tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41166111095291336722024-03-15T00:56:07.609-07:00Adventures of a GSP Hunting DogThis blog is about the adventures of training, hunting and loving German Shorthaired Pointers.byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-19325162035460702192016-09-07T21:20:00.000-07:002016-09-08T07:43:45.187-07:00Wolves in the Woods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past Labor Day weekend Wyatt and I were lucky enough to be invited by some friends to stay in a rustic and family owned cabin in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The Cabin is located beyond the tiny and whimsical town of Wisdom, MT. I had been to Wisdom (population 98) in the Fire Hole Valley once two years ago to test Sage in her NAVHDA Natural Ability test. You can read about that adventure here: <a href="http://gsphuntingdog.blogspot.com/2014/08/a-tale-of-two-sages-and-dog-named-sprig.html" target="_blank">A Tale of two Sages and a Dog named Sprig</a>.<br />
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The cabin is a hidden gem. Nestled solo above the shore of a 75 acre alpine lake. A connecting smaller lake lay not far away and the beautiful adjacent ridgeline crests over into Idaho. The only other people within miles were a few scattered campers down the road camped along the lake in designated campsites. Upon our arrival we stormed into the 1928 built cabin and happily chaperoned it from its often dormant state into full use. Andrew who's family has owned the cabin since the 1950's hiked up a ridge 150 yards or so into the deep woods to turn the water for the cabin on. On the way down he turned a necessary second water connection on and soon after we had the propane fridge fired up, beers had been cracked and some wood was chopped for later use.<br />
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Sage and Figs sunset stick fetching</div>
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Sage, Figs and our friends German Shepard Reika were plunging into the lake chasing each other immersed in a fanatical game of keep away. All was right with the world. We spent the next two days kayaking and fly fishing the lake from an old row boat. Filling the cabin with smells of bacon and thick coffee in the morning. Mimosa's and then later beers and bourbon would flow. We hiked the woods with the dogs and enjoyed campfires and laughter outside. <br />
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Reika getting her hike on</div>
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The last night in the cabin the evening drew in and with it came a snow storm that would dump snow all night into the day we left. The few campers who sporatically littered the lower lake packed up and left. The cold weather also brought with it a wolf pack most likely from Idaho.<br />
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Hi! I'm from Idaho. I've come to eat you and your dogs.</div>
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When the weather turned everything changed. We listened with hairs standing on end as the first howls crept up over the far ridge but soon enough they settled into the woods behind the cabin. The air felt different, the dogs demeanor changed, we all felt eyes on us. We moved our party inside, fired up the wood stove and enjoyed the solace from within the safety of the cabin. The dogs were instantly kept on leashes when taken outside to do their business. Reika who slept by the locked door each night seemed to patrol the windows occasionally growling and barking into the night and early morning. It was cozy but easily could have been the making of a Stephen King novel.<br />
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Sage Monkey sidled up to a warm stove</div>
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In the morning we started to undo the initial spell that brought the cabin to life. It was time for us to rig up and head out and return it to it's state of slumber. We all felt nervous outside and stayed together in pairs or as a group when heading down to the bathroom, returning the boat to the boathouse or dragging up the kayak. Figs protested any involvement with being outside and promptly held her business refusing to go to the bathroom entirely. When it came time for Andrew to venture off into the woods to turn the water off I offered to accompany him.<br />
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As we headed out I grabbed a can of bear spray off the table in the screen porch. Andrew picked up the ax we used to chop wood the day before. Sure wish I had brought a gun....but off we went into the woods. I couldn't help the feeling that we were walking into a gun battle with knives. We got back about 25 yards to the first water pipe destination. We tentatively looked around. It was snowing, the cabin was out of sight, and we were off trail. Andrew put the ax down and used both hands to turn the water off. That's when a zombie wolf jumped out from behind a tree and killed us both. Angry and restless Ghost of Robyn is writing this blog post now. As soon as its posted I'll be off to haunt the woods and fuck with new campers. Just kidding!<br />
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Andrew picked up the ax and I said to him, Do you want to try and make it up on the ridge to the turn the rest of the water off? We both stared at each other as the snow fell silently to the ground around us. We were a quarter of the way there. He said sure and we turned and set off away from the cabin again.<br />
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We walked in silence at first although we both know silence is bad. The situation was so tense basic chit chat was hard to create. We made forced quiet small talk and pushed on. About 20 more feet I reached out and grabbed Andrew's arm. I pointed to a massive wolf track in the snow next to our shoe prints. My brain instantly struggled to make sense of the print. My gut reaction was a split second of denial. Could it have been one of the dogs that obviously hasn't left our sides and have been kept on leashes the last 24 hours? Could they have snuck out here to have made that? OF COURSE NOT STUPID. And for fucks sake its HUGE and its fresh in the snow!! RUN FOR YOUR GOD DAMNED LIFE! Andrew pointed around just feet from us, the prints were everywhere. Then to the left a wolf kipped about 40 feet away. Then another maybe 40 feet to the right. I think its time to go...... We turned and started to hustle.....not running but not out for a leisurely evening stroll either. I clearly remember thinking don't panic you asshole that's how you get killed! Look for the trail!<br />
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Andrew and I emerged from the woods completely rattled. Neither one of us stopped until we made it into the cabin. I think my hands shook for a solid 5 minutes. Needless to say the last water connection did not get turned off. We finished packing up, loaded the dogs safely and then made our way back to civilization and pizza and beers in Wisdom. The trip down from our camping spot was like the trip itself a total adventure complete with chopping down trees.<br />
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Please note badass Christina jumping out with ax in hand</div>
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Our long weekend was super fun and no one got eaten by wolves which is obviously a super bonus. The dogs had the best time sleeping next to the wood burning cabin stove, chasing chipmunks in the rock wall and running like wild women through the woods. We got to cast some lines and hang with dear friends. The weekend was a total win.<br />
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Follow our shenanigans on Facebook at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer-214505295255963/" target="_blank">Adventures of a GSP</a>byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-3363523670460728112016-04-12T19:26:00.000-07:002016-04-13T09:01:49.299-07:00The Pigeon BurglarThere have been half a dozen situations in my life since I became involved with bird dogs that left me having come to Jesus speeches with myself. Mutterings under my breath along the lines of, "look at your life.....look at your choices". One such moment was a few years back while dragging a duck behind me in a kayak for a duck search for either Cleo or Luna when its tether broke loose and it made a rather half assed and spastic attempt at freedom. I think I cursed a bunch, pond water got in my mouth and I may or may not have thrown an oar at it before I finally scooped it up and there it sat on my lap soaking me through my underwear hissing in my face. I stuffed its crappy prisoner ass back into a bird bag and thought to myself WHAT. THE. FUCK. am I doing?<br />
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Flash forward to this past weekend when my frustration level with getting birds in Montana hit an all time high. I need pigeons for Figs. Her determined little soul has been no match for these pen raised quail and I know it. I searched everywhere, called what little bird connections I have here, scoured Craigslist and realized it would be a 6 1/2 hour round trip drive for seven dollars a pigeon. My insides basically hiss like a cantankerous serpent every time I think of making that journey and shedding that kind of dough for flying rats. So after much frustration I sent a text message to a buddy from the local MMA school where I teach who is a flusher guy and I remembered that a season or two ago he had his hands on some pigeons.<br />
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Lucky for me he answered right back. He could get us access to an abandoned and dilapidated building a few towns over and we could catch them ourselves. I immediately signed up. We set a date to infiltrate the building with fishing nets under the cover of darkness of course. This screen shot should sum up our planned outing:<br />
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I made sure of course to let at least two people know where I'd be in case the pigeon Chupacabra got us or we fell through a sketchy rotted floor like any good after school special warns you about. I told my husband Wyatt and my sister in-law Becker. Her response was legit although not as supportive as one would have liked:<br />
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Off we set with fishing nets in tow, a ladder, a sixer of beer and flash lights. We rolled into the sleepy little western town just as the sun finished setting and waited with beer in hand until darkness over took the area. My comrade clearly had this down to a science.<br />
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We spilled out of his truck into the depths of a sincerely occult scene. Close your eyes and imagine an abandoned structure straight out of a horror movie, coupled with the distinct choking smell of the most heinous bird pen times a million. The floors were a few inches deep in pigeon shit. Hard and piled high in some areas and squishy and fresh in others. It was completely dark minus our flashlights streaming around like a sad Pink Floyd laser light show. We got to business right away. Using our nets to grab flying pigeons in mid flight. Capturing ones stunned by our lights on rafters like low hanging fruit. We made quick work of the lower levels, braved the birds shitting from above and used his ladder to ascend to the upper level.<br />
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The upper level was as sketchy as he warned me it would be. Holes in the flooring peeked down to the lower levels below. The flooring was sloped in some areas and collapsing in others. The pigeons exploded into an uproar showering us upon our arrival and filling the air with a fine mist of pigeon shit. I stopped licking my lips and cursed my self for the fresh application of lip balm I applied before entering the building. I started to randomly spit as a way to purge the nefariousness of the experience. Yet I was running and often fumbling through the treacherous space trying to snag as many flying rats as I could. My pigeon catching skills were no match for the expertise of my partner and the extra height of his net. But we nabbed about 50 pigeons in total. A good bounty and more than enough for what I need.<br />
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After an hour plus we made our way out of the thick and cloudy stench and spilled into the fresh Montana air. The clean air reminded me of how gross we had become while entrenched in the building. I wanted to strip naked on the sidewalk, throw my clothes and boots in a bucket, douse them in lighter fluid and run away in the darkness while it burned behind me.<br />
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We packed the rats up and cracked open a well earned beer. The second my IPA hit my mouth it fuzzed up out of control, clearly some depraved reaction to the pigeon shit dust still in my mouth and whirling around my body like pig pen from peanuts. My mouth tasted like poor decisions but the beer helped. Beer always helps in situations like this. The things bird hunters do for their dogs. </div>
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Follow our adventures on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer-214505295255963/" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>. If you liked this post you might like these ones too:<br />
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<a href="http://gsphuntingdog.blogspot.com/2014/09/sage-bears-all.html" target="_blank"><b>Sage Bears All</b> - Adventures with Bear Spray </a><br />
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<a href="http://gsphuntingdog.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-unseen-dangers-of-duck-work.html" target="_blank"><b>The Unseen Dangers of Duck Work </b>- Whoopsies</a><br />
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<a href="http://gsphuntingdog.blogspot.com/2014/03/bird-hunter-problems.html" target="_blank"><b>Bird Hunter Problems</b> - Another Pigeon conundrum</a><br />
<br />byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-54152517060671424722016-01-03T19:01:00.000-08:002016-01-04T10:59:47.494-08:00Figs The Destroyer: 12 Weeks and Counting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Right now I'm sitting on the couch with Sage on my lap, Figs has positioned herself across from us at the furthest end. She's flopping her entire 18 pound body around like a mental patient in the midst of uncontrollable fits. She's making mouth noise at Sage and also invisible objects around the room, the ceiling and perhaps even on her own back. She rolls her eyes all wonky as she postures up and makes contorted faces. I can't help but laugh out loud. The second she settles down Sage sticks out a paw and pokes her and the puppy wackiness starts over in full swing. This my friends is Figs the Destroyer.<br />
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Volume Required</div>
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Not every puppy gets an ancient conqueror's name but quite frankly this little beast has earned it. It's been 5 weeks since we picked our little bundle of spots up in Wisconsin and Figs has since made herself well at home. She's recruited Sage as her BEST friend, she's stolen our hearts along with the toilet plunger and she has managed to bind this little family together with spotted love cement.<br />
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Toilet Plunger? I'll be taking that.....</div>
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Pita Prison Break</div>
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Figs beats to her own drum. After chewing an escape hatch out the back of Sage's dog cave she insists on using this as her personal entrance and exit. She likes to find any squeaker toy Sage hasn't yet obliterated and runs barely controllable laps around the kitchen and living room at full speed. I've considered buying her a T-shirt that says ride it like you stole it. She has a little motor in her that's always full tilt with puppy rips. Sage Monkey is going to have her paws full once this beast gets full grown. But as hard as she plays she crashes and snugs just as hard. At nap time she bebops over, stumpy tail at full swing and sits like she's saying, "Ok! You can hold me now please!"<br />
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Figgy's prey drive is off the scale and I have been dying to get her out on birds. We allocated some chukar this past weekend but the temperatures were down in the double digit negatives and the snow is still too high to properly give her an introduction. At this point our hotel chukar guests are sitting pretty until January Montana weather decides to get on board or at least give us a tiny window of opportunity. Until that occurs we'll keep working on her basic commands and housebreaking which is going incredibly well. She's smart (and cute) as a whip. We also managed to get a pretty nice whoa table from a local source so when the time comes we finally have everything we need.<br />
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12 week old Lex Luther</div>
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As Fig's prey drive is so high she has a sincere obsession with the cats. I went through this with Cleo, Luna and Sage and managed to get all three to have a happy and healthy relationship with them. With that said there are always bizarre bumps along the way with each dog. In the photo above the baby gate blocks entrance to our laundry room where we keep the cat food and litter boxes. Figs WAS sitting right on the other side of the gate but quickly learned the cats won't keep regularly scheduled movement through cat central station when she stands there. So she's learned if she sits on the bottom step of the stairs and waits until they jump over she can make her move on them when they least suspect it. It's all very clever and rather Lex Lutherish for a 12 week old puppy. Lots of work on the leave it command in our future.<br />
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Hopefully the next update comes with some pics and videos of intro bird work. Until then I leave with you a video of Sage playing possum. Be sure to find us and follow us on Facebook at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer-214505295255963/" target="_blank">Adventures of a GSP</a>.<br />
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<br />byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-81077940995228542382015-12-02T10:07:00.000-08:002015-12-02T10:08:43.061-08:00Road Trip: Bringing Home our New Puppy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last year I had contacted <a href="http://sharpshooterskennel.com/" target="_blank">Sharp Shooter's Kennel</a> in New Richmond, Wisconsin and went through the screening process to procure another GSP puppy. Sage's father is a Sharp Shooters's NAVHDA Versatile Champion and her mother has some SS bloodlines. I've seen my fair share of <a href="http://sharpshooterskennel.com/" target="_blank">SS</a> dogs in the field and knew that if I ever added to my pack that I would hope it would be with a pup from their kennel. A litter had been born on October 8th and lucky for us a female from the litter would be ours and would be available to be picked-up Thanksgiving weekend. Wyatt and I decided it would be the perfect time for a road trip.<br />
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We set out on Black Friday with Sage in tow as she was just coming out of heat. We spent Friday in Glendive, MT and then on Saturday commandoed across North Dakota, and Minnesota arriving to the quaint town of New Richmond, Wisconsin (we've dubbed it the round-about capital of the midwest) on Saturday evening. <br />
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Jessica Lieffort from <a href="http://sharpshooterskennel.com/" target="_blank">Sharp Shooters</a> was kind enough to let us come over Saturday night and visit our pup. We spent a couple of hours getting our fill of puppy breath (like there is such a thing), watching spastic puppy play and chatting with the breeders Clyde and Marilyn Vetter and Jessica. They couldn't have been more kind and professional. It really was such a lovely experience and we were very appreciative of their time and company, it alone was worth the 2,200 mile journey.<br />
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We chose not to take our new puppy home that night upon the very wise suggestion of Jessica. Instead we headed back to the hotel and toasted our new spotted dog child with a wonderful bottle of wine (thank you Marilyn and Jess), we held Sage a little extra tight and got a darn good nights sleep. Jessica gave us the opportunity to swing by in the morning and intro Sage to the pup and then we would head out for the 1,100 mile trip home. <br />
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Sage sucking up as much sleepy love as she can. It's borderline rude. </div>
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We showed up to Jessica's at 8am sharp on Sunday chock full of excitement. We came in and snuggled our pup and her last litter mate. Then we brought Sage in to meet our pup. It's a super common question about the proper way to introduce an older dog to a puppy. I've done it before and I have to say that no matter how crafty you get there is always some ill feeling on the older dogs part. Once they realize what is happening they are a little less then pleased to varying degrees. So here is how our intro went:<br />
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Sage came down to the whelping room which is immaculate by the way. With that said it is full of lots of other dog smells and of course an adorable and perfect pup. Sage did the normal unsure growling and hopping about. Nothing out of normal in my humble opinion. It's a big event with a relative amount of pressure and after 2 days in car and a modified schedule it's a lot for anyone or any dog to take in. With that said I could tell Sage needed to use the bathroom and maybe get some space. I asked Jessica if it was OK to let her into her backyard to do her business. Part of the yard had been fenced off with puppy fencing to keep the small hooligans in.<br />
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I let Sage out and could immediately tell she was being pissy and she began to run and sniff the perimeter of the fenced area. As soon as she hopped the fence I knew that I was in trouble. She knew exactly what was occurring and like a toddler in the middle of temper tantrum she planned to drag me into deep water before she would submit. I winced and began what felt like a thousand yard walk over to the fence in pursuit. Sage was legitimately pissed about all this puppy business and was opting the route of giving me the paw. I called her around and she defiantly ran a lap by me before taking up residence in the nearby woods and proceeded to take a shit. But unlike any other poop she's had in the past she locked eyes with me the entire time making it as uncomfortable as possible as if she was was trying to tell me how much she hated me. I mumbled under my breath God help me and as she patched out backwards (not breaking eye contact of course) and I watched in horror as she transformed from my sweet beloved Sage into her insanely sassy and mouthy mother Cleo. It was one of those moments so many of us experience looking in the mirror or hearing our own parents rhetoric escape our lips. What the fuck was happening.<br />
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She proceeded to take off with the type of attitude only seen in hormonally charged and angry teenage girls as they scream at you, I HATE YOU, YOU RUINED MY LIFE, before stomping down the hallway and slamming their bedroom door with Emmy winning dramatic flair. She tore around Jessica's backyard before I could half tackle and drag her back to the house. Well this is going well I thought and as we re-entered the Leiffort residence I asked Wyatt if he would be kind enough to take our spotted time bomb out to the car.<br />
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We said our goodbyes and collected our fur baby and headed out to begin the long journey home. We named our puppy <a href="http://sharpshooterskennel.com/" target="_blank">Sharp Shooters</a> Sweet Mission and we shall call her Figs. <br />
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The trip home was long but not nearly as bad as we had thought it might be. Both dogs were very well behaved and slept most of the journey. We made it to Miles City, MT our first night together as a family and took up temporary residence in a pet friendly Best Western. It was the first opportunity we got to see Fig's personality as well as the first real opportunity to see Sage and Figs interact.<br />
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Sage was clearly wounded about the new family addition but still made small efforts. She would take a toy and poke it into Fig's head trying to get her play while growling awkwardly the entire time. Clearly conflicted play but positive nonetheless. It took Cleo almost 6 days to get to that point when Luna was introduced into the pack so realistically I was thrilled. We had a great first night and since we were on the road she got to sleep on my face while Sage took residence beneath the covers.<br />
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Hotel Ice Breaking Shenanigans</div>
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We've been home in Bozeman since Monday afternoon. I took sometime off of work to spend with the girls to help get them transitioned and get on a schedule. It's been a real hoot. Figs has so much moxy and plays with spirited gusto. She loves to retrieve any toy to hand and she has been such a quick learn. I have been incredibly impressed with her intelligence and she is extremely cooperative and sweet. We already LOVE having her around. Sage is doing much better with her and they spent hours chasing each other around the kitchen and living room today and bebopping though fields. Things are going to be great and I can't wait to intro her to birds. There is so much to look forward to over the next several months.<br />
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Be sure to find us on Facebook and show us some love at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer-214505295255963/" target="_blank">Adventures of German Shorthaired Pointer</a>.<br />
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<br />byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-66375934197555770562015-11-24T20:16:00.000-08:002015-11-24T20:16:21.625-08:00The Art of Sharing Your Bed with a GSP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not everyone believes in sharing their bed with their dogs and I can respect that. I sure didn't take stock in it in the beginning but soon the cuteness and love from my first GSP Cleo wore me down like a river rock. Before I knew it she had wormed her way into my sheets and now I couldn't fathom not sharing my space with a big warm sack of spots. However all those warm snuggles come at a cost and here are few that plague our sleeping arrangements with Sage Monkey. <br />
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<b>Uninvited Friends</b><br />
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The thing pictured above was once a plush and vibrant moose, stuffed like a sausage with fluffy white material, squeekers and rattles in its feet. After its initial partial destuffing and slightly violent removal of squeekers it has since metamorphosed into a crusty, spit soaked, dirty shell of dog love. We call this crusted mess "wooby" and it goes everywhere Sage goes. She does laps around the tent with it hanging from her mouth while camping. She balls it up every night and nurses it until she passes out with it in her mouth. She leaves it sleeping on my pillow like it pays the electric bill.<br />
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It's pretty gross to wake up and find Wooby lounging in your personal area but nothing compares to the rare but provocative occasion she drags it through her water dish and bring hims to the party. She soaks him to bring out the flavor of course like glazing a fine Easter ham. We've gotten proactive with Wooby that we try to keep him exclusively in the bedroom to avoid this specific scenario. But alas....she always finds a way to get it more gross which of course in the dog world equates to more loved.<br />
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Thats ok. I wasn't in the middle of an ab workout or anything. </div>
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<b>Limited Personal Space</b><br />
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GSP's are appropriately known as velcro dogs. I prefer to refer to them as space hoarders. Never heard of a Space hoarder before? "Space Hoarding" is the craft of excessively collecting all the available area not only from your personal surroundings but all others around you as well. Space Hoarding is also known as Space Hogging, Compulisive Space Taker Upper Disorder and or otherwise more commonly known as Get-out-of-my-three-foot-bubble-you-jerk (Thats GOOMTFBYJ for short). Sage excels at this and works in it like some artists work in watercolor. And like most afflicted dogs she doesn't see it as a problem...AT ALL. Bed time often consists of her laying only in the space my physical being occupies. Or Sage will stand vigil over our heads waiting for the blankets to be lifted before burrowing down to our feet to settle in for the night. She leaves no room for compromise.<br />
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Our joke is that Sage wishes I was her Tauntaun. You know that funky reptomammal that is indigenous to that frozen wasteland planet known as Hoth from The Empire Strikes back? Sitting on my lap simply won't suffice....she needs to climb inside my soul.<br />
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<b>Rough Snuggles</b><br />
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Rough Snuggles start innocent enough usually by Sage arming crawling around the bed as if she's being propelled by that little stub of a tail. She lays all over your face, groaning and sniffing in glee, angling herself into positions to lick whatever she can; your face your arms. Sadly this phase is unsustainable and it eventually evolves in what we refer to as "rough snuggles". Rough Snuggles are snuggles that spiral out of control and consist of excited paw prodding, point blank face sneezes, the occasional fang nip and in human screams and laughs. They carefully dance that line of fun and painful.<br />
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<a href="http://www.richardpeters.co.uk/" target="_blank">Photo by Richard Peters</a></div>
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For instance have you ever seen an animal documentary where foxes in winter will leap into the air to break below the surface to get critters for a meal? The worst mistake to be made during rough snuggles is retreating to the presumed safety of under covers. Sage takes your retreating as a challenge and follows the example of the fox except in the morning when sleep is still tight in your eyes she feels more like a polar bear breaking through ice in a search of baby seals.<br />
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Bed time is never a dull time with a shorthair. Especially a 52 pound one that can magically metamorphis to such a size she can take up an entire king size bed. It will be interesting to see how this dynamic shifts and changes in the next few weeks as we bring home the new puppy. Who knows.....Maybe we will have two rough snugglers who want to make me their Tauntaun. Lucky me!<br />
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Be sure to follow our shenanigans on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer-214505295255963/" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer.</a>byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-23882246899622015982015-06-05T07:32:00.001-07:002015-06-05T07:53:59.632-07:00Hunting Dog Photography Tips - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5 month old Phoenix on point</div>
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Photographing hunting dogs whether they are training, trialing, testing or hunting is a passion of mine. There is something majestic and soul soothing about watching a gun dog work a field. I find solemn beauty in being outside, watching the hunter and the hunted and I appreciate and welcome the challenge of capturing it in a photograph. Lucky for me I get more opportunities than most through my hunting dog specific photography business <a href="http://byrddogphotography.webs.com/" target="_blank">Byrd Dog Photography</a>. After seeing countless inquiries on hunting forums and Facebook as well as being asked quite often about how I take photographs I decided over the next few months during the hunting off season of Spring and Summer I would publish a series of blog posts making a few humble suggestions to help the average weekend warrior. By starting now your skills, like your dogs, will be honed by next autumn.<br />
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Before I cover the photography tips for this post I want to make two quick points. The first is hunting dog photography can offer some challenges not found in normal pet portrait or pet photography. For starters there are usually guns and live rounds getting fired when your in the field. Aside from having proper blaze orange clothing you need to make sure that the gunners know where you are at all times and that you are communicating with them if you decide to step in to get a shot (so you don't get shot numbnuts). Nothing ruins a good hunt like getting blasted with some buckshot. You also need to be cognisant of what the dog(s) are doing. Your there to shoot them in their element not get in their way. You need to be aware of accidentally flushing birds, ruining a good honor by standing directly in the way of a backing dog or putting to much pressure on a dog trying to get that infamous shot when running birds are in the equation. In addition if your the weekend warrior your probably trying to carry your own gun, flush your own birds, shoot AND take photos. This is incredibly difficult....I know I like to hunt over my dog too. If your one of these people take a look at some hands free camera straps they may make your life much easier if you have a DSLR and a decent size lens.<br />
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The second and final point I will bring up (then I will get off my soapbox I promise. This was starting to feel like a filibuster huh?) is any aspiring photographer should do their best to get familiar and comfortable with their camera, regardless if its a point and shoot or a DSLR. If your not comfortable shooting in manual and your camera has scene modes utilize some of the options. For instance if you want pics of your dogs in motion (retrieving a bird or coming out of the water) use the sports mode or if they are sitting in the blind try portrait mode. If you've never done it or are feeling hesitant don't be afraid, get out of Auto. You have nothing to lose by trying.<br />
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Puppies in low cover<br />
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This puppy was in higher cover. So I opted to shoot just his face with a touch of shoulder. </div>
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<b>Know your subject: </b>Having a good understanding of the dog you are shooting and it's abilities will help you out immensely. Puppies and smaller dogs like Brittany Spaniels can be challenging if your shooting in high grass and thick cover. If you have the ability, try and keep these dogs in lower cover when getting photos of them on point or retrieving. If you can't don't be afraid to fill the frame. There is no rule saying that you have to try and cram the entire dog in the photo. Having a clear, smaller sampling of the pup will have more impact.<br />
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Obviously the more finished a dog is the more time and opportunity you will have to shoot solid points and retrieves. When shooting puppies and unsteady dogs you need to have patience. Put yourself in situations that you know you will be successful. Control the things you can like where you position yourself and your shutter speed.<br />
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<b>Getting the point:</b> Everyone loves a striking picture of a hunting dog on point. In most instances what your aspiring for is to capture that intensity your dog has when he or she locks up. Their tail is up high, foot bent hard, eyes locked into position and sometimes their body is quivering. Fill the frame. Isolate your subject and eliminate the distractions in the background. Try to focus on the eyes....there's a reason why they are called the window to the soul. Also drop down to their level instead of shooting down on them. I am almost always shooting from my knee and have at times depending on the height of the dog sunk back to be sitting on my butt.<br />
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If your shooting a finished or steady dog on point you can choose to run them without a collar or you can remove the collar while they are on point. It really cleans up the photo. Take a look at Wyatt the white and liver shorthair shown above.<br />
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Keep in mind the cover you are hunting in or training could be high and may hide the feet. That's OK but if they are visible try not to crop them out. If a large portion of the dog is hidden crop the photograph at a natural body line like the knees, shoulder or chest area.<br />
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Lastly, don't run up behind a dog on point. Make sure you walk in at an angle or loop around so that the dog can see you moving in. If your moving in from the front be sure your not putting yourself in a situation where your going to flush a bird.<br />
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It's a bird, it's a plane it's Sizzle!</div>
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<b>Action Shots: </b>Hunting dogs are athletes and they spend most of their time in motion whether its working a hedgerow, launching themselves into a lake or retrieving that freshly shot pheasant. Some of these pictures end up being the most fun. Don't get sucked into waiting for the dog to get the exact place you want the photo to be taken. To be successful at this you have to be very precise. Instead try following the dog. Synchronize your speed of the camera with them and if your camera allows it set it to continuous so you are capable of taking more pictures.<br />
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<b>Backing Dogs: </b>When shooting one or more dogs backing each other I always refer to some basic composition rules. Now don't go rolling your eyes and slamming your laptops shut because I used that boring text book word composition. It's not as awful as you think. Look at it this way anyone can take pictures, what you want to do is tell a story. That is the difference between aimlessly snapping away and creating a photograph. Shooting honoring dogs is a great opportunity to use a spin off to leading lines. In other words use the objects your shooting i.e. the dogs to draw your viewers eye through the photograph. This creates depth and perspective. <br />
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Most of the time when I'm shooting dogs in the field I am using a 70-200mm lens BUT occasionally I like to use a wide angle zoom lens. One of my favorite times to do this is when photographing dogs that are honoring. When I do I push the lens all the way out and get as close as I can to my subject. Two things have to occur to get this shot and be successful you need to have dogs that are very steady because you are going to get extremely close to them while on point which equates to pressure. And you have to have a dog owner that is comfortable with you getting that close and getting the shots you want in the midst of a hunt. The dog above in the forefront wearing the blue collar is a NAVHDA versatile champion VC Rahway River's Prince of Darkness call name Ozzie who is owned by Geof Ferrer. Both of which who allowed me to sneak in and get this shot while on a hunt. </div>
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<b>Things to Remember:</b> I'm going to refer to Malcom Gladwell's 10,000 hour rule in which he says it takes 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery. Not all of you are gunning to be masters so you won't need a complete 10,000 hours or 10,000 photos to be content with your improved skills but the only way to get good at something is to practice. Take pics of your dog(s) all the time even when they are not hunting. Take photos of them in the backyard, lounging in there dog bed or on a typical run in the field. Be willing to try things, be willing to get out of auto, be willing to ask other dog owners if you can photograph their dogs. Don't take 1 photo in a situation take 10 purposeful photos. Think about leading lines, shoot from your knee, pay attention to where the dogs feet are and how high the cover is. Implementing these few tips on your next training session and each one after will start you on your way to taking better photos of your best dog friend. <br />
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Hunting Dog Photography Tips Part 2 will cover shooting the sequences of retrieves, water work, natural framing, including the handler in shots, puppies and more so check back in the next few weeks. In the meantime follow us on Facebook and show us some love at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byrd-Dog-Photography/379046922131070" target="_blank">Byrd Dog Photography</a>.byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-33666746368380812592015-05-27T06:40:00.001-07:002015-05-27T06:40:38.413-07:00Ruby River Camping<br />
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This past Friday we packed up, left civilization and cell service behind and headed out past Alder, MT to get our camp on. We spent the first night in the Vigilante forest service cabin with my best friend Jen, her husband Ben, their two kids Noah and Alex ages 6 and 2 and their two Norwegian Elkhounds. You know its remote when you log an additional 40 miles on dirt roads to get in and out. The cabin is located in the heart of grizzly country but luckily we were bear incident free although a big black bear did meander down towards the cabin to get a better whiff of some of Ben's caramelized onions for our Friday night dinner.<br />
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Dispersed camping along the Ruby river / reservoir system</div>
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Saturday morning we parted ways and off we went, 3 rolling stones with no plans in place but all the time in the world. We scoped out a sweet dispersed camping spot on the Ruby Reservoir on a rather large and private peninsula. Dispersed camping is primitive camping that is located within the National Forest Service area but it is outside of a designated campground. There are dispersed campgrounds all over Montana. These spots have very few services such as bathrooms, trash removal and occasionally no fire ring. You can roll up first come first serve and your welcome to stay there anywhere from 14 to 16 days. Our spot was epic for a couple of reasons the first being it was isolated. No one was near us for miles and the most recent visitors to our camp had been some moose who left us sizable tracks imprinted in the sand as well as piles of fresh poop. Sage was of course grateful for the morsels of moosie meadow muffins. In addition we had our own private beach directly to the right of our tent. </div>
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We may be in Montana but thats Taylor pork Roll were making for breakfast. #jersey #philly</div>
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Lake stick fun</div>
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We spent the rest of our weekend eating and drinking entirely too much and fishing as much as we could handle. Sage spent the same moments marauding around finding mule deer legs to chew on, foraging for moose poop, and trying to ruin every second of our fishing that she could. If I ever had any doubt in my mind its now been clarified and 110% certified, Sage is the worst fishing dog period. She doesn't discriminate….you could be fly fishing, lure fishing or using fresh bait but she will intervene and she will wreck your good time while maintaining an insane level of cuteness. This is how she operates:</div>
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She zones in on your lure</div>
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Then she swims out scaring away any and all fish all while trying to bite your line </div>
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Then she makes tough choices. It's either enthusiastically wrapping herself in your lines or getting dry flies stuck in her fur. Regardless the end result is always the same….. </div>
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She finds herself excitedly tied to a tree extremely annoyed barking obscenities as loud as she can. Life is so tough when all you want is fishies. </div>
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Despite her attempts at destroying our good fishing times we prevailed. We all made it home with a moderate level of camping hangover. I can't wait until we have another little pup to share all of this with. From this weekend on we will spend a good portion of our time next to some river getting our Montana on. I can't wait. Be sure to check back and follow our shenanigans on Facebook at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>. </div>
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byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-1712759799669025482015-05-15T06:55:00.002-07:002015-05-15T08:37:44.213-07:00Cape May, NJ with Dogs - Travel Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cape May, New Jersey is a charming Victorian seaside retreat that can be found at the southern most point in the Garden State. It's quite different than the Jersey Shore towns made famous by the awful MTV show of the same name. There are no cookie cutter blocks of shore houses, night clubs or tired amusement parks. Instead Cape May is a historically rich town with trolley tours, jazz festivals, enchanting and unique bars, clean beaches and awesome foodie spots. It's the beach gem of New Jersey and it's also dog friendly. You will know you have graced its threshold when the Garden State Parkway dwindles down the miles and deposits you at Exit Zero.<br />
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Sunset off my parents back deck</div>
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After driving across the country last summer with Sage and planning an exciting upcoming summer full of road trips I am quickly realizing that it's a challenge traveling with dog(s). Even with websites like Bring Fido there is limited information on activities outside of hotels. The things I especially want to know when looking at a destination is where can I find off leash places to run my batsy pointer pup in addition to spaces that we can hang out together as a family. So moving forward when Wyatt and I take trips with the pup(s) I'm going to pass along our detailed experiences so others can hopefully benefit if they plan on traveling with their pooches to these spots. I've decided to use Cape May, NJ as my first Travel Edition of blog posts for two reasons. Number one: I have been blessed that my parents have a beautiful shore house in Cape May just a couple of blocks from Broadway beach. It's been a family sanctuary not only for us humans but for my families pets as well. Number two: Wyatt was born and raised in West Cape May about 7 blocks from where I have vacationed my entire life. Theres nothing like moving 2,200 miles to meet a guy from your pseudo home town. Did you just hear that? Someone started playing its a small world after all.<br />
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Where's da beach?</div>
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It's this way!</div>
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Cape may has a diverse selection of beaches and shoreline. Some of these areas are off limits to dogs leashed or not, at all times due to nesting areas of some endangered bird species (Cape May Point State Park and Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge). Some beaches have specific seasons in which dogs are only permitted at select times. But there are a few areas that you can officially and unofficially enjoy your dogs on/off leash at all times of the year.<br />
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Cape May City Beaches run from the Cove to the Poverty Beach</div>
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Cape May City beaches (as pictured above) only allow dogs on the beach and promenade from November 1st to March 31st. I will say that you will see people in the evenings or early morning running with or walking their dogs on the promenade outside of that specified time. I'm by no means telling anyone that they should do that, rather I'm just letting you know that I've yet to see someone get ticketed or thrown off the promenade for walking their dogs…..me included. With that said don't even try to sneak them on the city beaches in season. You'll get bounced pretty fast.<br />
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There are two spots that you can officially and unofficially run your dogs. The first place is Higbee Beach which is a 1.5 mile strip on the Delaware Bay. This section of beach has very small waves and on calm mornings looks more like a lake than a bay that leads to the ocean. Beach tags are not required and their are no life guards. In fact once you past the jettys there are basically no people at all. The three photos of Cleo and Luna posted so far were all taken on Higbee beach at the height of the season and you'll see there is no one there. Officially Higbee is open to dogs from September 1st to April 30th. Unofficially people run their dogs there all year round. In fact early in the morning when strolling down the beach the only other people you will see other than the occasional surf fisherman is another person walking or running their dog. When I used to own Cleo and Luna they found Higbee to be a beachy sanctuary. Sagey only got to visit once when she was 10 weeks old or so.</div>
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Higbee Beach</div>
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How to get there</div>
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Red dot marks the spot! Take New England Rd until it dead ends in a small sandy parking lot. You have two options at this point. Pull straight into that parking lot and take a path through some woods, over some dunes and onto the beach about halfway down. Or before entering the parking lot make a right and follow the sandy road until it deposits you in another parking area across from the Cape May Ferry. Walk out towards the water and follow the path to the left that leads out to the jetty. When I was an official east coaster and would go here on a regular basis I would typically leave the pointer pack on leash and walk them at heel until we were past the temptations of the surf fisherman near the jetty and then I would cut them loose. Please remember to bring plenty of water for your dogs, a ball to play fetch with and bags for their poop. Letting your dog poop on the beach just means your a jerk. Don't be a jerk. And keep in mind in high season you will see a ton of birders in this area. Please be respectful of them and do not allow your dogs to run in the dunes....only on the beach or you will end up being the person that makes this unofficial spot off limits for everyone else.<br />
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Lower Township Beaches</div>
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The next place you can run your dogs on the beach "officially" all year round are the lower township beaches highlighted above in brown. Your dogs have to be leashed on this beach at all times. There is also a rumor that there is a woman who pretty much watches and waits for you to take your dog off its leash and calls the cops on you. I guess some people have nothing else better to do with their time. But if your OK with your dog being on leash then its definitely worth checking out. To get to the Lower Township Beaches follow directions to the Cape May - Lewes Ferry terminal and before turning into the complex make a right. Drive north and parking for the beaches will be on your left. <br />
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Cape May Dog Park</div>
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How to get there</div>
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There is also a Cape May Dog Park but in my humble opinion it's not worth the time and effort to visit. It's very small, there is no shade, parking can be hassle in peak season and the City of Cape May makes you jump through some serious hoops to be eligible to use it. Dog owners must apply for a dog park tag that costs $20 seasonally or $10 weekly and you must have the tag visible at all times while using the park. To apply for a tag you must fill out an application at the Cape May City Clerks Office on Washington Street. You will have to present current vaccination documents, your dog license, and sign a acceptance of risk and liability form to be considered. This is probably why no one is ever at the dog park. For the record I'm not thumbing my nose at the city requirements. They make perfect sense from a responsibility standpoint but if your commandoing in for a quick weekend getaway it just seems like an awful lot to ask of people who only want to drop in to the park for 30 minutes. The dog park is located at 705 Lafayette Street if you want to check it out.<br />
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Throwing beers back at the Nail</div>
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My Cape May days used to begin with a hearty run down Higbee beach complete with sand romping, ball retrieving and a good amount of swimming because this of course makes for tired GSP's. We all know tired GSP's are happy GSP's. But other than beach excursions there is plenty to get out and do around town with your pups. Here is a quick list of places your welcome to bring your dogs and also where you probably shouldn't go.<br />
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Places you can and should go:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rustynailnj" target="_blank">The Beach Shack at the Rusty Nail</a>: The photo above was taken here. I used to love to cruise in with Cleo and Luna and order some brewskies and kick back around a fire pit with my toes in the sand and listen to some sweet live music. You can head up to the bar to order your own drinks or munchies or wait for a waitress to swing by and grab your order. They even cater to your pooch by making dog food and dog beer available for purchase. My only warning is that in high season as you can see above it can be hectic and can be loud. People love to pet your dogs especially kids so if your dog is aggressive, gets social anxiety or isn't confident in situations like these then this is not the place for them. Luna always had a blast here never holding back from treating herself to a little sand digging. It was always my favorite place to take them in Cape May and its located at 205 Beach Ave. In addition, Wyatt also loves the Rusty Nail and we have appropriately dubbed our favorite watering hole in Bozeman the Nail West in honor of its magnificence.<br />
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There are several other restaurants that have either sidewalk or patio seating available where your dog is welcome to join you. There are several places in town but these are the ones I would recommend:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/madbatterrestaurant" target="_blank">The Mad Batter</a> - located at 19 Jackson Street (Get the fresh squeezed lemonade it's off the chain)<br />
<a href="http://www.caperesorts.com/restaurants/capemay/bluepigtavern" target="_blank">The Blue Pig Tavern</a> - located in the corner of Congress Hall on the corner of Congress Place and Perry streets. Good breakfast spot. Get the mimosas. Mimosas make any morning better.<br />
<a href="http://www.zoescapemay.com/" target="_blank">Zoe's Beachfront Eatery</a> - located at the corner of Beach and Stockton Place across from Convention Hall on the Promenade. Another good breakfast spot.<br />
<a href="http://thelobsterhouse.com/the-raw-bar/" target="_blank">Lobster House (raw bar)</a> - located behind the Lobster House restaurant which is at 906 Schellengers Landing Rd. Wyatt and I agree that its a gem of a spot on the Cape. So bring your pooch (on leash) and sit out on the dock by the schooner and watch the fishing boats come in and out while enjoying some refreshing adult beverages. My favorites here are the New England Clam Chowder, crab claws with spicy mustard and clams casino. <br />
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Sage Pups only trip to Cape May in January of 2014</div>
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Cape May is pretty welcoming when it come to places to rest you and your pets head. Here are some recommendations for overnight accommodations:<br />
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<a href="http://www.billmae.com/" target="_blank">Billmae Cottages and Billmae Cottage Too</a> - Owners Bob and Linda Steenrod have several offerings for pet friendly cottages. There website even says, "Periodically we have Yappy Hour on the wrap-around porch, where dogs and owners get to meet and have treats". There locations are on Washington Street and also on Lafayette Street.<br />
<a href="http://www.highlandhousecapemay.com/index.html" target="_blank">The Highland House</a> - Located at 131 North Broadway is actually in West Cape May not far from my parents house. They have a fenced in play area for four legged guests.<br />
<a href="http://www.palacehotelofcapemay.com/" target="_blank">Palace Hotel</a> - Located at 1101 Beach Ave this hotel sits right across from the beach. My brother and Sister in-law stayed here several times with their Bassett Mr. Fisher while my parents were rebuilding their house this past year. There is a $25 fee per night per pet.<br />
<a href="http://www.marquiscapemay.com/" target="_blank">Marquis de Lafayette Hotel</a> - Located at 501 Beach Ave this hotel sits right across the street from the beach and is a couple block walk from the outdoor mall. Pets are welcome on the first floor only in special pet suites.<br />
<a href="http://www.caperesorts.com/hotels/capemay/beachshack/accommodations#dogpolicies" target="_blank">The Beach Shack Hotel</a> - This is the hotel portion of the Beach Shack that I described above when discussing the Rusty Nail. They are located at 205 Beach Ave right across from the beach. They have a limited number of pet friendly rooms.<br />
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And be sure to check out <a href="http://www.vrbo.com/" target="_blank">VRBO</a> for pet friendly vacation homes and condos for rent.<br />
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Horseshoe Crabs</div>
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I decided to write this post and put it out now because it's one week before Memorial Day weekend. In my family we always celebrate this weekend in Cape May together. It's our tradition and it's something I have looked forward to for the last 20 years. This Memorial Day will be the first year that I will be in MT forging new traditions. Next weekend we take off for a camping, hiking and fly fishing extravaganza with Sage. Check back for a blog update on those adventures.<br />
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So that should for the most part cover it! Activities, beaches, bars and accommodations. All you need for a bang up weekend with your best dog friend in Cape May. Enjoy and let me know how you make out!<br />
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Be sure to follow our shenanigans on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>.<br />
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byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-4460664808525839952015-05-03T13:23:00.000-07:002015-05-03T13:23:39.963-07:00Updates and Announcements<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been receiving emails, Facebook messages and blog comments inquiring about my obvious absence from the blogosphere. This is the longest stretch I've ever gone without blogging since I began over 4 years ago. After some serious reflection these last few weeks I realize a lot of it has to do with no longer having Cleo and Luna in my life. At times this blog has felt like a painful reminder of them and an aching reminder of the void losing them has created for me. It's been difficult to write having lost my muses and the inspirations brought on by their little spotted troublesome selves. It's been something I have had to work through these last few months. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I feel I've evolved and grown from it rather than letting it entomb me and </span>the good news is I <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">feel my inspiration returning with a vengeance I and have been thinking about this blog in a very longingly way. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">First Some Updates</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Since moving to Montana Sage and I have flourished. There is not a moment that goes by where I'm not completely happy and fulfilled being here. Sage like me loves the big open spaces and all it has to offer including very little traffic. We have even gotten used to its quirky weather isms that spur reports saying things like 70 degrees and sun with a 100% chance of snow. In fact I found myself smack in the middle of a blizzard this week rocking my favorite pair of flip flops. Such is life in Big Sky country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Burning off the Spring time crazies up in Hyalite </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our 2014-2015 hunting season came and went. We didn't get out quite as much as we had hoped too but we did have some fantastic adventures together. Next season will be much easier to navigate since we will have been here a year and will have had time to make connections and figure out the BMA system. I did go back and finish editing a post I wrote but never published on our first successful hunt last fall. It was a pretty memorable day. You can read about it here: <a href="http://gsphuntingdog.blogspot.com/2014/10/these-mountain-grouse-dont-stand-chance.html" target="_blank">These Mountain Grouse don't Stand a Chance</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1500 Acre area we were training in Three Forks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Coming full circle training season has once again arrived. We packed up and made the quick trip down to Three Forks a couple of weekends ago to attend the first official Montana Sharptail NAVHDA training day of the year. I was stoked to get Sage out on some birds but the day was made extra special by spending time with my good friends Keith and Kerry Lucas. Keith, Kerry and I were members of the Del Val NAVHDA chapter in NJ and we have been training together for the last several years. They moved to Montana shortly after I did last year. Needless to say it was comforting to be around and training with old friends. In addition the Lucas's own Grace who is Cleo and Luna's older sister. Gracie and Cleo share the same sassy and intense personality so my heart was warmed by just being near her. I hope to be heading out towards Billings in the coming weeks to train with them again.</span></div>
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Kerry working Gracie</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sage is doing very well and is her normal wild woman self. She's proved to be the absolute worst fly fishing dog on the planet. It took only a few times out for her to figure out the best lies for trout in the eddy so of course she stands in them scaring off any hiding giants. When you do happen to tie in a fish it becomes a frantic and spastic dance of her desperately trying to grab the fish and deliver it to hand and us trying to run away with it still on the line. Luckily she has a soft mouth when she does manage to get a hold of one but she's finding herself getting invited on fishing excursions less and less. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sage has developed a love of cat food that was clearly inherited from her mother Cleo. Everyday becomes a challenge of barricading it on the counter only to find she has used her GSP super powers to destroy it in our absence and stuff her face on kitty chow bounty. I often think these dogs posses some kind of black magic voodoo that is of course never used for good. Imagine if she decided to use her wizardly to vacuum the house instead of stealing chapstick after chapstick off my bedroom dresser to eat and mash into the carpet. But she is a gem of a dog and has proved to be the best traveling companion a girl could ask for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sage Monkey the world traveler. A Yellowstone National Park aficionado. Deep in thought contemplating eating that big juicy bison patty. </span></div>
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Sage showing off in Lamar Valley just where GSP's rank with wolves, coyotes and foxy loxys. </div>
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Sage and her favorite fly fishing and lap riding partner in crime Wyatt</div>
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<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A Quick Announcement</b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (drum roll please)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Somethings have been in the works behind the scenes and it's time to make it "Internet official" and announce that our pack will be getting bigger! I sent in our deposit a couple of months ago to <a href="http://sharpshooterskennel.com/" target="_blank">Sharp Shooters Kennel</a> in Wisconsin and are on the waiting list for a female GSP puppy. I expect our new baby girl to come home sometime between the fall of 2015 and spring of 2016. I can't even explain how the thought of having two shorthairs again makes me feel. I want to bust at the seems with joy. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sage will love having a four legged companion as well. I can only imagine the bewitchment she will teach her future protege. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>So Whats Next?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We have our first big camping trip planned for Memorial Day weekend so I will be blogging about that for sure. Tomorrow we start our weekly training with the local sub-group of the NAVHDA Sharptail chapter. In addition each week will be training on our own down in Three Forks. It's time to ramp up our training for the UT test so I will be updating you guys on our progress. Also I have been re-editing some old posts I started but never quite finished and will be polishing them for publishing. I'm excited about this blog again and am ready to start putting out content. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Be sure to check us out and follow us on Facebook at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>. </span><br />
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byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-23121654402700398902014-10-06T21:27:00.000-07:002015-05-03T13:11:51.298-07:00These Mountain Grouse Don't Stand a Chance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sage and I's first few hunting trips this grouse season has resulted in slightly underwhelming and long hikes with a gun. We have had absolutely zero contacts with birds and I've been valiantly fighting the urge to feel discouraged. It's Sage's and I's first season as a team and needless to say its gotten off to a rocky start. Thank goodness she doesn't possess the knowledge to know what she's been missing. If she had I wouldn't be remotely surprised if she posted a Craigslist ad looking to replace me as a hunting partner.<br />
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On Saturday Sage and I headed out to try our luck once again. This time we focused on an 18,000 acre BMA in the Bridger Range. I spent just shy of an hour meandering thru the vastness of the Block Management Area trying to carefully select what I thought would be a good spot to stop and embark on our adventure. Once we settled on a promising looking area we cheerfully set out armed with my Berretta and big can of bear spray.<br />
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We worked our way up a steep mountainside that eventually leveled off and opened up to pristine mountain fields. The sky was blue, the air was crisp and the granite peaks in the distance were covered in snow. It felt glorious. It felt like what hunting should.<br />
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Sage was off to the races. She was running very big and I knew right away that if we were lucky enough to make some contacts she was going to bust them. I'm so hungry at this point for Sage to have wild bird contact that I could careless. Being 11 months old and not fully steady I want her to have exposure. I want her to learn. I can always tighten her up later.<br />
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We had been hiking for close to 40 minutes when a covey of 8 big fat grouse exploded from the under region of a tree. Sage stayed steady and held back from giving chase but she did shoot me a borderline fanatical look as if she was saying, "For Christs Sake woman get up here already". As I closed in she broke free covering the area where the covey had been held up. She was wild eyed and in a frenzy. My heart was beaming. It was what I had been waiting for, the wheels were turning she was figuring it out. I watched the covey fly off and settle down the side of the mountain. I made a mental note to work it on our way back.<br />
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Sage and I were pumped! We set off with new vigor and a healthy dose of adrenaline pumping through our veins. About 15 minutes later we hit our second covey and 5 more plump mountain grouse hit the sky with a flapping flurry. They were inevitably out of shooting range but Sage was getting the exposure I had hoped she'd get. We worked forward into the wildness for about 45 more minutes before turning back and working adjacent areas. When we made it back to the location of the first covey I looped to the far side and carefully made my way down the steepness with Sage leading the charge. The cover here was thicker and Sage had finally settled down into a rhythm. Our best chance was going to be here because she was working closer. After a breath holding 10 minutes Sage finally locked up on point. In seconds three grouse burst into the sky. I pulled my gun up, focused on one and pulled the trigger. It was a perfect shot and the gun fire echoed through the valley like a symphony.<br />
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As soon as I had shot the bird and it fell into its final descent Sage and I looked at each other completely shocked. I smiled and said, "You did't think I'd get it did you!!" Then I sent her in for the retrieve while belly laughing alone in the woods. She mouthed it first and then drug it halfway. Not that I gave her the opportunity to bring it all the way in. I was entirely to pumped. She found us birds, I shot us one. It was our first successful time out. It was amazing. It was everything and more than I had hoped it would be. Now that we've had some luck these mountain grouse don't stand a chance. <br />
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Be sure to follow our shenanigans on Facebook at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer.</a>byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-90130454000231115052014-09-21T22:16:00.000-07:002014-09-22T05:40:06.410-07:00Sage Bears All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Things have been great for Sage Monkey and I since our last post. We've been out hunting since opening day but more importantly we have been soaking up our new life in Big Sky country. On a personal level part of that for me has been being able to get out and consume as much nature as possible. On Saturday I decided to go hike Sacagawea Peak (Sageless and by myself). It's the highest peak in the Bridger range and offers stellar summit views in every direction. I was blessed enough to run into some mountain goats while at the top and have included some photos below. It was an awesome day indeed.<br />
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Before heading out to hike Sacagawea I swung by Sportman's Warehouse in Bozeman and grabbed a can of bear spray. It is grizzly country after all and it would be irresponsible for me to not at least have some with me. Truth time folks. Let's have an honest talk about bear spray.<br />
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#1. It's basically hopped up super mace and is designed to deter aggressive bears. <br />
#2. The minimum recommended distance to discharge the spray between you and the bear is about 25 feet<br />
#3. Bear spray is pressurized and contains some seriously hazardous contents<br />
#4. It's really nasty shit.....did I mention that yet? It needs to stop a pissed off grizzly. In case you didn't know male grizzlies can weigh 790lbs.<br />
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Let's now flash forward past my non-bear encounter hike up to Sacagawea to my Sunday night. I had a wonderful dinner at my best friend Jen's house. I played with her kids (my nephews Noah and Alex), chilled at the park afterwards with them and then read 5 year old Noah his bed time story, proudly getting to be his ambassador to sleepy land. Then I had a glass of wine, said my good nights and headed home to my beloved Sage Monkey.<br />
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Then shit got real. I walked in the door to my tiny 700 sq ft apartment and Sage was overly riled. By the time I got 8 feet into the hallway I felt as though I had been hit by a freight train. I couldn't breathe, my eyes and skin were burning and the only thing running through my mind was that there was a fire or some kind of toxic fumes were invading my apartment. Little did I know what was truly in store for future Robyn. Feel free to start pitying her now....but I digress. I ran to the back patio turned around and saw that Sage in my absence had managed to remove my newly purchased can of bear spray from the kitchen counter and had bit into it spewing its contents down my wall, base boards and heater and soaked fully into my carpet.<br />
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At this point I was basically dry heaving and snot was involuntarily pouring from my face. I drug her outside and opened all my windows and doors. I carefully removed the punctured can being wary not to touch it and then I called my girlfriend Jen for reinforcements. She had at her house everything a girl could need to combat a super noxious capsicum spray debacle: milk, heavy cream and Ponds cold cream. </div>
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Jen showed up to my shit show and offered two very important things: help and humor. I had already tossed Sage in the shower although she would require a milk bath. Jen quickly pointed out that I hadn't removed her collar and the bear spray could easily be hanging on to it. (I'd like to throw it out there that Sage wasn't even remotely fazed by any of the commotion or painful spray. This could easily be a sypmtom of her being a batshit crazy GSP). When I unhooked her collar bear spray laced water flung directly into my eyes and onto my face. This is where I politely say Fuck You bear spray. It was just about the most painful and debilitating experience. I'd like to add that while I writhed in pain and agony on my carpet and Jen threw me a milk soaked towel I choked and half laughed/cried, "you better get a god damn picture of this." And such is the sadness you see below.<br />
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Pretty much the worst moment of my life and I can't stop crying/laughing or </div>
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demanding it to be photographed.</div>
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This was pretty awful. If you ever wondered what heavy cream and tears looked like. </div>
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True friends show up to your house when your jerk dog blows bear spray through your apartment, they pull your hair back while you cry into heavy cream in your kitchen sink and they most importantly take unwarranted selfies of you at your complete worst because that shit is funny. In fact it's just about the only thing I respect. They also wash your dog with milk and soap and then have a beer with you before heading home and telling you how much fun you make their life.<br />
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Your mocking my life right now. But your washing my dog. </div>
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Pretty sure I may never see the same way again but Ponds is in the </div>
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midst of free publicity. I can only see pain. </div>
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Ignore my ugly suffering mug and pay tribute to how awesome my T shirt is. It says, "Philly, No one likes us and we don't care." Truer words have never been spoken. Fly Eagles Fly. #Reppingphilly</div>
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I wish I could offer some moral of the story but it's a couple of hours later and my lips are still on fire, my lungs feel singed and I am still sporting a ponds cold cream hitler stash. All I can say is Sage Monkey may have finally out done her Aunt Luna...AKA Hell puppy with this one. Sage has earned herself back into the the crate 3 to 4 hours a day pending good behavior. Jen and I have another insane story to throw into our almost 27 year history together. Sage is okay which is all I really care about. And if there was ever any doubt in my mind......I don't ever want to be maced or run into a grizzly.<br />
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Follow our shenanigans on facebook at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer </a><br />
<br />byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-35629119631457729112014-08-11T05:33:00.002-07:002014-08-11T05:38:49.278-07:00A Tale of Two Sage's and a Dog Named Sprig<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunset Saturday Night</div>
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This past Saturday, Sage and I packed up my truck and headed out to Wisdom, MT to run her in her NAVHDA Natural Ability Test. The testing grounds in Wisdom are located about a three hour drive from where we live in Bozeman. It also happens to be located in a Bermuda Triangle type area as there is absolutely no cell service there for miles and miles and miles. Sage Monkey and I opted to embrace the off grid theme and slept in the bed of my truck for the night on the testing grounds. Life is an adventure after all.<br />
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We rolled in around 7pm cracked a bottle of wine and started to mingle and hang out with the other Sharptail Chapter testees. There was some incredibly cool cats there and they made us feel extremely welcomed. I ate the most amazing elk burger for dinner. The chef happened to be the owner of The <a href="http://thegourmetcellar.com/" target="_blank">Gourmet Cellar</a> in Livingston, MT. Lets just say as the night progressed and the booze flowed she kept bringing out the most delicious tidbits of things to try. Consider this a public service announcement....If you go to Livingston and don't go here your just dumb. Seriously. Her stuff is AMAZING. And I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't feel that everyone needs to go there. So like go. Now. Your inner fat kid will thank you.<br />
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A members 66' Airstream. I had a legit RV crush on it.</div>
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So after I caught a snootful and Sage and I retired to bed two things happened. Number one.....I woke up in the middle of the night when it was about 42 degrees and realized I made legit poor choices not wearing socks to bed. And number two....around one AM a young lady named Lynsie from Idaho Falls pulled in and parked next to me and also camped out in her car for the remainder of the night. Upon waking and meeting Lynsie we quickly realized we owned Twinsies.<br />
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Sage number 1....owned by this gal.</div>
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Sage number 2....owned by that gal. </div>
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What are the chances right? Anyway Lynsie (who also has a Y in her name...which clearly means she's rad) was a blast to hang with for the day. And her Sage Monkey was a real gem.<br />
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And then there was Sprig. Sprig is owned by an extremely nice woman who due to health issues is not optimally capable of running her own dog in the test. Her owner called me on Friday and asked me would I be wiling to run her dog in it's NA test on Sunday when Sage ran. I agreed to run her dog but explained that since I had no relationship with her dog, had never trained her dog that I could not guarantee that it would respond to me but that I would do my best to help her. And for the record it can be very stressful running one dog at a test let alone two. But I digress.<br />
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This is Sprig</div>
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12 month old Sprig is incredibly sweet and very loving. She almost melts into your touch when you get your hands on her. Her eyes are so sweet they almost talk to you. I felt after some quick leash work that we just might be OK together as a team. I ran her through her birdwork and although there was a learning curve dealing with a dog I didn't know Sprig and I managed to get through rather well. It was a good confidence booster. We just might pull this off me and Sprig!<br />
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A few hours later we had our opportunity to tackle the track. As Sprig and I tromped across the field together in unison I spoke excitedly to her and I felt incredibly hopeful. I didn't release her until I felt she was on track and off she went. After a couple of quick seconds Sprig left the scent trail and began hunting. I knew it wasn't good and the judges after giving her every opportunity to regain her position instructed me to collect my dog. As I walked toward Sprig she kept her distance perfectly. She stopped responding to me entirely and then began to range out drawing me into deeper waters. She was messing with me on an epic level and like a good baited fishy I was long for the ride.<br />
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I kept after her calling her, then hacking her in, then desperation set in. My sweet buddy Sprig decided to break-up with me, gave me the paw and before I knew it the entire test was brought to screeching halt as I couldn't get control of her. I ventured out into this extremely high grass that was littered with gigantic holes and every time my foot fell into one and I fell on my face I scrambled to get back up. Eventually Sprig was captured and the test resumed on schedule. I started to think sweet Sprig was possessed by the devil.<br />
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After the track we all headed over to the pond in which we would throw some bumpers for our pups. The pond was located about a mile from the parking lot. Yea...a mile. It was a like I rode through the desert on a horse with no name to get there. Sage was a raving mad woman trying to scoop up mouthfuls of fresh cow patties along the way. The entire walk out to the pond I worked in curse words like artists work in watercolor to deter her from the poop fest. <br />
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Long story short when I brought Sprig up to the water I got her very excited about the bumper, chucked it in and BOOM! Success.....she went right in after it. Awesome right? Yeah....for about 10 seconds. Then the judge told me to call her in. She came back towards shore and got about 2 feet from my reach. Then she looked right threw my eyes into my soul and then it was almost like her mouth actually moved and she said, "Go fuck yourself" and then she ran away. In what felt like about a thousand yards in a happy get fucked kind of gait. I turned and looked at the judges and they said, "Go collect your dog". I sincerely wish that I had a Polaroid of my face. You know like the awful pictures they take of you on a roller coaster ride and then try to peddle to you to buy it for outrageous amounts of cash. For the record I would have totally bought that photo. So incredibly funny. Anyway after what felt like an eternity to me two other ladies came out and helped me capture good ole Spriggy.<br />
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See that tree line behind the tent.....the parking lot was behind that. #mile #Horsewithnoname</div>
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So my Sage Monkey had interesting day. She didn't get that prize one we were gunning for but she did do a lot of really good things. She hunts for me, she is incredibly steady and she oozes cooperation. The plan is to retest her Labor Day weekend with the Big Sky Chapter then hunt her all season and get at UT work come spring. I wasn't upset she didn't get the prize one today....we'll get it and I'll learn and become a better more seasoned handler in the process. And considering the day we did just fine. <br />
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Follow our shenanigan as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963?ref_type=bookmark" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>.byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-57770306511814107842014-07-17T17:26:00.001-07:002014-07-17T17:26:46.850-07:00Bozeman or Bust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Three and half weeks ago Sage and I set out on a life changing adventure moving across the country from Bucks County, Pennsylvania to Bozeman, Montana. If your wondering why we made the move please check out my last post <a href="http://gsphuntingdog.blogspot.com/2014/06/breaking-up-is-hard-to-do.html" target="_blank">Breaking up is hard to do</a>. Thankfully Sage and I had some much appreciated company on the trip as we enlisted the help of my father.<br />
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We packed my GMC truck to the gils and set out pulling a 6' x 12' U-haul trailer. We drove a total of 2,338 miles and shared laughs and tears along the way. I got to hear about my dad's childhood, about my mom when she was young, how he got his start in business, the lessons he learned in life, I heard stories about my grandparents that I have never heard before. We took some side trips and cruised the Badlands, we visited Mount Rushmore and very excitedly explored Devil's Tower.<br />
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Chilling with George, Tommy, Teddy and Abe</div>
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Close Encounters of the Third Kind!!!!</div>
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We also took a day and explored some of Yellowstone National Park. We got within 20 feet of a black bear while driving, we saw a peregrine falcon feeding her young, we saw geysers, bison and elk. We cruised through Paradise Valley and saw the Roosevelt Arch. It went from sunny and 65 degrees to 36 and a hail storm as we drove through Dunraven's Pass. It was an awesome and memorable day.<br />
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My dad refused to let me pay for gas along the way, he moved me into my apartment, built my furniture, and explored my new town with me. We drank wine on my front balcony and watched the sun set on the Bridgers. I loved and cherished every single second I spent with my father on this trip. He made me feel so loved. I'm the luckiest damn kid to have gotten him as my dad. Taking him to the airport and saying goodbye was the hardest part of the entire trip but he has since learned how to text and we have been talking on a daily basis which I look forward to and love.<br />
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Bones for Sage Monkey...wine for us!</div>
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Sunset from my balcony</div>
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Since my dad has returned to Pennsylvania, Sage and I have settled into our new town. We love it here. The constant breath taking scenery never gets old. Sage has gotten to explore all kinds of cover and water. She's been getting out on birds on a weekly basis and has even found some pheasants on our morning runs around town. Saying we are looking forward to hunting season is a complete understatement. She's getting acclimated to apartment living but hopefully soon I will be getting her back into a home with a yard. In the meantime she is loving having that lake across from our digs. She pretty much lives in hunting doggie heaven. Cleo and Luna would love it here.<br />
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Sunrise on our morning run</div>
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Shooting some birds over a very steady Sage</div>
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Sage and I are in a great place (both physical and mental). Every weekend we go exploring and find some other new natural treasure to enjoy. Now that we are getting settled I'll be posting more about our shenanigans. I also want to thank all you readers for the amazing amount of support you have offered. I have gotten all your messages, kind words and notes of support. Every word was read and greatly appreciated. I apologize if I didn't respond to them all as the last few months have been hectic to say the least. But were back and ready to return to what this blog is all about!<br />
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Check us out and follow us on Facebook at Adventures of a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963?ref_type=bookmark" target="_blank">German Shorthaired Pointer</a>!<br />
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byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-32380150570409859562014-06-11T17:44:00.000-07:002014-09-21T22:28:18.156-07:00Breaking Up Is Hard To Do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a hard post to write and to be honest I'd rather not be writing it. But in reality you can't have a blog that follows your adventures for 4 years and not explain to your loyal followers why everything moving forward will be different. Jim and I after 7 plus years are breaking up.<br />
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We've had a tough last 8 weeks since we've officially decided to put an end to us. We are very aware and on the same page that dissolving our relationship has had to come from a place of kindness and not from a place of anger or venom. We also have a very high understanding that this decision affects not only us but our families, Jim's daughter, our close mutual friends and our fur kids. Heartbreakingly this means that we will be splitting up the pointer pack. (Insert sobbing while typing).<br />
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Cleo and Luna will remain with Jim. They have always been "our" babies but Jim has made the financial investment into their training. I have been and currently am struggling incredibly with this. They have been my babies their entire lives and it hurts my heart on an astronomical level that I won't be waking up to their kisses and hugs, there will be no more afternoon grappling matches and dog walks, no more hours of fetch off the deck or wrestling moles from Luna's mouth. It breaks my heart that at least for awhile I know they will wait for me to come home but I won't be there.<br />
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But Jim is a good dog dad and he loves them every single bit as much as I do. He will take great care of them. I'm sure for the next few months I will be sending him text messages to remind him to check Luna's left ear (she sometimes gets a yeast infection in that ear), or reminding him to check Cleo's belly after hunting (since having babies her belly gets a bit more scratched up). I'm sure I'll ask if he's had their nails trimmed lately and checked them for ticks. I'm going to worry and I'm going to cry myself asleep at night for a very long time. But eventually...I know I won't. And eventually we all will be OK because that's what happens. At least that's what I'm telling myself. <br />
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Guinea Pig size Sage's first selfie! </div>
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5 month old Sage and I with dear friend Raf and Phoenix</div>
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From the moment Sage was born she was mine or rather in reality I was hers. She stuck a claim to me early and will remain with me forever.<br />
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My best friend Jenny of 26 years who lives in Bozeman</div>
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In addition, my situation will be changing drastically as Sage and I will be moving out of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Next weekend we set out on a 2,200 mile journey across the United States to settle in Bozeman, Montana. I have always wanted to move out west and I will have a great support system in Bozeman. Sage will have access to amazing hunting opportunities and I will get to focus on some fly fishing. We have already joined the NAVHDA Sharptail chapter and Sage will test with them this August.<br />
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My heart hurts that Sage won't have her Momma Cleo and Aunt Luna. It hurts my heart that I will not either. Next year when Jimmy breeds Luna we have agreed that I will take a female pup so both Sage and I will still get to have a part of her beloved Auntie. And Jim has promised to send lots of texts and video so I can keep you guys up to date with the Pointer Sisters. I have a feeling I will wait with bated breath for those pics. (Insert sobbing while typing).<br />
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I know change can freak a lot of people out. Sometimes change comes out of the blue or it happens without notice. This is why they say to write your life plans in pencil. I know how attached you've all grown to Cleo and Luna (imagine how I feel). But we will push on. This blog will still be about hunting and non-hunting adventures. It will still include witty and nonsensical posts. It will evolve and become something new. Kind of like me through this experience. I hope you stick around for the ride. I hope your still here laughing with me, drinking wine or bourbon slushies at inappropriate times and occasionally at times like this crying with me. There is a magical adventure afoot for Sage and I hope your here to experience it with us.<br />
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Follow us on facebook at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-65974685481225619192014-05-14T18:21:00.000-07:002014-05-14T18:21:42.221-07:00I once caught a GSP this big!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hook, Line and Sinker</div>
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At the end of last week Jim took Cleo and Luna to a local pond to work them on duck searches. A duck search is a key part of the NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Associations) Utility Test. Each year we run the girls in UT as it gives us something to works towards with them during the off season of hunting. While out on her search Cleo got snagged by an abandoned fishing lure. Both ends of the lure were adorned with triple hooks. One triple hook embedded itself deep in her chest and the other triple hook found a home in her front leg. She was stuck and unable to move. Each step she took dug the barbs deeper in her little spotted body. So she basically hung out and waited for Jimmy to see that something was wrong and come collect her.<br />
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This is kinda of what the lure looked like. All medieval on two ends</div>
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The barbs in her leg came out relatively easy but the other triple hook really embedded itself in her chest. By design you can't pull the hook out backwards due to the barb. They each had to be pulled forward exposing the barb and we could cut it off. To make matters worse the barbs were dull so they weren't breaking back through her skin. Sounds pretty awful huh?<br />
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The vet ended up giving her a local so we could be more aggressive in getting it out. She was trooper the entire time even though she was in considerable pain.<br />
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The only reason I was present to get dogarazzi pics shown above was because I was also at the vets office that morning. Why you might ask? Well I was there to get Sage's leg stapled back together. Yea...you read that right. **Sigh** Mommy Daughter Day at the vet is AWESOME....said no one ever.<br />
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The Cone of Shame</div>
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Jim had Sage out running in a field the morning before Cleo did her best impersonation of a fish and she somehow managed to get caught up in some barbed wire. (I assuming you all realized that both of these scenarios occurred on Jimbo's watch so I don't have to point it out. See what I did right there?) Anyway, her front right leg got a nasty gash so Jim rushed her to the vet and they glued it back together. Within a few hours Captain Dangerous managed to rip it back open so I was there to get it stapled back together.<br />
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Crazy eyes and a bootlegged sock</div>
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Sage hates the cone. Like a lot. She uses it like a battering ram in what I am assuming is an attempt to break it off or just constantly remind me how much she hates it. Either way I have been getting the message loud and clear. But no matter how much of a hindrance it may seem it hasn't even slowed her down. In fact she may have even picked up steam.<br />
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Contemplating how to use the cone as a weapon of mass destruction</div>
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Stealing patio furniture cushions and running clear across the yard with them</div>
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And mission accomplished</div>
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Look how pleased she is with herself in that last photo. We are now on cone two. I'm praying it makes it to Friday but it's survival is a total crap shoot. It would be fun to take bets on its survival but in reality its probably more fun to take odds on how much I drink between now and when the cone comes off. Anyhow stayed tuned for updates and follow our shenanigans on facebook at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>.<br />
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<br />byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-68851083687159374242014-04-09T16:38:00.001-07:002015-05-03T20:43:28.655-07:00Sage the Savage: 4 month update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's hard for me to believe that my little Sage monkey is 4 1/2 months old. I feel the last few months have flown by at lightening speed. When both Cleo and Luna were pups I found myself just waiting for the stress of the puppy months to be a distant memory (the teething, the potty training, and unruliness). With Sage I'm hanging on to every nano second that she is still a puppy. Third time around you undoubtedly appreciate how short lived those fanciful puppy months are. They have a lifetime to be the dogs they quickly become but only a short time to be rambunctious pups.<br />
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It's clear though that her puppyhood is coming to an end. Sage is getting huge. Last Saturday at the vet she tipped the scales a 35lbs! That's 5lbs more than Luna weighed at this age and more than half of Cleo's current weight. Sage is going to be a big girl! A trait she clearly inherited from her daddy VC Sharp Shooters Doc Holliday.<br />
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Keeping her gigantic pup paws off the counter has been a constant battle. She is hands down the most food motivated puppy I have ever seen. Every time we open the fridge door, a cabinet or the pantry she materializes out of thin air and puts on her best begging show. She also doesn't discriminate. I'm pretty sure she would eat anything we offered her. One of her favorite foods hands down are fresh green beans (just like her Momma). Luna is not a fan of veggies but will take one begrudgingly just so she's not left out. Luna wishes bacon grew on trees.<br />
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No one be alarmed! It's Jim shoe so its OK. ;)</div>
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Sage is a wild woman. Not quite to Luna "hell puppy" status but then again not many dogs can get to that level. Luna has left a legacy and some very big shoes to fill....or eat. With that said Sage is doing her best to leave her imprint. She gets into plenty of things she shouldn't and is never even remotely apologetic about it. Which certainly is par for the course.<br />
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Running down the big dogs!</div>
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Oh how the tables have turned little dog</div>
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In the last few weeks she has earned the nickname "Savage". Sage has a touch of alpha in her and her most favorite thing in the world is some good old fashioned wrestling. Last week in the yard I watched her take down Luna and later in a moment of complete insanity she drug her mom Queen Cleo to the ground. That is by no means an easy feat and the result was as an entertaining ass kicking from Momma. I guess she never learned the lesson don't try to dance with the old man (or your mom) unless your absolutely ready. And just like her mother she talks, snarls and growls the entire time she plays making her sound like Cujo. Cleo is vocal dog and this is just how they play but to others I'm sure they think Sage is well....Savage.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> If synchronized sleeping was an Olympic sport</span><span style="text-align: center;"> they would </span><span style="text-align: center;">take gold</span></div>
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Momma Baby Snugs</div>
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Although she can be barbaric during playtime Sage has to be the sweetest most endearing pup. Whens she's ready for downtime she will come and paw at Jim or I to let us know she's ready to snuggle. I'll go sit on the couch and she will jump up, nest in my lap, lay her head on my neck and promptly fall asleep. She loves to be touched, cuddled and held. If she can't occupy our laps she snugs in as tight as Cleo and Luna will allow. She is a lover to the core. When we nap together she lays her head across my neck and chest or if she's cold she rests on my hip under the covers. I love holding her and can't get enough of her love. I think Aunt Luna feels the same way and has opted to give up her mornings sleeping in with me to chew faces and play with Sage Monkey.</div>
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Her field training has been coming along superbly. She runs great, uses her nose and is pointing. I couldn't possibly be more happy. She is responding to my whistle and shows me little glimpses of the future and the amazing hunter she is destined to be. Handling her myself has been a blast and the thought of getting to watch her develop over this summer in preparation for our trip to North Dakota this fall has me pumped! Although I'm not so sure Cleo and Luna love the extra time I get out and spend with her in the field.<br />
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We've also been training with a good portion of the pups from Cleo's litter. I'll do a blog post later this month showing some of their progress in the field as well. In the meantime follow us on facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>.<br />
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<br />byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-21987362151070587522014-03-23T16:46:00.000-07:002014-03-24T06:13:16.492-07:00Bird Hunter Problems<br />
What exactly are bird hunter problems? Well BHP's typically afflict those that prefer to spend their free time chasing elusive birds such as but not limited to grouse, pheasants, ducks, geese, quail, woodcock ect. This same group has been known to have a propensity towards bourbon, fine fire arms and in most situations would prefer to be in the sanctity of the outdoors than anywhere else. They are inherently good folks who after purchasing hunting dogs found themselves buying trucks, truck caps, custom kennels, kayaks, pigeon lofts, racing pigeons, expensive shotguns, remote bird traps, engraved whistles.....and as such through no fault of their own they leave themselves vulnerable to ridiculous situations the rest of the population never seem to find themselves in. At some point in the vortex of my life I went from "I may have problems" to crap....."I have Bird Hunter Problems". The following scenario is prime example of the situations that can only occur in our lives.<br />
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This meme has nothing to do with the ensuing story but it makes </div>
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me laugh. I salute whoever made this. </div>
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Allow me to the set the stage. I'm leaving the gym on my lunch break from work this past Friday and Jim calls.<br />
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Ring Ring! (That's my best-worst impersonation of my cell phone ringing which isn't a good impersonation at all because its always on vibrate. BUT lets all play along. It's more fun that way).<br />
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Ring Ring!<br />
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Me: Hey Jimbo!<br />
Jim: Hi Baby! (This is a good time for me to note that Jim normally replies "Hey Rob!". And his use of "Baby" is an immediate indication he's been involved in or orchestrated some amount of tomfoolery).<br />
Me: Uh huh.....What's happening?<br />
Jim: We kinda have a problem. (Shocking Jimbo, Shocking)<br />
Me: Like what kind of problem? <br />
Jim: Some of the pigeons got out of their pen.<br />
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See we HAD a pigeon coop in the backyard. But Cleo and Luna couldn't handle one being on the property. They would obsess and bark and do everything they could to get to the coop. It got to the point that we have been forced to move the pigeons (when we occasionally have them) into the hidden safety of our garage. Yea....not ideal but its probably way better for them in the long run. Cool in the summer. Warm in the winter. No mouthy shorthairs barking obscenities at them. It's a regular old flying rat resort here. Now back to our conversation.<br />
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Me: Seriously? How did that happen?<br />
Jimbo: The latch must not have been put on tight. (Ummmm no one opened the latch but you Jimbo....but I digress)<br />
Me: So like how many pigeons are we talking?<br />
Jimbo: Um....15 maybe?<br />
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See our ranch styled home was built in the early 1970's so at the time a full firewall (meaning one that goes from the floor to the interior roof line) between the garage and the house was not required. Since purchasing the house four years ago it's always been on the list to put one in. But we opted to gut the interior and spend ample time bringing the outside up to date. So in an essence there is no barrier at an attic level between our garage and our attic. Wonder where the pigeons flew off too!?!?!?!!<br />
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Me: So...where are the pigeons now. (Legit passive aggressive rhetorical question).<br />
Jimbo: Well you know......<br />
**Awkward Silence**<br />
Jimbo: I'll need your help tonight<br />
**Awkward Silence**<br />
Me: (Smashing my face into my steering wheel) Ok honey. Can't wait.<br />
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This is Jim catching loose pigeons in the attic (by crawling around with a fishing net and a flashlight) and then handing them down to me to put back in their pen. He's laughing because I'm determined to document this since no one will ever believe me otherwise. (And yes...sadly were sober). #birdhunterproblems</div>
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Want some more bird hunter problems? Feel free to check this ridiculous post out: <a href="http://gsphuntingdog.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-unseen-dangers-of-duck-work.html" target="_blank">The Unseen Dangers of Duck Work</a>.<br />
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And be sure to follow our shenanigans on facebook by liking us at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer.</a><br />
<br />byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-22402356581052266032014-02-27T17:07:00.001-08:002015-05-03T20:43:04.759-07:00Sage's First Chukar at 12 weeks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've had such an AWFUL winter this year in the northeast. It's been a constant barrage of snow and ice storms. As a native Pennsylvanian, people here are ready to tar and feather that jerk groundhog <a href="http://www.groundhog.org/" target="_blank">Punxsutawney Phil</a> because this is clearly all his fault. For those of you not accustomed to weird Pennsylvanian traditions which you should all be because Harold Ramis (may he rest in peace) made a hilarious movie called <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107048/" target="_blank">Groundhog Day</a> staring Bill Murray in 1993. In that movie Bill Murray is forced to live Groundhog day over and over and over which is what this winter feels like. It's never frigging ending. But anyway for all of you who may live under rocks if our boy Phil sees his shadow, which he did this year, were doomed to 6 more weeks of winter. Because basing weather predictions on a stinky land beaver isn't weird at all. But anyway you cut it it's still snowing and the ice is still not melting and were still not working birds or hunting as much as we should be. Which is sad. And disappointing. I hate you extra worst than normal winter.<br />
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So this past weekend we escaped the PA snow and traveled to the Mills in NJ to join <a href="http://shoreshotkennel.com/" target="_blank">Bob Gelder</a> and a group of his puppies to work them on some chukars. Bob owns <a href="http://shoreshotkennel.com/" target="_blank">Shore Shot GSP's</a> in Ocean County, NJ and had a litter out of his VC female Bonnie 2 1/2 weeks before Cleo whelped her litter. Bob also owns Cleo and Luna's sire Max so all the puppies that were there were half siblings to our big girls which made it even more exciting to see them in action. I think Bob invited us because he knew I'd go crazy if we didn't get Sage out on some birds. <a href="http://shoreshotkennel.com/" target="_blank">Bob</a> is a good friend.<br />
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It's like Ghostbusters....don't cross the streams (or leads in this case)</div>
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When we got there is was PUPPY OVERLOAD!! There were 6 or 7 puppies from Bonnie and Max's litter! Sage had a blast rolling in the dirt and sand with those pups. It was fantastic from a socialization standpoint and I swear it was the first time Sage has touched anything other than ice or snow in 5 weeks. She was loving every second of it.<br />
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I see you Chukar!!!</div>
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YEHAW!!!!</div>
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WHAT!?! Where are you going?</div>
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When it was time to get her out we threw out a chukar and just let her chase it trying to develop some drive in her. When she finally chased it down and got close enough it would hide and you could see her using her nose to locate it. She would flash point it a bit before eventually pouncing. She would pick it up and carry it for a bit. Another throw of the chukar would send her tearing off through the woods. She did an AWESOME job at 12 weeks of age. I think we will do this with her one more time and then transition into not allowing her to have the bird and start popping some pigeons.<br />
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Feathers are the new milk mustache</div>
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When Sage Monkey was done with her chukar Jimbo took the big girls out and ran them in a nearby field. After they were out about 5 minutes I took Sage up to the edge of the field to see if she wanted to run a bit. When we arrived Momma Cleo who was half a field away stopped dead in her tracks and looked hard in our direction. She took off towards us shifting through her gears and when she arrived she greeted Sage with tail wagging enthusiasm. She leaned in and touched her nose to Sage's nose and I could almost hear her say, come on kid lets go! And off they went with Sage running as fast her rabbit hoppy back legs could go. Momma Cleo and Auntie Luna ran her far across the field and Jim and I stood there together in awe with a feeling of real contentment. This is going to be the best summer ever.<br />
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Check back and follow our shenanigans on facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963?ref=hl" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>.byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-79412683971263568412014-02-26T16:39:00.002-08:002015-05-03T20:43:55.281-07:00Pupdate: And Then There Was One and She was Wild<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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GSP Sandwich</div>
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Five weeks ago 7 of Cleo's 8 puppies headed home to begin their lives with their new families. That weekend was met with mixed emotions from Jim and I. The last two nights the entire pack was together Jim and I got uncharacteristically sentimental. We knew every second we had with them we had to make them count. Hugs were extra long, puppy kisses were even more cherished and when they transitioned into wild little devil dogs we laughed a little harder. When the weekend was over I took some extra solace in a glass of wine or two (in reality, if were being honest that's probably a gross under estimate.....don't throw stones people). We loved each and every one of those pups SO MUCH. But they have all been placed with the most amazing hunting families and we couldn't possibly be more pleased. And when it was all said and done and the dust finally settled there was one pup left and she is ours....and she is a flippin wild woman.<br />
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Sage Monkey</div>
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Sage is a free spirited trouble maker. She's not nearly to <a href="http://gsphuntingdog.blogspot.com/2012/06/gsp-puppy-chronicles-kicking-mischief.html" target="_blank">hell puppy level.</a>...yet. But in her defense we've had nothing but snow for weeks so she really hasn't had the opportunity to live up to <a href="http://gsphuntingdog.blogspot.com/2012/09/raising-bar-of-badness.html" target="_blank">Luna's hell puppy Legend</a>. I have no doubts that she will spawn some tall tales on this blog. </div>
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She has moments when she is mellow and then moments when she is an absolute friggin handful. All sharp pointy puppy teeth and her mothers back talking Sass. She runs hard for hours at a time and then crumbles into a lap to snuggle and sleep. We are more relaxed with her than we ever were with Cleo or Luna. The third time down this path were not even remotely phased by anything she can throw at us. In fact we are incredibly entertained and loving every single minute of it. There is this line from the movie Parenthood that came out in 1989 with Steve Martin and Keanu Reeves when Mary Steenburgen's character says, "It's because he was our first. I mean, I think we were very tense when Kevin was little. If he got a scratch, we were hysterical. By the third kid, you know, you let them juggle knives." Or in our case toilet paper rolls. </div>
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She's incredibly aware and smart for her age. We hope its a sign of good things to come especially in the field. If we would get rid of this never ending snow we'd be spending way more time outside with her. But good things come to those who wait (that is such horseshit btw....I WANT THE SNOW GONE....it's making me mental).</div>
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Cleo had enough of Sage's crap. She dug a hole with Aunt Lulu's </div>
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help and they stuffed her in there. </div>
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She LOVES battling her mother and testing her patience every single second she can, which feels incredibly vindicating for the years of torture Cleo has put me through. Now she has a savage little clone to push her buttons. Muhahahahaha! On the other hand Luna is her beloved snuggle buddy and they are constantly sharing dog cave snugs. Sage is also consistently trying to "share" (AKA Steal) her bones which has gone over like a lead balloon with Aunt Lu. Sage is the most food motivated puppy I have ever seen. She comes running the second she hears the refrigerator doors open, or when we open the cabinet that holds their doggie treats. She watches intently when I cook dinner and some how managed to steal an oven mitt the other night. Go figure how she pulled that off. </div>
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Doesn't make you just want to climb in there with them!?</div>
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Puppy sleepy time</div>
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She's a gem of a puppy and we are completely smitten with her. And were excited to take you all along for the ride as she grows with us and our pack. Check back and follow our shenanigans on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>!</div>
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byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-62151709750415812852014-01-16T18:24:00.002-08:002015-05-03T20:44:27.886-07:00Cleo and Pupdate: 7 Weeks old and Counting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Orange and Mini Doc</div>
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Let me fill you in incase you don't know already...when GSP puppies reach 6 weeks of age (specifically Cleo and Doc puppies) you start questioning if they are part Velociraptor. All of their cute and whimsical innocence has left them and has been unequivocally replaced with hell raising, whelping room destroying, spotted leg biters. Jim came home last week and they had somehow used their black voodoo magic to separate the two connected whelping boxes and spilled out into the whelping box room to reek as much havoc as possible. They spent approximately 2 hours shredding bags of stockpiled newspaper, emptied a full box of black hefty trash bags and played tug of war with them and oh did I mention....they shit everywhere? Take that lightly colored beige carpet! They worked with doody like some artists work in watercolor. The boxes are now reinforced with ridiculous don't fail me now industrial clamps and we've also bought stock in Stanley Steamer.<br />
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Periwinkle<br />
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The pups personalities are really starting to shine through. Periwinkle (black and roan female) has happily filled the Houdini role. At least once a day when one of us enters the whelping room she comes and meets us at the door. Yea....lets back that up. SHE COMES AND MEETS US AT THE DOOR. She should be in the whelping box with all the other pups but she somehow manages to escape ALL THE TIME. We've removed the whelping box rails and Jim built a special attachment to increase the height of the whelping box door but she still manages to get enough leverage to pull her chubby spotted belly over the wall. She has even now figured out to get back in once she's finished her self granted playtime. We know this because she never forgets to leave her calling card. Bet you can imagine what that is.<br />
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Sweet Green - Liver Roan Male</div>
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Although they are quite mischievous all the pups are incredibly loving. They love to be held and snuggled and each one gives excellent kisses. They respond amazingly well to a whistle and hearing one from Jim or I will send them barreling down the halls like a herd of elephants. We get them out of the whelping room 3 or 4 times a day to let them play and interact with Cleo and Luna around the house. It's been a blast to watch them experience new things and they soak up everything like little sponges. Cleo LOVES being with her puppies and will lay on the floor letting them chew on her face and ears. She pokes them with her paws and goats them into chasing her around the living room. She brings them toys to play with and wags her stubby little tail with furor.<br />
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Big Red - Black and Roan male</div>
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Blue Bear - Black and Roan Male</div>
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Purple - Liver and Roan Female</div>
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The pups coats have darkened considerably and they have been growing and packing on the weight. We haven't weighed them in a couple of days but I have no doubt that at 7 weeks old some of the males are close to tipping the scales at 12 pounds. I'm starting to think some of these pups are going to be absolutely huge when they go home in a week. At least two of the male pups will be pretty large in size maybe even Doc size! Only time will tell. They have been to the vet and received their first deworming and DHPP booster. Not one of them fussed or cried at the vets and Mini Doc seemed to love his banana flavored dewormer. I have a feeling he might be a food hound.<br />
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Yellow</div>
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We have also decided on who we are going to be keeping out of this litter. She is a black and roan female and wore the yellow collar. Her name will be Von Schonheits Across the Plains and we will call her Sage. Like all the pups she is very bold, super aware and maybe too intelligent for her own good but more than that I've developed a great emotional attachment to her. She also has a propensity for chewing on Jim's shoes and quite frankly after all the stuff of mine Cleo and Luna have destroyed over the years its high time I have my own minion. I mean its only fair right!? Besides I can't even begin to explain how excited I am for her to be my personal gun dog!!<br />
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Cleo Update!</div>
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Cleo is doing much better! At her most recent follow-up appointment they were able to express some nasty fluid from her infected mammary gland which showed she still has an infection. So she will be on antibiotics for another 3 weeks. She goes back next week for another checkup. You would never know it from her sassiness that she still has an infection. Her spirits are up and she's even giving me some barky back talk. This past sunday we even took her hunting.<br />
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Cleo on Point with Doc honoring while Jim and Geof flush the chukar</div>
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Considering that Cleo hadn't been out on birds since she was bred to Doc in September her fieldwork was spot on and she ran like she never had any health issues in the last few weeks. You can tell it did her soul good to get out and do what she was meant to do in life. It put a little extra bounce in her step and Jim and I finally breathed that we had our baby back. It was also awesome getting Cleo and Doc together for a little reunion. Luna was there as well as two more of Geof Ferrer's GSP's. We ran them two at a time and at the end of the hunt cut all 5 dogs loose at once. I can't begin to explain how nice it is to watch 5 well trained and finished dogs work together. Below are some pics from our chukar hunt at <a href="http://www.bentcreekpreserve.net/" target="_blank">Bent Creek Preserve </a>in Allentown, NJ.<br />
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Look at that face...LOVE!! VC Sharp Shooters Doc Holliday</div>
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VC Rahway River's Prince of Darkness on point with Luna honoring in the back</div>
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Luna doing what she does!</div>
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Cleo honoring Doc on point. She hated that skid plate but we wanted to protect her chest. </div>
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Rahway Rivers She's So Fine honoring - Call name Sophie</div>
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Sophie on point with Cleo, Doc and Ozzie honoring. Luna is off to the left honoring as well.</div>
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Doc looking huge and handsome!</div>
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Just wanted to thank everyone again for the outpouring of support we recieved when Cleo got horribly ill. All the comments and well wishes really did my heart well. There is something to say about all of you for rallying around us when we needed your good vibes. Thank you.<br />
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Check us out on facebook and show us some love! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a><br />
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<br />byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-19593700032887672672013-12-29T19:40:00.000-08:002014-03-12T13:40:00.219-07:00Our Experience with Canine Mastitis<br />
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This is not an easy post for me to write considering I'm still pretty emotionally raw from this past weeks occurrences. To be honest I really grappled with even sharing our experiences. Believe it or not I'm actually a pretty private person....sounds like a bunch of malarkey coming from a gal who keeps a blog on every little thing her hunting dogs do but I try to keep a good portion of our private life just that...private. I decided to share our story thus far for two reasons. The first being the frustration I felt when I tried to do online research to read about other people experiences with what we were going through and all I found was the same repetitive medical information. I hope that our story will be able to help someone if they ever find themselves in our situation. The second reason is Cleo and Luna have a pretty large and solid following and something doesn't feel right about leaving people who care about Cleo out of the loop. To those people I apologize for not including you all earlier and please trust me when I say there where many times when I really wanted to let you all know for the moral support I'm certain you would have offered. But the idea of playing this emotional roller coaster ride out publicly without certainty of Cleo's well being or future was entirely too much. <br />
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In case you don't know what Mastitis is it's a bacterial infection in the milk ducts of one or more mammary glands in lactating bitches. Mastitis affects humans, it's a huge issue in dairy cows and it can happen to other domestic animals such as sheep, goats, dogs and cats. In canines it can occur from a back up of milk from a nipple getting less use than other nipples, a sharp puppy nail or tooth can cause a cut which then can become infected, or the dog could have sustained a cut or opening another way allowing bacteria to get in, poor diet or poor hygiene and honestly sometimes it just happens. Like many maladies Mastitis can occur to varying degrees from minor to extreme. Mastitis in a severe form can kill your dog. Cleo's case was more along the severe lines. Below is our story. I try to be as detailed as possible.<br />
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One week ago on Sunday, December 22nd Cleo became rather restless around midnight. Jimmy got up and took her outside to do her business. When they returned she settled down for a short period of time before she became restless again. Jimmy got up again with her and took her outside once more and then stayed with her while she nursed her pups. The pups had been introduced to solid foods 2 1/2 days prior but Cleo was still nursing whenever she wanted too or felt the need. I'd like to point out that Jim and I were incredibly diligent about keeping the whelping box clean and the puppies nails trimmed. Her diet was spot on and the puppies were using all nipples. When she finished we all returned to bed around 2am. Two hours later it was clear Cleo was in bad shape. She looked like a shell of her self. She had thrown up multiple times and began having severe diarrhea. I took her temperature and it was 104.2 degrees. I told Jim we needed to either call our vets emergency number now or get her to an emergency vet ASAP. We choose to call our vet at 5am four hours before they opened. Our vet called us back immediately and we had Cleo in her office by 5:30am. 5 1/2 hours from the first time she woke up. Her chest was not swollen or warm to the touch at this point.<br />
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Second visit on day one. Her chest is finally starting to swell</div>
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The vet gave her Sub Q Fluids, did X-rays and took a large panel of blood work and sent her home (we live less than 5 minutes from the vet) pending results. About two hours after we got home Cleo who was already being extraordinarily lethargic became almost catatonic. Her front breasts swelled considerably and became hot to the touch. We put hot compresses on her and tried to get two of the puppies to nurse on her front swollen breast. Neither one would so we tried the largest puppy in the litter and she did feed for a small amount of time before losing interest and going in search of a better nipple. I called out of work and then I called the vet back and she had us come right back in. It was clear that in a few short hours Cleo was on a landslide. They put in an IV, started antibiotics, took more x-rays, expressed the front breasts to see if the milk was clear and it was. In most mastitis cases the milk will be off color and pussy. This was not the case for us. The vet kept Cleo and sent me home to pace frantically. A few hours later the vet called me back. She was very concerned for Cleo and told me that I needed to get her to a board certified vet specialist about 40 minutes away. She said this was moving along too quickly and aggressively. They printed out all the results of the tests they had taken, emailed down copies of the x-rays and I was on my way. Cleo was in such bad shape I had to carry her to my truck once in the parking lot.<br />
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12 hours from walking into our vets office I was standing in the lobby of the Emergency vet. They took Cleo right back and had me meet with a vet. They immediately took a milk sample and worked rather vigorously at trying to milk her front swollen breast and after about 25 minutes they reported back to me that puss was finally expelling from it. The milk would later show she had two kinds of bacteria. I gave them a deposit of $1,200 and was sent home. It was a lonely and depressing ride. I called Jim and told him their wasn't enough bourbon in Bucks County to make me feel better.<br />
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From Jimmy's visit on Christmas Eve</div>
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The next day Jim went and visited her. He reported back that he felt she looked worse and even more swollen. The vets had her on a strong antibiotic called Merrem and were waiting for it to kick in. They told us her blood proteins had really dropped and that was of a concern.<br />
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On Christmas we went to visit her together and I was shocked when she was brought in. She looked horrendous. Her front chest into her leg was incredibly swollen (they said from the protein drop) and her breasts and abdomen were huge. She was in visible pain and discomfort. Worst when I had her lay down and I looked at her belly it looked like her nipple was about to abscess and she had two other dark spots. I asked the vet tech to bring us a doctor. I brought my concerns up to the vet and she agreed that they looked like they could abscess. She responded that she had yet to see Cleo since she had been admitted two days ago and was unsure if her current state had gotten worst. I was all, "YES! YES! It's much worst! DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT". I'd like to note that the vet practice we took her to was very nice....and expensive. But my biggest gripe was every 10 hours she had a new vet (they employ 15 vets) and I never dealt with the same people. It seemed that every time I spoke to someone they were just getting acquainted with her case. Personally I felt it set us back a day and a half.<br />
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Cleo on Christmas blown up like a tick</div>
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One of the areas of concern</div>
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At 4pm Christmas Day a new vet came on shift and called me to say they felt they should do surgery to release some of the infection and that they would maybe put in tubes. At 7pm they performed the surgery and put in 3 tubes in hopes that drainage would prevent any abscesses from breaking through her skin. The day after Christmas I went and visited Cleo. The swelling she had in her breast area decreased by a 1/3. She was ecstatic at my arrival and wagged her little tail is painful glee while expending large amounts of bloody pus all over the place. I removed her cone and laid on the floor on a blanket of the visiting room and held her. She was very uncomfortable and her one front leg was swollen twice the size of the other one. When it came time for me to leave she became extremely distressed almost desperate. It hurt my heart to leave her and I sobbed the entire 40 minute ride home.<br />
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Cleo leaking like a sieve</div>
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The picture does not do the swelling justice</div>
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Such a sad pupper. :(</div>
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The next morning on Friday, December 27th five days after being at the emergency vet they called and told me she had three necrotic holes that broke through over night. One was on her nipple of the infected mammary gland and the other two were in her mid line. They measured 1cm, 1/2cm and 3mm to start. They would eventually get larger. The holes were now draining in addition to the tubes. It was like someone knocked the wind out of me. To make things worst they said after I left Cleo the day before she melted down like Chernobyl and they had to sedate her. They were now keeping her on anti-anxiety meds and that they could never tell me not to come and visit her but I might not want to visit as it was to much for her when I leave. It was the first time in a very long time that once I hung up and started crying I legitimately couldn't stop. For the record I'm no crying sap. Having a black little jaded heart has helped make me a successful fighter....mess with my dog and I transform into a blubbering pile of patheticness.<br />
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Luna picking up her Auntie Duties</div>
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Since I couldn't come visit I started calling every 5 or 6 hours for an update. It might sound like overkill but with all the staff shift changes and me not being able to see her to be her best advocate I felt I needed to at least stay in their ear. Saturday they felt she finally turned the corner. Her cultures finally came back and they switched her off the Merrem and put her on Baytril. They said as long as she was responding to the antibiotic change we could take her home on Sunday. They felt that at this point she would maybe do better at home in a less stressed environment. So today we went and brought our baby home. She still has her tubes in and is walking petri-dish but she is happy to be home with us and her pups.<br />
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How she looked tonight when we got her home. Our first belly inspection.</div>
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When we pulled in the driveway Jim got her out of the truck and she ran (as fast as a tubed sick dog can trot) to the back door were a squealing Luna greeted her through the glass. Lu was so amped up that when we tried to get in she locked us back out. Once in Cleo took off through the house and blasted the whelping room door open. I'm pretty sure that all she thought about this entire week was her puppies. She is less then pleased about not being able to get into the box with them.<br />
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In Cleo's absence the puppies continued to thrive and they are doing amazing at 4 1/2 weeks of age. We are very happy that is she is home with them and us. Not having Cleo threw off our entire family dynamic. Jim and I were heartbroken and felt like a ship without a rudder. Luna was depressed having never been without her for more than a few hours her entire life. I dare even say the cats missed her. No...that's probably not true. Cats never miss anyone.<br />
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Oh we see you back there little man trying to hide in the Christmas presents</div>
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Where we currently stand with Cleo is we need the tubes to finish moving the puss and ooze. The necrotic holes will hopefully close on there own. If they don't they will trim them up and stitch them closed. Hopefully the infection and lumpy swelling will come down in that mammary gland. If it does not then we move onto phase two which is a mastectomy of that front mammary gland. Our Mastitis journey is not quite finished yet but at least we are on the up and up and she is still with us. I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a very dark time in this last week when thought we might lose her. It's been a long and exhausting week and were looking forward to making some progress on her recovery and life getting back to normal. We also need to find a way to get Luna to stop being freaked out by Cleo's cone. Only Hell Puppy I swear. Anyway, you readers and facebook followers have become an extended family for us and we thank you for your well wishes and support.<br />
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Please follow our shenanigans on facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>.<br />
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<br />byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-13272731413634040242013-12-24T16:12:00.000-08:002015-05-03T20:45:18.636-07:00The Anatomy of Holiday Puppy Photo Shoot<div style="text-align: center;">
Warning: Cuteness Overload!! </div>
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SEASONS GREETINGS!!! My gift to you readers this festive season is oodles of cute GSP Puppy holiday inspired photos! Regular followers of this blog and corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">facebook page</a> are well aware that I occasionally (ok...more than occasionally) dress up our two German Shorthaired Pointers in some bizarre holiday attire. It's become a tradition since I first dressed Cleo up as the <a href="http://gsphuntingdog.blogspot.com/2011/04/here-comes-cleo-cottontail-charging.html" target="_blank">Elusive Easter Pointer</a> several years ago. Since then both Cleo and Luna have been adorned in sparkly Tutu's, Snorkle gear....you name it. </div>
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Santa is looking a little extra dapper this year</div>
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I knew this year I would have a rare opportunity considering Cleo blessed us with 8 beautiful puppies 4 weeks ago. I started buying props and outfits weeks before the pups had even whelped. Jim feels its incorrigible behavior but lets be honest.....it's just fantastic planning.<br />
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I solicited the help of my best buddy Jackie Secan (The Thelma to my Louise) to give me a hand and be my primetime puppy stager. Jim was thrilled Jackie was in town to help me and he used it as an opportunity to retreat to the safety of the woods with Cleo and Luna in tow.<br />
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This is Sleepy. The less well known 10th reindeer.</div>
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I'd like to note that having a puppy stager is invaluable because there is no way to get quality shots without some help. When dealing with adult dogs I can whoa them and bribe them with tasty treats. With little puppies you are completely at their mercy. So for all the decent shots you manage to capture there are just as many awful ones. I've included a few bloopers below for your amusement. </div>
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Sometimes you get photobombed</div>
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The talent can walk off the set</div>
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This is what happens when Santa's sleigh goes from zero</div>
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to sixty (Hold on to your britches)</div>
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Wardrobe malfunctions can and do occur</div>
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And the talent can fall asleep</div>
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We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! Be sure to check us out and follow our shenanigans on facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>.<br />
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byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-3994145254429462152013-12-14T15:25:00.001-08:002015-05-03T20:45:38.044-07:00Pupdate: Puppy Development and Crazy Aunt Luna <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Red ALWAYS sleeps with his tongue out. </div>
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The puppies are 17 days old today and doing fantastic! They are gaining weight like crazy having more than doubled their birth weight and they are all tipping the scale just shy of the 3 pound mark. The puppies coats have darkened considerably giving us little glimpses of what they will eventually look like and we've had to clip their sharp little nails to keep them from tearing up Cleo's poor belly. In the past week they have ceased crawling and have now progressed to an amusing drunken stumble. Each day their walking improves and you can see them getting stronger and more steady on their feet. But the big gem in the last couple of days is that their eyes and ears have begun to open!</div>
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Well hello there beautiful. (Purple is a liver and roan female) </div>
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It takes a couple of days for the pups eyes to fully open and then it takes a few additional days for them to be capable of focusing. You can see in the photo above that their eyes are a beautiful bluish-grey. Not long after the puppies make the journey to their furever homes their eyes will permanently change to a deep golden brown. Although their sight is limited you can see an immediate change in their behavior. Some of the pups will sit down and look from side to side as they are finally becoming aware of whats around them.</div>
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Blue Male already plotting his whelping box escape</div>
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Orange is a sweet faced liver and roan female</div>
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Red male looking regal. Has anyone else noticed that purple is<br />
photobombing every pic?</div>
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The other major development we have had is with their Aunt Luna...AKA Aunt Hell Puppy. A lot of people have inquired about how she has been handling the arrival of the puppies. Somehow Luna managed to get off to an awkward start with them. In all seriousness it took ELEVEN DAYS for Luna to stop being absolutely terrified of them. "If"...thats a keyword people...IF we were able to coax her into the whelping room and then held out a puppy she would refuse to look at it and would run in terror to the living room and hide in her dog cave. We were flabbergasted by her bizarre behavior. It's almost like she had a crystal ball and could see into the future and the certain torment they will be bringing her by week 6. But regardless she not only wanted nothing to do with them she was completely freaked out by them. </div>
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Breakthrough compliments of Thelma....the Hell Puppy whisperer.</div>
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Flash forward to a visit from my buddy Jackie Secan (Jackie is the Thelma to my Louise). We decided to hold off on visitors for awhile as to not stress Cleo out. I think it was a good decision on our part. But when we felt like we were ready to test the waters my buddy Jackie seemed like the perfect person. Cleo and Luna adore her (and her GSP Gunny) and they spend quite a bit of time with her so it seemed like it could be a winning combination. Cleo and Luna were estatic to see her and thankfully Cleo was completely comfortable with Jackie holding and snuggling her pups. Initially Luna took up her stronghold in the belly of her dog cave but the pull and desire to be with Jackie was entirely too much for her. Jack's presence was enough to make her finally face her fear of the minion puppies. Before we knew it she was camped out on the outskirts of the whelping room and eventually moving forward began cautiously sniffing them. </div>
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I am the Gate Keeper....Are you the Key Master?</div>
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By the time Jackie left she had successfully created a monster. Luna is now insanely obsessed with the puppies. If you let her she would spend every waking moment in the whelping room. We regulate her time with the puppies (mainly for our sanity) but as soon as Cleo starts to feed them she's in the box cleaning their butts with the tenacity of a pressure washer. If Cleo takes a nap after feeding time Luna will position herself outside the box and intensely watch all puppy activity waiting for the second she might need to jump in, regulate and lick some butts. She takes her sister wife duties ultra serious and I even caught her trying to nurse them the other night!! I'm pretty sure she thinks they might be hers but to be quite honest I think Cleo is thankful for the respite. </div>
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Cleo feeds and Luna cleans #Teamwork</div>
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Cleo is holding up well. She has been spending more and more time out of the box and we got her out last weekend for her first run since having the puppies. She loved it and it did her little doggy spirit good. She was surprisingly careful not to over do it but you can tell that her being in such good shape before getting pregnant has made all the difference. We made sure she wore a fleece vest on the run to protect her chest. </div>
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At this point the puppies are changing daily and about a week from now they will have their first taste of food outside the milk bar! Be sure to check back and follow us on facebook at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>. </div>
<br />byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-49705116634269189422013-12-01T10:37:00.001-08:002015-05-03T20:46:11.663-07:00Puppies have arrived!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Puppy Butt</div>
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Several months ago we made the decision to breed Cleo. I would like to say that making the decision to breed our dog is something that we did not take lightly. I feel at this point most of the developed world is aware that there is a serious problem with unloved, discarded and often times neglected dogs. So many end up in kill shelters or in situations they should absolutely never be put in. Quite frankly it's heart breaking. But a responsible breeder takes every step possible to make sure that those results never happen to the puppies they breed. Accomplishing that requires a ton of due diligence on the breeders part. It starts by making sure that the puppies are set up with the correct people and furthermore that those people are immediately set up for success with their pup. It will always be a continuous venture by Jim and I remaining in contact with the puppies owners so we can be an available resource.<br />
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Momma Cleo</div>
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Pairing Cleo with the right male was incredibly important as we are breeding for a purpose. Both Cleo and the stud we chose for her have been hunted and tested at high levels, passed their health clearances, an immense amount of time was spent reviewing their pedigrees, breeding co-efficients, hunting styles and personalities. In the end we feel this breeding between Cleo and Doc (VC Sharp Shooters Doc Holliday) WILL produce highly intelligent, cooperative dogs that will excel in both the field and water. Not to mention they will be excellent family companions.<br />
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Geof and Doc volunteering their time at the NJ Wildlife </div>
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Youth Hunt earlier this month</div>
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Doc is proudly owned by Geof and Karen Ferrer of NJ. He is one of their four GSP's. Three of the Ferrer's four shorthairs including Doc are NAVHDA Versatile Champions. For those of you who are not familiar with NAVHDA and its testing levels owning one VC is a feat in itself but owning three is down right impressive.<br />
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Doc is an absolute machine in the field. I mean come on, his nickname is the magical beast! He is intense, athletic and enthusiastic. He ranges out, has flashy solid points and his fieldwork is completely polished. Quite frankly he is pleasure to watch work. Through NAVHDA Doc has earned a Natural Ability Prize 1, three Utility Test Prize 1's and a Versatile Championship. (Doc is available for stud to approved dams. Please check out my <a href="http://gsphuntingdog.blogspot.com/p/cool.html" target="_blank">Links</a> page for more info on that).<br />
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When we bred Cleo to Doc he came and lived with us for 2 weeks. We were happy to have him and he proved to be an excellent house guest....well for the most part. He did lock me out of the house once! But he is probably one of the most naturally well mannered dogs I have ever seen. We loved having him around and can't wait to see what he passes on to these pups.<br />
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This little guy is an exact clone of his daddy. He has been dubbed Mini Doc. </div>
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A liver and Roan female clearly in a milk coma</div>
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Cleo went into stage 1 labor around 3pm on Tuesday, November 26th on her 59th day from first tie. We knew she would be within 24 hours of stage 2 as we had been monitoring her temperature and she had finally dropped to 98.1 degrees. The next 24 hours were pretty intense mainly from the anticipation of what was to come. Cleo was incredibly restless and between Jim and I taking turns staying with her we each banked about 4 hours sleep. The next day on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday the 27th) Cleo grew increasing restless. She wanted to go outside every 10 minutes. She drove us crazy by her constantly trying to crawl under the deck. In prime time nesting mode she did everything in her power to divert us and make a beeline for it. Around 4:15pm her water broke and we rushed her into the whelping room we had set up for her. Cleo started having hard contractions within 15 or 20 minutes and everything seemed off to a good start.<br />
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Ear Blankie</div>
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Paw Pillow</div>
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However we did run into issues early on in the evening. Cleo had hard contractions for about and hour and half when they suddenly stopped. Jim and I knew without saying much it was time to call the vet. We absolutely did not want to risk Cleo's health in anyway. This is where I throw out if you think you want to breed your dog you better be damn prepared for things to go wrong.<br />
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We immediately reached out to <a href="http://www.millpondvetclinic.com/" target="_blank">Mill Pond Veterinary Clinic</a> in Quakertown, PA. Cleo and Luna have been going to <a href="http://www.millpondvetclinic.com/" target="_blank">Mill Pond</a> since they were puppies and its also were they attend daycare a couple times a week. We knew we were rolling the dice as <a href="http://www.millpondvetclinic.com/" target="_blank">Mill Pond</a> had closed it's doors for the day but when we left a message Dr. Thayer called us right back. We explained our situation and she asked us to bring Cleo in as soon as possible. Our biggest fear was that Cleo had a stuck puppy or worst case scenario she would need a C-section. We were pretty rattled when we rolled in the door but we were greeted by 6 staff members who put us right at ease. Dr. Thayer did some quick x-rays and told us the pups were not stuck and that luckily none of them appeared to big to be passed. They gave Cleo a shot to bring on her contractions again and within minutes we shared the magical moment of Cleo's first born with the amazing staff at <a href="http://www.millpondvetclinic.com/" target="_blank">Mill Pond</a>. It would have been awesome for us to have been home like we originally planned but there was something poetic about being surrounded by the other people in Cleo's life that love her and know her on a daily basis.<br />
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Soon after that first liver and roan female greeted us she was followed by a black and roan male. We then made the decision to pack up and head home before anymore puppies were whelped. I want to take a second and say that we are incredibly grateful to <a href="http://www.millpondvetclinic.com/" target="_blank">Mill Pond</a>, Dr. Thayer and her staff. They could have easily pushed us off and told us to go to the local 24 hour emergency vet. After all it was the eve of Thanksgiving. But they didn't. They brought us in and they were enthusiastic about sharing our big moment with us. It's like we hit the lottery having a vet that treats our animals like they are their own.<br />
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The yellow one has the mark of the devil on her head like her mother</div>
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Cleo ended up whelping 8 beautiful healthy puppies! Four females two of which are liver and roan and 2 that are black and roan. She also had 4 males, one of which is liver and roan and 3 black and roan males. The pups are tanks with the largest one weighing 1lb 3oz at 3 days old and not one single pup weighing under a 1lb 1oz! There are no runts in this litter!<br />
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All of the puppies are spoken for and we will be keeping pick female and she will be my gun dog. It's extra exciting that all you readers will watch her grow up from the moment she was born. Fingers crossed she's not nearly the shoe chewer her mother was and that she doesn't have the propensity for destroying jade plants like her Aunt Luna! Keep up with our puppy shenanigans by following us on facebook at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a German Shorthaired Pointer</a>byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116611109529133672.post-40137814703804693922013-11-25T18:10:00.002-08:002013-11-25T18:10:52.072-08:00Seriously Awesome Holiday Gifts for Dogs (and People too)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I laugh out loud every time I see this photo</div>
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It's almost that time of year again. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are lurking around the corner like creepy zombie walkers. There patiently waiting for you to save the day by throwing your wallet at them like a ninja chucks a chinese star. To help arm you for this holiday season I've decided to put together a list of seriously bitching and affordable suggestions of things to get your dog both hunting and non-hunting related (even some stuff for humans too). Before we begin I would like to take this opportunity to say I am getting ZERO kickbacks and I am receiving no benefits for suggesting these items to you. Although you would be shocked at the amount of people who solicit me on a weekly basis to advertise on this blog. This blog is ad free for a reason. But lets be honest if Cabela's or Uplanders Warehouse called tomorrow I'd be jumping on that bandwagon before you could scream sellout. BUT that hasn't happened so.....these are all things I either own, bought other people, know people who have these things and or I really wish someone from my family would read this post and maybe buy them for me. **Hint hint Jimbo - now is the time to pay attention** Let's begin.<br />
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Dog Gifts</h3>
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<b>1. Meteorlight K9 L.E.D. Ball</b><br />
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Come November when Daylight savings kicks in it's dark by 5:00pm here in Pennsylvania. By the time I get home from work between 5:30 and 6:00pm I have very few exercise options for the girls. We all know that tired and stimulated GSP's are happy and non-desctructive GSP's. So even though I can't take them for a field run, what I can do is play night fetch in our yard. But that requires a light up ball. (Exit stage right Meteorilight K9 ball!) It's the size of a tennis ball, floats in water and can take replacement batteries. It's usually $12.99 but I'm sure if you do your research you can maybe find it cheaper. Here is <a href="https://www.niteize.com/product/Meteorlight-K-9-LED-Ball.asp" target="_blank">a link to the manufacturer </a>but check places like amazon as well. And please....it takes batteries so don't let your dog have it when your not around....use your brain.<br />
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<b>2. Dog Cave (AKA the Pointer Pita)</b><br />
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Our dogs LOVE the dog cave. But they are the kind of dogs that prefer to be buried under covers. If your dog hates to be covered this is probably not the dog bed for them. We buy an extra large so if they want to snuggle in there together they can. Besides they love to spread out and take up some room so they can do that in an extra large. With that said for a 60 pound GSP a size large is sufficient for one dog. Here is a <a href="http://gsphuntingdog.blogspot.com/2012/02/dog-cave.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> I did when we got Cleo's first dog cave. Prices for these vary depending on the size you get and what time of the year you buy them. Fosters and Smith often has sales. Look for the Dog Cave<a href="http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+1+26+20938&pcatid=20938" target="_blank"> here.</a><br />
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<b>3. Doggie Sleep Sack</b><br />
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I love this thing and let me tell you why: It's so well made, It's easy to clean AND it's travel friendly more so than a bulky dog bed or Pointer Pita. This is what we throw on the couch that the dogs can snuggle on or in. When we take the RV out for the weekend we don't want to fuss with dragging along an entire dog bed since we are limited on space. If we head to my parents shore house this is what I bring to keep the dogs off their couch. The doggie sleep sack is handmade by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SewPaws" target="_blank">Sew Paws</a>. There are all kinds of fabric choices to choose from but if you want one for the holidays I'd get an order in sooner rather than later. Check out their facebook page and send them a private message. They are incredibly easy to deal with and besides Cleo and Luna totally endorse this product. #fourpawsapproved<br />
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<b>4. Antler Chews</b><br />
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Jim deer hunts so we always have antlers around the house and the dogs LOVE to chew on them. I like them because they don't smell bad, they last forever and they don't splinter. Most dogs especially ones that like to chew bones usually like antlers. Keep in mind not all dogs will like them. We gave an antler to my brothers basset hound last year and he looked at us like we lost our flippin minds. He clearly wanted a blueberry bagel or something. BUT if you've never given one to your dog they might be missing out. If free access to antlers or sheds are not possible for you then check this site out: <a href="http://antlerchews.com/" target="_blank">Grateful Shed Antler Chews</a>. They have various antler offerings including moose, deer, elk and caribou. Keep in mind it is almost Christmas and Santa might not appreciate you buying reindeer antlers this time of the year. Just throwing that out there. If you want to get full size uncut antlers like the girls have above go to ebay and do a quick search for "Antlers". </div>
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<b>5. Custom made collars with name plates</b><br />
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These custom made collars come with name plates (The collar plates on our collars list Jim's name and a phone number for each of us). The top four collars in the first photo are 2" collars, the bottom one is 1 1/2" collar. The tab portions come in at 1". The beauty of these collars are they are sized specifically to your dogs neck so there is not any excess material (Take a look at the bottom right photo). In addition the name plate always rides at the top of the neck. The collars are top notch quality and cost between $10 and $20 depending on what options you pick. They can be ordered through Sporting Dog Specialties Inc. They are located in Colorado and can be contacted by calling 720-438-0300 or by emailing royalbirddog@yahoo.com. Custom leads are also available so ask about them if you are in the market for one. <br />
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<b>6. Unique Pet Tags by Tag Me Pet Tags</b><br />
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If the custom collar with name tags isn't your speed maybe one of these snazzy pet tags is more your style. <a href="http://www.tagmepettags.com/" target="_blank">Tag Me Pet Tags</a> has dozens of creative designs that are customizable with pet name and attachment style. They are well crafted collar bling and worth checking out. The designer of the tags also happens to be an owner of two GSP's. Click <a href="http://www.tagmepettags.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to check out her designs and keep in mind she's open to creating your custom design as well. <br />
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<b>7. Rivers West Pointer Vest</b><br />
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Both Cleo and Luna have these vests and they wear them when hunting in extreme cold or if they go to daycare and it will be under 25 degrees. Cleo always rocks orange and Luna who is darker in color looks fab in the high viz green. The vests are high quality fleece, come with a hearty zipper and a Velcro flap to keep everything secure. Cleo's has lasted 4 years and is going strong. Not to mention Cleo hasn't been able to rip Luna's off so that speaks volumes. Cleo is a serial de-vester. You may think I just created that word but I assure you I didn't. It's totally a real word. In addition the vests are cut for pointers. Often times a lot of vests you find are designed for labs and they never fit shorthairs well. I also like that I can just throw the vests in the wash for when they tumbleweed each other through the mud. We picked ours up from <a href="https://www.uglydoghunting.com/dogvests.php" target="_blank">Ugly Dog Hunting</a> but again...check out Amazon. </div>
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<b>8. Old Mother Hubbard Dog Treats</b><br />
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I'm not a big fan of buying dog treats and I normally <a href="http://gsphuntingdog.blogspot.com/search/label/Dog%20Recipes" target="_blank">make all of Cleo and Luna's treats</a> myself. But that's not realistic all of the time and I don't expect other people to be able do it. BUT you can be selective on what kinds of treats you do buy your dogs. For starters DO NOT by jerky treats. <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/10/23/jerky-treats-made-in-china-kill-600-dogs-in-mysterious-outbreak-fda-says/" target="_blank">The news is full of heart breaking stories of beloved pets dying from these treats</a>. Furthermore do not purchase treats not made in the United States. Cheap treats imported from China just might end up making your dog incredibly sick or even worst killing them. When I do buy Cleo and Luna treats I buy them <a href="http://www.oldmotherhubbard.com/product.aspx?&cat=1&pid=3" target="_blank">Old Mother Hubbard</a> treats. OMH uses natural ingredients and all the treats are made in North America (they have one plant in Canada). When you compare the label of a P-Nuttier biscuit box to that of Milk Bones you'll see a lot less crap and more words you can pronounce. So if you decide to stuff your pets stocking this year give Old Mother Hubbard a go if you've never bought their products before.<br />
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Human Gifts</h3>
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<b>1. High Quality Meat Sticks</b><br />
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If someone bought these and put them in my stocking I would know they love me. <a href="http://www.chaletmarket.com/" target="_blank">Chalet Market</a> in Belgrade, MT makes some seriously delicious meat sticks. I got turned on to them 8 years ago when my best friend since age six ran off to live in Bozeman, MT. Every time I'm in town to visit her I stuff my backpack with as much as I can carry on a plane. In addition I order us these sticks a couple of times a year when we run out of our own homemade deer sticks. Jim's favorites are the buffalo and elk. My favorite are the beef with jalapeno. Soooooooo good. They also carry teriyaki, plain beef and smoked with pepper. These sticks have great flavor and importantly they are not dry or hard. I haven't been able to find any non-homemade sticks that come close to as good as these. Prices vary from $6.99 to $12.99 a pack depending on the size package you order. They can be ordered <a href="http://www.chaletmarket.com/meats/snack-stix.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b>2. Upland T-shirts</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQ2RvhSnd1A/Uok7N_FFaeI/AAAAAAAADV4/EZ9C-MTMCrI/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQ2RvhSnd1A/Uok7N_FFaeI/AAAAAAAADV4/EZ9C-MTMCrI/s200/Unknown-1.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-koiryk9Dl-0/Uok7TfIUehI/AAAAAAAADWA/7Y4mZ7Gof3k/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-koiryk9Dl-0/Uok7TfIUehI/AAAAAAAADWA/7Y4mZ7Gof3k/s200/images-1.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I love these T-shirts sold by <a href="http://www.uplanders.com/" target="_blank">Uplander's Warehouse</a>. Some hunting T's you find are down right cheesy but these are well designed and I like the play on words. The I Chase Tail shirt comes in short and long sleeves in both brown and white. The eat more fast food T-shirt comes with 3 choices of bird species so you can get your favorite upland bird between quail, pheasant and ruffed grouse. The T's are a nice quality and range between $9.95 for short sleeves to $14.95 for long sleeves. Check them out <a href="http://www.uplanders.com/t-shirts/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<b>3. Waterfowl Cook Book - Duck, Duck, Goose</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkpXJHXyAjY/UovYB5R2riI/AAAAAAAADWQ/Uz8MktU37DE/s1600/61ZD52aqGUL._SX258_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkpXJHXyAjY/UovYB5R2riI/AAAAAAAADWQ/Uz8MktU37DE/s1600/61ZD52aqGUL._SX258_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div>
I don't own this book....yet. But I do own Hank Shaw's other book Hunter, Gather, Cook which I really enjoy. I stumbled across Hank's <a href="http://honest-food.net/" target="_blank">blog</a> two years ago and have been drinking the Kool-Aid ever since. He just released this book which is being hailed as the end all of all waterfowl cookbooks so if either you or someone you hunt with or maybe someone you love is an avid duck or goose hunter this could be the ticket for them. Hank is also driving across the country as we speak doing a book tour at selected restaurants where you can show up, hang out and eat some of his waterfowl recipes. Click <a href="http://honest-food.net/2013/09/01/duck-cookbook-tour-schedule/" target="_blank">here</a> for tour information which will continue through the end of January. That could be a cool gift as well......just saying. Here is the link to Amazon for where you can purchase <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1607745291/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1607745291&linkCode=as2&tag=hunanggarcoo-20" target="_blank">Duck, Duck, Goose</a>. <br />
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<b>4. Out with the new and in with the old - Drinkware</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_esNiVosdys/Uo1EiG36QrI/AAAAAAAADW4/6N828J1zcRI/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_esNiVosdys/Uo1EiG36QrI/AAAAAAAADW4/6N828J1zcRI/s200/images-2.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JB9Zo1LxcPo/Uo1DcwVyaJI/AAAAAAAADWo/iQVorj9oPKE/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JB9Zo1LxcPo/Uo1DcwVyaJI/AAAAAAAADWo/iQVorj9oPKE/s200/images-1.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
I love the idea of buying and using old glassware. Companies such as Libbey, Federal Glass Co and the Hazel Atlas Glass Co made some seriously cool game bird glasses in the 1950's and 60's. You can easily find sets of rocks glasses, tumblers, pilsners, and shot glasses all adorned with grouse, quail, pheasants, geese and ducks. Just when you thought drinking bourbon couldn't get more fun!!! The glasses have character and between Etsy and Ebay you can pick up a set for give or take $20 - $30. Try this link to find some glass sets <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?includes%5B0%5D=tags&q=game+Bird+glasses" target="_blank">Game Bird Glasses</a>, or try typing in Quail, Pheasant, Ducks, Geese or game birds in this <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/40s-50s-60s-/4207/i.html" target="_blank">search</a>.<br />
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<b>5. GoPro Dog Harness</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2puyn07IcSU/Uo-8pGNbAGI/AAAAAAAADX4/3NGT4ch2dTQ/s1600/tfsh_cam4__09269.1366905129.1280.1280%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2puyn07IcSU/Uo-8pGNbAGI/AAAAAAAADX4/3NGT4ch2dTQ/s320/tfsh_cam4__09269.1366905129.1280.1280%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I just picked one of these harnesses up for our girls in the last couple of weeks so we can start recording our hunts partially from their perspective. The harness itself is rather affordable and offers two areas to mount a GoPro from. The back mount option is shown in the photo above but the camera can also be mounted from the chest area. I haven't had a chance to really take it out and play with it but if you know someone who has a GoPro and they are into hunting, dock diving or agility it could be the gift that keeps on giving. We got ours from <a href="http://www.kurgostore.com/dog-harnesses/tru-fit-smart-harness-with-camera-mount/" target="_blank">Kurgo</a> but as always shop Amazon to see if you can maybe pick it up cheaper. We got a size large. <br />
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<b>6. A good pair of Chaps</b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AK42oPVXdyk/Uo_DLbh9gtI/AAAAAAAADYI/3ofx-F8ICCI/s1600/526__62985.1365939624.1280.1280%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AK42oPVXdyk/Uo_DLbh9gtI/AAAAAAAADYI/3ofx-F8ICCI/s320/526__62985.1365939624.1280.1280%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When Jim and I first got into upland hunting we bought and wore brush pants. It didn't take long for us to realize that when it came time for actually hunting getting a good pair of chaps was the way to go. Especially for female hunters there is nothing that compares to having a good pair of chaps. For some reason manufactures of women's field pants still haven't figured out how to get them to fit well. Maybe if it was 1982 I wouldn't mind the belt loops coming up to my armpits but damn it's 2013 and I've been poisoned by low cut jeans most of my life. So the beauty of chaps is you can wear your own comfortable jeans and just throw these on top. Both Jim and I own <a href="http://www.filson.com/mens/hunting/-1013/" target="_blank">Filson</a> tin cloth chaps and LOVE them. <a href="http://www.filson.com/mens/hunting/-1013/" target="_blank">Filson</a> also makes tin cloth chaps specifically for women. But there are other manufactures out there as well. <a href="http://www.uplanders.com/chaps-gaiters/" target="_blank">Check out this link from Uplanders</a> for some the men's selections. Depending on the manufacture and options of zippers ect for a good pair of chaps your looking at anywhere between $80 to $145. <br />
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<b>7. Another cool Pheasant Shirt from FieldDress</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLluAlQz4LQ/Uo_Iv7JZAiI/AAAAAAAADYY/CtZjnt4rCI0/s1600/il_570xN.460935630_2vyv%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLluAlQz4LQ/Uo_Iv7JZAiI/AAAAAAAADYY/CtZjnt4rCI0/s200/il_570xN.460935630_2vyv%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1q9LNAOnUk/Uo_I1mMPhhI/AAAAAAAADYg/SHiIysuTPMk/s1600/il_570xN.460633808_7cqo%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1q9LNAOnUk/Uo_I1mMPhhI/AAAAAAAADYg/SHiIysuTPMk/s200/il_570xN.460633808_7cqo%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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You can never have enough T-shirts. I found these guys on Etsy and they offer some cool hunting and fly fishing T-shirts. I like the simple yet classy designs. I particularly like that the shirt has an established date of 1515 AD for the advent of guns and ammo. Pretty cool stuff. Be sure to check out their other shirts as well. I really dig the evolutions archery one and besides there is something I love about buying from people rather than corporations. Shirts are reasonable at $15.95. View FieldDress's T's <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112842868/new-pheasant-hunting-shirt?ref=listing-shop-header-3" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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<b>8. Amazing cookbook - The Homesick Texan</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4EVejlUse4/Uo_QlbPqYMI/AAAAAAAADYw/tgTxBNNslMU/s1600/Book+cover+small%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4EVejlUse4/Uo_QlbPqYMI/AAAAAAAADYw/tgTxBNNslMU/s200/Book+cover+small%5B1%5D.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>
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The Homesick Texan Cookbook should be made illegal as its basically promoting hardcore food porn. This is Lisa Fain's first cookbook and I hope to god it's not her last. I found her <a href="http://www.homesicktexan.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> about a year and half ago and it's become a go to website for me. Lisa is a seventh generation Texan who has transplanted herself to the Big Apple. Her recipes are fresh and bold. You can pick up a copy of The Homesick Texan from <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/homesick-texan-cookbook-lisa-fain/1101944449?ean=9781401324261&itm=1&usri=homesick%2btexan" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a> as well as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401324266/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hometexa-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1401324266" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. <br />
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<b>9. Jaegar Lead</b></div>
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Above is a picture of Jim doing his best Vanna White while rocking a pretty lame Jaeger lead. He has since upgraded from the lame lead in this picture to a nice leather one with bolt snaps. In case you've never see one the Jaeger lead is a German designed lead that offers several options of use. Jim is demonstrating the around the shoulder hands off lead set up but it can also be configured for a short lead, a heeling lead or be used as a long lead for obedience and walking. Some vinyl Jaeger leads also let the handler do a around the waist hands free configuration. Jaeger leads come in vinyl, coated nylon and leather and can have either bolt or French snaps depending on what you prefer. Here are three links to some Jaeger lead variations. <a href="http://www.dogsunlimited.com/s/1/c_jaeger.htm" target="_blank">Dogs Unlimited</a>. <a href="http://www.gundogsupply.com/mendota-8--leather-jaeger-lead.html?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&cvsfa=2266&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=4d454e444f54412d382d2d4c4541544845522d4a41454745522d4c454144&gclid=CNzZm5CPgbsCFWTxOgodvkMAKA" target="_blank">Gun Dog Supply</a>. <a href="http://www.lcsupply.com/LCS-Presentation-Jaeger-Lead/productinfo/PJL/" target="_blank">Lion Country Supply</a>. </div>
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<b>10. Custom Calendars</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0IoArftHyQ/UpO_VXSpgrI/AAAAAAAADZY/ZJyg34ME66I/s1600/Calendar_November__2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0IoArftHyQ/UpO_VXSpgrI/AAAAAAAADZY/ZJyg34ME66I/s400/Calendar_November__2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Every year I make custom calendars as gifts. Jim always gets one of just our dog adventures (pictured above is this month from last years gift to him), and I make each family member a custom family calendar with recent pics and awful / borderline embarrassing pics from the last 30 years of shenanigans that we would all otherwise wish were forgotten. Each year the calendar has become the coveted gift that everyone in my family expects and looks forward too. The calendars are enjoyable and they give everyone something fun to look at as the year marches on. Over the years I have made calendars through different businesses but my personal favorite is <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/" target="_blank">Shutterfly</a>. They offer tons of customizations while staying affordable. If you choose to make someone a calendar consider showing the desk jockey in your life some extra love by adding on a custom mouse pad of dogs on point or sweet pheasant retrieves. Nothing makes the day at the office a bit better than thoughts of being afield. And if you don't think your up for making your own calendar click <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/gspfundraiser.998559346" target="_blank">here</a> to buy a really well put together GSP Rescue calendar that all proceeds go to helping shorthairs. </div>
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<b>11. Handler Bags</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmeY_8PCKXo/UpPq1cNFYDI/AAAAAAAADZo/wItxbc2M4Bo/s1600/Dog-Handlers-Bag-MID-130134824-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmeY_8PCKXo/UpPq1cNFYDI/AAAAAAAADZo/wItxbc2M4Bo/s200/Dog-Handlers-Bag-MID-130134824-m.jpg" width="193" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HATMKM0vkj0/UpPq8zCA_uI/AAAAAAAADZw/TnCS7yWdC-k/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HATMKM0vkj0/UpPq8zCA_uI/AAAAAAAADZw/TnCS7yWdC-k/s200/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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If you or a loved one are new to upland hunting a handler bag is a good place to start. It makes for an easily portable place to keep your soon to be growing collection of training paraphernalia. Both versions listed above come with perfect places to stash whistles, blank guns, leads, E-collars and CANINE FIRST AID KITS. That's right....I just shouted that at all of you as friendly reminder to make sure you all have one. But I digress. The bag on the left is a <a href="http://www.uplanders.com/browning-dog-handlers-bag/" target="_blank">Browning Handlers bag</a> and the one on the right is made by <a href="http://www.uplanders.com/mud-river-dog-handlers-bag/" target="_blank">Muddy River</a>. Both are nice bags. The Muddy River bag can be bought in Realtree camo in addition to the color shown above.<br />
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Santa's 10th reindeer</div>
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So there are some of my suggestions for your beloved dogs as well as your two legged companions. Hopefully you found something on these lists to help you with your gift giving this holiday season or maybe at least point you in the right direction. We hope you all have wonderful holidays this week as both Thanksgiving and Hanukkah kick us off right to another holiday season. Be safe and enjoy time with your families and furry loved ones. And be sure to check us out and show us some love on facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-of-a-German-Shorthaired-Pointer/214505295255963" target="_blank">Adventures of a GSP</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_572525997"></span><span id="goog_572525998"></span><br />byrdgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693291139176338735noreply@blogger.com1