Little Dog Moon

Tonight I read the pups a story called Little Dog Moon. Most of them fell asleep before I turned the first page. It's my favorite story because Little Moon is a Tibetan Terrier. Little Dog Moon is about bravery and strength of spirit. It is also about family, sacrifice, and the wonderful things that love can bring about. At the end of the story the author explains that my breed is a very old one with an interesting past (and future I hope!). It is said that we were originally kept as companions in the isolated monasteries in what would one day be called the Lost Valley of Tibet. Set deep in the Himalayan mountains, the trek to and from such places was perilous. The author says my ancestors were intelligent, sure-footed, had an unfailing sense of direction, and were said to bring good luck. Like Moon, they learned the secret ways in and out of the mountains. We were never sold because doing so would "sell one's good luck." We were, however, given as gifts to people held in high esteem. One of these gifts was eventually brought to England and became the foundation of my breed in the west.

Wow. I can hardly keep my eyes open. I guess I am putting myself to sleep with all this history crap. I'm a live in the present kinda gal. I did spend a lot of time out in the fresh air this afternoon shoring up the fence to make sure the pups don't find any secret ways out of the yard once they are old enough to go outside. I am not confident they have developed their unfailing sense of direction yet. Maybe after their eyes open. And I sure did eat enough today. I have been starving. It takes a lot of energy to produce all this milk and the pups want more and more of it each day. So I have been shoveling in all the protein my parents will throw at me. And, yesterday, my dad made a batch of dog bones from the Four Seasons Boston. He said they were really easy to make and Roxie, Angus, and I are really enjoying them. I don't dare tell you what else I ate today or you might start to worry that I am part pig. Part monkey maybe, but not pig. I'm getting punchy. My eyelids are heavy. Good Night Moon.

Friends and Family

Gee whiz. The pups sure are growing and getting stronger each day. Today is their one week birthday and some have almost doubled in size. Right now, they are all lined up in a row sleeping, one next to the other some cuddling their heads on the other. They are so darn cute! Learning how to crawl around almost too well and they tackle me whenever they can for a little nourishment. I spend most of my day with them and must say that I am quite tender and sweet with them, licking their little faces and cleaning their hineys.

At first, I didn't want to go on even the shortest walks away from them. I would just quickly do my business and run back to them. Today I took two moderate walks in the rain and I kinda enjoyed it although I put on the brakes a couple of times when I felt we were getting too far away.

Now that I'm relatively housebound, it's always nice to hear from friends and family (are you reading this Toby?) I got the nicest note from Sage and Lucas' mom, Sophie. Sage and Lucas are the most handsome PBGVs you have ever seen. PBGV is short for Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Quite Fancy sounding, but present company excluded they are the swellest dogs you will ever see. Sage and Lucas used to live in Newport, RI with Sophie and her husband, Mike. They are great folks and Sophie helped us out and showed Roxie at a dog show once. Anyway, Sage and Lucas and Sophie and Mike recently moved back to Stockholm, where Sophie is from originally (Mike is from England). I think either Sage or Lucas had to stay behind for a few months for some reason, but they are all reunited in Sweden now. I so enjoyed Sophie's update on Sage and Lucas, I nearly pooped.

Sophie wrote:

The dogs are loving it. We were a bit worried that Sage and Lucas might fight after having been apart for 4 months and being intact males both of them. After a couple of days with Sage prancing around on stiff legs and with the tail in the air everything was back to normal and now they play as if they never had been apart!

We have a big pen outside so they can run around a bit, we go for long walks in the forest. “Walks” so to speak….they all get so excited with all the smells and the wildlife they basically bounce around on their hind legs howling…very embarrassing actually.

Back in the days when we had REAL dogs( read Rottweilers). I used to see dog owners completely incapable of controlling their animals…running here and there…arms ripped out of their sockets, sweat pouring down their faces as they desperately tried to keep up with their dogs……and I used to huff and look at them arrogantly as I walked this very calm, obedient and well-mannered 160 pound REAL guy while they were totally top-ridden by some 30 pound little poop at the end of the leash…

Hrrrm…well….live and learn. Let’s just say that the evening walk is no longer a relaxing affair but rather on the level of a strenuous , high-intensity, SEAL- workout….which no doubt is the highlight of our neighbors day.

Just to sit and watch us racing by must be worth a lot more than the Cable fee.

The View From Here

I usually grab my little red lobster stuffed toy and jump on the bed when I need a wee break from the kids. The view is nice from here. I can watch over the pups, but I can also look out my little window to the world and daydream a bit. I got my lobster toy on Nantucket just a month ago on my last outing with the kids before the big event. I was feeling hot and big and uncomfortable and the cool ocean breezes were just what I needed. I especially loved sitting on the deck of the ferry on the way over and back. I threw caution to the wind and took a spot where I was sure to get wet from the waves hitting the front of the boat. Oh what a feeling! Take Your Passion. Make it happen. Make it Happen. What a Feeling!

There I go. Getting all Flashdancey on you. I guess that's what happens when you spend 24/7 with little or no adult contact.

Toby one of your inspirational messages would come in real handy right about now.

But seriously now, I must say that I am more than a bit dumbfounded by the fact that there are now 10 pooches under my roof. And I am responsible for all of them! Yes, I take responsibility for myself as well. Well! Truth be told I am happier than I have ever been. Although it is tiring, I love mothering the pups and I like that they depend on me. Not that I don't need my breaks. When I do, I just jump up on the bed and look out the window or, sometimes, I wander down to the back deck and watch Angus and Roxie float around the yard. In them I see me. Their independence, their joy, and, yes, their beauty. It makes me so proud, and a wee bit melancholy. As my mother before me (she was a hash-slinger from Arizona) always said, it's a veil of tears, this life is a veil of tears.

There go my hormones again. Let's talk about food. Food always makes me happy. I talked to Dara in New York so you can try both her recipe and the recipe from the Four Seasons Boston and have your own little taste test. By the way, Dara is like this smart banker trapped in a ballet dancer's body. And she is lots of fun. She once taught me street yoga in Times Square. Being from Tibet, it's something I need to know. When we were at the Peninsula in the spring, the kids and I met Dara outside of Yura & Company (their whoopie pies sure look good) on the Upper East Side and spent the entire day walking all over Central Park. Remind me later to share pics of when I took five of my first eight pups to Central Park. Now that was a TRIP! Lots of coordination involved.

Now Dara told me that she makes her dog treats with all organic ingredients and her biscuits (ahem!) are all the rage in NYC. She went on to tell me that the recipe is from a book by a very well known holistic vet, Dr. Pritcairn. They were called Ivy's Favorite Treats, but I've taken liberties. Dara warns they are messy (the dough is a lot like partially set, chunky cement), but great fun to make. She says dogs like most every food thing, but the homemade treats do seem to have a special allure. I agree and I ought to know, I'm a dog.

Suddie's Favorite Treats

2 c whole wheat flour

1/2 c rye or buckwheat flour

1/2 c brewer's yeast

1 c bulgar

1/2 c cornmeal

1/4 c dry parsley flakes

1/4 c dry milk

1 t dry yeast

1/4 c warm water

1 c chicken broth

1 egg beaten with 1 T milk - as glaze

Combine dry ingredients in large bowl

Combine dry yeast and warm water in a separate bowl. stir until dissolved. add chicken broth.

Stir liquid into dry ingredients. mix with hands.

Dough will be stiff. add a bit of water if needed, but NOT a lot.

Roll dough on parchment or a pastry cloth to thickness of about 1/4 inch.

Use small cookie tins to form shapes.

Glaze unbaked cookies with egg and milk mixture.

Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes. Turn off oven and leave biscuits in oven overnight.

Baths and Beds and Bones. Oh My!

Well, I finally got a bath today. I had to go roll around and tumble about in the garden and get really dirty to force the matter. And now I feel like a new girl. The things you have to do to get a little attention around here now that the dog population has exploded. I used this amazing Italian moisturizing shampoo from a company called Davines that my dad picked up for me in Brentwood, CA. I know, it doesn't sound Italian to me either. It contains arugula extract. Can you imagine? RIDICULOUS! That reminds me of the time that Toby (the pups' dad, remember) told me that I have a ridiculous little butt. I think it was a compliment. But, hey now, lets get back to the subject at hand: presents. My parents are always bringing me presents when they come back from trips. So the shampoo didn't really surprise me. But the yogurt conditioner, now that was a surprise.

I travel a lot with them too. All over. I have stayed at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood and even took a dip in the pool there. I love their lobby bar (not the Bar Marmont) and have met quite a few Hollywood types in my day. I think my parents take me along to attract them (they're a bit starstruck, I think). I met Rosie Perez. She was so nice. Even rolled around on the floor with me. She was there attending a party for some HBO show and she included me in everything. Of course, we saw Paris Hilton and her little dog, but they ignored me. Courtney Love was there too and boy was she a mess. And Robbie Williams. Do you know who he is? And, oh yeah, I almost forgot Greasy Bear. I liked the way he smelled.

One of my favorite hotels is the Peninsula in Chicago and the kids and I recently stayed at the Peninsula in New York. I also like the Ritz in DC. And if you go to Austin you have to stay at the Hotel San Jose. I'm a bit of a hotel snob you see. These places are so pup friendly that it makes me feel all warm inside. They always provide the cushiest of dog beds and, usually, bottled water. Just for me. All for me. And speaking of dog beds, my favorite dog bed (and I know the pups agree) is the puff from a company called Animals Matter. It's so soft and yummy and it has a little hollow area in the center for me to curl up in. It is DELICIOUS. We saw it in a store in Beverly Hills, but bought it online somewhere.

Closer to home, my hotel of choice is the Four Seasons Boston. They make their own dog biscuits just for their four-legged guests. I was able to get the recipe just for you.

DOG BONES from the Four Seasons Hotel Boston

3 cups WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR

1 1/2 cups COURNMEAL

1 cup RICE FLOUR

1 cup CHICKEN STOCK

1/2 cup WHOLE MILK

2oz. MELTED BUTTER

1 WHOLE EGG

1 EGG YOLK

Preheat oven to 350 egrees. Blend together whole wheat flour, cornmeal, and rice flour. Stir together chicken stock, milk and butter. Stir liquids into dry ingredients and then add eggs. Knead dough well until it is very stiff. Roll out 3/8 - 1/2 inch thick and cut out into bone shapes (or other shape desired). Place on cookie sheet that has been lightly greased and bake 45 minutes. Cool completely and store in an airtight container

Makes 24 -30 biscuits.

I hope that Toby reads this and decides to surprise me with a batch.

You can find little doggie cookie cutters online or you can just use a small drinking glass to cut out circle shapes. I like those because they remind me of my ball toys.

My friend Dara in New York also makes EXCELLENT dog treats. She sent us some during the holidays last year. I will see if I can get the recipe out of her. If I do I will be sure to share it here.

I know that I wasn't going to take any pics of the pups until their eyes open. But rules are made to be broken. And bones are made to be eaten. Right? And who can resist a ridiculous little puppy butt? You know what they say...like mother...like daughter.

Now and Then

Well. Everything is going well here. The only bit of excitement is that we took the pups to the doc yesterday to have their dew claws removed. They were real troopers. Hardly even cried. Doc and his staff all thought my babes were swell looking and quite robust. Other than that it's a regular routine of feeding time immediately followed by nap time.

I know that I mentioned that the coat color of Tibetan Terriers often changes from their birth color. This seems to be true of most of the coat colors other than pure black or ebony. Although these colors can become a beautiful silver as the dog ages. I, myself, am getting silver along my top line and darn if I don't like it. It soon won't matter in any case because I am starting to blow my coat. This happens after us TTs give birth. Don't worry, I'm not going to be completely hairless like one of those funky Mexican dogs. I will just lose a lot of my undercoat and look a bit shaggy for awhile. On the bright side, I think it makes me look a bit more svelte after being so prego for what seems like ages.

Anywho. I thought I would show you pics of some of my kids from my first litter so that you can see how their coat color changed as they matured.

This first pic is of Sadie who was sable color at birth. This photo was taken to mark her 3 week birthday and, as you can see, her coat had already lightened a bit. She came out of the chute the same color as Rufus (see his baby pic below). When Sadie came to visit me at Thanksgiving her coat had matured to a stunning blond and no colorist was involved! She was about 10 1/2 months old at the time of this pic.

Here is Rufus in his beautiful rich sable birthday suit, just a few days old. Below you can see how his coat changed in about 6 months time.

Buster was a beautiful mixture of dark gold, black, and white at birth. You can see, in this photo his new mommy sent me just before his first birthday, that he is now an equally beautiful tawny color with gorgeous darker highlights.

I am a proud mom, and I know I may be biased, but don't you think TTs are the most adorable pups and they just keep on getting more and more gorgeous as they mature (let's hope so cause I ain't getting any younger).

Puppy Love

I was already feeling emotional and a bit overwhelmed with all the changes that come with suddenly having 7 puppies. Gone for awhile are those Frisbee afternoons and lazy days of grass lounging and leaf diving. But what could be better than seven of the cutest little faces ever by my side (and on my tits) nearly every minute of the day! Nearly every minute of the day!

Well if I wasn't already slightly verklempt with all my new obligations and emotions, I certainly was after receiving the sweetest note from Toby (the pups' dad). In case you haven't already seen it, I am posting it here. And, btw, this is a pic of Toby and me when we first met.

TOBY said...

I was worried about you, Suddie, and sorry I couldn't be there to help you, but my thoughts were with you and I have been concerned that you have such a big job ahead of you raising the pups without my help. I couldn't sleep last night because I was thinking of you. We came over to Palm Springs yesterday and took a walk where we met a few years ago. It brought back some good memories. I'm so proud of you with the birth announcement and how you have mastered this Blog business. I wish my dads could help me with things like that.

Lots of Love, Toby

Hormonal

You remember that cute little dog bed in my first post (below)? Well the time came and I just ripped it all to heck. Shredded it and pulled out all the stuffing. I started having contractions at 3 PM yesterday and the last pup arrived at 5:20 AM this morning and darn if tearing into that precious little bed didn't take my mind off things for a few minutes. Who are these bitches that say once the pups arrive you forget the pain. Let me tell you I REMEMBER! Oh well, I can blame it on the hormones, but really I just wanted to make a nice nest for my new pups...and it was a comfy spot for me to rest between the 7 deliveries.

Yes. I had seven pups. Four boys and three girls. Not as many as the prognosticators were predicting, but you know what, now that I no longer have a dog bed I'm starting to believe that less is more. And they are beautiful pups. I now have 2 gorgeous sable boys similar in color to Rufus and Sadie from my last litter. One of my sables (that's what I call them) has the cutest white front paw. As they mature into young adults this color becomes a beautiful blond. A dark gold-black boy with white markings. An ebony boy similar to Baxter from my last litter (but this one has a white tipped tail) and two beautiful ebony girls. And finally a striking black girl with a white yoke around her neck, white front legs, and a tail that looks like it was dipped in white chocolate. They really all are beautiful and healthy and doing well. Oh, yes, and they can't get enough of my fresh milk.

It will be fun to watch them grow and watch their colors change. They do that you know. I don't allow pictures of my kids until their eyes open at about 2 weeks, but as soon as those little buggers open, I will be taking and posting lots of pics. In the mean time, you can check out pics of my previous litter at www.deepacresfarm.com. Gotta go now. I just wanted to give you a quick update and let you know that everything is fine. It's not so easy to type while nursing seven pups. You know what they say, no rest for the wicked. Wickedly gorgeous that is!