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 discuss our wonderful Heidelberg’s Patriot v Atlantan (Patriot) a Grand Champion, Champion (GCh.) (CH.) Heidelberg’s Kodiak v Queirdad (Kodi) son.He is also the son of Heidelberg’s Atlanta Natashac, a Daughter of Champion Heidelberg’s Natasha Cheyenne that produced GCh. Ch. Best in Show (BIS) winner Heidelberg’s Oklahoma Natashac.
A Two-Year-Old Patriot playing in Pine Bluff, AR at Dog Show in February 2013
Patriot is 2.5 years-of-old and is finally maturing into a fabulous dog.He is sweet and smart and extremely confident.He is the perfect size German shepherd at the top of the height standard at 26 inches and at around 100 pounds he will be a trim solid dog.
Patriot does very well at the dog shows, and as he matures he is starting to get a lot of second place and reserve wins.I suspect that he will reach a point in his maturity where when he starts winning, and once he starts winning he will fly through to his championship.He will be finished, and we will look back and say, ‘wow that was fast’ as it has been with most our great male champions.
Patriot is a true joy to travel with.He never has an accident in his crate and when he really needs to be let out of crate he has whine that is distinct.When he needs an unscheduled bathroom break all we have to do if we are driving is find an exit let him out and he immediately takes care of his business and then he wants to get right back in his crate.
When we are at scheduled breaks, he is great to let out with our girl German shepherds because he romps around and with his playful nature he encourages everyone to run and play fight.When Patriot is at the shows everyone gets good exercise breaks.
Patriot Playing (left) With Daphne at a Dog Show in Wichita Falls, TX in February 2013
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,
Today I am posting our wonderful new litter that will be ready to go home July 13, 2013.This is both young parents first litter; however, they have produced solid temperaments and big healthy puppies. These are the happiest puppies that I have produced in a long time. Everything is a game and the entire litter is laughing and smiling every time we are with them. The dam Heidelberg’s Carlie is from Champion Oliver and the Sire Heidelberg’s Texoma is from Grand Champion Heidelberg’s Kodi.Crossing Grand Champion Kodi with Champion Oliver lines has proved to be a solid breeding.We are currently accepting deposits on this litter.
Heidelberg’s William v Carliee Male Tattoo# HH1760 $1,526.00 Available
Heidelberg’s Wally v Carliee Male Tattoo# HH1762 $1,526.00 Available
Heidelberg’s Whitman v Carliee Male Tattoo# HH1763 $1,526.00 Deposit
Heidelberg’s Walker v Carliee Male Tattoo# HH1764 $1,576.00 Available
Heidelberg’s Waldo v Carliee Male Tattoo# HH1765 $1,876.00 Future Champion Available
Heidelberg’s Walter v Carliee Male Tattoo# HH1766 $1,526.00 Available
Heidelberg’s Whisper Carliee Female Tattoo# HH1767 $1,676.00 Available
Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge
Hi Everyone,
Traveling with your German Shepherd Dog can be easy and enjoyable when you and your dog are prepared for the trip.German Shepherd Dog, puppies or adults can be extremely sensitive to the water that they drink.Water from different areas contain different chemicals and hardness, and can cause your German Shepherd Dog to get diarrhea.Therefore, it is well worth the effort to travel with water from your house for your German Shepherd Dog.An alternative to this is to purchase distilled water.When we are traveling to dog shows, we may have as many as eight adult dogs in our van.This many dogs makes it impossible to carry enough water from home for a four or five day trip.We have found that the dogs do well on distilled water and they never get runny stools from the water.
Enjoying a Break while on the Road
I discovered this years ago while at a dog show with seven German Shepherd Dogs in West Texas where the local water was high in sulfur.I as well as all seven German shepherds had upset stomachs.I purchased distilled water and everyone got well within one day.Also, if your German Shepherd Dog does develop runny stools while traveling, four or five table spoons of Dannon plain white yogurt added to their food will calm their upset stomachs.
Traveling with your German Shepherd Dog’s food is easy with a little planning and preparation.I recommend bagging daily rations of dry-food in Ziploc baggies.This way you will not run out of food before your travels are done and you are not hauling extra food.You also can precook carrots and eggs and place these in Tupperware and keep them cool in a small doggie ice chest along with your yogurt and canned meet.Vitamins and cod liver oil also be premeasured and placed in smaller containers so you are not carrying extra while on your trip.We prefer to feed canned salmon or mackerel when traveling.One 15 ounce should be enough for 5 days.Be sure to bring a food bowl; we prefer stainless steel because it is durable and very easy to clean in a hotel sink. Also, you should bring a pail that you can hang onto the side of their crate for them to drink from.
Taking Time to Explore While on a Travel Break
Where does your German Shepherd dog ride while in the vehicle?For adult shepherds the front or back seat may suffice.If your dog is not crated, please use a dog seat-belt.This will protect you as well as your German shepherd Dog if you have a car accident.Even a minor fender bender can propel your unsecured dog into or through the windshield or into the back of your head killing you and your dog.For traveling with German Shepherd Dog puppies, I recommend a crate that is just large enough that they can stand up and comfortably turn around in.The crate should be secured to the vehicle so that it cannot become a projectile in case of an accident.
If you are staying overnight in hotels, you should bring a crate that you can place your dog in while he is in the hotel room, especially if you leave to go to eat and leave the German Shepherd Dog behind.This is because if hotel staff opens the door, they will not be greeted by a German Shepherd Dog and possibly let your dog out of the room when they leave the door open while running away.This happened to one of our customers while at a dog show in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Finally do not forget to bring a couple of your German Shepherd Dog’s favorite toys.Traveling is stressful to your dog and having a couple of their favorite toys in evening will allow them to unwind while you watch television to unwind. Enjoy your travels with your German Shepherd Dog and be safe on the road.
Grand Champion, Champion Heidelberg’s Kodiak v Qeridad Ready for Another Road Trip
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,
Traveling with your German Shepherd Dog can be easy and enjoyable when you and your dog are prepared for the trip.German Shepherd Dog, puppies or adults can comfortably travel five to seven hours without having to get out and exercise and relieve themselves as long as they have gone to the bathroom right before leaving.If you are traveling further than five to seven hours you need to plan for a puppy or dog stop.
a Heidelberg German Shepherd Dog Puppy Traveling
We personally prefer to exercise our German Shepherd Dogs of lead; therefore, we try to stop in isolated places such as behind a large church or behind large shopping centers where there are often large areas of grass and little traffic.For those that want to exercise their German Shepherd Dogs on lead, most gas stations and truck stops along the Interstate have designated exercise areas for traveling dogs. An expandable lead is in dispensable for exercising on lead because it allows your German Shepherd Dog to get away from the owner so they feel more comfortable going to the bathroom. For those that are traveling with German Shepherd Dog puppies younger than 16 weeks, you should avoid public potty areas because of the risk of your potentially unprotected puppy being exposed to parvo, distemper, or other communicable diseases.Look for isolated places such as behind Wal-Marts. Everyone that exercises their dogs in a public place should clean up after their dogs.Pack plastic bags with you so you can pick up the feces and throw it in the trash.
Heidelberg German Shepherd Dogs Exercising Behind a Shopping Mall
Once your German Shepherd Dog has stretched their legs for five to ten minutes and relieved themselves, they will be ready to travel another five to seven hours or until you arrive at your destination.
While on your planned dog stop, if you know your German Shepherd Dog, puppy or adult needs to defecate and they will not go after ten minutes, you can gently insert two or three wooden kitchen matches halfway into their rectum.This will get your dog to go to the bathroom within a few minutes.Most German Shepherd Dogs tolerate this well as long as you are gentle.
Heidelberg German Shepherd Dog Looking for a Place to Potty After Being Matched
Sometimes while traveling a German Shepherd Dog will get a nervous stomach resulting in diarrhea.This is not a problem as long as you are prepared.While traveling you should always have a collar on your dog so that they cannot slip out of it and a leash readily available.Therefore, if you have to pull off on the side of the highway your German Shepherd Dog and you will be safe.If your German Shepherd Dog needs to go to the bathroom while you are driving they will become anxious and let you know by either whining or barking.Look for the closest and safest place to pull over and pull over connecting the leash to the collar before you open the door.If it is an emergency bathroom break, your dog may surprise you by darting out the first open vehicle door running out into traffic if you do not have them on lead.
Tomorrow I will continue this discussion with for more travel tips for you and your German Shepherd Dog.
Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion. Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds
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