COMSTOCK PUPPIES - Page 13
The various growth stages of our pups can be seen on the following links:
Birth to three weeks. Three to six weeks. Six to eight weeks. Eight to ten weeks. Ten to thirteen weeks. Thirteen to seventeen weeks. Seventeen weeks to 22+ weeks (5 months). Five months to almost 6 months. Six months to 7 1/2 months. Seven plus months to almost 9 months. Nine months to almost 11 months. Eleven months to 13 1/2 months. If you would like to see our adult dogs and learn more about the current breeding please visit our main page COMSTOCK MASTIFFS - 2002.
Unfortunately the show site was moved from Carmel Middle School to Cal State University in Monterey (formerly Fort Ord) which does not yet have the on-site facilities (i.e., a classroom within a short walk of the soccer field where the show was held) needed for health testing. So, no health testing. But, we had fun!
The Dog Show was actually held on July 12 and 13. Not every one could make the puppy reunion for various reasons. We had 6 of our pups there plus two of Marilyn McDonald's (MGM Mastiffs) pups. Our pups included our own Lucah and Riles, Lily, Chaucer, Obie and Rio. Marilyn (Obie's Mom) had her pup Velvet plus Debi (Lily's Mom) had Toby. Leslie, who brought Rio to the show, also has one of Marilyn's pups which she named Pearl (left at home). Also, Constance (Spice's Mom), came to the show on Saturday but was unable to bring Spice. As you can see we are one big happy, but somewhat confusing, family. You need a scorecard to keep track of all the players.
Saturday Show. We showed about 9 AM. The weather was pleasant. First in the ring (for us) was Chaucer with Caroline handling, in the 12-18 month class. He was much more relaxed compared to the Ventura Show the previous weekend and stacked well. He was the only one in his class so he got a Blue Ribbon and was eligible to the Winner's Dog class a little later.
Our next entry was Lucah (handled by Caroline) in the Bred by Exhibitor class. He was his usual relaxed self and moved and stacked well. He beat out the other dog in his class to get a Blue Ribbon and be eligible for the Winner's Dog class.
Next was the Open Class with Marilyn handling Obie. This class had the stiffest competition and it was Obie's first exposure to the show ring. He looked good and got a Second Place Ribbon (Red). With a little more experience in the show ring he is going to be a tough dog to beat.
Next was the Winner's Dog class. This is where the winners of each class compete for the points needed to become a Champion. Lucah looked good (left photo). At least the Judge must have thought so as she awarded the Winner's Dog title to Lucah. The dog behind Lucah is Chaucer being handled by Debi. This was Debi's first time in the show ring and she did fine. She kept Chaucer relaxed. This was a three-point Major and represents a significant win for our boy. Next Lucah competed with current Champions in the Best-of-Breed (BOB) class. He didn't win but measures up well to the two Champions in front of him (near-right photo). The far-right photo shows Lucah stacked for his Show Photo by the Dog Show's Professional Photographer. I will include that photo on the page when we receive it in a week or so.
After the Show. After the Saturday morning show we all went back to our Motor Home where Debi and her friend Stephanie prepared a delicious three-foot long sandwich. Both Debi and Stephanie are semi-pro sandwich makers from their early years. The sandwich combined with various salads and some cold beverages made for an excellent lunch.
The rest of the day was spent walking dogs, relaxing, shopping at the various vendors (the real hidden cost of dog showing), and swapping puppy stories. That evening I bar-b-qued some london broil and we all stuffed ourselves again. I should mention that we also had some excellent red wine (a Syrah, I believe) supplied by Stephanie and Debi. Steph is a top-notch wine steward.
For dessert we had a special "photo cake" from Albertson's. It is amazing how well they capture the photo onto the cake. Unfortunately my picture of the cake (left photo) did not do it justice due to the glare of the flash. The original photo is on the right. The cake was delicious by the way.
Just a personal note. The real joy of Dog Shows for me is the gathering of friends after the show for snacks, drinks, story swapping, whatever. It is a fun, relaxing time where the people all have a common interest-their love of dogs. Winning just adds a little frosting to the cake but it is not essential to the enjoyment of the day.
Sunday Show. We showed a little after 8 AM on Sunday. Once again Chaucer was the only one in his class so he got a Blue Ribbon and moved on to the Winner's Dog class. He moved and stacked well again that day. I think he was starting to adjust to the rhythm of showing.
Lucah looked good as well but he came in second to the other dog in his class. Obie also came in second in his Open class although he stacked beautifully for Marilyn. I think that he just wasn't as mature looking as the other dogs in the Open class. His turn will come.
The dog that beat Lucah in the "Bred-by-Exhibitor" class took Winner's Dog so Lucah went back in to vie for the Reserve Ribbon with the other dogs in the Winner's Dog class (Reserve is sort of like second place). Since Caroline was already in the ring with Chaucer (who had won his class), Marilyn brought Lucah back into the ring for Reserve as the picture on the right shows. (It can get a little complex when you are showing several dogs.) Lucah won Reserve. I think the Judge had a hard time deciding between Lucah and Chaucer.
Time to go. After the show we all went back to the Motor Home to finish off that three-foot sandwich. Then it was time to pack up and head home. As you can see, Lucah travels in style in the back of the Motor Home with his new toy as befits the winner of a Major.
We all enjoyed the get-together so much that we decided to follow-up on a suggestion made by Constance the day before which was to have another reunion in October after the Paso Robles show. That one will be at our place after the Saturday show. Should be fun. Debi and Marilyn are already claiming first dibs on staying in the Motor Home while at our place. (I wonder what's wrong with our guest bedroom?)
Going from left to right in the photo are: Leslie with Rio, Doug with Maisie, Caroline with Riles (only his head visible), Debi with Lily, Ginny (Thumper's mom) with Chaucer (Jay was ill and unable to attend), Mary (a friend) with Thumper, Rob (Spices dad) with Lucah (I was manning the camera), Constance with Spice and Marilyn with Obie. Let me tell you that lining up the pups and getting them all to face the camera was not an easy task. We had thought originally that I would set the camera timer and then get momma Calli and me in the picture. No way! The dog handlers had their hands full trying to hang on to the pups who all wanted to play together and they weren't about to wait for the 10 second timer. Maybe next year.
Well, it was a Comstock weekend. Where to begin?
Friday, October 3: Obie won his 12-18 month class with Chaucer coming in 3rd. Lucah took home a blue ribbon in the Bred By Exhibitor class, and Rio a 2nd in the American Bred class. Obie went on to take Winner's Dog and a 4-point major-not bad for his first points. But that was just the beginning. On her second time in a show ring this year, our girl Thumper won her 12-18 class, went on to take Winner's Bitch and finished the day with Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex over a champion bitch. So, she too got a 4-point major. We started celebrating early on Friday. Two of the kids each getting 4-point majors was as good as it gets-or so we thought.
Saturday, October 4: Obie again won his class with Chaucer right behind him with a 2nd. Lucah again took home a blue in the Bred By and this time Rio won his American Bred class. Since Toby had won his 6-9 puppy class, 4 of the 5 dogs in the Winners Class were Comstock or MGM pups. Needless to say, we were running out of people to handle. We almost had to press the webmaster into showing. Ms. Thumper not to be outdone by her brother again won her class and went Winner's Bitch. This time though both kids beat the champion specials. Rio took Best of Breed and Best of Winners while Thumper again went Best of Opposite Sex. The judge could not say enough nice things about every one of the Comstock kids. I never did remember to tell her Rio and Thumper were littermates.
We all got back to the house with just enough time for me to change and go back for the Working Group competition. Rio showed his very best and made the cut for group placements-quite a thrill for such a young dog so early in his show career. I had a couple of professional handlers comment on what a nice dog he is and even the show photographer is starting to know the Comstock pups. He, of course, took a whole lot of pictures of Calli during her show career. But that isn't all.
Sunday, October 5: The entry was smaller for the Sunday show which was held in Santa Maria (about 50 miles south of us). Obie, Toby and Rio were heading the other direction to go home, so not entered. Chaucer, Thumper and Lucah traveled to Santa Maria.
Chaucer took 2nd in his 12-18 class, Lucah won his Bred By class and took Winner's Dog for the one point and Thumper proved she could win any time she walks in the ring-her third Best of Opposite in 3 days and one more point, bringing the total to 7 for the first weekend out since last January. She is half way to her championship in 3 shows. Way to go Thumper.
To say it was a great weekend would be an understatement. Doug and Anne brought Maisie up to cheer her littermates on. Rob and Constance came over to the house afterwards with Spice to help celebrate. The webmaster is busy with all the show and celebration pictures, including a group of 9 of the 10 puppies. Try not to laugh-it wasn't near as easy as I thought getting them all lined up. I think about 4 of the 9 were actually facing the camera.
Debi helped me collect specimens for cystinuria testing and the seizure health study. With results of testing done to date on this litter, I can say we have very healthy pups as well as beautiful ones. Thank you all for providing such wonderful homes for our Comstock puppies.
The Swim Party. After the quiet, well-organized group photo session with the nine pups we decided it was time for a combination swim party/wine break. (The dogs swam-we drank.) Thumper, who visits often for swim sessions swam without the Float-Coat. Maisie hadn't been in a pool before so Caroline thought it best she wear the Float-Coat. Maisie wasn't sure she wanted to go in but Caroline and Ginnie managed to coax her into the water. Maisie seemed to enjoy her short swim session. I missed Spice's swim "experience". It was very short. I understand she tried to walk on the water.
Actually I somehow overlooked taking photos of Spice while she was here. She is a beautiful open brindle and looks a lot like Rio. Next time-for sure. I did get a few photos of Maisie who is also a beautiful girl. In the right photo where Maisie is stretched out on the floor next to Caroline you begin to appreciate how big these dogs are.
Puppy Heights. We had meant to measure all of the puppies heights while they were here Saturday but forgot amongst all the fun (and wine). We did remember on Sunday (Oct. 5) just before Marilyn and Debi left with their dogs. As you can see below Obie is the tallest. Calli is the shortest. We used to think Calli was big but now we call her "Dinky Dog" when she is next to the boys. Even 8 month old Toby (Debi's dog out of MGM Mastiffs) is as tall as Calli.
The Missing Weeks. Time to do some of the back-filling I mentioned earlier. Once I get the older stuff updated I'll sneak it up front where it belongs and nobody will know the difference.
Lucah. In early August (8/9 and 8/10 to be exact) Caroline headed south to North High School in Torrance for the South Bay Kennel Club Dog Show. Lucah took Winners Dog one day and earned another point towards his title. He also took a nice picture that day. Pretty good size for a 14 month old pup.
Rio's Visit. Rio came to visit us about Aug. 20 and stayed a little over two weeks while Caroline readied him for his first Dog Show in early September. He learned to stack and stand for inspection (I acted as Judge) as well as the out and back and around the ring moves. He was a fast learner. He also went to a couple of Conformation classes in Santa Maria (about 50 miles south of us) with Ginny and Thumper. These classes helped Rio get used to being in the ring with other dogs. We also took him to an International Show in Anaheim, California (more on that later) in late August-not to show him but to get him used to showgrounds.
It wasn't all work of course. Rio was a good kitchen dog. He helped Caroline prepare meals and thanked her for her good work (left photo). He slept on his bed in the kitchen at night and was a perfect gentleman. (We don't let Lucah or Riles sleep in the kitchen overnight for fear we would find a table leg missing the next morning.) He also enjoyed his grooming sessions each morning (right photo).
Rio's First Show. Caroline headed north to Petaluma with Rio and Lucah on Friday Sep. 5. It was to be Rio's first show on Saturday. I stayed home to dog-sit Thor, Calli and Riles. Caroline was unsure about how Rio would be accepted by a judge. Even though he has great conformation and movement he is an open (sometimes called reverse) brindle and some judges may deem that a fault. Also it would be his first time in a real show situation and you can never be quite sure about how a dog will react to a stranger (i.e., the Judge) checking his teeth and running his hands over the dogs body including his privates (required to verify that the dog is intact).
I waited by the phone to hear how our dogs did. Lucah was entered in the Bred-by-Exhibitor Class, Rio and Obie were entered in the 12-18 Month-Old Class. Caroline called in the late morning to say that Rio had won his class and went on to take Winner's Dog and Best of Winners and a 3-point Major. She was ecstatic! She knew then that Rio had a good chance to become a Champion. Needless to say that Leslie and Robert were extremely proud of their pup and sent us the photo on the right. Of course, the next day the Comstock pups didn't win anything. Such is the nature of the dog show biz.
Lily. It isn't all work for the Comstock pups I'll have you know. When they are not showing or acting as watch dogs they take time off for more intellectual pursuits as can be seen in the photo of Lily supplied by Debi.
Thor. All of these pages have been devoted to the Comstock pups and, occasionally, their mom-Calli. I think it is time to include something on our "old guy" Thor. He is approaching 13 years of age and is totally blind from PRA and cataracts. He still gets around pretty good-especially at mealtimes. He is a great companion and loves to sit at (or on) my feet at night when I watch TV. Also when he hears Caroline talking on the phone in the Office he meanders in from the Family Room and gives her an armpit nudge which means "rub my ears".
You can read more about Thor on Deb Jones
Mastiff Longevity Project web page. Click on his picture for another picture and on his name for more info. After reading about Thor and the other senior citizens I suggest you return to Deb's Main page for a wealth of info about Mastiffs. Her web site contains more info and links regarding Mastiffs than any other site on the Internet.
The Pasture. We took a late afternoon wine break in the pasture with Calli and "the boys" a few days ago (Oct. 13 to be exact). The sun was close to setting and cast a nice golden glow on our dogs as they wandered our weed patch. Once again Lucah tends to blend in with his surroundings.
Cystinuria - a serious kidney problem that affects mastiffs, especially males. There is a test available which can be performed on young pups as well as adults. Treating a mastiff with Cystinuria with the standard treatment for other stones can be deadly. Supplements such as vitamin C can cause Cystine stones to form. Frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are sometimes a precursor to Cystine stones. It is important to test so that preventive measures can be taken and to further DNA Research.
Once the specimens were collected and transferred to small vials (labled with the pertinent dog info) and sealed they were frozen. They then had to be shipped overnight in a cold pack to the University of Pennsylvania for the testing. The specimens must arrive cold.
So on Tues Oct. 8, I carefully wrapped the nine frozen vials in bubble wrap and placed them, along with 3 ice packs, in a styrofoam box which I then wrapped securely and addressed. I took the package to the U.S. Post Office for their Overnight Delivery Service. I filled out the necessary paperwork in advance and stepped up to the counter at about 11:45 AM. The clerk applied the Fragile stamp to the package as I requested and I was about to pay my $25 for the Overnight service when she casually mentioned (as she took the package over to the outgoing bin) that my package "should get there by Friday" (today was Tuesday remember). Friday? I said (perhaps too loudly). What about your Overnight guarantee? The clerk then told me you have to have it to them by 11AM. (No mention of that on any of their posted signs bragging about Overnight Service or on their web page which I had checked before going to the Post Office.) Furthermore, the clerk said that Eastern cities usually take an extra day. (Again no mention of that anywhere.)
I then took my package back and went to UPS. It cost me about twice as much but the vials arrived at the Univ. of Penn. by 9:15 AM the next morning.
We received the test results about a week later. One vial (Lily's) had leaked-out but the other 8 vials arrived safely. The test results showed that all of those 8 pups were Negative for Cystinuria.
Caroline made contact with Lora P. and arranged a massage session for Thor. Lora came over last Wednesday evening and spent well over an hour massaging Thor and giving us pointers on how to massage a dog. Thor loved it. Tell me he is not smiling in the left photo. In the right photo he is enjoying a hug from Lora. Lora was kind enough to do this for us and Thor without charge because of the dog rescue work we have done. Lora rescues Wolf-hybrids as well as other breeds both in the U.S. and Baja, Mexico. She is a very nice person and we are very grateful for her help with Thor.
The massage seemed to help. By the time Lora was done he was stretching out his rear legs (usually kept tucked in) and laying on his right side which he doesn't usually do as that appears to be the leg that bothers him the most. He was zonked after that and slept through the night. (So would I if someone would give me an hour massage before bedtime.) We now give him about a 10 to 15 minute massage at night while watching TV.
Caroline thought it would be fun to take Lucah along as he had never seen the ocean. Lucah was a little worried at first. He kept backing away from the water as it came toward him. Then a young blond surfer girl came over to meet him. When she went in the ocean Lucah tried to follow-dragging Caroline with him. She got her shoes and pantlegs wet but managed to keep from being pulled too far out into the water.
On Friday (Nov. 21) Rio took Winner's Dog at Turlock and earned two more points towards his Championship. He is now in the lead among the Comstock Pups. Obie took Reserve Winners. On Saturday Rio took Reserve Winners and on Sunday the Comstock Pups (Rio, Obie, and Lucah) were shut out-no points. Caroline said they all showed quite well on Sunday. Maybe the judge just didn't like brindles? Toby (an MGM pup) handled by Debi also showed well in the 9-12 month puppy class but didn't win anything. As I said earlier thats "Show business".
"The Adventures of the Comstock Pups" are continued on COMSTOCK PUPS- PG 14.
Add about 1080 to number below for more accurate count of visitors.
Number of visitors since 7/25/03 = 
Obie 33.5 inches (at the withers)
Riles 32.5
Lucah 32.0
Lily 31.25
Calli 30.5
Spice 29.5 (measured by Constance 10/14/03)
Toby 30.5
Cystinuria Testing & the Post Office.
Caroline closed out her Brag email above with the mention of her and Debi collecting specimens from all of the pups for Cystinuria testing. Fortunatately getting dogs to pee in a cup is not part of your webmasters job description. The description of the disease in the next paragraph was taken from Deb Jones web page.
Oct. 22, '03 - Happy Birthday Calli!
Calli (aka Momma dog) turned 5 years old today. She was out having fun with the new ball this morning. Still full of pep and energy. She won't share with her pups-gives them the evil eye if they try and grab the ball. Caroline may make (if time permits) the traditional Comstock birthday cake-baked hamburger pie with dog biscuits as candles. Sorry no birthday hats-our guys refuse to wear them.
Nov. 7, '03 - Thor gets a Massage!
Thor is a bit slow in getting up. In particular his rear legs seem weak. This is understandable given his age (103 years old in human years per Caroline). A few weeks ago Caroline took him to a local Vet that does acupuncture. The acupunture session went well. The Vet thought that Thor would benefit from massage therapy. She recommended a lady certified in Canine Massage (as well as people).
Nov. 9, '03 - Lucah Visits the Ocean.
Our daughter, son-in-law, and the grandkids came to visit this weekend. Sunday we decided to go to Morro Bay to walk along the beach and have lunch at one of the restaurants at the Embarcadero. The left photo shows Morro Rock in the background behind Lucah, Caroline, our daughter Lisa and our granddaughter Gracie.
Nov. 23, '03 - Rio Visit and the Turlock/Stockton Dog Shows.
Earlier this week Rio came to visit for a short refresher course in showing in anticipation of a three day dog show in Turlock and Stockton. He settled right back into the kitchen and gave Caroline a big hug. During one of Rio's walks around our pasture I managed to get a nice photo of him in a show pose.