With storm Amy erupting, the last place we wanted to be was out on our hands and knees in the fields, but when a bitch is ready for mating these things have to be done! With great difficulty, Sky was mated to Orin over 2 years ago, we were at the point of giving up then, when somehow it happened and a lovely litter followed.
Prepared for the fight today we tried for about an hour, initially Sky was so tight that O's willy could not go in, but she relaxed a little, and we had several, "almost there moments!" Battered by the weather, we decided to have a break - and I called in the cavalry. Alison was here within 20 mins and agreed that Sky was really tight, and as I had noticed she went up and over. (inside her) Her confirmation made me feel better as I hate to fail, and I hate for my dog to fail. Alison is experienced and has done courses, (Steve says she has Bonk-ology) qualifying to do AI when the KC allowed it. I told her I would like a natural mating if possible. With an extra pair of hands and me concentrating solely on my boy, within 5 mins he'd had done the deed, but there was noway his "bulbous"" end could get far enough in to tie, so both were held together for about 10 mins to make sure the wash pushed the sperm along on its way. Alison has offered to come back again on Sunday morning and give it round two!
In these situations, you realise just how good Orin's temperament is, he's pulled and pushed about by us and has a female here who initially wanted to kill him. He never gives up and never questions my judgment when I pull him off or try and move him closer to the target. Alison was only here a short while but she pleased me tremendously by commenting on his character, saying that he was an excellent stud dog to manage. I love my Orin.
I'm now sat with a packet of frozen peas on the inside of my leg as I think I've pulled a muscle ... but thanks to Orin I have over two thirds of Siska's stud fee! Any money made from the dogs, goes back into the dogs!
