Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge
Hi Everyone,
Tomorrow, I will return to discussing our young German Shepherd Dogs and the future of Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels, but for today I cannot allow the month of August to pass without discussing a small miracle on our behalf and a horrible tragedy to over 400 families in the Mannford, Oklahoma area.
Last year on Thursday August 2, 2012 a fire was started nine miles South of Mannford, OK when Billy Cloud threw his lit cigarette down on the ground just outside his trailer.The summer of 2012 brought most of the Midwest including Oklahoma a continuation of severe drought that started in 2011 with record high temperatures of 110 degrees to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lit cigarette ignited a wildfire that burnt over 90 square miles and burned down over 400 homes. Throughout August 2 and 3, 2012 the wildfires raged several miles from us at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels.On August 4, 2012 my wife and I had lunch in Mannford and had a false since of safety against the fires since they raged so far away.Upon returning to home and the kennels, the wind shifted and the fires started burning straight toward us. Late that afternoon we lost electric and could see the fires approaching us.Roads in and out of our area had been closed, and while we had several wonderful clients and friends offer to come out to pick up our dogs and then drive them to safety, they were not allowed in.We were ordered to evacuate, but we would not leave our dogs so we stayed to fight the fires.We thought that we could save our kennels and house by manning several water hoses around our property.However, as the fire approach, we lost all water pressure.The Creek County Rural Water District water well pumps went out just as the fires approached our property.Without water we became very concerned for our own safety as well as the safety of our dogs.
Fires at 5:30 PM approaching Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels Property
At the time that we had lost water pressure a small fire truck came roaring up our driveway and told us that they only had 5-minutes of water and that they would not be able to save our house.He pointed to the woodlot that was 100-yards away from our house and said once the fire gets into the canopy of the trees the heat would be so intense that our house would just explode into flames.The firemen yelled for us to let loose the dogs from their kennels and to get ready to jump in the pond to save our lives.The fireman said they would be in the pond right behind us.
I was never so proud of my German Shepherd Dogs, as we let them out of their kennels, they remained calm and none of their normal squabbles or barking took place.They all knew that the situation was serious and they all stayed around but out-of-our-way. With the gates open they would be able to escape and return after the fire had passed.
At this time the smoke had grown thick with very little visibility.While only about 5:30 PM, it appeared to be twilight just after sunset.After burning down our neighbors’ houses, the fires jumped Highway 48 and started raging up our property.I will never forget standing in the driveway watching the fireman raise his helmet and start scratching his head.The fires had hit our forest and then began to die down and go out.The fireman was befuddled because for three days he had watch these fires hit woodlots and then just roar out-of-control.
I yelled down to the fireman that I had burnt my property earlier that year in March, burning all the leaves and fallen branches on our twenty-acres.He said that controlled burn had saved our home and kennels because the fires did not have the fuel to reach the forest canopy.We returned the dogs to their kennels, and watched the fires burn around while burning more of our neighbors’ homes.
Fire As It Burned Down Our Neighbor’s House and Approached Our Woodlot before Dying Down
We were saved from the fires, but due to loss of power, we did lose over 2,000 pounds of frozen venison meat for our dogs, most of the contents of our refrigerators, all four-corner fence posts, and suffered two-weeks without power with record high temperatures of 110 degrees and above.The Water District did restore water service on the 5th of August so we only had to haul potable water one day.
We were spared by providence because I was led to burn my property, which I had not done in about three years. Due to the senseless act of a drunk thousands of people suffered the loss of everything that they owned, and while no human life was lost several animals and even a customers Heidelberg German Shepherd Dog perished in the fires of 2012. Even though I am an experienced ecologist and have been trained in fire management and prescribed burning methods, I learned given the severe environmental conditions that we experienced in 2012 that wildfires can become extremely dangerous and unpredictable. I would most likely move our dogs much sooner and not stay if ordered to evacuate if ever faced with similar circumstances.
Please continue to check out our web page as we post updates on this litter and future available litters: https://kgsd.inventivehorizons.com/PuppiesForSale.htm. We currently have Walker, a male puppy left.Walker is a wonderful highly intelligent and a very quick learner.Walker will be perfect for a family looking for an obedient and loyal companion that will provide home protection.Families with existing pets such as dogs and cats will be a good fit for Walker.Walker is very sociable.Remember that we do ship puppies.
Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion. Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds
Today, I am going to switch gears to discuss an issue that has developed with one of our long-time friends.Monday, I will continue my discussion of our new family members.
We received a call about 12 1/2 year-old Rocky, one of my all-time favorite German Shepherd Dogs.Rocky has stopped eating and drinking and is throwing up bile.He has rapidly gone down health wise in the last month and it is time to say goodbye until we meet again.
Rocky started his life out as a promising show dog and was sold to Connie who lived in Mannford, Oklahoma.Connie and Rocky were extremely close and did everything together.Connie after a year and half was diagnosed with breast cancer, and so Rocky was boarded out here at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels while Connie was going through treatment and too sick to take care of Rocky.We got to become very close to Rocky.Connie lost her battle to cancer, but her love and fighting spirit was not lost on Rocky.Connie’s husband gave us Rocky after her death because Rocky presence was just too painful of a reminder of Connie.
When Rocky came to stay with us he was not the same after Connie’s passing.Rocky was very depressed and grieving.We decided the best thing for Rocky was find him a good home with children that could take his mind of his loss.We re-homed Rocky to such a family, and Rocky began to recover from his grief.Now ten years later after a wonderful and spoiled life, Rocky will be reunited with Connie.I imagine that they are taking one of their long walks along a beautiful mountain stream.
Losing your best friend after 12 years is the hardest part of owning a German Shepherd Dog.It hurts as bad as losing a close family member and the grieving process is very similar. I am comforted in knowing that because God loves us that we will be reunited with all our companions someday in Heaven.He will not withhold any joy from us including being reunited with our best friends. I am not going to start preaching in this blog, but there are several Bible verses that support this hope of being reunited with our beloved German Shepherd Dogs.Personally I believe Heaven will be filled with cats and dogs.
A young Rocky and Younger Me On a Walk
Please continue to check out our web page as we post updates on this litter and future available litters: https://kgsd.inventivehorizons.com/PuppiesForSale.htm. We currently have Wally and Walter, two male puppies left.Both are wonderful puppies and Walter has developed in to quite the show prospect.Remember that we do ship puppies.
Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion. Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds
Today I am going to introduce you to Heidelberg’s Hardy v Casinoe (Hardy).Hardy is out of our Champion (Ch.) Heidelberg’s Tundra v Heath (Tundra) and Heidelberg’s Casino Royale (Cassie) who is out of Heidelberg’s Emerald (Emmy) a daughter of our Ch. Heidelberg’s Oliver v Diamond a Ch. Heidelberg’sGunter v Whipero (Gunter) son.The reason I am excited about Hardy’s breeding is the divergent lines that his two parents come from because Gunter was Ch. Heidelberg’s Rocky v Kaito (Rocky) son and there are very few of those out there and I only believe one Champion, our Gunter.The reason is because the owner of Rocky refused to continue breeding Rocky because she wanted him to be totally focused on her.
Heidelberg’s Hardy V Casinoe (Hardy) at 12- Months-of-Age
Our Ch. Tundra is a Ch. Heidleberg’s Dargo v Angeliq son and our all-time best producer. Now that I probably bored most of you to death talking about my Grandchildren, let me just suffice that Hardy provides us a lot off diversity in our breeding program, thus allowing us to line-breed without inbreeding.
Hardy is not our largest male unlike his sire Tundra and while he is only 19 months old and has a lot of growing to do, I believe he will finish up at approximately 85 to 90 pounds lean weight. His size will be much more like his Grandfather, Ch. Dargo, who is our smallest stud dog.I have found that our smaller studs out produce themselves in size producing unusually large offspring and then these huge studs tend to produce smaller offspring, and through this cycle, we maintain balance in the size of our dogs where our males average 100 pounds and our females average 85 pounds.For example our Champion Natasha Cheyenne was our all-time largest Champion bitch; however,she produced our smallest bitch, Grand Champion( GCh.) and Best-In-Show (BIS) winner GCh. Ch. Heidelberg’s Oklahoma v Natashac (Kay).
Heidelberg’s Hardy V Casinoe (Hardy) at 12- Months-of-Age Showing His Perfect Front
Hardy has been shown several times in the puppy class accumulating several blue ribbons and it is obvious that the judges like him.He is not yet extremely happy in the show ring, but that will improve and he will start winning once he starts expressing charisma in the show ring.Hardy has perfect structure and form and a nice even gait.He has had a high rear-end as a puppy, but that is not uncommon where the front shoulders grow slower, catching up to the rear later much as with horses.I have been concerned with his turn of stifle but that has also improved with time to where he is almost fault free.In addition, he has a perfect coat, not too long but very plush.
Hardy is a sweet and very confident puppy with a very playful personality.Several people that have come out to see our puppies have said that they want a male just like Hardy.Look for puppies out of Hardy next year as we move forwards with his Championship and get him OFA’ed certified.
We have some wonderful new additions to our kennel including Nelson, Patriot, Sword, Daphne, Journey, Winter, and Serenity.Tomorrow, I will choose another puppy to discuss on this blog.
Please continue to check out our web page as we post updates on this litter and future available litters: https://kgsd.inventivehorizons.com/PuppiesForSale.htm. We currently have Wally and Walter, two male puppies left.Both are wonderful puppies and Walter has developed in to quite the show prospect.Remember that we do ship puppies.
Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion. Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds
Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge
Hi Everyone,
Just a hodgepodge update of the going-on at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels. Well it is summer and while we have been blessed with rain and cooler temperature than the last two summers, it does increase my workload. Now that our grass has reached an unseemly height, I have to mow again.
I have been unable to blog the last six days due to our schedule and the fact that I am having to re-surface our asphalt driveway, which distance is over an eighth of a mile. Due to lack of maintenance over the last several years, it has taken all week to fill cracks and resurface the black top with the help of a wonderful young high school student, Michael. Even with all the work and time invested, we still are only halfway done with the driveway. Therefore, my blogs will be Spartan in the next couple of weeks as I will be mowing, weeding eating, and repairing the driveway. I also have started weaning our three litters that are inside and growing well. I am excited about the wonderful puppies that we are going to have available starting in mid-September.
I am proud to announce that we had our Canine Good Citizen Testing on Saturday, July 20, 2013. We had four German shepherds take the test with three passing. The puppy that failed had only been to Keystone’s Canine Good Citizen Class and Basic Obedience Class four times before the testing and he was not quite ready. He will pass with a few more training classes. Nevertheless, congratulations to the Mia and her owners Daniel and Kat Gettel, Tank and his owners Darran and Shelley Douglas, and Glory and her owner Gail Reed for readily passing the Canine Good Citizen Test and earning their Certificates. We will have our next free Canine Good Citizen Class and Basic Obedience Class Saturday morning at 10:30 AM on July 27, 2013. Please attend if you can make it.
Heidelberg’s Glory Passed Her Canine Good Citizen Test
Today, I am going to discuss a wonderful eight-month-old male German shepherd puppy that we hope to re-home.Heidelberg’s Norman v Kelseyq (Elvis) is a normal coated shepherd and has great structure and conformation. Elvis is the son of Grand Champion, Champion Heidelberg’s Nashville v Oklahoman (OFA ‘ed) and Champion Heidelberg’s Kelsey Queridad.His owners fell into hard times and could no longer keep Elvis.Elvis is completely trained in all obedience, has great manners, and lived in the house full-time.
Grand Champion, Champion Heidelberg’s Nashville v Oklahoman
Champion Heidelberg’s Kelsey Queridad
Elvis is also the litter-mate of Heidelberg’s Nelson v Kelseyq, which we have kept as a future champion and stud dog. Elvis has an outgoing friendly and happy personalty. He is confident, well mannered, and a very healthy puppy.
Heidelberg’s Norman v Kelseyq (Elvis)
Heidelberg’s Norman v Kelseyq (Elvis)
Heidelberg’s Norman v Kelseyq (Elvis)
Elvis will be protective and will keep you from being robbed, but he is not a liability and will not bite a child or someone that is supposed to be at your house.Elvis grew up with small children and is well socialized to people and other dogs.Elvis would be perfect for a family looking for companionship and home protection, but do not have the time to train a young puppy.
If you are interested in purchasing Elvis, please call me about pricing at (918) 261-4729.We will sell Elvis for a really good price.
I am happy to announce Max has been adopted by a wonderful German Shepherd Dog family! Way to go Max, we are glad for for you!
Hi Everyone,
Today, I am going to discuss a fantastic five-year-old neutered male that we hope to re-home. Heidelberg’s Kenichi v Queridad (Max) is a long-coat and is the litter mate of Grand Champion, Champion Heidelberg’s Kodiak v Queridad (OFA Excellent). Max has a wonderfully sweet, playful, and confident personality. His owner fell into hard times and had to move out of his house and can no longer keep Max.Max is completely trained in all obedience, has great manners, and lived in the house full-time.
Max just turned five at the end of May and is in perfect health.Max is protective and will keep you from being robbed, but he is not a liability and will not bite a child or someone that is supposed to be at your house.Max would be perfect for a family looking for companionship and home protection, but do not have the time to train a puppy.
Max is five; however, he has seven good years left and will be a wonderful addition to a home looking for an adult German Shepherd Dog. Max is very large and the below pictures do not do him justice, size-wise. Also, he needs to be bathed and combed out, which we will do. In person he is a much more impressive and beautiful long-coat Heidelberg than what these photographs show. He has a partially lazy ear on the left side that sometimes he holds down.
Heidelberg’s Kenichi v Queridad (Max)
Heidelberg’s Kenichi v Queridad (Max)
If you are interested in adopting Max, please call me at (918) 261-4729. Please continue to check out our web page as we post updates on this litter and future available litters: https://kgsd.inventivehorizons.com/PuppiesForSale.htm. Remember that we do ship puppies.
Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion. Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds
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