I like knowing stuff. If we know, we can deal with it — whatever “it” is. Random bad things will still happen but if we collect and use data well, we can exert control over those things that might be amenable to intentional efforts to create positive outcomes.
Sapphire
That explains why the Berner-Garde records for my dogs typically wind up looking like this:
That is Capella’s BG Certifications record, and I realized as I looked it over this morning that her fall 2024 eye certification is missing. I need to get that handled.
The Gems are already generating their own data set. The following tests have been done on each puppy:
AKC DNA Profile
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
SOD1B Degenerative Myelopathy (SOD1B)
Von Willebrand’s Disease Type I (VWD1)
Antagene’s Histiocytic Sarcoma (SH Test)
If I can do that on puppies not yet six weeks old, why are there Berners being bred without public-facing results for those basic screenings?
I don’t get it.
Jasper
Doesn’t the creation of new life demand our best efforts? Shouldn’t we do our very best to maximize the health and welfare of the puppies?
How do we mitigate risks without knowledge? How can we avoid creating a bunch of histio-prone babies without utilizing the available tools? And so on…
Lucky Socks only go so far.
Bad things will still happen — no question. But at least I will know that within the limits of human (and dog) imperfection, I did what I could do.
Topaz
And because all of us are works in progress — and shame and defensiveness do not promote positive outcomes — I offer the words of Maya Angelou:
“Do the best you can until you know better.
Then when you know better, do better.”
❤️
Star Garnet
Topaz and Sapphire were playing nicely together — unaware of the danger looming in the background.
Until she arrived.
I like this photo of Jasper because we can start to see structure.
Topaz went ball shopping and picked out this nice blue one.
Sapphire preferred pink today.
Jasper does slow down — eventually!
🩷💙💙💙
(Later)
I love the Gems but I have my limits — no outside playtime tonight in 100 degrees! Instead, I added things to the inside area for an evening play session.
One side had the slide and the other had this structure.
Jasper
They are all so charming and fun.
Jasper
Topaz with a new toy — thanks, Jennifer ❤️
Sapphire watching his siblings on the slide.
Topaz and Sapphire settled in to sleep but not these two — Jasper and Star Garnet. They do not want to miss one minute of fun.
The Gems will be six weeks on Wednesday and so they are ready to start having “solid” food — that will happen tomorrow or Wednesday. We should have the Daddy(s) Reveal this week, and I hope to have some stacked images of each Gem this week as well. Oh — trotting training! We will be working on that as well since we need to see them trot to truly evaluate structure.
They need to rest up!
❤️