Thinking about the day they were born, I cannot even begin to explain how blessed I feel with this litter. Planning for them started the day I found out that Oakley was Aspen's daughter (Oakley came from a planned multiple sired litter but all the puppies ended up being from one sire after the DNA tests were performed). I loved Oakley from the first pictures, and while I was truly hoping she was Keygan's daughter, it all ended up as it should have because I was able to use her in a breeding to Keygan. Two years of waiting and watching and discussing and getting health clearances completed and careful planning for the breeding - it all paid off six months ago. All six were born without incident, all six immediately thrived, and they were a blast to raise! All of the puppies continue to be a blessing as they are growing up, and they are all stars of their families.
Hobbs, the pick of the litter, has definitely become his own dog and already has two very nice wins under his belt - a Working Group 4 from the HUGE Raleigh puppy match in March and a Working Group 2 from the big Perry puppy match in April. He'll be making his showing debut in Asheville, NC next month. Hobbs is Fireside's Pick Me Out A Winner.
River, the only girl in the litter, stayed with me and has been such a joy! She's the happiest puppy and has so much fun all the time. She loves to learn and looks good so far - she's likely going to be a big girl! She placed second behind her brother Hobbs in both of his wins. She'll be making her showing debut over Memorial Day weekend. My goal is for her to have a great time and enjoy showing. Anything else will be icing on the cake. River is Fireside's A River Runs Through It v Sawmill.
Jasper will be making his showing debut next month as well. He's a very friendly, happy boy with a wonderful temperament, and he's turning out quite nice so far - his movement is especially lovely. I cannot wait to show this young boy - again, the goal for the puppies right now is just to get some shows under their belt and enjoy themselves. Jasper is Fireside's Lions For Lambs.
Logan is turning into a very big boy and loves going to the horse farm with his owner and walking the beautiful trails in Southern Pines, NC. His showing career will likely begin this fall to give him some more time to grow and fill out. He still has the most gorgeous face of almost any Swissy I have ever seen. Logan is Fireside's Legal Eagle.
Jake lives in California and is loving his life on the vineyard. He just started handling classes and will be starting his show career in the next few months. His owner will be owner-handling him, and this is her first show dog, so I'm very proud of them! Owner-handling is the best! Jake is Fireside's The Chase.
Gus has been enjoying the beautiful spring in Washington, DC with his family. I'm waiting for some professional pictures they had done of this gorgeous blue boy. Gus is Fireside's The Great Waldo Pepper.
Please join me in wishing the puppies a happy 6 month birthday!