Initially we were told that Alexis would be the only junior showing today. The other registered Junior had a ring conflict. She even pre-congratulated Alexis on winning Best Junior handler. A few moments before the rain time the Junior returned to say she was able to squeeze the entry in and did in fact show. She is a rather experienced and well known handler so for her to win instead of Alexis was rather predictable. I will say I was very proud of Alexis for handling the situation with such class and grace. This was her last official Specialty as a Junior. She was very proud to just be able to participate. Adding in all of the dog swapping and such, I would say she is the coolest chick I know!

The next cool thing that happened was Stella and her trip around the ring. Clearly all of my socialization prep work paid off because she was as comfortable as ever walking around that ring. Tail up, not an ounce of fear, and she stayed focused on me, and not what was going on around her. She did fabulous on the table, Even been in season, and let the judge go over her without issue. We do need to work on keeping her tail up when we are standing still. I had to keep her moving the entire time. Looking down and moving in circles got me a tad dizzy, But the results were well worth it.

Entered in the Open Bitch class, there were more than four entered and competing. To receive a fourth-place ribbon was beyond exciting! Seriously! Our former ball of nerves actually placed at our national club’s specialty! And I was not the only one that noticed her amazing improvements. Many friends and acquaintances approached to say how amazed they were that this was the same dog I showed in Ocala just one month ago. I am so unbelievably proud! 2017 is going to be an awesome year!

62 days past the first day we noticed her flagging, Milly birthed and cleaned up all on her own, a single 5 3/4 oz black and tan boy that we have actually decided to name “Oops!”

He is healthy as ever and clearly was way up in his mommy’s ribs yesterday, slowly working his way down early this morning. And it turns out that Milly is an amazing mother!!! Seriously! She is rather calm and affectionate but also very attentive. Boy did I have it all wrong. Pleasantly surprised but willing to admit my failure I am thrilled to see we have such an amazing outcome.

She did have me for a moment – I even brought the whelping box upstairs, and put her in the guest bedroom. I felt her abdomen, palpating to see if I could feel anything. Not only was there no puppy bumps or movement but never once did I feel her contract or push. Her teats are swollen but there is no milk production – This poor baby is going through a major false pregnancy!

I have wondered about her hormone levels since we did try to breed her last year and it didn’t take. Also, she’s a chunky one, like her grandmother POST spay and unlike her grandmother and mother who are total fertile myrtles never producing less than three puppies – most commonly five – in a litter.

Since a false pregnancy is all about the hormones, this further confirms my thoughts. I see a well deserved spay in her future.

And now that we have reached the 2 week milestone I can also share that I have really struggled with how I am going to name this litter. I was leaning towards naming them after their father, using “naughty” and/or “charming” but honesty, there are not name cocktails out there with that theme. Following mom, “Barbie” is a tad too girly with so many boys in the litter. That’s when it hit me! The Rio Summer Olympics! Ohh yeah! I found some VERY cool cocktails – Be on the  lookout for their name announcements!

The playing together continues here at the house. They can usually be found wresting in the living room, playing tug-o-war in the kitchen with a dog toy, chasing each other in the backyard or simply fighting over a stick. They both get along so well – Truly blessed!

Even though none of these dogs have ever said boo to him, he was more into keeping himself clear than anything else. Poor little dude! He looks fabulous otherwise! After this morning’s ring time, we have decided that all-breed Junior events are not something we need to put Harry through so we will stick to Specialties with him. Thats’ where he truly shines!

In the all-breed rings George didn’t place beyond his is 1st place in his puppy class. Today is his last time in the puppy class because he turns one year old tomorrow! Alexis and Oz didn’t place in the Juniors but she and Boomer got a Select in Pugs and a Group 4 in Owner Handler! That’s a huge accomplishment!

When we moved onto our Specialty we kicked things off with Alexis and Harry. For the first time in several years, we only had one Junior at our Specialty. All of their hard work and there was no chance for her to earn any wins but I can tell you that everyone cheered them on as they showcased their true partnership. Very sweet to watch! Especially when Harry JUMPED over the tape holding down mats. Too cute!

Following their performance, we had our Sweepstakes. Georgie was on fire! His “terrier like qualities” were apparent as he realized there was a dog behind him when he was in the ring. Our sweet, amazing boy got Best Opposite Sex to Best in sweeps and Best Opposite Sex to Best Puppy in Sweeps! The excitement doesn’t end there though…

After the Sweepstakes, the Specialty kicked into gear and that terrier display didn’t diminish  – He was ON in the ring for sure. Clearly the judge recognized it because he awarded Georgie with Reserve – Over dogs on Handlers! THAT’S HUGE!!! Big time huge! Big time exciting!!!

When Harry came to live with us he was a couch potato. To help him get into show gear, we reduced his food intake to 1/4 cup of kibble twice a day and exercise. Going up and down the steps as well as daily walks has helped shed the ounces but also tone him up for the ring. He looks GREAT!