Too Busy

I've been slack in keeping up with my blogs lately. Things are going on and changes are being made and you wouldn't believe all the decisions I am having to make, BIG ONES. But, I decided over the weekend that I was going to get back to some "me and Gun-man time". So this is the start. LOL.

My daughter and I spent Sunday in Perry, GA. at the Great Dane Club of the Mid South's Spring Specialty. We had a great time. I was the photographer and Sara helped at the trophy table. Of course Ivan was there and came in 2nd in the 6-9 month dog group. It was wonderful being at the show, seeing all the Danes and being around Great Dane people. I always have a great time at dog shows. ;-)

Now for my soap box. I hope not to offend anyone, but I have to share something with you. If you have a Great Dane or are thinking about getting a Great Dane, it should go without saying that your Dane MUST LEARN that he or she is to have manners. And who is going to teach them their manners? YOU. As scary smart as Danes are, there is no reason why a Great Dane cannot learn how you want them to behave in your home. Now there are some exceptions, but I am talking about people who get their Dane from a breeder and bring it home at 8 - 12 weeks and then just let it raise its self. Come on people. If a little dog gets board and chews something up that is one thing, but you are talking about an animal that will grow to weigh over 100 pounds. I'm not even talking about cute little tricks, I am talking about self control, manners and what you want the dog to do or not do in your home. If you have not gotten your Dane yet, please think about this before you pick up your dog. To me your dogs training and behaviour is just as important as hit vet visits and what food you feed them. It's a package deal. Don't leave one area out, you are not only causing your self frustration but you are not doing your dog any favors. Your goal should be a well rounded Great Dane and that's up to you. Ok, I've said my piece and I'll now get off my soap box.

Training the Gun-Man

Well it seems that Gunther has developed a dislike for tall men. It's not his fault, I take responsibility for it, since the day it happened I was too busy talking business with a client and couldn't stop to get away and stop the tall man that was aggressively going after Gunther. The, man, let's just call him the "idot" had been give directions from me in the past about staying clear of Gunther, just for my benefit see I don't like this guy. I didn't want him around me or Gunther. Actually in all the times they had seen each other Gunther never liked him. He is the only person Gunther has not went up to and made friends. I had warned him in the past that Gunther for some reason just wasn't going to connect with him, and to just ignore Gunther and maybe over time it would work out, but the idiot told me that was nonsense and dogs love him (well lets clarify that, all his little dogs love him). I love it when people who have never been around my dog tell me what's best for him, and that I don't know squat.

Anyway to make a long story short, we (Gunther and I) are working very hard at putting things back the way they should be. It has actually turning into something good, because I had gotten way too caught up in the ugly things going in our lives right now, and stopping to work more with Gunther and walk him has been great for my mindset and Gunther is a lot happier.

There have been several tall men that have been great in helping and offering to help with Gunther and I thank them so much. We are very close to getting the old Gun-man back who was just crazy about everyone.

This coming weekend is the Great Dane Speciality in Perry, GA. I love these. Seeing all the beautiful Danes is amazing and just being at the dog show it's self is so much fun. I won't get to stay as long as I would like but at least this year I'm going.

Once back from the Perry, Gunther and I will dive in head first into getting him totally ready for Rally competition. He needs a little work on sitting faster. Everything else I think is pretty good. We have been working on the different requirements for each level of Rally, so maybe it will go smoothly and before we know it, we'll be in Obedience competition. That would be wonderful.

Gunther and his new toy

Ok so maybe I can't resist getting Gunther new toys all the time. But you should see how happy he gets, when I bring one home to him. He got a new spider today and has played with the thing ALL day. Including slept with it when he stopped long enough for a nap. LOL. He even tried to take it outside to potty. With all the other things going on in my families life right now, it's so wonderful having a companion that is happy and can be so thrilled with something as simple as a toy.

In a couple of weeks Gunther's brother Ivan will be in another show. I am really looking forward to it. I love going to dog shows. But I have heard that Ivan has been doing a little growing and so it will be interesting to see how much he has grown and if it helps him in the ring. Will let you know.

This is Ivan, Gunther's little brother

Say hello to Ivan. This is Gunther's little brother from the litter that was born Sept. 29, 2006. He is 5 months old and debuted in the show ring for the first time yesterday (Saturday, March 3). He is an amazing little boy. Charming, cute and still such a little puppy. I am so excited for him and his future. I think is going to have a wonderful time in the show ring. Speaking of that. Noel Clarke, Ivan's handler is in my personal opinion, the perfect handler for Ivan. Check out Noel's website and look at his Danes.

Don't you just love this face? And that nose is so cute!


Here is Noel taking Ivan up and down the ring for the judge. I wish you could see Ivan's gait.

And here he is after his final lap around the ring. There were several other Danes and their owners, handlers and family standing just a few feet away from Ivan in this picture. Just enough to distract him to look out of the ring. But it gave me a good photo. LOL.

Over the summer Ivan will be going to several shows and I'll of course post how he is doing. There is a big show for him coming up April 15. Like the Gun-Man was at this age, Ivan will grow leaps and bounds by the April dog show. Keep in him your thoughts as Noel prepares him for it.

He ought to be in pictures

This week I've been thinking about some of the Dane people I know and all the photos throughout their homes of their Danes, past and present. So it got me thinking about Gunther's pictures. Almost all of his photos are online. I only have 1 that is framed out where every one can see. And it's not like I don't take pictures of him, I take so many pictures of Gunther that it's to the point that when Gunther sees me with a camera he will either stop and stand or sit waiting for his picture. That's pretty bad. LOL. Anyway, I'm going through all the pictures picking out some to have enlarged and professionally framed. These are a couple that I have in mind.

Stylin' Gunther

Last week I noticed that Gunther was cold and shaking a little so for the fun of it I wrapped his neck up with one of my scarves. He loved it, he kept it on all day and even wanted to sleep in it. So I got the idea of making him a neckwarmer. Since I'm a professional knitter I had several ideas about making Gunther one, but I needed to start out with something basic. So that is where we are at.


I even made an opening for his lead to attach to his collar.



Not really thinking about it I mentioned it to some other dog owners I know and now I have orders for 3 more. I'm also adding the option of making them a little long so it will come up around the ears a little more.

If you are interested in ordering one also, email me at knitting business email address.

Oh a quick update on the crate that Gunther didn't get. The lady handling the business was kind enough to admit that I had pretty much fallen through the cracks and refunded my money. I still need a crate and so far it's the biggest one I have seen. But, I'm going to look around before trying to order from them again.

A No Show

Well Gunther and I have been waiting weeks for the crate and it's still a no show. Last week the company finally contacted me letting me know they were "looking" into it. How nice, it's been weeks, and they are looking into it. (patience is growing thin). My next step will be calling and getting my money back. It's really crazy that something this big could get lost. Gunther's other huge crate I ordered from them last August came in a few days. Oh well.

Anyway, all is good here. Gunther is doing well and we are having a ball with him. I will be glad for a little warmer weather though. It's hard for me to get out with him when its cold, especially the damp cold that we've been having here in GA. But it won't be long till Spring and we can be outside all the time.

Crate Alternative

For those out there who don't crate or who need an alternative to crating, here is a wonderful idea from a breeder with years of Great Dane experience.

Click Here

A Belated Christmas Present for Gunther

I purchased something for Gunther that I had planned on doing for Christmas and just couldn't. But, finally I found the one I wanted and the size. I can't wait to get it. I'll post real pictures of it when it comes, and pictures of Gunther in it so everyone can get a better idea of the size of it.

Here is the product info:

Product Description
These Soft Dog Crates are ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Heavy duty steel frame that supports the soft crate ensures durability and a water resistant material will keep your pet dry. Three Doors, One on front, one on the side and one on top all with zippered mesh screens for extra security and access. 2 bags as pictured are included. 51"*31"*35" Actual weight, 21LBS.

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Gunther news. Ok, this is what everyone is really wanting to know. How is the Gun-Man and what is he up to. ;-) Gunther is doing good. His nose is still a little chapped and dried out. I've used several things to help heal it up, but it's still not where it needs to be. (Any suggestions from my friends who live in snow country would be appreciated). Also, he has been burping. LOL. Ok, I know danes burp, but it's like, he gets in your face and burps and it smells terrible, then he smacks his lips. He then goes off like he just wanted to share that with me. So he's acting like a boy, not a male dog, like a kid. I have a friend who's son does the same thing. LOL. Go figure.

On the training front. Gun has learned a couple more things. He knows the word Thru. And will go through your legs. We have laughed till tears ran down our faces and this huge boy crawling between people's legs. He is also sitting closer and on the come front command, he is getting closer to me, which will be perfect for in the Rally ring. Even though I haven't been able to work with him that much outside because of my knee injury, we have been doing small segments in the house. Every little bit will help get that Rally title. Besides, it's just fun working with him.

Take care

Happy New Year to you

Gunther and all of us here wish you a very

Happy New Year!

He's in the spirit

Gunther is in the holiday spirit

Picture 1: 4 months
Picture 2: 1 year 4 months

Scooby & Family

Finally we have been able to get around to getting our holiday lights and decorations up. A couple of weeks ago I pretty much shattered my right knee cap. I tore and ripped anything and everything pretty much in the knee area. That was the minor emergency I mentioned in the post about Gunther's annual check up. So I haven't really felt like or been able to get the holiday stuff taken care of the way I wanted to this year. Anyway, today was a perfect day to get the lights out to get my new decoration out. Check out my Scooby that is over 7 foot tall. LOL. The others with the Scooby is Sara, GT and of course the Gun-Man.

Last night I attended the Great Dane Club of the Mid South's Christmas party. I'm not much a party person, but I have to say that last night I really had a good time. We had a board meeting before the party and the whole thing was a lot of fun. Tons of food, lots of laughs and one of the funniest gift exchanges I have ever been a part of.

Gunther is really enjoying the warm weather we are having here in Georgia. I can't work with him like I had been but I still go outside with him and toss the ball around the yard with him. I hope that I can get my knee better in time for some of the Rally competitions in January. I really wanted to start him at the first of the year. It's been a little frustrating that everytime I go to sign him up, something "big" comes up and I can't. Oh well, everything has it's time and it's just not ours yet.

Blessed be.

Annual Check up

Sorry for the delay in posting Gunther's results. I had a minor emergency that has taken up a little bit of my time.

Anyway, let's talk Gunther. He did so good at the vet. When we walked in he did his usual, get up on the bench and sit down. It was no time before all the vet techs were either out there us petting on him, or coming to the door to look at him. They loved him and he loved the attention. Before we knew it, it was time to go into his room. He went right in. This time they used a little bigger room and he was a little more comfortable with it. He got straight up on the scales and did his show stance. Again, all the woman were charmed about how cute he was and how manly he looked standing there. LOL. It was just too funny. So on with the check up. Everything went fine, actually better than fine. The vet was so kind and gentle with him, and could not get over what a beautiful coat Gun-man has. He said Gunther's teeth were perfect, that his heart and lungs were wonderful and that he wished all the dogs that came through there were in as good of health as Gunther. He even complimented me on keeping his ears with the "European Look." That was really cool. So after all that, Gunther's weight (which he said was ok to go up and down the way it does) was 120 lbs, his height at the shoulders is 35 1/2". Gunther got his blood test for his Heartguard and didn't even make a noise or noticed that they took blood, then he got a little shot in his butt, and again showed no sign of getting stuck.

What I really liked about this check up, was that the vet took so much time and checked everything about Gun. He checked his paws, pads, ran his hands over his legs, etc. When he got to one of those spots that Gun likes to have rubbed, he actually stopped and rubbed Gun's ears and right above his tail. He made an effort to be friends with Gunther and that means the world to me.

So like all little kids who do good at the Dr.'s office he got extra goodies and a new toy.

Eukanuba National Dog Show

Did you see that beautiful Great Dane leading the Working Group dogs out onto the show floor during the Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show on Animal Planet over the weekend?

Well, if you didn't you missed a fantastic dog, and handler. Of course everyone around Georgia is proud of the them because they are from here. Shannon Soafer and Lance are quiet a team. You can read her story by clicking here.

Also below is one of the headlines from the Great Dane Club of the Mid South's website.

FLASH! Shannon Soafer #1 Junior & GDCA Best Junior
GDCMS Junior member, Shannon Soafer won Best Junior against a very competitive group of juniors at the Great Dane National specialty. Congratulations Shannon!!!

If you would like to see pictures of Lance, Shannon and her sister Kylie (another up and coming Jr. Handler) Click here.

We're back and I have new pictures

It's been awhile since I posted and I apologize. It's been a wild and wacky time at my house. Hopefully things have settled down until the first of years and I can get back to regular posts and pictures of my sweetie.

We have been in TN. (Sevierville, Gatlinburg) for the past week and so this mornings Gunther was ready to get out in the backyard and play and just go nuts. The pictures below are of a naked Gunther. (no collar). He loves to be naked. LOL. Actually I think it makes his neck look longer and his chest a little bigger.


Gunther, being the keen squirrel hunter he is, seen one of his friends running across the privacy fence. It made for a great picture. This could be one of my favorites of him.

It wasn't until I took the above picture that I noticed that Gunther is starting to look more like an adult Dane and less like the crazy puppy he is. Well, before we know it he will be a "big boy". ;-)

Puppy News: Gunther's breeder has placed all of the puppies. According to his website all of the babies have new homes. I am so excited for those people. I know that if their pups are like Gunther they will have the perfect addition to their families. I believe that Friday the 17th, some of them were going to their new homes (how great is that, they are going to have their first Thanksgiving with their new pups). Hopefully I will be talking to Jay in the next day or so to see how many have gone and if any of them went out of town/state.

Ok, there's laundry to fold and lunch to fix. Gunther and I are busy today so we'll close for now.

Time has flown by

This morning I realized that life had once again taken over and I was too busy for my own good. LOL. Sometimes it just happens before you know it. Well that's where I'm at. We've had birthdays and training and extra work and wow here we are the 2nd day of November. So I'll catch you up with the latest and greatest of Gunther news.

We have been working daily on Rally. I purchased the cones that are used in Rally and set up similar courses to practice on. I've even been working on things that will be expected of him in the next level of Rally. He is just so smart and catches on quickly. He is doing really well and I think once we get into actually competing he will do wonderful. The only thing that may get him, is not being use to being in that atmosphere. Dog shows are a whole world of their own, so I plan on taking him to a few and just walking him through and exposing him to it. Then in January we'll start.

I had planned on starting him in tracking classes, but that has gotten put on hold since I just had $600.00 worth of work done on my car. With the holidays coming up, I'm guessing that will have to be put off till the first of the year too. The good thing about all this is that we have something to look forward to.

It's not often that I post without a picture of my Gun-man, but today I took some pictures and they just turned out terrible. So I promise that I'll get some over the weekend. You might be surprised how much he has grown since the last set of pictures.

Gunther's parents had pups about 4 weeks ago and they are amazing. To see them click here. You can't go wrong getting one of these pups. They are sweethearts.

We got to see the puppies!

OMG, we got to see the pups this afternoon and they are wonderful. This is such a cute litter and I just wanted to take them all home with me. :-) . When we got there Jay was cleaning the box so he had them in their basket. (which would have fit perfect in the back seat of my car. LOL) Oooohhhhhh, they were all snuggled up and just being little sweethearts. If you are interested in these Great Dane pups please contact Jay. These pups are healthy, the parents are right there and I have to say I know a lot of breeders and Jay is a responsible and ethical breeder. You won't go wrong with one of his pups.

Short and sweet

Time is flying by. Part of it is because I have been under the weather. Finally today I'm actually feeling like a person again. I don't want to ever be that ill again. But, while I was out of the loop I found a really cool web site dedicated to Natural Eared Great Dane Champions. Check out the web site.

Hopefully I'm going to get a chance to see Sarge and Jazz's puppies in the next few days. I'll be posting pictures of them as soon as I get them. I can't wait to see them. If you are interested in or would like information about the litter please contact Jay.

On a sad note. Today is the one year anniversary of the passing of Shadow. He was my last German Shepherd. What an awesome dog. He was probably the best Shepherd I'd ever had. He was smart, loving, and if he'd been a human could have probably finished my sentences for me. Here are some pictures of him.

Gunther's New Collar

Check out Gunther's new collar! I met Anita (the designer) at the dog show and she makes these beautiful collars. Here is the link to her collars. Blue Moon Designs. All you have to do is click on the size you want and a page comes up with a variety of fantastic collars. Here is a link to her Great Danes. Anita is a very nice lady and very talented, check out her web sites. I will add these links to the sidebar for your future reference. I know this is the first of many of these collars Gunther is going to get. LOL.

Dane Humor

We had a beautiful weekend here in metro Atlanta. Since it was so nice I wanted to get Gunther outside as much as I could. Well on one of the trips out to play I took my camera and really wanted to get some nice pictures of the Gun-man. So at one point he has stopped running and I told him to stay and if you look at the top picture, that is what he did when I told him to stay. He gave me the raspberries. I laughed till tears ran down my face. He is a nut case and I love him to death. The other pictures turned out pretty well, but my favorite is of course the top one.