The love of a Mother

I so need a video camera.  It is just beautiful to watch my two dogs sharing the load.  Sophie does the night shift as I like to keep Sharna close, just in case she still has a pup or to inside her.  She will be due this Thursday.  However, in the morning Sophie is waiting  by the door for her mother, Sharna to take over.  Through the day they will often lie together and feed half the pups each.  I often go out and sit with them.  It is such a rewarding time, but I can while away lots of hours too.  The pups are so funny and will check out both set of nipples to see who still has the good stuff.  Sharna is such a good grandmother and has a glow in her eyes when she is feeding the pups.  So far I have sold all the males and have an inquiry for two females.  We are going to the Tauranga Home Show this weekend with all the farm animals. Should be fun.  Look for us.  Balagan Barnyard.

Life with the dogs

Had a busy day yesterday with taking an assortment of animals to the opening of a new vet clinic in

Tauranga.  Took Sparticus and Sharna as well as goats, a lamb, two piglets, rabbits and mother hen and her chicks. The dogs were a great hit.   Everyone is amazed at how big they are.  Sharna was glad to get back home and rushed into to see Sophie's pups.   I keep Sharna out at night, but in the morning, I think even Sophie is glad to see Sharna take over the morning shift.

Sharna's confusion

Had a  really bad night with Sharna, as yesterday she got it into her head that Sophie's pups were hers to look after.  When I went out to the outside laundry, I thought that it was Sophie in with the pups, but it was Sharna and Sophie was looking quite concerned. Last night Sharna just whined and howled,  I bought her into the bedroom, thinking she was getting close to giving birth, but she would not settle.  Every time I let her outside, she tried to get back to the pups. I finally locked her in the outside bathroom, where she proceeded to chew the door to bits.  Haven't had much sleep.  It is like have a baby in the house!!!  Thank goodness it has stopped raining for awhile.

Life on the farm

A busy day with the puppies growing fast.  All five dogs and the little black rebel have had a great day, but I was a little worried about Sharna as she was very restless and nesty last night.  I ended up bringing her into my bedroom and she slept in my wardrobe. Sharna is Sophie's mum.  Sophie is the mother of the current litter of ten puppies.  Sharna is not due for another week to ten days.  Just hoe all goes well for her this time.  It may be her last litter.  All the best from Carol Gunn

Thanks for dog-sitting our Maremma Sheepdogs

Carol at Balagan Kennels has been looking after my two Maremma's for the past week.

If anyone is interested in this fantastic breed of dog I strongly suggest you get in touch with Carol Gunn at Balagan Kennels.

Pictured right: Our Crystal, born at Balagan Kennels in Tauranga last November.

Mike.

Maremma puppies

Very exciting as I have had ten new pups born 14th April.  All well and Mum doing a great job.  So cute!!!

Welcome to the Balagan Kennels Blog

Balagan Kennels breeds Maremma Sheepdogs in Tauranga, New Zealand. I look forward to sharing with you all the wonderful happenings of our farm yard and this amazing breed of dog.