Preparation for Shelby!

I am so excited about our new baby Shelby... we have unofficially decided on this as her name! I was busy putting her crate together today and let me tell you - it was not an easy task. I put the whole thing together and was so proud of myself. So I went to open the door and it wouldn't open! I had to take the whole thing apart and flip the side because it was upside down... stupid!! So, I put the crate back together and am once again so proud of myself. I look behind me and the pan is propped up against the coffee table! I didn't put the blasted pan in!! So, once again, I had to take the thing apart to put the pan in.. ugh! But I finally finished and it looks amazing.

I bought a white down comforter with shams and it all fills the crate perfectly. I want our scent to be on all of her bedding so she will not stress during her crate training. I posted some pics below - look how big her crate is! It comes up to my chest... Chan and I could sleep in it no problem! I have also been picking up some items - leash, collar, bowls, wash clothes, shampoo, toys, etc. - along the way so we don't have to get everything at once.

I am prepared for my baby girl and cannot wait for her to join our family on September 11th or 12th!! I have read sooo many articles and studies and feel very prepared, but I know I won't be fully prepared until she gets here. We know that she will be a huge part of our lives and we hope and pray that she is always healthy and happy!

Chandler likes Shelby, Miley, and Trixie!!! At least we are narrowing it down :)

More thoughts on our future baby...

I am thinking about feeding our pup, yet to be named, either Wellness, Natural Balance, or Blue Buffalo. Also, I want to do the Blackwatch feeding program recommended on the Great Dane Lady's website. I am scared to death of bloat and really want to do everything I possibly can to prevent any ailments, especially something as serious as bloat. I cannot wait for updated pictures to be posted of our little baby! I think about her all of the time and cannot wait for her to join us in our home. I have done extensive, extensive research on raising a Great Dane and I feel more prepared each day. I feel like I am going to have a child!

My husband and I have been talking about future travel plans and if we want to get a pet sitter to come to our house or if we should board. We really think that getting a pet sitter would be the best bet for our dogs in order to reduce stress. We are just nervous about letting a stranger into our house like that. If anyone knows any reliable pet sitters in the Augusta, GA (Evans) area, please let us know so we can start a relationship asap!

Also, another concern for me is the best time to spay. I have read a lot about spaying early to prevent breast cancer. The other area of thought is to let them go through one heat cycle in order to keep a balance of hormones. It is very important not to spay during or for two months after their cycle, etc. but I am not sure what to do. Also, I am not sure if I could handle a puppy that large going through a heat cycle in the house! We all know those doggie diapers don't stay on! Hmmm, what to do...

We should be picking her up on September 11th or 12th, 2009! Oh, and her ears will be cropped when we pick her up.

Let me know what name you like:
Blitz
Cameo
Trixie
Indigo
Izzy
Ella
Ellie
Dolce
Xena
Queeny
Sugar
Sophia
Roxy
Darcy
Mia
Zanie
Sally
Cali
Flower
Bella
Miley
Stella
Carly
Bailey
Shelby
Layla
Lucy

My new blog!

Hello all! I am starting a blog about our puppy that we will bringing into our home in September. I really want to chart her growth, post pics, and just let everyone watch her become a beautiful, regal great dane.

A great dane has been a dream of mine as long as I can remember. I have always had small dogs but never had the chance/time/room for a giant breed. I love the lines of the dane, the beautiful steel blue coat (we are getting a blue), the muscular yet sleek appearance, and the loyal/gentle personality of this "gentle giant". I am absolutely a huge dog lover and really want to know all that I possibly can about all breeds, the great dane in particular. My husband and I also have two chihuahuas - Punky & Lola, who are 2.5 and 4 years old, respectively.

I cannot wait to bring our baby home, which will probably be the second week in September. She was born on July 13th, 2009 to Jake and Gypsy out of Night Magic Pride Danes in Georgia. Watch her first few weeks at http://www.nightmagicpride.com/09julylitter.htm. Please let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions for names!