Day 40

I like knowing stuff. If we know, we can deal with it — whatever “it” is. Random bad things will still happen but if we collect and use data well, we can exert control over those things that might be amenable to intentional efforts to create positive outcomes.

Sapphire

That explains why the Berner-Garde records for my dogs typically wind up looking like this:

That is Capella’s BG Certifications record, and I realized as I looked it over this morning that her fall 2024 eye certification is missing. I need to get that handled.

The Gems are already generating their own data set. The following tests have been done on each puppy:

• AKC DNA Profile

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

• SOD1B Degenerative Myelopathy (SOD1B)

• Von Willebrand’s Disease Type I (VWD1)

• Antagene’s Histiocytic Sarcoma (SH Test)

If I can do that on puppies not yet six weeks old, why are there Berners being bred without public-facing results for those basic screenings?

I don’t get it.

Jasper

Doesn’t the creation of new life demand our best efforts? Shouldn’t we do our very best to maximize the health and welfare of the puppies?

How do we mitigate risks without knowledge? How can we avoid creating a bunch of histio-prone babies without utilizing the available tools? And so on…

Lucky Socks only go so far.

Bad things will still happen — no question. But at least I will know that within the limits of human (and dog) imperfection, I did what I could do.

Topaz

And because all of us are works in progress — and shame and defensiveness do not promote positive outcomes — I offer the words of Maya Angelou:

“Do the best you can until you know better.

Then when you know better, do better.”

❤️

Star Garnet

Topaz and Sapphire were playing nicely together — unaware of the danger looming in the background.

Until she arrived.

I like this photo of Jasper because we can start to see structure.

Topaz went ball shopping and picked out this nice blue one.

Sapphire preferred pink today.

Jasper does slow down — eventually!

🩷💙💙💙

Day 39 (Updated)

When the puppies was brand new and did not yet have names, I called them by descriptors — like “girl” and “small boy.” I called this one, “Apple Dumpling” because his head was so beautiful and blocky, even as a newborn.

Now that I think about it, I am not sure how Apple Dumpling translates to a lovely head but I knew what I meant 🤷🏼‍♀️😂 I still love Sapphire’s head, and he is developing into a typey, cobby puppy to match his beautiful head.

He is very pretty.

And so is Topaz.

Topaz and Sapphire are similar in build, although Topaz is still just a bit smaller. This is Topaz on the move.

Jasper also has so much bone but he is not cobby like the other two boys. He has more leg, but it is proportional.

It is still too early to accurately assess movement, which is what really tells the structure story, but so far I am excited about what I am seeing. This is Star Garnet.

Also Star Garnet.

Jasper.

Jasper

Puppies are an emerging picture, with bits and pieces revealed over time. It is so much fun to watch them.

This is a new toy (a crinkle duck) and once again, we had disagreement about where it belongs. Jasper took it up.

And Topaz took it down.

They are so much fun to just watch! I wish you could all join us 🩷💙💙💙

(Later)

Holy Hot! The puppies and I (and Capella) were outside for a bit this evening — it was 95. We had shade and water but still…

Topaz

95?! 🥵

Star Garnet

The puppies seem to think the point of the ball pit is shopping — they run in to pick out a favorite ball, and then run off with it.

Sapphire and Capella had a rousing game of tug with the new crinkle duck.

And then we all got to come in and cool off. This is Jasper.

Tomorrow the forecast says it will be 100 — YIKES. We will be getting all of our outside time done in the morning tomorrow!

🩷💙💙💙

Day 38 (Updated)

Jennifer and her daughter were here again this morning — they stayed overnight in Boise to do some important shopping 👰🏻

We ❤️ visitors!

There is less than half of a second between the next two shots.

Capella loves playing with her puppies. She also really loves the play set and is glad I bought it for her 😂 🤷🏼‍♀️

The puppies think Capella is a fun play set and enjoy climbing over her — this is Topaz.

Sapphire.

I had to create a safe “off ramp” because the puppies think the ramp is for babies now.

Star Garnet.

Capella and Jasper — he loves balls!

Star Garnet also likes balls — this is her with Capella and Jasper.

Remember how I described Jasper has having the Puppy “It” Factor? This is what it looks like…

Good looks, to be sure, but also a certain je ne sais quoi, which he has in spades.

🔥🔥🔥🔥

(Later)

I turned on the sprinkler for this evening’s outside play and it was so fun to watch the puppies try to figure out the water.

I noticed in this evening’s photos that we are seeing the ears getting bigger, and developing the pretty puppy waves. This is Star Garnet.

The next two photos are Sapphire.

Topaz — look at his cute ear.

Some photos hit all the feels — like this one. Star Garnet and Capella.

🩷💙💙💙