out to Lady Lake with one dog and came home with seven. After the hour and a half drive, we let the pups romp around the kitchen for a play session and potty break. Within a moment, they pulled out an empty UPS box and turned it into a jungle gym. It's always something around here - I can say it is never boring!

Allergies And Flu Bugs...ICK!

We are all down with the ickes here - including the dogs! When Mo went to the vet for his annual shots, Doc was concerned about his breathing. Our old vet said it was asthma. Doc doesn't think so. Ironically - he was given Bordetella and it appears as though his little lungs cant take it. His hacking is back and Doc is doing his best to get it all resolved for good! We are heading back tomorrow for the results of his tests.

Now Blue on the other had gotten into something - probably a bug she dug up in the yard - and had an allergic reaction. The glands in her throat swelled up and once she got a quick shot at the vet - now she is good to go!!!!

Mo's New Spot

Mojito is such a cuddle buddy - and if he had his way he would be attached to me at the hip. Couch time is especially Mo time since he will wiggle his way in and over any other dog to find my lap. Tonight he found a new spot - that is BEHIND me on the couch. He nuzzled into the pillow I lean on and fell asleep. Looks comfy actually!

The Three Amigos

Buddy, Mojito and Blue are inseparable! They are constantly playing and wrestling with each other. They also nap together! Too cute! Thing is - J.B. and Blue are going to quickly be double the size of Mo. He has been their mentor and perfect puppy teacher and playmate - but soon they will tower over him. I wonder how he will take that?

Today they all played tug-o-war with a tree branch for what seemed to be an hour. J.B is clearly stronger than both - he has the muscle and mass - but Mo and Blue wouldn't give up! Adorable to watch!

Me and My Shadow

Mojito is truly my shadow. He follows me everywhere!!! When I am on the couch - he jumps right onto my shoulder to sleep. When I am sitting out on the porch he jumps right onto my lap. Under my feet when I walk and curled in a ball on my neck when I sleep at night.

Since Mo became the step-dad to Margie and Teener's pups he has become very close with J.B. I love to see him branch out and bond with him. He has a forever-best friend and those two are constantly playing and napping together. Am I jealous? NO! I like splitting my time with the JBster!

Talk About A Lap Dog

Mojito is practically attached to my hip. When you do finally get a chance to unwind at night and work on my laptop, he is usually perched right on my shoulder. I ran into the kitchen to get a soda and this is what I can back to! Of course the email I was typing was filled completely with the letters a and s, the volume was turned up to maximum and the cap locks were on and I guess he warmed his underbelly.

Very Popular Little Lady!

Lacy is a riot to watch! She is still flaggin everything in sight! Lisa is coming to get her tonight so we thought we would get her with Buddy a few more times. She is definitely preggers - but once more won't hurt.

Mojito is only 7 months old so I didn't think he would have any interest but clearly that was not the case. We may have a lil Mo-Mo in the mix - found them attached this afternoon. Tee Hee!!!

Our First Adventure Post Puppies

A first for everyone! We bought a travel trailer and went on our first camping trip with all 14 dogs! Not only was it a learning experience for the PEOPLE but also the dogs. They are all so awesome in the car but being "confined" to a trailer - without the free reign to run like they do in our back yard - required a bit of patience and training but but by the end of the first day they were well on their way.

The pups are all cozy in the back of the trailer with their step-dad Mojito. He begged to get into their play area so I let him in - adorable isn't it???

Surrogate Mommy

Who woulda thunk? Now that the pups are up and moving around, play/wrestle sessions are up to about 6 or 7 times a day! Martini plays with her pups and teaches them right from wrong - but wont go near Margie's pups. Mo has stepped in and taken over in that department!

He is so unbelievably gentle with the pups and patient! He lets them climb all over him and chew on his ears, legs and even his eyes. He even licks their poopies up! What a hoot!