Bandit Kennel

The Daddy

2010-08-19T05:20:00.000-07:00

Wyatt

or properly Starquest Wild West Legend of MW, RN

What a gorgeous, sweet, smart 2.5 year old boy. You can check out his pedigree right HERE.

We can't wait for the puppies to arrive!

Expecting

2010-07-15T05:16:00.000-07:00

Yes we are. Well...Shallbe really. But it sorta feels like us. When will the puppies will come? We expect by the end of the August. How many will she have? She seems tiny this time, but who knows. Will the puppies be black or chocolate? We hope a little of both. The Dad is chocolate so we hope for some chocolate butter balls. But in the end you just get what you get and that's fine by us because puppies are cute no matter what!

HenRe

2010-01-26T08:11:00.001-08:00

We Love updates!

Hi Monte and June-

We're all doing great here. Henry has had a lot to adjust to, and is doing remarkably well. We're training him the basics right now and he really loves learning new things.

our snowstorms last week were very intense! There were several commercial buildings in town with flat roofs that collapsed under the weight of all the moisture we got.

I'll attach a picture of myself and Re (the kids still insist on calling him Re!) on top of the snow mound we formed from shoveling our driveway. When the snow got to the basketball hoop I couldn't get it to the top of the mound any longer and had to move the snow into a new mound behind the hoop.

Henry LOVES the snow. He looks like a swimming dolphin diving and jumping into the deep banks. He's been playing a lot with his new girlfriend, Molly, the chocolate lab who lives next door.

The boys are completely in love with him and my oldest, Ethan (9), has been taking his training very seriously. He's been a great addition to our family and we're so grateful to you both for breeding the "perfect dog".

Warmly,

Merk

See Ya In The Spring

2010-01-15T17:38:00.000-08:00

Our last puppy Re HENRY left the ol' farm last week to live the good life in Flagstaff, Arizona. What a lucky pup!

So, for now we'll just hang out with the girls and wait for spring and our next litters of pups. This year will be Jessie and Shallbe. Should be a good mixture of chocolate and black!

Running With The Big Dogs Now

2009-10-27T10:31:00.001-07:00

Since Re's brother Triever left the farm a couple of weeks ago, Re has been running with the big girls. It doesn't seem to bother him one bit. He keeps up pretty well for only being 3 months old.

Puppy school is going VERY well, he is such a smart dog! We are working on sit, back and fetch. Boy, does that boy love him some bumpers. Sit and back are his mastered commands, this boy show a strong desire to learn and please. If he wasn't a boy, Monte would surly keep him!

Good Bye Triever

2009-10-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of swimming lessons with both boys. Triever is leaving our farm to go live on another farm outside St. Loiue. I know Re will miss him as much as we will. It's been a little harder with this litter since there were only two pups. They felt more like our dogs than ever. But we knew the day must come for them to go to their forever homes and families.

Good Bye Triever, you are a good boy!

Crazy Black Fur Balls

2009-09-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

How much is that puppy in the window, I mean farm??

2009-09-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

It's getting close to the time for the puppies to go to their new homes. BUT we haven't had one serious inquire yet. Maybe we need to implement as new selling technique and have Monte dress up on the side of the road as a big dog bone with a sign that says, "Black Lab Puppies For Sale!"

This week at school...

2009-09-06T09:48:00.001-07:00

This week in Arkansas Gun Dog obedience school the puppies learned sit and don't bite humans. Especially ME!! Puppy teeth are sharper than vampire teeth and they have already mastered the fine art of the sneak attack. My elbow is proof! Their little personalities are really starting to show. They will make great black labs for some lucky family.

Go Dogs!

2009-08-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

Go Hogs!

Got Labs?

2009-07-30T13:33:00.001-07:00

YES!

Aren't they cute??

Razz had a litter of 2! Yup, only two. Doc did have some trouble during the IA with her hormone levels. They were on the rise and then suddenly stopped, then several days later on the increase again. I guess with the changing hormone levels you get a litter of two. We are thankful to have any, if Zack would have "done it" the old fashion way we wouldn't have even know about the hormone level dip. We have two PERFECT little black labs and can't wait for them to start getting fun. All the grandkids will be here in 3 weeks for a 2.5 week vacation, so it's perfect timing! Good Job Momma Razz!

Puppies TODAY!

2009-07-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

We are pretty sure Razz will have her puppies some time today or tonight. She refused to go for a walk twice today, barely ate breakfast and pooped in her whelping kennel. I don't think she's done "that" in over 3 years. Then after all the work we did to upgrade the whelping house and kennel she decided to Houdini escape it (not sure how she managed that one) and is now bedded down in the hay in barn. So now we wait......come on pups!

Expectant Father

2009-07-18T19:33:00.001-07:00

Zach is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new puppies! Only 4 days left. woot woot With it being so close it really could happen any time! Hold on to your cigars proud papa.

Heelllooo Charlee...

2009-05-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

Hello Angels!

Nope, that's not quite right. Unless the 3 angles are Shallbe, Razz and Jessie.

I guess that would make Monte Bosley!

Anywho,
we got a wonderful update from Michigan on Charlee, known previously on this blog as Boo Berry. Lee his owner says, "He's the world's BEST dog!" It's hard to believe that litter of puppies will be one year old the end of the summer. Time sure is flying by. We'll have a new litter of puppies by then! WoW! THanks for the update and picture!

Momma Razz??

2009-05-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

Razz has been over to see her main squeeze Zach in hopes of a July litter of puppies. Poor Zach can't figure out the old fashion kinda way, so we had to go with the IA kinda way again. Good thing Zach's owner is the local vet. In a week or two we'll head back over for an ultrasound and see if we hit the black lab jackpot. Should have a litter around mid- July!

Arkansas Gun Dogs & Michigan Grandkids

2009-04-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

The grandkids came to visit for Easter.
They love the dogs and the dogs love them!

Ozark Ice Photos

2009-01-29T17:15:00.000-08:00

Dragon Fly Farm is covered in 3 inches of ice! We (us, the girls and the cows) are all fine. We have been without power for 3 days. "They" say it could take a month to restore it. Let's hope not. I guess we'll get every penny's worth out of that generator we purchased four years ago and had never used! They girls seem unaffected by all the drama. The poor trees did not fair as well. EVERY SINGLE tree on the property is damaged. We have months worth of work a head. But it is beautiful, almost like another planet.

Razzy!
Shallbe!
Jessie Girl!

Path to the new house
Our icy lake
Yes, those are our power lines only 5.5 feet off the ground. Be sure to duck!

The cows and our new calf. Baby girl was born only 2 days before the storm. We were scared that we would lose her, but her momma took good care of her and she's doing fine!

Puppie Update: Sookie

2009-01-21T13:52:00.000-08:00

We recently got this update on one of Shallbe's puppies from last year. In past posts we called her Sugar Bomb, but her real name is Sookie. Here is what her mom Angie had to say...

Sookie is a FABULOUS dog. Everyone in the family is over the moon about her and everyone who meets her falls in love. She weighs about 45 pounds now, and itʼs her 5 month birthday today, right?

She has an incredible disposition. Just as sweet as she can be. And soooo smart. She already has sit, down, leave it, and place down pat. And she will stay for about 15 or 20 seconds which I am told is very good for a pup her age. I just canʼt say enough about smart she is and eager to learn and please us.

I attached some photos. Sheʼs a very handsome girl.

I have moved my blog over to ESPNoutdoors.com and you can visit it HERE

Thanks for the update and pictures, Angie. We love them! Can't wait to follow your journey of raising a good brown dog!

1/29/2009
We also just learned that Sookie has been selected to participate in the Therapy Dog Program due to her excellent temperament. Good luck to Angie and Sookie in the year long training program! We know you both will be GREAT!!

HELLO-Is anyone out there???

2009-01-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

Oh, Hi!
We are looking for updates and pictures from any of our last 2 litters of puppies! We would LOVE to hear all about them, you and what you both have been up to. Please drop us an email or leave a comment. As we gear up for the new breeding season we would love to include some testimonials and pics of just how beautifully the puppies have grown up!
THANKS!

Planning for the new breeding season

2008-12-30T14:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, with the ringing in of the New Year, we are starting to think about our next litter of puppies. Actually, this year it will hopefully be 2 litters. Our plans are to breed Jessie and Razz. This will be Miss Jessie first litter and the second for Razzy. We are hoping for more black and chocolate mixed litters.

We are also in the process of building a new log cabin style on on the farm, so we are building the girls a new kennel too. We have some new and improved ideas for making the whelping kennel more user (user meaning me, I'm a tad on the short side) friendly.

So much excitement here on old Dragonfly Farm. We can't wait to see who will go into heat first. We've been interviewing potential poppas and will make the choices soon and get everything lined up.

I had a very nice gentleman stop by the farm this afternoon and try and sweet talk me into selling Shallbe. He asked 10 times and 10 times I said no. 10 times he asked how much and 10 times I said, "There is no amount that could pay my heart to send her away!" So Shallbe old girl you're stuck with us!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

Freakish Coincidence

2008-11-24T11:18:00.001-08:00

The day after Shallbe got stung, our daughter Jennifer's lab Bella got stung as well. Bella is a pup of Razz's litter from 2007. Jen and Bella live in California close to Mount Shasta.

Jen and Bella were out at the lake for a run when Bella was either stung by a bee or bitten by a spider on her eye lid. She then proceeded to vomit numerous times in Jen's car on the way home. By the time Jen got home Bella's entire face was swollen. Jen loaded Bella back up in the car (more vomiting to ensue) and took a emergency ride over to the vets.

It was a little crazy at the vet's because they were treating two dogs that had been mauled by a bear. Crazy!! Anyway Bella was treated by injection, just like Shallbe. We're happy to report that Bella is fine and doing well. The same can not be said about the smell in Jen's car! PHEWWW.

How Do You Make A Lab Look Like A Chow??

2008-11-20T16:39:00.000-08:00

By a bee sting to the face. OUCH! Our poor Shallbe was stung by a bee in the pastures and now her face is huge and swollen. The vet gave us some medicine to take down the swelling and prevent infection, so she should be better in a few days. Poor Pup!!

Unwelcome Visitor

2008-11-10T06:44:00.001-08:00

With Razz in heat we've had an unwelcome pit bull male lurking around the kennel. We're are not sure where he lives. I tend to think that he is coming down with hunters on the weekends. I have never seen him during the week, only on the weekends. He is collared and seems very gentle. Monte has actually walked right up to him, put a leash on his collar and lend him down the road. He has been "visiting" for about a month. We shoo him off and then don't see him again for about a week, but now with Razz in heat we can't seem to get our unwelcome guest to leave. He is trying like crazy to find a way into the kennel. Sorry buddy, NO DOIN'!! ( HA, HA) We had to have him removed from the property this weekend.

It really angers me that people assume just because we live in the country that it is okay to let your animal run wild. It is NOT! There is a major highway right next to our farm that semi's barrel down, many natural predators, not to mention farmers that will not tolerate dogs on their farms.

Be responsible dog owner. Protect your animal from the dangers of country life!

Stinky Skunk Dog

2008-11-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

Our morning started off with Jessie getting SKUNKED! That is not something you want to deal with before you have even had breakfast! This happens a couple times a year on the old farm. Thought I would share the remedy for this stinky problem.

Here is the formula to get rid of SKUNK.

One quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
One quarter cup baking soda
One teaspoon strong liquid soap
The ingredients will fizz when mixed together. Use the mixture while it's still foaming.

Bathe your dog as soon as possible preferably before the dog's coat dries with the SKUNK spray on it.

Remember to wear rubber gloves and old clothing! Or you too will have ode de skunk!

Last Hoo Rah!

2008-11-03T08:44:00.000-08:00

Saturday was quite the adventure. We loaded the last 3 boys up at 4 o'clock in the morning to set out for Indianapolis. The puppies were SO good, we couldn't believe it. The never whined or made a peep unless they need to stop to do their business.

When we did stop for a potty break they caused a ruckus everywhere we stopped! They would gather a crowd and put on a very interesting show. Who wouldn't love these dogs?? We could have sold them about 10 more times over the course of the trip.

We met with Jamie and the kids outside Indy where they continued the journey. Cookie and Count were picked up in Tiffin, Ohio by their dads. Count was originally supposed to go to a horse farm in Missouri, but that fell through. Now is going to be a hunt dog in Akron, Ohio. Count and Cookie went to two friends that hunt together, so the puppies will get to see each other often. How Awesome!

Boo, now named Charley Brown was picked up yesterday from Jamie's house. The kids had a fantastic time playing with Charley. Lee and his wife almost didn't get him. I received more than 1 call asking if the grand kids could just keep him. Allie told Jamie if Lee looked shabby or shaddy Charlie wasn't leaving. Jamie reassured her that Charley was going to a great family. Next recourse-- maybe Lee wouldn't want Charley. No doing! Charley is going to live the life of a king up in Michigan!!

So all in all it was a great year. Thanks to everyone who purchased a Shallbe puppy and to all those who visited our blog and followed our journey!

Razz came into heat this weekend. Yippy! Although, we don't breed in the winter. Her next cycle should be in early spring with pups in early June, just in time for the grand kids' summer visit!!

Count, Cookie And Boo

2008-10-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of puppies on the farm. Bright and early tomorrow morning we're loading the last 3 boys up for their road trip to Ohio and Michigan. We will hand them off in Indianapolis to Jamie and Allie. These boys are the sweetest boys so far! They come running just to sit in your lap!! I will miss the puppies once they're gone. Even though they're LOTS of work, it's all worth it. I had hoped to keep 1 pup to train out, like last year, but no such luck. Everyone found a good home straight away. As it should be!

No More Puppies

2008-10-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

Well our last unsold puppy just left the farm! Krispie is going to live down the road a bit to be gun dog. Our neighbor is an avid hunter and Krispie will live the good life of a duck dog.

We have a trip to Michigan/Ohio in a week to drop off 3 more puppies and then our 2008 puppy season will be over. It's always a bit sad to have the puppies leave, but everyone is going to join a great family. Some pups will be gun dogs and some a family pet, but we know they will all be happy!

8..7..6..5..4..3..2.. and 1 Puppy Left!!

2008-10-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

Cocoa Puff left the farm today to go live in Jonesboro with Haley and Chance and be a hunt dog! We know that she will make a very good hunt companion and we look forward to watching her grow into her full potential. Also, maybe we'll get an invite to come down there and hunt with the girls. Hint Hint! As a bonus she gets to stay a Razorback! GO HOGS!

**Not sure why photo is so small. Sorry.

Our Last Two Arkansas Babies

2008-10-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

Cocoa Krispie

Krispie is super scrappy and can hold her own with the rough and tumble boys. She is our "little" girl weighing in at 14 pounds. Don't let her size fool ya a couple of pounds doesn't make any difference to this girl!! She is the farm favorite because she is so spunky! Personalty to spare!

Cocoa Puff

Puff the student. She is a super quick learner and loves a good belly rub! She continues to show great hunt promise, loves the water and loves to sniff out upland game. Also, loves a good ear rub. Not much she doesn't love! Pleasantly butterballish at 17 pounds, barley shy of the boys! Super pup!

Puppies at 7 Weeks

2008-10-14T21:32:00.001-07:00

Sugar Bomb was the bomb!

2008-10-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Another puppy has left old Dragonfly Farm! Sugar Bomb went home to Little Rock with her new mom, Angie. Angie produces outdoor programming for ESPN. She is also the creator of a show called "Water Dog" that airs on the Versus channel.

So... they are a perfect match! We couldn't be happier that Sugar Bomb found such a wonderful home! Angie is planning on writing an editorial blog for ESPNOUTDOORS.com about life with a new puppy. Who knew our little Sugar Bomb was going to be famous??!! We are so proud. As soon as she's up and running we'll link to her blog so you can get updates of life off the farm.

So Long, Farwell, Aufverdersane...GoodBye

2008-10-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Chuck and Chuck of Crook's Kennel came to pick up their two puppies. 1 boy pup for allowing us to use Drake as the Papa! Thanks Crooks' and thanks Drake. Fine job old boy! And 1 girl pup because they couldn't resist. Shallbe is of really good lineage, War Eagle breeding is very desirable. So, off they left with 2 new puppies.

Well, we sadly say goodbye to Cap'n Crunch and Cocoa Pebbles! This part is always hard because we come to love the puppies so much, but know that they will make great dogs for their lucky new owners. Although, this morning was sorta nice only have to chase 6 puppies instead of 8! I think Shallbe is ready to move on as well. Her milk is beginning to dry up and I don't envy her feeding job with all those puppy teeth! OUCH!

Puppy Weigh-IN

2008-10-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

I've been getting a lot of questions as to what the puppies weigh and how big they are. Well here is the answer. Fat & Big!! This weigh in is 6.1 weeks of age. When I say they are fat butterballs, I ain't lyin'!

Cap'n Crunch 17 pounds
Count Chocula 16 pounds
Cookie Crisp 14.5 pounds
Boo Berry 15.5 pounds

Sugar Bomb 12 pounds

Cocoa Pebbles 11.5 pounds
Cocoa Krispie 13.5 pounds
Cocoa Puff 15 pounds

Chocolate Lab Swim Lesson Video

2008-10-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

Black Lab Swim Lesson Video

2008-10-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

Puppies' Afternoon At The Lake

2008-10-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the big day, first day of swim lessons!! Although they don't really need lessons. We have taken them to the lake before, but haven't let them swim only wade. Well, today EVERYONE went for a dip. Labs are naturally inclined to go in the water and the puppies were no different. We had a harder time getting them to come OUT than go in!

Boo Berry

2008-09-30T08:19:00.001-07:00

Boo Berry our resident sniffer, he sniffs everything! Just look at that nose. So cute! He is curious about everything and seems most curious about the lake. He is one of the puppies that didn't run and hide at the intro to gun. He just kept right on eating! Gun dog for sure! Weighed 8.1 pounds 9/25.

Introducing Count Chocula and Cocoa Puff

2008-09-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

Count Chocula! What a ham! Energetic and funny. Second Biggest boy at 8.4 pounds. Weighed 9/25

Cocoa Puff! She is a sweet girl. Shows great hunting promise. Can you tell by her pounce? Almost as big as her brothers at just barely shy of 8 pounds. Weighed 9/25

Chow Time

2008-09-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Pack of Wild Pups

2008-09-20T08:49:00.001-07:00

Puppies, Puppies Everywhere!

2008-09-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

Back to the Vet

2008-09-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

Well, we piled those puppies up once again for another trip to the vet. They are getting so big that they hardly fit in the wire kennel. They are much larger than Razz's puppies last year. Each pup is weighing at least 5 pounds, some almost 6. HOLY MOLY!! That's about a pound more than Razzy's puppies at the same age. It's getting harder to herd them all up now. They are so mobile that they are climbing over the divider wall in the new whelping box. They are so cute they look like little wind up doggies, all fluffy and fat!! I will post some pictures in the next few days!

Pile O' Puppies

2008-09-16T03:57:00.000-07:00

Seems the puppies like to sleep in one big pile on their backs!

Howling At The Moon

2008-09-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

The puppies have learned how to howl! It's funny during the day, but not so much at night! The moon was shining bright last night and they decided to howl and howl and howl. Hope the neighbors didn't mind.

The Dad

2008-09-06T04:24:00.001-07:00

Everyone has been asking about he puppies' dad. Well, here he is. His name is Drake, and he is an AKC Hunt Champion. He is one of the Crooks' best male dogs (that is were Razz and Jess come from). We knew that we would like to try for some chocolate puppies this time. We have a great relationship with both Chuck Sr and Junior, and they said they had the perfect dog. They train some of the best Field and Hunt dogs around. If they said it,it must be true and it was a perfect fit! Now we have the cutest puppies around. I will try and get some pictures posted soon. Gustav has been cramping our weather a little bit. Soon as we get some sun, I'll get some pictures!

Sorry the pics are small, it won't let me upload any larger. Not sure why :>(

Up, Up and Away

2008-09-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Well this week as been full of firsts. The puppies have started to open their eyes and take in their surroundings. Some have started to walk. This is a little precarious because of the lining of the new whelping box. It has a slick bottom for ease of cleaning and sanitizing, not ease of learning to walk. They much prefer their puppy play time in the yard for walking. Not too hard now to keep them all herded, but another week or so we'll be in trouble. Puppies all over the place!! Shallbe is a great momma, she is taking really good care of the pups. We are always a little concerned with the first liter, but Shallbe has taken to motherhood like an old pro. I am waiting for the puppies eyes to open a little more and I'll post some more picutres. Boy are they cute! They're getting fatter by the day.

Sad Day

2008-08-28T07:04:00.001-07:00

Today is a sad day as we lost one of the chocolate boys early this morning. There was some commotion out at the kennel about 1 am. We went out to take a look and smelled the very distinct odor of a skunk. We check on the girls and the pups; everyone was fine. When we went back out to the feed everyone this morning, we found our poor lost boy. We think that after the commotion Shallbe might have gone back in and laid on him. It's no one's fault, be we feel terrible non the less. Good bye sweet boy.

Puppy Outing to the Vet

2008-08-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

Well, we loaded all the puppies up today. We took them to town and had Doc check them out. He says they are perfect. The girls in the office went crazy over our new family additions. The puppies weighed in at a good size. We figured they would as Shallbe and the dad are big. Puppies had their declaws done too. Ouch! They continue to eat like crazy! I think they are already bigger!

The Puppies Have Arrived

2008-08-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Shallbe had her first liter of puppies. They are adorable! Puppies and mom are doing well. We have 3 black females, 1 chocolate female and 5 chocolate males! They are eating and doing well. The other dogs seem curious and Razz actually alerted us that Shallbe was birthing. What a smart dog. Much smarter than Lassie! We are excited to have our first liter with chocolate puppies. Everyone will be ready for their new homes before Halloween. We look forward to them opening their eyes and developing their personalities. It's pretty difficult to tell them apart at this stage! Hooray, good job Shallbe!