Beautiful Bella

This is Bella from Tilley's and my litter one year ago. Her birthday was November 18th. Isn't she a doll? I'm also including a letter the Masters received from her new forever family. Thanks to Jason and Tina for the picture update, and the wonderful note.

Just want to pass along some news about Bella. Her 1st birthday was this week and Tina and I have loved spending this time with her. She has learned all sorts of tricks and I have taken her bird hunting where she responds to hand commands. My family all have springers and of them all, Bella is the best temperament and in the best physical shape. In fact, my mother loves to steel her because Bella is so loving. I could not have asked for a better dog. She does get into things when my wife and I are gone. I find the front door mat at the back door and the back door mat in the bathroom. She removes the door stops from the doors and places one of my wife's slippers on the bed and the other on the front stair. She is rotten I don't know if you remember but we also have a labadoddle. She is a very laid-back, slow moving, easy-going dog. Since bringing Bella home and even more so since Bella has gotten older, Maddie and bella wrestle all over the house. I just wanted to say thankyou again

Upcoming Holidays

Well, the Holidays are right around the corner. Master Mom and Master Dad have been busy getting things in order for Company to arrive next week for Thanksgiving. Sounds like we are all going to have a rip-roaring good time around the old homestead. Lots of family, friends, and of course turkey with all the fixins. We four Springers just love to have a house full. That means lots of attention for each and everyone of us.

Little Samie is growing like a weed, and loves to speak her mind. She gives the masters quite a bit of sass back. She just loves to growl and act real tough. This morning when Mama took us out for our little morning run, there was about 2 inches of snow on the ground. Of course, me, Tilley, and Nittany have already had the pleasure of romping in the snow. You should have seen the little one. She ran around like a nut case. The rest of us had a hard time doing our morning business because just as soon as we found the perfect spot, out of nowhere, Sami would pounce. That would mean we would have to start the hunt all over again. It was crazy.

It seems all four of our babies have found new homes. Won't the new families be having an awesome Christmas this year with a new puppy in the house. I'll have Mom try posting a couple of videos of them before they all leave us. It's always a little tearful as each one goes to live with their new forever families.

Talk to you all later........The General a/k/a Boiler

Testimonies

Thought I might post a couple of emails from families of previous litters. Enjoy.

Good morning,

I just wanted to take a few minutes to give you our Springer update. Zoe is doing very well. She is a great all-around dog. On the hunting side of things, I have had her out hunting twice already this Fall. She was awesome. She has a great nose and she is very bold going into thick cover. She flushed four of the eight birds we put up last Sunday (the other dog, a Brittney pointed the other four). She found all of my downed birds, and did two really nice retrieves for me. The other hunters with me were very surprised that a dog not even a year old was doing as well as she was. The first attached picture is my “victory” picture with Zoe and her 1st pheasant.

At home Zoe is a very loving, tolerant dog. She loves to try to get our lazy old Bassett Hound to play, she spends her days playing with the kids and chasing birds and squirrels off of our (really her) yard. She spends her evenings constantly following us around, lying near us, or on someone’s bed. We certainly enjoy our little Springer.

Hope you have a good weekend.

Ken

Ken Chrzan
Vice President
Derby Industries

Dan & Kelly,

I have been keeping track of Tilley and her forth coming litter. I went to the blog and noticed Mya's sister Zoe was on board. She sure does look like Mya and I agree they both look like their papa. Mya is a real busy girl but very lovable, friendly and obedient. She enjoys running around the yard with her "bucket", big sticks, and fetching tennis balls as well as taking walks and chasing the cats around the house. I can't believe it has been almost a year. I still have to remind myself she has not even experienced leaves falling til now and I hope she remembers the snow. It is hard to get her in the house because she loves the outdoors. Here are a couple of recen t pictures with the kids. I will be watching the blog to check for her siblings. Keep in touch. Best wishes for you and Tilley.

The Schura'sLiz, Mike, Kyle & Katie

Kelly and Dan,

Happy Halloween! We thought you'd like to see our Peyton surveying the farm from a hay bale today.

Libba

Delivered

Well, Tilley's delivery went off without a hitch. She delivered on October 22nd, and I think I heard Master Mom saying that they would be ready to meet their new forever families by December 13th. Sounds like they might make great stocking stuffers. :) Once again, I am out numbered as she delivered only girls this time around. Good grief. Master Mom says they are absolutely adorable, but then she is biased I'm sure, and to make matters worse all 4 of them look just like their Mommy. All are liver/white/tri's. Oh well, maybe next time. lol

We had company for an overnighter on Tuesday. One of my sons, Scooby Doo from my very first litter came to visit me and brought his family with him. Lexie, Rachel, and Mom Theresa came along too. We had an awesome time hanging out. You know, the Father and Son thing. Master Dad took all of us down to the field to let us run off some of our bound up energy with all the excitement of company and puppies being delivered. I showed him a few of my springing techniques, and even scared up a couple of rabbits for us to chase. Scooby is a chip off the old block. I'm just glad he was there to cheer me up when I found out all the little darlings were girls. It was a crazy 24 hours for sure.

I like posting pictures of my children, especially the ones that look like me. So here's another one from Tilley's and my last years litter. Her name is Mya, and by looking at the one picture, it appears she can spring pretty high too! Enjoy, and I'll have master Mom post pictures of the new brood real soon.

Springers, Springers, everywhere Springers

The General a/k/a Boiler

Nittany, Tilley, Sami, & Boiler

All of us just hanging out in the living room just before bedtime. I know it appears that we have occupied all the furniture, but there was one more chair where Master Dad was watching Sunday night football.....lol. I guess it's pretty obvious who was taking the pictures. Thanks Master Mom, you're the greatest.

Memory Lane

I just wanted to post a couple of pictures recently sent to me and my girl Tilley. This is Zoe from our litter last year. Isn't she a beauty. Looks like she has the best of both worlds for sure. Personally, I think she looks an aweful lot like her Daddy, but then Mommy Tilley would probably argue that point. Isn't that how it always is? Tilley is due this weekend, and everyone around the old homestead is getting prepared for the delivery. The birthing room is all set to go, and believe you me, Tilley is getting the lions share of the attention. I guess I had nothing to do with this? Hope you enjoy the pictures, and you will be hearing from me just as soon as those babies arrive. The General a/k/a Boiler

The River Run

Oh my gosh. We "four" springers have been having the time of our lives. This past Saturday, we had a big swimmin hole bash. Two of Nit's pups from previous litters stopped by with their Springer families. An awesome time was had by all. At one point, we had a total of 6 Springers, and 15 humans hanging out around the pool.

Nittany, Tilley, Samantha (Sammi), Oliver (Olli), Zibby, and of course me The General (Boiler) were taking turns jumping in the pool. Nittany loves to retrieve. Tilley is a real lady, and wades in ever so slowly down the steps, but in her defense she is expecting the middle of October. Sammi is too little to really jump in, so Master Mom lifts her in, and let's her swim to the steps. Olli and Zibby were guests, so they were a little hesitant at first, but did take a few dips with a lot of coaxing. Me on the other hand, I can jump in and swim to the steps all day long. One right after the other. I know it won't be long before the swimmin hole is covered for the long cold days of winter.

Last night we really got a surprise. Mom and Dad took us to this secret place where we had never been before. We rode in the back of the pickup with much anticipation. We all knew something was up when we didn't turn towards the fields, but instead headed out to the main road. It seemed like it took forever, but Master Dad finally rolled the truck to a stop. I don't remember when I've seen a more beautiful place. As soon as the back tailgate dropped to free us, we were off like a shot. You see, it was a wooded area with a river stream running right through it. Even little Sammi was able to swim the current. We frolicked and swam and explored. I could tell the Masters were really getting a kick out of watching all of us enjoy ourselves so much. Before long, we were loaded up for the ride home, and a nice relaxing evening just hanging out and drying off. It's a dog's life for sure!

New Baby Girl

Well, just when I'd thought I'd seen it all. The masters brought home another little one. Looks like I've got another girl friend. She has a bit of growing up to do, but she is going to be a real looker. Sometimes I think they are trying to kill me. Just kidding. My girls and I have the "life of riley" around here. Lots of love and attention. Master Mom refers to us as her "kids". She wasn't kidding when she said she was going to fill her empty nest with Springers. I thought she had her "brains tied" when they brought home my sweetheart Tilley. It seems the surgery must have reversed itself. Master Dad told her she was going back in to have it fixed. It's a crazy time in our home. I'm just glad I'm the only guy if you know what I mean.

HAVE A GREAT LABOR DAY WEEKEND....I plan on doing some swimming before they put the lid on the new swimmin hole.

Our New Swimming Hole

Well, it's finally here. Our new swimming hole. I'll have Master Mom post a couple of pictures with my next post.

Yesterday was our first opportunity to jump in. It was truly amazing. The old "swimmin hole" had these ladders we had to use to get out of the pool once we jumped in. Well this one has a real nice set of steps. This does not mean I can't jump, or just I say dive in, but getting out is much easier on my legs which allows me more energy for jumping and diving. Yippee. I'm hoping I can get Mom to take some videos of me. I love to show off my stuff.

Guess what? Me and my girl Tilley are going to have another litter of puppies. Yep, Master Dan and Master Kelly finally gave in. I heard them talking, and the little sweethearts should arrive sometime the middle of October. They will make wonderful new family additions just in time for the Christmas Holiday. Nothing like a brand new English Springer puppy to help unwrap your Christmas gifts...lol, or maybe to give ole Santa some real good puppy kisses.

This is a short one today. The weather here in Northern Indiana has been great. We need rain, but then I won't get to run through the sprinkler near as much.

Gotta go check out the swimmin hole, as there isn't much time left this season to enjoy.

Later,

The General and his girls, Nittany & Tilley.

The Polecat.

I am now under "lock down".Yes, it's true. Yesterday while on our early morning run, it appears I did something extremely stupid. Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever imagined something so beautiful could produce such a nostril burning scent. WOW is all I can say.

As soon as the tailgate in the pickup truck opened up, I hit the ground running on all four paws just as fast as my legs could carry me. Of course, I prefer to be the leader of the pack when it comes to exploring the fields. I wouldn't want one of my lovely ladies to show me up, and find something special before me. Guess what? I'm not sure I will have this same attitude on future adventures. I heard Master Dan give a holler for me to come right back, but my ears weren't up to par that early in the morning, or maybe the truth is, I just plain ignored him. Whatever the case, I ended up nose to nose with this black and white creature. I thought it was just another critter out on it's morning run too. I must have came up on it too fast, because all of a sudden the right side of my face was hit with the foulest smelling substance I have ever encountered. I tried my darndest to remove it by rubbing it furiously on the ground, but to no avail. I immediately decided I'd better return to my girls, and Master Dan who happened to be standing there with this odd look on his face. It wasn't really a happy-to-see-you look either.

The morning run came to an abrupt halt. We were loaded back up into the pickup, and promptly returned home. The girls weren't acting like themselves. They usually like to stick real close to me, but I'm not sure if they were mad because their run was cut short, or because I stunk to high heaven. Either way, it was the beginning of a horrible day.

I overheard Master Dan on the phone with Master Mom saying something about one of us tangled with a skunk. Ummmm? There is a first time for everything, and hopefully I have learned my lesson. I spent the rest of the day in my kennel under the Maple tree in the front yard. At least they didn't lock me away in some dungeon. As soon as Master Mom got home from work, I found myself in the bathtub. She sprayed this lemon stuff all over me, and used some really good smelling soap. I don't think I've ever been scrubbed so figurously. I thought my fur was going to fall out. Then she took some scissors, and cut some of my hair. My wonderful nighttime ritual of sleeping in this wonderfully comfortable bed has turned into a real life nightmare. I've been banned to my kennel inside the garage. As you can see by the picture above, I am allowed vistors, and I do have a room with a view.

Does anybody know how long I will have to live like this?

Signed,

The General a/k/a Boiler

Dog Days of August

Six months! I've finally been able to persuade Master Mom to sit down for a couple of seconds to update everyone and anyone who cares. Since my last post in February, Nittany delivered 5 girls and 3 boys on April 19th. She was a real trooper. Of course the masters were right by her side until all eight were delivered safe and sound.

By the first week of June, all the little bundles of joy were off to their new forever homes. Once again, all were blessed to have found wonderful homes with awesome families to love, cherish and nurture them. Master Mom told me to say a special thank you to all of those who have chosen one of our babies! THANK YOU!

Spring and Summer have been lots of fun. Master Dad started a new routine, and me and my girls absolutely love it! Every morning right after Master Mom takes off for work, he loads us up in the back of the pickup truck and takes us down to the railroad tracks. This allows us to run off some of the energy we've stored up throughout the night, and to do our a.m. business some place other than the back yard. We come home, eat a little breakfast and take a nice long nap.

It appeared that our long lazy summer days of lounging around the pool were going to be over. Master Dad started filling it in! I was devastated to say the least. This all started in late March, and by the first of June he was well on his way to having the deep end half way filled. Well, all of a sudden, the fill-in process stopped! It appeared my prayers had been answered. Some guys came out and were taking measurements of it. It seemed as if something big was going to happen. I heard some of the conversations, and if all goes according to plan, I'll be jumping in with all four feet by middle of August. Exciting, but a long way off.

In-the-mean time, one Saturday afternoon, the Masters came home with a big box. I watched with much anticipation as they cut open the box, pulled out this big blue circle, and started filling it with water. Wow, before I knew it we had another swimming hole on the patio. This one didn't compare in size to the old one, but at least it was a body of water for me to jump into! I went a little overboard the other day, and was reprimanded sternly and told to stay out for awhile. Oh well, I'm a Springer after all, and we do love the water.

Last night we were took a ride with Mom and Dad to a lake. Wow, talk about a blast. Even the girls joined me in a late evening swim. We were plumb tuckered out. It's been a great summer so far, but there is still a lot of sunshine to soak up between now and the gray days of winter.

Take care,

The General

Where's Spring

Hello everyone! It seems to be an extremely long winter. I'm beginning to wonder if the snow will ever disappear! Me and the girls miss our long walks/runs with the folks.

It's basketball season, and Master Dad is really busy coaching his seventh grade girls. I'm glad he's home with us during the day, because by-the-time he gets home to Mom and us in the evening, he's plumb tuckered out! Seems those girls are really something! I'm always evesdropping on their conversations.

I'm going CRAZY! Ms Nittany is having her time again, and the masters have decided to let her date another man! Twice this week, they have loaded her up in the truck and taken her off to spend time with someone else! When she gets back, she's so tired and hungry, she doesn't even give me a second glance. Lord help me keep my sanity. Truth be known, she would probably have a little time for me, but the masters aren't hearing my cries for mercy this time. Unbelievable what they put me through.

Oh well, it sounds as if she is going to have some awesome pups with this old man Gunner. He lives in Nappanee on a real nice farm. He must be really something, cause I hear Mom and Dad say some really nice things about him. As a matter of fact there's a picture posted of him on a previous blog. Enjoy, and I'll keep you all posted.

Hurtin so bad,

The General