We just returned from the ALAA conference in Seattle. It was nice to meet some of the diverse group of people who make up the labradoodle community.
Our trip was not as pleasant as I had hoped as while we were away we were dealing with a painful situation with our beautiful black and white llama cria born last month. Unfortunately she fractured her leg while out in the herd. Our friend Darren took her to two vets who consulted with a third and all agreed the prognosis was not good. We had to have her euthanized.
It was hard to enjoy the trip as I continued to reflect on how much I had grown attached to the potential I saw in this little girl but I have since accepted that my dreams for her were inconsistent with the time she was to have here on earth and that life is a process we must continue to trust. It is definitely the most difficult aspect of raising animals and not our first experience with this type of loss. My husband is quick to point out all the high points in our life shared with the llamas and dogs (however he forgets this at shearing time!)
In my own heart I know in the next week I will be basking in the joy and excitement I feel watching Keely with her first litter of babies assuring myself that life goes on and is wonderful despite the heartbreaks along the way.It was also nice to arrive home to a nice card made for me my friends little girl and a bottle of Funky Llama wine. Although most of my friends aren’t llama or dog breeders they all support me and share in my disappointments along the way. Again another sign that life is always good:)

Keely is doing great with her first pregnancy. She remains a good friend to our puppy Maddie and seems to have the energy to keep up with her but for shorter periods. Next week Darren and I will be in Seattle for the Australian Labradoodle Association of America conference. There will be a great whelping seminar so we are looking forward to it. keely will be in the excellent care of my friend Christa who is on the puppy list and her mother Doreen while Christa attends a wedding. I have been lucky to have great friends who enjoy the doodles too. In a bout 2 1/2 weeks we should have some great babies to show off!

I have recently received alot of requests for puppies. The labradoodle craze is catching on! We run into people all the time that recognize the labradoodles which is different from 2 years ago.
At this time we have four spots taken for our Avalon list for spring 2010 puppies.We will accept two more applications. This will be Avalon’s grand finale so if anyone is considering this litter please let me know. Keely will also have another litter in 2010 as well so if minis interest you let us know. There are less minis available so spots fill up quick.

Last week my friend Christa took Keely for her ultrasound. They were able to see four puppies. Keely is getting rounder and sleeping more. we are very excited for these babies to arrive.