Therapy Dogs Josie and Summer "Paws With Love to Share" ©

I'm so happy to share the news that this month Northrock's Black Seal CGN "Josie" and UCH UR01 Nuphar's Soak Up The Sun RN PCD CGN "Summer" passed their Interaction With Children evaluations with Therapeutic Paws of Canada . These two loving Barbets are now certified to participate in TPOC's various children's programs. Therapeutic Paws of Canada is a non-profit organization of volunteers providing animal resources for human needs (physical, mental, educational, motivational, socialization) through regular visits to hospitals, residences, schools, etc.  

Josie is ready to work and looking sharp in her TPOC uniform. 

Josie and the kids after passing her child certification with TPOC

Josie is from our Chmurnik x Sophie litter and owned and loved by Brian Ferri and JoAnne Clement. This special Barbet has also been accepted into the Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) and will soon begin her work with them in addition to continuing her regular visits with a local senior's adult day program.  Well done Brian and Josie and thank you for your service to our communities.

Summer during one of her volunteer visits at a local college helping students de-stress during exam time.
photo credit: CCNM.

Summer and Stephanie along with other members of TPOC and
some of the children who were part of the evaluation.

Summer, bred by Anne Plomp and Miska Aksular travelled from the Netherlands to become a part of our family. She is a lovely dog and we are all so happy to be sharing our lives with her. Stephanie and Summer enjoy doing many different activities but therapy work is certainly a favourite for them both. 

Mouss x Lexi Puppies Leave the Nest

It's with mixed emotions that I write about sending the Mouss and Lexi puppies off to their new homes.  This litter has been filled with such joy and happiness and also deep sadness.  

Fozzie at nice weeks of age.

Earlier on we lost Animal and I wrote about his passing in a previous blog post. Fozzie was also a small little puppy and because of our experience with Animal we were watching him closely. We were concerned about his slow growth rate and had therefore decided that he would remain with us for further observation and to let him get bigger and stronger before even considering placing him. 

Unfortunately as time went on and he grew older, Fozzie was unable to digest his food properly.  His growth rate was much slower than what one would expect in a puppy his age.  Something was not right.  It was heartbreaking to watch him because this little guy had the most beautiful soul.  He was happy and playful, sweet and good natured.  He participated along with his litter mates in all of our activities and seemed to be comfortable and enjoying life.  Sadly during his ninth week he took a turn for the worse and we had to let him go.

I'm thankful to have known him and his brother and to have loved and cared for them for the short while that they were here with us.  I do take some comfort in believing that he and Animal are running free on the other side and I am grateful to them for the lessons they have taught me.  

The esteemed all breed conformation judge,  Bill Shelton of Coventry PWC fame who was recently awarded AKC Breeder of the Year for 2017 posted to his Facebook timeline on February 15th words that touched me deeply. 

"I’m particularly proud of the independent breeders of today as they know the relevance in weaving our dogs beauty, and general soundness with the genes of health cooperatively. Always realizing that as mammals they will never be completely without disease, rather it be genetic or congenital. But still tiredly working towards a happy healthier family pet of purpose.  I salute all the unsung hero’s who bring responsibility to each life they bring into this world."  - Bill Shelton

With every breeding I strive to produce Barbets that are sound in mind and body and I am committed to placing puppies that I feel confident are hale and hearty and ready to become new members of their respective families. 

Thankfully the remainder of the Mouss and Lexi puppies are thriving.  We are delighted with their personalities, and look forward to hearing about all of their adventures as they begin this next chapter with their new families.  I could not be happier with each of their new homes and am enjoying the updates and photos that their families send me.

Gonzo kept his litter name! He is formally known as Northrock's Hey Good Lookin' and living with David and Kyla and their children in Ontario.

Rowlf has become Northrock's Honey Badger with the call name Badger - He joined Shane and Estella's family in Southwestern Ontario.

Beaker is named after the jazz musician Louis Armstrong and is Northrock's Here for the Party - call name Louis.  The Kellys will have lots of fun with this puppy!

Scooter is a new buddy for his two girls and their parents and that's just what they have decided to call him. Buddy's registered name is Northrock's Heart of Gold.

Kermit's registered name is Northrock's Happy Paddler.  He travelled the furthest to his new home.  His owner flew in from Winnipeg to collect her puppy and Kermit, now Gus has gone to join Grace, Allison and Ed along with their other Barbet Lucy (Northrock's All About Lucy), who is also his great aunt.

Miss Piggy is now Ella or Ella Fitz as her young boy likes to call her.  Ella's registered name is Northrock's Hello Dolly and happily she lives not to far from me.

Camilla has gone to live with Matt and his wife Alexz and is now called Edie - Northrock's Homegrown Honey.  She's bringing lots of joy and smiles to her new family.

I hope you enjoyed the blog posts about Northrock's "H" litter.  Photos and stories of the Muppets, now in their new homes, as well as our other Barbets will be shared on a regular basis on the Facebook page Northrock Barbets. 

The Mouss x Lexi Puppies are 9 Weeks Old

What a busy 2 weeks it has been for the Muppets.  So much has happened!  We kicked of their eighth week with a field trip to Fuzion Fitness And Yoga studio for family yoga with puppies.  What fun everyone had.  The outing was a wonderful opportunity for the puppies to experience riding in crates in the car, to explore a safe new environment and meet lots of friendly people.

We have had so many visitors come by to help socialize the puppies.  I am so very grateful to them for sharing their time with us at Northrock.  

It's very much appreciated.

Winter litters can sometimes be challenging having to deal with inclement weather so we have given the puppies lots of opportunities to play in the house. Visiting different rooms and keeping their indoor pen interesting with new toys to play with, structures to climb and wobble on etc.

We do try to get outside to play as often as possible - the puppies enjoy the snow and fresh air!

During these last two weeks the puppies have had their temperaments tested, been evaluated for breed type and structure, seen a canine chiropractor and had their veterinary check up!  It's been a very full calendar of events and throughout it all the puppies handled each new experience beautifully. 

We had a great visit with Lexi's family.  I'm so thankful for the wonderful friendships that have come about because this special breed had come into our lives. Lexi is a real sweetheart and she has an amazing family.

From left to right at eight weeks old the Muppets are:
Rowlf, Beaker, Gonzo, Fozzie, Miss. Piggy, Kermit, Camilla and Scooter

I hope you enjoy our blog posts about Northrock's "H" litter.  If you would like to see more photos and videos of the pups I invite you to like our Facebook page Northrock Barbets where I try to post photos of the little Muppets on a daily basis.