I decided to take advantage of the situation and get Tino’s eyes tested at the clinic today. The test requires at the dog’s eyes be dilated which I choose not to do when they have to go back in for groups. That wool be totally unfair and uncomfortable for them. Since the Best Op with no Owner Handler today means no groups, I went for it and signed him up. I am proud to announce that Tino passed the exam with flying colors! One test into his CHIC certifications complete – two more to go!

We then decided to kickstart our tourist plans and went to w local place called The Reef for dinner. OMG amazing food! And being there at happy hour made it all the better. A great local place that would recommend to anyone visiting Biloxi. Yummy!

So you understand more about the importance of health testing and then having the results certified, let me explain….

Many breeding programs are starting to health test the three CCA suggested tests; Hearts, Patellas and Eyes. These exams can cost about $45-50.00, per test, per year, per dog. Many people stop there an there is nothing wrong with that. Knowing that the dogs in your program are cleared is a huge step in making sure the puppies that you produce are from parents that are free from these genetic issues. Taking it a step further is registering the results with CHIC. Documenting and certifying the results require identification – in our case, a microchip –  and then additional fees for the three separate test results. That adds another $65/85.00 per dog. These fees add up quickly but also add to the investment we have made into our program. That investment we can then and down to our future puppies and or course, their future forever families!

Today, Mr Georgie got his eyes checked and I am proud to announce he passed with flying colors! He also passed his patellas and heart exams so he will be given his CHIC number this year – YAHOO!!!!

We also did our annual Anicare exam. I am very fortunate to have them located right around the corner from our house but for those with multiple dogs, I highly recommend getting acquainted with their services – They are awesome and Dr. Debbie is amazing!

I aways wait to take advantage of the amazing opportunities to have their eyes checked when the exams are offered at dogs shows where I can save up to 2/3 the regular cost!! So today I brought KC, Beamer and Tipsy and they all passed with flying colors. Since they all have passed their Hearts and Patellas, we will be submitting for their CHIC numbers next, it make it all official!

Teddy was brought so that I could get his back checked out. We have been contemplating allowing my daughter to use him in Junior Showmanship since is is a natural in the ring, loves to show and doesn’t even require bait! Since the day we were blessed to have Teddy be a part of our family, I have noticed the curvature in his spine and wanted to make sure that he wasn’t in pain and healthy enough to be back on the show road. He was given the thumbs up with a mention to possibly see a chiropractor if things arise.

Then of course came KC’s procedure – She had a grand total of eight retained puppy teeth pulled! She did fabulous and had no issues with the anesthesia. Now we wait for her adult canines to position properly and pray her bites remains correct. Should I seek out a canine orthodontist to design her a retainer????

Day two of KC’s weekend was more of the same – Proud as ever for our fourth place. This was the first judge to comment on the extra puppy teeth in her mouth so the appointment I have scheduled for next week is most definitely a go! I had hoped to have it done before this weekend, admittedly wishing they would come out naturally. Whoopsy!

On another medical note I took Barbie over to the eye clinic and she passed her exam! Hello CERF certification!!!

Our goal is once we have her cleared for CHIC, we will breed her on her next heat. We are very excited to see the results of a breeding with Barbie to Teddy – Hoping to create our foundation with more Ted-like pups.