LOOOONG overdue update

Well, a lot has happened in the last 9 months, but I finally have the time to write an update. So here goes....



OMSI III (puppy #5)



OMSI turned in for advanced training in February, 2008. He got a very good first report, and was selected as a breeder in April 2008. Below are some pictures of his adventures before Turn-in, including shopping at Costco and a trip to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, his "name-sake"!. There are also a couple pictures at Turn-in. His sister Omeeka was also selected as a breeder, so his "family picture" from turn-in (L-R-Omeeka (sister), Chandra (mom), OMSI (grandpa), Blaze (dad), and OMSI III) is also a "family breeder picture"! OMSI first litter was born in July, a full Golden litter out of Brynna.




Nessie (Puppy #6)



When Nessie was about 6 months old I took her in to get her eyes checked. Her left eye would "drift" when she was focused on something (like a "lazy eye"). I also had the impression that her eyes weren't focusing together or something was wrong with her vision, since her depth perception seemed off (she would hesitate before jumping into or out of the car or other surfaces, and stairs were hard for her to learn). She also got spooked by some things at a distance, but was fine when she got closer. So I wanted to get her eyes checked just to make sure there wasn't something going on with her vision. Well, it happens that she has Optic Nerve Hypoplasia in her left eye, which means that the optic nerve in her left eye did not develop prenatally, and she is blind in that eye. So, Nessie was released from CCI's progam at 6 months old, and is happily living as a pet in New Mexico. She celebrated her freedom with her first "adult beverage" (not really, lol).













Essian (puppy #7)



So, with Nessie released and OMSI in advanced training, I asked for a new puppy. Sadly, none of Baja's puppies were available, so I got Essian. He is 7/8 lab and 1/8 golden, just like Jaba (#2). His parents are Isabella, who I knew as a puppy, and Camden (a new yellow Lab breeder). Essian was born in February, and he is a great puppy...mostly calm, quiet, easy-going, easily entertains himself, loves to play with toys and play fetch, and is very willing to work and learn :-)










Baja II (Puppy #4)



Baja has had 11 litters and 80 puppies for CCI, and is now on his breeder "hold" until the puppies turn-in. His first litter turned a year old in April, and his last litter was born in February 2008. He is doing great with his Breeder-Caretaker, and is starting to learn carting (along with his Newfie buddies) and may start competing in competitive obedience. The picture of Baja, and the one of Blaze, Baja, and OMSI were taken in February at OMSI's turn-in. I am very proud of all of "my" boys!



Blaze III (Puppy #3)



Blaze's first puppies graduated in February! Acron is a Facility Dog in the SE region, Rob II is a Facility Dog in the NC region, and Arkin is a Service Dog in the NE region. OMSI III and Omeeka have also been selected as breeders. Runner II and Rane graduated in the SE region in May as Skilled Companion dogs. Blaze's last two puppies turned-in for advanced training in May, and he has four more that are rotating through Team Training and will hopefully be graduating this month! Pictured below are Acron, Rane, Rob, and Arkin.