Anyone that decides to take pictures of 8 week old puppies, especially when hubby is tired, should have their head examined.  I should say, what you see is what you get.  Terry had a LOT of patience, but I didn't want to push him too far :o))

We evaluated them by the "Puppy Puzzle" a night earlier and they were exceptionally good then, but when we took these pictures, it was a whole different story.  They DIDN'T want their pictures taken.  When they were stacked, they leaned into you and that made the legs appear less than straight, but it wasn't their structure, it was their contrary behavior that allowed many to look less than perfect, and this is a PERFECT litter.  Just ask Terry, he will tell you how perfect they are.

AND NOW WE ARE EIGHT!  What a wonderful age, they are puppies and are a joy to play with.  They love to go outside and play.  Their first time out was great for five and challenging for two.  The two that were cautious did the crab walk so they could stay as close to the ground as possible, then the Black Tri Female scooted under the truck to be as protected as possible. 

They play ball, they play tug a war, they like to do keep away and a favorite game is I have it, and you can't get it.  When they get out they are 100 mile per hour puppies.  They run, run, run; crashing into each other.  They are trying to learn how to jump on and off things, but most often their planning is just a little off.  You can hear the "oooofffff" when they hit the other side, or miss their target.  They are tough Aussie puppies and don't come crying to me.

I won't be sorry to see them go because we bred the litter for *US* and we are keeping three, at least for now.  Puppies to raise again, how I look forward to the teeth marks in the furniture, chewed underwear, house breaking and so many other things that wonderful Aussie puppies do before they are all grown up.  More to love, my heart always has room !

 

Black Tri Female Of course she will be staying with us.  How could we let her go.  Now all we need is a name.  Terry and I are now debating about names.  Girls names always seem so hard to find.  This is daddy's little girl, she just loves to snuggle in her dad's arms, she will place her head under his chin, take a deep breath and just relax, she stole his heart easily.  She did not want her picture taken.  Her ears are held back and if you notice her legs bend towards my right.  She just wanted to do it HER own way.  Notice that she and Max have a "freckle" on the left side of their noses.  They look more and more like each other as each day pass. UPDATE:  Dani is now living with my son, daughter in law and our 18 month old son Austin.  She is Austin's play toy and he enjoys a good drag now and then.
Blue Merle Male This male will be serving a special function.  He will be going to Sandy Everett of Manteca, CA and he will become a "service dog".  Sandy will work with "Paws to Freedom", and this guy will be trained to help Sandy with her daily life. He is not a complete dilute as the tip of his ear is black, at least he had some correct color.  This guy is such fun.  He will stand just out of your reach and wave his paw at you, trying to touch you and get your attention.  Of course if you try to catch him, he can be fast and will run, waiting to play "catch me" one more time.  This is also a snuggle puppy.  He LOVES to snuggle, which is quite a task since he is still the biggest boy.  This male will be quite a comforting dog, his temperament is calm and very loving.  He likes children, teenagers and adults.  He is very well socialized for any placement, but of course it still has to be just the right home.
Black Tri Male,  "MEGABUCKS MAXIMUM BET", PENDING, call name Max.  Of course Max is nice.  He knew he was going to be a show dog from the day he was born, so he has been preparing for the task.  He is "slightly" calmer than the other boys when he is picked up, but when he is back with the herd, he is right in the middle of the trouble.  He can hold his own when trying to keep his chosen toy.  Notice that Max and his black tri sister have a "freckle" on the left side of their noses.  They look more and more like each other as each day pass. UPDATE:  Max went to live with Chet Conlin and is his constant companion.
Blue Merle Male,  "MEGABUCKS POWDER KEG", PENDING; call name Boomer, will be staying at Megabucks.  From day one this little boy has been my favorite.  He is the master of his domain, the top of the heap, the most in your face and he likes to pose all the time.  He wants everyone to know that "Boomer" is here and he is to be noticed.  Oh, he IS noticed, and we hope that will continue in the show ring.  He is strikingly different.  He took the split face from his mom and his bone, head and style are those of his father. There is no way this little boy was leaving the ranch. UPDATE:  Boomer was renamed Los Carneros Wins Megabucks and is showing on the California circuit.
Red Merle Female, She will be staying at Megabucks, and like her sister we need a GREAT name.  From the first picture the handlers wanted this little girl to show, now they will get their chance.  She is a much more substantial bitch than her black tri sister.  She has a much larger head, a longer back, a longer neck and more bone.  Even with all that she maintains her femininity.  We can hardly wait to see how she does in the show ring.  And of course, just for Meryl, her eyes are amber, and if they have any blue, it will just be tiny spots, so we won't need those sun glasses. UPDATE:  Maddie is now Megabucks Mad About Red and did stay with us.  She showed earlier in her career and just had her first litter in 2007, nine colorful puppies.  This was her first and last breeding and will return to the show circuit as soon as she is ready.
Black Tri Male, THIS SNUGGLY, LOVING MALE IS AVAILABLE TO A COMPANION HOME.  He is still the smallest of the litter AND he is still the greatest snuggler.  He just loves to curl up in your arms and lick your chin, and add a little bit of teeth when he kisses.  This boy too is great with everyone, he will adjust to any home and any environment.  He is not shy and wants that perfect home.
Blue Merle Male, Adoption confirmed to Geri Bean of Phoenix, AZ.  This boy ALMOST stayed at Megabucks too, but how could I justify keeping 4.  I had to be kind enough to at least let someone else adopt him and allow him to be their show dog.  He is a nice male.  His color is such a light powder blue, he may have bi-eyes, if not they will be very close with just a sprinkling of blue and amber in the predominately blue or amber eyes.  His eye liner gives him a striking facial look and he is pretty good at tilting his head to give that "special" look.  He should do quite well in the show ring, we have high hopes for this guy and are pleased his new home will suit him so well.  He will join a Border Collie buddy, a mom and a dad.  Maybe I can get the "Beans" to move to Reno so we can be closer to them and this little guy so we can watch him "strut his stuff".