Coco is Pregnant!

Today we took Coco for an ultrasound to confirm that she is in fact pregnant.  There have been signs, some subtle and some not so subtle.  She has been sleepier and even more of a shadow, following me around everywhere.  Her nipples have gotten bigger and she almost seems a little bit larger.  These signs could be attributed to my wishful thinking and could even be signs of a false pregnancy.  This past week however my normally not picky eater has developed obvious signs of morning sickness.  She hasn’t thrown up but she was not interested in eating, not even her favourite things.  By the evening her appetite would usually be back.  So when the vet asked me “do you think she is pregnant”  I was feeling pretty confident in saying “yes I sure do”.  I did want the ultrasound though,  it’s nice to know that things are going well and that there are little puppies growing inside of Coco.  It was a real thrill to see the little embryos on the screen. 

Here is a photo of one of her babies.  The black oval is the fluid filled sac and the white inside the sac is the puppy :0)

Meeting and Greeting with Mona the Barbet

"Mona" relaxing at the PawsWay

Yesterday Mona and I represented  Club Barbet Canada at the Purina PawsWay’s “Celebration of French Breeds” event in downtown Toronto’s Harbourfront.   The PawsWay is a wonderful pet friendly venue.  The public is welcome to stroll through the Purina Animal Hall of Fame and read the amazing stories and see photos of the pets and service animals that have been recognized as heros.  There is a reference area with books and materials on dog and cat care and crafts for children to do.  You’ll find a store selling pet products and what I really like, an indoor pet friendly café where you can get something to eat and drink and sit at a table with your dog right beside you.  The indoor Pet Park at Toronto’s PawsWay is where they hold a variety of events and classes to educate and enlighten the public about responsible pet ownership. 

Club Barbet Canada was pleased to have been invited to participate in the Celebration of French Breeds and Mona was in her element meeting and greeting the public for hours on end.  She is such a happy and friendly girl and she loves attention.  Of all the people who walked through the doors no one had heard of a Barbet except for one lady and another woman who came through with her 11 week old Barbet puppy Merlow from RoVer Barbets!  That was a special treat for us as this adorable puppy is a nephew to Mona on her sire’s side. 

Since it was a beautiful day and we got there a little bit early we made sure we took a bit of time to walk around and enjoy the waterfront. If you are in ever in Toronto and looking for something to do with your dog, check out the Harbourfront area. It's lovely and very pet friendly.

Coco and Dougy…together…like a wink and a smile

Coco

Dougy

This past week I travelled to Quebec to take Coco (CH Bayport Coco Chanel) to Dougy (FCC/Can CH Barbugaulois Daragon) to be bred.  She is so good to travel with and we had a really nice trip.  We had a wonderful visit with Dougy’s owners Bobby Souchereau and Sylvie Marlow and his breeder Michel Raymond.  I just love Dougy.   He is a strong healthy Barbet in great physical condition.  Not only has he proven himself in the show ring but Bobby and Sylvie take him everywhere with them and his temperament is fantastic.   I’m excited about the puppies that we could get from this combination.  

Now all there is to do is enjoy this summer weather with the dogs while we wait and pray for puppies.  It's cooling off a little right now so my daughter and I and Coco and Sophie are going to go for an evening walk to go watch my son's soccer practice.

Sophie Retrieving

Today was an awesome day. I was able to get some field training in with Sophie. I had a wonderful time out in the fresh air and sunshine and it is such a high to see the dogs doing what they were originally bred to do!

I am so thankful to all of the people who have worked to keep the Barbet in existance and to those who brought this breed to Canada. Because of their efforts I am able to enjoy working and living with the Barbet today. I am also thankful to my friends who made our training day so much fun. Love you guys! Here is some video that my friend Shannon took of Sophie doing a few singles on land. At the end she did a simple hand thrown double which went very well.

Walk to School Wednesday

Yesterday I mentioned that the kids try to walk to school on Wednesdays regardless of the weather, well it sure was wet today!  Although, I think my children enjoy the rain more than the sunshine as it gives a great excuse for using rain boots and umbrellas!  The Barbets went along for the walk today and the rain certainly didn't bother these French Water Dogs.  Their paws got pretty wet from the puddles and the wet grass but their woolly coats kept their skin nice and dry.  Now they are both curled up and having a nap and I'm waiting for the rain to stop so I can get back to my gardening!

Walking to School...

Every Wednesday the kid's school has a healthy initiative to encourage the kids to get more physical activity.  They call it Walk to School Wednesday.  So come rain or shine we always try to walk on Wednesdays so the kids can hold up their hands in class and be counted as one of the walkers. The thing is we only live about a km from the school so pretty much everyday is a walk to school day for us.  Which is great.  We all get a little fresh air and I think it's easier for the kids to sit still and learn if they've had a chance to burn off a bit of energy first.  Walking 3 dogs at a time is a bit much, especially when the kids often want to hold my hand too LOL. So, we usually take turns bringing different dogs.  Today was Quincy's day.   Now I get to go for walk number two and get the Barbets out for their exercise.  Having dogs sure keeps you fit.  Who needs a gym membership when you've got sporting dogs?

Are Barbets Bird Dogs? Yes They Are!!!

I was supposed to be washing my floors this morning but procrastinated instead and went outside to play with the dogs!   Here are a couple of photos I took of Coco with a pigeon.  Barbets originated in France and were often used as hunting and retrieving companions.  Some are still used in this capacity today. 

Good Girl Coco!  Gooood Hooooold!

Here!