Weekly Puppy Photo Update, Vaccine Protocols, and Links to Training Information

“The dog is the most faithful of animals and would be much esteemed were it not so common. Our Lord God has made His greatest gifts the commonest.” ~ Martin Luther


Our puppies greet each day with joy. They are happy and inquisitive and seem to have a love of life. Of course, we'll soon be into that "in to everything, let me follow you around and make you trip over me" stage, but for now, things are easy.

They've begun eating a bit on their own and Windy is showing signs of being ready to turn their feeding and care over to me. She's a good mother and enjoys playing with them.

And, they wear themselves out quickly. We'll often see a pile of snoozing puppies.

Here they are at 5 and a half weeks old.

Liam and Noah

Cora and Abby

Mysti and Lacy

Coco

In light of the recent measles outbreaks in preschools and day care centers and the debate among everyone who has an opinion (educated or not) on the subject of vaccinations, I thought perhaps it was time to revisit the topic of over-vaccination of our dogs. Like many others, I've always wondered why, when an infant can be vaccinated and that vaccination protection is life-long, do we have to vaccinate our dogs annually. But that has just been a feeling, a question. Now there is some actual research on the topic that you may be interested in reading. Of the many pages on the internet (just google "canine vaccination controversy" and you'll see what I mean), I've selected three and am posting links to them.

Currently, the American Animal Hospital Association's canine vaccination protocol recommends a 3-year span between core vaccines. This protocol has been around for a couple years or so. Some vets have changed their practice to coincide with the AAHA's recommended protocols. Others have not. Naturally, we are all at the mercy of our vets and their own philosophies and practices. But if you have some background in the research, at least you can approach your vet with some reasonable questions about his/her practices.

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

I know that some of my readers are puppy buyers who will be coming to pick up Liam or Noah or Cora or Abby or Mysti or Lacy or Coco in a month or so. So, for you folks (and any of the rest of you who want to), while you are waiting, I'd like you to read some articles that I think are good ones about training and socializing puppies.

Life is better when you have a Lhasa to love you!

Joyce