I have had a very hectic few days, with Charlie and Rowan visiting, and with five visits from families having Blottie's pups. We also have had an issue with one of Blottie's pups, Flossie, she has Juvenile cellulitis also known as Puppy Strangles. The same condition Jim had last year. Different mothers, so I think we have a problem with Casper, as this condition is thought hereditable as supported by an increased occurrence in certain breeds and by familial histories of disease. Flossie we have caught really early, because of having the previous pup with the condition. She has expressed it around the same age as Jim and very much like Jim, with just one pustule on her eyelid first, and then developing severe lameness with noticing some pustules starting to develop in one ear. She has been on steroids since Sunday, and has steadily improved. We are keeping a tight eye on the others, but none are showing any signs. We can not deny that this points firmly to Casper and we will not be breeding from him again. Sadie, the puppy we were planning on keeping from this litter will be going with her brother, Obi to live.
The first pup you could be forgiven for thinking it might just be bad luck, but when it occurs again. You have to look yourself firmly in the eye. Such a shame, he is such a sweet natured dog and does produce very good looking pups. If though the person who had him up to nearly three years old using at stud was aware of this issue, and still sold him on as a stud dog. Well, they should be ashamed of themselves. I have spoken with the lady who is meant to be having Flossie, and with the families that have visited us over the last few days, but anyone having a puppy from this litter that is concerned. Please do not hesitate contacting me, and I can explain further and I'm sorry for any distress hearing this may cause. The rest of the litter are well and Flossie is getting back to her old self. 
​The photos and videos are from the last couple days. I have a bit of catching up with updates, as three updates from three of Smudge's pups, born seven years ago last Saturday to get up here, and also Charlie and Rowan aka Jim's visit to report on.

Blottie's pups reached 7 weeks old this last Tuesday. I've been a bit busy to get on here. All is well with them all, and this weekend we hope to have a visit from their Great Granddad Charlie who is now 13 years old. Busy weekend with Charlie and Rowan aka  Jim here tomorrow, and two families visiting us on Sunday for a second time to play with their pup, before they are ready to leave us 

Yesterday we started doing car trips with them. With Bella being first, as she will be first to leave us.

Today Alfie and Eddie had a trip together.

And this is some of them playing tug of war just now in front of our woodburner.

It is actually Sadie and Bella in the video, although I say, "Megan and Esme." For some reason I keep calling Sadie, "Megan." Esme and Bella at a first glance are pretty similar. 

Teagol is back in the pack after being one heat recently, along with her Auntie Bumble. A couple days ago we had an accident with her, being a good 22 days on heat. I introduced her back in to the pack, and all seemed okay. Fed the dogs and then let them out, to then hear the unmistakeable squeak of a bitch and dog tying, to find her tied with her Dad, Ernest. Can't believe I got caught out like that again with Ernest ,  it seems he is certainly not going to miss anything. Accidents do happen, but they can be sorted out. Teagol has had the two jabs (at 22 days on, I doubt she would of conceived, but I would not risk it), and I'm just short of £88 lighter to make sure nothing comes of their union.   

Bella and Eddie play whilst their siblings slumber.

Blottie's nine pups head towards seven weeks old next Tuesday. They are now full of adventure and steadily we allow them to venture further in to the world around them. They are proving to be a very lively bunch, but already enjoy the comfort of your lap when rest is needed. 

Been a bit busy over the last few days with people coming back to visit their pups again. I've cleared the next two days, and if the weather stays good enough. I'm hoping to get down to the beach real early both days with the children and some of the dogs. 

A little while ago I noticed Lottie was getting a build up of plaque on one of her molars on her right side of her mouth and she did have a smelly breath. Brushing did not seem to improve it, and then a couple weeks ago, I noticed the damage to the gum and molar on the bottom of her jaw, below the molar that was accumulating an unusual amount of plague. You can't see the lower molars unless a dogs mouth is open and the side of their mouth is pulled back. The vet on examining her missed it to begin with, just I was just concerned about the plaque on her molar on her upper jaw.  I then opened her mouth for him. He thought it was well spotted by me, but it did not happen over night, and I am kicking myself for not noticing it earlier, maybe the tooth might of been saveable if noticed earlier. 
We think we have figured out how she damaged it, by chewing the corner of the wooden dog bed, which we have now planed off flush, so no edge to chew. The plague that was accumulating on her teeth that side, was most likely from the bacteria that had accumulated in the injury to the gum, and had undermined the root of her tooth. She has at no time shown any problems eating or noticeable discomfort. She has had the tooth out today. Shame to lose a tooth at such a young age, but thankfully we have caught it in time, before it caused any further problems. 

Blottie's nine pups reach six weeks old. We are entering "Maximus cutieness" Be warned!

Rosie this Spring at 10 months old, under Ernest's tutelage, has switched the bird dog on in her.

The video footage was taken last thing, yesterday evening. The pups were having a mad ten minutes  before settling down for the night. 

The inimitable Mr Brucie, became the inimitable Mr Ralphie today.

Bertie became Obi today

Blottie's nine pups at 37 days old

Yesterday was Albey , Barney and our Ernest and Lily's 3rd birthday. Yesterday  I received a lovely 3rd birthday update for Albey. Albey is from Treacle and Toby's litter Thankfully all is safe​

"Hello Jane, 
I can't quite believe It's Albey's 3rd Birthday already but I also can't imagine life without our amazing boy. He's the sweetest lap dog, ever so clever, playful and very caring.
In my last e-mail to you I believe we were struggling with Albey's poorly  tummy. It was a difficult time with lots of vet trips and a dog that was quickly losing weight whatever we tried to feed him and with no obvious medical cause. Then just before Christmas we decided to try feeding him 'Butternut Box' food and we haven't looked back! His tummy is so much better, it's a huge relief! 🙂
I've attached some photos and a video of our happy boy.
Wishing Ernest, Barney and Lily a big Happy Birthday from all of us!
Heather x"

"Hello Heather, 
lovely to hear from you, and a "Happy 3rd Birthday to Albey!"
I look at Lily and Ernest and find it hard to believe they are three years old. Good to hear you have found a dog food that agrees with Albey. Albey's Mum and Dad are well being 6 and 7 years old now. 
Thanks for keeping in touch over the last three years and for all the lovely photos you have sent me of your very handsome Albey.
Love from us all at Poundlane.
Jane x"

Received this lovely update for Barney, who is from Treacle and Casper's litter born last year All done

"Hello Jane,
we've been watching Blottie and her puppies and are so pleased to hear that little Bruce is doing well at present.  It has brought back lovely memories of last year when we were watching Treacle and her puppies and waiting to bring our beautiful Barney home.  He's such a loving little dog, still gets into a lot of mischief and makes us laugh everyday.  He will be going in to be castrated after Easter.  Unfortunately he still has an undescended testicle and so the op will be slightly more complicated.  Luckily the missing one is easily felt quite low down.    We thought you might like this photo of Barney showing off his lovely tail plume and quite curly fur.    He now weighs 7.4kg and is just the right size for us.  Daisy is certainly his best friend.  She certainly enjoys having doggy company again.    Best wishes to you and your family and to Blottie and her pups. 
Kind regards Wendy & Tony"

"Hello Wendy and Tony,
lovely to hear from you and that Barney is bringing you such joy. As for the errant testicle. Our old boy, Smidge had a retained testicle, and was castrated at 1 years old. Although a bit more of a procedure when he came round and home his recovery was just the same as a dog being done with both testicles dropped. As they can feel the testicle, it should not be much more of a procedure for him.
Thanks for keeping in touch, the lovely photo of him (You can see his Dad in him) and let me know how he gets on after Easter.
Love from us all at Poundlane
Jane x"