Remember our Jasper?

I just returned home from putting him down! He had lung cancer! And was struggling to breathe!

Gosh it was horrible. I just am dying inside! 

Breeder’s Note: We met Anjie’s family not so long ago, when they acquired their first Weimaraner–Denim. Since then Anjie learned at lot, and has become total smitten with the breed. Thinking she would do something good for all concerned, she rescued Jasper. He was ten years old. No one expected he would impact their lives so dramatically, or leave them so soon.

Denim loves her Jasper

 I don’t think denim will enjoy being alone once she realizes he is not coming back! He was so good for her Helped her to get over her anxieties and trust I would return just to name a few.

With crushed heart but no regrets we have been forced to say goodbye to our dear friend and special adopted family member Jasper! We are trying to move on with life, and as you know we must, but it is not easy to say the least.

The doggy funeral place called me today and had a really interesting piece of advice It was to bring denim in to let her see jasper so she knows where and what he is now smell him and look at him and she would know May not change her grieving at home but she would for sure know that he has passed on!

As the day goes on she is mopier and mopier. She will not take her eyes off the door. Every once Ina while a small whimper comes out with her usual sigh after laying down. You know that ahhh I’m comfy now sigh! And another interesting thing she is doing…..

She brings us a shoe every time we walk into the house! It does not matter whose shoe. There is not Certain one she brings every time. What ever shoe boot she can find first. Well today she has brought me 7 shoes and put them In my bed since I’m letting her up here for a few! So that is Interesting to me.

No one in this family can ever find the mate to their shoes. She never eats them or chews them they are just her presents she greets us with upon every single entry. They get scattered all over the house. And sometimes we have to look out my window upstairs to view the backyard to locate the missing shoe!

A Few Thoughts — The feeling of being abandoned or the loss of Jasper is real to Denim. The shoes may be a way of keeping track of each family member. Their fresh scent is strong in the footwear. She may well worry that she might lose another. No doubt she is watching to see whether Jasper will come through the door. They had a connection that was special.

Her are few more thoughts on this topic. As you are all grieving and reeling over the loss Denim is going to feel your loss and pain. Her suffering will not only be her own, but include what she takes on from her beloved family. Crisis, change, or upheaval is never easy for the Weimaraner. They like to be in control. They like to know their world is the same. Being left behind is hard. No one can replace Jasper! To think it is possible is to be ignorant of the uniqueness of living creatures. Regardless, Denim will most likely do better with another Weim companion. It may well be a bit rocky early-on, but eventually with patience and working through things it will be for the best. 

In closing, I believe that during loss and grieving each person must find their own way. The Weimaraner is no exception. Others can be there for you, console you, and offer support, but some journeys must be walked hand-in-hand with the creator. Whether you believe there is a God or not, you have to find a way to connect with more than ashes-to-ashes or dust-to-dust. Most of us believe we will see our loved ones (fur and human) on the other side. It doesn’t make the process easier, but it does help us get on with life. Maybe the getting-on-with life happens sooner than later for some. In Denim’s situation, it seems sooner might help more than hurt. For other people who have lost their beloved Weimaraner, they require varying amounts of time to grieve and honor the departed. There is no one way to handle this situation. There are no adequate words to handle the loss of a beloved Weimaraner. It is a part of our life that is harder than others. We hope that in your grief, you can find a new glimmer of hope. Each living creature touches our life in ways we didn’t expect. We believe we are better for the experience. 

Many talk about their beloved pets traveling over the rainbow bridge. Regardless of the road or path, may you one day meet again. In the meantime, cherish the memories, knowing they are unique and special. We believe it is a one-time thing. You can have another unique and special journey, but never the same journey. Jasper lives on in your hearts, words, and memories. What a fortunate boy he was to be loved by you, and in turn to know and love your family!

I wanted to write to tell you about Sadie’s new friend.  Since we left home at the first of October, we have been in six different RV Parks in four states.  I can say we have been exposed to well over a 1000 dogs.  Most small barkers.  But not one Weim. 

Yesterday in the Park we are currently parked in we had a nice surprise.  One of the people in here went by in their SUV with a familiar head poking out of the side window.  It was a weim!!!  We found the space where the people are staying in here and made contact.  They are from Oregon and have a male Weim that is six.  He is a rescue weim.  We made arrangements to let Bo and Sadie meet at the dog park to play.  The next night we met up and release the two together.  They went crazy running and playing with each other like they had finally found a friend.  Funny how beng the same kinds of dogs they finally acted like they had found a friend.  They played for a long time before we both left to go to our RV’s.  The other weim, Bo, was a very slight and small male.  It was obvious he had had a rough life before they got him at 18 months old.  His eyes are almost bug eyed and it appears he was malnourished as a pup.  Sadie dwarf the little guy.  The people couldn’t rave enough about how pretty Sadie was.  She is a beauty.  Sadie has learned to socialize quite well.  

CoCo is just about 100% potty and bell trained.  Her personality is special and unique. 

She now loves to counter surf to try to get anything in sight (including our coffee). 

We have her on a grain free diet, as well as the vitamins you recommended. 

Mr. Chivas has been a true gentleman and friend to CoCo.  He is getting a bit irritated though because all she wants to do is play, take his spot on the bed AND bite his butt. 

CoCo plays and sleeps a lot with our Siamese cat, Lady.  CoCo loves to ride in the car but, as you know Weimie’s, they get too excited and nervous, so she gets carsick .

Coco and Chivas on the deck

I don’t know what more to say other than THANK YOU for blessing us with this most beautiful gift!

Katelynn beloved pet sitter enjoys a quiet moment!

As you remember, we already had Chivas, the silver gray Weim in the photos. We hope you enjoy the photos of our two beloved Weims– Chivas and Coco.  One of the pics shows how they both are with our house/animal day sitter, Katelynn.  CoCo is now over 30 lbs; her coat is velvet and super shiny.  She has lost a lot of her baby teethies already.  She is a hot pistol and we love every inch of her.  She has brought so much joy to me and Charles and the rest of the animals.

Stay Fabulous ~

 Rebecca 

While we were in the midst of all-things-puppy, Doni was in the midst of an International Show Competition. The International Show venue is a venue where the blue Weimaraner can earn a show title. As you know, they are not allowed to compete in the AKC or WCA Show Ring.

One of these three (Feebie) won Best of Breed, but all are International Show Champions! We should also take note that all three Weimaraners are tied to OwyheeStar. Two of three are from OwyheeStar-matings. We could not be prouder. The two females are both directly related to our UK exported Stud. This is important news for the blue Weimaraner. There is a lot of talk about proving the blues, but at the same time a lot of opposition to letting it happen. This is a step in the right direction.

Speaking of the Cuteness Factor!

Back at the Nielsen Farm, we have our usual going on. We purchased a photography-umbrella and took a quick photo yesterday to try the effect. We were pleased with the outcome! And no, we didn’t pose this pup–she crossed her feet all on her own! One of these two silver females is destined for the Show Ring if all things go as planned. Maybe she is making a bid for her debut. While we have never titled a show dog, we may have the opportunity in the near future. If we move ahead, and it becomes a reality, we will be sharing that information with you.

Lu and Shea -- Best of Friends

Lu here, from Central Oregon (and sometimes the Coast) – last time I reported in I was only a few months old. I finally made it to one year old, and WOW have I learned a lot! I spent my first few months at our family’s “cabin” in Florence. I joined the family as #2 dog, because they already had a 2-year old Golden Retriever girl “Shea”, but I quickly established my dominance and rightful place (according to me, of course) as Alpha Dog and Shea became my favorite chew toy. Still is – but I have to admit I’ve been convinced to be a bit more gentle with her.

Hey Look at me! This is my fave thing to do with this toy!

Not so gentle with my toys, however, and a few pieces of the rug, house, and deck that I could find to keep me busy. The little stopper for the back door that goes “BOING” was a special favorite. Before I knew it, teeth were falling all over the place and all I wanted to do was gnaw, so I was introduced to heavy-duty kongs and such. I love to tease my sisters with them to get her going, and I adore stretching my neck out over my back and holding that position, as you can see from the picture. I took to retrieving right away and loved going on walks in the dunes.

Lu's first swim

Wasn’t so thrilled with water, but right around the 4th of July I was surprised into swimming when my ball was thrown into the lake. After floundering around (and causing much laughter, to my dismay), I became champion swimmer too, and with head held high (don’t want to miss anything) I smoothly zoom through the water. But rain? well, not my best weather.

When we came back to Sisters where we live most of the time, the training continued. When I wasn’t running and sailing over sagebrush, I was allowed to sleep in the sun on the back deck – but, needing a job, I found that picking up rocks got me plenty of attention. I don’t eat them, of course, but carry them around in my mouth and bring them back to Dad proudly.

I love lounging with Shea, and look I am so calm and quiet.

While they are trying to discourage me from doing this, I just can’t resist, because there are SO MANY little rocks in Central Oregon – I honestly think I have a job for life!

So our routine is, after breakfast there is a short rest time, then we get to run and retrieve every morning for about 90 minutes (we meet lots of dog friends in the woods and meadows), then I get to nap and laze around until about 3:30 or 4, when we get to run again for about 30 to 45 minutes. After that comes dinner and snuggle time on the couch. If my sis and I are really good, we get to gnaw on some antler bones.

My parents are very happy with me, as they should be, because I am starting to settle down A LITTLE, except right before running time. They keep looking for a watch on my paw, because I know EXACTLY when those times are, and Shea and I cavort around, running circles and jumping over things, until we finally get to go. I don’t know why humans have to wear so many clothes just because it’s 25 degrees out, it just takes them WAY too long to get ready! When it’s that cold, they even put this “jacket” thing on me with a fleece collar (OK, it’s stylish and keeps me warm, but still….). But I do love the snow, and the sun, and the wind, and – well, let’s just say I love my life!

I did have one shock when I was 8 months old….we visited our vet in Redmond and he helped me take a nap, and when I woke up I was kinda drowsy. Mom said that I had a spaying operation – but not just ANY operation, it was done laproscopically, which meant that I didn’t have stitches or even feel sore – after 3 days and a little bandaid I was ready to go, full steam again. Mom says that’s amazing!

So my lord and master (he thinks) is Dad and I have to know where he is at all times. He takes me on rides, let’s me cuddle on the bed at night before I go into my crate, and generally watches after him (and vice versa). But I have to say Mom is pretty nice, too – she feeds me and gives me good loves. My BFF tho’, is my sister, as you’ll see from the attached pictures.

Lu  - True x Benton 2011

Or–Jacob and Moxie; best of friends!

Happy Saturday Weimlovers!

Most of us welcome news of moisture coming to the Pacific Northwest. This also means Weims frolicking in the snow, and owner’s delighting in the event. Several folks captured a happy moment or two of their Weim enjoying the fresh snowfall. If there was a survey conducted to see whether the Weimaraner prefers the rain or snow, we are positive it would be the latter.

1. Monday January 16 ~ ( Click Here ) — Versatile Hunting Weims
2. Tuesday January 17 ~ ( Click Here ) — Apollo
3. Wednesday January 18 ~ ( Click Here ) — Mailbox Topic ——–Question:  How do Weims celebrate Christmas or their birthday?
4. Thursday January 19  ~ ( Click Here ) — Illsa the Snow Princess
5. Friday January20 ~ ( Click Here ) — Bandit

Reflections, thoughts, and whatnot…

This week featured a diversified group of updates. We started the week with a write-up on the Versatile Hunting Weimaraner. There was a lot of good information for those that want to understand what makes the Weim a versatile hunter. We also included an exhaustive list of breeds considered versatile hunting companions. 

We had updates on Apollo, Ilsa, and Bandit. Each update was unique, showing the diversity in the breed. Apollo spends most of his days joining his father at their place of business. Apollo started off going to work with Jeremy, and he still frequents the work-site. We understand Apollo is an office favorite.

Ilsa, has a unique living situation. Her family-life may be different, but she has embraced the family and their routine. They in turn have embraced her and discovered something very special in their relationship. Over the last few months, they have had many adventures. Some take her places near their home. Others are journeys that mean exploring new locations. These trips have included the Oregon Coast, Mount Hood, and other destinations. Who knows maybe you will run into Ilsa if you are exploring in and around the Northwest. We have had reports of her being seen out-and-about the Portland area, often at one of her favorite haunts. She had met up with other OwyheeStar Weims too!

Ilsa lives in Oregon. Apollo lives in Washington. Our third update features Bandit, and Bandit lives in Idaho. It is clear he is kept busy playing with kids and being a snuggle-bug too! Each family has reported how their OwyheeStar Weim has changed their lives. We cannot thank them, and others like them enough for thinking of us. Again, the updates, the photos, and antidotes keep us smiling, and give us something to share with you!

Happy January & Puppy Breath Your Way

~ Shela & Cliff (OwyheeStar Weimaraners)

Bandit's 1st Christmas

I hope your new year has been great thus far!  Ours has been good.  I want to thank you for Bandit and give you an update.  Our beautiful 7 month old Bandit is wonderful with our 2 1/2 y/o son.  He has such a great temperament.  

Bandit & Joey Play

Our son, Joey likes to play rough, so Bandit plays rough too, but in a gentle way.

Bandit Kisses

 He knows that playing rough with Joey is different than playing rough with my husband, Jeff. In the few months that we have had him, he’s learned so much!  He nibbles on our hands, but when we say “Ow”, he lets go.  He is house trained, when he needs to go potty he touches the front door knob with his nose and sits down by the door.  When my 7 y/o daughter, Tori feeds him, Bandit sits and waits patiently by his bowl until he is given the command, “Eat”.  She taught him how to give “high fives”, her variation of my “shake”. heehee  :)  He loves Jeff and welcomes him enthusiastically when he comes home from work.

Ilsa's First Snow Experience - January 2012

She had her first snow experience at Mount Hood this weekend!

Ilsa is already a snow-pro

And indeed she is a snow hound, pun intended!  

She would run laps around the cabin until we called her in to her favorite place by the fire! 

Evidently snow and warm fires are her favorite thing! Ilsa had friends who also enjoyed the snow!

What do you mean come in???

We hope your doing well and staying warm!  Puppy breath your way from Portland Oregon!

Thanks again for everything!

Jake and Liz

Obviously, the Weimaraner is part of the family. That means they are included in family activities, and the celebrate the traditions embraced within the family. Eva, (pictured left) with one of her many Christmas presents celebrated her first Christmas. Watching our beloved Weim open wrapped gifts delights us, and makes us laugh. We also subject them to wearing hats on occasion. The Weimaraner is part of our live on every level!

Remi sports her birthday hat!

Remington celebrated her birthday like any one-year-old would. There was cake, ice cream, a hat, and gifts.

Birthday Cake

Although it may be more common while the Weimaraner is younger to go to great measure to include them, it doesn’t stop as they get older. Bob and Idelle celebrate Lucy’s birthday and Christmas. They also have a Golden (Luigi) that gets in on the fun! Lucy is 5.5 years old this Christmas, but continues to delight, entertain, and get her due. This summer she was featured on the OwyheeStar Blog– Click Here! News continues to come in, and we are indeed thankful to hear about Lucy, Remi, and Eva. 

Eva wasn’t the only Weimaraner opening Christmas gifts. Check out the video Idelle took of Lucy and Luigi!