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| Gydja and her new big brothers. Ain't life grand?! |
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| Sire - Tofra Kelikatur "Tenzing" |
Breeding of:
INT/Nat CH, U-CH Kersins Kolrassa
Krókríðandi ("Rassie"), TDI, CGC (below)
and INT CH Töfra Kelikátur
("Tenzing"), TDI, CGC (above)
| Kersins Kolrassa Krokridandi at her 1st AKC show. |
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| She took Best Bitch this day. |
To see the sire and dam's statistical information, please scroll to the bottom of the page. The
pup's three generation pedigree is below.
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| Giddy at 7 months. Happy girl and happy mom. |
Þórarinn "Thorri"
stayed right here with us. You can visit him on his own page by using the navigation bar to the left.
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| Thorarinn - 27 January, 2010 - 9.5 weeks old |
Fálki
goes home 1.19.2010
Our little Falcon flew the coop and landed safely at his new, snowy and
cold farm in New York. He is now living with a wonderful family and we got this note and these fantastic pictures today.
“Just
wanted let you both know that Falki is doing great. He wasn’t too sure about the snow but really enjoys it. As you can
see from the picture, he finds it to be a good snack.
We have been walking him around the yard
as well as lots of play time in his fenced area at the house. He likes to watch the guinea fowl and the goats up on the hill.
… .
I don’t know how to thank you both for all that you have done, as well as such an
awesome little man. He is such a good boy. It truly shows; all the love and time that you have devoted to your dogs and the
pups.
Anyway, I just wanted to update you both. Say hello to the pack for me :)
Hope you get
some rest.”
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| How about a G.Q. pose sent to you from New York! |
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| Hanging out with my froggie |
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| My big man hunting pose. I'm hunting snow. Hey, there it is, right there! |
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| Hey, my double dewclaws are comin' in handy here. |
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| This white stuff is no match for me. Heck, my mommie & daddy are from Iceland. Brrrr. I mean, Grrr. |
Gyðja Goes Home (8.5 Weeks)
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| Giddy in her travel crate. What an adventure! |
Hi
Donna & crew!
We just arrived home and wanted to shout out a great big thank you once again for everything
especially Giddy! She is such a love.
The boys are quite smitten too! Jeff delayed his trip so
that he could be here for her arrival and OMG - the LOVE :)
She is the best traveler EVER! She slept for most of the trip; out of her crate - in her own seat! The plane
ride was quite fun - all the stewardesses were gaga over her as well...
We have just had a play fest and she is napping under my chair :) life is back to normal here in my life
- thanks again. ...
Debbie & Giddy
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| Sweet Debbie gave Rassie a nice squeeky chicken for all her hard work. Ras loves it. |
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| A big bear hug for Giddy. Note little Thorri getting in on the love. |
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| Mom, can I take this sock with me to our new house? |
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| Don't forget my sweet bear cub face. |
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| New mom, Debbie, and Gydja say good bye to Thorri |
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| A little football in the pasture with brother Thorri before I fly away |
Click
here to see Gydja try to fool Rassie out of the football. She waits for her big opening, goes in, and just when it looks like
she won the day, mom realized and got it back. Smart little puppy, that Gydja, but not smarter than mom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qsl5ege6568
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| That is Nella. She is my favorite chicken. |
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| Hey, come back. I'm not quite ready yet. |
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| Watch this, Mamma Debbie! |
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| Faster than the speed of light and that shutter too! |
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| I'm going to miss Dragonfly Farm but I get to meet my new brothers soon. I hear they're handsome. |
Pat Hastings Structural Evaluation - 1.18.2010
Pups are 8 weeks + 1 day
Note: Pups had CERF (eye) tests immediately before structural evaluations. Because their
pupils were still dilated, it appears in the pictures the eyes are blue. This is not the case. Our puppies all have dark,
healthy eyes in keeping with the Icelandic Sheepdog standard.
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| Why is this lady examining my bum? |
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| Pat examines Thorarinn's bite. All three pups have excellent bites and dentition. |
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| Thorri says, That is ENOUGH! Auntie Peg, won't you save me now? |
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| Gydja looks into Pat's eyes. |
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| Almost right, little guy. |
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| There we go. Nice stack, Thorarinn. |
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| Gydja's turn. Such a pretty little girl. |
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| This cheese part is great! (Falki) |
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| My poor pupils are still blown after our CERF tests. But, I still look like a pretty little bear. |
Good Nutrition Excellent Bites Testicles
Descended on Males
3 Points = Show Average
Front | Shoulders | Rear | Topline | Eye | F. 3-3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3-3.5 | 3.5 | T. 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3-3.5 | 3.5 | G. 3 | 2 | 2-2.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 |
Thorarinn and Falki were within .5 point. Both were determined to be show quality.
Pat liked the heads on all the pups. We are very happy with these evaluations.
Week Seven
Fálki - 7 lbs, 8.5 oz
Þórarinn - 7 lbs, 4 oz
Gyðja - 6 lb, 15 oz
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| Auntie Peg and Gydja ham it up. Who put that lipstick on Gid? |
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| Falki self stacks like a big boy. |
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| Tyra Banks, You ain't got nothin' on me! (Gydja) |
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| Gydja says, Ears are up and look how pretty I look. |
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| Ras and Zoey supervise the fun |
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| Mama is still looking GREAT! |
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| A rare and special moment: Zoey plays with Falki |
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| Thorarinn in his baby show stack. Not bad, eh? |
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| Kaepa and Gledi enjoy the sun while the kids play in the front yard. |
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| Shellie and Falki act silly together |
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| Shellie (Havens Icelandic Sheepdogs) and the boys. But, where is Gid? Uh oh. |
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| Gydja takes a taste of Lori's earring. YUMMY. |
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| Lori and Ms. Emily hang out with the pups while the rain comes down outside. |
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| While Mama supervises from outside |
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| End of the big day. Este es la Vida! Donna and Gydja |
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| ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ... (Shellie and Ras) |
Week Six: Lots of Firsts
All over 6 Lbs.
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| First vet visit and we are the picture of health |
Week Six
The Curiosity Period is
an important part of puppy development and is inclusive of weeks 5-7. Our pups have been very busy in puppy school. They have,
among other things:
Almost
completed weaning Are being introduced to crate training Had their first vet visit (see below) Had first shots Been wormed Had their first car ride Are working on potty training (and we are very tired of going in and out, but they are actually telling us now which
is great.) Being leash trained Working
on bite inhibition Spending time alone Spending individual time alone with Ras Spending individual time with us
including watching “The Sound of Music”, a very vital training tool. Boy did they love Julie! Learning to stack, stand, come, follow, make eye contact They
have met all the other dogs and chased Zoey around the yard Met the chickens
and the rooster “Pico de Gallo” (This was a VERY big deal) They
almost know their names. Gydja is sure of hers.
We are working on the “Rule of 7’s” (see Pat’s Book page 55) and have checked off quite a
few on the lists. These are important socialization events for the pups that must happen at this age and include 7 surfaces,
7 objects, 7 locations, eating from 7 bowls, etc.
The aunties are coming this weekend for a visit and that will extend the “other” human socialization
portion. But, we already have 7 checked off including one with a big, huge beard, so Bob, you are off the hook this time.
They are already movie stars (see You Tube link above) and have starred
in four major pictures.
Now that
they have their first shots, we will venture to the barn which should be quite an adventure, the pastures and when Auntie
Shellie arrives, we will go to town.
The vet report from today (1.4.2010) says: “I examined three six-week old puppies: two males and one female.
They all seem quite healthy with normal eyes, ears, dentition and skin. The heart and lungs sound normal. There are no umbilical
hernias. I can palpate the testicles for both males.” There are no over or underbites.
We are very pleased with these puppies and are really enjoying ourselves
in spite of the sleep deprivation. What sweet little treasures they are.
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| She's smiling, but I have a bad feeling about this. (Thorarinn) |
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| Are you sure about this guy? (Gydja) |
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| Hey, you are getting way too personal for me! |
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| This is not my favorite guy. He gave me a shot and checked my private parts. The humiliation of it. |
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| I swear, if you let me out, I won't run out of this office. I swear. (Falki) |
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| I'm going to make a run for it. Ready, set ... darn, he has a grip of steal. (Falki) |
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| Gydja says, "Get me outta here" |
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| Falki wishes everyone a Happy New Year! (4 weeks old) |
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| This beautiful drawing was a Christmas gift from artist Paloma Watts (13). "Rassie and her puppy". |
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| Look at my "Air Dog" ball. I got it and can wave to you at the same time. (Gyth) |
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| Falki navigates the toy yard |
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| Thorarinn practicing a baby stack ... or is he getting ready to pee? You be the judge. |
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| Gydja tells Thorarinn a secret. |
| I won't eat this if you take the collar off. Deal? |
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| Week Five - Not off to a good start. Uh oh! Here we go. |
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| Auntie Kol says, "You are really cute." |
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| Forget the puppies. Is that food? |
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| Let me take a closer look. |
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| Can I have this toy? I found it. |
Gleðileg jól from our pack to yours.
Donna,
Terry, Kol, Rassie, Zoey, Kaepa, Gledi,
Falki, Thorarinn and Gydja (now four weeks old)
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| Happy Holidays. Love, Falki |
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| Merry Christmas - Happy Hanukkah. Love, Thorarrin |
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| Happy Solstice! Love, Gydja |
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| This ram's ear is very dirty. |
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| Gydja and her baby tennis ball. |
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| We are almost pros at this. We like to put our feet in it to feel it mush between our toes. FUN! |
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| Falki say, "MMM MMM Good!" |
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| Please stand still, Mom! I need to reach the milk bar. |
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| Not much left in there. The milk is drying up fast but it is still our favorite. |
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| I can barely fit. Gee, this seems familiar. I remember taking a long trip in this. |
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| Darn it! I barely fit in here. Gotta give it the sniff test anyway. |
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| Thorarrin catches some z's in the new puppy crate. He looks so tiny in there. Sweet little guy. |
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| OW! That hurts. Those little teeth are SHARP. |
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| How about a kiss, little guy? (Falki) |
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| Gydja (left) and Thorarrin play the "I'm gonna get you" game. |
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| Gydja poses for a B & W shot. |
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| Yes, I'm a little poser. (Gydja) |
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| Spending time in the living room with the big dogs. |
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| Not the greatest supervisors. (Ky and Zoey) |
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| Do you think I'm cute? (Thorarrin) |
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| Hi there. Did you miss me for that second I was gone? (We spend a lot of time in the play area.) |
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| Peek a Boo. I found you! (Thorarrin) |
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| Sweet Success! This is the kinda Christmas present I'm talking about. What a good boy. (Thorarrin) |
Three weeks old and tails are starting to come up. Teeth are coming in and the pups
are beginning to vocalize. Play is at an all time high. They are all interacting with us and the little personalities are
just darling and very different.
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| Let me clean you up for your birthday picture 12.13.2009 |
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| It was only a little pee pee mama. Sorry. (Falki) |
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| Look at me! My tail is coming up. (Gydja) |
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| I'm the first to the side of the box to say "hello" with my tail a waggin'. (Gydja) |
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| Thorarrin says, "This is my sweet face. Do you like it?" |
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| Caught on tape! The first escape from the whelping box. Go Thorarrin, go! |
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| Look, I can count to five. (Falki) |
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| But, I can tell time. (Gydja) |
Today was a big day.
We added a second whelping box (see below) and a "bridge" so the pups can begin to have a place to sleep and a different
place to "take care of business". This teaches them that there is another place for "that stuff", an instinct
they already have and it is the beginning of potty training. Dogs don't like to potty in their "den" so we will
be adding the piddle pads tomorrow when they figure out how to get over to the other side. Since Thorarrin broke out today
(see pic above), that signaled the time for this next rite of passage.
Did we mention how sweet these three are?
Our goal is to have them potty trained (or darn close) by the time they leave. They are 3 lbs 10.5 oz today
(Falki) and 3 lbs, 7 oz. today (Thorarrin and Gydja). Based on that, do we need to tell you who is always first to the milk
bar?
Another goal is to have them at the same weight. Thorarrin has caught up to Gydja, but boy, getting Falki
to back away from that bar is an Icelandic Saga all to its own. He is not messin' around. Sorry, Dan and Janie, but we
must mention that in Kol's litter, it was Roskur who was the "Beast of the dining table". I could swear I saw
fear in Rassie's eyes today as Falki came "flying in" for the banquet. Those little teeth are a bit, well, OUCH.
After he eats, he rolls on his back and plays with his paws. I'm convinced that he is so full, he couldn't lay on
his stomach if he wanted to. One of our other ISDs, Kaepa is "Seal" and I'm thinking I need to ask Maggy how
to say "Beached Seal" in Icelandic although his new family may not find humor in that. Thorarrin is a very polite
diner as is Gydja.
We sure love them all and are enjoying the joy they are bringing to this season.
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| Maybe your sister can help. Try again. I'm waiting. |
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| And, two minutes later ... "We are exhausted. Let's take a nap." Puppy pile |
Two Weeks Old
The pups are two weeks old today. They have left the Neo-Natal Period,
and will complete the "Super Dog" exercise on day 16. They are growing rapidly and have entered the "Transitional
Period (14-21 days) ... This period starts when the eyes are open and ends when the puppy first 'startles" on hearing
a noise. This week is characterized by the rapid development of motor skills, the ability to eliminate on its own, the onset
of usable vision (by 18-21 days), the initial emergence of teeth, and the development of hearing-first evidenced by the startle
response-although still unalbe to locate the source of the sound. The puppies move around a lot more, can now move backwards
as well as forward and begin to walk instead of crawl, ... . Tail wagging begins ... and vocalizations become more specialized.
They begin to show interest in their littermates-pawing at each other's face and chewing on each other. This is the time
to begin increased individual attention by the breeder. ... In this short week of life, the puppy rapidly changes from the
inability to hear, see and walk or eliminate without stimulation into a puppy that can now do all of these things-enormous
steps in the puppy's life." Another Piece of the Puzzle: Puppy Development, Pat Hastings and Erin Ann Rouse,
Editors.
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| Sweet Gydja sings "Happy Birtday to me". 12.5.09 |
Fálki – 2 lb. 8.5 oz.
Þórarinn – 2 lb. 2.5 oz. Gyðja –
2 lb. 7 oz.
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| Mama checks out the photo background and gives a dew claw up. |
Fálki - The falcon was the symbol of Iceland for many years. While traveling
in Iceland two years ago, I repeatedly saw the falcon on the old flags and many crests. Brynja said the name needed to go
to a very strong male so we chose him. The name fits him more now since he started "flying" around the whelping
box.
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| Just want to live up to my name. |
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| Hangin' out and looking cool |
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| Falki demonstrates the puppy hustle. |
Þórarinn or "Thorarinn" (roll those r's) was a good Viking sorcerer I learned about
while in Iceland. It is fitting as this little guy is magic ... well, at least his breath is. I found his name at Reykjavik
871 and highly recommend a visit there if you are ever in Iceland. Amazing place and amazing little puppy. He
sure has cast a spell on us.
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| Here I come. Clear the way! |
Gyðja or "Gith-ee-ya" is the name of a goddess. Last year, while researching the history
of the Iceland Dog, I had the great honor of visiting Sigríður again. She is the woman I got my first
Icelandic Sheepdog, Perla, from in 1972. You can read more about that visit here: http://www.island-dog.com/id18.html. I asked her what I should name one of my puppies from the next litter. Without blinking,
she said Gyðja. So, here is little Ms.
Gyðja. She is strong,
healthy and the first to walk (albiet a bit wobbly), open her eyes and vocalize. She is also the first to arrive at the nursing
bar and takes that job very seriously.
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| These socks are made for walkin' ... to the milk bar, that is. |
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| Oh, Mama, I loooooooooooove you. |
And what of the aunties? Kæpa and
Gleði
returned from Camp Vik two days ago. We are not sure what went on there, but they sure are tired. We missed them tremendously
but Zoey suffered without "her Kæpa". As you can see from this picture, things are back to normal at the homestead.
And Kol, well, you can see what she has been up to in the picture below. On a serious note, we did ask the vet about her behaviour
with the beer bottle and she explained that Kol is going through a Pseudo Pregnancy. Okay, the dog we think
is the most intelligent in the pack believes a toy beer can is her baby. What more can we say except we will be glad when her
hormones switch back to normal. I actually had to take the toy out of her mouth after she fell asleep with it and was snoring
so loudly, it woke me up. Gotta love these dogs.
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| Still crazy after all these beers. |
December 3rd: There is frost on the ground,
the sun is shining and our eyes are open. Won't be long before we can begin to explore the big white world outside.
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| Are your eyes open yet? 12.2.09 |
BREAKING NEWS - THIS JUST IN:
Evidence
that Early Neurological Stimulation Program Successful
11.30.09 More News:
Mother Caught Sleeping on the Job.
Final Breaking Story:
Relative Found Drinking While on Guard Duty
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| And a doggie six pack later ... |
Happy Birthday to our sweet
puppies.
One week old.
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| This is what Rassie thought of our singing Happy Birthday to You. 11.28.09 |
Rassie says: "Pups are fed, cleaned and I am exhausted."
Ras and I took a quick nap
in the middle of day.
L to R: Þórarinn,
Fálki & Gyðja
Þórarinn & Fálki, the two boys,
snuggle
Fálki & Gyðja
take a nap
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| "That is enough photos, mom." |
Happy Thanksgiving 11.26.09
Þórarinn (top), Fálki (left) &
Gyðja (bottom)
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| This futon is much better than that box. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ... |
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| Falki and Rassie 11.26.09 |
11.25.09
Thank you to those of you who have sent kind words and sentiments regarding the loss of the two tiny
puppies. We appreciate your kind heartedness.
11.24.09
11.23.09 Day two and all is well.
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| But this is much better (#3) |
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| L to R: #3, #4, #2, #5 and #1 at bottom |
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| Hide and Go Seek and a Happy Mom |
11.22.09 Rassa
and Tenzing's litter was born on November 21st. All pups except the big girl have double dewclaws in the
rear and singles in the front. She has one double in the rear and one single. It also looks like they will be a fawn
or red sable. After the last litter, I've decided to leave color to the experts and take the wait and see approach. Our
2008 litter was born dark and ended up as three fawn and one gold/red. This litter all have four white sox of differing
lengths. Rassie is being a wonderful mother, gentle and sweet. At this time, the litter is spoken for. If you would like to
be placed on the list as a backup, please contact us. Enjoy the pictures and have
a great day.
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| Leah takes a break. Thank you, Leah. |
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| Thank goodness that part is over. |
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| Listening for heartbeats. |
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| The box is ready for puppies now! I got it just how I wanted it. |
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| First puppy! Wow! Look at that! |
Update: 11.19.09 - Rassie peaked at 99.9 degrees last night and is
at 99.4 this morning. Of interest, Ras is .1 degree off of the "textbook" pregnancy timetables and whelping times.
99.5 was their number for today. She is still quiet, no panting but remains very uncomfortable. She is sleeping a lot and
still eating.
Leah is coming tomorrow evening and we are ready for Saturday. My money is on Saturday, but Shellie
says Monday.
Here are three pics from this morning. In the last picture she is telling me "enough
pictures, mom!" As you can see, Kol never leaves her side (pic 2 & 3) except when Ras is at my feet at the computer
and there is just no room for both under there. She can't fit very well through the doggie door now, so we are up and
down as her bladder has no room in that belly of hers.
Very sweet.
11.14.09 and 7 days to go. Rassie shows off the cutest belly in the world. How about a belly rub,
mom? Pups are due next Saturday.
11.13.09 Ras is starting to hang out more in her whelping box, making sure everything
is moved around just right. She spent part of the night in there last night. The girls are staying out of "Rassie's
room" except Zoey, of course. They all know exactly what is going on. We bought a stethascope and heard two
distinct heartbeats today. Our friends are making friendly bets regarding the litter size. We think that she will whelp
on Saturday the 21st, 63 days from ovulation. It is getting pretty exciting around here, especially today, hearing
those little baby hearts.
11.11.09 - Last night, I felt some kicking in Rassie's belly.
Very, very exciting. We are thinking 6 or 7 puppies today.
11.9.09 Here are Rassie and Kol sharing a few minutes of
tenderness. Kolperla is taking such good care of her little sister.
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| Kol gives Rassie a bath. First the eyes. |
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| Now that I am all clean, time for a nap. Ahhhhh. I'm so uncomfortable. |
Rassie in thinner days, in her typical athletic body.
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| Rassie sporting her summer coat; July, 2009 |
INT/Nat
CH, U-CH Kersins Kolrassa Krókríðandi ("Rassie"), TDI, CGC
has been bred to
INT CH Töfra Kelikátur ("Tenzing"), TDI, CGC
in September of 2009.
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| Mom, look at my sweet tummy. 14 days to go. |
Update: Day 49 - 11.9.09
- Got Rassie on the scale this a.m. and she has gained 7 lbs. That is a lot of weight. So, that certainly explains
the waddle. That is a 23% weight gain. Poor baby. The pups have not dropped yet but I can feel what I think are two "sacks".
She tried to walk between two chairs last night and had to push her way through (light chairs). Can you say, "wide load?".
I shouldn't have laughed, but alas, it is funny to see her this way as she is typically such a little jockette.
- One of the books I have (Book of the Bitch: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Caring
for Bitches. J.M. Evans and Kay White) and was reading for the 90th time last night says that "It is the
variation in time between mating and fertilization which gives rise to the apparent variation in gestation length. ... The
length of pregnancy in bitches used to be categorically stated as 63 days from the day of mating. More recent studies
have shown that a normal pregnancy can last as little as 54 days (this Saturday) or as long as 72 days after mating. In fact,
the duration of pregnancy is the time from fertilization to whelping and is remarkable consistent at around 60 days (Friday,
the 20th)." New info to me and very interesting. The experience with Ras is totally different than Kol who really didn't
show much at all and her milk came in a few days prior to the birth. Rassie is r-e-a-d-y. She is such a primal little soul.
When those pups drop, we will know it is time.
- Digging: "It is probably
better not to suppress your bitch's primitive urge to dig a cave-like structure to whelp in, as this may be part of the
natural sequence of whelping. However, you must monitor the site and the progress of the excavation so that she does not get
out of your reach in the later stages ... " Kol has been helping and the excavation
is coming along nicely. There are photos of her "dens" on the 2008 Litter page on the website and she is quite the
expert at this skill. We will put the whelping box up today. There has also been serious excavation attempts under all the
beds and in the corner of the living room. What new floors? Would we ever stop our beloved Rassie? Never!
Just some fun stuff from waddle central. We are happy that Leah will be here for the birth again. That is so fun
and what I would do for a stethoscope right now to hear the little hearts. Maybe my vet will loan me one?
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