The "Rink Aussie"

Our little Fab 4 Girl, Bindi, became a "Rink Rat Aussie" after Forever owner, Mike, introduced her to the "mountain" behind the area.

We get great pleasure seeing our "Checkerboard Aussie" pups and their Forever Owners have fun and grow together.

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

Semah's Family Picture Day

It really warmed my heart to see Semah included in his Forever Home's "Family Photos".  This is what a Forever Home is all about to a Checkerboard Aussie pup, to be included in EVERYTHING.  Anyone who now owns or has owned an Australian Shepherd knows how they do not want to be excluded from ANYTHING !!!

Many thanks to Semah's Forever Home, Linda, Mike, Mackenzie, and Liam for sharing your Family Moments with us.

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

Heading Back Home Bindi

Word is out that Bindi's Forever Home Owner, Mike, no longer has any worries about finding his way back home since Bindi has came into his life as you can tell .....

Thanks Mikes for the Videos, as we LOVE seeing them.

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

New Whelping Box Flooring

Time is fast approaching for the arrival of the new litter.  Yesterday morning my poor girl Mercedes had herself a wee accident through the night.  These things can happen in the last few days proceeding the birth of a litter with the pressure of the pups bearing done making ready for their entrance into this World.

"It was only a matter of time I had everything cleaned up and scrubbed thoroughly, before Mercedes was back in the pen all happy and very grateful I might add."

"Last night after supper we got the new flooring cut out and ready to line the inside of the whelping box.  We opted to buy bevelled strips for the edges to hold the flooring in place, as I did not want it glued down in case it somehow was chewed causing a problem with toxins of a glue.  The metal strips can be un-screwed and reused when the time comes to put in new flooring to re-line the box again."

"Approval of the new flooring was met by Mercedes in no time at all."

I am pretty confident we are all ready for the arrival of Mercedes and Buddy's first litter of babies.  Have I mentioned yet how excited I am????

Here is an interesting site I had come across in constructing a whelping box HERE.

For those new "puppy owners", we here at The "Checkerboard Aussies" have crate trained our dogs for over 20 years.  We highly recommend it and have always experienced "positive" results.  Here is an article on "Crate Training" that I enjoyed reading myself just recently:

http://dogtime.com/housetraining-crate-training.html#

Hopefully the next blog post will be one filled with Puppy News !!!!

Cindy, Owner/Breeder of The "Checkerboard Aussies"

It Is A "Sprite" Photo Update !!!

Thanks to Sprite's Forever Home Mama, we received some new photos yesterday.  Thanks Sara !!!

"As you can see Sprite had claimed a spot in her new home with the comforts of having herself a "froggy" layout nap.  She is very photogenic ... um, are these "rare" times she is not on the move I am wondering?"

"Sprite being the smallest (for now) of her new Aussie family, Pixie and Cola, still seems to being holding the upper hand on the playing and sleeping end of matters."

As always, we look forward to any and all shares from our Pups Forever Homes.

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

Eleven Weeks Old And ...

... smarter then the average 11 week old Aussie girl.  She is not only cute, she is extremely smart as you will be able to see yourself.

Really, we are truly blessed to have such wonderful Forever Homes for our "Checkerboard Aussie" puppies to give them the love and time they deserve.  An Aussie will give it back tri-fold in his or her lifetime with you.  

Thanks Mike, we can't wait for our next Bindi "fix".

This is a book I first started with when purchasing my first Australian Shepherd, Blue, ten years ago, thanks to my friend, Barb, who owned two Australian Shepherds herself.  Please find at the following link:

http://www.amazon.com/Australian-Shepherds-Complete-Owners-Manual/dp/0764141376

Lots of good tricks and tips.  A few I have used and passed on myself.

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

Happy 1st Birthday "Spectacular Six" Puppies !

First off I would like to extend my appreciation to the Forever Home owners of all our "Checkerboard Aussies" puppies who have been kind enough to stay in touch with us, as well as sending us photos from time to time.  We LOVE seeing how all our babies are doing.

Today is another special day as it is a 1 YEAR OLD BIRTHDAY for the "Spectacular Six" 2012 litter.  It didn't seem all that long ago we were taking them to their very first Vet visit HERE, and had their last group photo together.

"Happy Birthday Riff Raff.  Riff Raff's Forever Humans came all the way from the Haliburton area to claim their girl.  From the reports I have been getting she is one "spoiled" Mommy's girl."

"Our Blue Merle Boy, Injaca, received his name by his Mama's love of India, Japan and Canada.  Word is out they get stopped many times with compliments on this boy.  Happy Birthday Injaca !"

"This is our very handsome Black Tri, Myles.  The thanks we keep getting from Myles' Forever Home Mom is beyond flattering.  We are just so happy Myles has such a wonderful loving home, as all our Checkerboard Aussie puppies do.  Happy Birthday Myles !"

"Here is our Red-Tri Male, Jake, who now lives in his Forever Home over in the countryside by Collingwood.  He is so handsome, and still has that cute little "cock of the head" going on.  Here is what his Forever Home emailed me with his last photo to us ... Hi Cindy, got your voice mail.  Hope all is well with you & yours.  Look at our beautiful boy, Jake!  He's the most handsome dog as well as being good as gold!  And I have to thank you again for training your dogs so well.  People still remark on how well he behaves.  Take care,  Pete & Marg.  Thanks to you, Pete & Marg, as really it is all the love and training you have given your boy that has made him adjust so wonderfully in your lives.  Happy Birthday Jake !"

I can not tell you how happy we are to see our "Checkerboard Aussie" puppies are so well adjusted and in such loving Forever Homes.  Happy Birthday and thank you for remaining in our lives.

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

Semah and Bindi Updates

Who does not love photos of youngsters?  This "Checkerboard Aussie" grandma LOVES getting new photos from everyone who has left the fold and now are enjoying their adventures with their families in their Forever Homes.

A couple of updates in from the Fab 4 2013 litter, Semah and Bindi's homes..

"By the looks of these photos he has his new human Mama, Linda, wrapped around his Paw.  I guess all he needs to do is give her the Semah "look", and she bends to his puppy powers with a delightful belly rub.  Way to train them Semah !!!"

"According to Bindi's new Human owner, Mike, she is quite the nosy little girl...as soon as she hears something out on the road, she is gone like a flash to investigate.  I am thinking he will be well protected now he has this gal watching out for him.  The next photo must have came after all that looking out for her Forever Human, as a gal does need a little beauty sleep after putting out all that "watching" energy doesn't she?"

Keep the photos coming Forever Homes, as we LOVE getting them.

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

Another "Checkerboard Aussie" Testimonial

For those who had been following Lexus and Bandit's last litter, the Fabulous Four, I am certain you will all remember the little Red Merle Female, Lunette.  We have heard from her Forever home today.

"These photos of Lunette most certainly confirm the story her Forever Home owner, Jamilyn, has to say about her."

Here is what Jamilyn had written to The "Checkerboard Aussies'" Facebook page today:

For years I have always wanted an Australian shepherd, I've always loved the look of them and their fluffy fur and for about 5 months I was searching the Internet to finally have my "dream puppy". The day I finally gave up and said " you know what? If it's suppose to happen it'll happen and it'll come to me" was also the day Cindy posted an add on the Saugeen Super Swap page and I knew it was meant to happen.

My fiance and I were given the opportunity to take one of Cindy's "Checkerboard Aussie" into our home a week ago. I cannot express just how happy our lives feel now with our little Lunette running around. My favorite part of this whole experience was the fact that I got to see daily pictures of her from the time she was born to the time I came to take her home, it really was great having this page to look at everyday and see how she was growing. I also really loved that after I chose a name, Cindy made sure she was calling the puppy by her name, it really showed me that Cindy herself respected what I wanted for Lunette as she grew. The knowledge Cindy has brought me has also been really great and all the information she gave me on both her Lexus and Bandit was great as well. Seeing how beautiful Lexus is and how sweet Bandit is made me confident in the Checkerboard Aussies for my puppy. 

Lunette herself is quite a wild one, and a "clown" as I like to call her " Lunette the Clown" from a popular kids TV show in the 90's. Her favorite thing to do is chase her toy fox around and play in the water. She makes me laugh all the time at how goofy she is but she is also so smart. Within 3 days of having her she learned the command 'sit' and is now learning 'stay'. Her excited little whimper and happy face in the morning when I wake up puts me in a better mood right away and both Matt and I are proud and so happy to have a "Checkerboard Aussie" in our life.

Thanks Jamilyn, I am very pleased with how Lunette is adapting to her new life with you.  It is always nice to see new photos of their growth and to hear about their antics as they go through the days of their lives.

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

Our Buddy Our "Ham" De-Matted

Today was the day I had some help to deal with our handful  "Ham", Buddy today.  

Last week Buddy and I spend some time together out at the laundry line stoop where he had a real good brushing out of his mane done.  I could not manage to remove some matting that was behind his ears.  

This is how I managed to get the matting removed today.  My helper, husband Rob, was my muscle.  Buddy might appear small, however he is mighty, our boy is so.

"Okay first tried is a little discipline with a "sit and stay" command.  That worked for a bit, then  "ignore" mode went into effect. As you can tell it was not Buddy doing the ignoring."

"It wasn't long until the "let's sit back and relax" mode was put into the works.  By the looks of that tongue there is some heavy duty relaxing going on."

"Once the "relax" mode went into effect, I made my move ... in I went while our Buddy Boy was being distracted by the "belly rub" ploy."

"When it was all said and done, there was one very content Buddy, a very happy "me", and two ears de-matted.  Phew a job well down with an awesome muscle man at my side.  Thanks Honey ! for being my backup man."

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

Australian Shepherd 101

We absolutely LOVE this Video, having had watched it a  numerous few times already ....

Thanks Animal Planet !!!

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

It's A Puppy Pool !

"We all know Buddy is going to be a Father very soon, so we here at The "Checkerboard Aussies" decided we would have a Pool on how many puppies will be born."

Yesterday we took a couple photos of our roly poly Missy Mercedes, our first time Mother to be, and posted them to The "Checkerboard Aussies" Facebook Page with a caption that went something like this:

"The "Checkerboard Aussies" are going to have a pool. In order to qualify you must LIKE their Facebook page (the page, not a post or photo on their page, please). Mercedes is due on or about the 28th of April 2013. Post your "guess" on how many puppies she will have, and whoever guesses the right number will be entered into a draw to win a Gift Certificate. Please feel free to "share" this Puppy Pool with your family & friends. Best luck to the Winner once the happy day has come and gone !!!  I will be announcing this shortly after the big day has arrived."

We would LOVE if you would like to participate in all the fun by going over to their Facebook Page and giving it a big LIKE then adding your guess under the comments section.  See you there ! and may the best guess be drawn.  You may find their Facebook Page by going HERE.

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

A Rainy Day In Windsor

"It has been a rainy day in Windsor, as you can tell by my "Bindi" picture of the day sent to us.  Did this photo make you *smile* as much as it made me *smile*?"

We not only receive our picture of the day of Bindi, we also got a video of Bindi with her Step-Border Collie, Oliver ....

Isn't Oliver a handsome boy? and what about all that "Bindi" cuteness she has going for herself?

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

Our Buddy Boy

 Buddy and I had ourselves some "quality" Mom and Buddy time just the other day.  We took an extra long time out and about together.  We also had ourselves a sit at the laundry line stoop to brush out one very full mane.  The brushing was all one sided, but the bonus kisses were worth it all.

I can not believe our two year old Bi-Blue Merle Buddy is going to be a father for the very first time in a short 2 weeks time.

"Buddy has came a long way since coming to us almost a Year ago.  He is still the "sprinter" of the bunch, with probably being the fastest of our four I am pretty sure."

"Very active with still the "odd" manner issues we are still working on ... but still, how could you NOT LOVE a face like this with such a sweet happy *smile* coming back at you?  He does have a very big place in my Heart."

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

Goodbye Little Lunette

 Today was the day the very last of the "Checkerboard Aussies" Fabulous Four's pup, Lunette, was to go to her Forever Home.

"As soon as her other siblings had left the day before Easter Weekend, she had been started on outside "potty" training, as shown here today.  Then have herself a big run over to a big puddle to "fill up" again."

"Bandit is demonstrating how to "train" a Checkerboard Aussie puppy.  This is the "ignore" technique he is applying in this photo.  See how well it worked? there goes Lunette off towards another adventure other then "bugging" her Dad."

"All Day long, waiting, waiting, eating dirt, waiting, waiting ... FINALLY those Forever Home people of mine showed up !!!"

Congratulations Little Lunette on her Forever Home.  We are looking forward to your New Human, Jamilyn, to keeping us posted on your growing up days.

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

This One Or That One?

We all know who our Fabulous Four, Bindi, is do we not?  Not even in her new Forever Home for a week yet and she has so many choices and decisions to make already  Really which one do you think she chose?

"Right after receiving the Videos from Bindi's Human, Mike, I received this photo from him with the statement, "isn't she gorgeous" ... really? do we need to answer that question? of course not as all "Checkerboard Aussies" are such, are they not?"

Oh yes, I am also thinking the Ball might have won out as being a favourite, but then again who knows she is a girl and we all know girls are prone to changing their minds !  Thanks for all the sharing Mike, as we LOVE it !!!

Cindy, Owner/Breeder of The "Checkerboard Aussies.

A Referral & An "After" Visit

This past Tuesday I was once again very flattered as we had received a wonderful comment on The "Checkerboard Aussies" Facebook page from Semah's Forever Home Family, as follows:

We were blessed with our Semah from Cindy's Fabulous four litter. After losing our much loved family dog last year and also being blessed with a new baby boy who is the same age as Semah, I've got to say, I was a little wary of bringing home a new furry family member. After talking with Cindy and finding out all the knowledge she had and meeting Bandit and Lexus, I was delighted with her as a breeder. I have know Cindy for some time now. She was very concerned that her dogs would be given the time and love knowing how busy my family life was. She armed me with more knowledge about the breed. The family decided to invite Semah into our home and I am very delighted to say that he has been a wonderful addition. He is a very calm puppy and loves playing with my husband, myself and my seven year old daughter. To my amazement, he is also very gentle around my 8 week old son, only needing a few reminders not to love him up with lots of kisses too often. Semah is developing his own personality and he is a wonderful fit into our family. I highly recommend Cindy and her Checkerboard Aussies.

Thank you for all these very flattered remarks Linda.

It did not end here with the flattery.

"Semah & his Forever Home Family came to visit us today !"

While Semah's Human parents were otherwise occupied visiting, it was thought it would be nice for Semah to have a bit of a visit with his litter mate, Lunette, who is still here until Sunday.

"As you can tell, Semah was not to impressed with being "left" with his Sister one iota !"

Regardless we eventually all had a bit of a visit until it was time for Semah to head on back down the Highway, back once again to his Forever Home.  Thanks for the visit Semah, Linda, Mike and Liam.

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

Sprite Takes Out Cola

Sprite's Forever Home Humans, Sara and Garret, had a Blue Merle Male called "Cola" before Sprite came into their lives.

"See that innocent Face?  check out how vicious she is when Sprite Takes Out Cola.  This is what you might call the "fizz" of the Aussie Generation???"

Then there was the matter of the "boot tray".  This is the how the explanation was put to me by Sprite's Sara....

Hi Cindy,

I thought I would share a few more cute Sprite pictures from yesterday. Despite the fact that I spent $40 at Pet Value buying her a lovely soft dog bed, she seems to have decided that her favorite place to sleep is in my nasty dirty boot tray! This morning it was full of boots and she was very annoyed so I had to take a pair of boots out to make room for her. What a hoot!

"A Cute Hoot, is she not???"

How can I not LOVE getting all these amazing photos of Sprite's antics?

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

Semah & MacKenzie's "Firsts"

I am loving the Fabulous Four's Forever Homes, as they are showering us with updates and LOTS of photos which is right up our alley.

"Here is Semah this past Easter Weekend with his girl, MacKenzie who learned to ride her two wheeler !!!  Way to go MacKenzie ..... how exciting was all of this?"

I will tell you how exciting all this was !  as we were also sent a video of it all ... whoohooo !!!

Was that not just the best Family Easter Video you have seen this Year?  I thought so.  Thanks Mike and Linda.  We are looking forward to many more "firsts" from you.

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