Family Photos

Happy Wednesday to everyone.

I want to start by offering a few photos of Ms. Maddie from the F Litter — she is 12 years, seven months, three weeks and one day old…

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Maddie is related to the Moonshadows because her littermate is their great-grandfather (aka Zed) and the Bright Stars because their great-grandmother (Zoey) is also Maddie’s littermate.

Do you imagine that the freckles are key to her excellent longevity? I know some Wildflowers and Moonshadows who hope so!

Maddie’s mom reports that Maddie is doing well — still offering opinions about things, including the yard…

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…and still enjoying walks, albeit at a more leisurely pace…

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The older dogs are such blessings. Thank you to Barb and her husband for keeping in touch about Maddie’s wonderful life.

On the other side of life…

Moondshadow Obi Hunter got his own growth chart! How cute is that?!

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Moonshadow Merlin is doing very well in Bozeman, MT.

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His littermate, Moonshadow Kash, is on his way to being an agility star…

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His human works with this amazing trainer — we all need to buckle up and see where Team Kash takes us…

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The Bright Stars are also getting ready to do amazing things. This is Bright Star Zuber in New Hampshire…

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Alison reports that Zuber Heze is a sponge, absorbing learning easily and happily.

I am hearing similar things about other Bright Stars — and Moonshadows. That intelligence and desire to learn is no accident.

Bright Star Atlas Sun taught himself to climb on the couch, and is quite proud of himself…

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Well done, Atlas! His grandma Cindy reports that Atlas loves to just sit and watch her chickens…

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Other Bright Stars, including Capella, also do that — just sit and watch something they find interesting. Genetics are fascinating.

Capella doesn’t have chickens but she does have a Squad…

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Have an amazing day.

Family Fun

Family Reunion/Puppy Playdate…

I titled this photo, “My Babies!”

I titled this photo, “My Babies!”

Pippin Titan, Maple Portia and Capella Capella had a grand time together — as did the humans. Thanks Lee, Adri, and boys…

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I love this photo of Pippin Titan — he is doing JUST fine!

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Except when his female relatives gang up on him…

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Maple: GET OFF ME!

Capella: Do you hear something?

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SO fun to see the puppies — and the people.

Star Light, Star Bright

The Bright Stars and Moonshadows continue to do well in their new homes. Much gratitude for the photos and updates .

This is Bright Star Sage Mirak in Arizona…

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In quite a different “A” state, here is Bright Star Suki Lyra in Alaska…

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Bright Star Tobie Perseus James in Oregon…

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Also a Bright Star in so many ways, Xeena Zaniah (super fun to say) in Canada, practicing her excellent “leave it” skills…

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We have a Bright Star theme today — this is Fauci Orion in a Pat Long photo; he lives in Maryland.

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Zuber Heze relaxing at an agility trial — socializing the puppies is SO critical right now.

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Training Tip

Never force a puppy to engage. If the puppy is reluctant to meet a stranger, simply tell said stranger to ignore the puppy. If and when the puppy begins to interact, have the stranger hand over a cookie. Sometimes you have to just give cookies for looking at a stranger and build from there — puppy fear periods are real.

The very worse thing you can do with a puppy who is showing signs of Stranger Danger is to allow anyone to force attention on the puppy in any way.

…even when you are a puppy!

…even when you are a puppy!

Confidence comes with mastery — not by being flooded by stress hormones.

This is Claire and Capella…

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The local puppies are a wee bit jealous of the Boise Berners who get to see each others so often, and so we have our own puppy party planned today. Photos tomorrow. In the meantime, have a glorious and happy day.