Sapphire - Sire Petaga

  Here’s an update on our beautiful blue-eyed girl, Sapphire.  Our ride home was uneventful compared to our ride there, thank God.  She slept most of the way (4hrs), and the time that she didn’t sleep I’m sure she spent trying to figure out what all this holding and loving being done to her, was all about.

  Your kennel is extraordinary.   We’ve never seen one so impressively kept.  Your dogs are so lovable.  To look at their size and those wolf-like eyes, you’d think they could eat you where you stood, but in all actuality, they’d most likely “lick you to life” instead.  They were so friendly, so welcoming, just waiting on your loving touch.  And the kennels, you can see, are kept with such care.  They are so roomy and the dogs were just great.  Our children will never forget this trip, and my husband wants another SID or maybe a NAID.

  First of all it’s been 4 days and she doesn’t have the slightest doggy smell.  Our Shitzu smells like Fritos 2 days after a bath, go figure. I combed her and no shedding at all.  When we brought her into the house the first day, she didn’t like our ceramic tile kitchen floor at all.  I guess it was too loud and open, so we decided to make her main room our bedroom.  Now 4 days later she loves being in the kitchen, and exploring other parts of the house.  

Sapphire is really an amazing puppy.  Only 5 ½ weeks old, but she’s so smart and unusually clever. I’ve been reading about house training and other expectations, and one of the things I’m finding out is that the experts suggest you don’t start house training until the pups 8 wks old.  But I figured, what the heck, let’s try it and see if it will work for a 5½ wk old.  So we started as soon as we got home.  We fed her (it wasn’t much at first) but she ate a little and drank a little more, after 5 minutes we took her out to go to the bathroom.  Or we’d play with her, wait, than take her out.  Or whenever she wakes up (which is often) we’ll take her out, always to the same area we want her to potty on.  We’ve been doing this “faithfully” for the last 4 days.  Every time we take her to her designated area, we command, “go potty”, she’ll walk around a couple seconds, squat and pee, or pee then poop.  Oh yea, we praise her, then give her a treat for going potty, we’re noticing now that she looks up at us expecting that treat EVERY SINGLE TIME.  She’s not trained yet, but you can see where this is going.  I can’t wait to see her progress when she’s actually 8 wks old, I’ll keep you posted.  

Her curiosity and pouncing reminds me of a leopard.  She’s already responding to a stern loud “NO”, usually it’s because she’s trying to chew on something, but we just replace it with one of her many chew toys and she seems to be just fine with the switch.

  Our Children, (Robert III, 9 and Shaylun, 7) are in love with their new baby, and she gets so happy when they come home from school.  They can’t wait until Spring Break next week to be home with her every day.  Now as for our 6-year-old Shitzu, Cole, well, she’s growing on him, he’ll be alright. Thank you so much for being such an absolute irreplaceable breeder.  I know our friendship will never end.  

Tucker - Sire~Catori

Just to let you know we made it back with the little guy. The trip was uneventful, just long. He slept most of the way, but did spend some time chewing on my fingers and playing with Kayleigh. The drive took a bit more than 12 hours.

Upon arrival, the cats labeled us "TRAITOR", Linda (my wife) fell in love, and Bonnie (the Corgi), well... I am not sure how they are going to get along…(see photos below). They are already buds, and if she had a tail she would wag it. As it stands, she shakes her butt instead.

Tucker (as the little guy is being called now) inherited a few toys from our late Shepard. Not sure if you can tell, but Tuck is in the photo. I think he likes them. He spent most of the day exploring the house and some of the yard. It may take some time to teach him to use the stairs. When we are downstairs, he stays at the top and howls.

In any event, I want to thank you again, and tell you how much of a pleasure it was to meet you and all your wonderful dogs. Will keep you posted.

Regards,
Shawn B. Yancey
GySgt, USMC (Ret)”
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“Tucker (Siberian Indian Dog male pup from Glacier Ice & Catori) has a slight problem: He just can't stop! Rambunctious, active, and more than a bit mischievous. But I like that in a dog. He and Bonnie (the corgie) are buddies, though she does have limits on patience (like any older dog, I guess). He likes to chase balls, and absolutely loves toys with squeakers in them. He will run around for hours with a toy in his mouth, squeaking it the entire time. The cats are less than positive about his presence, but that makes them cats, right?  Except one that likes to play with him for short periods. That said, I think he will appreciate a little brother with similar amounts of energy. I have attached a photo.  Can't wait to see pics. of the new NAID litter.  Tucker needs a buddy that can keep up with him.   Thanks Shawn”  
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“Karen,

Made the trip in about 12 hours. We decided on "Agustus"(son of Pida & Ohapi Pui) for the pup. Gus for short. He did well on the trip. One small bout of car sickness, but otherwise ok. He is something else! Tucker (son of Glacier Ice & Catori SID) was suspicious at first, then tried to assert himself. Little Gus doesn't take Sh*#! He gave as good as he got, and then some. Of course he and Tucker were up all night playing. They spent the day playing and sleeping as well, and are the best of buddies already. Little Gus has absolutely no problem going after big Tucker, and though the tug-o-war is generally one-sided, Gus won't let go or give up, even though he gets dragged across the room. Gus has already mastered the stairs outside and the dog door. Intelligent little cuss.  

Thank you so much for these little guys. I have included some pics.  

I hope all is well with you and yours.  

Regards, 

Yepa - Sire~Catori