Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Spring Baths

Everyone has had their spring bath now and I'm too tired to lift my arms to take pictures. I love the feel and smell of freshly washed berners. They are so silky and look like big stuffed toys. I trimmed up everyone's paws and ears - no matter whether they are simply holding down a couch or actually going into the show ring - everyone gets the "show" grooming treatment.

Once I catch my breath again - I will have to do some intense vacuuming as there was a lot of coat blowing going on.

Apollo has never been a fan of bathing and grooming and he whined his way through the entire process and did jump out of the tub and then off table at the end - almost hanging himself in the grooming noose. He does this all the time while I struggle to lift him up and get the noose off his neck. He's bent my grooming arm and snapped my grooming table. So - he only receives a fast grooming since his tolerance for the table is about a half-hour. Everyone else will stand on the table (without the grooming noose) and I can blow dry, brush, comb and trim to my hearts content. Bogart will stand on the table forever - I am sure he would sleep on it if I allowed it.

Of course the yard is still quite muddy but the dogs really needed baths. They will all get another bath in June (assuming no one goes to a show or requires an emergency bath before that). I love doing summer baths because I bathe and groom everyone outside - no hair blowing around the house.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

What's For Dinner?

I bought this new cook book called "The $10 Gourmet" - restaurant quality meals that won't break your budget. Tonight we tried "Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken". This recipes uses boneless/skinless chicken breasts - butterflied and then stuffed with spinach, feta cheese soaked in balsamic vinegar and olive oil and various herbs. According to the book the cost of this meal, for two, is $8.24.

It was really GOOD!

The cookbook is by chef Ken Kostick and easily found at most bookstores.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Eagle Has Landed

Amore's semen arrived via FedEx at 10 am Thursday morning and was deposited into Sparkle at 3 pm. What a marvelous technology - using an endoscope the vet, Altina Wickstrom, was able to locate the cervix and then a small tube is inserted into the womb and the sperm is deposited right smack into the womb (rather than have to swim). I did not take any pictures, but if you go to youtube there is actual video of this technique used on a French Bulldog.

If those swimmers meet the eggs and have a party then we can expect puppies no sooner than May 27th.

R Litter Breeding Cost To Date:

  • 4 Progesterone Tests and 1 Brucellosis Test: $440.78

  • Collection and Shipping of Semen: $305.75

  • Transcervical Implantation: $396.00
Total to date: $1,142.53

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Which Way You Going...Jenny?


An old '60s song come to mind.
"Which way you going, Billy?
Can I come too?"
Picture compliments of Michelle - featuring Jenny and The Boom.

Quick! To the Bat Cave!

Sparkle has hit 5.2 in her progesterone so she is ready. Either the semen will arrive tomorrow or Thursday. I am hoping to video the transcervical - it's done using a camera. Neato!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Ophie at her New Home







On Valentines Day Ophie went to live with Barry and Sheryl and here are some pictures of her out of on "walkies". The other berner is "Hugo" from my "H" litter.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Additional Use for that Mini Trampoline


Since I am no longer bouncing on the blasted thing, I found a much better use. It makes an awesome "sweater dryer".

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Kimberlite Face Book

Just when you think you are on the cutting edge another technology comes along. So, along with my website, and this blog, I've just created a "Kimberlite Facebook". I have no idea how to use it yet - but if you can navigate to the facebook and want to join, please do.

I think this is the link:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=109691922381152&ref=ts

If that does not work, simply seach (while in facebook) for "Kimberlite Bernese" and join the group.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Goose!


Two geese on our "Duck Island". Moose and goose - I guess it's spring in the prairies.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Moose!


I was having a relaxing soak in the hot tub this evening - looked around and saw these dark spots on the horizon. Three moose! Really! These are not stray cows. I wish I had a better zoom on my camera.

Berner Bumps is One Year Old

I missed my anniversary by 7 days. I started Berner Bumps on March 7, 2009. I've had 9, 180 visitors. Thanks.

We are gearing up for our "R" litter (hopefully will be bred in the next 10 days). Details are on my website. Hopefully, I will be able to blog about puppies.

Hello Spring 2010!











It is just a gorgeous beginning to Spring 2010. We had a lovely time out on the pond (most likely our last weekend for frozen pond) and suntanning on the deck. It has got to be at least +17C on the deck.
Baby Kitty caught her first mouse of 2010 and ate it in front of Mr. Slinky without so much as offering him a single bite.




Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Sign of the Times


He doesn’t attack, he just sits in his doghouse, staring at you and mumbling to himself. Source: Oddly Specific

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Cool Dog Toys!

I purchased some cool dog toys at Costco today. They are called "Ballistic Ruffs!" Three, well made sturdy toys retailing for 9 bucks. The package insert says (and yes - they are "in love" with exclamation points!).



Dino, our crazy chewing 2 year-old Golden, inspired our search for a more
durable material that would allow his toys to last longer than average toys.
Our Ruffs are the result of this search! They are more durable and just as
fun!

Your dog will have many hours of fun interacting with our new toys and
with you! Enjoy!

Bogart (toy snob) promptly took the blue one (he will only accept new toys),
only to have Lola steal it away. Sparkle is chewing on the black one. They do
look sturdy to me and have a really interesting squeaker sound.

Anyway - have a look at Costco - I think they are a good buy. Yes, they are made in China. Did the Golden live in China?

Update!...the cats LOVE the box the toys come in. Hey - a win-win situation.






Monday, March 8, 2010

Prince Albert Dog Show

Well, it was a fine weekend in Prince Albert, SK for a dog show - not only was the weather perfect, but it was a fabulous weekend for the berners. Denise with her lovely boy Keeper earned three Group 1st and to top it off - Best in Show on the last day. Well done!

Lola earned her 2nd point too. Paul and Lynne's "Chloe" and "Boz" did very well, with "Chloe" earning Best of Opposite in 5 shows and Best of Breed for one show. "Boz" earned Best of Winner's for two shows.

Here is Lola (18 months old) doing the go-around. The judge is Leslie Rogers.



Here is Lola doing the down and back.


Boz (3 years old) doing the Go Around.

Boz doing the Down and Back

Best of Breed - Line Up: Keeper (3 yrs), Chloe (16 months), Boz (3 yrs), Lola (18 months)