We are making plans for a July 30th whelping of Glory's likely final litter, and second with amazing stud Quest von Nummer-Eins.  Glory looks HUGE and the ultrasound confirmed the pregnancy with at least 4 puppies growing.  When we get an u/s, we're not looking for an exact count.  We don't want to have to shave a lot of the coat and it doesn't matter at this point because some puppies might be absorbed and like Glory's last litter, we may find quite a few more hanging out in her uterus!  If you aren't already on our mailing list, do sign up!  You'll soon see details on our largest and limited discount on puppies, for early deposits.  Those who commit to a puppy from Glory's litter with a deposit received on or before August 13th will receive a $200 discount off the price of their puppy.  This early deposit helps us cover the well over $5,000 we will have spent on vet bills and stud fees at the time of whelping.  If you remember high school science class, the Punnett square with Glory (long long gene) and Quest (Stock long gene) will result in statistically 50% stock coats (specifically Stock long gene) and 50% long coats (long long gene).  To ensure you have a good chance of being able to select the sex and coat type that you want, you will want to send in your deposit early.  Deposits are not refundable, but may be applied to the next Starry Night GSDs litter (currently scheduled to be Cassie and probably Quest).  Call me for more details.

Summer has brought a wonderful 250th celebration of our great country, the world cup to America, sunflowers to the garden (a wonderful ode to Vincent Van Gogh), and a new, precious and extremely promising puppy!  Thunder von Nummer-Eins, out of Gaga von Nummer-Eins is the adorable long-coat with a black face and steely expression.  We can't wait until she is able to come home to Starry Night GSDs and join our pack!  We intend to train and trial/show Ms. Thunder.  We'll start a page on her progress so you can follow along with our ups and downs!

In other news, we're adding a new HVAC system to the kennel to keep Glory's puppies cool and comfortable when they transition from the whelping box inside the house to the puppy room.  We're even having our friends at Gator Kennels make us another custom puppy room gate that's easier to step over but will still be mostly glass so we can see what the little guys are up to. 

Six puppies went to their new homes at 8 weeks old and the other four attended a 3-week puppy foundations board-and-train to solidify positive behaviors prior to transitioning to their new homes.  From Maine to Texas, the H litter can be found across the East Coast and Midwest: Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Texas…these beauties are having positive impacts on their owners' lives already.  Three have helped owners' heal their broken hearts after the passing of their own, beloved dogs.  One is not only the first GSD for his owner, but his first dog ever!  One was a surprise anniversary present from a loving husband to a wife who had always had GSDs, and another was a first pet for a couple who had just bought a home together.  From being the loyal companion they had hoped for to the buddy that motivates the owner to exercise for improved health, the H litter is proving to be the best litter Starry Night GSDs has ever produced.  

The consistency of structure, health and temperament has been delightful. The resounding feedback we've received is how they have either never had a potty accident in the house (or vehicle in the case of our professional truck driver who takes his girl with him everywhere), or that an accident or two occurred because the owner wasn't watching.  We're hearing stories of how brilliant they are (learning so many commands at such a young age, and even locking an owner out of his vehicle and then taking a nap on the floor board) and how funny and joyful they are.  

We like to say that it takes 3 full days for the puppy or dog to settle at their new home, 3 weeks to learn the routine and feel comfortable in the home and 3 months to truly become part of the new family.  

In other news, one of our adults found a new home while the H-Litter “brother” was in training. Elmo “Theo” certainly hit the lottery finding a home with a gentleman whose two sisters live in his neighborhood (and parents nearby).  Theo (pronounced “Tay-o” like Vincent van Gogh's beloved brother) spend's evenings and weekends with his owner and days with his new owner's sister and many nieces and nephews.  Long walks in the neighborhood, ball in their yards and many car rides, errands and activities makes him a very happy and fortunate boy.