You Won't Believe This (...or maybe you will, knowing me)

In our last episode I had raced home from Salt Lake City in time to get a Sunday evening progesterone; it was 3.23 and trending up.

On Monday morning I stopped at the vet’s for another progesterone before Sparkle and I started the 500+ mile drive to her intended.

Halfway there, the veterinarian called. The progesterone was down to 2.8.

Wait, what?!

We decided this could just be a stall of sorts and so I kept driving, arriving late and checking into the hotel.

On Tuesday morning — Christmas Eve — I went to a local vet for a progesterone and then Sparkle and her intended commenced the production of Sparklers 2.0.

And the progesterone came back at 2.3!

Dropping when it should be rising — a very Bad Sign indeed. We needed it to hit 4.5 - 5.0 for ovulation to occur.

3.2; 2.8; 2.3.

Oh Dear.

On Christmas Eve.

I sat in my hotel feeling sad and discouraged.

That evening I watched It’s a Wonderful Life in coordination with Dear Husband and some of the kids and was reminded that there were worse things than a dog who isn’t ovulating. Like an angel not getting his wings, for example!

I woke up on Christmas — and having done some research and talked to the tech who works with my vet — knew that chances were this was not going to end well. Therefore, I decided to head home — it was Christmas, after all.

Further, I figured that driving 500+ miles home was the best way to nudge that progesterone up — if I stayed and tested there, certainly it would stay low. Yes, this is very logical thinking.

And so I drove 500+ miles home on Christmas and surprised Dear Husband.

The next morning (yesterday) I got up and took Sparkle to our vet for yet another progesterone. I then went and got the ingredients for soup that I usually made on Christmas Eve, and headed home.

I bet you know where this is going.

Two minutes from home the vet called: SEVENTEEN. None of us could believe it. In 48 hours she went from a trending down 2.3 to 17.

We got the Christmas Miracle!

I threw the grocery bags at Dear Husband, grabbed my suitcase that I had not even had time to unpack, and drove back 500+ miles.

Another successful Sparklers 2.0 production effort ensued. The encore will be this morning and then I will drive back home — again.

Christmas Craziness indeed.

While I was/am doing all that driving, iPup Ava was enjoying her Holiday…

…with her nephew, Zimmer (Sparkler) and her wonderful human family.

Heidi Heidi from the H Moon Litter made sure Santa only delivered and did not try to swipe one of her K-Kids!

Is that a TOOTHBRUSH in that stash?! Well-played, Parents.

Put on those extra Lucky Socks today — and have yourself a Merry Little (extended) Christmas.

Driving and Data

Breeding dogs — well — seems like it would be so easy.

It is not.

Dear Husband and I left Salt Lake City early yesterday in order to make it to our vet over 500 miles away before they closed so that we could have the same lab run Sparkle’s latest progesterone test.

Would I have preferred to stay longer with the family? Of course.

Headband by a member of our Berner community, Carrie; the link to her shop is HERE.

But this breeding also matters to me — a lot. And so we drove back to Montana to help maximize success in yet another small but important way — having the same lab run the progesterone to ensure reliability of results.

We made it.

“Where are my cookies?!”

Conventional breeding “wisdom” says that ovulation occurs at about 5.0 and then the eggs need to mature for a day or two — and so you start breeding a day or two after you see 5.

But I have traditionally used a more research-based approach, breeding three days after the girl hits a number between about 1.0 - 2.0 (see, for example, this article). When I have not followed my “read” of the research, things have not gone well.

This time, I am sticking to my guns: Sparkle needs to be bred three days after her progesterone is between 1.0 and 2.0. I do not care what the values are after that — the range between 1.0 and 2.0 is what starts the clock.

Ponder this chart of data — the numbers in the table are progesterone results.

When do you believe Sparkle should be bred?

A Sparkler Birthday!

I thought it would be fun to see the Sparkler photos in a slide show — and it is! But I cannot figure out how to label with names so you will have to guess!

Lori sends us this Ruthie Update: “Ruthie has grown into a lovely, loving, sweet and versatile girl. This has been a busy year for her, learning new skills and having fun adventures. In April she earned her Novice Draft Dog title in her first ever draft test. We have been training for obedience and hope to enter our first trial early in the new year. 

She became quite the swimmer this year at "our" lake in Maine. She is seldom on leash when we are there because she stays with me and has a reliable recall. I love being able to give her that freedom.

Her temperament is outstanding, being particularly kind to timid dogs and puppies. Ruthie is incredibly snuggly and never misses an opportunity to climb into my lap, where she is most welcome.

We wish all her Sparkler siblings a super happy 3rd birthday!”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUTHIE!

Ashlee sends us this report about Abbie: “We can’t even believe that Abbie is 3!!! Happy Birthday sweet girl!!  She is just the best!! She loves playing with her little brother and is quiet the babysitter.  She’s always up for a romp, a walk, a snuggle, a snack or just a good lean.  We love her so!! She keeps us company, she keeps us safe and she makes us laugh.  What would we do without her.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBIE!

Kay and Sue report about Lucas: “How can our baby Lucas be 3 already? He’s such a sweet boy and lots of fun. He loves to spin and twirl. His favorite game is bringing me leaves and sticks as presents so I will give him a weenie treat. Unfortunately, Lucas lost his playmate and best friend Micah this week so we'll be busy keeping him entertained. We're spending the holidays at home (and I do like a green Christmas). We wish all of the Sparklers and their people a wonderful holiday season.”

Condolences to them on the loss of sweet Micah and HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCAS! Bittersweet indeed.

Alison sends us this Kiri update: Kiri reminds us daily of how much practice she puts into perfecting the essence of being adorably cute. Her specialty is upside down with a toy in her mouth, a huge grin and a wagging tail. She LOVES snow, the deeper the better, and Mother Nature indulged her in early December with 28" through which she bounded, tunneled, pounced and bounced with unbridled joy.  Her regular indoor wrestling matches with Uncle Tristan reliably rearrange both furniture and rugs. Outside, they target and chase each other with astounding speed and athleticism. Kiri is a dedicated bed puppy and frequently joins us for most of each night. She is a superior heater puppy whether curled close in bed or on my feet in the evenings. Cuddle dog deluxe. We will always be delighted that Ms Chalice Peak came to NH to remain close to Tumble Mountain.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kiri!

Kathy sends us our Zimmer report: “Zimmer is a goofie, freckle-faced boy.  We have had a very eventful year and consequently formal training has taken a backseat.  We have retired, sold our home of 45 years, and moved to two different states.  We split our time between Wickenburg, AZ and Kansas City and have driven between them many times.  We are in San Diego for Christmas.  Luckily Zimmer is an excellent traveler and has been a wonderful companion to our 7 year old, 5 year old, and 18 month old grandsons.  What a wonderful temperament.  We look forward to a New Year with more time spent on training and fun.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Zimmer!

Tony sent along photos of Ze.D — can you tell which ones are him? HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ze.D!