The pups have all had their nails trimmed 3 times, and we handle their paws and ears frequently. This is a practice you'll want to continue, to make it as easy as possible in the future to trim nails and clean ears. Additionally, it helps assert who the boss is. While I am thinking about it - you will want to check and clean their ears frequently, especially when you start to swim the dogs as this makes them a bit more prone to ear infections. They all go in on Monday for their puppy shots and microchips.



There are two pups going to Minnesota, one to Wisconsin and one to eastern Montana - My hope is to coordinate an eastern run on Highway 2 the week of March 10th. I can definitely make it to Williston, ND (by the way, are studded snow-tires legal in North Dakota, and if not, is anybody paying attention?). I may try to get all the way to Minnesota - though that remains to be seen. If you are part of that contingent - please plan on staying in contact with me regarding meeting times, and whether you could transport someone elses pup as far as the Twin Cities, etc.



We are pretty settled on not using the traditional "A" kennel names for the first litter, "B" for the second, etc. Instead we are leaning towards going with specific themes per litter. Our first litter being classic cars. Without going in any particular order or gender here are the names we will likely go with:



Swiftcreeks Duesenberg Jay

Swiftcreeks Stanley Steamer

Swiftcreeks Bugatti Royale

Swiftcreeks Sunbeam Tiger

Swiftcreeks Thomas Flyer

Swiftcreeks Auburn Speedster

Swiftcreeks Shelby Geetee

Swiftcreeks Acey Cobra

Swiftcreeks Stutz Bearcat



It, of course, is not uncommon, to either come up with a call name based on the kennel name, or simply come up with your own name. ("Molly" is "Razorsedge Urmit.") All of the pups will be furnished with a "Prepaid" Navhda Registration Application. Each will have the dogs name, microchip number, color and you - the new owners filled in. Navhda will then forward each new owner a pedigree and registration. The contract I'll be using is essentially the same (with permission from Bill) as that of Aldersedge Kennel. (Arguably, the most respected griff breeder on the planet.) I will email a copy to everyone this week.