Driving Miss Cleo
Wednesday, July 8th, 2009This afternoon Holly and I are making the long trek to Damascus, Oregon, to breed our virgin Silken Windhound, Cleo. Her paramour, Banner, is a handsome red lad who will be enjoying his first conjugal visit as well.
We witnessed the breeding of two silkens a few years ago when we drove studly Ash to meet his love, Delaney. The process was quite civilized. After a few hours of sniffing and relaxing, the owners gently guided the two hounds together, helping support them as they tired of their positions. (Dogs remain conjoined for up to 20 minutes. It’s a natural phenomenon necessary to the breeding process but very tiring and especially uncomfortable for the female.) After 15 minutes, the dogs bodies relaxed and they went their separate ways. The process was repeated the next morning and then we drove Ash home. Six months later, Ash’s lovely progeny, Cleo, came to live with us.
It has been two years since Cleo joined our family. In another few months, we’ll be shepherding her puppies into the world. I can’t wait.
