Those of you that are not on Facebook, that were unable to follow the links in my last post to the “surprise” here it is. Last November, while teaching in Australia I made arrangements for Feature to be bred to a lovely male that had the bonus attraction of being very closely related to Encore (John was home doing all of the leg work while I was miles away).
I am not a breeder (although I have bred a few Jack Russell Terrier litters) nor do I want to be a breeder. There are people out there that breed dogs “professionally” and do it very well. Way too much stress for me to ever want to walk that road.
Even when I brought Feature home from England four years ago I had not intentions of breeding her. However she turned out to be so special, not just to me but as a representation of the Border Collie breed. I decided I would have 1 litter to get my little Feature-like daughter and to keep the genetics of this great dog here in Canada.
You know what they say about the best laid plans . . . I have no idea why, but Feature gave birth to only one puppy, and although it was the “right” colour by my standards it was very much the wrong gender.
Anyone that reads this blog knows that although I admire the great athletic males out there in the dog world; I personally decided years ago that I prefer training girl dogs.
Even when I found out through x-ray that Feature was only to have one puppy, I informed the my other puppy people that it doesn’t mean I was going to keep this puppy. I have bred and raised 3 other litters and never kept a puppy before and yes even another singleton puppy litter (it was a male dog too:)).
However this one may be different. I will let life take me where it may. I have opened up heart to the possibility that this little guy my indeed be making a home here with me. Way too many “signs” for me to ignore. For now his name is “Sid the Kid” after Canadian Olympic Hockey hero “Sidney Crosby.”
He is already showing he has character, doing things in his own way and making me laugh even before he has the ability to see or hear you just can’t help love a puppy that makes you laugh before he is 5 days old.
Introducing Sid the Kid:
Sid the Kid on the run!
In his favourite sleeping spot
With hsi make-shift “littermate” Twisty-Towel-Dude.
Today I am grateful for the excitement of the unknown.
Sometimes it is the best decision,
to have no other choice. Congrats to
a stunning and healthy pup.
Congrats. Guess that means a little added Sid-uational variety on the postings. 😀
Ok Susan, if you don’t want him I will come get him! Really, seriously! I am looking hard for a red MALE puppy! Really! Seriously! Boys are trouble, they pee everywhere, stay out late, go looking for girls, get distracted by girls, have a one track mind, whereas girls are a delight! They focus on you, they pee in one spot, they work hard for you, they could care less about boys!
Is this helping you realize you really don’t want a MALE? I could come up with a lot more reason why you should not keep this MALE pup! Really! Seriously! I could start packing the car!
@Catherine, LOL very funny!
Hi
Love the photos of Feature and her puppy.
Although she is a different colour she really does remind me of her mum
Sometimes the right puppy comes in an unexpected package … Handsome fella
Congrats to all involved – is there a web page with Sid’s pedigree somewhere, and info on the sire?
I’m hoping you not only keep him, but use this blog to tell his story and how you are raising him and what you are doing with him at any given stage of his life – a sort of digital-age version of “What’s The Buzz”.
@Laurie, no there is no pedigree posted anywhere that I know of:). Sid’s father is a flyball dog (a very handsome one at that:). I do have plans to document my training for those of you that are interested. More on this when I decide what puppy I am training (if not Sid I have my name in for a puppy that was born the day after him:).
My plans are to write articles — much the same as I did with Buzz (of course things have change in the last 15 years) but in addition provide video clips as well to enhance the learning. This will be available to those that are interested as a separate site (one of my new projects for the year).
Im very excited to hear about the new project… timing couldnt be better, Im bringing home a new puppy in the summer! Look forward to following your progress with your new puppy and learning lots with my new pup!!
I remember your puppy camp when Roller was a puppy. During one of your lectures you stated that, “your next dog is the dog that you ‘needed’ at that moment in your life.” Also stated another way, by you I believe, “you get the dog you deserve”.
So. Sid came to you for a reason. Welcome home Sid!
I meant my above post to be taken in the best way. I hope it didn’t sound rude, it certainly was not meant that way. Many of your quotes stick with me and I appreciate each and every one of them! Well, except the quote I remember about cats. That one I didn’t appreciate so much. LOL
Absolutely not Donna! I love it when people quote my own verbage back at me . . . shows me you were listening! I can’t believe I would say anything unsavory about cats though (other than not being a “cat” person:)). And I believed each of those things I said to you back then and still do today!
Mega congrats to all. Sid is lovely and my how Feature looks very happy in her role as mommy!
Okay, so, we know why only girls, but why only red?
Congratulations! Somehow I knew this was going to be the surprise. Looking forward in hearing more stories and photos of Sid. Do you have a photo of the daddy too? Feature is looking good! Thanks for sharing your good news gift to us all.
Sid is very cute, Susan – hope you are going to keep him!!! 🙂
Naaawh, such a cutie!!
Susan, when I first saw the pictures of Sid on facebook I immediately remembered the post where you explained why you liked girls better, but it came to my mind the part where you said if Feature had an awesome male pup, that would tug wit your hart, you would be open to that 🙂
Hope you have a great time with him, no matter how long he’s staying.
They say men are from Mars and Women are from Venus.
If this applies to canines( and many trainers agree)ie. prefer training males rather then females or visa versa.
We all have our preferences.
Maybe this is about balance and this little guy has come to offer Susan a quality that has been overlooked in the past.
As they say the proof will be in the pudding.
So if the ingredience comprises of
A pinch of ” Encore”
A spoonful of” Feature”
and an essence of Buzz “maleness”
mix that with the Garrett “touch”
Man….is that gonna be some dog!! 🙂
Congrats to you and Feature! ‘Signs’ are important guides. Life offers so much when you are open! He is a lucky fella. Enjoy!
I also believe in letting life take you where you’re really supposed to go. I’m sure that you’ll make the decision you feel is right! 🙂
Feature looks like she suits the role of mother well. Congrats on a healthy, happy puppy!!
I was at your seminar here in Australia and I distinctly remember you saying how Buzzy had a very special, unique personality and that you would never have another male dog. I always find it ironic how life (and dogs!) throw us a curveball just when we think we’ve got it all figured out – my dogs do that to me all the time! So pleased that everything worked out and that Mum and Pup are well. What a cute little guy, I’ve a feeling that Sid the Kid will be staying around!
Hope the photos keep coming….. can never have to many puppy pictures! Glad Feature got through the process safely.
Welcome to ‘the dark side’, Susan! LOL
Hey congratulations Susan and John on
becoming ‘puppy grandparents’, it’s now your privilege to spoil him something shamefull…..enjoy.
Who knows about the gold bullion? That pup changed from dead to alive, from black to red, and can run, already!
*Like*
Awww! Too cute!
Randomly clicking on links after looking at baby Sid pictures and this was one of the top comments a couple of years ago on “what you look for in a puppy.”
“Great question Tony, I *try* to stay open minded but to tell you the truth, I think a male puppy would have to stand on his head and have gold bullion coming out of his butt before I would consider taking him home:)”
I think Sid will get to stay anyway, because you don’t have to take him home, he’s already there! I love how life brings us what it will and is totally unconcerned with what we may have previously thought about any given thing. Congratulations on a safe whelp. Love Feature, she is such a character!
Susan,
Glad to hear you’ve opened your heart to maybe keeping Sid. Red boys hold a special place in my heart :).