Saturday, January 31, 2009

Yoshi's second day


When we got home he settled right in and layed by my feet. He also slept the whole night on his bed next to my bed like champ. He's had no accidents and normal stool. He even lifted his leg, already at 5 months!! I just measured him and he's 21.5"-22" at the wither. I am going to weigh him today - but Mike said he's up to about 70 pounds. He is being very inquisitive, but cautious with certain things, which is to be expected. I even petted a fire hydrant for the first time last night He's already responding to his new name and he is surrounded by toys and playing with them. I have a big stuffed animal reindeer and its there now for him to cuddle with since he doesn't have Scout to cuddle with anymore.


He's adjusting fantastically, better than I expected. I can't wait to show him in the NBC/Class get together and HC

Yoshi arrives - Day One


Here is a post that I wrote on the SSF:
Today is the beginning of a great partnership between a girl and her dog. My luck the past few years hasn't been so great, so I needed to start fresh.I had been watching the Sadie/Storm litter since they were born. Since the timing was all wrong I had hoped and wished that they all found homes fast. I fell in love with "Sam" from the beginning as a tiny newborn. Something about him just drew me to him. I visited his blog often and always hoping their were new pictures on his blog. I was also hoping to meet him and Scout at the Cincinatti IACBA show, but unfortunately that didn't work out.
During this time my pack changed dramatically and I wasn't so sure I'd ever add another member to my family with all the tragic events as of late. With Sue's encouragement I contacted Mike a few weeks ago which set the ball in motion.
I was still hesitant and not sure it was right, but why else would "Sam" still be available? The most important thing to me was he get along with the cat and Basco, I couldn't handle losing another member of my "family."
So at 6:30am the journey began, I was on my way with the car packed with Basco and Willy. Things started well until the snow hit, and then the icy roads, that was my first delay. I must have been in puppy dreams on the way there because I ended up taking the scenic route about 1-1/2 hours out of my way.
12:30p I finally made it. I went in to meet the crew. First was Lizzy and Pepper, both sweet as ever. Then Storm came in to greet me with kisses and then Sadie. The puppies were last. "Sam" wasn't so sure about having a visitor in his house, but with some hotdogs he warmed up quickly. My, is he a HUGE boy at not quite 5 months and 70 pounds! His bone is massive and his head is broad, and those paws?? HUGE!
Next, I brought Willy out of the car. Neither of them were so sure what was going on, and didn't know how to react. In the end "Sam" just wanted to play and Willy reacted with a few hisses. I never knew that cat could hiss! As you saw on Sam's blog they became good friends and "Sam" even gave him a good slobber. Basco was last, and he just ignored poor "Sam." After a few good sniffs they just mostly ignored eachother, which wasn't a bad reaction.
The decision was made and the paperwork was signed. "Sam's" new beginning became a reality and off we went for a hike home to Indiana. He started off in the front seat, but was very nauseous and drooling, poor boy. I ended up stopping and putting him in the back with Basco and Willy slept in the front seat. Most of the way home was spent playing musical beds, since Sam wanted to be close to Basco and lay with him, but Basco wasn't so sure he wanted that. Towards the end of the ride Willy joined them in the back and they all slept peacefully.
At 7:30p we arrived home and Sam immediately investigated every inch of the house, and went up the stairs like a pro! We went outside for a potty break and in the dark Basco looked pretty scary, a few woofs and he came running. PLAY TIME! well atleast Sam tried, Basco still wasn't quite ready for that childish play.Mike was right, Sam is very food motivated. He didn't want to eat at first but I put his bowl within view of Basco's and he scarfed his food down.
Now he's content laying on his dog bed right infront of my feet watching the cats play. He did meet Pippin and licked him right away.A very exciting start to Yoshi's new home. Atleast that is what I think his new name we'll be. He'll tell me in time.Thank you Mike for trusting me with raising him, you won't be disappointed. Thanks Sue for pushing me to contact Mike.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Story of "Sam"

On Sept 4, 2008 Wolf Creek's Sadie of Zion (Sadie) whelped three healthy boys. The sire is GV Zion's Perfect Storm both on a co-own with New Zion Shilohs. Since they were born I have been keeping an eye on one pup who stole my heart. The LER showed he'd be perfect for me and my pack. Unfortunately, the timing was all wrong. I kept going to his blog day after day, hoping for an update that he had a new home so I could stop wanting him.

A family Picture before Shadow left for his new home

Due to a recent tragedy in my home and with many reserves I decided to e-mail Mike about Sam. He had also just gone to a IACBA show and has qualified for his Puppy International Championship! He got four SV1's in all of his shows which is the highest ranking a puppy can get! Things started lining into place and I am set to bring Basco and my cat Willy to OH to meet Sam and see how things go.
GV Zion's Perfect Storm


"Sam" Looks just like his dad


All photos in this post courtesy of Wolf Creek ISSR Shilohs