We’ve received these photos recently from Axl (formerly Number 3) and Croix (formerly Number 12)

Axl (above) in the berry patch and relaxing at home.  Croix (below) after a successful duck hunt.

We were heartbroken to learn last night that one of the puppies from our “A” litter is struggling with an environmentally triggered disease called Blastomycosis, something we had never before heard of.  This fungal infecton can be treated in its early stages if correctly diagnosed but the prognosis is not good once the infection gets established. Please, please read the attached article for all the details and keep alert.  We don’t want to panic you, but do want to make sure that you are proactive should your dog develop any of the symptoms.  It’s best to beg your vet to rule out “Blasto” early on.

http://lifewithllewellins.com/blastomycosis-what-every-dog-owner-needs-to-know/

Hunt training was play for four month old Walter today.  He and his people came out to work with Biff in the field.  It was Walter’s first time on live birds and he did great.  They used bird launchers, a check cord, live pigeons, a starter pistol (just for the sound), yesterday’s grouse (so he could get a bird in his mouth) and Walter’s natural instincts. Note: No “e-collar” was used.  We don’t believe in them.

Walter’s delighting his family and he’s delighting us.  It was so good to see him again. As breeders, it’s gratifying to see the puppies from Chev and Reine’s litter so well-loved by their families and performing beautifully in the field.

Walter’s people wrote, “We’re enjoying everyday with Walter! I am so head over heels over that dog. It’s just so crazy how he’s so sweet, smart, sensitive, a goof ball, and just a lover!  I’ve attached some pictures. The boys are becoming such good buds! Now that Gus is feeling much better from his knee surgery they play all the time! The picture of A. and Walter was from last week when she was sick. I was amazed at how sensitive Walter was to how she was feeling and he didn’t leave her side (and usually he doesn’t leave my side!). It was so sweet to see how his mood changed when she wasn’t feeling well.”

Biff took Finley out today and they came back with a pheasant (above.)  We also heard from Kru’s person (Puppy number five from this past summer) and Kru got his first wild bird! ‘Tis the season…

October might be the loveliest month of the year, or so it seemed this morning as I walked the backyard (our dog park) with Chev, Finley and Xupe.  It was cool, breezy and the colors are just beginning to change.  It took quite a few laps through the woods to wear them out, but it didn’t matter because I didn’t want to go inside anyway.

The tough question that Biff faces these days is whether to hunt or fish, as it’s the season for both.  Grouse, woodcock and pheasant are all now “open” in Minnesota and the steelhead are running up on the Brule River.  We’re packing as much outdoor time in as we can through this sweet season of year.

Biff and Chev headed up this morning for grouse.  The leaf cover is still pretty thick in our area but there were grouse in those woods and Chev was on point multiple times. Despite missing two grouse, they came home with a bird!

Griz came back out last weekend for a morning of (playful) training. He got to race around with Finley and Xupe before going out for birds.  It was amazing to see his natural ability as he moved through the field.