Alas, Gem has not been cooperative! We had planned to breed her to Aled Owen's International and World Trial Champion "Roy", while he was here in North America. But he was long gone back to Wales by the time she came into season (13 months since her last). During the many long months waiting for her cycle, we researched potential mates that would compliment her working style (not doubling up on faults and hopefully adding missing elements :) ). In addition, we wanted a fully health tested male with good structure and a rock solid temperament...That wasn't a zillion miles away. Tough order to fill!
Our decision to use MIke Polites' Irish import, "Taff" is summed up nicely on the website:(http://www.creeksidebordercollies.com/2014GemXTaff.html)
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| Mike Polites' Imp. Taff, USBCHA Open Trial Winner, 2014 Bluegrass Classic Finalist (Photo by Carolyn West) |
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| Creekside Gem, USBCHA Open Trial Winner (Photo by France Poulin) |
When Gem came into season (while on my Bluegrass vacation), I left her with Mike in order to not miss her prime breeding days. We kept in touch daily, and by day 14, when it still was not working, both Mike and I began to worry I would not have my "Meg" puppy!
So, off to Mid-Atlantic Veterinary Specialists and Dr. Goodman....
In a nutshell...Gem is a Princess and Taff a true Gentleman, neither one being too pushy one way or the other! Vet confirmed Gem was prime in her cycle, so we didn't waste any more time trying to convince them they were allowed to "do it". AI was the way to go. We did 2 live AI breedings over 3 days.
I am hopeful there will be puppies, and enough for all on the puppy list, but only time will tell. For many, AI is done when fertility is compromised and the results are varied. Since Gem and Taff are both healthy, and we believe the timing was good, prognosis is relatively positive for puppies, but of course not guaranteed. Now we wait and see.
Fingers crossed for this:
Can you spot baby Gem?
