GOLDSMITH BLOG

Dream Litter Nov 30 2013

December 11, 2013
Puppies are 12 days old and growing so big.  Some will have doubled their weight by this weekend.  Eyes are starting to open and they are beginning to move around more in their whelping box.  Jazz continues to be an excellent mother..tending to all their cries and squeaks.  Their ears will also open and will start reacting to the noises they hear.

Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Mr. Blue - Dream Litter

December 6, 2013

This post is in memory of Mr. Blue.  He was first born on November 30th at 400 grams - a very healthy weight.  To our eyes he appeared healthy.  Day 2 he was a bit of weight loss...it wasn't abnormal as Jazz wasn't producing milk at full capacity.  When he lost a bit more on Day 3 I was concerned....I was supplementing him but he wasn't gaining...he went from strong and vigorous to limp and weak.  I supplemented him again on Day 4 - he was eager to receive the milk...but continued to lose wei...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Introducing The Dream Litter - Nov 30, 2013

December 1, 2013
Well, after much anticipation, the Dream Litter has arrived.  Not exactly how I envisioned it happening, but happy to say everyone is doing well. First puppy arrived at 5:35 pm - right during supper time. Jazz had a hard time delivering it and needed our help.  6:53 - 2nd puppy born - a big boy - again she needed help.  I was a bit concerned at this point because it was taking huge energy to deliver these pups.  The 3rd one came along at 9:30 pm...again needed help so after a consultation w...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Waiting...

November 30, 2013

11:00 am Nov 30 - and we're waiting...spent the night on watch with Jazz...her temperature dipped to 37.2 in the evening so we thought this past night the birthing would start.  Her temp went up a bit during the night....she is definitely in the first stages of labor...uncomfortable and heavy panting. All we can do is keep her comfortable and look for the next stage to start...contractions are visible so that is what I am watching for.
Tomorrow is December 1 and that date has memories...Dec 1...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Dream Litter - this week!

November 25, 2013
Just a quick update..this is the week we are expecting the Dream Litter...as early as Wednesday and as late as Sunday...I will be on standby!  Started taking Jazz's temperature so I have an idea of what is normal for her...finding that her normal body temperature is around 38 C...almost 1 degree cooler than Dion's was.  When I see a dramatic drop - close to 37 I know the time is near.  Jazz continues to grow...39.5 inches (100.33 cms) around her girth...she is starting to show discomfort...I'...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Dream Litter - 1 week to go!

November 22, 2013
The Dream Litter due date is drawing near!    Jazz is getting so big...she measured 39" (99 cm) around her girth...I think this is the biggest my girls have ever measured...a lot of pups or very good sized pups.  We may get xrays done so we know what to expect.  Jazz's appetite has waned somewhat, though she is always ready for some kind of human food.  She is needing more cuddling and coddling now.  She is still checking out the perfect place to have her pups...top choices appear to be behin...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Dream Litter Dec 1

November 17, 2013
Only 2 weeks to go until Jazz's due date.  She is starting to look uncomfortable - has been growing steadily.  Her girth measured 96.52 cms (38 inches)  - this is very much the size she was last August when she whelped 9 puppies.  We are so looking forward to this litter - the expectations are high.  This is Duke's first litter and we are so curious as to what his contribution will be to his offspring.  In the next week we should start feeling the puppies move...that for me is the final confi...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Jazz x Duke Dec 1, 2013

November 2, 2013
Well, we're pretty sure Jazz is expecting!  She had a poor appetite for about 10 days...starting at about 3 weeks into gestation.  She was also very affectionate and   clingy...In the first 4-5 weeks you don't have much to go by other than subtle changes in behavoir.  We chose not to do an ultrasound, knowing that if we were patient for an extra week, pregnancy would be obvious.
Jazz's appetite is back and her teats are growing..She measured 33.5 inches at her girth...will continue to measure ...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Empty Nest

October 13, 2013
Well, it's been a few weeks since the last puppy left our home.  It is quiet...maybe too quiet.  If our mating of Duke to Jazz was successful, then we will have a litter of pups to tend to around December 1.  We are very happy that Duke was able to achieve 2 natural ties with Jazz...something has not done in the past.  We gave him 1 year and a half to mature and it looks like that was the right thing to do.  This combination should produce outstanding pups and I predict they will be on the la...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Dream Litter News

September 14, 2013
I have a great update for the upcoming Dream Litter - Jazz started her heat cycle on Friday so I anticipate and end of September mating with the handsome Duke.  That would make for end of November/beginning of December puppies.

Jazz (Bonett Bride  British Flame)



Duke (Tramin Karnaval Valik)

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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

And then there were two!

September 14, 2013
Wow - what a change - we've gone from a herd/gaggle of goldens to a duo!  Still noisy though because Ms. Pink is still here - she's been the most vocal one of the bunch.  I've had a wonderful time meeting the new puppy owners - my pleasure!  3 were flown to BC on Thursday and I've heard back from all of them - everything went well. Ms. Purple leaves tomorrow and Ms. Pink leaves next weekend.




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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Bitter Sweet

September 10, 2013

These days are bittersweet...5 puppies are living with their new forever families.  Sad to see them go but also glad that they are starting the rest of their life.  Bittersweet.  This picture is of Ms Orange  aka Escape Artist.  Picture taken just minutes before Allan and Cathy picked her up.  She has been amusing to say the least.  I sat with the remaining 6 puppies this evening and still marvelled at how beautiful they are...what a great litter.  1 year from now I'll be posting their 1 year...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Tattoo Day

September 2, 2013
Another big day for the pups.  We choose to identify our pups by tattoing their right ear...a breeder friend of mine has the equipment and has been tattoing my litters for many years.  Today was the day - pups got another car ride - they did pretty good - just a couple of whiners on the way there.  As I post pictures this week, you will see some spots of green ink from the tattoing process - it comes off eventually.  The ear will have:   ENF       A      Numbers 1 - 11 will be in between the ...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

The 6 Week Check up

August 31, 2013
Wednesday was an eventful day as the litter had their 6 week check up at the Winkler vet.  My SUV holds 2 large dog crates which fit 11 puppies quite nicely....that is my criteria when I shop for a vehicle - must fit 2 crates.  It was  a noisy ride in - it was a big adventure for the puppies.  Being put in a crate...away from their comfort zone and driving in a moving vehicle.  About 4 of them made constant whines and barks...can't imagine the noise if all 11 were vocal!  The appointment took...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Prince(ss) Litter - 6 Weeks Old

August 25, 2013


6 weeks old and a lot of fun. I liken them to a "herd"  They are very tuned in to noises - when they hear the gate that leads into the dog area I can hear 44 feet scampering to their door waiting for me.  Sitting with 11 puppies is also very interesting - they all want a piece of you - some immediately start nibbling on my shoes, pulling at my t-shirt or shorts...some climb on to your lap, some jump up, and some sit and just look at you.  Thankful there aren't any real biters (yet)  

6 week p...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Fun stage

August 21, 2013


We are definitely in the fun stage with the puppies.  Lots of play fighting going on - all good natured...once in a while I hear more intense growls but for the most part it's all in good puppy fun.  They all participate in the fighting - sparring partners change all the time.  They tend to play right after a meal....feeding schedule has been 7 am, noon, 5 pm and 10 pm..food is only soaked for 10 minutes down and will be reducing that until they are on dry puppy food..I am now controlling Dio...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

Princess Litter - 4 weeks old

August 13, 2013


Hard to believe 4 weeks have passed by! The puppies go thru the most changes during that month.  I'm very pleased with their development - this is a great litter of pups.  Although there is some size difference, there are many similarities...they all have the same type of coat - full and long.  They're all curious, brave, and adventuresome.  Sunday was the first day I had them all outside on a blanket...there have been previous litters that are scared and won't step off the blanket...this lit...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

First Feeding Frenzy - A Success!

August 9, 2013


Today was the first day I fed a gruel of puppy food.  They didn't need any coaxing or smearing on their lips - they knew exactly what it was and what to do with it...well, sort of.  Heads were down, lapping up the gruel...they also stood in it....lay in it....sat in it....they were a delightful mess of full, satisfied puppies.  Their area has been expanded so they can stretch their legs - parts of it has straw, which you'll seen in pictures.  We find the straw keeps things clean - is easy to ...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

My Happy Place

August 5, 2013

I have found my happy place...it's sitting in the whelping box surrounded by the puppies.  They are so aware of everything around them...first to bark was Mr. Orange.  Ms. Orange, the smallest puppy, continues to escape from their pen.  Their teeth are now erupting from their gums so they will start using those teeth while playing.  Tuesday will be the first day I feed them pureed puppy food.  This next week I will also start taking them for outdoor sessions in our back yard.  At three...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 

17 days Old Prince(ss) Litter

August 1, 2013


Nothing beats puppy kisses!  Puppies are 17 days old today.  Totally aware and responsive to every sound in their room.  Dion is able to come and go from the puppy area and they certainly know when she's lying around just out of their sight and reach.  Lots of wobbling around - they have just started to play fight.  This is when I really take note of who is bullying; who is crying or whining...waiting for the first puppy to bark at me.  Mr. Orange is most likely going to be my escape artist -...
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Posted by Delores Smith.

 
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