Chihuahua Crazy Daze

No heart for blogging anymore...

2010-08-14T11:13:00.001-04:00

Yes, I haven't blogged in a long time... Have to say, I have not had the heart or motivation... First, Taja & India had to be re-homed because it was to hard to maintain them any longer. Well, I am afraid that because of the turn in the economy (and I do not mean for the good!) I have had to re-home Daisy, Chico and Boogie. It nearly shattered my heart to pieces...

I still have Nini, Baby Girl and Manchita (my mother's chi from Nini's first litter) up for re-homing. I am being pretty picky. Luckily, Daisy found a local phenomenal home with two sisters who already had a younger chi named Zoe. Chico Boom Boom went to live with Pancho (his son from Lucy X Chico's previous litter) in Orange City, FL and Boogie went to live with Lucky (our Lobo from Nini's last litter) in Port St.Lucie, FL. They will be loved and cared for tremendously. That consoles me...

Still, things are as tough as can be and the emotions can really get the best of me, many times... I will have to close up my website in the near future. I will no longer be breeding. Lucy will remain here at home and maybe some others, don't know yet? But, all will be fixed. My breeding days were some to remember and for that I am grateful. It will be sad to say goodbye to ChihuahuaCrazy.com --it's been a part of me for so long now...

Daisy at 4 mths of age

Daisy with her babies...

To all of my previous clients and puppies--which are not so puppy anymore--thanks for all your support and words of encouragement. I am truly lucky to have had you all come into our lives and take ownership of our little ones... My email will never change and I will still remain on FB. Wishing us all the very best in the future...

Our handsome and incredible Chico Boom Boom

Our wonderful little Boogie

Growing up quickly...

2010-07-23T16:10:00.000-04:00

The puppies (Lucy X Boogies 6.18.10 litter) have graduated to another part of the house--the family room where all things human and canine converge... They are wanting to play and move about a bit more. Also, the other dogs are anxious to get to know them. Today, they are officially 5 weeks of age! Man, where has time gone???

Lily has now passed down the post of "Queen of the litter" to Pebbles who wants to dominate all things living around her! She will play at any hour of the day or night, if she must, by herself with inanimate objects (which are not her favorite). She is incredibly playful and active and wears out her siblings to no end... Lily has become the one that everyone else picks on--because she is so laid back and passive, at this point. Snoopy is still speaking up a storm whenever he wants milk or the comfort of his silblings, if they wander too far and out of sight. And, Scooby is a pretty laid back little dude with the sweetest expression--makes you want to eat him alive!

We are now on Puppyfind and trying to find a home for Lily and Snoopy. I feel I may not be doing this much longer--as much as I love it. But, our lives are moving in a forward direction where breeding is not likely to fit into--sad, but it is our reality for now... So, full time work is something that will soon be in my future--eventhough I really feel being a mom to four and breeding is already a full time job ! But, being Realtors, has been a downfall for us and reinvention is necessary at this point. This economy has killed our industry and our livelyhood. I can barely actively think about for more than 5 minutes, unless I want to seriously fall into a deep depression...

Yet, I consider myself very lucky to have these dogs and pups in my life and that of our family's. They have given us so much--I cannot express how much I owe these little gifts of mine!!! If it wasn't for them, my sky would most certainly have been black--and it is not--for the most part it has maintained it's shade of a beautiful baby blue... Forward and onward...

Back to the puppies after "our" vacation...

2010-07-20T16:28:00.001-04:00

"Where are we???"

We have just come back from a family re-union on Miami Beach where we were able to relax in the sun (got too much of it!) with our family--a whole 100 of us! Ya, a bit overwhelming, but fun nonetheless... We had to leave the puppies at home with my mother, who happens to live with us--bless her!!! They were in the best of care--although, Lucy missed us a whole lot and made my mother's nights a bit miserable!!! Otherwise, they are all fine. It was amazing to see how much they changed over the span of the 5 days. They look more mature now.

Lily wondering about the sun...

Today we took them out into the yard for the first time. It is HOT here in Central FL, to say the least! They were not too happy about being out there, even though we were in the shade. So, the outing was short lived, but fun for a few minutes. We were able to take lots of pics and a new video, which I will attach the link to here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiaSbyvXPu8

It's unbelievable to think they are going on 5 weeks of age already. Time has a way of zipping by... They are now beginning to try wet food--although their food of choice is Momma's yummy milk, hands down. But, soon they will be forced to eat more of the solid food--nature's intuition and way. Lucy will need a very long and deserving break after these puppies go. She is a true Mom and we couldn't see our lives without her...

Graduating to the BIG POOL, yet again...

2010-07-12T17:14:00.000-04:00

It's BIG POOL time for our latest litter! They are not convinced of it, just yet. The expanse is vast, in their eyes. So, for the first few minutes there was a lot of whining, crying and howling. Yes, howling just like a Beagle would do chin up to the sky... Quite interesting. This litter has turned out to be quite vocal, in comparison to many of our past litters. Boogie is a talker, just like his mom is... He is not annoying in the barking sense--doesn't really bark--but, he does, in my opinion, try to mumble or talk certain opinions to humans and other dogs, alike... He is our special "little man", no doubt.

At this point, which is just a half hour after they were put into the Big Pool, they are all huddled together, for safety and comfort, in a corner of the pool on the comforter. The texture of the newspaper is new to them, as is the bigger space. They already took a couple of pees on it--yayyyyy! This way they learn quickly how to pee and poo on newspaper--thus, paper training... Dry food is also introduced at this point. Although, they are just beginning to get their milk teeth. Soon though, mom (Lucy) will decide to let them nurse less and less. It's incredible how quickly time passes...

Almost halfway there!

2010-07-11T15:54:00.002-04:00

So, the puppies have been doing what they do --which is sleep, nurse, play (for short spurts), pee & poop (of course!) and the cycle repeats itself all over again and again... Not the most exciting thing, but we are thankful they are complete, healthy and growing beautifully. Our goal now, and always, is to find the right homes for them... I feel very blessed in that arena--we have found so many great people to care for our little ones over and over again... Chihuahuas are so addictive. I think once you become a Chi owner, there is just no turning back--no other breed will suffice at this point!

They are all showing bits and pieces of their personalities, at this point--we have Lily which is the one who thinks she is in charge of the group with a soft but stern confidence; then there is Pebbles which is just happy to be belly up and in someones arms at any given moment; Scooby is just a jolly, happy go lucky boy with few cares; and lastly, there is Snoopy whose main concern is to find a comfy sleeping spot (he can get quite whiny if he doesn't get accommodated quite fast--but, it's cute to hear how vocal he is...). They will certainly all change in the coming weeks. They change quickly and develop into their own individuals. It will be fun to see what they will turn into in the coming weeks...

Watch our latest video of the pups @:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaoWTS2qllg

All are looking for trouble!

2010-07-04T11:27:00.000-04:00

Only one able to keep his eyes open here is Snoopy--all are off to LaLa land...

Lucy and Boogie's puppies, at just a little over two weeks of age, have all opened their eyes. It has been a couple of days since the first peeks and now they are visually detecting all that is around them -- like feet, ears, heads and tails... Those are the toys of choice for now. It's cute to see them going at one another, when they are awake--which is a minor percentage of the time! But, the few little games of tag they play with one another are very entertaining... I will try to video them later today and put it up for all to see...

Peeka Boo!

2010-07-01T16:59:00.000-04:00

It is day 13 and Lily has beat all her siblings in being the first one to open her eyes! Not a peek--but, wide open... They are always a little fuzzy the first week or so. As time goes by, they become clearer looking and so does their vision... Everything is pretty much a blurr to in the beginning. In a week or so, she will be using her vision much more and pegging her brothers and sister for little wrestling matches. Can't wait for that, it is always so cute and funny to see them go at it...

I cannot believe how quickly time is passing. Just yesterday they were looking like little newborn hamsters and now they are so much more agile and mobile. And boy do they complain when that milk doesn't flow fast enough out of mom's boobies--it's funny, annoying and disconcerting all in one! They are luscious, nonetheless, and I am enjoying every minute of having them here. Life is, as always, miraculous to me...

Crazy days so far, for summer...

2010-06-28T12:55:00.000-04:00

It's been so long and a lot has happened since my last blog! Lucy and Boogie had their puppies on the 18th of June--to start... They had two girls and two boys--none blue!!! So weird to see her with non-blue puppies... In the past with Chico, she has only had blues and one black tri (but Black, Blue & Chocolate are all the same color/gene) so not to see a single blue, black or choco in her litter is just plain strange. It's as if she is being a surrogate to these pups that do not look like they belong with her!!! Sorry, kinda of whacky--but that is just me...

All my human kids are off for the summer--and that has been exhausting! Trying to keep everyone busy and happy. We are also actively selling our home and showing it--which is also exhausting when you have a house full of kids and dogs--the cleaning can get overwhelming... To top it off, I have had to sell my beloved horses--which has me broken down, for the moment... Taja my Arabian Mare went to live with a family that has 11 yr. old girls that show in 4H--and she is doing quite well at their home which is on 5 acres and has other horses... But, I miss her terribly... India, my older Draft/Tennessee Walker mare is still here and I trying to find her a good home where she will be used very occasionally... She is an old lady that deserves to be retired for the rest of her life. It is so sad to see her alone and looking out and calling for Taja, which was her pasture mate. It's heartbreaking and too much for me at the moment.

Nini and Chico's mating did not take. Nini had a very strange heat cycle a couple of months ago. So, it was sketchy from the get go... She came into heat immediately after her last boy left our home and he was only a couple of months old??? She usually comes back into heat 4 months after her puppies leave her side--so, it was a questionable mating. But, she is fine-just a little chunkier from my feeding her as if she were prego... But, she'll lose the weight now that we know there are no pups... She may go at it one more time... We'll see.

Daisy and Boogie are like two lovebugs--inseperable... Daisy will be mated with Boogie when she is ready. That combination will be interesting, no doubt...

The heat in Central Florida has been unbearable! Honestly, what are looking toward in the future??? Heat index is at an average 106 degrees--crazy... and dangerous...

Lucy's pups turned 10 days today... They are chunkers and growing fast! Soon, they will open their eyes--which is always so exciting! Have to say they are so interesting in color--they are all tri colored (Red, Black & White) and have black masks, for now... Lucy is being the phenomenal mom that she always is... And life is a bit complicated, sad and anxious for us at the moment--but, Life Is Good--nonetheless...

That ohhhh, I am so huge feeling...

2010-06-13T19:29:00.000-04:00

Poor Lucy is getting near the end--sometime this coming week... She is wobbling around like a Weeble Wobble from my childhood.. I am a bit nervous, just thinking there may be quite a few in that big tummy of hers! I am really hoping it is not too big of a litter--the production of milk takes a lot out of them when there are numerous puppies (meaning 5 or more). We'll see. To all that read this, please send your good thoughts for her upcoming whelping!!!

Fleas and HEAT--ughhhhh...

2010-06-04T15:56:00.000-04:00

It's amazing to me that Frontline and Advantix are expensive as they are when they really do not eliminate the flea problem! I mean they may break a fleas reproductive cycle, but honestly, they should also keep them off the dog--at almost $10 a vial--it's the least the medication could do... It's outrageous to me that so many medical products and meds are sooo unaffordable to so many due to ridiculous pricing... So many more dogs would be saved from Heartworm alone, if only it was a medication that was reasonably priced--but, unfortunately, that isn't the case... Shame, darn shame...

Here we are battling this da** heat and fleas to no avail! Frontline doesn't seem to be doing the full job and the poor dogs are having to stay in most of the day because of the temp. outside... And it is only the unofficial beginning of summer--blahhhhh....

Fat & Lazy Days...

2010-06-02T12:20:00.000-04:00

Lucy is showing tremendously. She and Boogie have a couple of weeks to go before the big day! The suspense is too much, at times... That is the nice thing about Chihuahua unions--they can produce such a grand variety of colors and coats... Will we get masked ones, blue ones, sable ones, long coated or short coated???

She is quite uncomfortable, at the moment, and ravenous! She would be eating each second of the day if she could! Have to be careful, overeating and gaining too much weight is not necessarily a good thing... So, we are keeping her treats down to high protein, low in fat, treats and she is eating her canned food well.

Nini, on the other hand, is not showing very much. This makes me think that two things could've happened: 1) Her pregnancy did not take or 2) She was not quite ready, while she did accept, at the very beginning of her mating ritual and so she conceived very late in the process... She may be as much as a week off, by my calculations. We'll just have to watch and see... She did come into heat very quickly after having had her last litter--which is a bit unusual... This is a different scenario with her this time... Hoping for the best with her... After this one--she is off to get spayed. She has been a phenomenal mother--could not have asked for better...

Summer Haircuts...

2010-05-26T10:29:00.000-04:00

This is Florida--normally 80% humidity with temperatures in the 90's (usually upper 90's) all summer long. It is not even officially summer time and we have been experiencing that kind of heat for a while now... ugh... It has been a rather dry spring time, which means the fleas are unstoppable... Even with the use of very expensive topical agents, such as Frontline, etc., they do not seem to be letting down. Poor dogs and, of course, poor humans who have a sensitivity to flea bites! Luckily, I am not one of those, but one of my daughters and my mother are easily bitten by them...

So, eventhough to some it is a big NO NO, the dogs have gotten a nice shave down. Fleas are less comfortable traveling the slippery terrain on a dog's body when there is little hair to be secured by. They don't seem to like bare bodies. I thought, twice, about shaving Boogie--being he is such a little thing--thought he might look like a rat, hehehe... But it has been done. I think he looks even more adorable. You can really appreciate his diminuitive size without his coat. He weighs even less, now, I think...

I couldn't do it to Lucy(shave her)--she is already so smooth coated and tightly so. But, they all received their baths and applications of Frontline... (lots of mula $, blahhhh) And this is just the start to what is going to be one boiling summer!!!!

Feels like an empty house--somehow...

2010-05-20T20:11:00.001-04:00

Boogie around 2 months of age...

Our luscious Bingo, now Apollo living with half bro Zeus

Have to say, we miss the pitter pat of small little paws running around... This departure has been a difficult one to take. I know that soon, in just under a month, we will have teeny ones again. But, at the beginning, meaning for the first 3 or 4 weeks, the puppies are not really that active. So, it will not be until they are about 4 weeks of age that they get going with the playing, walking/running, and rough housing with each other--which is always so fun to watch.

We are really excited to see what the union of Lucy and Boogie will produce--will be quite interesting as far as color and size... Nothing is ever predictable, really. They could be teeny or not; look like Boogie or not; look like Lucy or not; and/or be completely different from either parent... Then, of course, Nini and Chico will be having their puppies about two weeks after Lucy. That will be somewhat more predictable--but we could always be surprised! We'll just have to wait and see. Ugh..... Waiting is always hard for me.

Skyla, from Lucy and Chico, Lucy and Boogie top of pic.

What will we get???

The girls have gone to their new home...

2010-05-16T21:43:00.001-04:00

So, it has been a sad and exhausting weekend starting with the departure of Lotti & Khloe (our Bella and Lexi). They have left a void in our home--but filled another in their new home. We had the privelege of meeting their whole new family, minus the brother/sister canines they will live with. We are overjoyed that they have gone to a beautiful and wonderful family that drove all the way from Panama City Beach, FL to our town of Winter Springs to pick them up... It was a long drive here and then they had to head back home after picking them up---had to have been exhausting...

From this...

They could not believe how little Lotti (Bella) was and loved our little fluff ball Khloe (Lexi). Loved the reaction on their faces when they first walked in--priceless... That is what I love about what I do. I will update them on the website and on the blog as soon as they get settled in and some pics are sent my way... Lotti (Bella) left here weighing 1.6 lbs @ 8 wks & 2 days, Khloe (Lexi) was weighing 2.4 lbs--I swear half of that is fluff!!! haha They are being loved and spoiled to death, as I type...

To this...

The day is nearly here. And then some more...

2010-05-10T16:26:00.000-04:00

Khloe says, "I'm hungry, momma..."

This Friday!!! Again, don't know where the time has gone !!! My youngest one, Adriana, is feeling it already. She has been asking me again and again whether they will be leaving today. I keep reminding her it won't be until the end of the week....

Isn't that a face to love...

Before we know it, we'll have two new litters on our hands... Lucy is due around the 16th of June and then, Nini is due around the 25th of June-so, it will be back to back litters... Lots of pitter patting mid July, when they are up and running. It will be exciting to see what we have...

Down to the wire!

2010-05-07T10:51:00.003-04:00

Lotti says, "My sissy doesn't get the fact that I want to sleep!!!"

Ok, so it's Friday... Monday the babies are due for their shots, their first DHPP and Corona. They are scheduled to leave on Friday, the 14th of May. I can't believe how time has just zoomed by! It seems like just yesterday we were sitting here in the family room, with Daisy looking very uncomfortable in the puppy pool... And then, pop! The first one, our Bella, new name Lotti, was popping her head out!!! Daisy was screaming her head off, sounding like a human woman! And then, as I tried to assist her, she bit me out of sheer pain! That was a new experience, to say the least...

And now, they are running around, following my every footstep. Playing with Boogie, when they and only they, are in the mood--if not Boogie gets big Bear growls that scare us all!!!! We are absolutely in love with this pair--but, soon they will part from our home. They will be very loved, no doubt--their new mommy is counting the minutes... They are still so tiny--we are new to this size of chi that Daisy has given us...

It seems that Lotti, has surprised us and not turned into the longcoat that we thought she would be. While, on the other hand, Khloe is sporting a really thick coat, which we think will beautiful in thickness and in color... They are so very different in appearance, but so special in their individual ways... Lotti is the hard playing and tough little cookie, which fits in your palm, who will not take any crap from anyone... Khloe, is the sweet eyed, plumper, ever forgiving, melts your heart with her gaze chi chi... It's so funny to watch this pair of sisters...

Lotti, trying hard to sleep...

It will be so interesting and awesome to see what they end up at in the future... I will look forward to updating their status as the months pass... I know that they will always hold a special spot in my heart, for sure...

Khloe ready to play...

Please let me be... Lotti

Uneventful times, for the most part...

2010-04-26T11:20:00.000-04:00

Everything is status quo--no real change or huge news to report on. Lexi and Bella, which will now be Khloe and Lotti--have to get used to calling them those names! are doing great. They have now come out of their puppy pool and joined the whole family in the family room, with it's TV, traffic of kids, adults and other dogs. They are now exploring the area and playing with their choice of dog, at an given time... Lexi (Khloe) is a total fluff ball--she reminds us of a mink coat, with the mink coloring and all! And little Bella (Lotti) is a little spitfire full of play and fun. Her coat is not turning out as long as I thought it would be, by this point. She may just end up a rough coat--short coat with a thicker and bit longer coat--but not quite the true longcoat... They're going home the weekend of the 14th of May to Cottondale, FL which is on the panhandle of FL. They will have a Shitzu and a Schnauzer sister and brother waiting for their arrival, as well as a human sister and brother... The family is very excited...

The only news we do have is that Lucy and Boogie did the deed. They will be expecting puppies around the 16th of June--give or take a few days. We are excited to see what that union produces, being that Boogie is a 3.6 lb. adult... Nini, was not going to be bred again this time--but, with the slip of a door, Chico got her. I have to decide what to do with that situation. She is and has always been in excellent health. Her 5th birthday was this past December. I will consult with our vet before making the decision to either let her continue with the pregnancy or to have her spayed at this point... We'll see.

And so, all is well and normal as usual here at our Zoo.

Going as usual...

2010-04-16T12:16:00.000-04:00

Nothing new or exciting to report on... The girls, Bella and Lexi, are doing well, as is usual at this point. They are now becoming very interested when Mom's wet food is in the pool... They scramble over to it as fast as they can... Daisy is not too convinced she should be sharing it, yet. She growls a little at the fact that they have their noses in her food. After all, she is ravenous at this point being that she is a small female and providing milk for two little girls who love to drink! But, hey, that is motherhood for you. Anyway, the girls had crisscrossed their heads this morning--which I love to see. So, here are a few pics of crisscrossed heads...

too precious...

Playing like the boys!

2010-04-13T14:37:00.000-04:00

The two girls Daisy had will be 4 weeks old on Wed--hard to believe time gets by you at such a fast rate! But, yeah, they are now moving around so much more. They tend to be a little unsteady at times. It's so funny to see them play together, actually grabbing at each other or trying to bite each other's ears, etc...

Bella, our teeny princess, is not looking to be as longcoated as Lexi. She may just end up a short long coat, referred to as a rough coat, sometimes. But, Lexi has the softest coat ever... It's like cashmere to my touch and is quite long. They depend on one another for comfort when momma is not in the pool with them. That is touching to watch. Time is flying and sooner than not, they will be gone. That is the sad part of this...

Home after Spring Breaking...

2010-04-12T13:45:00.000-04:00

We took a little family trip to South Florida, Miami Beach to be exact... Needed it so badly. Sorry for the lack of updates, but that is the reason why. The babies are doing great--funny how they change in just 3 nights of not being with them constantly... They are growing their legs--meaning walking around a lot more. Lexi's coloration is still awesome and getting a bit on the lighter side--she still has a lot of the ashy blue in her coat, though. Bella is a teeny little princess that is just so "china doll" perfect... Both are different, yet so beautiful in their individual ways...

The only pics I could get of them this morning was when they were snoozing. So beautiful to watch them rest so peacefully--if only humans could attain that level of instant rest, such as they do... I certainly can't--if a mosquito buzzes--I am up and erect in bed wondering where that noise came from--very annoying...

Here are the Sleeping Beauties...

Open up or open not...

2010-03-31T15:40:00.000-04:00

Lexi has decided it's time she sees the world around her. She started to peek out yesterday and today they were full blown open... Bella has decided it is not her time yet. But, it marvels me to think that Lexi had such a bleak prognosis that first night. I can't believe that I had started to prepare myself for the worst with her! She fought to prove me wrong and I soooo love her for that...

Bella is doing great, just taking her sweet time. They are both nursing and sleeping and now moving a whole lot more in the pool area... Life is good...

Bella & Lexi growing and getting to that 2 week mark!

2010-03-28T11:08:00.000-04:00

Bella is weighing in at 8.7 oz. while Lexi, her chunkier counterpart is weighing in at 10.5 oz. They are both so luscious to watch... Both beautiful in their different ways. Lexi's coloration is the most amazing and unusual, I think we have ever had here at ChihuahuaCrazy!... I already know I will be struggling much about deciding what to do with her... Bella is so perfect in her own way--looks so much like mommy. They both have great heads and square muzzles--which I love... Their eyes will begin to peep open soon!

Bella & Lexi are flourishing...

2010-03-26T11:11:00.000-04:00

I weighed the puppies today, just to keep track of their growth and to make sure they continue to grow(although just by looking at them it can't be denied!)... So, Bella (Daisy's look alike) weighed in 7.3 oz. and Lexi (Ashy Blue one) weighed in at 9.0 oz. on the mark! Have to say that I feel really good about the both of them, at this point. I am not even worrying about Lexi anymore... To me, she is out of the woods and is continuing to grow normally and healthy... Lexi, I know at this moment, has taken a strong hold on me--and will most certainly be very hard to let go of when it comes time to it...

Eventhough, they are growing heavily and steadily--I know that they will be small in frame and weight. Frostee has consistenly proven himself as siring small dogs--no doubt. So, the weight charts, for now, are for my peace of mind. They are not indicators of any true adult weight--which so many out there have a fixation on... They are happily chugging down their mother's very FATTY milk and therefore, the charts cannot be used accurately at this point. My best assessment of a puppy's true adult size is at around 5 months of age. By that point, they have been weaned from mommy's milk for a long while and the newer and leaner puppy food is assimilating in their system. So, their growth declines and becomes more evenly spread out.... Mom's Milk is the Super Formula for all mammals... No doubt about it!

Thanks to Michelle(Fifi's owner) & her co-workers we now have a name!

2010-03-24T15:09:00.000-04:00

Ya, thanks to the list of names Michelle (Fifi's owner in Long Island, NY) and her co-workers have come up with---I can now put a name to both of Daisy's girls...!

Okay, so here it goes--first born and Daisy look alike is going to be Bella and the last born, which is an ashy blue, will be Lexi--I took one look at her and it just made sense--she is a LEXI! Thanks to all at AquaAmerica!

Naming the puppies...

2010-03-24T11:45:00.000-04:00

Any suggestions for names would be greatly appreciated... Having a hard time figuring out what to call them... I think it is actually easier when the litter is large to name each and every one--because the task at hand is bigger. So, you just get to it and do it so much more efficiently...

Anyway, thinking on what the blue girl was put through to get out (enduring my constant tugging, etc.) this is most certainly a testament to how truly miraculous life can be!!! I give thanks to the powers of the universe for these moments--especially at this point in my life...

Happy to report that as of last night Minnie Me was weighing 5.7oz and Blue Girl (for now) 7.1 oz! Yup, that blue girl has really put a lot of faith back into me... It is always hard when you have a litter in which you lose one (be it that it's stillborn or losing it shortly after). But, after what Daisy went through and the trauma that the puppy went through, it is just amazing that Blue Girl pulled through with such vigor for life...

Daisy and the daily grind...

2010-03-23T12:37:00.000-04:00

Daisy is trying her hardest and best to adjust to the neverending cycle of nursing and caring for her puppies... Remember those days?--you human mothers out there... Where we would deny ourselves the simple necessities of life like brushing our teeth, enjoying a full meal or taking a bath? I do... But, such is life and the role of a mother.

Daisy is especially weary at night--lucky me, since she sleeps right below me next to my side of the bed... So, I have had to confine her and the puppies to a closed crate which she cannot escape. Sounds horrible, but she will have these little freaky stints of trying to get on my bed or of hiding under the bed during the loud calls and crys of her puppies. As my memory recalls, I think Nini went through the same thing during her first two litters... Not fun for anyone involved... Hearing the puppies cry for her is the worst part of it all... So, incarceration is the only solution, at this point. I of course make sure all her needs are met before she is put in the closed crate--such as potty time, food/water... Which can be quite fun at 2am in the morning, which is when she seems to be going a bit stir crazy...

Yet, happy to say, that besides this little glitch in the chain of Mothering, she is doing very well with them. They have grown, in my eyes. Both are exuding healthiness, lots of movement and much shine to their coats. I am guessing they will both be longcoated. Two longcoated parents can produce smoothcoated(shortcoated) babies--it all depends on what they carry in their lineage... And vice versa...

The circle of life--especially the beginning of life--is such a beautiful facet of living... Happy to be experiencing it with her... :)

Skyla (Moo Moo from Lucy's last litter) stayover at our house...

2010-03-22T13:21:00.000-04:00

Lucy had her daughter here for the weekend... We baby sat her... It's been a weekend full of activity and non-stop playing for Lucy and Skyla. It's funny to watch them together--they are such mirror images of one another... It seems Skyla knew exactly where she was from day one... No whining or whimpering because she was not at home... She took to the group as if she had never really left. Love to see that. It's been fun to see them going and going. Funny how they seem to remember (have a memory) about their mothers and previous home... :)

Boogie has been vying for Skyla's attention to no avail-Lucy won in that department...

Update on Daisy's pups...

2010-03-21T21:46:00.000-04:00

Quick post just to let everyone know that Blue Girl (until I come up with a better name???) is doing really well. No need for supplementing--she is doing all the work herself by nursing from Mom... Both puppies have each gained .8 of an ounce since their birth. Am really happy with what I thought was going to be a bleak week. Life always has a way of throwing you a nice surprise when you least expect it... :)

Blue girl is sooo much better--like new... Let's hope...

2010-03-19T22:10:00.000-04:00

Well there is always one little one that will surprise you in any given litter... This litter it happens to be our sandy blue girl, which was born last. She was put through the ringer by being head out (only head) for the longest time. Daisy, it seemed, was not going to be able to push her out. I actually had to insert my pointer finger (with surgical gloves on and lots of KY) in her vaginal canal to try to shift the puppy's position. It worked and out she came. But, for a while we weren't sure if the puppy or even Daisy would live through it all... Very scary and draining for all of us.

But, low and behold--Blue Girl has come back with a vengence! Each and everytime you look at Daisy, she is latched on and suckling away with vigor! Such a relief. But, I cannot say that she is completely out of the woods until she turns that two week mark. And again, I ask, you send your positive thoughts her way...

Daisy's St. Patrick's Puppies...

2010-03-18T11:10:00.000-04:00

In conclusion of my prior blog, yes, Daisy did whelp her puppies yesterday on St. Patty's day... She had a total of 3 females. One which was stillborn :(

The whelping was excrutiating for Daisy. She screamed like a human woman, from the get go, when the first puppy was descending into the vaginal canal... All she could do was scream and bite down on anything that was in the vicinity of her bottom. Unfortunately, the very first time, my finger happened to be in that vicinity and it took the brunt of her her agony...

Anyway, first girl was born at 4.0 oz. on the nose, second (stillborn) was 4.5 oz. and the third was an exact 5.0 oz.. The last she gave birth to was a sandy blue color, which I assume will get lighter either on the blue side or fawn side... Well, this girl, was stuck head first and out, for sometime. I had to, with the help of Carlos (my husband) holding Daisy upright to let gravity on our side, help her by pulling gently with each contraction that she had. It was horrific in my mind. And, yes, boo hoo to me, who put myself and Daisy in this position... And yes, you know how I rant and rave about breeders wanting to genetically control and modify Chi size all for the sake of vanity (because apparently Mother Nature had no clue as to what was going to be "in MODA" years down the line of Chihuahuas even appearing on Earth....). Well, I just got a taste of that medicine--and crap was it SOUR! I don't ever want to put her in that position again or myself... It was nearly a twelve hour labor from beginning to end for just 3 puppies! Big decision ahead for Daisy's breeding future--spay or let her do this again with a male that is twice as small as her??? I'm not sure. If I do the latter, it would be hypocritical of what I think is right... We'll see.

So, now her sandy blue girl, girl #3, is hanging in the balance; did not feed very well last night--cryed most of the time. I tried as best I could, through chronic cough and much needed shut eye, to adjust her and help her find a teet (nipple). Many times she was not interested--heartbreaking... I don't want to experience another Vida scenario here but, it looks to be moving in that direction... In all likelyhood, Daisy will only raise one surviving pup... :(

I do not want to think negatively, but I have to be realistic and try to let go sooner this time, if that should be the case... So, please send your positive thoughts my way--u know how I feel about that; it works. (Vida lasted a whole 14 days, a miracle within itself....) More pics and info on their condition to come soon... Hoping to get some needed rest today...

Daisy will be a momma for the first time... Maybe today???

2010-03-17T11:36:00.000-04:00

Daisy, which is due on the 19th official 63rd day of gestation, had a really uncomfortable and rough time last night. I am hoping, if she whelps, that it will be during working hours, incase I need to rush her over to the vet. If it happens after 6pm, I always run the risk of having to take her to the emergency Vet Clinic, which doesn't seem to appreciate the fact that people out there breed... They just make you feel so belittled by the time you hand the dog over to them--but, hey they have no qualms about charging you double and a half and then taking that credit card number from you! But, yes, have to say--I don't want to have to go the Emer. Vet with her... So, please send your positive thoughts her way--so, that is not the case. It's is just that you really never know. And when it comes to the smaller chis (like Daisy) it can be a gamble. So, we shall see...

One of the reasons I am not so hung up on "Oh, will he/she weigh more than 4 lbs. as an adult?" is the very fact that the little ones have such a hard time when it comes to whelping (labor)... So, what does that indicate to me? ---Mother Nature knew very well that and intended the for the Chihuahua to be small, but not that small... So, many of the Chi lines out there modifying the specifics of the naturally intended bone/frame structure of the Chihuahua are just playing with fire... Not to mention that genetically speaking, the Tea Cup Chi, is just not fit for a long life--the great majority of the teeny ones end up dying by age 6. Chihuahuas are meant to live anywhere from 14 to 20 years...

Again, here we will be-waiting and seeing what Daisy produces and how well she will get through the whelping of her babies... Wish us luck!

Cold and Icky days...

2010-03-16T16:45:00.000-04:00

We humans, here at ChihuahuaCrazy, have been a bit under the weather for some time now... I am, personally, really SICK (no pun intended) of it! But, I guess it's the constant change in weather this winter--Damn "El Nino" carrajo (bad word in Spanish).

But, my long haired chis--specifically Nini and her son Lobo don't seem to mind the chill in the air. I have a couple of doggie beds set up in my back porch area that leads to the pool and yard. Well, that is where they want to be day and night--although, I don't allow them to be there as soon as the late afternoon hits--too chilly in my opinion...

Blanca left today... :(

2010-03-14T19:18:00.000-04:00

So, now it's really down to the wire... Blanca left us bright and early to her new home accompanied by her brother, Australian Shepherd Minnie (yes, minnie!--obviously not as small as a chi, but small for an A.S.).

And, now--LOBO is all alone. He looked for her over and over again throughout the span of the morning. It was heart wrenching to watch... He will not leave us until the 2nd of April.

Blanquita woke up with me and received a warm yummy bath this morning (not so yummy, though, in her mind). But, nonetheless, she was smelling fragrant and looking as bright as the sun when I was done with her... Momma Nini sensed something was going down--she was extra watchful of Blanca and Lobo this morning. Funny how they have that 6th sense.

So, when Alex came knocking on the door--all hell broke loose in the barking dept... But, Nini, above all, managed to settle quickly. I, of course, had to shed my tears before I was able to hand her completely over. It never changes with me; guess it never will... My husband, Carlos, just does not get it. He kind of apologizes on my behalf to whichever new owner is sitting across from me, at the time. I guess all the stress of getting the house ready for sale and the thought of uprooting our family--dogs and horses included--just has me a bit over stressed lately... Each departure of everyone of my pups, lately, has been extra heartfelt... But, heck--I don't care nor am I embarassed--I am, as they say, pretty much an "open book."

Life is still good and is even better for Blanca's new owner, at least for today... :)

Bad at posting lately...

2010-03-12T12:46:00.000-05:00

Sorry for lack of posts. It has been a hard week between my children who are sick, getting the puppies that were leaving ready for their departures (Diego, Maya & Blanca) and just plain life here around the house, which is in shambles due to our working on it to get it ready for sale.... Yadda yadda, yaddi yaddi..

Maya left for Gasport, NY (flying into Buffalo) yesterday morning. I had to be at the airport with her at 7am; her flight left at 8:10am. And as always, I was running late... I am not a morning person--never have been--blahhh to mornings... Yeah, imagine me with little newborns human or not--it's a scary thought...

Anyway, she arrived fine but took forever to come out of the belly of the plane because luggage was backed up. So, here I was on this end, biting my fingernails (figuratively) waiting to hear from Brittney... Felt like forever. But, when I did get the call I was like, "Ahhhhhh." And the topping to that conversation was Maya crying her head off once she heard my voice through the phone! I was put on speaker and it was unbearable. No one could talk or hear each other because of her whining and yelping. It MELTED MY HEART and like the goober I am--I immediately started to sob (trying to hide it as best I could) and had to hang up with Brittney. It was so sad for Maya and I, yet such a spectacular feeling to experience because I knew what I meant to that little one by her reaction... Ok, no more cheezy weezy stories...

Blanca will be leaving us on Sun-and that will be another hard one... She is a little beautie with the most spectacular green eyes and playful soul... I think she will bring so much joyful youth to her new family--which recently lost one of their 18 yr old chis... And she will certainly be cultured and trained in the classical music genre, being that her owners are both musicians for the Orlando Philharmonic... Love it...

Loving my little ones and loving life at the moment!

More visits from Chili's visit

2010-03-09T11:52:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to include more photos from our play date yesterday, 3/8/10, with Chili, Trang, Marty & Dolce--who is elusive in the pics... They are too cute to just archive in the depths of one's computer...

Trang was ready to run for it with one or two in her purse!

Mom, Pop & ChiliMom, Pop & Chili

Diego, last one to go--found a home...

2010-03-08T22:47:00.000-05:00

Forgot to mention, that Diego our sweet little Peachy (really apricot in color) King has found a home and will be the first one to leave tomorrow... So sad to start seeing them go. It never gets any easier. But he will be spoiled rotten by his new family, which includes older children and an occasional chi visitor which they babysit from time to time...

His new home is local in Celebration, FL, yup the happy Disney Community...

Chili came to visit us today!

2010-03-08T22:35:00.000-05:00

Trang W/ Chili

Today ended on such a nice note... Chili from Nini & Chico's litter DOB 8/11/08 came to visit us, with his sister/companion (not from ChihuahuaCrazy). It was great to see HIM and his owners again... Chili had been groomed recently, by Marty's mother's groomer. So, his fur was quite short. Would have been nice to see him in all his fluff and glory... His tail is really full, even when short...

We set up an umbrella and toys in the backyard for them to romp around with... But, they had much more fun romping around with each other! We had a nice long visit--caught up on our lives. Trang wanted to walk away with Diego in her purse--haha. It was all good. :) They can't wait for Lucy to have more blues...

Marty w/ Chili

Carlos w/ Chili

Nini's Minnie Me-if we have ever had one!

2010-03-05T09:56:00.000-05:00

The pups are all doing great--getting around and around---and into everything! But, they are a bundle of love and joy and you just can't help but smile when they come running your way... :)

Just wanted to share our "Minnie Me" of Nini which is, of course, Lobo... I actually think his facial markings make him more beautiful than Nini. But, don't get me wrong--Nini is my "Queen."

Daisy is chugging along--not so receptive to food, which makes feeding time kind of stressful. I want her to eat well and nourish those little ones in there! But, I do continuosly feed her in small amounts throughout the day...

Blanca has found a great home...

2010-02-28T00:12:00.001-05:00

I am so fortunate to say that Blanca has found a fabulous home with two musicians from the Orlando Philharmonic, (Alex is a cellist & her husband a violinist), and 3 other doggie siblings... We have had such an interesting array of people join us here at ChihuahuaCrazy (by joining, I mean becoming a part of our family). From Marines/Air Force, to Air Tower Controllers, to Dentists, to Accountants, to Hairstylists, to Stay at Home Mothers (go moms!) to Educators to future Chiropractors and the list goes on... If you choose one of our puppies, then in my mind, you have joined our family--because our puppies never truly leave us... OK, so you are thinking, at this point, "Psycho ChihuahuaCrazy lady breeder."

Take it easy... It's just the spiritual side of me talking (don't freak out!)

We are hoping that we will get to see Blanca in the future for puppy playdates... So, Diego, is still needing to find that special home. Maybe you know of someone who would love our "Peachy King?"

Rain, rain go away--again...

2010-02-27T16:25:00.001-05:00

It has been a very unusual winter this 2009/2010 season. "El Nino" has just thrown all this rain our way... Could be worse, eh? At least it is not snow/ice we're dealing with. I think of Fifi, up on Long Island, NY all the time. Poor thing going out onto the snowy sidewalk--or not going out at all! Ya, just like rain--it cuts their outside time down to zero, somedays...

So the laziness is endless today amongst dogs, humans & horses... Days like today remind me of San Francisco, when the fog would set in during the evening or would not lift until midday-blahhhhh... Cold and miserable. Yet, I guess it's good to remember where I am from. Those were glorious days for me and my childhood. San Francisco has never left my heart or maybe my heart has never left it? It's so easy to become so involved in our fast lives that all we can see/worry about is where we are going... We forget about where we are from--good to remember every once in a while...

New horizons for Nini's litter today...

2010-02-23T12:14:00.000-05:00

Nini's litter is now getting to explore the vastness of the house... It's not an easy thing to do--ya know poo & pee patrol can get tiring. But, they have a spot with newspaper held down by two small bricks (so they don't grab the paper and pull/play with it). They also have their water, food and comforter all in the same area. So, they can venture out and explore further if they desire (yet always have that safe spot to run back to). This helps to create confidence and independence from MOM, which needs a break at this point! All in all, it just good for them. They see and hear us all the time and learn that life is just can be hectic, quiet, calm or crazy--all the compenents of everyday life at the Gonzalez Zoo.

I try to do what I feel is best for them. It isn't always easy for me--we are, afterall, a BIG family (4 human kids, my husband, mother and her dogs). Lots of cleaning up is put forth throughout the day which can get exhausting and quite boring... Who lives to clean--don't know too many people that do??? But, in the end, I want to do what is best for my pups and hope for the best when they do go to their new homes...

Puppies out in the big yard (not dog yard) for the first time...

2010-02-19T21:22:00.000-05:00

Adriana enjoying some puppy love...

It could have been a prettier and sunnier day for the puppie's first outing--but, they needed to go out and explore for the first time. The pool is becoming quite confining, at this point, and they are more restless in the wee hours of the night--ugh.... So, out we went for some exercise and exploration. They had a ball. At first, they weren't sure what to make of the pokey grass, which is quite dead and dry. But, hey, they're puppies--that only lasted about two minutes. Off they went tumbling about in the excess of leaves. Later the game became one of "tag"; lots of room for that... Then Boogie came into the picture and boy did they all go to town with him... It was fun to watch.

Boogie went one by one, first one being Maya, of course! She is our little "show off." Maya will not miss the opportunity for a good shot, or a good rumble with one of her siblings or a fun game of tag witha dog that is much more experienced than her--Boogie. She wants to show she can run with the best... So cute. She will fit right in with her new family which has a young pre-school age son.

Wee look at all this room to run around! It's getting hot out here, momma...

Another interesting thing I learned today. Fifi, who was one of Lucy's girls from her last litter and which lives on Long Island, NY, did something interesting. Her young owner, Nicole, was on my website last night and was playing the current video I have of the puppies. Well, as soon as Fifi heard my voice coming through on the video, she became very alert (ears up) and then began to whimper, whine and run around as if she was looking for me! Awww, it melted my heart to hear she did this... It just makes me re-affirm that, "ya, I love what I do." She may be coming down to Disney World in the near future and will hopefully stay with me while her family enjoys the park...

Boogie will prove whether he's Da Boogie Man in May

2010-02-17T20:10:00.000-05:00

Boogie, thanks to Charlotte, has his first shot at mating with another chi, hopefully, in May. It will be his "Stud Debut." I can't wait--first, to see if he will be able to get the job done and secondly, if he does get it done, what the outcome will be??? His future girlfriend is a Chocolate Merle who is also very small, her name is Fiona. Pepsi from http://www.thetinychi.com/ was the first in line for Fiona, but is larger than Fiona. So, Charlotte referred Boogie. Let's hope it all goes as planned...

Playdate with Skyla (our Moo Moo)...

2010-02-16T11:51:00.000-05:00

Skyla sniffing around in our yard

Yesterday, Feb. 15th, we had a wonderful visit from Skyla, our Moo Moo born out of Lucy X Chico, 10/16/09. She has been coming to play with us quite often and we love to see her! April, her owner, says that she immediately knew where she was at before driving into the driveway... She began to wag her tail and whine! So funny how they remember and sense things. These little dogs are as sharp as a pistol; don't think twice about that!

Skyla and Boogie smelling something doggy yummy...

In fact, let me quickly tell you a story about my very first litter. I sold a pair of chihuahuas to one great couple who lives two houses down from my mother, in our neighborhood. They are called Jack and Jill; Jill is Baby Girl's female and Jack is Nini's boy. Yet, they ended up together. Well, their house happens to fall on a path that we take when we go for long walks as a family. Usually my daughters and I are chatting away as we take our walks. As we start to approach Jack and Jill's house, they hear my voice and begin to call out for me. It is not a bark, but a beckoning call or whine that alerts you (they know you are near). It is the cutest sound... I adore it. As soon as they start their call, Sandy, their owner, lets them out into the yard which faces the path and they immediately rush up to me crying for me to carry them. They were born March 22 & 26th of 2006. Yet they have not forgotten.

Look at her dark blue spots--same color as mom...

I would love to have a get together/barbecue here at our house before we officially sell it with all of our previous chis and their owners. After all, these are dogs that bind us all no matter what cultures we come from... It would be the perfect "Adios, Adieu, Ciao, Sayonara, Au Revoir, Adeus" for this wonderful home of ours...

Pancho's new home is his old home...

2010-02-15T18:45:00.000-05:00

Pancho, who I thought would be very hard to place after coming back to me for a second time, has found his way back to his original owners. They just happened to get him at the wrong time at that point in their lives. They are a wonderful young couple who is originally from Wisconsin. But, Pancho was picked up by them the very same weekend they had just moved here---too much; too soon; too overwhelming, and understandably so. Neither of us had any hard feelings, it was just not meant to be...

But, they continued to check my website throughout the weeks because they missed Pancho. And when he was back here again for the second time--they knew it was meant to be. That is, that he was meant to go home with them for good. I am so glad, mainly because he has them that love him and care for him.

He will go through some puppy training, I am sure, which will be great for him and them. Every new dog owner should learn the basics of dog training--it benefits both sides.

Life can be funny. In this case it's not only funny, but LIFE IS GOOD...

Graduating to the BIG POOL...

2010-02-14T19:53:00.001-05:00

It has been a couple of days, at least, since Nini's litter was moved to the bigger pool. I have two sizes. One is very small, for when they are just newborn until about 3 and a half or 4 weeks of age. At that point, they start to get their legs--or become better at walking and getting around... So, they need more space to practice their large motor skills (as we teachers like to call it) which is basically walking, running, jumping--the use of all their large muscles for movement.

And, when they do get into the big pool, potty training starts on the newspaper. There is enough room for a folded comforter/pillow where they can cleanly lay with mom and siblings and for newspaper on the rest of the space. Now is also the time they start to be introduced to their dry food (Biljac Puppy) in our case and their water bowl; lots to experience.

When they first enter the pool, you can see the overwhelming look in their eyes. They are a bit intimidated at first by this bigger new world of theirs... But, in a matter of a day, they are exploring, running, tumbling off the comforter and smelling their food and water. They also begin to get the jist of coming off of their comforter, which is nice, warm and clean, to go potty on the newspaper. They become very good at using the newspaper in no time. From that point on, they associate the newspaper with going to the bathroom. It's that simple.

Still cannot believe how fast time has past--they have grown so fast! =(

Oh sooo big sooo fast...

2010-02-10T15:37:00.000-05:00

Maya ready to have some fun...

Not much to say--it's all OK, thank goodness... I am like, "How did time pass so quickly???" Just yesterday, they were born, Nini and Chico's pups, and now they are trying to get out of the baby pool!

Each one is displaying a certain personality--Maya is the "Oh I am sooo COOL-you can do anything to me and I won't mind..."; Blanca is the "I have to test the waters first, to see if I will like it."--a bit on the shy side; Lobo is always pining for Mom--looking for her everywhere and making sure he stays by her side; and, last, Diego is "Hey, hey what are you up to and can I join in?"

Lobo wondering why mom is no where near...

Funny to see them progressing. Boogie is wanting to get into the pool and play with them. Nini won't have it just yet. Pancho has already snuck in and stolen a little lick from the puppies when Nini wasn't on guard...

Blanca looking up at Boogie, who was on the edge of the pool.

Diego instigating some wrestling, boy style...

It's all very funny to watch...

Picture Crazy...

2010-02-05T15:07:00.000-05:00

At about this point in time, when they start to walk around and can see/hear, I go bezerk with the photos! I can never just get one good one--it ends up being more like a hundred and something by the time I am done... A bit of OCD, I guess. But, they are just so CUTE and each one's personality starts to show at this time... What to do with all these pics--can't put them on the website or it will take over an hour to load when you log on. So, I will just have to share them with the world--quite alright with me--always like to show off my bunch.

If I could only show--if only. I know that we have produced several show quality pups here at ChihuahuaCrazy.com ... And it's funny to see what some breeders out there, which have been in the show circuit for quite some time can actually get for their puppies. Sometimes I look at a certain one from one of the big names, and think, "My xyz... puppy is just as well put together and as beautiful as that one!" Or, maybe in my arrogance?, I think, "My --- puppy is prettier than that one!"

This breeding world is a dog eat dog world. Some tough cookie breeders exist out there that think they are "the last COKE in the dessert." And I get that they have worked hard at establishing themselves up to now... But, one thing I do not want to ever become is, "I am too good for you to even consider having one of my puppies...Snot, snot (nose in the air)." Met quite a few in this business which think they have to keep their practices under lock and key... All I can say is, you never know when a small time breeder will come and knock you off your high pedestal...

Maya will not stay with us...

2010-02-04T20:15:00.000-05:00

So, after much ado about keeping Maya, we have decided to let her go to a wonderful family in Gasport, NY (near Buffalo). She'll have to grow in a thick winter coat to be able to handle the snow!

We are in the process of selling our home and need to have as few dogs as possible for future showings--ugh... The decision was difficult--she is such a little looker and so sweet to handle. She just lays in whatever position you put her in until her eyes start to shut from sleep... Real cute...

She will fly out to NY nearing her nine week b-day, if all goes well. It will be hard to see her go...

Daisy will be a momma for the first time...

2010-02-01T14:10:00.000-05:00

Daisy, our 5 lb. Chocolate Spotted on White with Tan Points, was bred to Frostee (4.5 lbs.), from Floridachi.com. She is due to have her puppies on the 19th of March, 2010. She is not looking pregnant just yet. But, the little ones tend to take a bit longer to show anyway. She has been a bit repugniated with certain foods and smells... Not too bad--at least there isn't any vomitting involved...

She is a cutie. She is however AKC Conditional-due to no fault of mine... Irresponsible breeding from previous breeders on her father's side. Shortly sfter having gotten her AKC registered, I received a letter from AKC stating that her parentage was in question--specifically, her grandparents (the parents of Daisy's father) were in question. AKC was going to try and resolve the issue with the breeder of the grandparents--but, apparently the breeder was not responding to the contact AKC was trying to establish with them... What a surprise...

No scruples, in my opinion--"I am just going to do whatever the hell I want--and h***, AKC can't tell me what to do!" attitude... So, everyone who received/paid for a puppy from Daisy's litter got screwed! The h*** with us!... Gives the term "Backyard Breeder" the sleezy feeling associated everytime you hear that term...

Unfortunately, it screws us all (those that breed responsibly from home) up the you know what...

So, AKC Conditioned Daisy-which means that she and the puppies born to her can only participate in particular/designated shows. Meaning she cannot participate openly in all the categories AKC has to offer. I am not able to show, at this point in my life--so, for me it is not a tremendous issue. And luckily, most people that buy from me are "pet only." But, it just complicates it all... And I feel ripped off... Although, I would not trade Daisy for the world--very easy going quiet loving chi and small, as far as Chi standards go...

Again, the puppies should be here on or before the 19th of March. I do expect them to be little ones--am not super excited about that... But, it will be what it will be. Let's hope they are all born healthy--#1 goal...

She is very beautiful and sweet. Pictured here with Boogie as a puppy, to the right.

Update on Nini and her puppies...

2010-01-29T10:44:00.000-05:00

Happy to report that Nini and her puppies are doing phenomenal... She has what I call "Nini's SuperMilk." So, they are growing into little pudgers as I type. I am thinking of keeping Maya, the chocolate spotted on white with tan points. She is all daddy in the muzzle and face. Nini will be retired as of this last breeding-she is already 5 and has been a super producer...

Have had many people seriously interested in little Maya, as far away as the great state of Washington in the NW corner of our country. So, I have to make a decision very quickly about whether she will stay with us or not.

Pancho, I am happy to say, found a GREAT home with a retired couple that lives in Vero Beach, FL, directly across from the beach... He will have the smell of the ocean breeze, birds, sand, people and other dogs--he is a lucky little one... He did great his first night there.

All in all, I am feeling upbeat. I have been very fortunate, no matter what... Life is good. =)

Thanks to all for your sympathy in Vida's loss ...

2010-01-27T11:59:00.000-05:00

I wanted to say Thank You from the bottom of my heart for all the kind words, positive thoughts and support from all that read my blog about Vida... It did make a difference in her short life--she was comfortable and peaceful up until the very end--and it was because of all your well wishes and GOOD ENERGY...

Vida has left this earth for a better one...

2010-01-26T17:06:00.000-05:00

January 26, 2010, 4:16pm, exact time of Vida's passing. The Chi GODS have called her into duty, it seems...

This is the Eulogy I wrote for her on the first night she almost passed, just a couple of days ago... It may not be the best--but, it was from the heart...

EULOGY FOR OUR BEAUTIFUL TINY VIDA-Who Taught Me What it is to LIVE...

As cruel as I think Vida's lesson/existence was to me, I am ashamed that I even felt her existence was difficult for me... I realize that is a very shallow and selfish emotion to be feeling. She was the one suffering not, me. I, now, see it all in a different light:

Vida was given to me by this infinite and omnipotent Universe for many reasons-all of which I may not be enlightened enough to know in this life... But, she has been a 4.5 oz, for most of her 14 days of life, inspiration. Despite what was probably ailing and cheating her of a full long life on this earth, she is COURAGE.

In her small shiny face, I saw determination an a fierce spirit for life. She was a WARRIOR!

She barely complained a day and did the best with what she was delt, moving that little body all the way the circumference of the pool to get to where she needed to go... She was DETERMINATION.

So many more infinite insights will come of Vida's role in my life, I am sure, as the days and years pass. She is DIGNITY in every sense of the word with all of it's glory...

Forward and onward...

I am consoled by a beautiful picture in my mind of BB receiving you with a huge lick on the face as you arrived to the afterlife in Chi Heaven...

R.I.P.

Vida Linda

January 12, 2010 - January 26, 2010

Back to not doing well...

2010-01-26T13:22:00.000-05:00

The night she cheated death...

Vida had an OK night-no real issues. She slept well and I supplemented, with a syringe, as usual. At around 11:30 am, this morning she started to struggle for breath, again. Her color changed to a deep purple, again. And, it seems, we are back in the same situation as a couple of nights ago. But, this is our special little "Vida" we are talking about--she may surprise us again...

I ended up finding the pictures I misplaced from yesterday. Some are of Vida on the night she took the turn for the worse--and what I thought would be her last living photographs. And, some are of our playdate with Skyla (Moo Moo) yesterday.

I want to take this opportunity to THANK ALL who have left me positive comments and thoughts in reference to Vida's struggle. You have given me strength at very critical points in this struggle. You have all been so gracious and encouraging... I can't thank you all enough--the chi world is like no other!

Skyla and Lucy--mirror images to me...

Vida has proven to have so much vida in her...

2010-01-25T19:07:00.000-05:00

Last night was looking very bleak. As we prepared to go to sleep at 11:35pm or so, Vida took her last supplement feeding for the night. She quickly began to take a turn for the worse in her breathing and color. Her color around her lips, nose and the inside of her mouth could only be described as a blue purple... Not good. Then shortly after that, her breathing became very labored and distant in timing. To add to her distress, all she could do was cry with every gasping breath she took--agonizing, pure torture to watch. I am by no means a masochist, I can take physical pain very well, but this was different. Yet, I had to stay awake, cry for her, kiss her gently time and again, take a few pics of her last moment here on earth and hopefully stay awake until her last breath was taken by her... So, the process which I said started at around 11:35pm, lagged into 12:40am, then 1:53am and finally sleep got the best of me at my last look of the clock at 2:46am... A eulogy, which I would share on my blog, was completed on paper by me before my eyes shut tight. I had conceded in my mind to waking and finding a lifeless little body that I would then put in a ziploc and in the freezer, so that we could bury her as a family later, with the dignity she deserved...

So, when my eyes opened at 5:09am, I was just plain floored, amazed and my jaw dropped. She was snuggled in corner of the pool amongst a blanket and Maya. Her color had improved dramatically. It took me a moment to watch for a breath--but, there it was! I could not believe my eyes... This had been nothing short of a miracle. All I could do was thank my grandmother up above, who I had been praying and pleading with, to just take her quickly as she agonized and cried to breathe during the earlier hours...

A flash of hope, lightness, joy and pure gratitude to the powers above all rolled into one BIG emotion ran through my body from head to toe--that is the only way I can describe what I felt... It was an ethereal moment in time, which I will never, ever forget--no matter what happens from this point on...

To provide a little relief from these past 14 days or so--SKLA (previously Moo Moo) and her owner April showed up for a playdate. April helped hold Vida wrapped in a blanket out in the sun for a little while, as I prepared her formula. SKYLA is looking like the spitting image of Lucy-- I MEAN SPITTING IMAGE--dark blue colored spots, like Lucy's dark blue. She has the same exact face and expression in her eyes... It's so sweet to see them side by side... I had those beautiful pics--and now they are gone, due to my technical savvyness... =(
Sorry April, next time we'll get some good pics again!

Footnote: Being the clear headed ZOMBIE that I am today---I somehow deleted all the great pictures I had on my SD card when uploading onto the computer. So, this blog is pictureless...sorry...

Vida still has vida...

2010-01-24T19:32:00.001-05:00

Vida, it seems, will either be the world's tiniest Chihuahua, at only 4.5 oz going on 14 days of life or will pass soon... But, I think this little girl doesn't know the meaning of soon--so, we shall see... She is now on Goat's milk and seems to like it a bit better--although she is not enthusiastic about any kind of milk at this point... This is hard--it is taking a toll ; still trying to decipher what it is I am supposed to learn from this endless lesson.

She is nearly opening her eyes, when she is a bit more alert and not sluggish. Lethargic is what she is most of the time. She would have been quite furry and full coated--she already is more so than the others of which I think will be longcoats... I am still on vigil with her--although exhaustion tends to get the best of me in the wee hours of the night... I try to sleep as lightly as I can. Have to say, if this is what having little teeny chis is like-- I am not looking forward to Daisy's litter.... =(

Vida clinging by a string...

2010-01-23T10:56:00.000-05:00

Vida has now stopped nursing from Nini altogether. It's heartbreaking. I am supplementing with a syringe, because she will not suckle from a bottle. She barely swallows what I can get in her, which at this point is about 2cc's. She cried, it seems, in agony last night. I tried to comfort her by adjusting her spot, cuddling her, hydrating her tongue--anything and everything you could think of--I tried... My vet thinks that her liver is probably not working correctly--maybe malformed... Makes sense--she has not grown like the others when she was suckling from Nini's rich fatty milk... So, being that the liver plays one of the main roles in metabolizing our food/nutrients--I can only guess hers is not well...

She is however a fighter--I would have thought that she would have left us by now... The Albon (antibiotic) is still being given, doubt it will do much at this point. My main focus with her today is to keep her comfortable, as I want her to pass here by the side of her mom and siblings--so that it is her final view of this world as she exits. I hope she knows that she was cherished. Vida will always hold a special place in my heart and memories. We will miss her...

The pictures were taken yesterday, 1.22.10.

Vida is home from the vet...

2010-01-22T14:59:00.000-05:00

Vida is now home from her vet visit this morning. She was given another enema, but nothing of much consistency came out; mostly just yellow watery stool. Her stool was examined twice, under the microscope by Dr. Hill himself, to see if there were any signs of Coccidia--none that he could find. But, she will be put on Albon until Monday, just as a precautionary measure. She wiggled, squirmed and walked the length of the cage she was in. The surgery room was filled with her non-stop whiny squeaking. She had everyone on their toes... Yeah Vida!!!

But, as Dr. Hill says, it could go either way. He has seen worse cases pull through. Yet, he has seen more encouraging cases not make it. So, we are still up in the air--which is torturous...

She has nursed since getting home--encouraging for me... Her color seems a bit better--also encouraging... But, she is still in the hands of the higher power. And I am no clairevoyant...

Again, shoot your good thoughts her way... Thanks to all...

Vida is still not well, but still here...

2010-01-22T12:35:00.000-05:00

She is at the Vets until 1pm. They will give her another enema and keep a close eye on her. Supplemental milk will also be given if needed. I cried as I left her and told them to take extra special care of her! "I want her to die at home with her mom and siblings--if the Doc thinks she has very little chance of survival." I said to Julia who works at the reception desk. I was assured by her that she would make sure she was being watched carefully...

However, she did come home yesterday, after her first enema, and nursed a few times from Nini. I did have to supplement because she just wasn't nursing as often as the others--and I didn't want her to become dehydrated. So, she had a 3am feeding via syringe, because she will NOT TAKE A BOTTLE. So, hard when they just reject that rubbery nipple--but I can see why--it is no where near as soft and supple as is mom's. More formula was given to her before I took her in this morning...

This morning, after not seeing her poop last night, I tried to give her a warm water enema on my own with a suctioner. Seems to have gone in-she whined a bit-but nothing came out. I had no choice but to run over the the Vets again... Everyone was cooing over how beautiful and little she is... Many warm wishes for her as I sat and waited for them to attend to her... Everyone talked with me about how much their own animal meant to them... No different from our human kids-we all agreed... This is turning into a grueling never ending lesson--am not sure what I need to be taking from this??? As I said before, my heart will NEVER harden for any of my babies... So, if that is the lesson I need to digest, then I suggest to the powers, to stop trying to shove it down my throat--they will not win! I will never become some callous breeder or person when it comes to the animals of our Earth. I was born on Earth Day-April 22, after all...

Sorry to ramble this is just all taking a toll on my mind and I am physically worn out too...

I will post again after I pick her up at 1pm. Please send her your positive wishes--I believe positive energy can work miracles...

Vida clinging, but barely...

2010-01-21T20:01:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to all who have left encouraging and sympathetic comments for Vida. I appreciate each and every one!

Vida went to see the Vet this afternoon. He found her to be constipated and gave her an enema. Was told to supplement with formula. However, she is refusing both the bottle and her mother's nipple--which is disheartening... I can only keep her warm for now next to her momma. She will wither away quickly at this rate-no doubt. It is just a matter of waiting for her to take her last breath...

What hurts the most is the fact that she looks like a such a precious little piece of perfection... Complete, shiny, coordinated and agile...

If she continues to wither with no hope and is clinging to life tomorrow morning, then I may just have to take her in and euthanize her--it's more humane that watching her suffer this long...

What life lesson is it I am supposed to be learning from this experience. Am I supposed to become more hardened and less affected by similar experiences? I am not made like that--my heart will never give in to the lessons death would like me to learn...

Vida is taking a turn for the worse...

2010-01-21T10:33:00.000-05:00

Looks like today will end with much heartache... Vida has taken a turn for the worse. Yesterday evening she began to act sluggish and not enthusiastic when it came to nursing. Her color also became quite dark and purplish.

I tried it all-bottle feeding (would have nothing to do with it), Karo Syrup (only got her up and going for a minute or two), Hydrating her with water (cried through it)--it just looks like the end is near. All I can do is keep her by her mother's side and covered with a blanket...  I kiss her every time I go by...

I feel defeated by death, after almost 9 nights of no sleep and constant vigil... Death is not my friend--I have never like the damn "Grim Reaper..." I don't do well when Death is near...  I have had way too much of it in my 39 years of life. Starting with my father whom I lost at just 8 years of age. To then see my grandfather, (mother's dad) whom I loved dearly and who lived with us, wither away at home from Lung Cancer when I was 14. Lost my last living grandparent (mom's mother) March 1st of 2008 here in Winter Springs in the care of Hospice at my mother's home. Saw her leave this world, also... My list of Death's visits feels neverending...

It is too soon. I still think of BB and how I wanted to breathe life into her body... How my friend Karen would feel on return-it was unbearable. It is no different this time. I learn no new lessons from Death visiting... The pain is no less each time...

Vida and I will meet again, in the end. And she will be cured of all that ails her... She will be a beautiful cream and white longcoated 2 lb. girl with tail wagging... And she will slobber me with kisses.

Sorry to get so personal. It's been a long week and tough fight. I cannot keep my heart and mind from aching right now....

Vida makes it to 8 days of age...

2010-01-20T13:17:00.000-05:00

This is Vida--she is officially 8 days old today and fits in the palm of my hand. Her weight is now 4.6 oz, while all her siblings have doubled in size, if not are very close to doubling.... My dogs have always produced the bigger chunkier puppies--this is a new experience for me. Have to say--it's a scary one! I am not convinced that these little puppies are all that easy to produce... It's really hard work, not to mention taxing on the mind and emotions...

She is addictive--I have to kiss her, hold her and watch over her wayyyyyyy too much.... !!! I think she is exquisite... Perfection. I want as many people out there to see her and keep her in their thoughts--only good thoughts for her!!! She needs all of the positive energy she can get. All I ask is that you take a few seconds to hold Vida in your thoughts and think only good things for her to come! Thanks!

Vida is one tough cookie...

2010-01-19T21:22:00.000-05:00

Vida has decided she wants to live... She is a little fighter who wiggles her way around the little pool they are all in to find that nice warm milk coming from her momma. Eventhough she gets tossled and shoved off many times, her resolve is constant... Up she gets and goes right back to where she was headed. Finally, she finds that spot that is meant for her and attaches. All the others have doubled in size, or close to it. She continues to weigh in at 4.4oz for the past two days. No signs of dehydration. I am faithfully dabbing her tongue with Karo every couple of hours. I feel it is helping. I know from the little knowledge I have of medicine, that glucose plays a big role in being able to metabolize food. If your levels are too low, then whatever you ingest will not be converted into energy that the body can use and benefit from... So, I will continue to dab her for a few more days--until something significant happens--and let's hope the significant change is positive....!!!

So, send Vida your positive thoughts and energy-- I have a feeling about this little girl--she will be a very special one for us if she makes it.........

Zombie daze....

2010-01-16T12:05:00.001-05:00

So, sorry for the lack of updates/info---I am in a constant mental and physical fog. Nini and Chico had their puppies in the AM of the 12th of Jan. She started at 2am and ended at almost 7am. Six puppies were delivered, but one was a stillborn, a cream colored male. Sad--tried to work on him, but it was apparent he had not been alive for some time. The placenta attached to him, which is supposed to be a dark deep red, was green and decomposing; sign of having died in the womb. Anyway, 5 others were born into this world. Three girls and two boys. One little girl, I am naming Vida (for life in Spanish) was born with her sack already deflated--which can cause them to aspirate the water from their sack if it breaks in the canal... So, I am assuming she aspirated her sack water which caused her to have water in her lungs. Well, you get the picture--she had a hell of a time breathing for a long time. I worked on her for over two hours until I felt her breathing had a rhythm and looked more stabilized... We're talking the CHI-ICU over at ChihuahuaCrazy! CRAZY!!!!

VIDA

Her color was a deep red/purple for a couple of days--they call it the color of death in the Chi breeding world. But, now she is looking rosier. She is looking better everyday and becoming more active and squirmy--but, I do not want to artificially inflate my head with pretty thoughts--she may still not make it. We will see.... She is literally half the size of the others... She just now started to gain some weight--she had been maintaining her weight, but not showing signs of gain... If you read this, send a positive thought our way for VIDA...

VIDA AGAIN

It amazes me to think that with every birth I always learn something new. This time the lesson learned was KEEP A TAB ON ALL PLACENTAS PER PUPPY. Nini had a few consecutive quick whelps and ripped the cord leaving the placenta in her uterus. Well, she retained two placentas in all. The next day she constantly leaked a heavy dark green liquid-unusually heavy... It worried me. In the evening I decided to bathe her bottom to get her clean and thank goodness two cords were hanging out of her vulva. So, I was able to pull one--and there was a complete placenta and then the other... Sounds gross and it is, but she could have become SEPTIC if they would have continued in her. She felt the instant relief after they were extracted... New Nini.

So, I am doing what I always do with every litter which is to care for them as they sleep and nurse next to my side of the bed with a night light on (which my husband really appreciates!). I wake up a thousand times to adjust and rearrange them, take Nini out to potty, clean her up as she comes back in, feed her and give her water and then help the puppies latch on again... No sleep for me for now. But, I would not do it any other way....

Nini and her pups...

NIni looking like a beached whale...

2010-01-09T12:18:00.000-05:00

So, Nini is still doing well and holding on... I thought she would blow by now--but, her appetite is good and her belly is still high. As soon as she stops eating and starts the panting, we'll know the moment is approaching.

Boogie likes to keep her company and lick her eyes and ears--which Nini loves.

Pancho left us today for his new home with Melissa and Chad in Port Orange, where Melissa will be starting Chiropractic School. He will be spoiled! She arrived with his crate, couture jacket, leash & collar and comfy harness... Am elated he found such a great home... They promise to update ChihuahuaCrazy soon!

The Heat is On!!!!

2010-01-06T14:59:00.002-05:00

So, Daisy which I thought would just skip this heat altogether is finally showing signs being in heat--bleeding, flagging and being very promiscuous with the males in the house. She really wants Boogie to be a MAN--but, poor Boogie, as bad as he wants to please her, he just can't manage to at almost 6 mths of age... His time will come...

The next best thing is a friend's male, Nacho, who lives nearby... He is a red on white with Irish markings and a teeny bit smaller than Daisy. I think they will make beautiful puppies... Daisy is now at Charlotte's house. Charlotte lives next to Jessie (Nacho's owner) and Nacho and will be supervising the Tango between the two... So far, so good. Looks like Daisy approves of her partner and "daddy to be" to her puppies. I imagine she will be having her pups sometime in mid March if all goes well...

Holidays are over-back to reality...

2010-01-04T11:34:00.002-05:00

So, is everybody feeling it? Christmas is over--and all that is good about it, laughing with family while doing nothing, snuggling with dogs on your bed or couch aimlessly, lots of food, snuggling at home with hot chocolate, loafing around with really no aim in the day except to eat and then eat some more...

Baaaahhhh, yup it's done... Taking down the tree (blah!), putting away exterior lights (ehhhh), finding spots for all the Christmas gifts in all ready packed closets! (ughhhh) Returning stuff that is not what we quite need or want--yuck...

Don't mean to bring anyone down--just wish it could last longer, that's all....

So, here we are just waiting for something to happen with Nini-when she is ready which could mean as soon as 6 days from today...

Daisy, it seems is in full blown heat!!!! Chico and she are doing the dance. Although, I think it will not be those two who will get to mate--so far, I am watching them like a hawk and will not let anything happen... Chico, although looking better as far as weight goes, is structurally not right for Daisy... I have a couple of options in that arena. We'll see...

Hope everyone transitions well today--it's official! We are off and running with 2010...

Mimi--Now Isis, is finally with her new owner!

2009-12-30T13:33:00.000-05:00

Mimi was taken to the airport early this morning at 5am, EST. She flew via Continental, which I think is by far the best when a pet is flying on it's own... The flight was headed from MCO(Orlando Int. Airport) to MFE (Mc Allen Texas Airport). But, it had a stopover in Houston, Texas on it's way. We'll, I tracked it online - great thing for us empty nesters! - and it was delayed a whole hour in Houston due to maintenance... Poor thing--I want them to just go and get to their destination as fast as possible--the sugar (hypoglycemia) issue scares me... But, upon arrival and after doing her necessities, Jose Luis, her new owner called to let me know she had arrived fine and was already eating... ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, was all I felt...

He is on his way back to Monterrey, Mexico with her, as I write. He LOVED her and gave me a million thanks... He could not believe how small she is and was feeling awkward just holding her... Her face, he says, "Screams love me, hold me, take care of me..." I think the same...

It's all worth it, in the end...

She will always hold a special place in my heart...

The pics shown are of her last night with us on 12/29/09...

Happy Holidays for all !

2009-12-27T23:13:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays to all ! Hope that the New Year brings us Wealth(whatever that means to each of you) and Health...
Sorry for the lack of updates/blogs--I have been fighting with this damn laptop--it doesn't seem to like me much these days...

But, I finally won and am happy to report we are all well here at ChihuahuaCrazy... Crazy as ever this holiday season. Getting the house ready for sale, =(

Sad time for us, in that respect. Love this home we've had the privelege to live in--it has brought us many good things... Many, many puppies have been born here--can't be sad about that! And now, we will see the last of the ones to be born here soon...

Above, I have an updated picture for Apollo (born Bingo here). He is a beauty ! Lucy and Chico do not cease to amaze me in that arena...

Mimi will be leaving us on Wednesday--and my heart will sink to the floor upon our final goodbye... I am totally in love with her--but, her new home will be spectacular and she will be spoiled rotten. Something I want for all my chis...

Nini is about to pop ! Pray she can hold on--because I have never seen her this LARGE at this point in the game! All I want is a healthy delivery for her and her pups-no surprises, please...

Moo Moo is still waiting for her SPECIAL home... She deserves a lot of love--lots of spunk in that Moo!

Our horses are doing well. I am so blessed to have this life that I do. I hope all you feel the same...

Off topic--horses...

2009-12-19T20:01:00.000-05:00

Sorry to go off topic--but, today was phenomenal!!!! We got a new horse named India. She is a Tennessee Walker and maybe Quarter Mix? Anyway, she is 19 yrs. young and soooo sweet... She was taken in by her previous owner who took a disliking to her.... Wanted to go out with her shotgun and shoot her because in her mind the horse was not worth a penny... Supposedly, the horse has COPD or chronic Asthma --but, at the same time the horse was put out in a small pasture without a single square of shade to hide under during the hottest hours of the day!!!! And she is BLACK--for the love of life!!! The horse was a gift from my good friend and trainer, Lindsey... We went on a nice long trail ride with India and Taja, Lindsey and I... So nice to be out in the sunny cold...

So, the chis got to run around in their pasture inspecting the new horse and the not so new ones... I love that the horse hold no ill feelings toward these little rats running in and around their ankles/hooves... I love that my dogs get the extra exposure of being with the horses... Boogie rode on Pearl's (the baby/6 mths old) back for a few seconds... Didn't have my camera!!!

It's been a good day--anyday with animals is a good day for me...

Our first puppy from Lucy X Chico leaves...

2009-12-18T22:30:00.000-05:00

So, Fifi was the first to leave our brood, today... It's always bittersweet for me. Although, it brings me so much happiness to see new owners meet their puppy for the first time... It was meant to be.

Fifi, was picked up personally at MCO (Orlando International Airport) by Michelle, her new mom from Long Island, NY... She's got two excited children, fraternal twins age 8 waiting for her supposed arrival on Sunday... What a surprise when mom walks through the door with little Fifi... I'll have to find out the details from Michelle later this week. She will have a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Oreo, as a brother--what a duo that will be! I am sure they will have funny pics and video of the pair, in the future ...

I could not be happier as to her new home. She will be adored. Michelle found it hard to believe she was so small. The jacket and sweater she had purchased in NY in XXS--looked way too big to wear right now. She flew in a luxurious travel bag with a beautiful fleece blanket...

And as I always say, "Our puppies leave our home, but never our hearts..."

I love what I do...

Off they go...

2009-12-14T20:16:00.000-05:00

So, the time is approaching soon... =( It is all bittersweet for me--every single time... The puppies will be leaving us soon. First, Fifi, which found a great family to live with in Long Island, NY, this Friday. In fact, she is going to be picked up personally at the airport here in Orlando and will fly in cabin--oooh la la... Then, Chulo will follow on Sunday, he will stay local in Davenport... Mimi will be next on the 30th--ayyyy Chihuahua--she is going to Monterrey, Mexico.

Pancho will leave on the 9th of Jan--going to a local couple who will spoil him rotten ! And all that is left is for us to find Moo Moo that special home...Couldn't be happier about their new owners and the lives they will be living. I know that in the end--I will someday be reunited with them all!!! I have faith in that--can you picture it???!!!

CHIHUAHUA HEAVEN FOR ME...

Raw Diet for ALL !!!

2009-12-05T19:33:00.001-05:00

My dogs and I have taken a long trip back in time! Back to the time of our Cave Men ancestors... Yes, the chis are officially on a raw meaty bone diet, along with cooked veggies and organ meat as a supplement. Work Wonders Feed Your Animals Raw Meaty Bones, is the book that got me started, thanks to Kristy a past client and owner of Bailey (our Hershey). She started some 6 months ago and claims her dogs are NEW & IMPROVED!!!

Thanks to Hopkins Meat & Packing in Sanford and Marie, the owner of it, I was able to do this with confidence. She has a long list of clients who buy from her and will help me in my endeavor to feed my animals the best raw meat available... All it took was 40 lbs. of chicken necks @ $14 a box (and what a BIG box it is !) and some fresh chicken wings, which they were fed today that added another $10 dollars to the bill and off we went. The amount of raw meat I am talking about is unbelievable--it will be in my freezer and fridge for a LONG time to come... I still haven't finished rearranging my freezer to fit it all ! Would have been good to have a deep freezer, the kind that is JUST a FREEZER, in my garage...

Have to say, I was not only skeptical but, afraid too. All my life I have believed the commericial dog food companies--their food is completely balanced in nutrients and all that dogs need! Well, guess what--even the finest and most costly of commercial food has not impressed me. Bouts of diarrhea, vomitting, illness, and obesity all come with the finest of expensive food that claims to be the ultimate for a dog's well being and above all HEALTH...

Chico, who should be short and compact, has become obese over the past few years from all the puppy food he gets to chomp on from us having consecutive litters. He is the main reason I decided to find an alternative to what I have been feeding them for all their lives... I can't bear to lose him. He is on the BIGGEST LOSER diet for his own good.

Honestly, I know they will all benefit from it. It just makes sense. No additives, preservative, by products, fillers, etc... Just pure nature--like it has always been meant to be... We are the ones, who for whatever reason changed it around... I am so excited for this new beginning. I don't care if I sound cooky or eccentric or even crazy. I LOVE my animals and this is the best thing for them. All I had to do was watch them this evening chomping on their raw meaty bone--and the "AH HAH" moment was realized for me...
It was like watching a pack of Chihuahuas back in the Aztec era--simply beautiful...

Let me know if this might be an option for your dogs--I would be most obliged to help you get started on what is definetely the "right way of eating" for our dogs... !

Rain, rain go away!

2009-12-05T11:38:00.000-05:00

Wet grass makes for sneaky poops in the house! Since all this rain has come down and swamped up the yard, our chis are tip toeing across the yard quickly-doing nothing at all. So, after coming back into the house-surprise, surprise little presents are left around the house!!! One of the main culprits shown below...

Sneaky rugrats... Looking forward to some sunshine very soon!...

TImes are tough...

2009-12-03T08:59:00.000-05:00

It seems that most of America is being hit with this slumped economy. I don't think there is a soul out there who is not suffering because of it... Plenty of breeders that I know, and some that I keep track of because of the quality of their dogs, are not able to sell their beautiful puppies...

And now, with Pancho and Moo Moo falling through-- I am wondering if they will find a new home anytime soon? The woman who had put them on hold, had to forfeit her deposit due to a family member becoming ill (and what looks to be like a long recovery).

Well all I can do is hope. Heck, my family has been so affected--I can't even bear to talk about it... It's humbling and extremely humiliating to go come down in scale from a quality of life that you are not only used to, but spoiled by...

Re-invention is the word for much of middle America-doesn't matter where in the middle you are... But, the older you get, the harder it becomes to re-invent yourself or your profession...

I have no desire to lose my animals--I think it would empty my soul, if that were to happen... And I mean my both my dogs and horses... I can't see my life without them in it... Don't want to... But, as I look around--it is happening to many... So it leaves a big ? as to what the future will hold...

On a happier note, I am soooo enjoying this litter. The joy I get from just being near them and watching them be rambuncious pups is priceless... I swear it is a healing experience to be around these dogs... I think it is one of the biggest things in my life that keeps me healthy! Each and everyone has such a unique personality--it makes you appreciate all of the universe's creatures... They are "Pure Life" or as we say in Spanish, "Pura Vida..."

Thanksgiving--Turkey and more turkey...

2009-11-29T13:21:00.000-05:00

So, we have had a successful Thanksgiving here at ChihuahuaCrazy.com--if gaining 5 pounds in two days is considered anything of a success! Yup, we ate and ate and then ate some more. Of course the puppies had their taste of the 22 pound turkey-and then they ate and ate and ate some more. We still have plenty of leftovers for all...

The day after, we all went out into the yard and had a long play session out on the grass, with the sun, wind and leaves blowing about... Moo Moo, Pancho, Mimi, Fifi and Chulo think the grass is the most fabulous invention to puppykind. They explore it like cats-finding things to chase and pounce on. Funny to watch new life explore this big world of ours--humbling, in a sense...

Today, we will have some more turkey. Maybe some more playtime outside... Sunday lazy Sunday...

Some more fun in the sun--before the rain...

2009-11-22T18:27:00.000-05:00

The puppies at nearly 6 weeks of age are getting restless in their big pool enclosure... I feel for them. But, if I were to let them run free within the house, we would inevitably have damaged wood floors... The pees, mainly, that are not spotted until some time later, seeps into the floor and creates spot damage... So, the system is they stay in the pool, for the most part, but are let out more and more with supervision for short spurts of time--whether it's outside or in the house, itself. It's a lot of work--hell, I have 4 human daughters that I have to fit in too--ages 12, 11, 9 and 3 ! And trust me the 3 year old, take up twice the time I have to devote to the older ones... =(

Some days, I wonder???? Am I doing the right thing--breeding, I mean... It looms upon me--but, it brings something to my life I have a hard time describing... It's a sort of fulfillment, pride and joy all mixed into one big ball of emotion... I get scorned upon by some in the family, who think I have a loose screw up in the noggin--but, you know I am who I am--and I ADORE my animals. They bring so much unconditional love and admiration to my life--if you are an animal person, you know exactly what I am speaking of... That is all I can say. I actually feel sorry for those out there that have no empathy toward animals or having animals. They are missing out on SOOOOO much. It purifies your soul to have these beautiful creatures of the universe in our every day lives. Poor souls that are too hardened to experience the love of a pet...

Estrous? Daisy is still not in HEAT!

2009-11-19T20:02:00.000-05:00

Daisy is STILL not in HEAT! Her sister, Snickie who belongs to Charlotte at TheTinyChi.com
got hers and is in the process of doing the "Tango." Last time, their very first heat, they went into heat just a few days apart. But, now--I have to wonder if it will be in November for Daisy, at all... =(

I am not an impatient nut--it's just that we are really excited to see HER puppies-we just think she is the BOMB!!! She was supposed to have been in heat before Nini--and Nini is done and over with her "come and get me" phase... It will be non-stop puppies here--which can be so nice-yet, so tiring because of the cleaning and interrupted sleep. They are in my room-contained-but, where I can watch them at any given moment. Oh well, all that is good in life doesn't come easy...

On to wet/dry food--no more boob!

2009-11-19T10:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, so Lucy has had ENOUGH of the breastfeeding--can't blame her with five to feed... She is now sleeping the nights and feeding them maybe once during the night... At 5 weeks of age, they have their teeth now and could, if they wanted to, eat their Biljac Puppy food and the wet food... But, you know the snuggling up against mom's warm boobies is much nicer...

The stress for me during this phase is a bit hard to handle--I don't like to see them go hungry--but, nature is much wiser than I am .....

Backyard fun again!

2009-11-18T09:34:00.000-05:00

The horses have been moved from what used to be the dog yard. With all the grass gone, due to our horsies eating it all, we are having it re-sodded this morning. Hadn't realized how big the area was until we measured it for the sod--5000 sq ft. square (can't see it all in the pic)! Can't wait to get the doggies back into the yard for them to run around ChihuahuaCrazy like... No more minnie dog run for them. It's exercise they have been needing--especially Chico Boom Boom...

Playdate with the BOYZ from FloridaChi.com

2009-11-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

Sunday was a nice LAZY day here at home, at ChihuahuaCrazy.com... KZ's puppies, Oliver and Boom Boom Jr (No Official Name Yet???) from BB x Chico's past Aug litter came to play with Boogie. Remember, they were milk brothers early on. Canela was being a surrogate mom to the two boys...

Well, we set up a comforter in the back yard and took out the new lot of puppies too... It was fun to watch all the different personalities intermingle. Boogie was all over the place--trying to find the biggest branch to chew on... Oliver and Boom Boom were venturing out a bit, but always running back to home base (mom) for comfort in what must have seemed like a jungle to them. The horses from next door were up against the fence peering over at us--wanting to know what was going on??? They had never seen so many little chis (what must look like rats to them) pacing about... And on our end, our chis were like, "What are those Giraffes doing there???"

So, they romped in the cool sunshine for a while. Lucy's lot became tired after a bit. And then we all said our goodbyes, until the next time...

I would love to plan for a big CHI get together--meaning all our past puppies--coming over at some point for a big ROMP... That would be a blast---hmmmmm......

Ayyy Chihuahua again...

2009-11-11T21:10:00.000-05:00

I had to send Mimi's new owner, in Mexico, a bunch of pictures of her outside in the sunshine. He wanted to be able to see her true blue color without the flash... I took Mimi & Fifi together, so he could see the difference between them--and be sure of his decision. Anyway, here are some of the pics
which I think are adorable.

He loved them, by the way--and is still buying Mimi... =)

Ayyy Chihuahua!

2009-11-10T15:47:00.000-05:00

Get this--one of my Chihuahua pups from Lucy X Chico's current litter is going to live in Mexico!!!! Can't tell you how it makes me feel--ecstatic that someone from Mexico is wanting one of my chis due to the fact that he isn't happy with what he has shopped for in MEXICO--the country of origin of the breed itself! Sorry to brag--but, once in a while you have to indulge yourself....

Mimi, the blue girl which is more blue than the others, will find her new home in Mejico (Spanish form of spelling).

I have to consider myself fortunate for these little babies of ours---many chi breeders out there are struggling just to sell one puppy, much less 3. Gracias a Dios...

The puppies have now graduated to the big puppy pool--but they are still in my room. They are getting used to their legs and walking better every day. Now, starts the paper training phase. All they have is a square of a comforter to sleep and nurse from mom. When they step off and feel/smell the paper it causes them to pee pee/poo poo. So far they are getting the hang of it!

Show pups?

2009-11-05T10:10:00.000-05:00

Smokey here at ChihuahuaCrazy.com, about 6 weeks of age...

Now, Tucker, in the above 2 pictures at 9 mths of age.

I get so many inquiries about whether I breed show quality pups. Well, in my opinion it's not that easy to tell if they will turn out to be "show quality" by the time they leave here at 8 or 9 weeks of age. A better marker of what they truly look like as adults is the 4 month point, if you ask me. And, yes, I believe that many of my puppies here have ended up as show contenders--but, were bought by Pet only homes.

The latest show quality puppy we produced here was Tucker (original name Smokey). He has remained on the small side, at almost 10 months of age--just a little over 4 lbs. But, it's not his weight that makes him show quality--OMG! It is the conformation, bite, coat, color and head that I think are SPECTACULAR!!!

I had a suspicion about him--and I was right. If it were a perfect world I would be showing my dogs--but, heck, you know a little thing called life makes it kind of hard... Maybe in the future...

All is good...

2009-10-28T19:03:00.000-04:00

Everything is going well with Lucy and Chico's puppies. They are now beginning to peek--hopefully we'll have some pretty eyes to look at soon... Funny how time flies...

Nini seemed to be coming into heat--but, nothing is happening yet.???? We'll see. Love the excitement of waiting to see what colors she gives us...

Funny thing happened lately. Two young couples, past customers of ChihuahuaCrazy, Tucker's mom & dad and Chili's mom & dad bumped into eachother, with each respective dog, at a dog park in Winter Park. They recognized each other's dogs from the website and introduced themselves. Both couples let me know about the encounter. Small world. =)

Lucy is doing great and so are her pups....

2009-10-23T13:18:00.000-04:00

Can't believe they are 7 days old, today... Time just rushes by and you have no control over how fast things move. Lucy is doing phenomenal. I have found that by keeping her full in small bites of protein rich snacks, along with others that are more carbs, keeps her feeling well and energized. The pups have grown so much--in my eyes! I can't wait until they open those eyes--let's see what eye colors we get???

Nini, it seems is just beginning to come into heat. She is marking--lovely, right? But, hey, out in the wild she would have to leave her scent to find that wonderful Romeo... And, Chico is not leaving her side--although, he hasn't tried to mount her yet... She is in great shape--lost all that baby belly from her last pregnancy. She and Chico are going on daily bootcamp walks with us--for Chico's sake, mainly. Chico has lost a teeny bit--Nini just loves to go along for the ride. I love that my chis are strong and athletic and can go out and enjoy the outdoors with us... It's so much fun to take them camping or to the beach and to actually watch them frolic and enjoy the outdoors with our family...

Lots of people like those pocket pups--but, heck, they are a lot of work. Constant worrying about where they are at--under human feet??? near the edge of the couch, ready to fall off??? being picked up by little hands??? Those issues are non-existent in our home. Tough chis--I like em that way...

Lucy had her puppies

2009-10-19T17:52:00.000-04:00

Yes, Lucy finally gave birth to a beautiful litter of 3 girls and 2 boys. They were born on 10/16/09, but her labor actually started at around 2 pm on the 15th! Man, was it a long wait for them to arrive--the day could not have progressed any slower, it seemed... Her 1st puppy, the white silver spotted female was born at 12:08 am on the 16th. She screamed as it peered it's head through her canal. I had to assist her with her contractions in easing it out. But, all was well. The last puppy, #5 came into the world at 1:52 am.

Weights on them were not taken that night--as you can imagine she and I were exhausted... So, on the evening of the 16th they were weighed and I was sure they had already changed from the moment they were born--a mother's milk--nothing like it in the world! Puppy 1, white with silver spots, weighed in @ 5.8 oz., #2 black boy with white and now tan, weighed in @ 6.2 oz., #3 blue/white and now tan female, weighed in @ 4.5 oz, #4 blue/white and now tan (too) weighed in @ 5.5 oz and finally #5 blue/white and also tan girl weighed in @ 5 oz, exact.

I know what you are thinking, those of you that put a lot of faith on the weight chart--MAN ARE THEY BIG--they will be gigantic chis!!! Well, Lucy's last litter which had 4, were all born at 5 oz. on the nose. I know of Lulu weighing 4.12 lbs. at 9 mths of age and of her brother Tucker (Smokey) who seems to be weighing around the same. So, HA to the chart!

I'm proud of Lucy and her healthy pups... I can't wait to see how they all grow throughout the weeks...

Ready to pop...

2009-10-14T22:51:00.000-04:00

Yup, still here waiting---no real signs of anything yet. Good news really. Lucy is trudging along--not wanting to go very far. Getting up on the bed requires that I, or someone, put her up on it. She has been eating--TG! Puppies are kicking like little Ninjas. She sits and looks down at her belly and freaks when one kicks too hard sometimes... Funny to see her react like that. She may make it to the 20... Stay tuned...

Waiting and then waiting some more...

2009-10-12T00:12:00.000-04:00

So, Lucy is still hanging in there--we are down to 4 days only to be in the clear! On the 15th she will have 58 days of gestation, which is the benchmark for lung development in the puppies in utero... She is huge but getting around even jumping on the couch when she has the energy. Her appetite is still nit picky--but, she is eating what she likes (chicken jerky for dogs, cooked steak and chicken that I make her and Milkbone dog biscuits)...

When she sits on a chair and cleans her privates, she looks like a Weeble Wobble from the 70's--remember those? She weebles and wobbles to the point of losing her balance. It's funny to watch.

Three days and counting tomorrow Lucy--hold on...

The Boyz and Lucy

2009-10-07T21:32:00.001-04:00

Well, we visited with the boys- BB & Chico's two. Charlotte hosted so all could have fun. Our little boy, now called Yogi Bear, loved seeing his brothers (milk brothers) again! He remembered them and they all played. It was cool to see how they have all changed throughout the weeks. Kirby, the white with fawn (which you can barely see) is a looker! Blue/green eyes and square like daddy--with the Cowboy look from behind... And, Boom Boom Jr. is teeny!!! He doesn't seem to be growing!!!! OMG, has the porcelain doll look--like he belongs on a commerative Chihuahua plate!

Yogi Bear almost went home with them--cuddled up in their cage at the end with no intention of getting out... But, they had to part and say goodbye until nextime.

Lucy is miserable--and has me miserable... She is wanting to eat only lunch meat, basically. Which has too high of a sodium content for her to have, not to mention nitrates! So, here I am cooking for her like madwoman, and she barely takes a bite of what I make! Hey, I am a really good cook--no dog has ever turned their nose to my cooking.... But, C'est La Vie--and we are just nibbling on what she can throughout all hours of the day, fun fun....

Lucy and morning sickness

2009-10-04T11:45:00.000-04:00

Lucy has not been herself this pregnancy--which has me worried. Knowing how fragile life can be-I am not feeling so good about this. I spend many hours out of the day just trying to figure out what I can feed her... She is not eating wet food and wanting to eat only certain treats--which she cannot live off until she gives birth! Dog food is kinda out of the question for her now--so, what do I do? It's nerve wracking!

I had to give her Nausea Relief syrup this morning, as she was vomitting bile. Let's see if it works. She has eaten 3 Milk Bone small dog treats so far, not much more. We'll see how the day progresses...

Lucy and her big belly

2009-09-26T11:37:00.000-04:00

So, Lucy is growing, growing, growing--and I am wondering, "Okay, how many are in there?!" It's a bit frightening to see her uncomfortable at this point in time when her actual due date is the 20th of Oct. I kinda of feel she isn't going to make it to the 20th. She happens to be a big chi- not huge, just a good size for breeding, you could say. So, that comforts me a bit. I remember Nini's first litter--she was huge-ginormous, monstrous--and out came 5. Nini is a bit smaller in frame than Lucy.

Canela and Romeo are doing well. Although, I would like to see him nibble on the dry food a bit more--he is being spoiled by momma's milk for now--and although, I know, it is best for him, I want to see him be more independent of her, that aspect. Canela is being great at night for him, though--when at this point she really doesn't even need to nurse him anymore--all of his teeth are in. But, she chugs away in her duty to him.

My mom recently moved into our home with us. And, she is a great help-great mother that I would do anything for, as she has done all her life for my brother and me. But, along with her came two more chis and a 16 yr old Corgie mix, which is half blind and almost completely deaf. Little fingers are barely making it out of her mouth, some days. It can get a bit overwhelming most days. Don't even mention the doorbell ringing!!! Crazy!!! But, we are who we are and we love our family--meaning humans and animals alike--couldn't have it any other way...

Babies have gone

2009-09-22T21:26:00.000-04:00

Well, the day arrived. Boom Boom Jr, as I like to call him, and Kirby (as K's son has named him) have gone to their true home. They will be 7 weeks this coming Sat and should do just fine. They are eating wet food well and beginning to eat the dry too. Canela's little boy, which I think will be called Romeo, is missing his brothers dearly. It pains me to see him this way. He stands in the baby pool and looks around. Then, he begins to whimper. So, we pick him up and he gets to walk around or be on the bed, where we took our afternoon nap, with us.

Hopefully, real soon they will be back to play or we will go there to play... Can't wait...

Sleepy Hot days (daze)

2009-09-21T17:36:00.000-04:00

So, it has been very hot in Central Florida this year. With little rain, it seems even hotter. The dogs all got a buzz cut, thanks to my new clippers (which weren't cheap, but very worth the $). Chico, of course, looks nothing like himself because he is chocolate tipped-meaning only the ends of his body hairs are colored chocolate the bottom half is silver/white. So, when he is buzzed he looks like a Freaky Freak... =)

The baby boys are doing really well. Playing hard and sleeping hard. Not to mention peeing and pooing bigger each day! But, they are beginning to really dig the wet food, not the dry yet (teeth have not fully come in). Eventhough, they still think Momma's milk is #1... Can't get enough of it. Canela is being fed throughout the day, so she can maintain her sugar level and energy up, in order to better produce milk and not feel so exhausted. She is as fat as ever-if you can believe that... She continues to be a GREAT mommy. I am not looking forward to the day, which will be soon, when the two boys which belong to floridachi.com (BB & Chico's litter), have to go... But, hey they deserve to be there and I know Karen is dying to have them there...

Lucy is tired and getting bigger. She is already showing. To those out there that are thinking, "How could you have let her get prego again," well, there is some literature out there that suggests that two consecutive pregnancies are better for the uterus in preparation for future pregnancies, in the case of dog. We shall see. Up to now, all is well. She is a bit sicker to her stomach, (repugniated) not vomitting. We are looking forward to her pups and seeing what she has this time--will they all be BLUES again??? Oct 20th is her due date.

Horses gone to the dogs

2009-09-20T17:21:00.000-04:00

Man have we been working hard here! Clearing land of all things--I have to say--if you can hire a professional to do it--it's worth the $!!! My husband, Carlos, and I have been stump grinding-no less than 26 stumps, tilling, cutting trees and limbs, and clearing out vines. I am exhausted! All this so that the horses can get into their new pasture. Well their pasture, now, is the run that used to belong to the dogs...

Poor chis, they have to settle for a much smaller piece of yard to do their thing nowadays. The grass that once covered their run has been eaten and trampled by the hooves of our mares that each weigh around 1000 lbs... But, it seems the end is getting close and the pasture will be done soon- I hope...

So, the chis will have their yard back and the horses will have a bigger pasture to romp around and eat grass in...

Fun times begin...

2009-09-15T11:13:00.000-04:00

So, now they are walking and eating real puppy food... Which means, their poops and pees are getting bigger and bigger and bigger. Which means more cleaning and washing of bedding!

But, hey, it's fun to watch them get around and bite down on each other--trying to wrestle an ear or foot... Now when they here me say, "Where are the babies?" they turn to find my face and run toward me; too precious...

Chico Jr, Karen's boy, is sooo flipping cute--such a little model of Daddy. He looks to have light eyes... If he ends up with light eyes--he will be such a latin lover--watch out chi chis!!!

Life goes on...

2009-09-08T23:05:00.000-04:00

I haven't had the heart to get back on and blog since all that has happened... But, life seems to be getting back to normal. The pain has subsided--but, just this past Saturday as I was cleaning the back porch of all the little presents my little ones have left since the horses moved into their yard--it all hit me again. I started to relive all that happened with BB and get down on myself for not figuring out what was happening sooner...

That has been the hardest for me--wishing I had more foresight. But, I guess I need to take solace in the fact that lessons in life are just that--learning opportunities to avoid future repeats... I am very much a perfectionist and this concept can be hard for me, at times...

Yet, when I see what a good job Canela has done with the Boys, it awes and amazes me---that things happened as they did and that Canela was able to provide for BB's boys in their time of need. And that Karen was able to get rest in her angst--the sleepless nights of bottle feeding would have added more stress to her strained mind...

So, life continues it's cycle of adding and taking from this world... Thank goodness, and I firmly believe this, that like energy, there is no beginning and no end--we will all meet again...

Grieving...

2009-08-25T10:20:00.000-04:00

As hard as these past few days have been for me---I cannot imagine how hard they have been for K. She lost BB while away, did not get the chance to be by her side during her recovery, then to make matters worse, did not have the chance to be at her side during her passing. She has not expressed much to me--she is a quiet and self-reliant woman, but the remorse for all of this must be overwhelming... My sympathy and empathy for her is endless right now...

My husband, Carlos, and I talked about how she is in such a bad place right now not only because of BB not being there but, also because her puppies are here at our home-being nursed by Canela--so, it's another thing she is missing out on... The puppies are thriving with Canela's milk and attention--and I know it is the best thing for them--but, I can't help but feel they should be with her-to help her through these tough days ahead of her...

I would also like to include a picture (sent to me by K) of BB in her casket being buried with a hamburger (she always had one to enjoy after whelping) her favorite toy (one that she arrived with as a puppy) and her tri-colored son(which passed the same night as she did) being embraced by her. It's very touching...