Rosebud and Cotton, Sittin' in a Tree . . .

     Parental discretion is advised. (Not to worry; this is not a graphic video...This is the happy aftermath when Cotton's mom called to share the happy news of two dogs, that, 3 days prior, we had to separate...Ah the difference a few days can make. When it comes to breeding dogs, it's everything...Here's how it works...)

     For those unfamiliar with the breeding habits of large dogs, it boils down to this: 

     You have 7 days warning. There are tell-tale (tail) signs, but mostly you know it's time when your boys start fighting again and your girl stays tail-tucked under a rock. (As for this farm, I'm sad to note that for all the progress with Hix in the alpha-dominance training, all the name-stating, bowl-setting exercises go pretty much out the window when it gets down to real tests like who's gonna get the girl, even if the girl IS your sister, or your niece as the case may be.)
      Bottom line; dogs don't care. Nature is nature and for the record, TJ is still alpha supreme in these parts. (Between that buzzard, the possum and now TJ once again, poor Hix's muzzle is starting to resemble Mike Tyson's face.)

     Second 7-day window IS your window. Tail-tucked goes to tail-strut. That said, you can have a girl who simply will not breed, which is what I feared we might have in Rosebud, ah but just about time we were about to call it quits...

     We have contact!

     Turns out Rosebud and Cotton DO like each other! Very much! (Oh the comforts of modern day cell technology! Nothing like seeing the happy faces of your kids off at at camp...Doesn't this just warm the heart?)

     Waiting out the final 7 days is the patience test of all patience tests. Having brought Rosebud home and reintroduced her to her tribe, I became concerned that someone might tear down a gate or jump a fence to get to her. In this period, your girl is once again, totally uninterested in the males around her, but that doesn't mean they aren't interested in her (as is every other male dog in the neighborhood).

     Bottom line, you start counting. While women take 9 months, girl dogs take nine weeks, which means Rosebud's babies should be up and playing by Thanksgiving, and ready for new homes by Christmas, good Lord willing. 

     For those who have reached out over the course of this year inquiring about Pyrs to protect your goats and / or your spring chicks, this Rose-bud (may be)  for you. As I have shared in prior blogs, it is my habit to allow each girl one breeding before spaying to keep Rosey's line going. At present three of Rosebud's pups are spoken for. For more information, you can contact me direct at karlenevins@gmail.com.