Sunday, March 31, 2013

Bindi's Firsts

Lucky us, thanks to Bindi's Forever Home Human, Mike, we are delighted to be sharing some of Bindi's "firsts".

First is Bindi's "first" Video at the Park:



Then we really get into some heavy duty cuteness with Bindi's "first" cleanliness experience, after apparently she had made two new friends this morning and got herself really really dirty .....

".... Bindi had to have her "first" bath.  Styling with her "Princess Pink" towel, next hamming it up with more cuteness, and finally all squeaky clean having a little cuddly nap.  A girl has to get her "cuteness" sleep you know?"


The "Checkerboard Aussies" Fabulous Four 2013 ~ Bindi ~.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Semah's Forever Home

We were once again "tickled" Aussie colours to receive photos from Semah's new Forever Home family late yesterday afternoon.  He apparently has settled right in with no problem at all.

"Semah has a new Pop, Mike, a girl, McKenzie and his own little baby boy, Liam, who it appears he has already began the bonding process with.  Yes by the look of the last photo, it appears he has settled in quite nicely, does it not?  Thanks to Semah's new Mama, Linda,  for the photos."


Late last night, and early this morning I had some Email Alerts from our Bindi girl way down Windsor way ...

"It appears Bindi is way too "spoiled" already after being brushed out by her girl, Madison, to say the least "froggie" style.  Then her boy, Logan, makes sure she is not lonely while napping in her crate this morning.  The photo below? that was after her full first day at home with no napping in-between ... looks like she was "pupped" out."


Thanks for the photos and updates everyone.  Please keep them coming as we LOVE them !

Cindy, Owner/Breeder of the "Checkerboard Aussies".

"Checkerboard Aussies" 2013 Testimonial

I can not be, once again, more flattered then to hear back, especially so soon via email, from a "Checkerboard Aussies" puppy owner with what they think of us.  I might add it was also nice to receive a couple "when they made it first home" photos at the same time.

Here is what Sara Albernia, Forever Home to our Fabulous Four 2013 "Sprite" had to say about us:

I purchased a puppy from Checkerboard Aussies "Fabulous Four" 2013 litter.  I had been looking for an Aussie puppy for many months and was feeling a bit frustrated with my ongoing puppy search as some of the breeders I had been talking to were less than pleasant to deal with.  When I contacted Cindy, her love for the dogs and knowledge about the breed were obvious. She was very honest and upfront to deal with and welcomed my husband and I to her home to meet the puppies parents, Lexus and Bandit.   I was immediately impressed by Lexus and Bandit's good looks and friendly temperaments.  Throughout the next seven weeks while I waited for my puppy to ready to come home, Cindy posted new pictures and news of the puppies almost daily on Facebook and on her blog.  I really appreciated this as it made me feel like I was watching my puppy grow up.  I am thrilled with my puppy Sprite and would definitely recommend Checkerboard Aussies to anyone looking for a fantastic Australian Shepherd. 
Sincerely, 
Sara Alberni


"How lovely are these first "Sprite" photos we have received at her new Forever Home with Sara, Garret and Cola.  Thank you Sara !"


We are tickled every colour of an "Aussie" to hear back from each and every Forever Home our "Checkerboard Aussie" pups have chosen, looking forward to each and everyone's progress (even some of the "bad" stuff so we can recall when we through those same issues with our Gang).

Cindy, Owner/Breeder of The "Checkerboard Aussies".

Friday, March 29, 2013

Good-Bye Sweet "Sprite"

We had ourselves another busy morning around here with The "Checkerboard Aussies".  Another of the Fabulous Four 2013 pups were waiting patiently for their Forever Home Humans to come take them home.  In the meantime .....

"Lunette and Sprite had themselves some fun and adventures outside in the beautiful warm Sun while we all waited.  
"Follow me Sprite, I will show you something else I found out there ..."


"I am so cute and lovable, why do I have to wait 2 more weeks to go to my Forever Home???  while Sprite gets to go today???"


Alas it wasn't much longer until Sprite's new Forever Home Humans, Sara and Garret appeared in their vehicle.

"With much patience with the wait as a little Red Tri Aussie girl can have, she finally was very happy to be cuddled up in her new Mama's arms."


We have since heard from Sara they all made it home safely with Sprite being "stuck like glue" to Sara.  The initial first meeting with her new Aussie Male friend, Cola, apparently went very well too.

After an afternoon of being out, I returned and had some cuddles with Lunette on the step, along with Bandit.

"She not only got lots of cuddles, I even showed her how to use a Blackberry.  Really you didn't know Australian Shepherds were that smart, did you?"


Cindy, Owner/Breeder, The "Checkerboard Aussies".

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Fab4 Trip to the Vet & Forever Homes !

"This morning I went down to our basement to see this sight for the very last time.  The Fabulous Four were then all loaded up in the back of the Van for their very last "group" photo before heading down the road for their very first visit with a Vet."


Once we arrived down the road to our Vets, the Mildmay Veterinary Clinicwe got there we seen our Vet from last year's "Spectacular Six" litter, Jean Marie.

"Jean Marie wasn't going to be our Vet today as she was headed into surgery, however she went right out with Rob to help bring the crew in.  We do LOVE our Vet Clinic.  Ha ! it is worth the drive to Mildmay !"


Today our Vet was Kevin, who is at the Clinic under a 2 year contract.  Kevin hails from Ottawa, and is originally a native of Southern Russia.  We really really all liked Kevin.

"First up on the table was our shy and bashful "Sprite" who has flowered and is now very "outgoing".  See how she was paying attention to Kevin's every move, as well as looking perfectly posed for the camera?  The other three were very quiet as we were thinking maybe not so brave as their sister."


"Yes, Semah was next up to be examined by the ever gentle Kevin.  He weighed in at 5.1 kg.  See the paws on this boy????  Okay being the only boy, I am sorry to say he was the only one of the bunch who let out a yelp.  Ha ! Kevin laughed saying it is the boys who do so every time.  Does that surprise us girls???"


"Next was our little Lunette, who weighed in the smallest at 4.6 kg.  She is such a little "frenchie" girl is she not? or so Kevin thought."


"And then there was our Bindi girl with a "look" on her face as to say, "and what are you looking at?".  Open wide Bindi, as the shot in the backside is coming up next."


We got home in good time before the Lunch Hour.  I cannot begin to say how pleased I was with the Fabulous Four's behaviour on the trip there and back, as well as at the Vets.  They were well mannered, quiet and subdued.  Was this maybe because I never gave them any breakfast this morning so there might not be any unwanted "accidents" on the way there? or maybe because it has been such a cold Spring they had only been out in the World once before today?  Regardless they were all "perfect" little angels.

True to his word, Forever Home owner, Mike, arrived all the way from Windsor before the estimated time of 2:00 pm.  They had the perfect day for travelling.  Mike brought along his daughter, Madison, and friend, David.  David took lots and lots of photos and will be sending some along to me at some point.

"Bindi had a woeful look on her face as much to say, "are they ever coming for me?".  There was two very very happy smiles and one happy Bindi that left our house this day."


I had wonderful "text" reports all the way on Bindi's trip home.  At 6:34 pm I received the following two photos.

"Bindi is now at her Forever Home with obviously not only one chewy but two favourite ones already.  I am sure there will be many many more favourite chewies in Bindi's life from this day forward.  Oh yes and the report on the way home was there was not even "one" accident.  Hooray Bindi."


For some reason I suspect there will be a day coming up in the very near future, I will be hearing about a few "accidents" and "mishaps".

Later this afternoon, Semah's New Forever Home, Linda, Mike, McKenzie and Liam came to retrieve him as well.  I took a couple of fantastic photos to find out I had not put the memory card back into my camera! Dang, dang, triple dang it all.  

I sent off Semah's Family a text asking if they could please send us some photos of them all soon.  They have told me they would.  Stay tuned as there will be photos of Semah and his new Forever Home family forthcoming.

Lunette's new Forever Home Humans will be arriving to collect her tomorrow morning, and Lunette's in 2 weeks time. 

Cindy, Owner/Breeder, of The "Checkerboard Aussies.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The First Outdoor Adventure


"The Fabulous Four's very first being coaxed out into the Outside World."


Hahaha ... it was much more work then I had anticipated, since they have no problem ripping around the basement.  Really though that was one big door to pass through !!!

Cindy, Owner/Breeder, and the "Checkerboard Aussies" Fabulous Four 2013.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Lunette's Forever Human & MORE Cuteness

Today was the day Lunette got to meet her New Forever Home Human, Jamilyn !!!  There was all kinds of excitement and running around this afternoon ....

"Ahh... Lunette is such a little Diva, and absolutely loves being cuddled.  Jamilyn loved giving her cuddles back as you can see.  Everyone else had cuddles too thanks to Jamilyn and Matt.  Matt even had his shoe laces broke in with a bit of chewing."


Day 52 in the lives of the Fabulous Four.  Day 52 was their very first time out in the big outside World.  It was really scary for everyone.  

"It took a bit of time before everyone was brave enough to come out of the corner to have some Dinner.  The known "instigator" Bindi, surprised me to no end that she stayed back, being the last to be brave enough to venture out.  Will wonders never cease?"


"Cuteness to melt the hardest of Hearts .... don't you think too?"


It was quite the adventure in the little lives of the Fabulous Four this day.  The adventure will be continuing each and every day ....

Cindy, Breeder/Owner of The "Checkerboard Aussies" Fabulous Four 2013.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Day 50: Not So Innocent


"Full of Pee & Vinegar they are!  More so Bindi being full of Pee seemingly more then the others."


In three more days we will be off to their very first Vet visit and also be receiving their first shots and last time  de-wormer.  The same day Bindi and Semah will be off to their new homes, with Sprite and Lunette following different days thereafter.

Cindy, Owner/Breeder of The "Checkerboard Aussies".

Sunday Parte-eh !

"It was a Sunday Parte-eh until I dropped !"


I was thinking yesterday, with the weather so cold to let the Fabulous Four to exercise outside from their pen, I was happy there were only four to keep track of them running "full tilt" through the basement !  I was pooped out watching them !

Cindy, Owner/Breeder, & the "Checkerboard Aussies'" Fabulous Four, Bindi, Semah, Lunette & Sprite.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Basement Parteeh !

A Basement Parteeh is so much fun.  You get to run around, drink all you want, get lost, go on an obstacle course.  Really we had us a Blast !!!


Next Parteeh will be this Sunday ... RSVP to the "Checkerboard Aussies'" Fabulous Four.

Psst ... drop in on our Facebook Page, as we are off 7 more LIKES to reaching 100 LIKES.  We would LOVE to see you there !  Check out our sidebar to take you there.

Bindi, Semah, Lunette & Sprite, The "Checkerboard Aussies'" Fabulous Four 2013.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Magnificent Seven !

The "Checkerboard Aussies'" Magnificent Seven turned two years old today !!!

"Happy Happy Birthday, Magoo, Scout, Boston & Buddy !!!"


I know all their Forever Homes will be giving them each a special Birthday celebration this day.  We are totally thrilled that their Forever Homes keep in touch with us from time to time with little updates and newer photos.  Thank you to all.

Cindy, The "Checkerboard Aussies" Owner/Breeder.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The Last Suckling For The Fabulous Four

"Sprite was the last one to have the warmth of Mama Lexus' milk, this being the Last Suckling."


"With just over a week to go before their first Vet Visit, & first set of shots, they will be on their way home to their very First Forever Homes.  We are big "kids" now !"


The "Checkerboard Aussies" Fabulous Four, Sprite, Semah, Bindi & Lunette.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Behind The Cuteness

"This is how I am greeted each morning, with an abundance of cuteness.  All of the Fabulous Four were fed their breakfast then scooped into a crate where Bindi proceeded to stick her tongue out at me.  There is no respect around here for me whatsover from these kids."


"While the Four were under lock and key, I got going on cleaning up the mess to the left and making it somewhat more desirable with fresh newspapers on the right.  The mess gets much more messier then this some days, with today being a mild "mess" by far."


"Back in the pen they go with Semah peeing upon entry.  Typical male, right?"


"Mama Lexus goes in to do her duty, and the whole cycle goes as such about 4 times per day."


Behind the cuteness I can guarantee there is always a mess to be cleaned up.  I can't believe in two weeks from today they will all be in their Forever Homes, can you???  each with their own little fur ball of cuteness, and mess ... ha !

Cindy, "Checkerboard Aussies" Owner & Breeder.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Another Visitor Came Today !

Today we had a really nice lady come visit to see how cute and wonderful us "Fabulous Four" are at 39 days old.  She took our pictures too ...

"We all gave her our best looks, but really do not know where Lunette got to for the Photo Shoot?  she must have nodded off to sleep somewhere and missed out on all the action., or maybe Bindi sat on her and left her squished somewhere?"


The "Checkerboard Aussies" Fabulous Four, Bindi, Semah, & Sprite.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Fabulous Four: Day 38

"This is the sight I seen first thing this morning walking into the basement.  Yes Bindi has persuaded her sister, Lunette, to come over the wall, leaving their sister, Sprite, and brother, Semah, behind while they have Mama Lexus all to themselves.  Greedy Gretchens those girls are with Bindi being the "Ring Leader" of the bunch."


"After I have given them their breakfast mush, they get a drink from Mama Lexus next.  Then there is puzzling little faces wondering "where did she go"?  Ha Lexus still is getting a wee little relief behind the wall of the whelping pen."


By next week Lexus will be moved back into her regular kennel, only going in with her pups a couple of times throughout the day.  The pups will also be getting their food a little harder then the "mush" they are getting now, in ready for them going to their Forever Homes in 2 weeks time.  This Friday there will be another administration of worming medications ... stay tuned on how that goes.

Cindy, The "Checkerboard Aussies", Owner & Breeder.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Bindi's Excited New Forever Home

"Should anyone be following along with the Fabulous Four 2013 "Checkerboard Aussie" litter, they in fact would know Bindi is the Blue Merle Female with one blue eye, or also known as the one out of four who is the heavy weight of the bunch."


I have been in contact with Bindi's New Forever Home, which consists of Mike, his daughter and son of Windsor, Ontario.  Just today Mike had contacted me expressing, again, how excited he and his children are with the thoughts of coming to pick up Bindi in three weeks time.  So excited they have everyone of her photos downloaded to their computers with a favourite as their screen saver.  

I could not be more pleased to hear all this.  I find myself getting caught up in the the excitement when I am hearing from each of the new Forever Homes that the Fabulous Four are going to.

I had asked Mike today why had made him contact me about one of our "Checkerboard Aussie" pups.  This was his answer:  

"Lexus is gorgeous, and to be quite honest everything around Toronto was much too expensive.  I am so glad I chose a Checkerboard Aussie though, as it is like I am right there watching them grow up!"

Thanks Mike.  I have to agree Lexus is totally gorgeous.  I am also very proud of my dogs, so it is never a problem to take photos of them to post here or to their Facebook Page HERE.  Not a fan on their Facebook Page? we really would LOVE if YOU "LIKED" their page.

I had also asked Mike why he chose an Australian Shepherd to have as their pet.  This was his answer to this question:

"As for choosing an Aussie, I saw one when I was 10 and thought it was the coolest looking dog ever ... I  have wanted one for 32 years."

Oops .. sorry Mike, I think I have maybe given away your age.  No worries as it is usually us woman who are age sensitive, is it not?  *Smile*

Mike was also kind enough to send us me some photos of himself and his family, so we could see for ourselves what a wonderful looking family our Fabulous Four, "Bindi" is going to.

"Wow look at those smiling faces !  I am certain Bindi is going to LOVE her Forever Home with Mike and his children.  Oh and the Red Tri Border Collie you see in the photos?  that would be Oliver.  Mike babysits Oliver on a regular basis, and will be one of Bindi's new friends."


Thanks Mike for sharing with us here today.  I am not only looking forward to meeting you in person, I am also going to be looking forward to all the Bindi updates you will be giving us on her progress once she is back home with you in her New Home.

Cindy, The "Checkerboard Aussies" Owner/Breeder & Forever Human.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Bandit's Favourite Visitor

"Bandit was "Over the Moon" yesterday when his favourite person in the World came through our front door."

"Bandit's Human Brother came a visiting him and his new puppies.  The last time he was here was the day Lexus had just whelped  her first pup when he was heading home.  Now he got to see them all four weeks later.  Cuddles they got."


"This photo? just because."


"The Fabulous Four are not only eating solid foods twice a day now, they have even got onto drinking water from a bowl.  Good job babies !"


The "Checkerboard Aussies", Bandit & The Fabulous Four.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Power Of Suggestion


"Lexus finally got tired of waiting since the Power of Suggestion was not working every well for her."


"The Fabulous Four know exactly what to expect when they see me coming ... being picked up, hugs, kisses or a Food Source."


The "Checkerboard Aussies" Lexus & Fabulous Four.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Fabulous Four 2013: The First Mush

"They were all behind the "wall" in the box in the corner of the room.  A bowl had been made in preparation for ..... "


 "Their very first solid meal of "mush".  First there were four, down to three, and then there was one."


"There always seems to be one unhappy one in a crowd, and typically it just so happens it was the only Male, Semah, who had not clued in that Mama Lexus was behind with dessert."


This is the very first time I, food administrator, have ever seen puppies naturally take to food so fast as these four without even having had their faces "dipped" into it.  They appear to be a pretty smart bunch, then again have you ever seen an Aussie who wasn't smart?

The "Checkerboard Aussies", Fabulous Four 2013, and  the Food Administrator.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Very First Medication

 Today the "Checkerboard Aussies" Fabulous Four were 4 weeks old.  Time to administer their very first worming medication to them and to Mama Lexus, so we can have all those nasty worms, that go along with Mama's milk, gone before it is time for everyone to go to their Forever Homes by Easter Weekend.

Speaking of Forever Homes, I received an email from Bindi's Forever Home this morning telling me he was feeling a little jealous that Semah's Forever Family got to come see him, and that there had also been so many other photos of the other's faces then Bindi's on their Facebook Page.  Well we most certainly could not have this be the case now could we? as we are to treat each and every little one equally with the same amount of attention, right Mike?

Since we were administering the medication individually by syringe to each and every one any how, we decided to do a little photo shoot at the same time.

"This would be Mike's Bindi girl.  This surely made him happy this morning when I had posted this to the "Checkerboard Aussies" Facebook page for him.  Why can't Mike come visit before Bindi is ready to go home at 8 weeks old? well it is because he lives 5 hours away, and a 10 hour round trip might be a little wearing on a person every weekend I would think.  This was the best we could do, and I think we captured exactly what he wanted to see, and more."


Since Semah was "star" material and held the spotlight in yesterday's blog post, we made it all about the girls today.

"Sprite is being kissed by her Mama Lexus, as well as being shown in the bottom right hand corner, with Lunette being pictured in the top right hand corner.  Really it is too much sweetness all in one bunch is it not?"


They are all good now with the worming medication being administered again at 6 weeks and 8 weeks of age.  By that time they will be off to their very first visit with the Vet and then their Forever Homes.

The "Checkerboard Aussies", Fabulous Four.

Semah's New Forever Home Family

Our one and only Black Tri Fabulous Four male, Semah, had visitors come to see him yesterday.  It was his very own Forever Home Family !!!

"This is Semah's Forever Home's kids, Liam is 29 days old, and MacKenzie is 7 years old."


"Oh those adults in the photos? that would be Liam & MacKenzie's Mom and Dad who will be looking after Semah is his new Forever Home."


"Sleeping away and growing; maybe having dreams of going to his new Forever Home in 4 more weeks."


The "Checkerboard Aussies" Fabulous Four Puppy, "Semah".

Friday, March 1, 2013

Potty Training and Growing

The paper training had begun this week and going really good.

"We are not certain what went wrong yesterday?"


Our Great Great Niece Deja lives out in BC with her Mama and Daddy, along with their two Pit Bulls.

"Deja needs her nap time too, as she is growing just like we are."


The "Checkerboard Aussies", Fabulous Four.