Lil Abner came for a short visit today.

Abner is my mini stud. He is all of 20 lbs. and such a funny, frisky, friendly guy. He loves people and all dogs that want to play with him.


I would consider Abner a very soft, curly quality wool as he has no harsh kemp fibers in his coat (but other breeders tell me he is a curly fleece). He loves to be groomed and just melts next to his guardian for his brushing sessions. Abner does not shed.

Although energetic, I am beyond thrilled with how he listens to his guardian as they have an amazing connection that shows how hard both of them have worked to develop it. Kudos to them both!

I also can say that he has had his first date and it went wonderfully. 'Lil' Abner is going to enjoy his job very much. All of us are very happy about that.


Here are some pics of this adorable 'teddy bear' mini stud.

Look at the length of his tongue!

He is one of Gunny's 'intended' and is already whispering sweet nothings in her ear!

A happy, happy little guy.

Has amazing balance and may be an agility participant soon.

He does love to interact with other dogs. 

                                   

Figgy's last day here at ADNE.

Figgy has done her duty, she will now enjoy her retirement.  This was her last litter for me. In a couple of months she will be spayed and officially 'off duty'.

Where are the pups?

                                     

Today, Figgy is giving them their last milk meal in the large playground. Like most dogs, Figgy has given me the signal that she wants them weaned. These signals include growling at the pups when they try to nurse, refusing to be with them
for more than a few seconds and regurgitating her dinner for them to eat. An 'unsavory' historic pratice.

As the pups explore the huge playground area, anxious Figgy watches intently.

Red Boy bravely climbs the ramp to the sandbox.

All four explore the cedar chips and clubhouse area.

Royal Boy appears stuck between the tire fence.

Teal Girl gives him a look that says 'You are suppose to go THROUGH the tire holes'.

Figgy has some sweet moments with her babies.

Then she gives the lowdown - 'Although I will be leaving, I expect you to behave and listen to your
extended family, you hear me'?

Figgy has been a very good mom and gave me two amazing progeny to move forward with: Emmett Piccolo and Charlotte 2-Step - both exceptional breeding stock and wonderful pets to their guardians.

FIVE WEEKS! Figgy x Keefer's litter.

Now that the pups have been going outdoors routinely, they really enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and toys. Every now and again, I let either Daisy or Gunny in to entertain them and for dogie socialization learning. Every one seems to enjoy the interactions.

This week, I plan to take them for their first stroller ride on the road - should be interesting.

Figgy is nearly done with weaning and the pups are doing great without her. Today, Figgy will be bathed and trimmed for her return home permanently tomorrow evening.

Royal Boy is 5 1/2 lbs.
Royal is very curious and friendly.

Teal Girl is 5 lbs.
Teal continues to be the most daring one of the group.

Red Boy is 5 3/4 lbs.
Red is friendly but not as brave as his sister.

Green Boy is 4 1/4 lbs.
Green wants a friend to always be by his side.

OH GOODNESS!

As I expected, I just received news that Miss Nellie Bly is also in heat, so there will be two litters being raised at ADNE this fall. It is going to be busy around here for sure!!  At least both litters will be settled in with their owners before Thanksgiving - yea!!

The first litter from Nellie x Emmett was adorable and I expect the same this time around. :+)

Gunny entertaining Figgy's pups.

Figgy is visiting with her guardians today as part of the weaning process but Gunny is so happy to fill in!

As I was cleaning the pup pen this morning, the pups are placed outside in their special area to enjoy some early sun and stretch their legs a bit. Gunny is always hanging around the outside of the pen looking at them so I let her in today. I don't know who had more fun, the pups or Gunny.  :+)

Gunny is very gentle and curious about the pups.

Tate seems to be stalling again! UPDATE!

So all plans for her mating have been cancelled at this time. As soon as I know when we will proceed, it will be posted. It could be she is having a split heat. Mother Nature ALWAYS keep breeders hopping with all the various obstacles that she can throw at us!

There is the possibility that I may need to switch studs to Emmett but I am not sure yet. With Emmett, Tate will produce chocolates, blacks, apricots and caramels. The size of the pups will range from 22 to 28 lbs.

Although I was really looking forward to having a litter using Ocean States Theo, I hope to use him with another girl in the future.

UPDATE: 7/13/16

Due to a lab error, I was unable to breed Tate to Theo as originally planned. Instead, I bred her to Emmett Piccolo and a successful mating was had. We hope that pups will arrive in early September.

Figgy x Keefer's pups venture outdoors at 4.3 weeks of age.

Such a gorgeous day with lots of sun and soft breezes! A perfect first day outside for the pups. They were even served their lunch outside.  :+)

At first, they were not quite sure what to do.

They looked to mom for encouragement.

Curiosity got the best of them.

Sniffing became the rule of the day. Sniffing plants...

Sniffing stones and toys.

Even sniffing Daisy!

All pups love this toy.

Red is quite the curious boy.

Teal Girl is both brave and curious!

'Which way should we go'???

The water bowl station.

Gunny and Daisy keep a watch on the pups.

Yahoo - LUNCH!