OT - The Saga of Puckster the Springer and his Eye

Great that Puckster is doing so well. We had to take my friends Lhasa Apso to an ophthalmology specialist a few months ago when he scratched his cornea. Aren't they wonderful?

Your description of how great Puckster is makes me almost sorry that Puff is a neutered male. I wonder what Maltspans would look like? Long haired, floppy eared, and full of fun dogs.

Lucille

Sounds pretty adorable to me! We're just so happy that the vet said he was pretty much good to go. And constantly astounded by people telling us what a great looking dog he is - I think his athlete genes come from DH. We still have to get his registration straight with the AKC - somehow all lost - so we're waiting for his parents (and their keepers) to give us the litter numbers, info so that we can redo the registration. The vet has to put his numbers on a plate with the hip X-ray, and also for the CERF certificate (the actually want us to microchip him, as well - which we'll do when his hips get X-rayed. They have to give him anesthesia for that, so he can get the chip, and his teeth cleaned all in one fun day. And then go looking for his love...

Right now - this guy is definitely looking for love - or as the Buckwheat song (from old SNL) "wooking por nub in all da wong pwaces" . He's gotten out the front door a couple of times lately - he used to go sniff and come back on command. Now - to the corner, then around then to the next corner and he's off and drooling. There are 2 young female dogs around and I think they must be giving off lots of scent - and he's close to paralysed when he gets a good dose. Male dogs - there version of showing interest - his lower jaw/lip starts kind of quivering - before the real excitement. So, I've had a couple of good jogs to grab him before he's gone too far, but then somehow getting him home - I forgot the leash twice - and he's a very muscular 60# uncooperative sack to heave over my shoulder. Too big to carry in my arms

-so I have to throw him over my shoulder. Fun. But, last time I enticed him through the neighbor's backyard to our fenced one - by promises of getting his "Bee" (the floppy frisbee). So, in short - you're not missing all good things with a neutered male. And the vet does say it's healthier.

Hoping we'll have a Puckster jr in the early spring - good time for house-training. Then I can have a name the dog contest. Well - for humor - I'm in my office typing now - and the dog was sitting on the spare chare - in front of one of the windows (we're upstairs). He just rambled off - I turned around - and his "burger" (the plush cheeseburger that is his most favorite security blanket kind of toy) is sitting on the window ledge. Sometimes he puts things where he thinks they'll be safe from us stealing them......

Ellice

Well, you know what they say! Springer by name - springer by nature! LOL! My oldest daughter had two, and although beautiful they were certainly LIVELY! Like most working dogs kept as pets, they have a LOT of spare energy! She still has one, who`s very elderly now, but he`s a sweetie. The older one (now deceased) like the females of most breeds, was much quieter in temperament. We never dared breed our Cavaliers - we would never have been able to part with any puppies - and if we had, would have needed cast iron references from potential owners!!!

When we were breeding Siamese, we went on quite a long trip to deliver a kitten and when we got there just had bad vibes about the buyer - so brought it straight home again!

Pat

Very true - although the "springer" in the name refers to the action of the game they would flush "springing up". But, they do have that bounding, sproing kind of run. It's a hoot to watch him running - as he bounds over anything, with his ears flying up - kind of like the old "flying nun" hat. He has really great ears - more like a Cocker than a Springer - so it's a sight.

We'll be happy to take pick of the litter, because I know that I'd have a hard time parting with more. The breeders (his family) that we got him from have the parents, and one brother. They were very careful with who got the pups, and have an agreement that we signed not to sell the dog, but give them the option to take the dog back - and repay us what we paid for him if we ever can't take care of him, etc. Most people with Springers evidently have them in pairs - at least. So, I'm really hopeful that we'll be able to get a Puckster Jr in the spring, else we'll rescue a pup - or might do both

- that would surely put DH over the edge. But DH does take the boy rollerblading, and for long walks - with something to retrieve. We just haven't reset up his agility stuff - I think we'll start back eventually. Maybe in the rec room at the least. It's amazing to watch the 59# dog pull DH (6', 210#) when DH is on his rollerbladees. The dog is all muscle - and you definitely don't want to be kicked by those rear legs - even the vets comment on it - we call it his "kangaroo" thing - he just rolls over and starts kicking. He's a crazy, sweet, dog.

I can understand that. Sometimes you just don't know until you're face-to-face.

ellice

Did you know that originally the only difference between a Cocker and a Springer was the size? They'd pull them out of the same litter and set them to slightly different jobs, based on how big they were. Could explain Puck's ears.

I miss my Cocker Spaniel. Love my Tervuren, but I know I'll have a Cocker again some day. Great dogs, if they're bred and raised right.

Elizabeth

I did - as when we were deciding to get the Springer we did some research. But I think they've been separate for quite a while now. And, Brittaneys aren't really spaniels, even though some call them that. I think Puckster's ears, and the fact that he's not got issues with skin folds in the bird dog mouth is why people find him such a good looking dog. He definitely has the bird dog hold things soft mouth - and is always carrying something around. When we come home - his greeting requires him to run and go get something to then bring to you. Or when he comes in from the yard - first thing - he runs to pick up something to carry around. We just refuse to buy him any realistic toys - since we don't hunt him - we're afraid he'd start carrying the real bunnies, squirrels, etc. Definitely he likes carrying things around.

True. My DB & SIL had a female cocker, whom they had bred a few times. She was a sweetheart of a dog, and at one point - when I had the world's largest border collie (RhoVee - half lab, half border collie - 110# looking like the bc - but with more lab ears - great dog) they had my parents bring me one of the males from a litter. Oreo - black with a white stripe right down the center of his chest. He was a love - though did like to try and abuse his big brother. Sadly, when the XDH and I separated, he kept them most of the time because I was travelling so much, then Rhovee got sick, so sad, and after he passed away little Oreo who'd been having issues with kidney stones, got so morose that he died just a few months later. But, I'd have another in a heartbeat.

Do I remember correctly - have you been doing agility with the Tervuren? Just curious. I think we're going to get Puckster enrolled for another obediance set of classes with his old trainer - before we go back to agility stuff. Today's highlight - I came home about 6, DH is collapsed on the sofa after his hard day reffin' - but the dog has eaten already. We play and say hi, and I let him out in the yard for a little ramble. The fence is 54" (pool height thing) and at the dip 48". With the posts at 60" (Mt Vernon dip style board on board fence). After a bit I walk out and whistle for the dog. Nothing. I call. Nothing. I think - oh, crap - are the gates open - nope. No dog - crap - if he's off chasing the female that's been laying her scent around this could be a while. And it's very, very windy - and rainy. Get DH up - he goes out to look. Then he's in the garage, and I decide to walk out the front to start on the chase - and lo & behold - there's Puckster - calmly sitting on the porch - just waiting. I guess he just jumped the fence - though goodness knows why. At least he didn't run off - but now that means regardless of weather I'm back to having my morning tea/coffee, afternoon break, etc - on the deck watching him to be sure he doesn't go over again.

Got to love it.

ellice

ellice

Yup, agility, obedience, conformation, and tracking when I can find the time, but mostly agility. I really love it and so does the younger Terv. We have only done AKC so far, although I hear the other organizatons can be more fun.

Elizabeth

We'll have to atlk off-line about this. From what I've seen, I think some of the others are a little "looser" or more fun with the agility crowd. Springers don't have amazingly long attention spans - although this guy is a thoughtful dog. At first we though he was a bit timid, but then realized he just likes to scope things out, then leaps right in. So, with doing the agility stuff he needs to have seen things first or he's hesitant. At the old place we had a lot of room for poles, etc - here we've slacked off for the year. Hence, going to get him back with us and a trainer, and then start working him daily. He's all muscle, and weighs high (vergin on 60#) but he's not bulky at all - still - we're trying to get him to lose 2 lbs.

Well - thanks for the info - I'll probably ask you some questions separately.