Thursday, December 31, 2015

Piper Moon and Thomas will be the proud parents of a big litter!

We had Piper Moon's x-ray done today and she is carrying TEN puppies! Initially, we thought this was going to be a small litter due to very few being located on the ultra sound but those little buggers must have been playing 'hide and seek'!

Now we wait for their arrival which should be early this coming week. Updates will be posted here, so check often!

Piper does a lot of napping and is storing up energy for whelping day.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

ADNE has made a decision for ADNE litters.

This will be a long article because I am doing 'Copy and Paste'. The articles presented are from different sources (from the Internet) and educational. My mini size litters will have the traditional spay and neuter as my vet stated finding such tiny organs was very difficult; but neutering on the medium doodles will be OSS for the females and Vasectomies for the males.  Most of the articles you will read are SPECIFICALLY targeting the larger breeds of dogs because their bones are larger and grow longer.

In this link http://ivcjournal.com/the-pros-of-partial-spay/ there is mention about the OSS (Ovary Sparing Surgery) technique, which removes the uterus but keeps the ovaries.

'Remove the uterus, leave the ovaries
Removing the uterus eliminates the nuisance of bleeding during heats, along with the risk of infection of the uterus (pyometra), as long as all the uterus is removed. However, precise technique is essential. In traditional spay, there is no need to remove every bit of the uterus, since it will no longer be under stimulation by the ovaries. But in partial spay, also known as ovary-sparing spay, the veterinarian must make a large enough incision to pull the uterus up to the surface, see what he/she is doing, and be able to tie off and cut precisely at the cervix rather than just anywhere on the uterus. Otherwise, it is still possible to have an infection develop in the remaining uterine stump (“stump pyometra”). With this technique, the risk of stump pyometra is eliminated.
If the whole uterus is removed, mammary tumors are the only significant health risk remaining from a partial spay. Ovarian cancer is rare enough that the ovaries should not be removed just to try to prevent it. Clients who feel their dogs are likely to live longer or stay healthier by retaining their ovaries can then be informed of the pros and cons, and advised to stay alert to the possibility of mammary tumors as their dogs age.'
The Whole Dog Journal's link is very informative as well! Read the whole article here: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/13_12/features/Safer-Spaying-Methods_20144-1.html

'Female canine anatomy
Here’s a simple short course in canine female reproductive anatomy and physiology that will help explain why leaving the uterus behind makes sense. The shape of the uterus resembles the capital letter “Y.” The body of the uterus is the stem and the two uterine horns represent the top bars of the “Y.” An ovary is connected to the free end of each uterine horn by a delicate structure called a fallopian tube (transports the egg from the ovary into the uterus).
While the uterus has only one purpose (housing developing fetuses), the ovaries are multitaskers. They are the source of eggs of course and, in conjunction with hormones released by the pituitary gland, ovarian hormones dictate when the female comes into heat and becomes receptive to the male, when she goes out of heat, when she ovulates, and when her uterus is amenable to relaxing and stretching to house developing fetuses.
After the ovaries (and the hormones they produce) have been removed from the body, the uterus remains inert. The dog no longer shows symptoms of heat, nor can she conceive. Additionally, any chance of developing ovarian cystic disease or cancer is eliminated.
Better outcome
What happens when we leave the uterus behind? Isn’t it subject to becoming diseased later in life? Actually, the incidence of uterine disease in dogs whose ovaries have been removed is exceptionally low. Pyometra (pus within the uterus), is the most common uterine disorder in unspayed dogs, and typically necessitates emergency surgery to remove the uterus.
Without the influence of progesterone, a hormone produced by the ovaries, pyometra does not naturally occur. The incidence of uterine cancer is extremely low in dogs (0.4 percent of all canine tumors) – hardly a worry, and studies have shown that the frequency of adult onset urinary incontinence (urine leakage) is the same whether or not the uterus is removed during the spay procedure.
If you are not already convinced that the “new spay is the better way,” consider the following complications that can be mitigated or avoided all together when the uterus remains unscathed:
  • Compared to an OVH, an OVE requires less time in the operating room. This translates into decreased likelihood of anesthetic complications.
  • Removal of the uterus requires that the surgeon perform more difficult ligations (tying off of large blood vessels and surrounding tissues with suture material before making cuts to release the organs from the body). A uterine body ligation that isn’t tied quite tightly enough can result in excessive bleeding into the abdominal cavity and may necessitate blood transfusions and/or a second surgery to stop the bleeding.
  • The ureters (thin delicate tubes that transport urine from each kidney to the bladder) run adjacent to the body of the uterus. If a surgeon is not being extremely careful, it is possible to ligate and obstruct a ureter in the course of removing the uterus. This devastating complication requires a second corrective surgery; however, damage to the affected ureter and adjoining kidney may be irreversible.
  • Removal of the uterus occasionally results in the development of a “stump granuloma” – a localized inflammatory process that develops within the small portion of uterus that is left behind. When this occurs a second “clean up surgery” is typically required.
  • We know that the degree of post-operative patient discomfort correlates with the degree of surgical trauma. No question, of the two surgical options the OVH creates more trauma.

There are many, many articles about traditional spay and neuters as well as alternative procedures. Take the time to read through them because there are pros and cons to each one.  Remember that an intact dog is 'different' from one that has had a sterilization procedure. Those using the alternative Ovary Sparing Spay for females and males with a vasectomy still believe they can breed but cannot produce puppies. They will still exhibit mounting behavior and feel 'frisky'. Training is the key here. Females will not bleed but will want extra loving during a normal calendar heat cycle.

The benefits of the alternative methods as a form of early sterilization is that your pup has a full year of growth utilizing all their hormones for full development. If after a year you want to do a full neuter or spay, the choice is yours to make.


One of the most thorough articles written is the one below from Mercola Pets. It is one of several segments.

Spaying and Neutering – Europe versus North America

'Ted goes on to explain that probably the biggest difference between how dogs in Europe are raised versus dogs in the U.S. is, Europe doesn't spay or neuter at nearly the rate we do in North America.
As I've written about here at MercolaHealthyPets.com, and a subject Ted and I have discussed more than once, sterilization seems to have a significant impact on both the endocrine and immune systems of dogs.
Ted points out there's no long-term study that has followed spayed and neutered dogs and intact dogs over their lifetimes to say definitively, 'Yes, Group A lives longer and has few chronic diseases.' But there's certainly a growing body of evidence pointing in that direction.
Ted explains that when he talks about the spay/neuter difference in front of groups, he receives a lot of concerned feedback and even angry responses, particularly from folks in the shelter community. People in the shelter community make the point that sterilization is how we control the dog population in North America.
So Ted went on to research the effectiveness of U.S. shelter operations. He wanted to know why we're still euthanizing an estimated two millions dogs each year. What are the key factors?
Ted talked to a lot of people in shelter leadership positions, and it seems the problem is becoming more one of supply and demand rather than that no one wants those two million homeless dogs. It's more a problem these days of connecting people with the dogs they want – getting the right dogs to the right shelters for the people who want to adopt them.'

Why Not Tubal Ligations and Vasectomies Instead of Spay/Neuter?

'When Ted talked to the shelter community about the possibility of doing vasectomies and tubal ligations rather than spaying and neutering in order to preserve the sex hormones, the response he received made a lot of sense. The shelter folks asked, 'Well, what do you do in a shelter where you have all these female dogs in estrus (heat) and all these howling male dogs? How do you make that work in a shelter environment?' Ted feels this is a very valid question.
The shelter community feels that while vasectomies and tubal ligations may be fine for individual owners who can keep their female dogs sequestered away from male dogs during heats, there's no practical way for a shelter to manage a similar arrangement. And Ted agrees, of course.
But Ted poses the question for those of us not running shelters. Why spay or neuter when there is so much evidence it may not be the best thing for the dog's health -- especially when there are alternatives available?
Ted asked his research assistant to call all 26 veterinary teaching colleges in the U.S. And he discovered not one of them is offering instruction on vasectomies and tubal ligations.
Some of those called became incensed Ted would even suggest things should change, which puzzled him. So he would ask, 'Are you invested in having fewer unwanted puppies, or are you invested in spaying and neutering?' Some of the people he talked to had no answer for his question. Others were quite honest in sharing they felt they were 'too old to change.'
Ted then mentioned a conversation he and I once had on the subject, and how he remembered it took me about 40 cadavers to learn how to do vasectomies and tubal ligations.
And he's right – I had to practice. And in fact, I practiced on wildlife, because they were about the only animals I came across that were still intact. So when someone dropped off, say, an opossum or a raccoon hit by a car – or if an animal died at my clinic – I would practice by performing a vasectomy or a tubal ligation on them.'

People in the U.S. are Conditioned to Believe Being a Responsible Pet Owner Means Spaying or Neutering

'It's a frustrating subject because in this country, we equate being responsible with spaying and neutering. We don't just alter an animal's ability to reproduce, we insist on removing important body parts like the testicles and ovaries.
And in fact, it is to the point where some people don't even recognize testicles on a dog when they see them. They're like, 'What are those?' When they realize what they are, they ask why they're still there. This is instead of asking whether the human with the dog is a responsible pet owner and has perhaps found the rare veterinarian who will actually perform a vasectomy. A male dog that has received a vasectomy gets to keep his testicles.
I have even done phone consults with people in Arizona who choose to drive to California for an appointment with a soft tissue veterinary surgeon who will do a vasectomy for $1,500.
This is a very unfortunate situation, when the technique could easily be taught in vet schools and made widely available to pet owners in every state. What needs to happen is a change in mindset.
I share with Ted that I think it's awesome he's willing to bring the issue to light so hopefully, at some point, we can come up with a better solution to control our pet population.
Ted agrees that culturally, we've succeeded in making spaying and neutering our default position. Pet owners blindly follow the program without understanding the potential health impact or that there are alternatives.
Ted mentions that when he interviewed Bruce Fogle, a British vet and author of many books, he said something very interesting. Fogle said, 'My North American clients living in London get a male dog, bring him to me and tell me to neuter.' And he asks them why. Their response: 'Well, you have to neuter male dogs!' And Fogle again asks them why. They have no other answer – no medical reason. They just assume it must be done.
He asks them, 'Is your dog free-roaming?' They answer no. 'Do you keep it on a leash?' They answer yes. 'Is it in the dog park under your supervision?' Again the answer is yes. So Fogle asks them who, exactly, their dog is going to impregnate.
Fogle told Ted it's very rare that a British citizen brings him a dog to neuter.'

Off With Those Testicles!

'Ted says he gets a lot of comments about Pukka when people notice he has testicles. He's gotten some extremely angry responses, interestingly, always from women and never from a man. A woman will watch Pukka walking away and she'll say, 'He's got balls!' This is a direct quote!
And Ted will respond, 'Well, yeah. He's a male dog.' So the next question is, 'Aren't you going to fix him?' And Ted says, 'Why? There are no intact female dogs in Kelly, Wyoming. Kelly has 35 dogs and we know them all. You don't move to Kelly anonymously. It's just too small.'
I agree with Ted that people equate your responsibility as a dog owner with whether or not your pet is neutered. We've been conditioned to believe that if we choose not to neuter (despite the individual circumstances in which our dog lives), we are being wildly irresponsible.
I worked at a kill shelter as a younger person, and we firmly believed owners who didn't spay or neuter were simply uneducated. And I could do enough talking as an employee of the shelter to convince people they must spay or neuter. At that point in my life, I believed pet owners couldn't necessarily be trusted to know what to do, and I also believed dogs were healthier if they were spayed or neutered.
These days, I have to re-educate a lot of my clients … after I apologize. I've cried many tears in my exam room as I apologized for creating some endocrine-related disease or other by insisting a pet be spayed or neutered, many of them before puberty.
I just didn't know then what I know now. And it saddens me.'

Breeding Dogs: Another No No?

'Ted reveals that another cultural dynamic he sees operating here is in regard to breeding dogs.
Ted might tell someone: 'Pukka's got good genes. I spent a lot of time looking for genes like his. He's clear for centronuclear myopathy. He's clear for PRA (a genetic eye disease). He's got good hips and good elbows. It might be nice to pass these genes on.'
The response is almost always 'You want to breed him?' in a tone that says clearly this is not a good thing. There is a small but vocal minority of the dog-owning population in this country that thinks breeding any dog is morally reprehensible.
Ted's response is, 'If you carry that line of thinking to its logical conclusion, there are no more dogs.'
He has to ask, 'Where do we think dogs come from?' Dogs must breed to make more dogs. The question should be, how can we make more dogs that are the healthiest dogs possible?
To alter every dog sounds crazy to Ted. It also takes a lot of genetically healthy dogs out of the population.
Ted feels what spay/neuter has done in the shelter population is what narrowing the funnel of purebred dogs to those with exaggerated anatomical features has done in the purebred population.
Both strategies have decreased the genetic diversity of dogs. Choosing only certain popular sires in the purebred world, and spaying or neutering everything that moves in the shelter world, has created fewer and fewer good sets of dog genes out there. At the same time, it has increased the incidence of disease because we are providing ever greater opportunities for recessive genes to meet.
Ted doesn't believe people are thinking through the issue of long-term canine health when they take the approach to 'Spay and neuter everyone.'
I agree, and another painful fact is that all the backyard breeders will continue to breed, regardless. They don't always care if the thyroid is clear, or the eyes, elbows, or hips.
The challenge is to try to protect and preserve stable, viable gene pools, when the underlying tone here is no dog should be bred ever again.
Ted will touch on this in his new book, as well as the overpopulation problem. He's spent a lot of time researching those issues, which is wonderful. He'll be asking some really tough questions that even the shelter community has not thought through.'

Friday, December 25, 2015

Oh boy... Piper Moon is here visiting and....

I do believe she will have another good sized litter. When I had her ultra sound which was around 26 days into her pregnancy, my vet said she saw two puppies... 'but it was early'. With her delivery date coming up in about 2 weeks, I think we are looking at six - at least I hope so! Her x-ray will give us a better view as to numbers but she is 'porking' right up!

Piper's coat is the softest and silkiest of my breeding stock - it just sparkles!

Piper is taking a lot of naps and needs to go out to piddle many times a day. Puppies put a lot of pressure on kidneys and carrying a litter makes momma canines quite tired - all normal and expected.

Both Piper Moon and Thomas have very similar coats - satiny fleece! The ultimate coat for easy grooming.


Tip of the Shore Thomas, an extraordinarily handsome stud!

The pups will be mediums bordering small standard size - 30 to 35 lbs. and 18 to 21 inches in height. Piper Moon will be retired after this litter and live the good life with our daughter and family in New Hampshire.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Piper Moon will be visiting tonight!

I am looking forward to seeing how her pregnancy is progressing as she is due around January 5th. I will be ringing in the New Year with the first ADNE litter of 2016 puppies! There should be silky, shiny blacks and vibrant reds in this group.

Piper is an especially needy canine when delivering - demanding constant belly rubs and snuggles. Last time, she had to sleep ON me during her labor which lasted all night. She is a wonderful and endearing mom to her babies, so the loss of a night's sleep is a small fee.

I can't believe it is Christmas Eve and, like so many, we await our families and friends to visit and stay for a few days to celebrate this wonderful holiday season.  Merry Christmas to all!

Saturday, December 12, 2015

The Charlotte x Rocky litter are now all placed! (HANNAH update and pic)

Adorable Lacey was the first to go home and two little girls are delighted to have their new companion finally in their arms! I just bet there will be a few arguments about who can hold Lacey and for how long. Thankfully, mom and dad will supervise.  :+)

Happiness is a pup sleeping through their first night home! Yea!

Next to go was the 'BIG' one, namely - Seamus! Oh boy this guy is all male, all busy and full of bluster! He is going to fit with the Sullivan family to a 'T'!  I can't wait to hear of his adventures.  :+)



Right around noontime, I fed the remaining pups and let them out to play for a bit. By the time the last pick up for today arrived, they were settled in for their nap. Buster always loved sleeping in the wooden box filled with stuffed animals and today was no exception. I should have taken a pic but did not much to my regret! Buster's family assures me that they will forward many pics to me. :+)



On Sunday, Brewster was picked up by his family. Looks like he will have lots of playmates!  In a short time, I bet mom will have a great walking companion.


One week later, Clarence is ready to be with his family. Daisy wanted to say 'goodbye' to Clarence so is included in the pic! Smiles abound! Daisy will keep Hannah company until she goes home on Monday.


I am also beyond thrilled that Hannah McCall has a Guardian Family right here in my town! Good friends of ours have decided to bring Hannah into their home and hearts.


Thursday, December 10, 2015

Rule of Thumb suggestions:


  • They have been fed The Honest Kitchen Embark (Turkey) only for the past week. They all like it and eat it well. Don't hesitate to add leftover veggies from your dinner to it. Make it in a large Cottage Cheese container (or similar) so that you have it premade for a couple of days. I have been feeding each of them a 1/4 cupful of the premade mix three times a day. The times are yours to decide on based on your schedule at home - they will adapt to your schedule.
  • Right after they eat, take them outdoors with a treat or two in your hand to give them when they potty outdoors - might take 10 minutes or less, so be prepared with the proper clothing/boots on. Treat immediately after a pee or poop and wait till they finish each process to give them praise and a treat. You will need to take them out after playing as well.  Remember to ALWAYS take them out of the crate first thing in the morning QUIETLY. Snap the leash on as you are carrying outdoors and THEN talk to them in a high pitched voice to excite them into pottying, then treat. Pups potty a lot! Just about every hour and a half - two hours depending on what you are doing with them. Think newborn babies and you will understand.  :+)
  • Remember to take them out to potty BEFORE putting them in a crate/safe area for nap or settle time. Give them a Kong with a bit of cream cheese/peanut butter/with Cheerios or the like, for entertainment to help them get interested in settling. A good chew bone is also a great alternative but AVOID anything that is a chewable rawhide! Not a good idea - bad for digestion. Don't give them anything smoked - natural is best.
  • Always plan for the worse when traveling - so paper towels, hand sanitizer, water/bowl, toys and extra leashes are a must. This group seems to do exceptionally well traveling but it has been as a group. There is safety and comfort in numbers.  :+)
  • Expect your pup to be vocal for a few nights as well as during the day when crated. They prefer running around but that would be detrimental to training and set you back. Keep to a reasonable schedule and you will do far better. There is one on the AnnaBlog Index under the Pup Supply List title.
Be patient, consistent, kind but firm, so your pup knows his position, the safe zones and what to expect.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Charlotte's nine week old pics!

I know how everyone feels - running full throttle to get everything prepared for puppies and Christmas! I will be at my vets every day this week between pups, supplies, visiting Clarence and breeding Hazel. The gas and miles are adding up big time! Plus, I do need to do Christmas shopping too!

I hope to get them outdoors in a small area to 'shake off' the heebie jeebies they have been experiencing being cooped up for 48 hours - they are ready for some controlled activity. Just be sure when they get home that you are mindful of their surgery and keep the activity level low. No hard running after a ball but gentle play is fine - for about another week or two. At the moment, there is a barking fest going on - they are 'shouting' to each other in the different pens.  Definitely are feeling much better.  :+)

Buster had no problem fitting into the holiday sack.  6 1/4 lbs.

Neither did Lacey at 6 1/2 lbs.

No way Seamus fit though. I just placed it in front of him! 10 lbs!

Brewster stood next to it. 7 3/4 lbs.

Hannah wanted to eat it, so it was removed.  8 1/4 lbs.

Finally! Here is Clarence's holiday pic at a whole 6 lbs.!


The day after....

The pups went in for their surgeries yesterday and by the time I picked them up and settled them in, it was too dark for any pics.

The surgeries went well but the pups were sore and still under a bit of anesthesia. I gave them each a bit of dinner (Lacey did not want to eat, so just cuddles for her). Each of them had some cold compresses on their incisions to help with the swelling and some Arnica for pain. Unfortunately, Clarence is still at the vets because he pulled out his catheter yesterday and needs to have it redone today. :+(

This morning bloomed a new day and they are active, hungry and want out! However, they must remain confined to keep swelling manageable and not cause more tissue trauma. None are happy about that and the house is being serenaded with their version of Christmas caroling. Oi.






Saturday, December 5, 2015

For the life of me, I don't understand why.....

people typically tell me 'any color but black'. Really? How cute is this adorable dog from one of my litters past....please wish Mr. Cisco Blu a Merry Christmas!  Last year I posted him on my Home Page because his owner takes such great shots!

Blacks are my favorite doodle shade and I think this color is so classy. I also love how their soft brown eyes express such devotion. I get this exact expression from my black beauties Olive and Piper Moon.  Did I mention how much I love black doodles?  :+)

Cisco Blu in year 2015.

I would love more gorgeous Christmas photos of other ADNE doodles! Send me only your best so I can add them on this post!

Ha! Look at these two! Novak on the left and Rafa on the right - after some sand and water! Goofy doods!

This is handsome Ollie. Coat just like his mom, Piper Moon.

Mac Gregor sporting his namesake plaid scarf. Love those curls!

Let's not forget our cute apricots in raindeer gear! This my potential breeding girl, Abigail.

Another adorable reindeer - Phoebe! Thanks, Jill!

The ever delightful Miss Quechee! 

A busy, busy week ahead.

We are getting down to the wire for the Charlotte x Rocky litter's Home Bound preparations! The pups will be going for their surgeries on Monday and Daisy will tag along to finish her additional testing for confirmation of her breeding status for ADNE.

While the pups are at my vets (and not under my feet), the puppy room will be steamed and converted into the 'surgical suite' for the pups' recovery.

Additionally, Hazel will be visiting for a few days as we determine when she will be bred to Emmett so additional visits to both my vet and Emmett's home. I am keeping my fingers crossed that their breeding schedule will be finished before the coming weekend. If not, I will have another sip of Egg Nog and simply join in the seasonal chaos!

I need a few elves around!

Thursday, December 3, 2015

I am sending all of you a great and concise pamphlet regarding training for your pup.

It is from my trainer and has some excellent tips. Of course, still research and ATTEND places that offer training and socialization because that will be critical to the future of your new pup. There are tons of books on training for all personalities, just read the reviews and exerpts to find the one that suits you and your type of learning and comfort zone.


Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Daisy is exercising the pups before we head out for the eye exams this morning. (Update)

What a great girl Daisy is. She loves to play with the pups and is very gentle and tolerant. I took them out for potty so that their systems would be 'mostly' empty before our trip. Thankfully, Daisy is using up some of their energy for me as I begin preparing for the ride to Dr. Cassotis in Portsmouth, NH.





We are done with our eye vet visit and once again, we had a perfect trip. Boy. these pups are exceptional in the car. Maybe it is because they are together but I doubt it. Many of my litters would be in a 'choral competition' mode even with their siblings right next to them. I just think this group likes car rides.  :+)

They were held and coddled at the vets and each technician had a favorite. Dr. Cassotis said 'I am seeing spots'!  Ha, ha, ha.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Here are Charlotte's 8 week old individual pictures!

Don't forget to look at the post after this too! The boys are sporting a cute bow tie and the girls have some red scarfs on. We are thinking 'tis the season to be jolly'!

Fearless and adorable! Clarence weighs 5.7 lbs.

Always attentive, Buster looks great in that bow tie! Weighs 5.6 lbs.

Teal Boy aka 'SEAMUS' makes the wagon look small. I bet he matures 35 to 40 lbs.. He weighs 9 lbs. today.

Such a lady. Lacey hardly fills the wagon. Lots of room for a stuffed animal to join her. 6.1 lbs.

Hannah is a sturdy girl. I was surprised she is only 6.9 lbs.

The calmest pup of the group. Brewster weighs 6.9 lbs.

Charlotte's pups went in for their 8 week old check ups and shots this morning.

They were exceptional in the car both going there and returning home. No pup cried or even complained! Better yet, no vomit or wet muzzles from salivation - WONDERFUL

They were friendly to all the staff and enjoyed chewing on vet tech shoelaces and pant legs - oops! That is puppyhood for you!

My vet, Dr. Estle was very impressed with the structure on this litter - 'beautiful conformation and boning', solidly built. Every mouth had scissor bites and passed inspection with Health Certificates. The icing on the cake is clear stools! Golly, isn't it insane what makes a breeder so delighted? :+)

Once we were home again, I let the pups out to play and exercise and took the following pics.

Lacey sitting so perfectly!

Brewster playing with Hannah!

The ever watchful Buster.


Calling the plays from the sidelines is Seamus.

Hannah McCall showing off her broad chest.

The energetic (and graceful!) Clarence.


Now, a few more pictures of them playing outdoors before the rain came.

A 'butt' shot.  (giggle) Look how much bigger Teal Boy is? I think he may be 35 - 40 lbs. at maturity.

Lacy is tiny but not afraid to play with the big boys.

Clarence and Hannah (nearly twins) playing with Lacey.

A group frolick!

Buster is springing free of all that chaos. Smart boy!