Sunday, February 28, 2010

Happy 2nd Birthday to Wilma's "H" Litter!

It was a snowy Leap Year Day, February 29th 2008, when Wilma's first 11 puppies were born. And now, two years later, six of those puppies have working careers!

This litter had a bumpy start. The first pup born lived only 4 days. It was a sad time, but the remaining 10 puppies needed Wilma's full attention.

Next bump came two and a half weeks later when Wilma got very sick. Mastitis, anemia and hypoglycemia meant no more nursing for Wilma and the 10 pups has to learn to eat real food much earlier than planned.

Then Houston, at only 9 weeks old, had to be put down after two unsuccessful surgeries to try to repair intestinal problems. Another very sad moment.
Next, Henna (now known as Nittany) was career changed at 5 months for bad knees. She outgrew that problem and is 100% OK and now enjoying life as a very pampered pet.

About that same time, Horton developed dysplasia in both elbows. The poor pup could hardly hold his own weight up. His raisers did everything they could to save him and Horton had surgery on both elbows, one month apart. He recovered well and although will never be able to run as hard as other goldens, he is enjoying a wonderful life.

Hollis was doing very well at college, but while in training, it was discovered that she had ear infections caused by allergies, which meant she could not work. So she was career changed to a pet and is living with her raisers family.

Although five of the pups didn't make it in the working world, the other six did!

Halo is working in FL as a service dog. She is doing a wonderful job and will soon be certified!

Hazel is working in ME.
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And Hyde, Honey, and Hugo are all working in MI.

And Harvard is working as a Leader Dog for a blind person.



















Wilma and I wish you all a very Happy 2nd Birthday!

2 comments:

Aussie said...

Laura & Wilma, Thank you for your gift to the world. It's been a rough road but I think everyone would agree it was worth it.

Laura said...

Thanks Andrea! I'm very proud of my girl and her puppies. A 60% success rate is excellent. I hope the G's will raise that percentage to 70 or 80.