Mrs. G's Corgi Camp: Back from the Junior National Hereford Expo

7.25.2008

Back from the Junior National Hereford Expo

Jake

Jake and Buster

We spent last week in Kansas City for the Junior National Hereford Expo cattle show and had a great time. While there I delivered Tubby to Della and Bonnie to Sandy who took her to Colorado for Monty. The story about how both of these pups found their new homes is special. I donated Tubby to the Hereford Youth Foundation (HYFA) Auction held in May. Della was the high bidder and not only generously bid $1400 to HYFA for Tubby sight unseen, but also gave him a really great home. I could tell they hit it off from the moment they met and am very happy to know they were such a good match.

I sent an e-mail to several friends last month to let them know I had puppies available and as a result Sandy mentioned to Monty that I had pups. They had just met and Monty had told her that his family had recently lost their Corgi puppy in a tragic way. Sandy read my e-mail and searched the phonebook to find Monty and tell him. As it turns out their families have become friends and Bonnie made her way to Monty and Teresa as a result of Sandy's kindness.

While I was gone our friend Alex took great care of all the dogs. They were all glad to see us when we got back the the puppies had grown a bunch. Thanks to those of you who have spoken for several more of the boys and girls in the last week. Bubba will be going to California to live with Ann, Amy will be going to Mass to live with Jeff and family and Boo Boo will be going to El Paso to Joel and family. I am always grateful to know my pups are moving to good homes with loving families! I had a nice e-mail from Kari with pix of Jamie (now Jake) who now lives in Texas with Kari and her family. Sounds like he has it made - two kids who love him and his new friend Buster to play with! See pix with this posting.

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Purchasing a Puppy

I'm looking for folks who love Corgis, have a fenced yard, are looking for a long-term companion and who have kids, other pets, and lifestyles that will be compatible with a new Corgi. I do not sell to puppy brokers or pet shops. I send puppies to their new homes with limited registration papers in almost all cases. This means the puppies are AKC registered BUT their "limited registration" prevents their offsping from being AKC registered. Why do this? Well first, some puppies are pets not breeding animals and most prospective homes have no interest in breeding anyway. Secondly, there are always a few people who are interested in breeding for all the wrong reasons. So limited papers protects the pups from folks like that as they are not interested in pups with "limited papers". Having said that, there are a few folks that I know or can verify will be good homes for pups that have breeding papers. I hope everyone will understand this is not snobbiness - I love my dogs and want them to have happy homes as loving pets first and foremost. Once we've had a chance to visit and have agreed that you/your family and the puppy are a good match, you may reserve a puppy by completing and returning a buyer's agreement (download a sample at my ranch website). The agreement should be accompanied by your $100 non-refundable deposit or you may purchase your puppy in full. Payment Methods: Check (deposits only), Cash, Visa or Mastercard. Puppies come with a health certificate, guarantee, and AKC registration. Click here for an example of an AKC registration application. I'll be happy to have your puppy microchipped for an additional $50 so that everything is done when your pup arrives at your home. All of my puppies have been raised in my home with lots of attention and come pre-loved and socialized for a great start in their new life with you. My Never Homeless Guarantee - If you purchase a puppy from me and find at a later date that your life situation has changed, call me. I'll work with you to find the puppy a new adoptive home or possibly the dog could return to me for placement with a new family. My concern is helping you find the right home for the dog so everyone "wins" in the end. Shipping or transportation back to me will be at your expense. This is not an offer to refund your purchase price. I am simply standing behind you and my dogs for their lifetime .

Is a Corgi right for you?

Historically Corgis have been herding dogs, family companions, and guardians of the farm. They continue today to be working dogs and companions for their owners. Given the natural energy and instinct to herd, corgis do need time outdoors and a fenced yard is a big plus. If you do not have a fenced yard plan on daily walks to ensure adequate exercise and time outdoors. Corgis are energetic dogs, and boredom will likely cause them to think up unacceptable projects for themselves.

If you decide a corgi will be the right breed for you, you'll be in good company. Corgis are the favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth - click to see a great video of her with her corgis. Of course, I enjoyed learning that QEII's first corgi was named Susan !!

My experience has been good with corgis and kids, but be sure to think about your children, their ages and temperaments before adding any dog to your family. If your kids will want to stick beans up the dog’s nose you better get a Labrador or a Bulldog. Also remember that herding dogs have embedded instintive behaviors just like retrievers do. Sooo don't be surprised that running through your house or yard will get any corgi worth their salt jazzed up. In this situation, you might get a gentle nip at the back of the foot because you are being herded! It's natural, they mean no harm, but think about that before you or your children initiate a game of chase with a corgi.

In the 1920's Corgis were recognized as pure-bred dogs in the United Kingdom. In 1934 the Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis were recognized by the both the English Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club as separate breeds.

Corgis are smart dogs and can be sensitive as well. Although I admit mine are a little on the rotten side, they are easy to train with consistent handling and make excellent companions for either rural or urban families.

As with any dog, your commitment to proper diet and regular medical care with yearly vaccinations, and regular worming is very important. Good pet care also includes regular exercise, grooming, a regular check of your dog's teeth, toenail trimming and a collar with identification and your phone number are also needed. You should not allow your Corgi to become overweight. Just like us, a thinner dog will live a healthier life.

Basic obedience training is recommended for a well-behaved companion, one that is educated on how to behave and what is expected will be a more enjoyable pet for many years.

SHED-O-MATICS - yep, you gotta know this and be okay with it to be a corgi owner. Corgi's shed nearly year-round. Their hair is soft and clean, doesn't have natural oils that make it stinky like some dogs but trust me - tumbleweeds of corgi hair come with the territory when you have a corgi in the family. So get a good vacuum cleaner, clip their hair pretty short at the start of the summer and roll with it ;-)

The web site for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America (PWCCA) is a great resource offering information, photos and lots of interesting reading on Corgis. The site may be found at: http://www.pembrokecorgi.org/

Health

The puppies make their first trip to the Vet at 3 days for removal of tails and dewclaws. Some Pembroke Corgis are born with no tail but many are born with a tail that is removed at 3 days. Cardigan Corgis are the ones that have tails into adulthood – a closely related breed of Corgi, but different from the Pembroke (all of our Corgis are Pems). We also have our vet look for any obvious signs of trouble at this initial appointment. The babies are started on regular worming and baths at 4 weeks. We record weights as they progress to ensure the transition to food is resulting in a normal growth curve. Baths keep the puppies clean and also teach them from an early age that a bath is a good thing. As we bathe and handle them, we focus on each puppy to check for developmental progress and ensure everything is as it should be. At 6 weeks we go to the vet for their health exam and first shots. All the puppies are given a thorough exam and our vet signs off on each one in the spot designated on the buyer's agreement. I also affix the label from the vaccine to the agreement so this info comes to you with your new puppy.

Health Guarantee (as printed on the buyer's agreement)
The seller certifies that this puppy is current on vaccinations and de-worming, and per veterinarian’s exam is in good physical health. For this guarantee to be valid, it is the buyer’s responsibility to take the puppy to a state licensed veterinarian within 7 days of purchase for an examination, at the buyer’s expense. If the veterinarian finds the puppy in good health OR if the buyer fails to have an examination within 7 days, the seller will assume no further responsibility. Should the veterinarian find a health concern with the puppy, the buyer must notify the seller in writing within the 7 day period and provide a written diagnosis from the examining veterinarian. The buyer agrees to make the puppy available to the seller’s veterinarian for a second opinion within 7 days of notification of a health concern. If the same health concern is detected by the seller’s veterinarian, the buyer may exchange the puppy for a similar one, pending availability, or may receive a full refund of the purchase price (does not include shipping from seller to buyer). Should the buyer decide to keep the puppy after health issue is fully discussed, all expense and responsibility will be the buyer’s from that point forward. This guarantee does not cover death, illness or injury resulting from abuse or neglect on the part of the buyer.

Shipping

Need your puppy shipped to you? E-mail me for info on air travel. Average costs is $300 depending on destination. This includes everything related to puppy travel between my home and yours. For complete info on how I ship puppies please visit my ranch website where you may download this info.

PLEASE NOTE: as of summer 2013 there are new government regulations that require family "hobby breeders", like myself, to only place puppies with families who have personally visited me to select their puppies. If needed, there is a provision that allows you to send a friend or family member to make the visit on your behalf. Just give me a call and we can discuss options.

Happy Homes & Happy Campers

Good Morning Susan,
Just wanted to let you know how Parker is doing. He has brought so much joy to us since we have had him. He stole our hearts the minute we saw him; he is such a character. Bret has already had him on the 4-wheeler and he
goes everywhere we go. The granddaughters, of course, love him - he is so good-natured. I am so thankful I e-mailed. It was a pleasure to meet you and your husband. I'll send pictures soon. Thanks again! Sandi

Hi- It's been a year and i just hit me that I should update you on how Katie is doing. First of all, we kept her name and gave her a middle name too...Clare, to remember where she came from so she's Katie Clare when she's being naughty. Katie has been a wonderful dog for us. She is so smart and sweet. she loves to play and loves a belly scratch. My girls are 5 and 9 and Katie's herding instincts definitely come out with the 5 year old, it is really funny. She is very protective of our home ... in a nutshell we love her! Just thought you would want to know. Thanks Jennifer

Hello Susan! I just wanted to let you know that the puppy you sold me (Dotty) has touched my life so much! I have named her Lexi and she is just a jewel!!! She has taken over my pictures on my facebook because I just love her so much. Thanks again! - Julie

Oh my GOSH! What a sweetie. I love Lilly (VickyB.) Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Keri

Susan,

Well we made it home and Cricket (Patsy) quickly got her new name. She did very well on the way home. Once we got home, she quickly made it known that she was the new boss of the ranch. She made small work of the 150 pound Great Dane. Then she sent "Head of Ranch Security" the Aussie, packing as well. Once that was done she went to scattering cats. The Border Collie puppies are just the right height for her to use them for bowling pins. With her little short legs carrying her as fast as she could go she made a million miles with her new owner,T.C. Thank you so much for such a great new member. We even made it home in time to take her to our vet. for her second shots. He fell in love with her. She finally wore down about 9:00. Thank you again. She is perfect!!!!

Amy

Hi Susan,

Just wanted to thank you again, we love the puppy (Johnny). He is so good, and has such a sweet personality. He has his 1st vet vist today. I can say for sure he is the best present we have ever given Carrie, she adores him. Thanks again and you will be highly recommended if anyone is looking for pups. Sincerely, Beth

Hi Susan,

Dee Dee (June) is all we hoped for and more! She's incredibly cute, and a total pistol!! She's very gentle around Kyle, and he absolutely loves her. She's got a very cute personality, and is very playful. She's also got all the glass doors and windows scoped out for optimum outdoor viewing, and she's learning very quickly how to navigate the "deep woods", then she tears around the manicured acreage!

Thanks! Jennifer

Hi Susan,

I wanted to give you a quick update on Pete’s homecoming. He is Gidget’s Shadow – they are in love. He enjoys sleeping with her during the daytime naps. At night, he’s crate breaking and only wakes me up a couple of times a night – piddles and/or poops and back to sleep with only a few complaints. He’s learning the doggy door and has already decided to be the male of the house while outside on cat patrol with Gidget. He has such as sparkle in his eye!! He’s eating and drinking real well – becoming well adjusted to OR!! Thank you again for such a bundle of joy!!

Debi

Hey Susan!

I just wanted to give you an update on Casey. He's amazing and is getting too spoiled!! Between me buying him a new toy and my Grandma's recent visit he's become the favorite. Not to mention he's a pretty good actor because he knows just what to do to get grandma to give him a treat......... or two. He loves the ranch especially going to gather the cows!! And if there's a bird within a mile he will be the first to chase it!! He's a fantastic dog and I just wanted to say thank you for everything you did to help me get him!! He has truly been a great companion. I Love him so much he's my little buddy and wants to be with me all the time. He has been a total joy to me and my family. I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything.

Rachel

Hi Susan,

It's hard to believe we've already had Trace (we re-named him Beni) for two weeks! We're getting used to each other, and he's even learned to sit, stand, spin, and fetch! He's picking up really quickly on potty training and is such a smart dog. Thank you for such a wonderful puppy.

Teresa

VP of Canine Affairs

Ginger aka G, is "my dog" and is the alpha female ... just ask her and she will brief you on the way things work around here. G is retired now but her daughter Buttermilk and grandaughter Pippa are still active mamma dogs. She is my shadow and assisits in all manner of activities which include sleeping under my desk to monitor all work activity. Should the phone ring with a client call that is usually the signal to bark, should the baby drop food from her high chair that is occaision to clean up, should the cats get into a spat that is definately the occaision to be the cat police! Bedtime is 11 p.m. sharp however stringing beads or work may be permitted after that hour as long as compensatory time is added to her sleep time the next a.m. Speaking of sleeping - she sleeps in the people bed (she bought it, it's really hers) and she doesn't get out till she's ready in the morning.

Miss Paula

Miss Paula is a gentle soul - quiet and patient she follows me around the house in a calm and content way. She' s not much on drama or making a big fuss for things she wants, she just looks at me like "helloooo do you know what time it is?" Now depending on the time of day that could be go out time, meal time, go to bed time ....whatever. She sleeps in my office during the day, sleeps in the people bed at night, and insists that she needs to dry my feet after a shower. She watches all sporting events of importance (Dallas Cowboys, Nascar, and Cardinals baseball) with Richard yet she is very much a dignified and ladylike girl.

Buttermilk

aka Butterbean. Such a pretty girl. I look at her and "know" that she is the canine incarnation of Suzanne Sugarbaker. Butter knows she's pretty, expects that we all know it too, and couldn't possibly imagine that we would not want to be with her and talk about how wonderful she is all the time. If she could wear a sash and crown, I bet she would! Richard started taking her to bed to "just read for a while" when she was younger and that has now resulted in her sleeping in the people bed too. She's perfectly suited to be Richard's new best friend as she too likes to go to bed at 8 p.m. with her head ON THE PILLOW.

About Me

I've been involved in raising cattle all my life and more recently (2003) found corgis and soon after began raising them as well. Richard and I have been married 36 years, traveled enough to know we love home, have 2 kids who are grown, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren. The fam also includes the corgis (of course), a herd of registered Hereford cattle, 4 cats, 2 other dogs Princess Grace the mastiff & Sally (shaggy white rescue) who camps out 99% of the time in our neighbor's house. We're all folk who love our animals and most things we do have something to do with cattle, dogs or kids in agriculture.

7.25.2008

Back from the Junior National Hereford Expo

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