Showing posts with label Wotan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wotan. Show all posts
Friday, September 2, 2011
Friday Flashback: Cape Cod 2004
Thursday, October 21, 2010
5 Agility Weims - 9 Lessons I've Learned
If you haven't visited this site, you are in for a pleasant surprise...it is the everything Weimaraner site, with interesting, fun and educational articles on varied subjects:
Monday, August 23, 2010
Thank you friends...
We are overwhelmed by the wonderful words of support and condolences received after we lost our beloved Wotan last week. I truly appreciate the outpouring of love.
One friend, who knew Wotan well, whose words especially touched me:
I am so sorry to hear of Wotan's passing. He certainly was a life-changing dog for you - opening up an entire world and tons of friendships.
You just can't say his name without a smile - he was that special.
I know you will miss him with an ache in your heart but knowing that your life was so much richer because of his presence.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Goodbye my Wotan
Who could have imagined the amazing journey he took me on and the lessons he taught me...he will forever be in my heart...
Windward's Standing In Motion, JH, AX, AXJ, NSD, CGC, V
"Wotan"
September 13, 1996 - August 19, 2010
(CH Greywind's High Flying Cloud, JH x CH Windward's Perfect Harmony, JH)
Wotan was my heart and soul dog. He was a truly wonderful gift from his breeder after a tragic accident killed his sister. He was my constant companion and kept me company as a pup, while on bedrest during a difficult pregnancy and as my personal therapy dog during chemotherapy. So tolerant of a then novice handler, Wotan was my "A" dog, and guinea pig and exposed to almost every dog activity out there. I showed this boy myself and put a 4-point major on him but we retired him at 13 points, just short of finishing his championship, as we tried unsuccessfully to get that last elusive major. He would not work for even the best handlers as he was such a momma's boy.
Wotan had incredible drive and athleticism. Extremely birdy, he finished his Junior Hunter title easily and loved to hunt at the preserve. He even earned his first leg with a very pregnant handler traipsing behind.
We then discovered agility and immediately became hooked. Wotan was born for this sport but it took years to bridle his extreme enthusiasm and drive, and gain control and consistency. He humbled his handler at many agility trials and if anything, always provided the entertainment. Amazingly at the age of 12, he completed his AX and AXJ titles with first places at all breed trials.
Known as the Houdini dog, Wotan broke out of every crate made and would rather just guard the house from his perch on the couch.
Wotan retired from agility (at age 12), and up until the very end, he still loved to hike, run around the yard and cuddle next to me in bed.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Welcome home Wotan!
I was so excited to get a call from the vet early this morning to come get my boy. She said that "He's doing wonderfully!". Wotan couldn't wait to get in the van and head home. After a sweet greeting and kisses from the girls, he took a long drink and then demanded a treat. Nothing changes...Unfortunately, he's on a special diet for now, so no treats. He was not happy about the situation and after hitting the cabinet numerous times with his paw and being told no, he gave a big sigh and walked away. Finally, he settled in for a nice nap in his favorite chair.
It is great to have Wotan home where he belongs!Friday, July 30, 2010
Wotan's recovery
I went to visit Wotan this afternoon and was so relieved to see that he was better than I had expected! The vet had told me that he was doing well, although a bit dull and very dehydrated, not a surprise after all he'd been through. The good news is that there is no sign of stomach distension or gas. He was happy to see me and gave me kisses and put his head on my shoulder for hugs. He melted when I rubbed his ears and scratched his neck just the way he likes it. I gave him a massage and he fell asleep with his head in my lap. We are very relieved that he continues to improve. He is still dehydrated and that requires more time in the animal hospital for continuous IV fluids. We are hoping to get him home tomorrow but only if he is hydrated.
Thank you to all our concerned friends who sent healing prayers and thoughts to Wotan!
Wotan's Bloat
A very stressful day yesterday. Wotan, almost 14 years old, spent the night in the animal hospital after bloating late in the afternoon. We were very lucky as I immediately recognized the signs of bloat and rushed him to the emergency vet before his stomach torsioned. The x-ray showed a tremendous amount of gas and a procedure was done to remove the gas. He is comfortable but very dehydrated and will need to spend another day getting IV fluids. Hopefully, he can come home tomorrow. I will go visit him later today.
If you are not familiar with bloat and own a large chested breed such as a Weimaraner, you need to be familiar with the symptoms because this can occur very quickly and if not treated immediately can be deadly. From the WCA website:
Gastric Torsion or GDV, bloat/torsion, twisted stomach:
Bloat is a disease common to deep-chested dogs that can involve twisting or torsion of the stomach with a subsequent blockage of the esophagus at one end and the intestine at the other. Bloat happens quickly and is often fatal without immediate veterinary attention.
Its symptoms include retching with no vomiting, extreme salivation, obvious discomfort, and distention of the abdomen. Gulping food can bring on an attack of bloat, so Weimaraners should be fed twice daily to avoid the hunger pangs that lead to eating too fast. Some breeders believe that foods containing soybeans shouldn't be fed to breeds that are susceptible to bloat because the beans can produce gas.
Many cases of bloat occur in the evening, after the dog has perhaps shared the family snack of pizza or some other highly-spiced food and then exercised. Treatment is expensive and not always successful. Feeding moistened dog food and postponing exercise for a couple of hours after the meal may help prevent bloat. You can also visit the The Great Dane Bloat Book for more info.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Summer Solstice
The first day of summer is here and we started out with a lovely morning hike before it got too hot. L-R, Jam and Trudy
It is amazing how every time I return to this spot, it looks different based on the rainfall and season. It was delightful this morning and the green grass and leaves seemed to sparkle in the sunshine.
The girls checking back...
Trudy taking a short break as she's not used to hiking. Even though the temps were in the low 70's, dogs can overheat and it is important to let them rest and give them water. Jam is conditioned for daily runs/hikes/agility so she just keeps going, like the energizer bunny.
Back at the house, Savi and Trixie posing for a Kodak moment :)
Gotta love solid stays and Savi is learning from her momma.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Let it snow, let is snow, let it snow!
Although the weather forecasters predicted 12-18" of snow for our area not surprisingly, they were wrong and we only received about 8-10". This was still plenty of snow for the dogs to enjoy and run around in. Jam, above, loves the snow and thinks there is nothing better than running in it at maximum speed. Too bad my camera isn't equipped to catch those pictures.
Wotan is another fan of the snow and what could be better than retrieving and playing keep away from Jam!
Check out Wotan's and Jam's blogs for more fun snow play pictures.
She may be faster but he is much more experienced at this game!
Trixie was not so enthusiastic about the snow. Tastes good but after awhile she wanted to go inside and curl up on the couch...a girl's prerogative.Thursday, December 3, 2009
No slacking here...
We've been very busy with family, friends and dogs and just have not had much time to update the blog recently. I have pictures to share that will appear soon, I promise. If you haven't seen Jam's video, click on Jam's blog for what we think is an amusing little video from our hike last week. Take note while watching Jam run like a banchee, that this is the typical energy level of a Weimaraner. Fun for us but not for everyone. Once the dogs have enough exercise, physical and mental stimulation, they are quite content to become couch or should I say chair potatoes! This is their favorite chair and actually, a true Weimaraner family hand me down from my husband's parents, whose Weimaraner would worm her way onto the chair and push off which ever human would have the audacity to sit in her chair!Sunday, September 13, 2009
Happy 13th Birthday Wotan!!!
My special boy, Wotan, Windward's Standing In Motion, JH,AX, AXJ,NSD,V (major pointed), celebrated his 13th birthday today! 
Wotan is in amazing shape for a senior dog and only retired from competing in agility last fall. He still has a ton of drive and loves to hike, retrieve his all time favorite toy, the Kong on a rope, on both land and in water.
He still enjoys playing on the equipment in our yard.
Hanging out watching the younger dogs.
On a recent hike with his ever present Kong.***
Wotan's favorite thing in the world is just being a momma's boy and he is truly my dog, following me everywhere, from the bathroom, to his favorite chair in my office to a dog bed in the kitchen and sleeping snuggled up to me in my bed.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Been missing...
Views of Pamet Harbor in Truro, MA
Things have been very hectic and going from two vacations and back to the real world with getting ready for school, dog shows and visiting pup, we haven't missed a beat and have done so much. Here are some of our favorite pictures from Cape Cod. The picture above shows from the left, Jam, Wotan and Trixie, posing in the Pamet Harbor marsh at sunset.
Jam with a true zest for life!
Plenty of room to run around and lots of interesting things to hunt, including birds and crabs!
The girls on the wild side!
Unfortunately, Jam cut her foot on a shell and needed to wear a bandage and booty to protect the foot and help it heal. A reminder to always travel with first aid supplies for your dog.
At low tide, the marsh was perfect for runs and at high tide, the dogs could swim, although Wotan was the only one interested in that activity. Without the dogs, we visited lovely, pristine bay and ocean beaches, biked on the Cape Cod Rail Trail and took advantage of the bountiful array of fresh fish and seafood at the local fish markets.Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sunday Hike at Black Rock Forest
Hard to believe that this beautiful waterfall located in the pristine Black Rock Forest, is only 50 miles from New York City.
The Forest features dramatic topography with over 1000 feet of relief, numerous lakes and streams, and high habitat and species diversity.
Of course, our dogs just think that it is a great place to run and swim. That's Wotan carrying his all-time favorite toy, a floating Kong on a rope, which he carried for the entire 4 hour hike and went crazy retrieving in the water! Jam loved running through the woods and took a short swim but was quite surprised with the lake when she ran after Wotan and ended up in the water! We'll be working on her swimming skills this summer. Trixie had to stay home as she is in season.Friday, February 27, 2009
Couch Potatoes
It is a good thing that we have a large couch for the Weims!
Jam makes a comfy pillow for Trixie.
TGIF, someone is very tired... Sunday, January 11, 2009
in my favorite chair, hanging with Mom.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Surprise Snow Day
With a severe winter storm upon us, school was cancelled and we spent the afternoon playing in the snow with the dogs. Snow totals of 10 inches are expected.
Trixie stays warm in her Chillydogs coat.
Attempting to get all three dogs together was challenging as the snow was a major distraction, good to eat and run around in.
The girls tearing around the yard playing catch me if you can.
No, this is not a Rorschach test...tangle of Weimie legs! 
Trixie stays warm in her Chillydogs coat. Attempting to get all three dogs together was challenging as the snow was a major distraction, good to eat and run around in.
The girls tearing around the yard playing catch me if you can.
No, this is not a Rorschach test...tangle of Weimie legs! This would have been a lovely portrait of the dogs if Jam could only stay still for minute! Puppy ADD!
Check out Jam and Wotan's blogs more fun in the snow pictures.
Time to go snuggle by the fire...
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