Visiting OwyheeStar

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First we want to thank everyone who is interested in our Weimaraners. We get so many on-going requests for visits we thought maybe this would be a good topic for discussion. We regret we cannot always accommodate visitors. We do make visits by appointment as it works for the Weims and our personal schedules. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience this might cause.

Visits are by appointment only! In our setting, we are careful about foot-traffic.  There are a number of reasons for limiting foot-traffic and these include but are not limited to:

1. Limited access helps control disease that can be tracked on the property. Limited access = Limited exposure.
2. Pregnant females, Whelping Moms, and Nursing Moms do not need company and they often find it very upsetting to have strangers arrive.
3. We set aside time for the family when it is possible. Although we have five grandchildren we rarely have the opportunity to see them.

Disease is a huge issue with breeders. You might wander from backyard-breeder to backyard breeder with ease but coming to OwyheeStar means entering a protected world. When we go to town we spray our shoes with sanitizer upon return. We sanitize our shoes faithfully and ask family and friends to do the same.

Parvo is our main concern. Someone described Parvo as a “sticky virus”.  A “sticky virus” means one that attaches to shoes and clothing making it easily spread via normal activities. Even more disconcerting is that the virus is virile and has been reported to live in the ground for years. Some reports indicate 3 years or long.

Parvo is the most dangerous virus that can be tracked on to the property, however, there are other diseases that can be carried on the shoes. Rotovirus might be another. Keeping our property clean of virus is very important. Besides sanitizing our shoes we use a tool that allows us to wash the property with a 10% bleach solution. We can use this on the sidewalk, grass, and concrete.

In addition to sanitizing shoes and the property, it is important to keep foot-traffic to a minimum when we have pregnant females. All the stress that affects pregnant woman also affects pregnant Weims. They are sensitive. Being watch dogs by nature visitors cause a ruckus upon arrival. Hormonal females are more upset and not so easy to calm down. This is reason enough to limit visits.

During the two weeks prior to delivery (whelping) the pregnant females are not left alone.  Even before then we limit the length time we are away from home. To help you understand how important this kind of vigilance might be we can share a short story with you. It was three years ago and Storm was close to delivery–about a week from when we expected the pups to arrive. A very dear friend passed-on and we felt compelled to be at the memorial service. We justified our decision because of what this person meant to us as well as the fact that we would only be gone a short while.

Upon returning home we could instantly tell something was off. Storm was crying a pathetic wail. It was heartbreaking. We discovered Storm in the midst of delivery having lost a pup already. Storm is not one to be stressed by us leaving, however, in her condition she was stressed. Then her stress brought on an early whelp.

In turn her early whelping caused us to lose half of the litter (which was visibly not fully formed). The remaining pups were saved through extraordinary measures. Since then, we have religiously followed our own guidelines.

Prior to whelping it is important to keep a tranquil setting.  If we see someone drive in we try to meet them at the driveway if possible. Whatever it takes we do. Prior to delivery our goal is making them as comfortable as possible and meeting their every need. This can mean special feedings or even special foods. This can mean a casual walk.  Whatever means whatever.

In addition, it is important to prepare for the up coming weeks. We spend a lot of time shopping and getting things in order knowing our outside time will be limited for the next couple of weeks. Often we cook and freeze a few meals.

Whelping can become an all night affair (or at its best all day affair).  After the pups arrive we still must be vigilant. The pups reside in our bedroom and we get up when anything sounds off or at times to just to check. So as you can see we are often busy around the clock once the pups arrive. This usually lasts for the first two weeks. Some litters are easier than others but all get the same care and consideration.

As you might guess–during, prior, and directly after whelping all our energy goes into raising the puppies. Little else happens but if it does only one of us can attend.

Over time we have simply learned to say we are not accepting visitors during these periods of time. About the time puppies are exiting we normally can begin to accommodate visits again. There are a few other times when we cannot accommodate requests. We do not do visits when we plan for our selves, our family, or special events. These special times are rare but when we do plan something we forgo visitors. Our respite staff does not take visitors.

We hope you can understand why we would approach things in this manner. If you can be flexible we will do what we can to accommodate your timing. If, however, we cannot make the visit happen we will be honest.  Thank you for understanding.

Most of our clients become lifetime friends. We share our love of this breed and much more. We value our relationships. If you become part of our OwyheeStar family we will look forward to getting to know you a lot better.

Thanks for your interest in our OwyheeStar Weimaraners…

~ Shela and Cliff