We only planned to keep one puppy from the Samson/Calypso breeding, but then there was Raspberry girl. The smallest puppy in the litter for the eight weeks they were with us, but also the orneriest and most active, with compelling facial features and eyes that never let you go. At 4-5 weeks Traci noted excessive regurgitation suggesting Mega-e like symptoms. At seven weeks we conducted a barium swallow test that confirmed pocketing in the esophageal area, and a subsequent visit to a surgeon ruled out any operable stricture.

Since we were (and remain) unsure of what her condition is, we decided keep her (truth be known — she decided to keep us) and treat her as mega-e. Over the course of five months, her earlier symptoms have decreased markedly — the "clicking" sound when swallowing has disappeared, we no longer feed her elevated, and regurgitation is no longer present. She is only minimally behind her littermates in weight and has the energy and drive of Calypso. She is constantly in trouble, and unendingly torments her uncles, especially Biz who patiently endures her attentions.

Her condition remains unclear and we will have her examined by a specialist for final assessment before she turns one year old. For now, however, she — Stardust's Raspberry d'lite — is content to be the ring leader of the brat pack.

As always for more information on our pups, contracts, guarantees, Shilohs or any other questions you may have, please contact us.

Razzle — May 2008.

Razzle.

Razzle.