Wotan, Windward's Standing In Motion, JH, AX, AXJ, NSD, CGC, V

Thank you friends...

2010-08-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

We are overwhelmed by the wonderful words of support and condolences received after we lost our beloved Wotan last week. I truly appreciate the outpouring of love.

Wotan, running in the Salt Marsh on Cape Cod, one of his most favorite places in the world. Trixie and Jam in the distance.

One friend, who knew Wotan well, whose words especially touched me:

I am so sorry to hear of Wotan's passing. He certainly was a life-changing dog for you - opening up an entire world and tons of friendships.

You just can't say his name without a smile - he was that special.

I know you will miss him with an ache in your heart but knowing that your life was so much richer because of his presence.

Goodbye my Wotan

2010-08-19T09:21:00.001-07:00

Who could have imagined the amazing journey he took me on and the lessons he taught me...he will forever be in my heart...

Windward's Standing In Motion, JH, AX, AXJ, NSD, CGC, V

"Wotan"

September 13, 1996 - August 19, 2010

(CH Greywind's High Flying Cloud, JH x CH Windward's Perfect Harmony, JH)

Wotan was my heart and soul dog. He was a truly wonderful gift from his breeder after a tragic accident killed his sister. He was my constant companion and kept me company as a pup, while on bedrest during a difficult pregnancy and as my personal therapy dog during chemotherapy. So tolerant of a then novice handler, Wotan was my "A" dog, and guinea pig and exposed to almost every dog activity out there. I showed this boy myself and put a 4-point major on him but we retired him at 13 points, just short of finishing his championship, as we tried unsuccessfully to get that last elusive major. He would not work for even the best handlers as he was such a momma's boy.

Wotan had incredible drive and athleticism. Extremely birdy, he finished his Junior Hunter title easily and loved to hunt at the preserve. He even earned his first leg with a very pregnant handler traipsing behind.

We then discovered agility and immediately became hooked. Wotan was born for this sport but it took years to bridle his extreme enthusiasm and drive, and gain control and consistency. He humbled his handler at many agility trials and if anything, always provided the entertainment. Amazingly at the age of 12, he completed his AX and AXJ titles with first places at all breed trials.

Known as the Houdini dog, Wotan broke out of every crate made and would rather just guard the house from his perch on the couch.

Wotan retired from agility (at age 12), and up until the very end, he still loved to hike, run around the yard and cuddle next to me in bed.

Back to normal...

2010-08-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

Wotan has made such an amazing recovery from his bloat incident. It's hard to believe that it was only a week ago that he was released from the animal hospital. He's enjoying being home like nothing happened, lounging around the house and watching the girls romp in the yard while he suns himself in the grass. His biggest struggle was not getting treats while he was on a modified diet but now he can have them and is thrilled. He still wakes me up during the night to come up on the bed and snuggle with me.

Getting ready for an afternoon nap...

Enough with the pictures already!

Welcome home buddy!

2010-07-31T11:48:00.001-07:00

After a two day stint in the animal hospital, Wotan has made an amazing recovery and is doing great. He is happy to be home and as if he never left, is napping in his favorite chair. We are beyond relieved that he's fine and finally home, as the house just wasn't right without him.

My shadow is away

2010-07-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

My boy is never far from me but has grown an aversion to having his picture taken in recent years. I was able to sneak the camera out and get this picture last week before he got up.

A very stressful day as Wotan is spending the night in the animal hospital after bloating late this afternoon. We were very lucky as I immediately recognized the signs of bloat and rushed him to the emergency vet before his stomach torsioned. The x-ray showed a tremendous amount of gas and a procedure was done to remove the gas. They will monitor him overnight and I hope he can come home tomorrow.

If you are not familiar with bloat and own a large chested breed, you need to be familiar with the symptoms because this can occur very quickly and if not treated immediately can be deadly. From the WCA website:

Gastric Torsion or GDV, bloat/torsion, twisted stomach:

Bloat is a disease common to deep-chested dogs that can involve twisting or torsion of the stomach with a subsequent blockage of the esophagus at one end and the intestine at the other. Bloat happens quickly and is often fatal without immediate veterinary attention.

Its symptoms include retching with no vomiting, extreme salivation, obvious discomfort, and distention of the abdomen. Gulping food can bring on an attack of bloat, so Weimaraners should be fed twice daily to avoid the hunger pangs that lead to eating too fast. Some breeders believe that foods containing soybeans shouldn't be fed to breeds that are susceptible to bloat because the beans can produce gas.

Many cases of bloat occur in the evening, after the dog has perhaps shared the family snack of pizza or some other highly-spiced food and then exercised. Treatment is expensive and not always successful. Feeding moistened dog food and postponing exercise for a couple of hours after the meal may help prevent bloat. You can also visit the The Great Dane Bloat Book for more info.

Sunday nap

2010-06-27T14:31:00.001-07:00

Yes, Wotan really does sleep in this position...maybe dreaming of belly rubs!

First day of summer

2010-06-21T08:49:00.001-07:00

Enjoying the backyard while it's still cool outside...

At my age you're still making me do obedience and pose with her???

Good man!

Loves toys...

2010-04-29T05:26:00.000-07:00

Toy, bone, toy, bone...decisions, decisions...

The old boy still loves toys, especially when he can steal one out of the puppy box!

Someone else's toy is better to nook on...

Regal

2010-03-18T07:47:00.001-07:00

Always a pup...

2010-03-12T20:16:00.000-08:00

I love this picture of Wotan and me that Sara took on her recent visit. Wotan looks like such a puppy here.

What about me?

2010-02-21T06:36:00.001-08:00

Wotan looking forlorn when he realized that the bagels and lox brunch did not include him...

Cuddle time

2010-01-09T10:12:00.001-08:00

Wotan and Jam, cuddling on the couch, in front of a blazing fire, on a frigid winter eve.

Happy Holidays from the Grayhart Gang!

2009-12-23T19:40:00.000-08:00

Our own snowman...

2009-12-20T14:19:00.001-08:00

Wotan still loves to play in the snow, especially when there are toys and competition involved.

Waiting for the throw...such intense looks on their faces.

It's mine little girl!
Tandem Weims!

Catch me if you can!

Snow, what snow?

A hiking we will go...

2009-12-04T06:31:00.001-08:00

Difficult to get a decent shot of a moving target. When Wotan is out hiking, he is constantly on the move, exploring and checking out all the interesting smells. Not as agile as he used to, he still keeps up and reminds us how much joy he gets from being in the woods and with us.

The boy and his Kong

2009-11-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

Enjoying an afternoon hike with his favorite toy...life is good!

Fall fun

2009-11-04T14:41:00.001-08:00

Here I am! Such a good boy!

Wotan loved running in the field with Jam at the preserve today. Even at 13, he's still such a pup and with those flying nun ears, you can't help but smile.

Devil Dog

2009-10-31T14:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Argh matey!

Happy 13th Birthday Wotan!!!

2009-09-13T19:19:00.001-07:00

My special boy and best bud, turned 13 years old today! I've truly been blessed to have him this long and he is still in great health, doing all the things he loves like hiking, backyard agility and major couch potato!

Enjoying Cape Cod

2009-09-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

Hanging with his best girl.

Wotan, almost 13 years old, still has a bounce in his step as he trots along the trail in the salt marsh.
Contemplating a dip in the water...he loved retrieving his floating Kong.

Our Weim crew!

Lots of cool things to check out.

Yummy!

2009-06-12T12:44:00.001-07:00

Possessed by the knuckle bone!

Springtime Hike

2009-05-31T18:00:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed a beautiful spring day hiking at Harriman State Park hoping to find the mountain laurel in bloom. We were a few days too early to see these pretty flowers so we will just have to go back another day. Wotan, Trixie and Jam LOVE to hike and the opportunity to explore the woods. It also tires the dogs out, which is a good thing!

Wotan with his mud boot on!

Hard to believe that Wotan will be 13 in September - he is in amazing shape.A nice cool drink on this hot day
and off he goes!

Puppyvision

2009-05-04T20:10:00.001-07:00

Wotan keeps careful watch of the pups romping on the deck...puppyvision!

Buddies

2009-04-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

Wotan thought I wouldn't notice him squeezed into the puppy crate as we set up the puppy pen. Jam was in heaven nooking on the pink octopus... she must get one of her own!

These two are best buddies and love spending time together. Wotan is extremely tolerant of Jam's puppy antics and will play with her as well as cuddle with her.

I'm still a puppy...

2009-03-23T17:11:00.001-07:00

Wotan thought he would try out the puppies' warming bed...
Sorry buddy, but just because it's on your favorite chair doesn't mean it is for you.

A tired Weim is a good Weim!

2009-02-27T19:06:00.001-08:00

The Sit-Nap

2009-02-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

Wotan takes a power-nap in the kitchen, sitting by the treat jar, in the hopes that when he wakes up, rewards will fall from the heavens!This is much more comfy, especially for a dog of his stature.

Is it Spring yet?

2009-02-01T16:25:00.001-08:00

Today was an almost Springlike day with weather in the 40's and a chance for the frozen tundra I call my backyard to thaw and became safe again for the dogs to run and play.Wotan was so excited, especially when I brought out his all time favorite toy...the Kong on a rope!

Wotan loves retrieving and carrying this toy, whether on land or water.

He especially loves playing keep away with Jam.It's mine, all mine...poor Jam.

Looking back...1997

2009-01-30T17:22:00.000-08:00

Wotan earned his first Junior Hunter leg in the Spring of 1997 at the Nutmeg Weimaraner Club Hunt Test in Connecticut. He worked for a very pregnant handler, me on the left, and stacked nicely for Cheryl Lent, longtime Weimaraner breeder. The judges were relieved that I finished the brace without going into labor!

Not impressed...

2009-01-28T16:13:00.000-08:00

While that silly puppy may be impressed by those big birds outside, yawn, Wotan clearly is not.Is it possible to nap while sitting???

Afternoon naptime...

2009-01-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

Comfy couches at Marc and Lauri's

Dinner, now please...

2009-01-11T15:41:00.001-08:00

The glare of those zombie eyes... reminding me that it is time for dinner.

New Year's Day Hike

2009-01-02T20:58:00.001-08:00

Despite the frigid temperature, Wotan enjoyed romping in the snow for a New Year's Day hike.
Campgaw Reservation in NJ is wonderful park with hiking trails and a ski hill.

Run Wotan Run!
Love that tongue!

These wonderful pictures were taken by Weim lover and photographer, Marc Stumbo.

The full slide show of all my dogs can be seen at:

http://www.axisimaging.com/grayhart/gallery1/010109/index.html

Happy Holidays from Grayhart

2008-12-24T14:24:00.000-08:00

The Snow Man

2008-12-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

The fresh snow was the perfect backdrop for taking pictures of my favorite boy. Wotan thought it was extra yummy!

We love our Wotan!

December Snow Day

2008-12-19T12:19:00.000-08:00

Watching the girls fly around the yard...smart boy for staying out of their way.Now where's that treat you promised?

Girl and her boy

2008-12-07T12:59:00.001-08:00

Willing the treat jar

2008-11-30T14:23:00.001-08:00

Maybe if we sit here long enough, treats will fall from heaven...

or mom will notice how good we're being and dole out the snacks!

Nooking away

2008-11-05T19:50:00.001-08:00

Awwwww.....

Wotan in an almost trance-like state as he nooks away on a plush ball.

America's Next Top Model

2008-10-27T14:51:00.001-07:00

Wotan, our handsome boy, part of Polo Ralph Lauren fall/winter ad campaign.

Look out for more shots of Wotan appearing in the outlet stores this coming December.

Wotan Earns his AX Title!

2008-10-19T16:05:00.001-07:00

Wotan completed his Agility Excellent title today with a third place, at the Skyline Agility trial. He may not look too thrilled modeling his new ribbons but his runs were picture perfect.

My goal was to finish his AX and AXJ titles this year and it feels wonderful to have accomplished this.

I am so proud of my wonderful boy!

Wotan Earns his AXJ!!!

2008-09-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

At the BCDC trial yesterday, Wotan earned his Excellent Agility Jumpers title (AXJ) with a First Place! This amazing boy, age 12, had a perfect run and was six seconds under course time. He was also the only dog in his class to qualify on this challenging course. I am so proud of Wotan!

Wotan achieved his AXJ title winning first place for all three legs!

In the afternoon, he had another clean run but in typical Weim fashion, would not immediately sit on the table, and we did not qualify as we were over time by two seconds! That would have completed his AX title.....

Unfortunately, this handler is not as agile as my dogs, and at the second to last obstacle did a front cross and tore a muscle in my calf. We finished the course and I limped off. Long story short, the ER doctor put me in a splint/soft cast, sent me home on crutches with explicit directions to not drive. I'll see an orthodpedic surgeon this week and most likely will just need physical therapy and time off from agility, boo hoo.

We'll have to finish that AX title another day!

So close, yet so far...

2008-08-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

Wotan had an almost perfect run in Excellent JWW but a bauble in the weaves gave us a refusal and a disqualifying run. In Excellent, the only thing that qualifies is perfection and on this day, we just weren't :( And not a bad run for my almost 12 year old boy!

Wotan is a Star!

2008-07-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

Wotan showed us this week what true starpower he really has, modeling for a Ralph Lauren fashion shoot one day, and then the next day, going to an agility trial and qualifying in Excellent Standard with a 2nd place! What makes this accomplishment even more special is that he has had a two-month hiatus from agility so he really surprised me.

The location for the shoot was on an estate in western New Jersey, near Bedminster. This area is big horse country and the USET headquarters are located nearby.

Wotan and his Brazilian model, Vanessa. Their pictures will appear in the Ralph Lauren outlet stores in December.

Wotan was not starstruck and just relaxed and enjoyed the day, as well as the bagel used for bait.

It was 95 degrees outside and long day of waiting. We spent much of the day hanging out in this lovely kitchen, full of catered food, a bonus as these jobs.

Can you imagine having this reflecing pool and gorgeous stone building in your backyard?

This was taken in one of the many greenhouses on the property. The landscaping and exotic foliage was breathtaking.

Even the bathroom in the greenhouse was beautiful.

Wotan the Fashion Model

2008-07-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

Wotan's agent requested some new photos of him to submit for a modeling job. He was such a good boy posing for me.

We got the good news....you're hired! Wotan will be posing for Ralph Lauren. The photo shoot is this week but the pictures are for a future ad campaign and will be in print in 6-9 months.

Okay, enough with the pictures!

Barking, who said I was barking?

2008-06-26T18:38:00.001-07:00

Barking, oh no not me!

Must be those puppies making the racket.

Did you say treat? I'm on my way inside...

Poor Neglected Boy

2008-06-24T19:46:00.001-07:00

Poor Wotan feels a bit left out with all the attention going to the puppies. We try to make sure that he gets quality time and plenty of belly rubs. He particularly enjoys going alone with me for our 3-mile walks or runs in the woods.

They don't stay on the dog bed for long...once the lights go out, it's up onto the king size sleigh bed for these two.

Wotan's Winning Exc JWW Run

2008-05-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

Here's Wotan's Winning JWW run...so proud of my boy!

Wotan's Big Mother's Day Win

2008-05-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Wotan gave me a wonderful Mother's Day/Birthday weekend in agility.

Since he is 11 1/2 years old and I won't be able to trial for a number of months, due to the puppies, I asked my instructor to handle him as I so desperately want to finish his AX and AXJ titles. He worked wonderfully for her in class and hoped she could do what I haven't been able to. In typical weim fashion, and yes it was caught on video, after the 4th jump with Arlene, Wotan ran out of the ring looking for me, lol!

Nix the plan for someone else to run him. So in the afternoon, I ran him in Excellent Standard and he qualified with a 2nd place! Our first Q in a year.

Today, he had a pretty good morning run in Standard, but the judge called a refusal, that was debatable, and he took a long time to sit on the table, so we didn't Q.
The best was yet to come. The Excellent JWW course started with a tunnel, which is a bonus for us since the little stinker will not stay at the start line.

Not only did Wotan have an amazing run in 40 seconds and qualify, we got 1st place and he was the only dog to qualify!

It was very exciting since all of my classmates and friends watched the run and cheered us on. The run was videotaped, so it should be uploaded soon.