They are growing up....

I get posts from time to time from the comedians' owners. Everyone has worked hard doing the first four months of imprinting - getting to as many places and doing as many things as possible. They are all now busy training and just enjoying their puppies. I love hearing about how well they are doing. The puppies are busy doing tracking, obedience, field, agility. Below are more recent photos of some of the puppies.... enjoy !


Rue (Miss Purple) with her brother Miles on a trip to Ashville, NC


Riot (Mr. Green) beginning see-saw training


Radar (Mr. Brown) actaully bringing back a pidgeon


Punch (Miss Pink) sitting in a holding blind


Ivy (Miss Yellow) hanging out at home

Introducing the comedians...

.... in birth order with their new families:


Ms. Purple is now known as Gaylan's Mad About Rue
Rue went to live with Kristin and Doug Cowell and their golden Miles in North Carolina.



Mr. Red is now known as Gaylan's Second City Standup
Cosby went to live with Linda Nichols and Al Stasser in Michigan.



Mr. Black is now known as Gaylan's Siriously Not Joking
Griffin went to live with Kristen VanNess in Ohio.



Mr. Brown is now known as Gaylan's S' M-A-S-H 'n Success
Radar went to live with Leila and Earl Marshall in Ontario.



Ms. Pink is now known as Gaylan's You Quack Me Up
Punch went to live with Jill Brown and Scott Chisholm in Calgery Alberta, Canada.



Mr. Green is now known as Gaylan's Laughing Out Loud
Riot went to live with Kelly and Chris Gifford in Leesburg, Virginia.



Ms. Orange is now known as Gaylan's Little Tramp
Charlee went to live with Gail Kraueter and her Aunt Makai and new friend Chelsea in New Jersey.



Ms. Yellow is now known as Gaylan's Thaleia
Ivy went to live with Vicki and Bob Chaney in California.



Mr. Blue is now known as Gaylan's Catch A Rising Star
Catcher went to live with Sandy and Rodger Washburn and his uncles Trader and Royal in Long Island, NY

It was the experience of a lifetime raising these little guys! I would never have had the pleasure of watching these guys grow up without Deb and Dr. Mary at Straws to Paws! Thanks for timing the breeding right! I never would have dreamed we'd get nine wonderful puppies. Thanks too, to Jill Richardson, Joker's mom for agreeing to do the breeding and being so supportive!
And last but not least, thanks to Gayle Watkins and Andy Chmar for their patience in giving me the education as we went along day by day, with the endless emails and phone calls and then actually putting up with us all living with you for almost three weeks. I loved every minute of it - well maybe not every minute, but almost! Thanks to you all for following the Comedians' adventures. You will be able to follow their careers on the Gaylan's website at www.Gaylans.com You can check out the last few photos I took of them - there sure was no time at the end to take pictures, they sure kept us running!

Boy, we've been busy!

Sorry it's been so long since Mom has posted photos. She could not get her camera to work but she must have fixed the problem since she did nothing yesterday but take pictures of us! We've kept mom and Aunt Gayle very busy. Monday we all went to the vet and spent a few hours getting health clearances, microchips and our heartworm and tick prevention. That trip was after our woods walk and a visit from Susie and Amanda.
Tuesday was different - no woods walk? What a bummer - but wow, we got up early and went to some place with so many places to play. There were fields and ponds with duck weed, a boat that we got to get in and out of and planes of all kinds making noise as they went over our heads. We followed mom through thick green grass and found a great wall to crawl on. Dreamer played the pied piper with all of us following her through the fields- boy it was lots of fun!!

Today we spent the day in the pen except when mom came to get us, but only one at a time. We got to go all alone to a new room and some lady was sitting on the floor ready to entertain us. Something must have gone right because mom, Aunt Gayle and everyone else in the room was very, very happy with us all! We got to eat, chase things, run out and get things to bring back to the nice lady. She made noises and made some thing get really big in the room but it seemed silly. She just kept giving us food when we checked out the stuff. The best part was the ball that bounced all over the place! We got to pounce on it and play with it and then the lady gave us even more food. Finally mom called us so the fun was over. That's when we listened to them talk about us while they played pass the puppy.
If you want to see the photos she took yesterday they are where mom usually puts them.

We're here :)

This photo is not new, but too cute not to highlight it on the blog. Erin stopped by with her mom and grandmother to see the puppies. As you can see she is an experienced dog kid!

More recent news.... We arrived yesterday late in the afternoon. The puppies never made a peep on the two-hour trip. When we got here Gayle and I hurried to put the puppies into their new home before the storm hit. When it began to thunder cookies rained from the sky :) Everyone settled in nicely and by evening all the dogs were quite at home with the puppies, literally in the box playing with them. Most of the comedians learned the dog door in a few minutes but all could manage it by the end of the night. They LOVE their new yard. One puppy got on a ball that was in the puppy pool (not floating) and balanced himself until he stepped off. They amaze me with how quickly they are changing. This is quite a learning experience for me but I am enjoying every exhausting minute of it! I have not had a chance to take photos but promise I will tomorrow. Check out the comedian's webpage http://www.gaylans.com/comedy.html on the Gaylan's site for photos we did last week at my house. My friend, Sue Johnson, is the photographer. She is a professional, but doesn't photograph animals; don't you think she should?

We're on the road again...

We're leaving shortly for Andy and Gayle's. The pups will begin their new adventures with a new home, tons of woods walks, swimming in the creek and meeting and playing with Gayle's dogs and new people.
I've put photos up in the last few days but never told you about them If you have not seen them take a look!

We've been very busy

The puppies have had 92 people visiting plus an additional 75 visits from repeat visitors. Many people came to visit today because we head out to stay at Gayle's on Tuesday until the puppies go home. They have had a very busy few days.
Yesterday they took a road trip to my friend Judy's house. We met some of Judy's family and Marcy and Jim joined us for a walk. The puppies fussed for about five minutes of the half hour ride. They slept the rest of the trip and woke up to a wonderful yard to play in. We had them follow us down the lawns, a path in the trees and past the agility field. They never missed a beat. It was hot out so we all stopped and sat in the shade while the puppies played and crashed. We eventually woke them up and had them follow us back to the van for the ride home. Dart was very happy to take the trip and be part of the party. When we got home the puppies played by the pool and the boys went swimming in the pool. Then about 5:00 a friend came over to try to get a litter photo of the puppies. That was quite an adventure! I'll get some photos and video up tomorrow so please check back.

Classical Conditioning...

Since Sunday the puppies have been getting solid food. Each time I put the food down I say "puppy, puppy, puppy" and blow the whistle three times. Sunday evening they barely looked at me. Monday morning they got up and wandered over. By lunch on Monday they leaped into the air and flew over to me to get their meal. These guys love to eat!
They have had lots of company and spend much of their time by the pool. They are busy near the pool finding things to chew on and trying to engage the big dogs who are swimming in the pool.
Take a look at the new photos and video clip.

Hey, we have a pool!

It just gets busier as the pups get older. They all went swimming this weekend and just loved it! We took them out of the pool and they kept jumping back in. They have started on their raw diet. Their first meal was BRAVO! chicken blend. It was gone in a flash! When I call them to eat I blow the "come in" whistle as I put the food down. They are having great success with the pottying so far. They sure woke up this week -- they are real puppies!!

Hey, that tickles!

Today was very busy for everyone. The puppies had seven visitors to spoil them throughout the day and also three guys cutting a hole in the wall in their room for a new air conditioning unit. Now it can get really hot - they won't care because they have their own AC :) Aunt Marcy dremeled their nails today. They didn't mind at all - just thought it tickled a bit.

They spent a bit of time outside this morning. Tomorrow they are going to the pool to experience another foooting.
Lots of stones and pavers to run around on. We'll begin their education about edges tomorrow. I'll let you know how they all do.

Party Animals...

They are just four weeks old and have been the hosts of two parties already! Here you see Ms. Orange with Mariella. She sat and looked at her for a very long time. We've had LOTS of company with ages and sexes ranging from my Aunt Marcy who is in her mid 80s to little Michaela who is not even a year old yet. The puppies take everyone in stride. Everyone is following instructions by putting any puppy that might be looking like it needs to potty into the box so now the puppies are all looking to use the litter box on their own. I find that amazing!
They all greeted me at the side of the pen this morning for the first time and then went outside for a romp in the grass. Orange girl after four hours of company raced from one end of the pen to the other four times as fast as her little legs could carry her. Each time I think one has the most energy another puppy becomes the energizer bunny! All is quiet now. They are very good during the night, I almost never hear them. Hope it stays that way. I've posted photos but there may be doubles up for now until I get some time to edit the posts. Enjoy!

Look, we're four weeks old!

It's hard to believe they are four weeks old today. Mr. Brown hit four pounds and everyone else is gaining daily. They have been living in the den where they have a new, large potty area. I spent the day being prepared to put them in the box anytime after they woke up or played. It feels hopeless when you start, but Mr. Blue ventured in the box on his own to do his business - time well spent!

Their play times last longer and when they are done they CRASH! Dart was playing with them today after she finished nursing this afternoon. She is just like her mother who loves to play with her kids!

Music critics?

I've tried to get a post up and the computer has been freezing. No time to fix that so I just waited for Marcy, the computer geek.
It's exciting to see what the pups will do each day. They really move around easily. They are developing their own personalities, but one thing they all do is let you know when there is music playing - they begin to howl! They howl if it's on TV or if my phone ring tone is the musical one. At first I thought it was an accident but it has happened four times.

It's been very hot out so we use the pen in the kitchen where they can be more comfortable. They have had lots of visitors. Today Aunt Judy brought Kim (her teenage granddaughter) and a huge box of toys for everyone!
I'll be uploading more photos and video so hope Marcy fixed the problem so you can see them.

Lots of Visitors

The puppies had lots of visitors today. Everyone spoiled Dart and enjoyed spending time with the puppies.
We put a puppy play area together so we're ready for their move later this week.
I didn't have time for many photos but I managed to get a few put on the smugmug site.

A quiet day

It's been a quiet day at the Comedy Club. The puppies are really engaging each other now. Ms. Pink grabbed the bed with her mouth and shook it. It's so much fun to watch them mature into dogs. I put up more photos and video trying to catch some of their interaction.

We've moved .... again!

It's hard to believe I have not updated the blog since Monday - time flies when you're having fun. It was very hot and the puppies were not happy. You'll see photos of some puppies in my bathroom trying to cool off on the shower floor. We moved the gang into the kitchen - the coolest room in the house. By midnight everyone was happy and settled in for the night. Dart is spending much more time in the whelping box to be sure the puppies are getting enough to eat. They really woke up this week! They are vocal and moving around quite well. They are beginning to interact with each other. I have uploaded some photos and videos - enjoy!

We've moved!

We moved everyone to the larger box in the den (thank you, Cindy!). Dart seems to be managing better in the box without stepping on or laying on anyone. Since the puppies are learning to use their legs this gives them much more room to see how they work. Everyone seems more comfortable and nobody is getting stuck under the pig rail.

Goose is enjoying being part of the family but doesn't think the pups are of much use since they cannot play with a ball yet. Dart is wanting to DO SOMETHING these days so we go to the pool a bit more than usual. I've uploaded some new photos and a few videos. I hope they give you an idea of how much fun these guys are.

The first "bark"...

The comedians are really moving around!
When Dart gets in the box they begin frantically squirming trying to find her and someone let out a bark. Gayle Watkins once called the puppies "milk seeking missiles" and I think that says it all. Nobody's eyes are totally open yet but they are beginning to look like Mr. Magoo. Tonight's "scent" was duck. It was really interesting watching them soak it in.

I took a few photos while they were asleep. They were a huge hit with Devon and Georgie, grandchildren of a student of mine. The kids were wonderful with the puppies and Dart was great with them.

Eyes are opening...

Their eyes are beginning to open so we'll be stopping photos for a few days. Today's Biosensor scent was grass and they loved it! Some stuck their muzzle in the dish it was in and they moved it around a bit. Nobody likes to be put on the plate! You cannot predict how long it will take each of them to make it off the plate. They love the reward of being put back with mom to nurse.

Check the link to the photos, it's the last you'll see for a few days.

They're growing and growing...

The gang did well in the living room where we had more control over the temperature so everyone was comfortable.
Dart not panting and pups not crying is the perfect temp! They are using their rears to help them nurse and are doing well nursing while Dart is sitting up. We've done Biosensor for five days now. The novel scents have been leather, tripe, orange, pine sprig and ground coffee. They reacted strongly to the tripe...other scents they just sniffed and took it in.
Off to weigh the babies after they fall asleep... they can't be still in the box for weighing if I have not just woken them up :)
Check the smugmug site for more photos and video...

Big day for visitors...

Today, Friday 6/27/08, we had seven new people come and visit then Marcy and Jim came to tend them for a bit.
Dart loves company!!! Everyone comes and sits and plays pass the puppy. Dart is very trusting with her babies.
It was a very busy day but I managed to get some photos and a video up on smugmug. Enjoy the comedians....

Day four...

It's Thursday and it's hard to believe they are four days old already. Everyone, including Dart, is doing well. They continue to do what they do....eat, sleep, pee and poop, Repeat. Watching them is addictive :) We've added a few soft toys to the whelping box. Today's novel scent was tripe and they had the same reaction to it that most people do, pulling their nose away! I sometimes pinch myself as I think "This is my job" - how cool! Check out today's photos.

The Last Couple of Days ...

... have been very busy so I have not had time to blog. I was in NJ all day yesterday and threw my back out, so getting to the computer was not going to happen. I am feeing better this morning, but promised Lise I would show her how to do this between us we can keep you guys posted.



Dart continues to be a wonderful mother. The pups are gaining weight and started bio-sensor today. To find out more about it go to http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/achiever.html. We modified it slightly by using a frozen pie plate and timing how long it takes them to get off the plate (problem solving) and introducing a novel scent each day. Today's novel scent was a leather glove. Watching them take in the scent is amazing. We were having some difficulties regulating the room temperature, but seem to have that all under control. We know we've got it right when Dart is not panting and the pups are quiet.

I have uploaded more photos to the SmugMug site, so be sure to check them out.

The Comedy Club Is Open

Although their due date was June 24th, the Comedians decided they wanted to take center stage on Sunday June 22nd. Dart whelped nine pups in just under two hours. Lise was alone for the birth of the first three until Sandy Washburn and I (Marcy Burke) were able to get to her house. Gayle hopped in the car the minute she got the call and arrived just minutes after the birth of the last boy. All the pups are doing well, as is mother Dart.

In order of appearance the Comedians are:

Miss Purple, born 6:15 pm, weighing 11 ¼ ounces

Mr Red, born 6:26 pm, weighing 11 ½ ounces

Mr Black, born 6:38 pm, weighing, 11 ½ ounces

Mr Brown, born 6:43 pm, weighing, 11 ½ ounces

Miss Pink, born 7:09 pm, weighing 11 1/8 ounces

Mr Green, born 7:35 pm, weighing, 9 ¼ ounces

Miss Orange, born 7:46 pm, weighing, 10 ½ ounces

Miss Yellow, born 8:02 pm, weighing, 12 ½ ounces

Mr Blue, born 8:09 pm, weighing, 12 ¼ ounces

Stay tuned for pictures and video.

Comedy Litter Is Coming!!!!

On April 25th Gaylan's Fly Like the Wind JH AX AXJ WC "Dart" was bred via surgical implant to a 13-year-old Canadian dog, AFTCH MHR Wynwood's Jokers Are Wild MNH CD WCX Can. CDX MH WCX QAA "Joker". We suspected that Dart was pregnant toward the middle of May since she had a little morning sickness. Then on Tuesday May 27th we took Dart to Straws to Paws for an ultrasound and Dr. Mary confirmed that there were 7-8 puppies!!! Her expected due date is June 24th. In the meantime, Dart is working hard in the field and enjoying many belly rubs. We will keep you posted as time draws near.