Finn's First Trial Experience

Doing a little work on Crate Games at the trial. 

A little difficult manning the video, but we tried it.

Sleeping Beauty

Finn at his first agility trial :)
We smuggled him in at almost 11 weeks old 

Finn (Kallie's Grand Finale) attended his first (small) AKC agility trial on Sunday.  He was such a great little boy.  He kept quiet in his kennel, just watching all of the goings on around him and taking in all the noises and smells, etc.  He even took out time for a couple of naps too.  Thanks to our friend Wendy for capturing some fun photos for us.  It was a very cold and windy day, but we had fun!

Mr. "Big Boy" Pants

Whomever gets this boy will be
very lucky, and will not disappointed!

Here's a photo I captured tonight of Forest, showing his (seldom seem) intensely serious side.  Doesn't he look like a Big Boy?

Fun with Forest-click here

Simba Finds a Home

Ok, so it's been a couple of weeks, but I finally have a moment (and found the cord for the camera - which is very helpful!).  Here is Simba with his new mom and dad...he joins several human kids and a couple of fur kids as well.

Mike, Pamela and Simba

Simba plants a big wet one on his new mommy, Pamela.

Indian Lake-October 22nd

We had another great day on Saturday at what mom calls "The Big Doggy Park".  It's a great park in Dane County where mom and grandma like to run and swim (when the water is clear).  We walked over this cool wooden bridge and met lots of new people and big dogs.  We got quick baths afterwards (the weather was beautiful and warm) and then took a nice, long nap.  I think mom enjoyed our napping and quiet time more than anyone!  Here are a few photos of us.

Puppy Adventures Continue

This weekend:  We said good-bye to Simba (red collar puppy) who went home to his fabulous new family on Friday.  Photos to come.
 - We traveled north 3 1/2 hours for a family gathering where we met lots of new people and animals, including a rescue doberman who can only use 3 of his legs, and a horse, who had very large legs.  Here are some of our weekend adventure photos.

Kaden read us poetry and sang us songs

Lots and lots of leaves to run and
 play in - I kind of blend in, huh?

A babbling brook was fun to cross

We ran down a big hill and back up again.

There was an old horse....I kind of liked him.

We saw and heard
a very loud train!

About 100 rail cars!

Lyndon Station Fire Dept
to the rescue (as well as the
WI Dells Fire Dept)

On the way home, we had to
 wait for the firetrucks a bit...this truck
 caught on fire and a grass
 fire broke out too.  Luckily all were safe!

We had lots of fun, but it's
good to be home again!

We call him, "Forest" I think he looks like his daddy

Purple Puppy Now Called "Jag"

First Swim

Green Collar Boy (was no collar) and Blue Collar Boy

Keeping a watchful eye

Really, Mom, it wasn't me!

Pink and Purple (was lime) Collar Boys

Red Collar Boy ....

These bottom two are "Red Boy" doing his best Lion King impression....perhaps we'll call him Simba

Adventureland

We had one full weekend of puppy activity at the Stracke household this weekend.  I took a much needed day off work on Friday to enjoy, train and play with the puppies (threw in some general housework of course too).  


Lots of new adventures for the litter - including wandering out of the yard, down the sidewalk and across a field.  We walked to the end of the cul-du-sac, down hills, up hills, through long grasses, weeds and sticks.  We walked and ran and had a great time going through tunnels, over wobble boards, and over jump bumps...really just the bars on the ground, but the puppies just love chasing so I'm not sure they even noticed them.  They are also retrieving in the hall...Not sure they were ready to retrieve with the distractions of the great outdoors just yet, but probably soon....want to make sure they get it down in the house before that.  Oh, almost forgot...they had a short car ride with me to the trap club for some exposure to gunfire~which didn't bother them a bit.  The cheese and leftover prime rib, might have helped.  So, that was our Friday and most of it we repeated on Saturday and Sunday (less the gunfire).


Earlier this week, I replaced the "pen" (whelping box) with a crate which is inside their exercise pen.  They have all learned to sit before the door opens to go outside the ex-pen and before they get their meals.  I'm so proud of the little boys.  But they are boys and do their share of rough-housing too, don't get me wrong. 


Since it was such a beautiful day, we decided to give the dogs each some "alone" fun time.  Zoe got to work on some jumps in the back and Kallie got to go to Indian Lake for a good long run and some water retrieves/swimming (I'm sure Zoe was VERY jealous).  Then we decided we'd take the pups for a (longer) car ride and to another park with water, which is usually less populated, if anyone is there at all.  They pups had so much fun running a muck in the new surroundings.  They all ventured to the water, but not all were quite willing to take the plunge of a full blown swim.  I have to admit, it was a bit chilly and rocky, I know because  I took off my shoes and socks, rolled up the pants and waded in.


Once home they all got their first (much needed) baths.  So, a very busy and adventurous weekend for the puppies, who are now, like me, exhausted!  It's true... a tired puppy is a good puppy!!


I'll see if any of the photos or videos turned out and try to post in the next day or two... so please check back.

Be well,


Rachelle