HUGGY HUGGY LITTLE BABY

Once in a while you just happen to get a photo that makes you smile. I took this picture today, and literally it looks like Jazzy is giving a huggy, huggy to her baby. The girls were 6 weeks old yesterday..............wow, it just not seem possible and the time has flown by. They are all doing great and are cute as little buttons!! Enjoy! Holly

YORKSHIRE TERRIERS, NUMBER 2 IN NATION

In January 2007 the American Kennel Club unveiled their annual "Top 10" most popular purebred dogs in American. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in the country and has been since 1991, however, this year the Lab shared the spotlight with the dainty Yorkshire Terrier.
The Yorkshire Terrier, more commonly called the "yorkie" has overtaken the beloved Golden Retriever and the German Shepherd to become the second most popular purebred dog in American for 2006. You can read more and look at the great pictures on the AKC website.

The top ten dogs are:
1. Labrador Retriever 2. Yorkshire Terrier 3. German Shepherd
4. Golden Retriever 5. Beagle 6. Dachshund
7. Boxer 8. Poodle 9 Shih Tzu
10. Miniature Schnauzer

ABBIE AND GRADY SITTING HAPPILY..........

Here are the expecting parents............Abbie is due around the 25th of March. We are currently accepting deposits on her babies. She is doing well and has quite the belly going already!
Abbie is a very quiet and loving dog. She is a full sister to Delia, but they both have different looks. Pictures really do not do her justice. She has a beautiful teddy bear type look to her and she has excellent champion bloodlines. She should have some beautiful babies. If you have any questions feel free to call me. Holly

FYI - LUXATING PATELLA (kneecap)

I just love teaching and learning. I keep saying, "I learn something new everyday that I have my Yorkies." I guess that is why I want to continue to write things that may be interesting to some and a learning experience for others.
Today I want to talk about Luxating Patella's in Yorkies.
The kneecap in your dog is on the rear legs up near the hip area. It is not at the "bend" in rear legs. This kneecap is attached by a groove in the bone. Yorkies have very small bone structures and it can easily pop out. The slipping of the kneecap is a common problem in toy breeds and can be slight to severe. Your veterinarian can rate the "slippage" in grades 1-4, with 4 most likely needing surgery due to pain issues.
Dog with luxating patellas often will look like they are skipping or hopping. Your dog may limp or not walk on their hind leg due to the pain related to the slippage. Surgery is usually recommended for Grades 3 & 4.
Is luxating patellas hereditary? There is allot of controversy on this issue. Patella issues can arise from a pup who jumps off from furniture or repeatedly jumps on their back legs at a young age. It can be a result of a fall or trauma to the leg as well. I read recently that 87% of toy breeds have luxating patellas and that they are very common. A grade 1 or 2 is usually not serious and your dog can live a healthful and happy life and it will not affect their quality of life. Luxating patellas are not considered a lifethreatening heredity or congential defect by most breeders.
Did you find this helpful? let me know.......... Holly

BORN SILVER

It's funny how people find you!! In my "Did You Know "section I have a tiny bit of information regarding how yorkie babies are supposed to be born black and tan/gold and I mention silvers and chocolates.
This gal just had a litter of 5 babies born about 9 days ago and one little boy was born silver. She was trying to find out why and what it meant. She has given me permission to use the pictures she sent me, however I have agreed not to disclose her name or where she is from. I will tell you she is NOT in New England!
It's all about Genetics..... do you remember from high school science class???
Yorkie pups are supposed to be born black. The only way a Yorkie will turn the blue color is if they are carrying the Graying gene (Blue gene) BB or Bb. If you have two dogs that both have Bb, and the bb(recessive genes) come together, then you get a dog that stays black. This can happen even if both dogs are blue. Any other combination of BB, Bb, bB, the dog will be a blue.
Dogs that are born blue (silver or gray) carry the dilute gene of dd, which should NOT be in the Yorkshire Terrier breed because it causes the "Blue born puppy." It is a genetic mutation in color. I don't have any information on how the parents get it.
You will see people advertise "rare" silver colored yorkie. BEWARE....as these little puppies are prone to other health problems like skin issues, blindness, deafness and more. A silver yorkie should NEVER be used for breeding!! However, they can be a great pet!
More and more I am seeing "chocolate Yorkies' advertised. In this case the pups are not born black but all brown/tan like the inside of a reeces peanut butter cup. In this instance the Yorkie has an overload of red-gold and this is also a mutuation of the Yorkshire Breed. This pups have liver colored noses and eyes. If these pups are used for breeding, it can cause genetically, a loss of pigment altogether. AKC will register these puppies which may be contributing to out pouring of breedings for off colors. Please.........if you think you are interested in a yorkie that does not have the AKC Standard color, do your homework as you may be buying a pup that will end up with multiple health issues. Otherwise, they make great pets. It is so interesting!!! You can find other information on the internet under color genetics.

LIVER SHUNTS-POTENTIAL THREAT FOR YORKIES

If you have done any research on yorkie health issues, liver shunt will come up every time as a potential threat. There are 2 types, congenital portosystemic shunts and acquired shunts. I will attempt to explain what it is and in the future I will try to also cover other potential health issues so that you can be informed.

A congenital liver shunt is a birth defect that can be deadly. While inutero, a vein that carries blood past the liver develops rather than circulating through the liver. The liver filters all of the impurities out of the blood stream in the puppy, and when a shunt develops, the blood bypasses the liver and these toxins remain in the bloodstream causing serious health problems for the pup. Cogenital shunts usually show signs before 6 months of age.

ONE SIGN OF LIVER SHUNT IS A DOG WHO DOES NOT GROW!

Beware of those breeders who advertise "teacups"...it may be a problem....

The toxins in the bloodstream will cause serious neurological problems. Pups with liver shunts often have digestive trouble, such as chronic diarrhea and vomiting and may be unusually thirsty. You may also see loss of appetite, depression, lethargy, weakness, poor balance, disorientation, blindness, and seizures. Your pup will appear to being growing very slowly. Failure of the liver to clear ammonia means that there will be increased excretion in the urine, hence the diagnostic test of bile salts.
If your pup has any of these clinical symptoms, consult your vet right away. Blood tests will be run as well as a fasting bile acid test. Other diagnostics may be necessary as well.
Depending on the severity of the shunt, treatment may include a low protein diet and medication, but in more cases than not, surgery is needed to close the shunt. The surgery is very expensive and the outcome sometimes is not good.
Do your homework....check out the breeders reputation. Talk to previous clients or the breeders veterinarian. Ask if there has been any incidence of liver shunts. Nothing will be more heartbreaking than to bond with your little one only to possibly lose him/her just a few months later.
Aquired liver shunt usually shows up after the dog is more than a year old. Acquired LS is usually due to an underlying illness or other disease and is not usually a congenital or hereditary problem although it could be.
I hope this has helped you understand the problem. Lots of literature is available on the web including clubs and support groups as well.
Info obtained and summarized from: 1998 Canine Inherited Diseases Database and from "The Yorkshire Terrier" by Deborah Wood & Wayne Hunthausen DVM, 2006 edition.

NEW POLICY- NO STUD FOR HIRE

I just want our readers to know that we don't offer stud service at this time. We are working hard to preserve our lines and hope to put some Champions on the ground. thanks so much! Holly

BEAUTIFUL SILKY COATS

Hi there! These pictures were taken on Saturday the 10th. The pups will be 4 weeks old on Monday the 12th. I just couldn't resist taking the one with Jazzy and babies sleeping. They were all just sacked out and the tiny one just looked so darn cute!!

The other pic shows the shine and texture of their beautiful coats. They are just the silkiest and straightest I have seen. Just gorgeous!!! They are still spending lots of time sleeping, but are playing for short periods, making barking sounds and are adorable.

For those of you who have put deposits on a pup in this litter............boy.......are you ever lucky. These pups are going to be some of the best!!! We also learned this week that all of our adult dogs have some champion bloodlines in their pedigrees...........my dream is to have champions right here at Taylor Made Yorkies. Time will tell!!! Holly

KELSI HAD SURGERY

Hi all........it has been a very stressful day. Kelsi had surgery today but everything is fine. Over the past few months I have noticed that Kelsi had been swollen like she was in heat. Sometimes she would bleed but other times she was just swollen. She also spent allot of time licking herself. Recently she started swelling about every two weeks. I was worried, and as worry warts go, I started dreaming that she had a tumor, or maybe cancer and that she would die if she did not have surgery. So last week I took her up to see doc to be checked. We discussed my thoughts and my dreams, and decided to go ahead and have bloodwork first and to put her on an anti-biotic as a precaution. If everything checked out good, we would schedule spaying her.

Kelsi will be 10 years old in April. My central Maine vet used to tell me....."why spay her...she is only 4 lbs and it puts her at too much risk..... she is so little the heats won't be bad...you don't have to spay her.........." so I didn't. I never intended on breeding her as again, I was told by my vet that she was too little. So breeding never crossed my mind. Little did I know that I put her at risk for something more potentially deadly. Here I am, learning something new every day!!

The surgery was slated for today. Dr. Hutchins assured me he would call immediately following the surgery and let me know how she did. What he found was a uterus and fallopian tubes full of a disease called closed pyometra. Her uterus and tubes weighed a full pound. Had the pyometra burst, Kelsi would have died within 24-48 hours. Luckily, Kelsi is fine and is home tonight recovering. She is being a real trooper and is resting.
I want to share with you about the disease, so those of you who have not spayed your older females may reconsider.

Pyometra is a uterine infection where the uterus fills with pus. Pyometra is common in unspayed dogs. It is a serious uterine infection that is potentially fatal. Pyometras can present as either open or closed. In the open form the cervix is open and there may be a foul smelling discharge. In the closed form, the cervix is closed so there will be no discharge. The closed pyometra is more difficult to diagnose and the animal usually will get very sick because the body is retaining the infection.
Symptoms may include, but are not limited to: smelly vaginal discharge, licking more, enlarged abdomen, vomiting, not eating, lethargy, drinking more, urinating more, and dehydration. If your dog displays these symptoms take her to the vet right away to be examined. If a closed pyometra ruptures, the dog will die within 24-48 hours. Open pyometra sometimes can be treated with IV antibiotics but usually will reoccur within one year. Spaying is the best option.

Kelsi will be on pain medication and antibiotics for a few days. Her staples will be removed in 7-10 days. In the meantime, I have fixed her a Queens bedroom in an oversized kennel in the dining room where she will rest, be fed rice, chicken, hamburg and anything else she wants until she is recouperated. I love Kelsi and could have possibly lost her had I not acted on my instincts. Did I take a chance on having a surgery performed like that? Yes this is some risk due to her age and potential complications........but in this case it was worth it!!! I want my first little yorkie to live to be 25!!!!

Hope this has enlightened some of you out there..........it was my lesson for the day!!!!! Holly

GROWING LIKE LITTLE WEEDS

The new puppies are 3 weeks old as of yesterday. I was trying to get a new picture but they were all such wiggle worms it was difficult. New pictures have been submitted to my administrator and they should be posted soon. They are making little barking sounds and starting to play a little. The poor little tiny one gets batted about the box a bit, but I will watch closely so she does not get hurt. I can't wait for them to be bouncing around. Watch for the new pictures!! Holly

Testimonial Letter-from the O'Reillys

"We are a retired couple and veteran Yorkie owners. Last year after we lost our last little boy, "Hammish", we decided we just couldn't live in a Yorkieless house. As we started our search, very good fortune brought us to Holly and her wonderful Taylor Made Yorkies web-site. We then arranged a visit and were greeted by the most beautiful, clean and healthy little dogs you could ever find. We fell in love with a little boy named Toby and placed our claim on him. A few weeks later I brought my daughter to visit Toby and she really took to a little girl named Rosie. After some discussion with Holly we all decided it would be good for both dogs to have the company of each other in their new home. So here we are, the proud parents of two beautiful, lively, and lovely little puppies.

The dogs really love each other and are inseperable. They share everything, play, food, sleep and their antics area constant source of entertainment. The remarkable thing of our experience is the relationship that has developed between Holly (Taylor Made Yorkies) and ourselves. One does not just go pick up a dog and go home. Along with the pup comes a complete support system. It is so comforting to know that at the other end of the phone or e-mail is expert advice for anything that may come up with your new puppy. Every step of the way in gaining this wonderful addition to our family has been a most pleasant experience. Most of all, we take great comfort in knowing our puppies started out their lives in such a healthy and well adjusted environment. Thank you Holly.

Chuck and Norma O'Reilly

South Portland, Maine.

RESEARCHING PEDIGREES

It's funny. I know many of you have started a project or perhaps just dove into a venture without clearly thinking it through, or researching the history. I have and it seems that now I realize just how important it was and the should-have, could-haves and would-haves are surfacing! When we started our breeding program we thought that we could depend on other breeders to teach us and share with us what they know. WRONG!! There are lots of breeders of Yorkshire Terriers out there that will tell you what you want to hear, and the others who show and have champions would not sell you a pup for breeding for any amount of money. It is sacred ground that you are attempting to walk on. The answers I have received are much of the same, "I have thousands of dollars in my dogs and I am not going to give away my lines....., I worked 8 years to get where I am and I am not going to give it away.....etc etc." But the reality is, it is true and ownership is theirs......I am now starting to feel the same way. When we ventured into the raising and selling our yorkies pups, we started from scratch..networking, talking and trying to buy with pictures. I dont know how many times I was told, "Yes, I think the dad or mom has champion bloodlines....only to see 3 generations of no champs." Both my husband and I decided even before we had our first litter that we would not sell our pups to breeders, especially in Maine. I unfortunately have had to say no many times already. Like these breeders who have been 8-18-28 or 50 years in the business, we are already wanting to preserve ours. Is it wrong? I don't think so......and only time will tell us if we might produce some champions in the future! I can't wait to find out!!! We will always have pet only sales so don't worry future yorkie lovers.
I have done my homework now.....a bit late but necessary. I have extended pedigrees coming that are in the mail as I write. If anyone out there is interested, there is an efficient and great company called Brewster Pedigrees in Arizona. Just give them a call at 1-800-841-0461 and they will get started researching your dogs. With those, I will be able to trace my dogs lines and make some informed decisions in the future. Wish me luck and Best of luck to you too. Holly

READER...BELLY PICTURE REQUEST

BY REQUEST: JAZZYS BOODA BELLY.

Also, the picture of Sweet Mommy to be was taken the day of her X-ray showing all her babies.

UPDATE ON THE KENNEL CLUB FUNCTIONS

The Antique Appraisal day is going to held at Wells Elementary School on Saturday April 21st, 2007 from 10 am to 3 pm.. The famous Skinners of Boston will be there to appraise your antiques.

EYES OPEN!!

I know I am prejudice, but are these not some of the most beautiful babies you have ever seen??? Three of the girls opened their eyes on Sunday.

Miss teeney tiny waited until yesterday but she is just as cute as can be! The only thing about their eyes open is, when you pick them up, don't they hollar......... and......they just won't hold still already! I can tell they are going to be the typical holy terrriers!!

YORK COUNTY KENNEL CLUB

Hi all, I thought I would take a change of pace for today and talk about something other than puppies even though lately, they have really consumed my time and life!!

I want to talk about a local Club that I belong to. It's the York County Kennel Club and we meet every last Monday of the month at 7 pm at the Eldora Boston House located right beside the West Kennebunk Animal Shelter. To learn about their history and what they do, you can go to their website at http://www.yorkcountykennelclub.homestead.com/.

I joined the Club last year after attending an AKC point show that they were hosting at the Acton Fair Grounds. I had never been to a dog show and I was truly amazed!! I had never seen so many breeds of dogs in my life and many of them I had NO idea even what they were called. I was in wonder of all the activity, enthusiasm and knowledge there. Of course my focus was on the yorkies.........but there were many other show handlers and breeders there as well.
For the most part, people would speak with you, answer your questions and be friendly, however there also were those who were stowic, wouldn't even look at you or smile and kept to themselves. That's ok, as the tension and work being done is serious business for many. It could mean finishing a championship or earning points toward their championship to promote their lines and dogs. Either way, for me it was exciting and a BIG learning experience. I networked with a couple of Maine breeders but also with some from Connecticut and New York. Their dogs were absolutely beautiful in their show coats and more!! It was just like being at the Eukanuba Championship show for me!! (you can't tell I was excited!)
Anyway, I met this wonderful lady Charlotte M. Apparently she has been a member of the Club since it's inception. One thing led to another and I joined right on the spot. This group carrys a world of experience and knowledge and I value my membership with them. We not only work hard but we also have fun. I would encourage anyone that has a love for dogs to join. If I can sponsor you let me know.

The Club is holding some fundraisers coming up and here is a sneak preview. On 4/21/06 we are sponsoring an Antique Appraisal Day.....you know kinda of like what is on TV. You can bring one to three items and for a small fee get it appraised. The location will be announced. Watch in local papers and I will post it here. Also the next YCKC AKC Point Show will be held on May 5th and 6th at the Acton Fairgrounds. Save the date and come on out. You will not be disappointed.

On 3/25 There will be a "Meet the Breeds" Showcase at the Saco Recreation building. I am going to try to participate with my girls. Come on out for fun time and to see all the different kinds of dogs. As other activities develop. I will try to keep you posted.

Hope you have enjoyed this kind of information as well.....and maybe you will see me in the showring this year!! Holly

NEW PICTURES-JAZZYS BABES

Here are some pictures of the new babies. We are still watching them closely, monitoring their weights and activity. They have changed so much in just 10 days and are taking on their own looks. Hope you enjoy them. Holly

MAKING GAINS-ONE WEEK OLD

Just a quick update for everyone. Jazzys pups are a week old today and are making good gains. Girl 1 weighs 6 5/8oz up a total of 2 7/8 since birth day, Girl 2 53/8oz up 1 3/4, Girl 3, miss teeny tiny 3 3/8 up 1 3/8, and Girl 4, 4 1/4 up 2 1/8th oz.
We have cut back on the supplement feedings to a couple a day and they are tolerating it well. All tails and dews are done now.........soooooooooo cute!!!
Jazzy is being a wonderful mom and is an old pro at mommy hood well.
I have some new photo's but as usual, the batteries died. I will get them on as soon as I can. Thanks for everyone who kept these little ones in their prayers.......we appreciate it more than you know. Holly

NEWBORN UPDATE

I am pleased to say that the new babies are holding their own.
#1 girl now weighs 5 1/4 oz, up 1.5oz in 4 days, #2 girl 4 1/4 oz., up 1 1/8th oz, #3 girl 2.5oz, up 1/2oz and #4 girl 2 5/8 oz, up 1/2 oz.
The two teeney ones are not gaining allot but look stronger and seem healthy. We may not be out of the woods yet, but things look promising.
2 girls are sold already and we are hoping to be able to find wonderful homes for the other two tiny ones. We have been receiving many inquiries but just have not found the right homes yet.
Jazzy is being a wonderful mom and is soooooooo attentive. Of course I am spoiling her to death with lots of protein rich foods and catering to her every need. Having little baby yorkies is lots of work and stressful at times, but for me, it could not be more rewarding or it could not make me more proud.
I truly am blessed to have such wonderful furbabies and so much unconditional love around me. If you feel you are missing something in your life..... maybe it is a yorkie. They can fill any void you may have and love you more than you ever thought yourself deserving. Have a wonderful night. Holly

JAZZYS DELIVERY STORY

Sunday night Jazzy was very restless. She sleeps with me every night and she woke me up several times "nesting" in my bed. I was thinking that she might have the pups on my bed, but knew she would wake me.

Monday morning she would not eat her treats so I knew it would be close. I put her in the whelping box behind my computer station while I was trying to work. About 8 am Dr Hutchins office called to ask how she was doing. At that point I told them she was fine, restless but fine. They wanted to let me know they were in the office and if I needed anything to please call. I could not have a better doc or office to go to for my dogs. I am so blessed for sure!!!

Around 9 a.m. she started pushing. WOW!!! I didn't expect it.....a day early!!!We had to scamble to get everything out we would need at the last minute. After a few minutes we saw our first puppy. We had to assist a little as the baby came breech and her fat little belly was holding up progress. # 1 girl weighing in at 3 1/8th ounce.

About an hour later #2 baby was born. About the same synario, we had to assist, another breech and this girl weighed in at 3 3/4 ounce.

There was quite a long lull with no activity but finally around noon number 3 pup came flying out. I was sitting next to the box and I heard a 'SQUIRT" of water and looked and #3 was lying there. Another girl!!!!! She weighed in at exactly 2 ounces. SHE IS SOOOOOO TINY!!!!!!

In between babies we were trying to get the first 3 to nurse. The little one was rather weak and just would not open her mouth to latch on. I got the premaid newborn milk out, warmed it and I-dropper fed her to get her started. She looked healthy but just so tiny.

We waited and waited for number 4 pup. It was unnerving both my husband and myself. Around 2:15 out popped number 4. Another girl weighing in at 2 1/8 ounce. OH MY GOODNESS....another little teeny tiny. The baby latched right on and started nursing immediately. Still waiting for #5........................................................................................

It was about 4:00pm or so and she started pushing again. My husband had gone outside earlier to put on the snowplow as we were having an icestorm. In a split second #5 had been born. It was a boy!!!! I tore the sack and started rubbing and cleaning like I had the other 4 but something was wrong........I saw him stuggling to take his first breaths.........but I could tell he was in trouble. Of course I yelled to Scott and he came running in. In 2 seconds flat we cut the cord and started working on him.......come on little boy...come on!!!! He took about 3 little breaths more but stopped. I tried really hard to get him going again but to no evail. I lost him. This little tyke only weighed 1 5/8th ounce. He was extremely tiny and underdeveloped. How could I tell??? He was gray in color.......not black, his little eyes were big bubbles like he had more progressing to do......he was so tiny, and as I stroked his little limp body I noticed his ribs seemed crushed on one side and probably puncture his little lungs. It was just not meant to be. I struggled with this loss very much the rest of the day and the next. Shed lots of tears for him and just felt so helpless. Loss is not easy of any kind. I know he would probably have had lots of problems and may have even died after a few days...........but it is still difficult. Scott and I had decided we were going to keep a little male if she had one...........so this was OUR baby we lost.

The moment God took my little boy to heaven, I realized that God needs yorkies too!!!!! I bet he is running around being the "HOLY TERRIER" that they are. I am blessed with 4 girls and I am thankful. Jazzy my little girl is doing great and she is a wonderful mom. The puppies are holding their own. We have continued to supplement with newborn milk day and night. I am tired but it is worth it. Today they actually act a little stronger which gives me hope they all will be ok.

NOW I KNOW WHY I TELL PEOPLE THEY ARE PRICELESS!!!

Continue to keep them in your prayers so that they grow strong and all stays well. Thanks so much.............Holly