A hopefull introduction/announcement

[gemy]

She did super at the vets. Wriggly of course. But the first set of shots no problem.

Again I commend the vet for asking for documentation on this lass. Of course all documentation got lost in transit, but I had printed out copies of emails, had bank transfers information, and of course import permit and various other pick up pup documentation.

Why is this important? Theft of dogs for one thing.

On the vets recommendation, no dog parks, or beyond our home walking, pet stores, or obedience training in public yet.

Heart: a slight soft sound on left side. Maybe developmental we watch it.

Eyes/ears: Very good

No in coat parasites found

Shoulders loose

Valgus/Varus deviation at elbows: we watch; the joints are knobby right now. But good flexion extension through all individual toes and at elbow joint.

Spine good.

Bite: needs watching.

So we go back in two weeks, for another visit, I have de-worming meds to give.

This was not our regular vet, but another vet at the clinic we use. She very quickly got our measure. She said are you breeding this gal, we say it depends on all her health tests, and if she grows into her promise. The vet was very very thorough in her examination. Each joint palpated, flex extend as appropriate. She watched free moving gate.

We keep Dara inside and within our grounds for at least another two weeks.

[lisaly]

I thought of you a lot today, hopeful that your vet visit with Dara went as well as you hoped. It sounds like the doctor concurred on your thoughts about her. Looking at her photos I can see that she is beautiful and seems to really conform beautifully as a puppy to your BRT standard. Her temperament sounds wonderful. Most of all, you sound so happy, and that brings me great joy.

I received the most amazing reception today from Katie. She just couldn't contain her happiness and that put me over the moon happy. She ran up and down the hall and smothered me with kisses. These babies of ours make our lives so much happier and brighter. We walked for a long time, and Katie was beside herself with happiness, ever hopeful to see every kitten and cat along the way. I came back very tired, but also so happy. Soon after I received a text from my sister, Lori, saying she had just put her nine year old Yorkiepoo to sleep. After many phone calls with her and my other sister, I just sat and hugged Katie and, of course, did our final games before bed. Lori's Greta had only been sick for two days and had a wonderful life, even though nine years is far too young. She, too, spent the rest of the night hugging her Maltese, Lilly. I already knew that each moment with our babies is precious, but today I felt it even more.

I missed out on the puppy stage with Katie, but she is just so special, I would not trade any puppy for what I have with her. I've gone through that wonderful puppy stage with Jackie's Que Tee and other pups on YT, and I'm so excited to live vicariously through you with Dara. Thank you for sharing her with us, for enriching my life, warming my heart, and bringing the depths of your knowledge and compassion to YT. I can't wait to hear more puppy antics and more adventures with Magic, Razzle, and your visitor Rica.

[gemy]

Dara is doing well, and I swear she has grown in just 10 days with us! She has now successfully climbed the baby gates, as we figured out a way to attach them to the wall so she could not knock them over That is an amazing feat for an eight week old heavy pup. Her next dearest thing to do, and I see it in her little doggy mind, is to be able to jump up on the chair I sit in. She continues to try, and I continue to discourage that try. WHy? Cause it is not good for knees or hips and yes even in a large breed.

And she and Razzle have to work out a few things. Both dominant and she thinks at 8wks old she should be dominant over Razz. Razz will have nothing to do with that idea. WE supervise very very closely those interactions as she is already 3x Razz's weight.

Razz and Dara do recognize the big males' Magics dominance, those two are fighting for second place.

So my job is to teach them respect for each other. Dara to Razz, and Razz to Dara. I foretell in the future they will be best of friends.

We finally had one peacefull (almost) night of sleep. I left her out of her crate, and only had to get up once to answer Dara's call of nature.

Dara is a very serious BRT and that is saying something about a Work and Guard breed. She needs a firm and loving hand. Already her bite inhibition is getting better. Working dogs are notorious for being mouthy. They greet every new thing with their mouth. And even at 20 lbs or so, those sharp baby teeth can make an impression. I do have the teeth marks on my arms to prove it

Dara has bonded with Magic immensely and her favourite place to lay is right beside Magic....awh it is so very cute.

She is intrepid, an avid explorer, athletic, and very very stubborn. I am quite tickled pink about her personality/temperament. She is also loving, and human focussed (thank you my breeder!). She is and will be a whole lot of dog, but we knew that going into the deal. And I do have to say I feel proud that Irina would place her with me, after all she said to Ilona, this dog I would not place with just any-one, but Gail is the right for her owner.

Stay tuned for more Dara stories; next up is first grooming session!

[Maximo]

I am very happy to hear that Dara is doing well and that her disposition is proving to be excellent. Wishing you lots of good luck that she will develop into the girl of your dreams.

I can tell how happy this puppy has made you. Enjoy!

[gemy]

Dara had her first bath today, and boy does she smell better She was pretty good in the tub, and I don't think she was thrilled about being washed, but we got through it okay. Then she spent at least 40 minutes all wrapped up in Dads lap.

Next was the grooming table, and getting brushed and a quick blow dry. She loved that part. Then nail trimming all 4 paws - she was such a trooper too, hubby held her while I clipped. The ear drying inside with cotton pads, and a bit of pluck a couple of hairs. Then teeth, just with my finger and the gel all over her teeth. That she was not fond of But the pure beef treats she adored! We have not introduced her to scissoring, or to the clippers yet.

She slept at hubby's feet the rest of the afternoon! LOL poor dear it was such a stressfull hour or so.

[gemy]

Well she is getting betting house trained - although far from 100%. It is much easier in milder weather to do, as well we had to keep her inside and have her go on pads the first two weeks.
On the plus side, she now knows the bell ringing signals outside, she is just not too sure that she is supposed to pee and poo as well as play

Bite inhibiton is coming along - but we are thinking of re-naming her Jaws or Mojo Moutho

She likes her mini walks, and is a leash biter - oops No No.

Well it is Super Bowl Sunday - so I am sure lots of folks are prepping for the big game!

[mimimomo]

Just caught up w/this exciting thread! Congrats Gail, Dara is beautiful!

[lisaly]

I hope Dara brings you endless smiles and an infinite amount of love and precious memories. She is a very lucky pup to have joined your family. You sound so happy with her!

[gemy]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

Just caught up w/this exciting thread! Congrats Gail, Dara is beautiful!

Thank you she is more and more precious to me with each passing day!

[gemy]

Originally Posted by lisaly

I hope Dara brings you endless smiles and an infinite amount of love and precious memories. She is a very lucky pup to have joined your family. You sound so happy with her!

I am very happy with her. Disposition as foretold. Strong gal, needing firm hand, but she is loving and human focussed. Already she knows the bell means outside. She sits and comes since 2 wks ago. She is still resisting her crate command, but that too will come.

She is very focussed on me, if I leave a room she follows, well so does Razzle and er um, that can create problems between the two. They both want Moms feet and or lap.

[gemy]

Second visit to vet, and second set of shots given. THe best news is, that the vet heard no repeat of the soft murmur in her heart!!! Yeah..... such good news. But she is suggesting a specialist consult on the bite, I will call soon to make the appointment.

Ilona is back from Latvia, and she dropped by today, and was quite pleased with Dara's deportment and training so far! And she also agrees with the specialist consult on bite....

For folks that are not show folks in my breed, anything other than a scissor bite is a DQ - disqualifying fault....
And as a potential show gal that is the kiss of death.

[lisaly]

I am really overjoyed to hear that Dara got such a good report from the vet. I am so happy that Ilona is back and that together you can work to train your precious pup. Although it gives you more time to focus on Dara, I'm sure a paper of you is a little sad to see Rica go back home to her mom. My Katie seems to love her new life with John and me, and we could not be happier with our little girl, but I'm sure she also misses her first mom. Ilona will always have a special place in our hearts, and so will you, too, my dear friend.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by gemy

Second visit to vet, and second set of shots given. THe best news is, that the vet heard no repeat of the soft murmur in her heart!!! Yeah..... such good news. But she is suggesting a specialist consult on the bite, I will call soon to make the appointment.

Ilona is back from Latvia, and she dropped by today, and was quite pleased with Dara's deportment and training so far! And she also agrees with the specialist consult on bite....

For folks that are not show folks in my breed, anything other than a scissor bite is a DQ - disqualifying fault....
And as a potential show gal that is the kiss of death.

I am very happy to hear the good news that no heart murmur was detected!

Also glad that training is going well.

If there is a problem with her bite, what kinds of things can the specialist do? Doggy braces? I don't know anything about this area. Is it difficult to tell with baby teeth?

[yorkietalkjilly]

I've had two different puppies with bad bites that outgrew them each time - each had been undershot to start and ended in perfect scissors, one my dog and one a foster. Hopefully Dara will outgrow hers as she grows. Glad to hear no heart defects and she's doing fine so far.

How is she getting along and what size is she now, Gail? Height and weight? I'll bet she's already two armfuls and then some! She's so adorable - I imagine she's a joy to have around.

What is her temperament like at this stage - just plain puppy still or is she already an individual with recognizable characteristics and habits forming?

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

I've had two different puppies with bad bites that outgrew them each time - each had been undershot to start and ended in perfect scissors, one my dog and one a foster. Hopefully Dara will outgrow hers as she grows.

When I took Max in for his puppy wellness exam, the doctor scared me saying he had something important to tell me. He and the vet tech (who was a Yorkie exhibitor) thought I intended to show Max and they were concerned about his teeth alignment. After I got over the humor of them thinking I wanted to show Max, I worried about the health implications, if any.

Max's adult teeth came in perfect. Is this common, Gail?